Holiday Entertaining Without the Hassle
(StatePoint) Rather than worry about the hassle of hosting this holiday season, prepare for visitors and entertaining with these tips and tricks.
Get a Fresh Start
Trying to prepare everything at the last minute when guests are knocking at your door creates unwanted stress. Instead, clean and prep the house a few days in advance. Quickly turn chores to checks on your to-do list. For example, use a dab of glue to fix the pesky towel rod in the powder room that keeps coming loose, or to repair broken handles on drawers and cabinets.
While you’re making home improvements here and there, get organized for holiday guests by relocating your own coats from the hall closets, leaving room for your visitors’ winter gear. If your guests are bringing appetizers or cocktails, clean out the fridge in advance to have ample storage space.
Don’t Buy It, DIY It
Tired of hanging the same wreath on your door year after year? Create a new, modern focal point that can be used for multiple occasions. Spray paint a wooden wreath form and mini clothespins silver and gold. Once dry, adhere the clothespins to the wreath form in varying layers. Use an adhesive that dries instantly and won’t leave you with messy glue gun strands, such as Krazy Glue’s Maximum Bond No-Run Gel, which will give you time to decorate the rest of your home, rather than cleaning up your crafting space.
By flipping a few of the clothespins around on the outside, you can attach pictures of friends and family or holiday cards to create an eye-catching display.
Make a Game Plan
Seemingly daunting tasks can be fun if you’re strategic and give yourself time to do them right. When it comes to shopping for your main course, avoid
weekend crowds. The day of your event, set the table in the morning so that unforeseen events or last minute stops won’t throw you off course.
Deck the Dinner Table
Rather than spending time and money shopping for expensive décor for each upcoming party, create your own oneof-a-kind centerpieces and place settings. Add flair to your tablescape by affixing decorative gems or outdoor sprigs onto napkin rings and handwritten name cards. A glue pen designed for delicate tasks, such as Krazy Glue’s Precision Control Pen, is easy to hold and dries instantly. Guests will appreciate the personal touches, which will be sure to spark some dinner conversation.
Wrap it Up
Chances are you’ll need some lastminute gifts for unannounced guests. Stock up on a few items with universal appeal.
Jars of locally made preserves, decorative candles, wrapped soaps or bottles of wine
are good to have on hand to make everyone feel welcome this holiday season.
‘Tis the season to be festive, not frazzled. Keep guests -- and yourself -- happy with simple tips and tricks, and have time to relax and enjoy your get-together.
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Tips to Give Unique, Meaningful Gifts this Holiday Season
(StatePoint) Making your list and checking it twice? Coming up with unique items for all your family and friends in a short period of time is not always a simple feat. Luckily, there are many easy ways to make everyone on your list feel special.
Customized Books
While literature always makes a great gift, a personalized book will make reading time extra appealing, and a cherished present that will never be forgotten.
Personalized book companies let you make your gift recipient the hero of a unique story, complete with the person’s name and photo.
Personalized Candles
Turn the gift of a treasured candle into something even more personalized by incorporating photos and messages on the candle label. Make a statement by picking a fragrance with your recipient in mind, tied to special memories you share.
To create made-to-order combinations for your friends and family, consider Yankee Candle, which offers several customization options that allow you to personalize everything from the label design to embellishments in the wrapping. Their lineup of fragrances includes Buttercream, Lilac Blossoms, and Sparkling Cinnamon, conjuring fond memories of everything from a walk through flowery fields to a favorite holiday dessert.
Personalized candles, which are easy to design, also make thoughtful hostess gifts for all your holiday festivities this season.
DIY Gift Basket
A standard-issue gift basket will be appreciated, but to show you truly care, consider customizing each gift for every recipient. You can make unique creations by taking favorites into consideration. Is your gift recipient a dog lover? Does she have a sweet tooth?
After stocking baskets with goodies customized to their tastes, adorn each one with unique garlands, ribbons and bows.
This holiday season is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all the easy, customizable options available to make each gift thoughtful and unforgettable.
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Go Shopping this Small Business Saturday
(StatePoint) For many holiday shoppers, Black Friday marks the official kickoff to the gift-buying season. But the following day, November 28, is Small Business Saturday, and can be a more satisfying way to shop for gifts for loved ones.
At a time of year where big box retailers offer deep discounts, this annual opportunity to show local businesses your support is also a great way to score unique items while benefitting the local economy.
Here are some retail trends and other things to consider as you shop at your favorite small businesses.
