ARTful style
Hello,
Happy Holidays
How is it possible that another year is winding down? It seemed only a moment ago that we were celebrating the start of 2025 and excitedly planning all that the year would bring for cf&co and our collectors, friends, and followers. Yet here we are… wistfully looking back on all we encountered and experienced. Welcome to the 2025 Holiday Issue of ARTful style.
Once again, the ladies of ARTful Style are on the opposite page – Dana, Carrie, Danielle, and Heather – inviting you to join us in the upcoming pages for the most magical time of the year. In this Holiday Issue, we shift gears and indulge in a more nostalgic tone. First, we take you back five years to reflect on the incredible project that led to The ART of CARRIE FELL And The Chronicles of Ruby Copper. This significant endeavor resulted in a stunning, hardcover, coffee table-style book – 560 pages featuring more than 400 carefully chosen images from Carrie’s archive, as well as selections from her extensive writing – that captures the magic of her career up to that point. For those who may not know, here are a few fun facts about the book: first, the 400+ images represent less than ten percent of Carrie’s catalog. That’s right. We reviewed over four thousand images to select those that made it into “The Book.” Second, it is permanently included in The Library of Congress, securing its lasting legacy. Check out the retrospective starting on page 16
Also in this issue, we pay tribute to the tradition of the Holiday Card Collectors Series. Seeing the collage of some of Carrie’s most recognizable annual Holiday cards reminds us that even small gestures can leave a deep and lasting impression. If you’ve been on her “List” for the many years she’s been creating these original, mini-works every December, you’ll recognize “old friends” in the collection.
We also share our own unique versions of “brown paper packages tied up with string,” highlighting the small treasures from each contributor’s short list of delights that brighten our holidays. We hope you discover something unexpected to add to your own celebrations and gift-giving. If you need extra inspiration, join us on December 11th at our studio, where we’ll feature more Carrie Fell-inspired and created gifts, perfect for everyone on your Nice List!
Finally, now more than ever, we encourage you to remember that the true spirit of the season is found in our ability to look outward and give our time and talents to uplift those in our communities who are struggling. We hope you will join us in supporting the organizations that speak to your heart and find ways to make a difference – both during the holidays and throughout the year.
2025 brought its share of challenges, some predictable and others unexpected. Still, the joy is also in the journey. What we recall most vividly from this past year are the moments of innovation, laughter, celebration, and genuine connection that propelled us forward. We know 2026 will deliver new tests of our resolve, yet it will surely delight us with the thrill of fresh opportunities. We hope you will continue to join us on this marvelous adventure. As always, let’s begin with the art.
“ May your heart be renewed ... filled with faith and unwavering hope this holiday season . ”
DESIGNLINE
VOLUME II, ISSUE 3
ARTful style EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief CARRIE FELL
Creative Director & Design DANIELLE VONFELDT
Business Editor & Digital Coordinator DANA GIDDENS
Lifestyle Editor HEATHER CLANCY
Photographers DON EASTBURN BRIAN BIRLAUF EMILY TAKACS
Industry Contributors DANIELLE VONFELDT, VonFeldt Design LLC, VonfeldtDesign.com
LAUREEN HOPKINS, Studio H by Laureen Hopkins, laureenhopkins.com
CHEF RICHARD BAILEY, TASTE 5 Catering, www.TASTE5Catering.com
Printer
PUBLICATION PRINTERS CORP.
©Carrie Fell and Company, 2025. For permission to reproduce any article in this magazine, contact inqury@carriefell.com
CARRIE FELL
SKY;
SPRINGS
ECHOES OF IMAGINATION, Original Acrylic and Oil on Canvas; 60” x 50”
The Timeless ART of the HAND PAINTED Holiday Card:
Why They Still Matter
In an era where digital communication reigns, greetings are sent with a tap and emojis stand in for emotions, mailing a handwritten holiday card feels almost revolutionary. The tradition of exchanging holiday cards started in the mid-19th century, when Sir Henry Cole ordered the first printed Christmas card in 1843 in London.
