2019 Spaces Magazine: Home for the Holidays

HOME FOR THE

Holidays

NOVEMBER 2019

Put holiday spirit in every room of your home

Nine easy centerpiece ideas

Get extra festive with holiday lights COVER PRICE $5

Four hot trends

NOVEMBER 2019

Ad d s p a r k l e , p a s t e l c o l o r s a n d b a c k- t o - n a t u r e p i e c e s SPECIAL EDITION FOR SUBSCRIBERS OF DESERET NEWS AND THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

November 2019

Plus:

How to pick a perfect artificial Christmas tree

Spaces: Home for the Holidays

and: Let your home say ‘holiday’ without red or green

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

November 2019

Table of Contents HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING 5

What to cook

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Timesaving tips

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Last-minute, go-to recipes

When you’re hosting family for the holidays To make your big day run more smoothly, don’t be afraid to cut a few corners Quick and easy holiday favorites

10 Basic turkey recipe 11 Simple pumpkin soup 12 Nine easy centerpiece ideas

Create a stunning look for the family dining table 14 Getting your kitchen ready for guests

Organizing and planning makes for stress-free holiday meals so cooks can enjoy themselves

DIY & DECOR 17 Three ways to decorate your holiday table

Find the perfect holiday table 20 Four hot holiday trends

Add sparkle, pastel colors and back-to-nature pieces

22 How to pick a perfect artificial Christmas tree

Your faux fir should feel right and fool everyone

24 Getting extra festive with holiday lights

Tips to take your holiday lighting to the next level

26 Put holiday spirit in every room of your home

Why limit your decorations to the living room when you can

spread Yuletide cheer throughout the house?

28 Let your home say ‘holiday’ without red or green

Other colors capture the magic of the Christmas season, too

29 Don’t discard those old decorations

Repurpose them instead

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 32 Not another gift card Christmas

What to buy for the let-me-pick-it-out generation

34 That’s brilliant

Looking for a smart gift? Put these popular

2019 voice-assistance accessories at the top of your list

35 This year’s hot new toys

A heads up on what’s making a big splash this year ­­— get them now before the holiday rush

36 Home office hits

Give a working-from-home pal a gift that gets the job done 37 Hometown holidays

The surprising financial benefits of buying locally this season

38 The best housewares this season

These gifts help you peel a boiled egg, fry without guilt and cook in peace

40 The tea or coffee lover on your list

Perfect gifts for the tea or coffee lover on your list 42 Charitable children

Parents, experts offer advice on inspiring kids to give back

November 2019

©2019 All rights reserved Published by

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Spaces Magazine is a publication of Utah Media Group. Copyright © November 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any format without consent of Utah Media Group. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication and assume no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

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Tips and tricks for less stress and more joy this holiday season.

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

November 2019

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

What to cook

When you’re hosting family for the holidays

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ou’ve decided to take one for the team and summon the entire clan over for dinner and festivities on Thanksgiving or Christmas. The invite was the easy part.

Now you’ve got to figure out what will be on the menu — not an easy task, you deduce, considering your kin’s different palates and preferences.

But prepping, cooking and serving the holiday meal doesn’t have to be a dreaded or frustrating endeavor. With the right food planning and ample lead time, you can ace this banquet, sidestep the stress, and conquer the kitchen with culinary cleverness. This positive process starts with the right mindset.

“This is a chance to be creative, to brainstorm, to really think about what you want the experience of a holiday meal to be. This is a chance to make a memorable gathering for your friends and November 2019

family, to create a day worth reminiscing about,” says Quelcy Kogel, Pittsburghbased author of “The Gluten-Free Grains Cookbook” and a freelance food stylist.

Jamie McFadden, executive chef for Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events in Winter Park, Florida, agrees.

“All too often, we find ourselves in a panic because we procrastinate on projects that can alleviate entertaining stress and kitchen nightmares,” he says.

“Advanced meal planning, recipe research, prepping items that can be frozen or refrigerated a few weeks prior to an event, as well as utilizing detailed shopping lists that can be delegated are just a few examples of proper planning techniques that will reduce stress and anxiety.”

Allison Stowell, a Bethel, Connecticutbased registered dietitian for the Guiding

Stars Licensing Co., suggests that the key to holiday meal success — and taste bud and gastrointestinal congruence — is to start planning at least a few weeks ahead of time and communicate with guests about the foods you plan to serve.

“No one wants to visit a host who seems overwhelmed. You also want to ensure your menu allows for adequate cooking time and that your kitchen can support your menu,” notes Stowell.

“Planning menus that have something for everyone is crucial for keeping harmony.

When hosting others, it’s nice to take traditional foods into consideration, as well as any food-related concerns such as allergies or certain eating styles.”

Once you’ve ruled out any ingredients that could disagree with guests, it’s time to narrow down the dishes. Kogel recommends a menu filled with classic Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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cuisine choices as well as a few unique flavors. Her ideal holiday meal starts with an appetizer cheese board with savory parmesan-herb granola. The latter “pairs best with a soft cheese like burrata, and the granola can also be used as salad topper instead of croutons. Be sure to include vegetarian options on the board such as nuts, olives and artichoke hearts.”

Next up is a fall harvest soup with quinoa and crispy sage, which is “easy to make — it’s creamy and comforting with fall spices, so it’s especially amenable to feeding a crowd,” adds Kogel.

For her main course, Kogel opts for roasted turkey, surrounded by a perimeter of root vegetables like golden beets, turnips, carrots, rutabaga and sweet potatoes. Side dishes on Kogel’s table also includes a roasted squash and grape salad with bacon and burnt honey vinaigrette; mashed potatoes; garlic green beans; stuffing; cranberry sauce; and roasted 6

Spaces: Home for the Holidays

carrot cheesecake with a ginger oat crust for dessert.

McFadden’s menu, meanwhile, forgoes the gobble in exchange for a main course of beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce. He would preface that with roasted butternut squash soup with cinnamon churros and escarole Caesar salad with gingerbread croutons, and fill out the sides with green bean casserole, twice baked potatoes, and a palate-pleasing chocolate Kahlua cake.

Broihier’s prime entrée is either beef rib roast or ham, complemented by a vegetable lasagna; sautéed garlicky green beans or sliced Brussels sprouts with slivered almonds and dried cranberries; oven-roasted beets tossed in olive oil and garnished with chopped pistachios and goat cheese; and a pumpkin cake roll for dessert. © CTW Features

Kitty Broihier, a South Portland, Mainebased registered dietitian and adjunct faculty member of Southern Maine Community College’s Nutrition Department, recommends spotlighting fall colors and healthy food choices on your holiday table. She suggests kicking off the eating event with a grand salad loaded with baby arugula, sliced fennel, grapefruit or orange segments, and thinly sliced red onion — served with a citrusbased dressing on the side.

November 2019

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Timesaving tips To make your big day run more smoothly, don’t be afraid to cut a few corners.

Try these suggestions: Prep and freeze a few dishes well ahead of time.

You don’t have to start from scratch, but you can make it look like you did. “Start with some prepackaged foods, like a can of cranberry sauce that you top with a bit of orange zest and a sprig of rosemary,” says food stylist Quelcy Kogel.

Ask family for help.

Get volunteers to make some of the side dishes and bring a bottle of wine.

When in doubt, trust a pro.

Get a quote from a local caterer, “because it’s often more affordable than you’d think,” Kogel adds.

Set the table the day prior to avoid feeling rushed.

Keep your guests out of the kitchen before the meal.

“Give them something to do, like grab a lite bite at an appetizer station or indulge in a drink while you put the last dish in the oven,” says Kogel. © CTW Features

November 2019

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BY BEV BENNETT, CTW FEATURES

Last-minute, go-to recipes Cornmeal Muffins

1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons honey 3/4 cup milk 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 cup corn kernels, thawed if frozen and well drained 1. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl stir together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.

3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, milk and melted butter. Pour over cornmeal mixture and stir quickly to blend; batter doesn’t have to be smooth.

Stir in corn.

4. Spoon batter into pan, filling indentations about 3/4 full. Bake in preheated 375-degree oven for 17 to 20 minutes or until muffins are golden and small knife inserted into a muffin comes out clean.

Remove from oven. Set aside to cool on rack 5 minutes. Turn out of pan. Serve warm.