The Local Economy
government statistics. With the National Federation of Independent Business
By supporting small businesses, you are supporting local job creation. In fact, small firms accounted for over threefifths of the new jobs created between 1993 and mid-2013, according to
(NFIB) and American Express reporting that $14.3 billion was spent with independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday in 2014, spending your holiday shopping budget locally strengthens Main Street and can help your community’s economy thrive.
New Technologies
A common stereotype of mom and pop stores are that they are antiquated and overpriced, but many small businesses are adopting new technologies to streamline their operations; which can be an important consideration for shoppers in a hurry or on a budget.
For example, new Android based point of sale terminals, such as the ergonomically designed V-R7000 and V-R7100 from Casio have widescreen LCD touch panels, and an intuitive, high-resolution interface for faster sales and fewer transactional snafus. For instance, these terminals come equipped with a battery to protect memory data in the event of a power failure, and offer efficient store operations by eliminating common hardware problems
experienced with PC based hardware. Such information terminals are helping to transform retail management by offering small businesses a chance to better compete against their big box counterparts.
Exclusive Items
Make a splash with one-of-a-kind and unforgettable gifts this season. From the gift shop with handmade crafts made by neighborhood artisans to the bookshop selling the works of local authors, shopping at small businesses means encountering items on sale that you won’t find elsewhere.
If you are shopping for someone who seemingly has everything, going local can help you get inspired.
Consider doing your holiday shopping a bit differently this year, by making a point of supporting small, local businesses on Small Business Saturday and beyond.
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Six style tips to prepare your home for the holiday season
(BPT) - Bored with the whirlwind of red and green decor that inundates every home during the holiday season? This year, more homeowners are thinking beyond the traditional when decorating for winter celebrations. Expert insight into the year’s top decor trends can help anyone create impressive, elegant holiday style with minimal effort.
“Red and green will always be classic, but when it comes to holiday decor, rules are meant to be broken,” says Kirsty Froelich, design director for The Tile Shop. “Anyone can use inventive color schemes, fun patterns and smart home updates to create spaces that embrace the essence of the season.”
Froelich notes six top trends to keep in mind when decorating for the holiday season:
1. Feel festive with florals
An easy first step to bring your home into the holiday season is to add festive fresh or dry floral arrangements. Evergreens and poinsettias always convey the essence
of the season, but blooms in hues of rich purple, crisp white and even funky fuchsia will add cheerful energy to any room. A small floral arrangement on a bathroom vanity, for example, adds warmth and color - a particularly nice touch if you’re hosting guests.
2. Beautify with backsplashes
Tiling your backsplash is an easy update that instantly upgrades a kitchen or bar space, and serves as a great conversation starter for guests. Start this project in the fall so you have plenty of time to finish before the thick of the holidays. A backsplash also can be a relatively inexpensive project with a stunning impact.
3. Be merry with metallics
To create a show-stopping visual effect, use metallics in details throughout your home. Chrome and nickel are hot, and there’s a current resurgence of brass and gold. If you have metal in your backsplash tiles, add a centerpiece in the same metal to tie the entire room together. Keep in mind
that less is more. Thoughtful touches of holiday decor will have bigger visual impact than an overload of figurines and frills.
4. Get jolly with geometric patterns
From gift wrap to seasonal fabric, geometric patterns are on trend for the upcoming holiday. A gorgeous geometric tablecloth is the ideal backdrop for a big family feast. Geometric mosaic backsplashes, like the Penny Round Gloss White Porcelain Mosaic Tile, leave a lasting impression during the holiday season and into the new year. Finally, geometric wrapping paper in vivid colors like teal or chartreuse, make for an extra stylish tree.
5. Wow with window treatments
Don’t overlook the potential of your windows when adding holiday pizzazz to your home. By using fabrics that feature a festive theme or pattern, you can easily create temporary window treatments that bring a space together. Simply visit your local craft store, pick out a bolt of two of fabric that blends with your holiday
aesthetic, and have the appropriate lengths cut. Then simply drape and enjoy.
6. Give your fireplace a facelift
A fireplace is the quintessential gathering spot for friends and family during holiday celebrations. A sleek stone makeover will update any drab or dated fireplace into a stylish focal point in your home. Add extra ambiance with candles, flowers and other simple decor on the mantel to make the space feel special.
“There’s no better time to let your home shine than the holidays,” says Froelich.
“Adding holiday greenery, a few metallic touches and whimsical window updates will make your home feel festive. Now’s the perfect time to get that tile project done that’s been on the back burner, so you can show off your hard work and the amazing new space to all visitors.”
