Port Holiday Guide 11/22/23 edition is published by Anton Media Group.

AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL

Port Holiday Guide NOVEMBER 22 – 28, 2023

Port Holiday Magic Returns Start a crochet craft in the new year Unique pie recipes Wishing You a Season of Joy! The holidays often inspire a sense of warmth and togetherness, making it a special time where memories can be created and shared. Allow me to assist you in finding your dream home, where cherished moments await.

PA R S A S A M I I Long Island Founding Agent | Compass Sports & Entertainment Division The Traci Conway Clinton Team | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson M 516.965.7445 | O 516.517.4751 | parsa@compass.com PARSA SAMII IS A REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON AFFILIATED WITH COMPASS. COMPASS IS A LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER AND ABIDES BY EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY LAWS.

238126 M

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May your homes be filled with love and laughter, and may you continue to make wonderful memories. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your real estate journey. I look forward to many more exciting opportunities together in the coming year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Beth Catrone

Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Circle of Excellence c.516.647.1729 bethcatrone@danielgale.com 350 Main St., Port Washington, NY

Scan here to view my website.

243364 M

2B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

There’s Magic In The Air Port Holiday Magic will return to Port Washington with three magical Saturdays instead of one Lots of things are planned to bring the holiday spirit to our streets, starting off with Santa riding a fire engine throughout town on Nov. 25, courtesy of the Port Washington Fire Department. There will be outdoor entertainment, both live and recorded. Other entertainment includes carolers and costumed characters who will greet shoppers. Look for the holiday themed blowups that provide great opportunities for selfies.

P

articipating businesses will offer something special for their customers—a discount on merchandise, services or gift cards; a gift with purchase; holiday treats; free gift wrapping; in-store entertainment and more. A list of the current offers is below and is being updated daily on www.pwcoc.org and on the Try Port First app. Also look for postings on social media.

The Town of North Hempstead Parking District will cover the meters and suspend the on-street parking meter fees on Main Street and certain other streets starting on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, and continuing through Jan. 1, 2024.

The magical days are:

Saturday, Nov. 25: Port Holiday Magic on Small Business Saturday.

We will have all of the festivities described above and stores will kick off the season with many specials for their customers.

Look for the singing Toy Soldiers.

Saturday, Dec. 2: Port Holiday Giving Magic when we ask everyone to “Shop Local, Give Local.” We encourage you to make donations to local organizations and to the “Make a Child Smile Toy, Food & Diaper Drive” at participating stores and other locations which are listed on the Try Port First app. You can also visit “Stuff the Bus” at the train station to donate new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children in our community.

Saturday, Dec. 9: Port Holiday Window Magic. Businesses throughout town are showing their holiday spirit and going all out to decorate their windows. A panel of judges will view the participating windows and cast their votes. There will also be a “Walk and Wag” with dogs in costumes and their owners walking around town to admire the window decorations. The window winner will be announced at 1 p.m. and will receive a holiday plaque as well as recognition and photos in the local papers and on social media. A list of all the stores in the contest

Santa Claus

The trolley

can be found below and on the Try Port First app under ‘Events.’’

Click And Buy, Give Port A Try.” Port Holiday Magic is grateful to our sponsors: Catholic Health’s St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center, The Greater Port Holiday Magic raises awareness of Port Washington Business Improvement the vital role small businesses play in our District (BID) and The Peter and Jeri community and our economy. There are Dejana Foundation. Port Holiday Magic so many advantages to shopping locally for is organized by the BID, the Chamber of the holiday season, and Port Holiday Magic Commerce, Landmark on Main Street and will provide tons of extra reasons for you to support our local businesses that create jobs, Residents Forward. It is supported by the Town of North Hempstead and the Port boost the economy and preserve our neighWashington Police District. borhoods. Shop Local at Port Holiday Magic and throughout the holiday season. Everyone See page 4 for a list of businesses benefits when we remember “Before You participating in Port Holiday Magic.

Stores in the 2023 Holiday Window Decorating Contest View them and see if you agree with the judges.

Here they are by location: Cigar King, 553 Port Washington Blvd.

The Wellground, 917 Port Washington Blvd.

Little Gym of Port Washington, 979 Port Washington Blvd.

16 Handles, 1005 Port Washington Blvd.

Bach to Rock, 1015 Port Washington Blvd.

Wright Music, 5 Main St. S.F. Falconer Florist, 8 S. Maryland Ave. Baltimore Design Center, 35 Main St. Diamond Boutique, 77 Main St. Alper’s Hardware, 81 Main St. Yummy Gyro, 82 Main St. Port Pop Up Boutique, 142 Main St. The Cooking Lab, 160 Main St. Tori’s Place Ear Piercing, 167 Main St. Painting With Flowers, 298 Main St. Commune, 307 Main St. Lexie NY, 334A Main St. Ace Hardware, 19 Soundview Marketplace Anthony’s World of Floors, 49 Manorhaven Blvd.

—Submitted by the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce

A decorated storefront window (Photos from the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce Facebook)

The Local Market’s window decorations, 2021

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 3B

Participating businesses, As Of Nov. 2, Are: 16 Handles (1005 Port Washington Blvd.) Free prepackaged pint of soft-serve to customers who make a $25 purchase.

Alper’s Hardware (81 Main St.) Christmas lights and decorations: Spend $100 on regularly priced lights and decorations and get a free box of 100 LED mini-lights, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24. Big Green Egg: Save $100 on Large Big Green Eggs, $150 on XL Big Green Eggs, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24. Ooni Pizza: Spend $400 on Ooni products (excluding tables) and get $50 toward any Ooni table, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24. Twenty percent off all Power Tool Accessories: Port Holiday Magic days only. Carhartt: Spend $150 on Carhartt and get a free Carhartt hat (up to $19.99).

Anthony’s World of Floors (49 Manorhaven Blvd.) $100 off orders over $1,000.

Ayhan’s Mediterranean Marketplace (293 Main St.) $20 off when you spend $60, not to be combined with other offers.

Ayhan’s Shish Kebab (283 Main St.) $20 off when you spend $60, not to be combined with other offers.

Bach to Rock Music School (1015 Port Washington Blvd.) Existing Customers:10 percent off your next month of lessons if you stay enrolled for December or January. New Customers: 50 percent off two private lessons. All Customers: 20 percent off summer camp. First five customers to redeem one of these offers get a free t-shirt (one offer per family.)