Makes 12 muffins.

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Š CTW Features

Spaces: Home for the Holidays

November 2019

These are quick and easy favorites

Pecan Pie

Crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for work surface 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 egg yolk 2 to 3 tablespoons very cold water Filling: 1/2 cup dark corn syrup 1/4 cup maple syrup 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups raw pecan halves 1. For pie crust, stir together flour and salt in large bowl. Cut butter pieces into flour using a pastry blender. Stir together egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water; sprinkle on flour mixture and gently toss to evenly moisten. If dough is dry, add the remaining tablespoon water and gather pieces into a ball; shape into disk. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour (or 1 day).

2. Lightly flour a work surface. Arrange dough on surface and roll out to 12-inch circle with lightly floured rolling pin. Gently fit into bottom and up the sides of 9-inch pie pan. Trim off overhanging dough. Make decorative pinches in top of crust.

3. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

4. In a large bowl beat together corn syrup, maple syrup and eggs. Beat in sugar, melted butter, vanilla and salt. Stir in pecans.

5. Pour into piecrust. Place on baking sheet. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until filling only slightly quivers and crust is lightly browned.

Remove from oven. Cool on wire rack 1 hour before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

November 2019

Š CTW Features

Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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BY BEV BENNETT, CTW FEATURES

Basic roast turkey with gravy 1 fresh or frozen, thawed 8-to12-pound turkey Salt and pepper A few sprigs fresh sage plus a few leaves for gravy 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil 1/4 cup flour 2 cups chicken broth Sage, rosemary and thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

1. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.

2. Remove giblets from turkey cavity.

Use for another dish such as turkey broth.

3. Season turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Add sage sprigs.

4. Place turkey breast-side up on rack in roasting pan. Add ½ cup water to the pan. Tuck wings back. Brush turkey skin with butter; season lightly with salt and pepper.

5. Roast in preheated 325-degree oven, allowing about 2 3/4 to 3 hours for an unstuffed bird (according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture timetable; you may want to start checking the bird temperature after 2 1/4 hours). When a meat thermometer inserted in the innermost part of the thigh, not touching bone, reaches 165 degrees the turkey is done. If the bird becomes too dark before it’s done, place a sheet of aluminum foil lightly over the bird.

6. Continue roasting.

7. Remove turkey from oven, when done. Lift onto a platter and tent with foil. Set aside 15 to 20 minutes.

8. Meanwhile, skim and discard excess fat from drippings in roasting pan leaving about 1/4 cup drippings. Stir in flour. Place on stovetop burner over low heat. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture is thick and browned bits are scraped up. Gradually stir in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened and smooth. Season with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon minced fresh sage if desired. Makes about 2 cups gravy.

9. Carve turkey at the table; passing gravy separately.

Makes 10 servings. © CTW Features November 2019

Simple pumpkin soup

Freshly ground pepper

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until golden brown.

2. Add the pumpkin puree, chicken stock and water and stir to mix.

3. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and, using a hand-held immersion blender, blend to puree soup.

5. Stir in heavy cream and season to taste.

6. Ladle soup into individual bowls.

7. And add a swirl of cream to each individual bowl.

8. Garnish with pepper and pumpkin seeds.

Salt

Makes 4 servings.

This soup takes about

4 cloves minced garlic

45 minutes from start

1 Large yellow onion, chopped coarsely

to finish. If you want to make the presentation extra festive, you can serve it in small, hollowed out pumpkins instead of bowls.

1 Tablespoon butter 2 15-oz. cans pumpkin puree 3 cups chicken stock 1 cup water 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus a bit extra for garnish)

Green pumpkin seeds (optional garnish)

November 2019

Š CTW Features

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BY NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

Nine easy centerpiece ideas Create a stunning look for the family dining table

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festively decorated holiday dining-room table can put even the Scrooges among us in a good mood. Anchoring the table: a fabulous centerpiece. Whether you’re having the whole family over for Thanksgiving or keeping the guest list cozy at Christmas, the centerpiece sets the tone for the meal. Here are nine that are affordable and easy to put together: A mass of candles Perfect for any holiday, candles are a quick, effective way to dress a table. For a pulledtogether look, choose pillar candles that are all the same color but have varying heights.

“Place them randomly on a reflective platter to bounce the light and create beautiful ambiance,” says Sandra Funk, founder and principal designer of House of Funk, an interior design firm with offices in New York and New Jersey. Since candle fragrance and food aromas don’t mix, Funk says to be sure to choose unscented candles for a dining table.

Budget branches You won’t have to shell out a dime for this Thanksgiving centerpiece — just go to your backyard or a local park and pick out branches that are sturdy and have interesting shapes. After thoroughly rinsing them to remove any dirt or bugs and letting them dry, the branches can be placed in the center of your table; add a few votives to add some dimension.

Quirky vegetables “I’m all about the imperfect vegetable,” says Funk. “Pumpkins and squashes with lumps, bumps, and bruises are great conversation pieces and add an element of texture to your Thanksgiving centerpiece.”

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

November 2019

Make sure your chosen ones look good together by doing a quick setup at the grocery store.

‘Snow’-covered pine cones Instead of putting a large candle in a glass hurricane, fill it with pine cones that are brushed with “snow” — an easy DIY project thanks to white snow spray.

A grouping of gourds Gourds are those funny-looking fruits with uneven skin surfaces in bright orange, red, yellow, green and cream. When compiling gourds, look for interesting sizes and shapes, says Funk. To create a cohesive look, “stay in the same color family, such as all creams or all greens.”

Place these treasures on a wooden tray to add warmth and texture to the spread.

Fruit in bowl For a one-step Christmas Day centerpiece: Choose fresh fruit with thick skin (no berries) and an eye-catching color, like clementines, and arrange in a crystal compote.

Tinsel As an alternative to something solid like pine cones or fruit, fill a large vase with shiny tinsel or glitter for instant sparkle.

Garland If you love the look of garlands, don’t just decorate the mantle with them — decorate the table too. For serious sparkle, scatter votive candles in metallic colors around the edges of the garland; for extra color and texture, add vibrantly hued fruits to the mix, such as cranberries, pomegranates, or apples. © CTW Features

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BY RACHEL STARK, CTW FEATURES

Getting your kitchen ready for guests Organizing and planning makes for stress-free holiday meals so cooks can enjoy themselves

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here’s no place like home kitchens for the holidays.

Or that’s what it seems, at least, when guests congregate in the heart of the home to chat, snack and offer the host or hostess a helping hand.

A crowded kitchen with a few extra cooks calls for extra preparation and organization. What it doesn’t call for, says Philadelphia- area chef Tony Clark, is extra stress.

“It’s the holidays and it’s more than just cooking,” Clark says. “You really want to make sure everyone’s enjoying themselves.”

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

Keep it simple A chef of more than 35 years, Clark is used to group cooking. With four sisters and five children, cooking is a family affair when they all gather for a holiday meal. “It’s much more fun when everyone’s involved,” he says.

Clark’s relatives typically stick to tradition with familiar, family recipes.

He purchases all the ingredients and completes any complicated cooking tasks before the guests arrive. “I try to make it easy, and never do anything too stressful,” he says.

Plus, a bottle of wine is at the ready, opened when the cooking begins.

Do your homework Jess Dang, founder of Cook Smarts, an online resource aimed at educating and inspiring home cooks, says she creates a spreadsheet to get organized before hosting people for the holidays.

“Whenever I’m doing a large event, I find it really helpful to share a Google spreadsheet, where all the different meals are listed,” Dang says. “It lays things out nicely for folks to know what they’ll be responsible for. It also shows you took the time to think about it and plan.”

The good guest People should also consider their cooking methods. If much of the meal will require the oven, they’ll need to November 2019

plan accordingly. Oven rack inserts can help maximize space and save time.

One advantage of having many cooks in the kitchen? They bring an array of skills and specialties. Dang recommends hosts be mindful of this, playing up their guests’ strengths. Let the aunt who loves baking bring her mean cheesecake and give the cocktail-expert cousin bar duty.

Anyone who is cooking-averse can help with cleanup.

“I think it all comes down to knowing what people are good at,” Dang says.

Make a plan It’s important to make room for a deluge of food. Clean and strategically arrange your refrigerator and pantry ahead of time, Dang suggests.