“ ” Each card you send is more than a message, it’s a gift of presence, thought, and heart. — Carrie
Since then, what began as a simple seasonal gesture has grown into a meaningful way to show warmth, gratitude, and remembrance. A hand-painted holiday card isn’t just a message; it’s a connection. And every year, Carrie Fell continues this quiet tradition.
There’s something deeply meaningful about experiencing the process - her sitting down with watercolor paper, with an idea for a sentiment... and watching it come to life through the art she creates and the message it conveys. Because only 200 cards can be made, the cf&co team carefully reviews the recipient list multiple times before the mail leaves the studio and reaches each home. No detail is too small, from proper naming conventions to addressing. Even special seasonal stamps are obtained for this unique “gift”!
The Hand Painted Collectors Card Series began in 1996 with HO HO Silllver! Since then, a new card has been designed and painted almost every year, then paired with the corresponding graphic slip sheet. Together, they provide a vision of the season, attentive to the rhythm of the past year, with thoughtfulness and inclusion of all people and faiths. These pieces are often kept long after the holidays pass, pinned to bulletin boards, tucked into books, or framed as seasonal keepsakes. This artistry transforms a simple greeting into something timeless, echoing the spirit of the season: giving.
Carrie says, “Slowing down to paint the cards is a creative challenge in a busy working studio, especially during the holidays, but through the hand-painted cards I can center myself, being mindful and grateful to so many people who have contributed to making my year memorable, and in turn, sending something to acknowledge that. And most importantly, they’re a reminder that genuine human connection is not merely words, but the actions and effort that give them meaning.”
Our Favorite things
carrie's favorite things
Molton Brown’s Heavenly Gingerlily Fine Liquid Hand Wash and Hand Lotion
This duo bathes your hands in a lush scent of warm ginger, delicate lily, spicy cardamom and soft musk, an exotic breeze of Tahitian shores in your daily ritual. Their silky textures cleanse and hydrate without heaviness, making them a standout gift or addition to your countertop. The fragrance is striking yet refined, every time I use them I get compliments, bringing a touch of island charm even to the coldest winter days.
GROSCHE Moka Pot
The GROSCHE Moka Pot brews rich, authentic espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos in just minutes—whether at home or by the campfire. Named “Best Stovetop Coffee Maker” by Taste of Home, it delivers bold flavor and timeless design. Even better, every GROSCHE purchase provides over 50 days of safe drinking water to someone in need. Drink coffee. Do good.
Ironwood Gourmet Salt Cellar
The Ironwood Gourmet Salt Cellar is both functional and beautiful, crafted from rich acacia hardwood that adds warmth to any kitchen. The magnetic swivel lid keeps salts, spices, or herbs fresh and within easy reach, perfect for quick seasoning while cooking. With its smooth finish and natural grain, it’s decorative functionality at its finest, a thoughtful gift or timeless countertop piece. The perfect vessel to hold inimitable Celtic salt.
danielle's favorite things
The Fearless Fleece Zip by XX-XY Athletics
The Fearless Fleece Zip is my new favorite blend of cozy and classy. The soft fleece feels like a hug, while the cropped cut and gold accents make it stylish enough for everyday wear. XX-XY Athletics is my go-to for workout gear because every piece is made with quality, comfort, and confidence in mind. Their mission to support and empower women in sports makes each purchase feel even better.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter & Body Lotions
This lip balm is pure luxury for your lips. The smooth, buttery texture melts in instantly without the waxy feel most balms have, leaving a soft sheen and lasting moisture. I also swear by Sol de Janeiro’s lotions, the original Bum Bum Cream and Bom Dia Bright, both have captivating scents that draw compliments every time. Together, they’re the perfect combo to stay moisturized and glowing all winter.
Platinum Candle by Baobab Collection
This candle defines pure luxury, both in scent and design. Part of the Les Exclusives line, this hand-poured candle features a sleek metallic vessel that reflects light beautifully, blending seamlessly with any décor. Its sophisticated fragrance combines warm notes of amber, vetiver, and nutmeg, creating an inviting and elegant atmosphere. It’s the ultimate statement of refined ambiance and style.