For more home design inspiration as you prep for this holiday season, view the 2015 Fall/Winter Design Book or visit one of The Tile Shop’s more than 100 showrooms.
MONDAY-SATURDAY
4 ways to spread cheer and save your wallet this holiday season
(BPT) - The holiday season is often dubbed “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many Americans, it can be an incredibly stressful time financially. The National Retail Federation predicts a 4.1 percent increase in sales this year, with the average American set to spend an estimated $786 in the following categories:
* $459.87 on gifts for family
* $80.00 on gifts for friends
* $26.03 on colleagues
* $30.43 on the other people in their lives
Whether shopping online or in-store, there’s often a temptation to spend too much on gifts, leading to a case of buyer’s remorse come January. Regions
Bank, one of the largest U.S. banks with 1,630 branches across 16 states, has advice for consumers on how to prepare financially for the holiday shopping season.
1. Begin with the golden rule. Spending on gifts shouldn’t exceed more than 1.5 percent of your annual income. Use this rule as a guide to determine how much you should set aside to spend on gifts for your friends and family - and stick to it.
2. Separate and delegate. Consider creating a separate account to fund gift purchases and make regular contributions from your primary checking account in a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.
3. Only buy what you can truly afford. To prevent overspending, never leave home without a list of what you intend to buy, and be sure you have the money needed to cover your purchases once you arrive in-store.
4. Use timing to your advantage.
RUFFINI’S BARBER SHOP
While things like airline tickets should be booked far in advance, other itemstoys in particular - often drop in price during the first two weeks in December. Sometimes it pays to wait, other times it does not, so be sure to check for deals before you head out shopping.
As December nears, now is the time to start mapping out your shopping strategy. Establish a benchmark based on your income; create a holiday savings account, and fund it regularly;
be sure you’re purchasing within the parameters of what you can truly afford; and know when to buy and when to wait. And remember, the holidays are meant to warm the heartnot burn the wallet!
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AT&T
Aurora Pizza & Pasta Kitchen
Candy for all Occassions
Corner Café•Capriotti’s Subs
CVS•Fulton Bank
Giant Food•Hollywood Tans
McDonalds•Miller Eyecare
MiCocina Mexicana Restaurant
Norman’s Hallmark
Pack N’Ship•Pets & Friends
Rosci Salon da Spa
Sakuri Hibachi•Saladworks
Sky Cleaners•Starbucks
Fine Wine & Good Spirits
A.H. Angersteins Building Supply & Design Center at the intersection of Route 100 and Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington may have started off as a coal supplier when it was founded in 1924, but these days Angersteins offers great gifts for those on your nice list this Holiday Season.
Hardy Carhartt jackets, bibs, gloves and hats for him, Angersteins has it. Beautiful votive candle holders, throw pillows, lamps and Holiday decorations, Angersteins has those also. Fireplace accessories such as screens, tools sets and log holders, check. Weber Gas Grills and accessories, check as well. Have someone on your list that loves to tailgate? The Double Cooler, which has two chambers inside the cooler keep your beverage from
Unique, Original Gifts
being watered down, is an amazing new product that makes a great gift. Prefer to shop from the comfort of your own sleigh with quick delivery, just their e-commerce website, AngersteinsHome.com.
From its beginning through today, Angersteins has innovated through changing seasons and times, under the careful eye of the Angersteins family. Few businesses last 90 years. Those that do learn to stay in front of changing tastes and preferences. Angersteins is always unique and
Today, Angersteins business spreads out wide from its status as the exclusive distributor of E.P. Henry paving stones. The E.P. Henry paving stone patios, garden walls and fireplaces that Angersteins
supplies, lead the store to provide the outdoor living patio furniture, Weber grills, fire pits, lighting and even firewood to go with your new paving stone patio. Of course, the experts bringing your hardscaping dreams to life, find all of the special tools, sand and rental equipment they need at Angersteins.
If you are worried about being on the naughty list this year, Angersteins no longer supplies the coal you might find in your stocking, but if your stocking is a durable Carhartt sock, it may well have come from Angersteins (no doubt ordered online from Angersteins.com).
Enjoy the Holidays and don’t forget to include a Schonbeck crystal chandelier or & lamp to add some sparkle to your home. Yes, Schonbeck is at Angersteins as well.
315 New Road, Wilmington. 302-996-3500
www.angersteinshome.com.
Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers for the SeasonHoliday
(StatePoint) While the big ticket items are always a thrill to bestow and receive during the holidays, sometimes smaller stocking stuffers are the most needed and appreciated.