To make more room in the kitchen, hosts can get creative by assigning guests to different stations throughout the home. Two sisters could catch up while chopping vegetables at the dining room table, for instance, while the kids snap green beans outside.

Susie Crowther, a Vermont-based chef, teacher and author of “The No Recipe Cookbook,” says people should feel comfortable asking for and accepting help. “I think nowadays, we don’t want to ask for help,” she says. “Throw that paradigm away. This is not the time for the one-woman (or man) show.”

Instead, she suggests people embrace the mindset of working together as a community. Aside from making a dish or helping with cleanup, guests could contribute by bringing serving utensils, cutting boards or knives. “Have a list and just tell guests what to do. People like to give; it makes them feel important.”

Make space A cramped kitchen can be an obstacle to any group cooking experience. Those who are short on counter space can make their mealtime easier with a few simple tweaks.

The easiest way to add counter space is to purchase a portable kitchen island or cart.

Most of all, Crowther says, people cooking together over the holidays should focus on the process rather than the product.

The bonus is that it’ll add visual appeal along with extra storage — but it is a relatively big purchase, so only do so if you plan to use it throughout the year.

“The keys are to have fun, be together and be open to the outcome,” she says.

“You might ruin the dish, but you’ll have a great story at the dinner table.”

People should also look outside of the kitchen and utilize other spaces, Dang says. She suggests clearing clutter from counters by placing items on a dining

November 2019

table or a desk, or turning another room or the garage into a baking area with a card table and toaster oven.

Clark says he likes to use the outdoor grill year-round. When preparing a big meal, that’s one less piece that needs the oven.

The keys to working in a tight space, Clark says, are to keep the area clean and embrace simplicity.

“Don’t overdo it,” he says. “People get stressed while cooking, but it’s not about that. You want to make sure you’re happy when you’re cooking the meal.” © CTW Features

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&

DIY Decor

Creative ideas to reuse, recycle and reinvent your holiday dĂŠcor this year.

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Spaces: Home for the Holidays

November 2019

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

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Three ways to decorate your holiday table

ou’ve trimmed the tree, festooned the windows and bushes with lights, hung up your stockings with care, and strategically positioned the mistletoe up high. But there’s still one item waiting to be crossed off your Christmas prep checklist: your holiday table.

Whether you plan to provide a festive feast on it or have it simply serve as a decorative focal point noticed by visitors, a handsomely appointed holiday table can make all the difference in December, the experts contend.

“Typically, the layout of a home has the table or dining room as a center of attention. Much like the centerpiece on a table, the table itself is the centerpiece of the house where everyone gathers when not in the kitchen, so it pays to make it visually awesome,” says Brian Worley, owner and creative director of November 2019

B. Worley Productions, an Atlantaheadquartered event planning company.

Karen Crouse, a Napa, California-based vintner who often hosts elaborate gatherings for clients, says the large and flat dimensions of a family table provide an excellent platform for making a Yuletide statement.

“The dining table in particular is where stories are shared and memories are made,” says Crouse.

But simply plopping down a pot of Poinsettias, a couple of decorative candles, and ceramic snowman salt and pepper shakers atop your table isn’t necessarily a good seasonal strategy. To create a more tasteful and impactful impression, the pros recommend adopting a carefully considered decorative scheme.

“It’s important to plan properly because you want your table to reflect any guests you invite as well as the tone of the occasion. Plus, you want to think about the type of function you may be preparing for — is it a formal dinner or a more relaxed and casual occasion?” asks Brian Gluckstein, interior designer with Gluckstein Design Planning in Toronto.

Three popular adornment approaches for your holiday table are: Earthy and casual This esthetic, also known as “casually rustic,” incorporates natural elements from the outdoors, including branches, fur, plaids and pine-cones, in order to set a relaxed tone without too many synthetic frills. To accomplish this look, Crouse suggests using a farmhouse style table, if possible, along with burlap or linen place mats, stone or pottery dishes, hobnail glassware, wood-handled Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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“I would use lots of candles, both tapered and pillared in different heights within glass cylinders to reflect the light. Mix in inexpensive ornaments, and then pepper in some very nice, expensive ornaments that have detail and embellishments. Aim to keep it simple, yet styled and tailored,” notes Worley.

Mercury glass chargers with white dishes and silver, gold, and white marbled napkins with red napkin rings deserve a place on this table, too, insists Crouse.

flatware, and twine to tie a small ornament onto each place-setting napkin.

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Worley advises using a table runner rather than a tablecloth if you plan to have an extensive centerpiece “so that you don’t have to constantly take everything off the table to wash it.”

“To get a sophisticated and glamourous look for your table, use pieces like silver candlesticks, silver or glass chargers and embroidered napkins. Add sparkle with crystal place card holders, and decorate the table with glittering ornaments,” says Gluckstein. “A classic center floral arrangement would also work well here.”

Sophisticated glam Yearn for a more chic and stylish approach that spotlights shiny objects and brightens up your table? Sophisticated glam is just the ticket.

Worley’s version of this table would minimize color variety and instead emphasize white, ivory, and champagne hues complemented by gold and silver metallic sheens.

Spaces: Home for the Holidays

Kid-friendly Christmas merrymaking isn’t all about indulging adult preferences. If your home is host to young’uns, make them feel more welcome by creating a kid-themed seasonal table.

“Incorporate some of your children’s favorite toys into the design of the table,” Worley suggests. “Use whimsical colors, and play up some decorations that evoke a youthful feel. Wrap some boxes with fun printed wrapping paper, and stack a few on your table with a stuffed animal resting against the box. Then, accent with a few ornaments that harmonize with the color scheme you’re working with.” Get the kids involved in the fun, as well.

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“Have them make the place cards for everyone,” recommends Gluckstein.

“Also, add oversized nutcrackers, use table linens in Christmas-themed colors and patterns, and finish the table with little twinkling low-voltage holiday lights mixed into garland that you can run down the table for a whimsical touch.”

Candle considerations Selecting the right candles is a kind of art unto itself. But you don’t need to be a wax-wick wunderkind to top off your holiday table with the right candle selections.

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Try these tips: If you use colored candles, stick with one color for the most impact. “Soft pastels such as pink offer a beautiful glow and make everyone around the table look a little rosier. And darker colored candles offer a more dramatic effect,” says Lydia Menzies, owner of The Party Wagon in Athens, Georgia.

Use unscented candles when serving food. “Scented candles and food often don’t marry well. You want your guests to have a wonderful meal around your table

with the aroma of a beautiful meal taking center stage,” Menzies says.

Keep them contained. “Place them in a hurricane or glass cylinder to keep wax from getting all over the place,” recommends Brian Worley with B. Worley Productions. Also, be sure the flames aren’t in close contact with any other items that can burn. © CTW Features

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Four hot holiday trends Add sparkle, pastel colors and back-to-nature pieces

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efore long, it will be time to get in that attic or crawlspace and pull out that box of beloved Christmas decorations. Problem is, many of those beloved baubles and adornments are worn, weathered, and likely seriously outdated. They’ve got you through many a Yuletide season, but it’s probably time to deck the halls with something different — a new approach that calls for fresh yet festive décor.

“Upgrading your holiday décor is a fun way to incorporate your current design style with a holiday that is largely based on traditions,” says Stephanie Purcell, interior designer and owner of Redesigned Classics in Los Angeles.

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“I love my grandmother’s handmade ornaments, but not everything from the 1940s is going to look great in my current home.”

Fawn Ostriak, vice president of concept and development for Bristol, Pennsylvania-based Lenox Corporation, says it’s smart to stay current with Christmas decorating trends.

“While it’s important to incorporate those family or sentimental items that are part of the yearly decorating tradition, it does tend to get stagnant year after year. You want to keep things fresh and create a new twist each year,” says Ostriak.

Curious what creative styles are in vogue this year? Christmasworld, the leading international trade fair for seasonal decorations, has identified four worthy trends to pursue this upcoming holiday season: tender festivities; essential ceremonies; sweet traditions; and luminous celebrations.

Tender festivities This movement is meant to evoke a calm and peaceful mood.

Christmasworld’s website describes tender festivities as being inspired by “moon, moonlight, stars and stardust” and “moving structures, delicate transparency, amorphous forms and reductionist designs.”