Baltimore Design Center (35 Main St.) 20 percent off all accessories, free gift wrapping.

Bayside Tax & Wealth (174 Main St.) Drop off books for Book Fairies on Dec. 2.

Bicycle Playground (101 Manorhaven Blvd.) 10 percent off all accessories and parts.

Port Holiday Magic shopping spree Holiday treats

S.F. Falconer Florist holiday decorations

(Photos from the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce Facebook)

Ble Bakery & Café (63-65 Main St.) 10 percent off all menu options.

Blue Moon Taekwondo (194 Main St.) Free class coupon and raffle to win month of taekwondo.

Bluetique (25 Main St.) Free gift with any purchase.

Bubba Brown’s (302 Main St.) Free gift with purchase, free gift wrapping, holiday treats.

Captain Steve Sailing: Thirty percent discount during Port Holiday Magic if you enter discount code PWSailing at checkout on www. captainstevesailing.com or call 516-902-9099.

Cigar King (553 Port Washington Blvd.)

Free gift with purchase of $100 of cigars or cigar accessories; free holiday gift wrapping Commune (307 Main St.) Pop Up Holiday Bazaar featuring local women-owned businesses. Free wine tasting. Raffles for gift baskets and Zen Night Out including one hour of yoga or meditation for you and up to nine friends.

Diamond Boutique (77 Main St.) Mention Port Holiday Magic and receive 50 percent off

gold and diamond jewelry.

EyeSite in Sight (25 Old Shore Rd.) Buy a $100 gift card for $75; buy one complete pair of glasses, get a second pair of lenses 50 percent off with another frame purchase.

Gino’s Pizza48 (Main St.) 10 percent off cash payments for take-out and dine-in Harbor Deli (306 Main St.) Free hot chocolate.

Impulse Boutique (29 Main St.) Treats and discounts.

Landmark on Main St. (232 Main St.) Music in the lobby.

Learning Express (61 Shore Rd.) Special discounts throughout the store Lexie NY (334A Main St.) 10 percent off storewide.

Little Sure Thing (102 Main St.) 20 percent off in-store orders over $100; free gift wrapping; free gift with purchase over $50 depending on availability.

Luxe House Aesthetics (20C Main St.) 15 percent off all aesthetic treatments (Includes Botox, Filler, IV therapy, Hydrafacials, Microneedling, Weight loss management.)

My Spectrum School (11 Sintsink Drive East) $50 discount on Tuition (one coupon for each child enrolling.) Call 516-883-8035 or email info@myspecturmschool.com and mention Port Holiday Magic to receive the discount.

Orangetheory (1013 Port Washington Blvd.) Holiday class bundles.

Painting With Flowers (298 Main St.) Raffle prize for free gift each Port Holiday Magic Saturday; Nov. 25, gift with purchase of $75 or more.

Port Pop Up Boutique (142 Main St.) 10 percent off $100 purchase, 15 percent off $150 purchase, 20 percent off plus free gift for over $200 purchase; Receive 1 raffle ticket for every $50 spent to win a $50 shopping spree.

Port Salt Cave (403 Main St.) Gift certificate special.

Port Wash. Federal Credit Union (157 Main St.) Raffle for four $50 MasterCard Gift Cards to be drawn Dec. 9. Entry forms available starting Nov. 25.

Port Washington Florist (75 Manorhaven

Blvd.) Wine, lite bites, visit from Santa and his elves.

S.F. Falconer Florist (8 S. Maryland Ave.) Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, wine, cookies, cheese and crackers.

Shields Bros. (267 Main St.) Raffle for “Day of Beauty” for your barbeque.

Shining Studios (290 Main St.) Carolers outside, photos with Santa inside, cookie decorating and discounts on merchandise on Nov. 25 and Dec. 9 only.

Soulshine Art Studio (146 Main St.) On Dec. 9 only, fairy hair walk-ins and appointments; holiday DIY gift mini workshops.

Soundview Ace Hardware (19 Soundview Marketplace) Complimentary popcorn.

The Coding Space (110 Main St.) 10 percent off a trial or semester sign up, for students who sign up during Port Holiday Magic, using the code PWMAGIC10.

The Little Gym (979 Port Washington Blvd.) Free water bottle with the gift of an introductory class ($40); free ball with the gift of one month of tuition ($150).

The Wellground (917 Port Washington Blvd.) 10 percent, certain exclusions apply.

Tori’s Place Ear Piercing Studio (167 Main St.) Earrings 15 percent off; ear piercing gift cards 10 percent off.

White + One (309 Main St.) Free gift with purchase, free gift wrapping, treats, raffle entry with purchase.

Wright Music (5 Main St.) Drop off a small unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item and receive a 10 percent discount voucher off the purchase of any sheet music or accessory order.

Yummy Gyro (82 Main St.) 10 percent off on dine-in, take out and delivery.

For more information, contact the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce at 516-883-6566, the Greater Port Washington Chamber of Commerce at 516-883-8890 or go to the Try Port First app under ‘Events.’

—Submitted by the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce

Parking Fees Suspended For Holiday Season The Town of North Hempstead has annouced that parking meter regulations will be suspended on certain roads in Port Washington during the holiday season.

This will be in effect from Nov. 25, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024.

“This is to help promote holiday shopping in the Port Washington community,” said Town Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte. The parking fees will be lifted in town to encourage shoppers to take advantage of shopping locally this season.

While parking fees are suspended, the time restrictions will remain.

The following roads will have parking fees suspended: Port Washington Boulevard—Mertz Place to Campus Drive Port Washington Boulevard—Bogart Avenue to Chestnut Road Main Street—Port Washington Boulevard to Third Avenue Irma Avenue S. Maryland Avenue Carlton Avenue Haven Avenue—Main Street to Franklin Avenue.

—Information gathered by Julie Prisco from the Town of North Hempstead website (northhempsteadny.gov) 4B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving from The Liappas Team!

Sending you wishes of good health and great times with family and friends! We are grateful for our community and happy to use our knowledge and expertise to assist with any of your real estate needs!

