On March 1st (2005) Metropolitan Motif opened in a renovated bungalow on Cornell Avenue, just across from the Monon Trail. Owner Caryn Atkinson selected the Broad Ripple location because "There is an artsy energy in Broad Ripple, like no other place in the city. I wouldn't have gone anywhere else."

Metropolitan Motif offers a wide variety of gift crates for corporate gifts, birthdays, babies, and even Fido. A few of the spa-related crates include Relax Him, Relax Her, and Foot Spa. These crates contain soaps, lotions, towels, sponges, candles, and other bath items.

Caryn has created three baby gift compilations - Baby Set of Silver, Wagon of Blocks & Bottles, and A Little Lamb which is a soft lamb basket with a Cozychic romper and a sterling rattle.

The Spoiled Pooch crate is filled with doggie treats and toys. The New in the Neighborhood crate has soaps, candles, a book, and a small bird house.

Several food gift crates have been created, such as Chocolate Lover, Chips & Dips, and Sweet Chinese Takeout - six Chinese restaurant carry out containers filled with candies. Caryn teamed up with Albert Trevino at nearby Rene's Bakery to create Rene's Best of the Bakery crate.

The gift crates can be ordered by calling or visiting the store or on the website www.metropolitanmotif.com. Customers can create their own gift crates in the store, choosing from dozens of spa, home decor, and food items. For an additional charge, the crates can be delivered locally or shipped anywhere in the US.

"We also offer an array of flower arrangements," explained Caryn. "We designed some of these fresh flower gifts to continue into a nice dried arrangement." A dozen flower gifts are available on the website ranging from hydrangea to roses.

With Caryn's background in landscape design, she has created a patio setting with overhead pergolas in the yard behind the shop. This event area can accommodate about 30 guests on the patio with room for 50 more on the lawn. "We work with several caterers and can handle any occasion," said Caryn. "We also have an event designer, if desired, that can plan the décor for your special occasion." The patio and back yard area can be reserved for weddings, birthday parties, club meetings, reunions, or just about any occasion.

Home decor items are available in the shop, including photography and small paintings. Garden landscapers can get ideas from the back yard landscaping. Topiary frames and other garden décor are available throughout the shop, as well as in the back yard patio area.

Metropolitan Motif is conveniently located in the Village at 6556 Cornell Avenue, which is a few blocks south of the Indianapolis Art Center. Drop in or visit on the internet. Caryn will help you put together the perfect gift.