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“This style uses delicate pastel colors and the features of pool to convey a celestial, otherworldly feel — like how it feels walking into a fairy tale realm,” notes John Linden, a Los Angeles-based interior designer. He recommends keeping your color scheme subdued and avoiding clutter to incorporate this trend properly.

Additionally, “choose light neutrals with materials that shimmer,” recommends Purcell. “Try white snowball ornaments, silver and gold garland, and soft shimmery fabrics for table runners and tree skirts.

Stick to elements with clean lines, like tall vases and simple glassware.”

Essential ceremonies Want to convey an authentic and natural look post-Thanksgiving? Invoke this design scheme.

“It’s all about a connection to nature.

Essential ceremonies is a great way to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us and bring the outside into our homes,” explains Ostriak.

Jennifer Stagg, owner of Stagg Design in Salt Lake City, envisions an essential ceremonies esthetic as “natural, rustic, raw and unfussy — emphasizing materials in earth tones and unfinished edges like burlap and raw cut greens.”

To achieve this look, gather natural-found objects like branches, pine cones, and berries to use in table centerpieces, on your gift wrapping, and with simple white candles on a tray or bowl, Ostriak suggests.

“Instead of just green and red, think about a bright cherry red and a lime green. Mix Christmas plaid with festive polka dots.

You can also line tree skirts with rickrack and pillows with pom-poms,” adds Purcell.

Sweet traditions Christmasworld uses two words to best describe contemporary theme No. 3: effervescent and joyful.

Luminous celebrations If you crave a more unique and glamourous esthetic that spotlights vibrant hues and elegant surfaces, opt for the luminous celebration style.

“Sweet traditions focuses on the nostalgia of tradition and adds creative charm through cute motifs and Norwegian patterns. It’s a new take on the old, using traditional colors and themes like red, green and gingerbread but implementing them in new ways,” says Linden.

Purcell appreciates this trend’s whimsical appeal.

“If you are into more eclectic Bohemian design styles, then this is a great décor approach for you,” she says. “With lots of vibrant colors and mixing and matching of patterns, your home will be anything but boring.”

One recipe for successfully implementing sweet traditions is to choose traditional Christmas colors in a more vibrant hue.

“I love the sparkle and drama of this trend, which is great for creating a sophisticated, memorable celebration. Think holiday cocktail parties and glitzy New Year’s celebrations,” says Ostriak, who advises pairing moody dramatic dinnerware with glittery linens, iridescent glass, and heavy cut crystal.

Additionally, “don’t be afraid to mix metals and go for gold, copper, silver and any combination you can dream up,” adds Stagg.

Lush fabrics like velvet, satin and jewel tones such as royal blue, deep purple and emerald green can help top things off, Purcell notes. © CTW Features

BY NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

How to pick a perfect artificial Christmas tree

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n some ways, buying an artificial Christmas tree is similar to buying a real one: in both cases, you need to find a tree that you love and will fit in the space you’ve allotted. But that’s where the similarities end. Unlike live trees, the artificial variety never sheds needles, needs to be watered, or dies. They can’t be beat for reliability and convenience either: when you want to decorate it, just pop 22

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into your attic or wherever it’s stored and there it is, ready to go! Many are now earth-friendly too and have a more favorable effect on the environment than real trees if reused for at least five years, according to the American Christmas Tree Association. Interested in buying one?

The following are pointers on what you need to know:

Decide where to put the tree First, you’ve got to pick a good spot. Is it in front of a window, in the corner of a room, or in a place where it can be seen from multiple rooms? Where not to put it: in a well-traveled area where it could easily get bumped and ornaments broken. Also avoid a spot that’s less than three feet from a heating source, such as vents, radiators, and fireplaces.

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Your faux fir should feel right and fool everyone Figure out what size to get How tall a Christmas tree to buy is determined by the ceiling height of the room you’ve chosen to display it in. Get a tree that’s at least six inches lower than the ceiling and whose tip doesn’t touch the ceiling. According to Thomas Harman, founder and CEO of Balsam Hill, an artificial tree manufacturer, if you have a standard eight to nine foot ceiling, you should buy a seven and a half foot tree. To figure out how wide a tree to buy, measure the width of the available space then check it against the widths of the trees you’re considering.

Determine the type of needle With so many needle varieties, how do you decide? Many people buy the same type of tree they remember from childhood. “If you grew up on the West Coast you probably had a Douglas fir or Noble fir that was trucked down from Oregon,” says Harman. “East Coast families may have had a Balsam fir or a Norway spruce.”

Consider the lighting If you find stringing lights a hassle, buy a pre-lit artificial tree with clear or colored lights already installed. All you have to do is plug the tree into an electrical outlet and you’re done with lighting duty. Pre-lits come in several lighting sizes: traditional mini bulbs, LEDs (Balsam Hill’s LED lights can now be synched with an app to control colors), and fiber optics, which make the trees look like they’re decorated with thousands of lights. Whether or not you choose pre-lit, “the recommended number of lights [bulbs] per foot of tree is 100. A standard seven and a half foot tree should have at least 750 lights,” says Harman. © CTW Features

BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

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Getting extra festive with holiday lights

s that a merry twinkle in your eye we see, or a shining reflection, bouncing radiantly off your cornea, of the ornate outdoor holiday lights display you just put up with pride? Chances are it’s both — especially if you’ve taken the time, like so many homeowners will this Christmas season, to adorn your property’s exterior with elaborate electric luminance.

Indeed, a turkey and some mistletoe may help to make the season bright, but they’re not going to outshine a carefully planned holiday light display designed to wow guests, neighbors and passersby alike.

“Holiday lighting has become an increasingly popular trend to help homeowners turn their yards into a true 24

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winter wonderland,” Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals in Fairfax, Virginia, says.

“The rising investment in outdoor lighting mirrors the public’s commitment to investing in their yards as an extension of their home. No longer does décor start after the threshold of the welcome mat.

Today, a homeowner’s sense of style is exhibited long before a guest steps foot on the property.”

That doesn’t mean you need a Clark Griswold “Christmas Vacation”-style strategy that blinds everyone on the block or saps the power grid. But,especially if you want to keep up with the Joneses and make a lasting impression on visitors, you’ll need to up your game beyond a few

icicle lights and a plastic illuminated Santa on the front porch.

Fortunately, technological improvements have made it safer and less expensive to achieve a showier lights display — primarily thanks to the increasing affordability of LED lights.

“LED technology is the biggest influence on homeowners choosing to put up larger quantities of lights today,” notes Jennifer Petersen, spokesperson for Balsam Hill, the Redwood City, California-based makers of artificial Christmas trees. “LED colors can be as soft and natural as traditional incandescent lights, but they use significantly less energy — one kilowatt each hour per LED bulb versus 12 kilowatts for each incandescent bulb.

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And they can burn up to 50,000 hours compared to 3,000 hours for an incandescent. They are less likely to break and pose less of a threat of fire because they don’t heat up.”

LED innovations have made it possible, too, to incorporate different types of holiday lights with versatile functions in your display, including twinkly, fiber optic, and ultrabright LED lights as well as programmable units that change color — all designed for outdoor use, Peterson adds.

“There are a variety of lighting elements available nowadays for creating a magical look — including playful and whimsical lights, simple spotlights that focus on a favorite outside decoration, tree lighting that intricately wraps around interior branches, and creative elements like mason jar lanterns and light-lined porches,” says Henriksen.

Holiday light projectors are growing in popularity, too.

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“These provide a safe alternative that allow you to project decorations rather than installing them around your home manually,” explains Docia Boylen, co-owner of Handyman Connection in Golden, Colorado.

The most important step in creating a crowd-pleasing holiday light display is ensuring safety. Boylen offers the following tips: Inspect the lights. “Evaluate light strings for any frayed or exposed cords. Check for empty slots or burned-out bulbs,” she says.

Check the rating. Be sure the lights and any extension cords you use are rated for weather-resistant outdoor use.

Know your power needs. “Most outdoor displays that use blow-up decorations exceed 100 watts. Before you start plugging lights and decorations into a single socket outlet, be sure you’re not exceeding that outlet’s safety threshold,” cautions Boylen.

Stay away from staples or nails. These could damage your light strings and cut through the wire insulation, creating a fire hazard. Instead, use UL-approved light clips or hangers.

