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Everything’s ‘perfect’ at this Lake Forest store
The variety of table napkins and dishes are unique at the Perfect Setting on Wednesday afternoon. The Perfect Setting at 760 N. Western, Lake Forest, IL attracts shoppers with unique gift and decor items on Wednesday afternoon, 12-12-12.|Photo for Sun-Times Media by Judy Fidkowski
The Perfect Setting
SPECIALTY: Tabletop items, gifts, home décor
LOCATION: 760 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest
HOURS: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday; closed Sunday
CONTACT: (847) 234-9145; www.perfectsettingonline.com
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Updated: December 31, 2012 11:54AM
LAKE FOREST — What started as a dream at 16-years-old has been Sue Fichter’s reality for the last 13 years.
After retiring from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world, the St. Charles resident opened The Perfect Setting in Geneva, Ill., a home décor, table top and gift shop. She premiered her second location in Lake Forest six years ago and has since owned and operated her own version of paradise.
“I worked at a gift shop in a little town in Michigan when I was 16 and the thought never really left me,” said Fichter.
The Perfect Setting offers an array of artist and designer tabletop items, linens, home décor and gifts by such designers as William Yeoward, Simon Pearce and MacKenzie-Childs as well as a bridal registry. Fichter said that there is a perception that the store is expensive, but she said that is not the case. In reality, there is something for all tastes and budget.
“There is something unique and gorgeous for all our customers no matter their price range,” said Fichter. “We have everything you need to entertain in your home and I’ll even come to your house to help you design a beautiful setting for events, dinner parties, whatever you need.”
The Perfect Setting receives new items daily from contemporary serving dishes to fun gifts like funky socks or a resin polar bear wine bottle holder.
“We get new inventory every day,” said Fichter. “I make sure there’s always something new to discover. Whether you come once a day or once a week, it’s always a new experience.”
Holiday-themed items are available for the current seasons alongside the store’s popular items offered year-round.
“Besides the amazing items that we offer, our customer service is the best,” said Fichter. “There is nothing we won’t or haven’t done for our customers.”
Fichter said she and her staff go the extra mile by dropping items off for their customers under time constraints and even helping them set up their dining room and kitchen with their fabulous finds from The Perfect Setting.
“We have a great group of women that work here,” said Fichter. “Every day is like a cocktail party without the alcohol.”
The build-up to the holidays has been a busy time for Fichter and her staff.
“It’s been very hectic,” Fichter said.
The store’s personalized service continues with party ideas for New Year’s Eve and beyond, Fichter said.