Here are some ideas to get you started: Tech Accessories
Gifting new tech devices? Be sure you also equip recipients with all the accessories they will need to enjoy their gifts on-the-go. From hard shell cases that offer protection from slips and drops, (as these incidents are bound to occur) to app store gift cards for quick downloading of the software needed to make the most of these items.
Batteries Included!
Nothing kills the thrill of receiving a new device quite like the phrase “batteries not included.” From remote-controlled cars to digital cameras, gift recipients won’t want to just look at their new toys, they’ll want to use them right away! Avoid disappointment by providing juice for all those battery-operated goodies. Consider pairing cutting edge gifts with cutting edge Energizer EcoAdvanced AA and AAA batteries. They are the brand’s longest-lasting alkaline battery and the world’s first AA battery made with four percent recycled batteries. To learn more, visit energizer.com/ecoadvanced.
Travel
For those loved ones who have traveled to spend the holidays with you, consider a thoughtful gift that can be used during the journey home. From travel-sized board games to snack packs or tiny notebooks, these items will come in handy whether gift recipients are traveling by plane, train or automobile.
This year, don’t forget the stocking stuffers -- they are a great opportunity to show your loved ones just how thoughtful you are.
Create the perfect cheese board in 4 easy steps
(BPT) - A delicious assortment of cheeses, paired with the right foods, is a feast for the eyes and the palate. You don’t have to be a professional chef to create a cheese board that looks and tastes like a culinary masterpiece.
“For entertaining or just a quiet night at home, you can’t go wrong with a gourmet cheese board,” says Chef Michael Symon, co-host of ABC’s “The Chew,” author of three best-selling cookbooks and owner of several restaurants. “It’s a fast-and-easy appetizer that can make even a novice cook look like a culinary mastermind.”
Consider the following as you prepare your next cheese board:
* Determine the right quantity of cheese
If you’re serving it as an hors d’oeuvre, plan for 1 to 1.5 ounces of each cheese type per person. If it’s for a light meal, plan for 2 to 3 ounces per person.
* Purchase multiple cheese styles
For visual appeal, select an odd number of cheeses, such as three or five, depending on the number of people. Try a variety of cheeses in flavors that complement one another, such as:
Aged Havarti: Mild and buttery, this specialty cheese from Castello has a delicate, crystalline structure that forms during its long maturation period, creating a flavorful, crunchy surprise.
Brie: Extremely spreadable and creamy, Brie is easy on the palate and pairs with a wide variety of foods.
Blue: A full-flavor variety, such as Castello Traditional Danish Blue, has a wonderful “bite,” with characteristically tangy notes of blue balanced by sweet and salty undertones.
* Select gourmet pairings
The perfect cheese board includes foods that complement and enhance the taste of the cheeses. The best boards have four pairings: A bread item, charcuterie, something sweet and something savory or salty.
Breads to consider are flatbread, grilled crostini or baguettes, while great charcuterie options include prosciutto or a pork pâté. For sweets, figs, honey or berry preserves are delicious additions. And for savory and salty pairings, include Marcona almonds, cornichon pickles or Kalamata olives.
* Keep your presentation simple
Arrange your cheeses from mildest to strongest, in a clockwise pattern on the board. Be sure to leave space for pairings. Precut half of each cheese on the board, to make it easy for guests to dive in. Set out the cheeses 30 minutes before serving so the flavors fully come to life. Before serving, place pairings on the board in small groups. Lastly, set out one knife per cheese to keep the flavors from mixing together.
For additional cheese board tips and techniques, visit CastelloCheeseUSA.com.
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Make Holidays Better with Easy Appetizers
(StatePoint) Love to entertain but maybe not so much to cook? Like to have a houseful of guests but not a sinkful of pots and pans?
Small, easy to prepare appetizers can make parties a snap. Called “small plates” on restaurant menus, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired appetizers are simple and tasty combinations of bold flavors. Here are some savory tips to make beautiful, no-fuss holiday party fare:
• Stock the pantry: Prep pantry shelves by stocking up on assorted jarred items like roasted red peppers, capers, pickles, pickled vegetables, sliced and whole pitted olives as well as tasty premade pestos or tomato based dips.
• Make olives a centerpiece ingredient: Olives have the power to double as an essential part of the healthful Mediterranean diet, and be a party centerpiece. With pitted, seasoned, stuffed and jarred varieties, you have the makings
of a festive, ready-to-serve party plate.