Use ladders safely. “Make sure your ladder is stable. Get someone to assist you while climbing the ladder. And avoid climbing on a wet roof.”

Choose a good day. “It should be sunny, dry and not windy when you install your holiday lights.”

Remove the lights within 90 days. “The longer they stay up, the more likely it is that wires will fray and critters can chew on the cords. Coil each string loosely around stiff cardboard and store the lights in a sturdy container.” © CTW Features

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BY NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

Put holiday spirit in every room of your home Why limit your decorations to the living room when you can spread Yuletide cheer throughout the house?

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f you’ve been putting up a Christmas tree in the family room and a garland on the mantle in the living room every year, consider instilling some Christmas love in a few other rooms too. It could be as simple as metallic deer antlers on a shelf in the kitchen.

To keep the look focused and not over the top, follow this tip from Kade Laws-Andrews, owner of Kade Laws Interior Design in Magnolia Springs, Alabama: Remove one everyday decor item for every holiday item you add. “For example, if you display Christmas photos of your children and family from years past,” says Laws-Andrews, “remove one of your everyday framed pictures of them.”

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Here are more ideas on spreading Christmas cheer: Dining room Metallic accents You could set the table with metallic place mats or a tablecloth, and the look will instantly turn from practical to posh. Or go big(ger) and hang drapes that incorporate glittery threads.

Hang ornaments from a crystal chandelier.

Leftover ornaments will get their time to shine when you hang them up high from a crystal chandelier. Make sure the ornaments don’t clash with the colors in the centerpiece or table linens, and for the best look, pick ornaments in the same color or shape.

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Living room Garland It’s classic to drape the fireplace mantle or a banister with a green garland but what if you don’t have a fireplace or banister? Drape it around a door frame instead and you’ll be singing Christmas carols every time you walk through the doorway.

Bedroom Flower arrangement If you always display flowers in the living room, think about another place to put them during the holidays like the master bedroom. Laws suggests a small fresh flower arrangement in a mercury glass vase with red or white roses and fresh Christmas greens such as holly or ivy.

Wrapped stacked boxes Use your prettiest, most glittery wrapping paper to cover the boxes. “This kind of thing works best by the fireplace,” says Sandra Funk, founder and principal designer of House of Funk, an interior design firm in New York and New Jersey. She advises not using them as the dining décor. “Stacked boxes may get in the way of eye contact across the table— then again, some may prefer less eye contact with certain family members!”

A small decorated tree A Christmas tree looks festive in any room. But it takes on a special significance when it’s your own tree in your own bedroom decorated how you want it. If the home’s main tree is green, think about getting an artificial tree in a different color like blue or yellow.

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Bathroom Wreath If your bathroom is small, keep the decorations to a minimum, like a small wreath with a simple bow hung on the window.

Scented candle Your shower or bath will be a fragrant Yuletide experience when you light a pine- or Frasier-fir scented candle just before stepping in to the stall or tub.

Kitchen Ceiling embellishment While you may not want to do much decorating in a room like the kitchen where there’s so much bustle and activity, use the ceiling — out of the way for kids and pets — to hang paper snowflakes or gingerbread houses.

Garland on the windows Another kid- and pet-proof element, windows can be the framework for garland swags. Keep garland high enough so it can’t be pulled off by little hands or paws. © CTW Features

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BY NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

Let your home say ‘holiday’ without red or green

Other colors capture the magic of the Christmas season, too

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here’s no dispute that red and green are the iconic colors of Christmas décor — they’re as much a part of the holiday look as Douglas firs and gingerbread houses.

But who says you can’t change up the palette if you want to? Maybe your style is more sparkly than standard. Or you just want to try something new. Whichever colors you end up using, choose those that work well with the existing feeling and design of your space, says Claire Morgan, marketing coordinator for Baker Design Group in Carrolton, Texas. While there are no real rules, the following style tips will help you pull the look together.

Metallics Metallics (gold, silver, copper), whites, and creams make a beautiful statement for the holidays, says Kade Laws-Andrews, owner of Kade Laws Interior Design in Magnolia Springs, Alabama. The metallics add shimmer while the whites and creams exude sophistication. Metallics go well with a rustic look too. “For a mantle or living room coffee table, group two or 28

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three glass vases, fill halfway with metallic marbles or clear iridescent beads, and add branches from your backyard, a few of which you’ve spray-painted metallic or white,” Laws-Andrews says. Mix metallics with rustic materials such as burlap and jute. “Just a few yards of burlap material make the perfect Christmas tree skirt,” says Laws-Andrews. Hang metallic ornaments to finish the look.

Blue and gold These colors are pretty when used alone but pretty amazing when paired together.

“The gold adds a pop of color,” says Morgan, who suggests silver as an alternative to gold if you prefer.

The colors are so versatile, they work with any style from traditional to modern, including glam and industrial.

White Similar to how people love an all-white kitchen, there’s a lot of love for all-white Christmas décor too. Set the table with white dishes, tablecloth, napkins, and candles with a few gleaming hits of silver (flatware, napkin holders, candle holders).

Coastal colors If you’re wanting a coastal Christmas theme, Laws-Andrews suggests using driftwood, cotton, and other natural materials, which go well with whites and shades of blue. To incorporate this look in a dining room centerpiece: get a large dough bowl or other oblong vessel for the base. Add driftwood spheres and simple glass Christmas balls in shades of white, blue or silver metallic. Balls should vary in size from two or three inches to eight to 10 inches (the size of the decorative balls and spheres depend on the size of your table and bowl). Add a few fresh magnolia or pine leaves, cotton bolls, pine cones and shells. For extra seasonal flair, add battery-powered white twinkle lights.

Pink and green It’s not a look that only appeal to little girls.

This colorful duo has lots of fans who appreciate the fun, modern spirit that has none of the intensity or boldness of red.

Since artificial trees now come in many colors, including pink, you can make a customized seasonal statement before even hanging one ornament.

© CTW Features

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BY ERIK J. MARTIN, CTW FEATURES

Don’t discard those old decorations Repurpose them instead

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eel guilty about not using those old tried-and-true ornaments and decorations?

Instead of tossing all of them out or relegating them to the eternal dustbin, why not tastefully include some of those pieces in your new holiday design scheme?

“Christmas is a perfect time to incorporate older décor, especially that which holds meaning to you,” says Fawn Ostriak with Lenox Corporation. “For example, mix old November 2019

sentimental dinnerware patterns with new pieces, such as chargers, accent plates, drinkware, and linens, to blend the best of old and new.”

You can start small with this approach by keeping a favorite throw pillow from the past, adding in a few cherished old ornaments to the new tree, and tacking up a handful of classic decorations that aren’t too timeworn.

“Don’t feel like you have to go all in with any one trend. You can mix in a few classic elements from Christmases past and start slowly to get a feel for what works in your home,” interior designer Jennifer Stagg says.

Remember: “You can always repurpose certain items by changing their color with some paint or adding some glitter to transform old pieces into new,” notes Stephanie Purcell, interior designer. © CTW Features Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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is the season once again. Christmas is almost upon us and no matter how much we try to put it off, there comes a time when we must face the daunting task ahead — attempting to find the perfect gift for everyone on our list. It can strike fear in the heart of even the boldest shopper.

If you’re out of ideas, tired of resorting to gift cards, or just want to step up your gift-giving game, have no fear: our 2019 gift guide will help you hit a home run with even the toughest recipients on your list.

Need to buy for a young niece, nephew or grandchild, but have no clue what’s hot in toys these days? Or, maybe you have a teen you want to surprise, but they are adamant about picking out their own gifts. Perhaps you need the perfect gift idea for someone who loves to cook? Or for a friend who works out of their home? What about the person who seems to have it all and wants for nothing? Read on for expert tips to elevate your gift-giving game and relish the fun that’s found in giving the perfect gift to those you hold dear.

If all the helpful gift-giving advice has you eager to get shopping, don’t wait. Jump right in and check as many gifts off your list as possible. The stores will be less crowded, you will feel less rushed and, if you get all the gifts out of the way ahead of time, you can relax and savor the things that really matter, such as time with family and friends.