Kristen Vlahopoulos

Michael Fthenakis

Nicholas Liappas

Connie Liappas

Licensed RE Salesperson kristen.vlahopoulos@compass.com M: 516.672.1577

Licensed RE Salesperson michael.fthenakis@compass.com M: 631.748.3393

Licensed Associate RE Broker nicholas.liappas@compass.com M: 516.214.7761

Licensed Associate RE Broker connie.liappas@compass.com M: 516.319.3274 | O: 516.517.4751

Carolyn Gelb

Nicole Pappas

Maria Sakellis

Licensed RE Salesperson carolyn.gelb@compass.com M: 516.359.5660

Licensed RE Salesperson nicole.pappas@compass.com M: 917.589.7888

Licensed RE Salesperson maria.sakellis@compass.com M: 917.232.9826

The Liappas Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

238107 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 5B

Holiday Events

BY JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

Celebrate this holiday season with some local events to get the family in the mood for holiday cheer. Below are details about upcoming events in Port Washington and the surrounding Nassau County area:

Port Washington Public Library

Visit pwpl.org to register for the following events. Located at 1 Library Dr. • Sandwiched in with Ron Brown, Chrismahanukwanzakah: How New York City Invented the Holidays: Friday, Dec. 15, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

(Library Lapham Meeting Room) Today, Christmas has become a global holiday celebrated in every nation of the world. But few realize that this holiday was, in fact, invented in New York City. Join Professor Ron Brown as he explains the history of what we know of today as the Holiday Season. F.W. Woolworth popularized the indoor Christmas tree and Thomas Edison displayed the first string of electric tree lights in Brooklyn. Macy’s extended the Christmas season back to the end of their Thanksgiving Day Parade and The New York Times extended it forward to the Times Square New Year’s celebration and the extended holiday was renamed The Holiday Season. African Americans added Kwanzaa to the season and Jews contributed a Menorah stand to public holiday displays.

• Port Washington Play Troupe Presents It’s A Wonderful Life: Sunday, Dec. 17, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

(Library Lapham Meeting Room) This American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast in an adaptation by Bob Nissen. With the help of a full ensemble, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve... only to be reminded how much he has to live for. This charming production will include singers and old-time radio jingles, as well as live sound effects by a foley artist. Nearly a century old, the PW Play Troupe is the community’s oldest theater organization, presenting high-quality musicals, plays, and special musical performances.

Landmark On Main Street

Visit landmarkonmainstreet.org for tickets.

• Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays: Thursday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

(Jeanne Rimsky Theater) Through the years, Darlene Love continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her warm, gracious stage presence and superb performances. Her film Twenty Feet From Stardom included hits such as: He’s A Rebel, The Boy I’m Gonna Marry, Wait ‘Til My Bobby Gets Home, He’s Sure the Boy I Love and the legendary #1 holiday classic (Christmas) Baby, Please Come Home.

Holiday Tales at the Castle on Friday, Dec. 10. (Photo from the Sands Point

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy

Preserve Conservancy website)

Visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org for tickets. Located at 127 Middle Neck Rd. • Holiday Tales at the Castle: Sunday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. (Castle Gould) Join the holiday cheer in Castle Gould’s Great Hall! This event includes a puppet show and make-your-own puppet with Mango Moon, a meet-and-take-a-photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, seasonal crafts, a “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt, and a reading nook with holiday and winter stories. Admission: $15 per child, $5 per adult; includes parking. Payable at the gatehouse.

The Cooking Lab

Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park. (Photo from the Lumino City website)

• Winter Wonderland Holiday Workshop: Tuesday, Dec. 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Science Museum of Long Island) Celebrate the changing of the seasons with us! Explore all things wintery and cold as we meet winter-loving animals, discover the secret of snowflakes and play with liquid nitrogen.

Visit thecookinglabpw.com for registration information. Located at 160 Main St. • Chanukah Latkes: Saturday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. (The Cooking Lab) Parent and child latke cooking class. Prepare Chanukah latkes with local guest chef and food stylist Pam Sorin. There is limited capacity and Eisenhower Park the lab can’t accommodate more than one Visit luminocityfestival.com for ticket inforadult and one child per station. Appropriate mation. Located in East Meadow. for kids ages 8 and up. The cost is $100 per • Holiday Lights Festival: Now through each parent-child pair.

Jan. 7, 2024 beginning at 4:30 p.m. (visit • Gingerbread Worksop: Saturday, Dec. 9 at luminocityfestival.com for specific dates) 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (The Cooking Lab) Immerse yourself at Lumi’s magical Parent and child gingerbread decoration wonderland of holiday lights. Enjoy the new class. Decorate and take home your very 2023 theme “Wonder Journey” with new own gingerbread house. Each child will get breathtaking large-scale light art displays a pre-assembled gingerbread house and and attractions. This is the best place to icing/candy kit to decorate. Open to kids create an unforgettable holiday experience • Plaza Theatrical, Once Upon A ages 5 and up. There is limited capacity and with your friends and family.

Snowflake: Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2:30 the lab cannot accommodate more than p.m.-3:30 p.m. (Library Lapham one adult and two kids per table. The cost is Port Washington Ice Meeting Room) No two snowflakes are $70 per child. the same, and neither are two snow Skating Center people! This heartwarming musical Visit pwskating.com to make skating reservaabout a small snow girl with big dreams Science Museum of tions. Located at 70 Seaview Blvd. learns never to give up and what it truly Long Island • Weekly Reserved Skating Hours: means to give! Sponsored by the PWPL Visit smli.org for registration information.

Saturdays and Sundays from 2:15-3:45 p.m.

Located 1526 Plandome Rd. Mondays and Fridays from 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Children’s Advisory Council.

6B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

and Wednesdays from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Reserved skating sessions are for skaters who want to skate for fun. Capacity is limited and reservations and advance online payment is required. Admission to these sessions is $18 per person. Skate rentals can be purchased at the rink when you arrive. The cost is $5.00.

• Ice Skating Lessons For All: Book a 30 minute private skating lesson or ice hockey lesson for $60. Or book a semi-private 30 minute skating lesson or a hockey lesson for $36.

The Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink (At the Parkwood Sports Complex)

Visit gnparks.org for more information.

Located at 65 Arrandale Ave. • Public Skate Sessions: Visit the website for the weekly hours of the public sessions. Public sessions are open daily to both Park District residents and non-residents. Residents must show park pass for the resident admission fees; adult $8, child $6 and seniors $5. Admission fees for non-resident are $14 for adults and $10 for children.

H A PPY

Holidays T O YOU & YOUR S !