For a fast option, serve an assortment in a colorful bowl or small Mason jar. For guests’ ease, serve pitted olives, so they won’t have to worry about disposing the pits. For example, those from Pearls Specialties are available at Walmart, Target, Kroger and other grocery stores nationwide.
• Say cheese: Pick up a selection of cheeses, choosing hard classic cheddars, feta, fresh mozzarella, soft aged cheeses such brie, as well as cream cheese.
• Support your baker: Take the time to seek out a great local artisan baker for a wonderful crusty Italian ciabatta loaf, a seeded baguette, a whole grain dark rye or a tangy sourdough.
Use slices as a base to emulate trendy restaurants and cafes that serve “toasts” topped with flavorful combinations. In a pinch? Crackers work great too.
• Go nuts: Combinations of crunchy
pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts and cashews are delicious with everything. For a shortcut, get packaged candied or spiced blends.
• Veg out: A trip to the produce aisle provides colorful inspiration and loads of tasty choices for an elegant veggie platter. Add fruits too. Sweet grapes and apples are a perfect complement to salty items.
Combine with dips, spreads, cheeses and olives. Dark, flavorful Kalamata olives are delicious combined this way and make a great base for a tapenade.
• Just sticks, no stones: Use bamboo skewers for excellent presentation and make snacking easy on guests. Layer on whole, pitted olives, such as the large and meaty Pearls Garlic Stuffed Queen Olives, slices of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, colorful bell pepper strips and chunks of your favorite salami. Drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar onto your skewers before serving. If you prep them ahead of time, wrap them tightly and refrigerate.
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• Great drinks: On bartending duty?
Garnish spicy or unusual gin or vodka martinis with Pearls Jalapeno Stuffed or Blue Cheese stuffed olives for a rich, surprising twist. Instead of a plain cocktail pick, use a sprig of fresh rosemary to skewer those olives.
For more great entertaining ideas, visit www.olives.com and www.facebook. com/pearlsolives
Make holiday entertaining easier by serving fuss-free, no-cook snacks.
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Tips to Prep Your Home for Holiday Houseguests
(StatePoint) Nearly 99 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday season, according to AAA. So how do you ensure it’s the most wonderful time of the year for guests and hosts, alike?
Don’t wait until the last minute to tidy up. Instead, prepare your home with these helpful tips.
Mudroom Makeover
It’s the first place guests see when they step inside the house. But it’s also where coats are strewn about, shoes are kicked off and winter gear is hung out to dry. Declutter with a row of hooks to hang items, and a bench to sit down and pull on boots.
Donate coats you’re no longer wearing; and temporarily store seldomused garments in a vacuum sealed bag to make additional space for visitors’ belongings. Or, simply buy an inexpensive coat rack that can be placed
near the front door so visitors have a place to hang outerwear.
Gorgeous Guest Bathroom
The powder room and guest bath are perhaps the most heavily trafficked areas of the home during the holiday season. Before visitors arrive, make sure your space is both functional and stylish.
An easy way to make a statement is by updating the bathroom faucet. Choosing one with a variety of configurations, like Moen’s Wynford faucet, will allow a new piece to blend seamlessly with existing décor. It features a high-arc design for easy hand washing, and is kind to the environment, conserving water with a reduced flow rate. Using less water is also good for your wallet, and who wouldn’t want to save a little this time of year?
To give overnight guests a truly spalike experience, install a rainshower
Incredible Handcrafted Furniture
showerhead for exceptional water coverage. Did your guests forget shampoo? No room for conditioner in their carry-on? Simply fill a glass container with essentials, such as travelsize bottles of shampoo, conditioner or lotion for visitors to grab and use.
Hotel Hospitality
Thoroughly clean your guest room, especially in areas you might not pay attention to regularly. Dust baseboards, drapes and window blinds, and don’t forget the headboard and footboard.
Freshen up carpeting and rugs by sprinkling baking soda over the area. Wait 15 minutes and then vacuum. You can also make stale smells disappear with potpourri; make your own by placing holiday scents, such as cinnamon sticks or nutmeg in a bowl. Or, eliminate this step by hiring a professional cleaning crew -- think of it as an early holiday gift to yourself.
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Ensure guests get VIP treatment with crisp linens, cozy blankets and plush mattress toppers. Make it easy for them to acclimate to the unfamiliar space by adding a night light. It’s an easy way to keep visitors from falling in the middle of night, and provides extra comfort for young ones who may not travel often.
Having a plan will help make your holidays stress-free. Focus on these areas ahead of time, so can enjoy the season as much as your guests.
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