And, finally, with that in mind, it’s important to remember that the holiday season is about so much more than giving and receiving gifts. Our “Charitable Children” article (p. 42) is full of ideas on ways to inspire kids to experience the joy that comes from giving back. Hopefully, it will serve as an inspiration to everyone in the family. After all, buying the perfect gift for someone is rewarding, but it doesn’t compare to the satisfaction that comes from helping those who need it most.

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Not another

gift card Christmas

BY LISA IANNUCCI, CTW FEATURES

What to buy for the let-me-pick-it-out generation

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sk any pre-teen, tween and teen what they want for the holidays and most will probably respond, “a gift card.” In 2018, consumers spent more than $130 billion on gift cards per year, according to advisory company CEB TowerGroup, but it said roughly $1 billion went unspent. Sometime those gift cards get lost in your wallet.

If you’re tired of buying such an impersonal gift, but want to please the youngster in your life, there are alternatives.

Give an experience “Buying gifts for the gift card generation requires a little thought,” says Cherie Corso, parenting expert. “Teens today like ‘experience gifts’ so instead of a gift card, buy them tickets to a concert or show or event.”

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Corso also explains that many parents are remembering to include the friends as well, organizing groups of children to go to concerts as holiday gifts instead of just purchasing one ticket for the child.

Think out-of-the-box Well, out of their room, that is. Kids don’t typically buy things that mom and dad supply such as pictures and bedding, etc.

“Teens like these items because it’s fun to do a mini-bedroom makeover,” Corso says.

“Some gift examples include a fuzzy pillow, picture, bean bag, a cool makeup mirror and artwork for their wall.”

Corso says to remember that today’s teens also enjoy status items they can post photos of on Instagram.

“Gift cards are fun but not as much fun as seeing Justin Bieber or posting a photo with your new designer purse,” Corso says.

Think charitable “Instead of going holiday shopping this year, go holiday ‘giving’ by choosing gifts that benefit children and families in need from around the world,” says Christine Connolly Bell, Public Relations Manager at World Vision. “A retail gift card gives a preteen, teen or college student pleasure for a short period of time, but a charitable gift, like a child sponsorship through World Vision, ensures that the young person learns about and stays connected with important global issues.”

Through World Vision’s #GenerosityEffect movement, your teen will go online and send November 2019

a stuffed goat to a friend. “We’ll match that gift with a real goat sent to a family in need,” Bell says. “The chain reaction of generosity will be viewable online through a tracking tool — truly bringing the gift’s impact to life and showing each individual’s influence.”

World Vision also offers a gift catalog on their website.

Think indie Despite the perception that nobody — especially young people — reads today, Nicole Brinkley, an independent bookseller and founder of YA Interrobang, says kids and teens today are reading more than ever, between the stories available on their phones and the hardcovers they collect for their shelves.

“We see this in the success of events like BookCon and subscription boxes like Parnassus’s ParnassusNext book box,” she says. “ParnassusNext sends a first-edition signed YA hardcover to its teen subscribers once a month.”

She also suggests that if you have to buy a gift card, buy one to an independent bookstore, where they can use the card in-person or online. “With this and ParnassusNext subscriptions, it keeps kids and teens actively reading and excited to build their own little library.”

Think gift cards Wait, what? We just said to think about ideas other than gift cards, but it is still OK to give some out.

“These days, gift cards and eGifts are the norm, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring,” says Elisabeth Vezzani, the CEO and co-founder of Sugarwish, an online candy store where recipients purchase the candy they want with their gift card.

Vezzani explains that many e-gifts and some gift cards provide an interactive experience, not just a purchase.

“This allows them to compete with traditional gifts in a way that they never could before,” she said. “This gifting trend is all about keeping it simple for the buyer while delighting the recipient in unexpected ways … and these are exactly the types of gifts that today’s teens are looking for.” © CTW Features November 2019

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BY NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

That’s brilliant Looking for a smart gift? Put these popular 2019 voice-assistance accessories at the top of your list

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f any of your family members or friends think they couldn’t live without Alexa or Google Assistant, give them a voice-activated accessory to be used in tandem. From enhancing thermostats to security systems, voice assistants are getting busier and busier!

Check out the gift-worthy products below: Ninety7’s Sky Tote Portable Battery Base, $60

Do you know someone who doesn’t like to be too far from his Alexa-assisted Echo smart speaker?

Be a pal and surprise him with a rechargeable battery base that works with the second-generation Echo, essentially making the speaker portable — it even has a handle.

Not only can it be moved from room to room but if the WiFi connection is strong enough, it also works outside.

Expect up to eight hours of battery life, which means there’s plenty of time to ask Alexa important questions like “Where can I get pork dumplings for dinner tonight?” ninety7.com.

Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control, $249

What’s so special about this fifthgeneration smart thermostat? The SmartSensor, which detects a room’s temperature and number of occupants to manage hot and cold spots. Besides improved range, the battery lasts longer — up to five years. It now also supports Spotify, joining other streaming services like SiriusXM, Pandora, and iHeartRadio. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri; ecobee.com.

Ring Door View Cam, $199

Let’s say a friend just moved into a new apartment building. She loves it there but wishes the security could be beefed up. Be proactive and give her the gift of safety. Ring Door View Cam is a compact video doorbell equipped with a smart HD camera, which replaces a door’s peephole.

When someone rings the bell or knocks on the door, Alexa sends the apartment dweller an alert on their phone, tablet, or PC, and they can see and speak to visitors at their discretion. Another safety feature: a motion detector that can be aimed exactly where it’s needed most; ring.com.

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BY NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

This year’s hot new toys A heads up on what’s making a big splash this year — get them now before the holiday rush

Philips Hue White LED, $15

Your voice assistants can even enable light bulbs! Now with Bluetooth, these smart bulbs — a great stocking stuffer — fortunately don’t require a Philips automation hub for them to work. They connect with your phone and follow Alexa voice commands, as well as Google Assistant and Siri, whether you want the lights lowered in your home (“Alexa, dim the lights by 10 percent”) or if you’re looking for special effects (“Turn the bedroom pink.”); meethue.com.

Amazon Smart Plug, $25

Giving a loved one a plug for a

holiday gift might sound rather underwhelming but this isn’t any old plug.

The sleek WiFi-connected Amazon Smart Plug goes into an electrical outlet and can power up all your home appliances. Alexa or Google Assistant will automatically detect them if they’re online and then follow your voice instructions to turn a lamp, air conditioner, or other electrical device on or off; amazon.com. © CTW Features

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oys and the holidays go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows. It’s a sweet moment when your child rips the wrapping paper off a box and starts grinning when he sees what he’s inside — hopefully he’ll have many hours of fun playing with this much-longed-for toy.

In case you don’t know what the children on your to-buy-for list are pining for, take a look below at some of the hottest toys for the upcoming holiday season: Love to Hug Elmo, $30

Who needs a hug? Elmo does, and he’s ready for a good squeeze. This beloved Sesame Street character with the plush red fur raises his arms when you squeeze his belly and asks for a hug in either English or Spanish. When someone gives him a hug, the cuddly creature from Playskool responds with a phrase, song or kiss. For ages 18 months and up; target.com.

Imaginext DC Super Friends Transforming Batmobile R/C, $80

Gotham City has no shortage of notorious criminals wreaking havoc everywhere. It’s Batman to the rescue in his tricked out Batmobile! Boys and girls can use their imaginations and use the remote control to send the vehicle left, right and in circles.

With the push of a button, it transforms to full battle mode, complete with lights, sound effects, and projectiles, to catch the bad guys and throw them behind bars.

For ages 3-8; fisher-price.com.

Fingerling Light Up Narwhals, from $15

The latest incarnation of Fingerlings, the interactive collectible toy you wear on your finger, is a narwhal, and there are five in pretty colors: Nelly (purple), Nikki (turquoise), Raya (green), Nori (periwinkle blue), and Rachel (pink). The narwhals, made by WowWee, contain sensors and respond to motion and touch with blinking eyes, flapping tails and cute noises. Each has a mood horn that lights up in a different color that tells you how they’re feeling. Hold a narwhal on your cheek and it’ll give you a sweet kiss! For ages 5 and up; kohls.com.

Treasure X Aliens, $15

Looking for buried treasure takes on a whole new meaning when the hopedfor riches may be hidden in the body of a slimy alien.