Being a long-term resident of this community for nearly 30 years, I continue to find excitement in introducing newcomers to this wonderful neighborhood. Here’s to a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with health and happiness!

~Renee Irene (Renee) Rallis Lic. Assoc. R. E. Broker O 516.944.2583 | M 516.241.9848 irene.rallis@elliman.com irenerallis.elliman.com Pinnacle Award Winner Top 3% of Agents Company-Wide #1 Manhasset Agent* #2 Long Island Agent by Volume**

*AT DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE, 2022. 110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401 © 2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

242217 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 7B

Port Washington Christmas Celebration S

tep into a world of magic on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, starting at 4:30 p.m., at Blumenfeld Park as we host our spectacular Christmas Celebration. Immerse yourself in the timeless Christmas tale brought to life with a live nativity with narration of the familiar story.

Join us in song with beloved Christmas carols led by the talented Liquid Bread Brass Band and the delightful Red Stocking Revue Singers.

The highlight of the evening will be the grand illumination of our magnificent Christmas Tree, filling the air with an abundance of warmth and joy. But wait, there’s more! Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a grand entrance

aboard a fire truck, eagerly coming to hear children’s wishes and create precious memories in front of the stunning tree.

Don’t let this unforgettable event filled with holiday cheer and cherished traditions slip away. Mark your calendars for December 3rd and be a part of an evening filled with festive fun you won’t want to miss!”

For more information check our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ PortWashingtonChristmasTreeLighting —Submitted by the Port Washington Christmas Tree Lighting Committee Blumenfeld Tree Lighting, 2022.

Red Stocking Revue singers with Santa, 2022. (Contributed photos)

Liquid Bread Brass Band

Last year’s live nativity performance

Chabad Of Port Washington’s Annual Chanukah Event On Thursday, Dec. 7, the Chabad of Port Washington is hosting it’s Annual Chanukah Event on the first day of Chanukah, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This year, Chanukah begins on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 7 till Friday, Dec. 15.

The drive-in event is taking place at North Hempstead Beach park.

The Maccabeats singing group will be performing. There will be fireworks and games for the kids. As this is a drive-in event, people can stay in their cars, or come out to the stage.

The Chabad does their lighting of the menorah as well.

Kids and families also get a goodie bag of snacks that are Chanukah related.

Familys that would like to attend can visit the Chabad of Port Waahington website (chabadpw.org) to register.

—Information provided by the Chabad of Port Washington 8B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

rom my home to yours, wishing you all the joys of the holiday season!

The best part of the season is the opportunity to say thank you to all my clients, customers, colleagues and friends for entrusting me with all your real estate needs throughout the year.

Maggie Keats

Lic. Assoc. R. E. Broker Douglas Elliman’s Top Producing Agent on Long Island

O 516.944.2879 | M 516.449.7598 mkeats@elliman.com maggiekeats.com

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401 ©2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

243149 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 9B

Temperature Blankets The craft that offers fun year-round

BY LAUREN FELDMAN

lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

Wintertime and cooler weather often brings out our desire to get cozy. It is no wonder that purchases for yarn, knitting and crocheting projects spike in the Fall, and continue through the new year. But those new to crafting might feel overwhelmed by their options, and seasoned crafters might find themselves bored or underwhelmed by their usual sweaters, hats or scarves. Enter a fun, easy craft that you can literally spend a year on; the temperature blanket.

I

had no idea what temperature blankets were until a few years ago when I got back into crocheting. I was seeing these colorful rainbow blankets all over my social media feeds, and was curious; what was this trend? Why were people making them?

A temperature blanket is a blanket that you crochet (or knit) one row on every day in the color coordinating with the outside temperature. Generally, you start on them in January and finish in December.

At the end of the year, you have a visual reflection of the previous 365 days, as well as a cozy blanket to keep you warm the following season. You can think of a temperature blanket as a yarn-journal that chronicles the daily high or low temperature for your area over the course of the year.

back. You can search a day, month, or year, and find all of the temperatures you need.

This comes in handy especially if you want to go back and make a temperature blanket to represent the year a child was born. Here are some handy weather resources: Weather Underground: https://www. wunderground.com/history Old Farmer’s Almanac: https://www. almanac.com/weather/history

Step Two: Picking Your Colors

Temperature blankets are synonymous with a rainbow color pallet. Why? Well aside from being an easy color pattern to follow, the colorway was popularized because it mimics the way weather channels show changes in temperature throughout the year.

However, when picking your colors, there is no requirement to “go rainbow”. Your color choice should spark joy and feel like you! If Step One: Determining Your you want to make a blanket entirely out of Temperatures blue yarns, or creamy-brown neutrals, go for Before you begin crocheting or knitting it! The changes in colors throughout the year your blanket and choosing the colors, is fascinating to see, regardless of what those you’ll want to figure out what your colors are. You will need to stick with the temperature ranges will be. You’ll base same colors throughout the year, however, so your number of ranges off of the weather make sure you have enough of each color, or in your area. The first step to this is to pick that you will be able to order more skeins if if you will be doing your daily temperature you run out. based off of the high or low temperature The number of colors is also important. I that day. You can also average your daily recommend a minimum of eight colors, and high and low temperature, although a maximum of twelve, so that you will see this might impact how often your colors lots of color changes throughout the year, but change. not be overwhelmed with switching colors As a New Yorker, I felt the best range of out every day. temperatures would be from 20 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I created a Step Three: Picking table breaking these down into 10-degree Your Pattern phases, which meant I would need eight Once you have your yarn colors chosen, different colors of yarn. Once you choose then you can pick out your pattern that you’ll your temperature range, you are ready to be using! There are a lot of different styles out start picking out your colors. there that you can do: Rows – This is the most common style out Record Your Weather Data there where each row represents a day. If Each day you’ll want to keep track of the high or low temperature for your area, you do this style, then you’ll want to make depending on which one you chose. Some sure that you factor in that you’ll be needing 365 rows. Your overall length might also be people like to record all of the data in an impacted by how thick your yarn is, so it is Excel spreadsheet or keep track of it in a recommended that you make some test rows journal. If you’re worried about missing to see how tall your blanket rows are. If you a day, or you’re starting late in the year, are using a thinner yarn, it might be best to no problem! There are some awesome do a thicker stitch, such as a double-crochet, weather sites out there where you can so that each row does not get lost in the look back at the temperatures for years

10B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

A completed blanket. (Photo courtesy of Pinterest)

The skeins of yarn I chose for my temperature blanket. (Photo credit:

My sample temperature chart.