While there are no “cream-colored ponies or crisp apple strudels,” there are still many things we love and want to share with our readers during the holidays. You’ll recognize each personality and aura in the selection of “favorite things” by the cf&co team. Ever the hostess, Carrie’s delights are about warmly welcoming guests with cozy home touches. Danielle indulges in the senses... with fleece pullovers, exotic body products, and heavenly-scented candles. Dana is the hostess, pouring champagne and sharing her family’s traditions with caviar and tree trimming. Finally, Heather, who is always so attentive to everyone else, provides wonderful treats to help you care for yourself.
dana's favorite things
Graham Beck Cap Classique Bubbles
This extraordinary sparkling wine is crafted using the most meticulous French method... Whether Blanc de Blancs, Ultra Brut, or Pinot Noir Rose, these bubbles may not be allowed to bear the name Champagne (a name protected by France), but this spectacular product of South Africa gives even the very best champagnes a run for their money! No refrigerator should be without many of these bottles to pop in celebration at any moment.
Petrossian Royal Beluga Hybrid Caviar
While it is the most famous caviar in the world, Beluga has been banned for import into the United States for nearly 20 years. Yet, with a husband and inlaws who lived in Russia during the Cold War, caviar remains the go-to choice for celebrations, big or small. In this particular case, this beautiful hybrid delivers Beluga's warm, creamy notes and Sevruga's firm beads and fresh finish. I also love that every bead of Petrossian Caviar is sustainably raised and hand-selected from the finest farms across the globe, matured to perfection through care and expertise, ensuring you can enjoy it at its peak of taste and texture.
Christmas Tree from Tagawa Gardens in Parker, CO
Decorating the tree is the stuff of family traditions. With a large, rowdy family, hanging the collections of ornaments that made our tree special was an unparalleled annual event. But to my family, nothing beats the magic of a real tree - the scent, the soft rustle of the needles, the way the branches support the myriad ornaments from our past. As importantly, live Christmas trees represent sustainability. And Tagawa Gardens, you can shop from literally thousands of trees and their Winter Wonderland will remind you the this is the Season of Wonder.
heather's favorite things
Garmin vívosmart® 5
My go-to accessory to keep me honest and moving throughout the day is my Garmin Smartwatch. I love how it tracks everything—steps, workouts, sleep, even stress—so I can stay on top of my goals. It’s sleek enough for everyday wear but durable enough for the gym or hiking. It keeps me motivated and accountable every single day.
Yoga Pro Kit
Everything you need for a studio-quality practice in one set. The kit includes a premium yoga mat, zippered mat bag, D-ring strap, Thunderbird blanket, two foam blocks, and a mat spray bottle to keep gear clean. It makes a great gift for anyone starting their yoga journey and you save extra by buying it as a kit. High quality, roomy color choices, and a solid all-in-one value.
The Colorado Basket by Balistreri Vineyards
All refreshed and ready to party? Treat yourself or someone special with The Colorado Basket from Balistreri Vineyards. This local favorite pairs their awardwinning natural wines with delicious Colorado-made goodies, creating a perfect mix of flavor and charm. It’s a thoughtful way to support an amazing local winery while celebrating the season in true Colorado style.
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The ART Of The Team:
A Retrospective on Creating The ART of CARRIE FELL and The Chronicles of Ruby Copper
Four perspectives; one story. Similar to the parable of the blind men and the elephant, each description is accurate from an individual’s point of view but incomplete relative to the whole. This utterly reflects the 2020 project that brought Carrie’s core team together—each with their unique skills, personalities, and experiences - to create The ART of CARRIE FELL and The Chronicles of Ruby Copper (which we lovingly call
“The Book”). Her first foray into publishing resulted in a 560-page, coffee table-style volume that features both Carrie’s iconic artwork and musings under her pen name, Ruby Copper. Now, five years after its official release, ARTful style gathered the ladies to reflect on the experience and what made such a monumental undertaking fun, stressful, successful, and most importantly, memorable.
How Did We Get Here?
