You can hear the clinking of the coupes, enjoy the laughs of the crowd, feel the love of a good martini. It’s just another visit to PLUM Vintage Barware (1001 E. 2nd Street, Building 100, Door BC.)

Cocktail parties have become the rage again as people emerge and embrace a ‘live’ Holiday Season! Ready and stocked with every kind of vintage bar piece, PLUM and its owner, Mary Jo Dupree, await the holiday hosts looking for the one-of-a-kind experience vintage provides.

‘There is nothing better than unwrapping a gift and saying ‘Oh My Gosh! Where do you find that?’ and knowing you have the only one.” Says Dupree. She is right about that. The inventory is legit vintage and unique. There is no big box store in this boutique.

For Dupree, PLUM Vintage Barware is a passion. She loves pieces with a story, whimsical kitsch and barware with unique character. “It is such fun collecting these specialities. Finding the items is exciting as well. I am always looking in antique stores, thrift shops and even on EBAY.”

Dupree’s store is in the Front Street Galleries, an area that is gaining popularity. Among the many artists and creators, a great energy has transpired and a destination has been born. “It’s such a great place to be. Everyone is excited to see how it evolves and grows!”

For PLUM, growth has been the name of the game. Dupree has outside sales ranging from Alabama to Singapore. “I get a lot of asks from Australia, Canada and both coasts!” And that’s no wonder. These are rare pieces.

“Locally, I sell a lot of bourbon glasses, martini pitchers and double old-fashioned glassware.” But, it’s the really over-the-top items that put the biggest smile on her face. “I have a jeweled bottle opener that’s just so fun! SO FUN! That is the kind of item that you cannot replicate, and it makes me so happy to share with my clients.”

Sales are brisk this year with parents buying for their adult-kids’ in-the-home bars, people wanting to wow their friends with something special and the return of house parties! For Dupree it means opening her space to folks and letting them use it as a shop-and-sip experience. “I have had groups of ladies come in, have a cocktail, chit-chat and find a perfect something to take home!”

With the rise of in-person gatherings, tools of the trade are a must. Aperitif glasses, wine decanters, cocktail shakers and the occasional ‘what’s that used for?’ items are anxious to find their new forever home at PLUM Vintage Barware. Open on Saturdays from Noon to 4 pm, on First Fridays from 5-9pm and by appointment, PLUM looks forward to helping folks find that exact gift!