(Photo credit: Lauren Feldman)

Lauren Feldman)

pattern.

Granny squares – Another common style is making a small granny square for each day. This can create a gorgeous blanket, but it will require more seaming, or joining as you go. As with the basic rows method, you might want to make a few test squares to get

a sense of how large you want your project to end up.

And violà, you’re ready to craft a temperature blanket of your very own! I look forward to crafting this year, and hope some of you will join me on this temperature blanket quest. Happy crafting!

Forever Grateful to Serve the Community I Love Looking back with pride, looking ahead with hope.

As a devoted real estate advisor, I’m truly touched and humbled to have had the privilege of serving this exceptional community for over 50 years. Your unwavering trust in my expertise and ongoing support warm my heart.

This Thanksgiving, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude for allowing me to be a part of your real estate journey. Looking forward to many more years of helping you achieve your real estate dreams.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Thanksgiving season.

Scan to view my website.

Bonnie Doran

Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Circle of Excellence c.516.729.5663 bonniedoran@danielgale.com 350 Main St., Port Washington, NY Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

243510 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 11B

Experience isn’t expensive, it’s priceless...

The Founding Agents of Compass Long Island and Members of the Luxury Division Nicholas Colombos

Angela Dooley

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Luxury Division | Council Member nick.colombos@compass.com M: 917.453.9333 | O: 516.517.4751

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Luxury Division | Council Member angela.dooley@compass.com M: 516.315.7781 | O: 516.517.4751

12B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

SANDS POINT COLLECTION Currently Available ACTIVE

92 OLD HOUSE LANE $4,488,000 | 6 Bed | 5 Bath | 1 Half Bath

ACTIVE

PENDING

7 SOUNDVIEW LANE

39 CROMWELL LANE

2,499,000 | 4 Bed | 4 Bath | 1 Half Bath

$1,898,000 | 5 Bed | 3 Bath

The Colombos-Dooley Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

239353 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 13B

Holiday Gift Guide

BY JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

For The Pet Parent: Pet Portraits

W

hen buying gifts this holiday season, think outside the box.

Skip the classic fuzzy robe for your sister and the patterend tie for your uncle. This year, narrow down your loved one’s favorite hobbies and look into something unique to enhance their favorite activities.

Instead of buying a the newest trendy water bottle for your friend who stays hydrated, think about buying a dual water bottle and cell phone holder, so they can be hands-free on the go. Or, instead of buying a gift card to your loved one’s favorite book store, look into something that can add a personal touch to their overflowing bookcase.

Below are some gift ideas based off of popular hobbies:

Everyone loves their pet, and a sweet portrait of their four-legged friend makes for a sentimental gift. A simple photo of the happy pet can be silhouetted onto a white background or photo-shopped into something funny like a Renaissance photo.

For The Music Lover: Vinyl Records Candle When listening to music, dancing around the room and singing along (a bit off-key), a candle that smells like the nostalgia of being at a record store can transport you to a different time. The Vinyl Records candle smells like bergamot, jasmine and amber are balanced with a soothing base of sandalwood and oud. (Vinyl Records | $34 | anecdotecandles.com)

For The Athlete: Water Bottle And Phone Holder Whether a student-athlete or an avid pickleball player, athletes are always on the move. A water bottle and phone carrier is a great addition to sporting equipment. This holder makes for a functional, compact bag that is quick and easy to pack while running from practices to games.

The North Face Borealis Water Bottle Holder frees up your hands and comes in three different stylish colors. (The North Face Borealis Water Bottle Holder | $39.99 | dickssportinggoods.com)

(Modern Pet Portrait | $69.95 | crownandpaw.com)

For The Foodie: Foodie Dice Although your loved one may be a great chef, every cook gets stumped for ideas at some point. With foodie dice, the chef in your life can roll the dice for a surprise meal combination. Uncommon Goods’ Foodie Dice has five dice that offer protein options, cooking methods, grain and carb selections, herb choices, and bonus ingredients. Four additional dice offer seasonal veggies to spice up the dish. (Foodie Dice | $24 | uncommongoods.com)

For The Reader: Personalized Book Embosser Readers cherish their books. Although they may crack the spine and wrinkle a page or two, it’s signs of love for a good book. To mark a book part of their library, a personalized embosser can stamp the page. The embossing tool can be personalized with full names or initials to mark a book read and loved. (Personal Embosser | $39.95 | williams-sonoma.com)

For The Adventurer: Hiking Socks For your loved one that visits all the nature hot spots to see New York’s amazing sights, a pair of hiking socks is a must. While some may think that any ordinary mid-calf pair of socks would work, socks specifically made for hiking balance comfort and style. Fox River hiking socks have a comfort toe seam, arch support, moisture wicking, breathable mesh and reinforced heel and toe pads. Fox River offers many patterns and colors of hiking socks for you to pick out a pair as adventurous as your loved one. (Women’s Krakatoa Lightweight Crew Hiking Sock | $24 | foxsox.com)

14B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

For The Techie: Digital Picture Frame These days, its rare people print photos to hang in their homes. Instead, photos from birthday dinners and recent vacations are on the cell phone forever. With a digital picture frame, you can send photos directly to the frame to display one at a time and change it whenever you feel like it. The digital frame can create a rotating slideshow for photos and can display the time, weather or calendar as well. (Aluratek-10” IPS LCD Wi-Fi Touchscreen Digital Photo Frame | $129.99 | bestbuy.com)

For The Traveler: Travelers Cork Globe For your loved ones who always seem to be on vacation, a cork globe where they can put pins marking their travels is a thoughtful piece of decor. The eye-catching globe can hold push pins marking previous trips and makes for a great conversation starter. (The Places You’ll Go Cork Globe | $59.99 | personalcreations.com)

243610 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 15B

Unique Pies Up your pie game with these unique choices.

BY AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

Pies are a holiday staple, but at some point you might want to move beyond a basic two-crust pie or straight pumpkin. If this speaks to you, consider the following recipes to take your dessert game to the next level.

Note: Blind baking your pie crusts will ensure they stay crispy and hold your fillings.

