As you enter the small town of Bishop going south on US 441, a large period house sits slightly back off the road in a picture of flowering plants and surrounded by neatly placed continuous arbor fixtures. Inside, the décor is colorful and impressively arranged for weddings, receptions, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, baby showers, bachelor parties, class reunions, etc. Upstairs is a bedroom suite that reminds one of home-away-from-home with every conceivable amenity and with a splendid view of the country side in all directions. The yard will accommodate an outside event near a small bridge over the stream offering the soft sound of a rippling water fall. It is a photographer’s delight.

Appropriately named, it is the property of David and Sharon Ivey, an Oconee County couple and owners of D&S Creative Designs.

David & Sharon invited the Oconee Chamber to hold their After Hours event at the venue in October 2009. About 40 visitors attended enjoying a gorgeous layout of refreshments in a beautiful setting. About 20 items were awarded as door prizes.

The couple has a unique talent for floral arrangements that is duplicated no where else. They will work with any request to suit your personal taste to celebrate life’s special events. The address is 5040 Macon Hwy (706-296-3898) (www.thegatheringhouse.net).

You must view the Photo Album on this Web site because pictures tell a better story.