Kids become treasure hunters/autopsy technicians with collectible Treasure X Aliens, which involves opening the alien’s stomach, removing the rib cage, and digging through the gooey innards to unbox the goods — a mystery figure or prize. The gross-but-good fun from Moose Toys comes with a bag of reusable ooze. For ages 5 and up; target.com. © CTW Features Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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BY NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

Home office hits for 2019 Give a working-from-home pal a gift that gets the job done

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f you’ve run out of gift ideas for your sports-loving family member or foodie friend, what can you get them? If they work remotely — as millions of others now do — gift them with a stylish something for their home office that will make doing their business a little easier.

Design Ideas Pencil Cup, $18

Don’t laugh: Your loved one may be living the digital life but sometimes there’s nothing better than using a pen to jot down a quick reminder, to-do list, or phone number. That means he’ll need a place to keep some pens neatly organized on his desk.

Try a matte black holder from the Rebrilliant collection. These have a simplicity that will look good with any office decorating style, no matter if it’s traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between; wayfair.com.

TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp, $40

Overhead lighting isn’t enough for someone who sits at a desk all day — she also needs a desk lamp to provide more concentrated light. The TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp is attractive, affordable, and gentle on the eyes while you’re working. Your friend or family member will appreciate the customizable brightness level and color setting (white, cool, natural, yellow, warm yellow). The lamp’s arm can be adjusted too so its light is exactly where you want it to be. It has charging USB output for recharging a smartphone while keeping it within reach; amazon.com.

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West Elm Fluted Planter, from $39

An office with only a tidy desk, chair, and computer needs to be livened up, and that’s where a tabletop plant in a pretty planter comes into play. This elegant earthenware fluted crystal gold planter comes in four sizes (small to large) including a cute windowsill version. Add an easyto-grow plant like a succulent or philodendren and you’ve got a gift that will thrive as much as the gift’s recipient (plant not included); westelm.com.

Sonos Move Smart Portable Wifi and Bluetooth Speaker, $399

Though most desktop computers and laptops are equipped with a built-in speaker, having a separate one can make a world of difference if good sound is paramount to doing a good job, like it would be if someone works with audio files. Good sound may also be essential to motivate someone as the work day progresses.

You can find a portable speaker in various sizes and shapes. One to consider: the Move portable Bluetooth speaker. It comes with a hefty price tag but its audio quality and ease-of-use make it an especially nice gift for someone on your holiday list; sonos.com.

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BY MARILYN KENNEDY MELIA, CTW FEATURES

Hometown holidays The surprising financial benefits of buying locally this season

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e humans are social creatures, and nothing celebrates our need for human interaction and goodwill like the holiday season. That’s why many shoppers prefer to patronize local stores, where a staffer might greet them by name, and help them select the perfect gift.

For some, that experience is worth paying a few dollars more, even if an online search can turn up a cheaper price on an item.

But while savings may be found if you’re only searching for the price tag on a particular item, the bigger picture could sway even the most cost-conscious consumer of the benefits of the “buy local” argument. Here’s why: Follow the money Studies consistently show that money spent locally tends to remain in the area, explains Matt Cunningham of non-profit Civic Economics, Evanston, Illinois.

His group’s most recent stats show that 52.3% of every dollar spent at an independent retailer remains in the local economy, and 15.8% of every dollar spent at a local branch of a chain retailer stays local.

Each dollar that stays close to home helps keep you and your neighbors employed and boosts the local tax base, which in turn helps fund schools and community services. And all those factors helps support November 2019

housing prices, benefiting area homeowners, explains Olivia LaVecchia of the Institute for Local Self Reliance, Washington D.C.

bills to pay the cashier, we are more cognizant of how much things cost. That awareness “hurts,” and prompts consumers to keep purchases within a budget.

In contrast, when you buy online, your purchase is pulled off the shelf of a warehouse (which might be hundreds of miles away), piled into a truck and shipped, eventually arriving at your front door.

Moreover, the attention to spending and budgeting tends to last when consumers use cash, according to research by Purdue University professor Richard Feinberg.

It’s difficult to estimate the local impact of the massive increase in online shopping, notes Cunningham, because it depends whether warehouses are located nearby.

But even if the delivery route wasn’t long, the impact of an online purchase is significantly less than any spending in-store, he adds.

Count the dollars How would one randomly selected group of shoppers spend an average $175 for all the fixings for Thanksgiving, while another group shopping at the same store spent just $145?

The answer, says New York University marketing professor Priya Raghubir, is that shoppers who had lower tabs paid in cash, while the other group paid by credit card.

Her study confirms a phenomenon other studies have found, too: When paying by cash, we spend less.

It’s all due to the “pain of purchase” Raghubir says. When we count out paper

Close and comfortable The farther removed consumers are from seeing their actual dollars change hands, the less aware they are of the fact they are even spending money, Raghubir says.

While paying in cash is more painful than using a card, there are now options that remove shoppers even further.

For example, online retailers encourage customers to register at the site, and store their shipping and credit card information.

Then the pain of even inputting a card number is eliminated, because all the purchase takes is one click to place an order.

So, if you want to enjoy picking out the perfect holiday gifts without incurring a jolt when the bill arrives in January, consider drawing up a budget and stocking your wallet with cash, Raghubir advises.

Then, head to your local shops where you can see items up close and keep spending to a comfortable level. © CTW Feature Spaces: Home for the Holidays

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BY NANCY MATTIA, CTW FEATURES

The best housewares this season These gifts help you peel a boiled egg, fry without guilt and cook in peace

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uying a loved one a kitchen-related gift is a great idea for many people. Who doesn’t want a new gadget or small appliance to make cooking easier or more fun? Here are five that anyone would be thrilled to unwrap:

Le Creuset New Calm Collection Skillet, $150 and up

Cooking will be a relaxing endeavor when you give a special someone a skillet or other cookware from LeCreuset’s New Calm Collection. The muted colors underscore the chill vibe: Sea Salt (a soft blue-green), Meringue (a rich ivory), and Fig (an earthy violetbrown); the popular Coastal Blue (a powdery blue) is also in the grouping. Besides the skillet, the Collection includes a Dutch oven, casserole, and salt and pepper mill; lecreuset.com.

Cuisinart Digital AirFryer Toaster Oven, $270

How can you not love cookware that makes eating fried chicken wings or French fries a non-guilty pleasure? Besides the usual toaster-oven capabilities — toasting, baking, broiling, and warming — this updated appliance air-fries foods, meaning it uses air instead of oil to make the crispy magic happen. It also proofs bread and dehydrates food and can handle up to three pounds of food or six bagel halves at once. A large viewing window, interior light, and digital readout are handy extras; cuisinart.com.

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November 2019

OXO Good Grips Punctual Egg Timer With Piercer, $20

An egg-cellent stocking stuffer! OXO Punctual Piercer Egg Timer eliminates the horror of overcooking or undercooking soft- or hard-boiled eggs ever again. Based on the eater’s doneness preference and the egg’s size, it’s a cinch figuring out what setting to use to cook the egg with. The progress bar tells how much longer it’ll be. The timer has a built-in piercer, which helps avoid making a mess when peeling off the shell; oxo.com.

Braun MultiQuick Spiralizer and Hand Blender, $100

Do you know someone who’s trying to eat fewer carbs and more vegetables? If so, help them in their quest for a better diet with Braun’s new spiralizer and hand blender which will, among other tasks, julienne zucchini to look like pasta. It promises speedy results since there’s no laborious hand-cranking needed — it slices at 21 different speeds and in three thickness levels. Using the extra blade provided, the multipurpose spiralizer can turn into a chopper, ice crusher, or blender; braunhousehold.com.

November 2019

S’nack (containers) by S’well, from $20

A longtime crusader against single-use plastic consumption and best known for its reusable water bottles with graphic designs, S’well has the perfect gift for the friend who takes food to work every day: S’nack, a line of stylish food containers. These environment-friendly storage keepers are double-layered and vacuum insulated, which ensures that hot food stays hot and cold food stays cold. You can get them in two sizes: 10 ounces for nibbles like nuts and grapes and 24 ounces for more substantial sustenance like soup or last night’s leftovers. And there’s no shortage of fun designs, like cute avocados and gummi bears; swellbottle.com.