This goes for fruit as well as cream pies. Arrange the crust in your pie plate. The key to a successful blind bake is weighing down the crust. Prick as normal, but before baking line the unbaked pastry with parchment paper and pour in dry beans, rice, or baking weights. Bake according to the instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes.

Aunt Pauline’s Chocolate Pecan Pie This riff on the traditional pecan pie incorporates maple syrup as the sweetner, rather than corn syrup, and adds a deep chocolate flavor. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

NASSAU KNOLLS CEMETERY & MEMORIAL PARK

Recipe: 2 squares unsweetened chocolate (2oz.)

2 tbsp. butter 3 eggs 1/2 cup dark maple syrup 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup of pecan halves One 9-inch pie crust

Lovely & Quaint

500 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington Est. 1900

944-8530

16B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

237781 M

Grounds Open Daily • Open to All Faiths Headstone, Flat Marker & Cremation Grave Sites and New Mausoleum Payment Options Available for Pre-Need

Preheat oven to 375. Melt together butter & chocolate; set aside. Beat together eggs, sugar and maple syrup. Add in chocolate mixture. Stir in pecan halves. Pour into pastry shell and bake for 40- 50 minutes.

This chocolate pecan pie has a rich, deep flavor.

(Photos by Amanda Olsen)

The crumble topping sets this apple pie apart.

Susan’s Apple Crumb Pie This apple pie features a crumble topping in place of a second crust. The flavors are so close to a classic crumb cake, you might even consider pie for breakfast.

Recipe: 5 – 7 tart apples, (approx. 5 cups) 1 9-inch pastry shell ½ and ⅓ cup sugar, separated ¾ tsp ground cinnamon ¾ cup all-purpose flour 6 Tbsp. butter Preheat oven to 400. Pare, core and cube apples. Mix with ½ cup of the sugar and cinnamon; Arrange in the pastry shell. Mix ⅓ cup sugar with the flour and cut in butter till crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. If crust browns too quickly, cover edge with foil.

Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving.

From my home to yours.

• Your local & neighborhood Realtor • Senior living expert (SRES) • 30+ years experience in LI real estate • A personal touch from start to finish

Cardamom gives this sweet potato pie a Norwegian flair.

Norwegian-style Sweet Potato Pie It’s the cardamom that makes this pumpkin-alternative a solidly Norwegian version of the southern classic. Be sure to allow the pie to cool completely for the best flavor and consistency.

Recipe: 1 can sweet potato puree (15 oz can) ½ cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar ½ cup milk 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon cardamom ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (9 inch) pie crust Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat together puree and butter. Add sugar, milk, eggs, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla; beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes. Cool before serving.

Shelley Scotto, SRES Founding Agent of Compass North Shore Licensed Associate RE Broker shelley.scotto@compass.com shelleyscotto.com M: 516.816.7428 | O: 516.517.4751

Ranked top 1.5% of agents Nationwide.* 1468 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, NY 11030 Shelley Scotto is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker affiliated with Compass. Compass is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Laws. *Data per Real Trends America’s Best 2023 Rankings.

237960 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 17B

Give Back This Holiday Season

BY JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

With the holiday season approaching, people begin to think about their lives and what they are grateful for. Spending time with family, friends and other loved ones helps us realize how lucky many of us are.

T

he holiday season is also a time for people to give back to the less fortunate in the community.

Food, clothing and toy drives begin to pop up across town. Look out for these donation drives in the coming weeks, usually hosted by the town and village governments, local police and fire departments, and charitable groups.

Make a Child Smile Toy, Food and Diaper Drive

From Nov. 24 to Dec. 15, bring unwrapped toys, non-perishable food and baby care items to the following locations this holiday season: Ayhan’s Mediterranean Marketplace (93 Main St.), Ayhan’s Shish Kebab (283 Main St.), Delux Transportation (62 Main St.), Diane’s Place (191 Main St.), Douglas Elliman Real Estate (475 Port Washington Blvd.), Evolution Pilates2 ( Shore Rd.), Falconer Florist (8 S.

Maryland Ave.), Happy Montessori School (40 Pleasant Ave.), Healthy Kids Pediatrics (211 Main St.), I Love Hearing (91 Main St.), Manorhaven Village Hall (33 Manorhaven Blvd.), Orangetheory Fitness (1013 Port Washington Blvd.), Port Washington Federal Credit Union (157 Main St.) and Smusht (158 Main St.). Or bring your donations to Stuff The Bus on Dec. 2 at the Port Washington LIRR Train Station.

Can You Help Too

Local brothers David and Johnathan (Jojo) Gold formed Can You Help Too to grow efforts to help communities thrive.

Can You Help Too has established a handful of permanent donation boxes across Port Washington for non-perishable food items and baby care items.

Drop-off locations include The Growing Love Community Garden, Smusht, Beauty Fluff Spa, The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, The Parent Resource Center

Delivering a donation bin to Smusht. (Photo from Sandrine Gold) (PRC), The Cooking Lab and Carlo’s In addition to the classic holiday donaPizza. Visit the Can You Help Too website tion drives, many local food and clothing (canyouhelptoo.org) for more information pantries across town are open year-round on these drop-off sites. for people to donate non-perishable food Can You Help Too has organized a items and old clothing too. food drive this December at the Port Washington Public Library. From Dec. 1 Our Lady of Fatima’s to Dec. 10, there will be a donation bin at Outreach Office the library for non-perishable food items (Located at 10 Cottonwood Rd.) and baby care items.

The church accepts donations at

242133 M

18B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

or prepaid AMEX cards for the office to give out to families in need.

The food pantry accepts monetary donations to help stock their pantry in addition to taking non-perishable food items. The standard items that the pantry distributes and is in constant need of are: oil, cereal, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, mac & cheese, rice, pasta, oatmeal, canned tomatoes, canned and dry beans, canned tuna, salmon, and chicken, canned corn, string beans, peas, and beets, canned soup, canned fruits, mayonnaise and ketchup.

Visit olfpw.org for more information.

Complete board game sets are accepted at Twin Pines. (Photos from the Twin Pines Thrift Shop website)

e 11

of sales in the local area. By purchasing through Our Harvest, you help stock Our Lady of Fatima’s pantry.

The Outreach office shared that due to storage issues, they aren’t making up the usual holiday baskets for their families; instead, they are giving out gift cards. The office is accepting the donation of gift cards to food stores such as Stop & Shop

Hom

church mass and the Outreach office, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima’s Outreach office currently services about 135 families in the Port Washington and Manhasset areas.

