Creative Kitchen | Downtown Fort Smith

Small business owners are the lifeline of America. Their commitment to products, passions, Main Street communities, and local shopping opportunities protect and prosper retail corridors across the country. In Fort Smith, Creative Kitchen anchors the Garrison Avenue Downtown & Entertainment District.

Jami Coleman purchased Creative Kitchen in 2006, primarily a catering company offering baked goods with a new vision for a regional kitchen store destination.

As she does with many things, Coleman took that foundation and elevated it into a destination-worthy kitchen store, still offering meals, treats and baked goods with an expansion of kitchen supplies, bakeware, home décor and gift registry. Not only is the store full of beautiful products, but entering the showroom automatically lifts your spirits and sends your mind into overdrive with ideas to expand your gifting list and your own Christmas list!

Jami Coleman | Creative Kitchen

What's the Why?

For Coleman, the why is based on the core of her "always." As a mom, she spent her important days building space for her people to gather. She poured her heart into the values of raising her children through their schools, her church, and hosting people in her home.

"For me, it's all about the table; that's where people gather. People feel loved around the table, whether it's the hard days or celebrations. And, if I can give more space and opportunity for people to gather people, then I've done what I'm here for."

Coleman's superpower is connecting to customers through intentional gatherings. "Life happens in the kitchen, and as the nucleus of the home, it's where you gain access to heal the hurting heart, expand creativity, celebrate milestones, and connect deeper every day. And while you feed tummies, you often get to feed hearts, too!"

Creative Kitchen Pumpkin Place Setting

So, what are a few hospitality rules from Jami?

Make gathering around the dinner table a priority for your family. Get there as many times a week as possible.
Have an extra table setting ready for anyone who stops by; always be ready to host one more!
Let your children know they are always welcome back at your table.
Adding a little light to the table always makes it feel more intimate. Choose candles or battery powered options to bring it all together.
Adding layers to your table decorations makes everything feel more "homey." Use a fabric tablecloth because you can always wash it! Use placemats and chargers to stack under your plate to make a pretty table setting.
Learn and repeat the hospitality you've experienced. When someone makes you feel special, repeat the experience for others.
A holiday-decorated home motivates you to have people over and gather around your table. So, decorate!

Creative Kitchen Food Wall

All Kinds of Shopping

At Creative Kitchen in Fort Smith, you can shop for various products, including gourmet foods, kitchen tools and home décor. The store is known for custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies and ready-to-go meals like casseroles and dips. Additionally, they offer unique gift items, holiday decorations and specialty cookware. Whether you're looking for stylish aprons, festive wreath sashes or artisanal kitchen gadgets, Creative Kitchen provides a one-stop shopping experience for food lovers and home entertainers.

Unique home and kitchen items you can find at Creative Kitchen:

Melamine serving dishes: Where have you been if you don't know about the big white bowl? This easy entertainment vessel is flying off shelves. It's the perfect centerpiece holder, Halloween candy container, breakfast brunch server, and gift idea for your mother-in-law!
Unique holiday decorations: whether it's velvet pumpkins, juniper garland, wide-wired-edged ribbon or fuzzy brown rabbits, you will find unique pieces no one else carries. A one-stop shop for boutique-style holiday décor that's way beyond what's on any craft store shelf!
Aunt Susie's Granola: the perfect topping for a comforting dessert, a gift basket for a kid off at college, or a regular pantry staple to add to yogurt, this unique find hangs on the shelves in multiple flavors. And, its made in Arkansas!
Gourmet food gifts: When company is coming, stop in for a fruit spread, local honey or dip mix. You can also turn these Arkansas-based and beyond food items into the perfect hostess gift.

Creative Kitchen Gadgets

Gadget wall: Are you ever looking for the perfect kitchen tool to solve your problems? Check out the gadget wall, where you can find unique cookie cutters, label makers, egg separators, fruit cutters and more!
Ceramic and stone cookware: Your grandma is not the only one who needs to cook in cast iron or beautiful ceramic pieces. Pick up cooking dishes that go straight from the oven to the table.
Heirloom dishes: yes, every bride wants beautiful pieces on her registry, and this is where to get them! You can set up a registry using in-house dishes, or they can source your dream pieces.
Food items: Follow us online for featured and menu offerings around the holidays. Or stop by and grab a tub of pimento cheese or a pre-made casserole ready for dinner.
Peanut butter and Jelly gifts: Finding things that go together is a unique gifting philosophy. Patterned bunt pans, Baker's Joy, or a baking mix are always a win. To-go containers with dip and party mixes are also great options. Kid’s placemats and sprinkle cutouts always make fun options with a bit of party pizzazz.

Creative Kitchen Pink Christmas

Keeping it social

Creative Kitchen is a walk-in shopping experience anchoring the Downtown District, but following @shopcreativekitchen on Instagram and Facebook will expand your knowledge of effortless entertaining. Jami Coleman shares tips with followers for easy holiday décor year-round. Learn how to tie the perfect bows and fluff garland, five ways to style a centerpiece for fall, how to make the ideal coffee mug bow for tea, or the one-step method for taking a table setting from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Easy, peasy ideas for everyday entertaining are a fun way for Coleman to interact with followers and share how she uses the items in her store to add beauty to everyday gathering opportunities. Follow along for tips you can personalize to your home or source the items directly in the Creative Kitchen store.

The team at Creative Kitchen in Downtown Fort Smith is all about making it easy for you. Stop in for a stroll and let your heart linger as you consider different ways to style for the current holiday. If you see something you like online, call ahead, and they will have it wrapped and ready for curbside pick up.

Creative Kitchen is not just for the ladies. Men also stop by for unique gifts for wives or to manage office administrative teams. The Creative Kitchen team will consult about the person's likes and interests, review Pinterest accounts, and help you find the perfect gift for any occasion.

Creative Kitchen Storefront