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BY LISA IANNUCCI, CTW FEATURES

Pick up holiday gifts for

The tea or coffee lover on your list

For the coffee lover

I

f you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift and your recipient loves coffee, tea or something a little stronger, there are plenty of ideas from which you can choose.

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When it comes to coffee, forget the big companies and support the smaller, local businesses, such as John and Pat Curry’s Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee in Augusta, Georgia. Pat explains that you should buy from a smaller company for several reasons, including customization, speed and freshness.

“Coffee is at its peak for flavor within 21 days of roasting; most coffee you buy at the grocery store was roasted 6-9 months earlier and has a “best if used by” date of 18 months out,” she explains. “We roast in small batches two to three times a week and roast date our coffee so you know when it was produced.”

November 2019

A smaller company also can blend your favorite flavors. “We have a customer who has a favorite blend of two coffees and we make it just for her,” Curry says.

Not sure what flavor your recipient will like? “When we have a customer come into the shop and ask what coffee they should get, we ask them about their preferences,” Curry says. “Do you like something milder or bolder? Something earthy or fruity? If they prefer milder coffees, we suggest medium roast coffees from central or South America. For bolder coffees, we’ll suggest African or Indonesian coffees, which typically are roasted darker.”

At a small shop, you often can smell the buckets of roasted beans before you order.

“Does the person you’re buying coffee for have a grinder?” Curry asks. “Coffee is best when it is fresh, so it’s best to buy it whole bean and grind it just before brewing. That is because oxygen is the enemy of freshness.”

If the person you’re buying for is a caffeine addict, Curry recommends a medium roast coffee for the basket. “There’s actually more caffeine in medium roasts than dark roasts,” she says.

She also says the best gifts connect with memories and emotions.

“Did the person get married in Hawaii?

Honeymoon in Costa Rica? Study abroad in Kenya? Or maybe the connection is something like the coffee they drank while

they were a new parent, or they were pulling all-nighters studying for the bar,” Curry says. “Coffee that reminds them of those milestones in their lives will show your thoughtfulness.”

Wisconsin, that are really interesting. Add honey from a local company, too, as well as a nice sturdy mug that you can find on sale or at garage sales. A book to read with the tea should be in your basket, too.”

Pair the coffee with something else they’ll enjoy. “One of the great things about coffee is that it is affordably priced,” Curry says. “Put together a gift basket with coffee and a new book from their favorite author, a mug with a great saying on it, a gourmet pastry or other treat, a snuggly robe, a scented candle, a new pair of jammies or whatever you think they might enjoy.”

Mary Ann Rollano, a tea specialist and founder of Life Is Better With Tea, says every tea lover should have a special teakettle. “The one by Alessi, the Michael Graves Kettle with Bird Whistle, is the cutest kettle I’ve ever seen,” she says.

“It has a lot of style and makes a very thoughtful gift. Aside from design, you want to look for kettles with a wide base design for a quick boil.”

For the tea drinker

If your recipient prefers a nice cup of tea, Jeanette Hurt, author of “Drink Like a Woman” says you should know what kind of tea your recipient prefers.

“For example, find out if they like herbal tea, loose tea or black tea,” Hurt says.

“Buy them some of their favorites and then branch out.”

Hurt also suggests supporting smaller tea companies. “Bingley’s Tea Ltd., has a great Jane Austen Tea Series with quotes about being a ‘loose’ woman,” Hurt says.

“Mighty Leaf Tea and Rishi Organic Tea also have great tea flavors.”

Hurt suggests pairing the tea with scones from a local bakery, cookies or crackers.

“Chocolate doesn’t perfectly go with tea, but there are tea flavored candies, from Indulgence Chocolatiers in Milwaukee,

She also says Teavana makes a great insulated tea infuser and tumbler.

“Perfect for tea drinkers on the go,” Rollano says. “You can hot or cold brew loose leaf tea in this tumbler.”

With both coffee and tea, Hurt says that you can get even more creative.

“You can infuse vodka with your favorite teas or make your own coffee liquor and then put it in gift bottles,” she says.

For those who prefer a straight cocktail, Hurt suggests a good shaker. “Even more important is a jigger that has clearly designated measurement markings inside,” she says. “Cocktail Kingdom makes beautiful jiggers with measurements.”

With so much to choose from, it will be hard to narrow it all down for your favorite hot-beverage aficionado. © CTW Features

November 2019

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BY ERICA RODEFER, CTW FEATURES

Charitable children

Parents, experts offer advice on inspiring kids to give back

E

ven when Micki Collett’s son Dante was only 22 months old, she was already thinking about ways to help him learn to love giving back to the community. “I wasn’t that into volunteering before I became a parent,” Collett says. “But when I was pregnant, people were so incredibly generous. My heart was so full, and I wanted to share that.”

So her family started a new tradition during the holidays. They picked out 10 toys to donate to charity – an effort to teach Dante that despite society’s emphasis on wish lists and treats during the holiday season, it can be incredibly rewarding to give back to those in need.

“I don’t want to raise him to be entitled,” Collett says. “I also think that you feel good when you help other people, and I want him to learn that.”

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Collett volunteers year-round at Dante’s school. She says she hopes that if her son sees her family’s dedication to service, it will make a lasting impression on him.

While it’s easy to get stuck in the daily grind, Collett says she tries to spend time teaching her son “the values of life, instead of just going through the schedule.”

Like Collett, many families are seeking ways to teach their kids the value of community service.

Donating toys and clothes to children in need, collecting food to feed the hungry, and participating in charity walks are just some of the ways kids can help. While these activities can help little ones learn the importance of community service, you don’t have to spearhead a huge project to teach your children to love giving back, says Krystle Hunt, community volunteer program assistant

for Trident United Way, North Charleston, South Carolina. If you pay attention, you might notice that your kids are already contributing in their own way, she says.

“Depending on the ages of the children, that could be something like writing cards to their friends to let them know they appreciate them, or even sharing a smile with a stranger,” Hunt says. “These are ways to contribute to the community, too.”

Parents who lead by example can also pique their kids’ interest in service.

Pastor Wendy Hudson-Jacoby encourages parents to bring their kids along when volunteering, for instance.

“We take our kids with us when we go and do something for the community,” such as visiting the home-bound or elderly, says Hudson-Jacoby, a mother of three.

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Service is a big part of her church’s mission, and the congregation tries to include the church’s youngest members in community outreach projects, she added.

“So often, kids are shuttled off to the side or told ‘when you grow up you can lead,’” Hudson-Jacoby says. “But we believe they ... have gifts and talents that they can use right now.”

The Moore family shares a similar philosophy. Mom Marie Moore works and volunteers for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Dad Jonathon Moore works at the local Food Bank. The couple hopes that by bringing their son, Christian, along to help with volunteer activities, he’ll develop a love for giving back, too.

“A lot of kids his age, they’re so ‘This is mine, you can’t have it,’ so bringing him with us to volunteer at the food bank has shown him that it’s good and fun to give to other people,” Marie Moore says.

For busy families with full schedules,

November 2019

Hunt suggests incorporating giving into something you would do anyway. For instance, when planning extracurricular activities, consider having your kids volunteer with a local service organization after school. Or, during your child’s next birthday party, ask guests to skip buying presents and donate to a favorite cause instead, Hunt says.

Another tactic for getting kids excited about service: let them decide how to give back. A child who loves animals might want to donate supplies to an animal shelter, for instance. Or if your family plans to donate to a food bank, bring your child to the grocery store to pick out items to contribute, Hunt suggests.

Eventually, you may find your children start suggesting ways to give back.

Hudson-Jacoby had a proud moment recently when her then 6-year-old asked if they could go hand out care packages to the homeless. “We try to follow (the kids’) lead,” she said. “So, we packed up the car and went downtown to give out some bags.”

Don’t forget to reward kids’ charitable efforts and help them see they made a difference. “When we write a check to charity, we get a tax deduction,” Hunt says. Kids need other means to acknowledge their contribution. Rewards could include taking before-and-after photos of their project to show progression, or creating a memento that will remind them of their accomplishment, she says.

Parents should also talk with their kids about why community service is important. One way to start the conversation is by reading books about giving back. “The Giving Tree” and “One Hen: How One Small Loan Makes a Big Difference” are good examples, Hunt says. After reading, talk with your kids about how the stories made them feel, Hunt says. “The conversation is just as important as the action.” © CTW Features

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