The pantry is in partnership with Our Harvest and receives meats, poultry and dairy products based on a percentage

supplies such as canes and walkers.

Twin Pines shares that their most popular items are women’s clothes and kitchenware. Kitchenware includes plates, utensils and small kitchen appliances. Women’s clothing is Twin Pines’ most sold merchandise and its most given away inventory. Twin Pines works with a domestic violence safe house, allowing women from their center to come and get free clothing. Right now, fall and winter clothing is among the most needed items at Twin Pines.

In addition to women’s clothing, Twin Pines accepts shoes, children’s Twin Pines Thrift Shop and men’s clothing, and maternity (Located at 382 Main St.) clothing. They also take books, board They accept donations on Saturdays games, athletic equipment, handbags from 10 a.m. until their storage has reached and jewelry. maximum capacity. Five bags or boxes are Some items are not accepted at Twin accepted per family per week. They ask that Pines due to sanitary concerns and soft goods, such as clothing and tablecloths, storage issues. Items not accepted inbe packed separately from hard goods, such clude stuffed animals, toys, incomplete as dishes. games, incomplete glass/plate sets, Aside from material donations, Twin linens/towels, baby clothes (Newborn Pines stocks a food pantry for those in need to 3T), pet food, cassettes/CDs/VHS and always accepts dry and canned goods. tapes, bath mats, towels, sheets, cribs, Twin Pines shared that while material car seats, helmets, nursing materials, donations are only accepted on Saturdays, large furniture, computers/printers and non-perishable food items are accepted any broken/damaged items. any day of the week. Donations of medical Visit pwtwinpines.com for more supplies are also accepted at Twin Pines, information.

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours.

Hom

e 11

James Gavin Licensed Real Estate Salesperson james.gavin@compass.com M: 631.807.0118 | O: 516.517.4751 James Gavin is a licensed real estate salesperson affiliated with Compass.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

238793 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 19B

Shopping Local This Holiday Season

BY JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

During the holiday season, its important to support local businesses. The North Shore of Nassau County is lucky to have busy downtowns, villages and other shopping hotspots.

O

n Saturday, Nov. 25, look out for Small Business Saturday deals around town in the Port Washington, Manhasset, Great Neck and Roslyn areas. Many stores will have special Small Business Saturday sales and deals to help you save money this holiday season while supporting local businesses.

To view a list of dining and shopping options in Nassau County, visit the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce website at ncchambers.org or scan the QR code.

Below are some holiday shopping events happening in the North Shore area.

Chamber of Commerce website, “Shop Manhasset and Manhasset Chamber of Commerce are working on many ways to help our small businesses to encourage the community to Shop Local, Spend Local, Eat Local this holiday season.”

Merry Little Manhasset includes a holiday shopping guide, photos with Santa, holiday movies, a winter scavenger hunt and more.

Shops along Plandome Road in Manhasset will be offering special holiday sales and deals to shoppers during business hours.

Visit the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce website at manhassetchamber.com or the Shop Manhasset website at shopmanhasset. com to learn more.

A Merry Little Manhasset

Great Neck Plaza Holiday Cheer

On Saturday, Nov. 25, the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce and Shop Manhasset are celebrating Small Business Saturday by encouraging residents to shop local. According to the Manhasset

To celebrate the holiday shopping season, the Great Neck Plaza Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting the Great Neck Plaza Holiday Cheer Gift Card Program.

PORT SALT CAVE AND WELLNESS

Scan the QR code for a list of Nassau County restauraunts and shops.

the Shop Manhasset website)

(Photo from the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce website)

According to the Great Neck Plaza BID website, “We’re bringing some joy to your shopping experience with our exclusive $25 Great Neck Plaza Gift Card because isn’t it time we all got out to shop, dine and relax in Great Neck Plaza. With a great list of specialty stores, boutiques and restaurants in Great Neck Plaza, we are sure you’ll find what you’re looking for here!”

One Holiday Cheer $25 Gift Card is available per name and mailing address.

If an individual signs up for the cards using two different mailing addresses, only one card will be issued. If requests come in from the same mailing address, only

the first request will be honored. There is a limited supply of these cards and once all cards are allocated, registration is ended. The gift cards are available now through Dec. 31 on the Great Neck Plaza BID website, visit shopgreatneck.com to fill out the form and receive your Holiday Cheer Gift Card.

The gift cards are valid at the participating businesses. More than 40 businesses in Great Neck Plaza are participating.

Shops on Bond Street, South Middle Neck Road, Great Neck Road, Grace Avenue and Middle Neck Road will be participating. For a full list of the participating merchants, visit shopgreatneck.com

Happy New Year

Meditation, Reiki, Sound Healing, Respiratory Health and More

With the holidays approaching fast, the new year is right around the corner. Below are some New Year’s Eve events for friends and family to celebrate together: New Year’s Eve Date Night Friday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. (Wine & Design, 21 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre) A professional artist at Wine & Design in Rockville Centre will guide participants through the process of creating a stunning painting. Visit wineanddesign.com for tickets.

SALT THERAPY (Halotherapy)

Billy Joel: New Year’s Eve Sunday, Dec. 31 at 9:30 p.m. (UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont) Billy Joel is performing a concert to celebrate the new year. Visit ubsarena.com to buy tickets.

Book a service at www.portsaltcave.com 430 Main Street, #3 • Port Washington 516.439.4820

New Year’s Eve with Joe Devito Sunday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. (Governor’s Comedy Club, 90 Division Ave., Levittown) The

Fun For Families, Friends, Parties, Private Events Health Benefits detoxify support immune, nervous and lymphatic systems. Reduce stress, improve sleep, increase energy. Improve skin, arthitis and respiratory conditions.

State-of-the-Art Technology use finest salt imported from Poland Wellness Services include vitamin Infusion,massage and age reversal workshops.

243166 M

20B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

A Merry Little Manhasset (Photo from

Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown is hosting a special New Year’s Eve event with Joe Devito. Whether taking on relationships, his Italian-American family, or current events, Joe DeVito’s dead-on timing, unexpected twists and sheer flights of lunacy make him a favorite at clubs and colleges across the USA, and at the top venues in New York City. The 10:15 p.m. show includes noisemakers and a champagne toast at midnight. Visit govs.govs.com for tickets.

New Year’s Eve with The New York Bee Gees Sunday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. (The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington) New Year’s Eve with The New York Bee Gees. Including special guests: Donna Summer Tribute performed by Jesse Wagner and Shining Star (Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute, Mark Bateman). Visit paramountny.com for tickets.

—Information compiled by Julie Prisco

Throw A Party To Remember Party theme ideas for this year’s holiday party

BY JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

Like many families, every year, my family celebrates Christmas Eve with a huge party. Years ago, my grandmother hosted our family’s Christmas Eve at her house. She decorated her home with a beautiful Christmas village on the mantel, a bright and colorful Christmas tree and garland in every room. One year, she began giving everyone a table gift. I remember everyone got their own CD at their place setting; mine was Hannah Montana.

W

The Ski Chalet theme fostered a cozy cabin feel

hen she passed away, my mom, Jennifer Tichy, took up the tradition and dialed it up by ten. She picks out a party theme in the summer, scours Pinterest and by September, we have 10 boxes delivered weekly till Christmas with crafts and decorations for the party. While some decorations she purchases as-is, many we DIY (Do it yourself) at home. We have spent countless hours spray-painting charger plates and gluing together napkin rings.

DIY center piece

see THEMED PARTY on page 22B

(Photos by Julie Prisco)

Honesty + Integrity + Professionalism I have successfully accomplished the most complex transactions seamlessly — always prioritizing my client’s best interest.

100 Harborview Drive, Apt 521, Port Washington $728,000 | 1 BD | 1 BA | 1 HB | 1,400 SF Harborview — Updated, open floor plan with large balcony offering breathtaking views of the golf course. The most desirable 55+ community on the north shore, 24/7 security gated community. Garage parking spot, private storage unit, full gym, game room, party room, indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna. Close to the Port Washington train station.

MARK LEVENTHAL Founding Agent, Compass Long Island Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker mark.leventhal@compass.com M: 516.330.8001 | O: 516.517.4751 Mark Leventhal is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

238640 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 21B

THEMED PARTY from page 21B We host our immediate family of 21 and some years our extended family joins us, and our guest list grows to 35. But somehow, we still manage to sit around a massive homemade table decorated with an ornate centerpiece and eat together at the end of the night.

While some themes are Christmasspecific, like 2015’s Santa’s Workshop where we had an electric toy train as the center piece of the table, for other years she has planned general holiday and winter-themed parties.

Here are some of my mom’s themes that can help inspire you to throw a holiday party that everyone will remember:

Seasonal

When thinking of planning a holiday party, most people automatically think of winter. We think of cuddling up in a chunky sweater by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate or heading upstate for a weekend to see the snowy mountains.

Drawing on the inspiration of the season, my mom has thrown a Ski Chaletthemed party and a Woodland-themed party.

Ski Chalet: With a buffalo print table cloth, wooden benches instead of chairs and centerpieces of pine tree branches and holly, you can turn your dining room into the idealistic ski chalet resort. Our Christmas tree was decorated with little sleds and reindeer ornaments.

DIY: To enhance the centerpieces, my mom reached out to friends and family for old ski equipment. She spray-painted the ski boots gold and used them as vases on the table and painted the skis and poles black to stick in our flower pots by the door. We bought a pack of tongue depressors and toothpicks and painted those red to glue onto wooden napkin rings to bring a bit of fun to a rather plain table setting. For the name plates at each seat, my mom created her own ski pass with a mountain design and everyone’s name on it.

All white decor tree

The red carpet walk of fame

Dress Up

If you want to give your guests a dress code, think of a theme that has some funky fashion choices involved.

For example, Christmas in Hawaii can allow your guests to dig up those floral patterned shirts and straw skirts. When tasking our family with a dress-up theme, my mom chose Candy Factory and Academy Awards-themed parties.

Academy Awards: Huge white roses and baby’s breath floral arrangements, a glittering tablecloth and red curtains lined the walls of our home for the Academy Awards. Our guests dressed in red-carpet attire and we even had a vote

for six different best dressed categories where we handed out Oscars.

DIY: Have your guests walk the red carpet. We laid down red fabric on the floor with golden stars that had our guest’s names written on them to make them feel like they are on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. My mom spent hours folding our cloth napkins into an envelope shape, which we then stuck on golden stickers and red ribbons to look like the presenting envelopes at the awards.

22B | PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023

White Winter Wonderland

Brady, Aidan, James and Tim McKean took dressing up to another level.

Monochrome

To keep things classy, pick out a solid color and go all out. Choosing a single color and decorating with glittering lights, tall candles and matching napkins can make preparing for this party fairly simple.

Reach out to friends and family for solid color place settings to borrow and serving trays and you can create a monochrome wonderland that will envelop your guests.

White: We picked the color white because it is probably the easiest color to find matching items in. With tall white candles, beautiful white floral arraignments and

Academy Award table setting

sparkling white holiday lights, we turned our home into a winter wonderland. All of our white tablecloths were spread on the table and we purchased a long strip of white furry fabric to use as the table runner.

Everyone went home with a new mug filled with a white chocolate hot chocolate bomb.

DIY: For additional decorations, we assembled large white snowflakes to hang from the ceiling and the walls of our home.

To add some flare to the table settings, we tied a glittering white ribbon around the napkins and glued white feathers on the ribbon.

Let the #1 real estate brokerage guide you home on Long Island.*

compass.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. 516.517.4751. *Source: 2022 Closed Sales Volume, U.S., RealTrends 500

Manhasset | Huntington Garden City | Locust Valley | Roslyn Syosset | Oceanside | Woodbury Rockville Centre | Sea Cliff Carle Place | Smithtown | Southold

239346 M

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023 • PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE | 23B

This holiday season I wish to express my gratitude to all those who have continued to support me, allowing me to keep on doing what I love.

There is truly nothing like helping my clients through the process of buying or selling their home.

Wishing

you the

happiest of holidays!

Best,

Traci

TRACI CONWAY CLINTON Long Island Founding Agent Luxury Division — Council Member, Long Island Licensed Real Estate Salesperson M: 516.857.0987 | O: 516.517.4751 traci.clinton@compass.com

Traci Conway Clinton is a real estate salesperson affiliated with Compass.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

238411 M

PORT HOLIDAY GUIDE • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2023