Every project at cf&co begins, more or less, with an announcement from Carrie, which usually starts with, “I’m thinking about…” During the pandemic that had shut down the world, she casually mentioned to her trusted colleagues – Dana, Danielle, and Heather – “I’m thinking of writing a book…” She explained, “I always love making 'bold asks' and watching where the pieces fall. At first, there’s often a brief hesitation, but then the spark ignites.”
Like the four men described in the parable –and maybe more precisely, like the four unique personalities on Carrie’s team – each had a different view on what she was pitching.
“Yes! Finally, a way to gather all of Carrie’s journals about Ruby and her travels into one place for both the old and new collectors alike to journey into,” said Heather, ever the optimist. But Danielle was a little more cautious, telling A.S. “I was hesitant at first. I knew how extensive her catalog was, and I had no idea how we would gather every file in high-quality, color-accurate format, especially for a book this size.” Dana, the newest member of the cf&co team at the time, was pragmatic – “I thought, OK... how hard can it be? I have friends who bought a book, a steel hull, and built a 45-foot-long sailboat, and sailed it to Hawaii! We can do this." As anticipated, Carrie said, “This incredible team came alive, each person revealing their unique brilliance. Soon, the endless questions of who, what, when, where, and how faded away, and we found ourselves united, fully immersed, moving forward as one.”
Dana started calculating the number of pages needed for the book to meet Carrie’s physical expectations, the number of sheets of paper required, and the number of photos that would
qualify, among other details. It became a logistics challenge… (her favorite kind!). Meanwhile, Danielle began learning new publishing layouts and exploring unfamiliar – but exciting – new territory, and Heather geared up for editing and marketing, as well as providing one of the two forewords. Sure enough… the team began to gel, and the project got underway.
A Quarter Century of Inspiration And Six Months To Deliver It
Behind every word, brushstroke, and image in The Book lies a journey of over 25 years of artistic discovery. To create a high-quality publication that honors Carrie’s legacy, the team undertook an extensive process of research, preservation, and digital restoration to bring Carrie’s story to life. Using decades of journals, sketchbooks, and slides, they carefully sifted through hundreds of excerpts documenting Fell’s creative evolution, inspirations, and personal reflections, as well as viewing thousands of carefully preserved photos and slides of every piece she had ever created.
To ensure the highest quality reproductions, hundreds of 35mm slides documenting Carrie’s early and mid-career works were sent to Reed Photo Imaging to produce high-resolution images suitable for printing. This careful process converted fragile film archives into clean digital images, capturing the luminosity, texture, and energy of the original artwork with remarkable accuracy.
Each photo was meticulously reviewed and colorcorrected by hand, ensuring that every hue, from the bright golds of her sunset horizons to the deep indigos of her night skies, accurately reflected the artist’s true intent. That didn’t mean that every page flowed smoothly from imagination to reality. There were definitely moments of pure comedy.
Like keeping the hundreds of 35mm slides organized… Remembers Carrie, “We operated on small light tables to look at images and even used the large floor-to-ceiling windows in the
studio as makeshift viewing panels. Many times, we’d select a slide from the window, set it aside, forget we’d done so, and then spend ages searching for it again. We catalogued and recatalogued, sending dozens of 4” x 5” and 8” x 10” transparencies, as well as 35mm slides, to convert into high-resolution photography. However, we later realized that some were meant to be sent but never were, and others were sent multiple times, resulting in chaos. This tumbled down to Danielle, who had to create her own catalogue system by adding a STAR to each page, identifying that she had the highest resolution of that image in her file system. It was probably inevitable that, after hours of sifting and sorting through thousands of images, the world began to blur a little. There was a kind of delirious humor in it.
during the process was being asked by Carrie to write a forward, which was both terrifying and humbling,” said Senior Editor Heather Clancey. “I loved editing the book with all three of the ladies and being able to share why Carrie and her artwork mean so much to me in the forward was extremely gratifying.” However, it wasn’t always easy to maintain consistency in the storyline and the corresponding imagery across 500+ pages. “Sitting in bed late at night on the phone going over chapter edits with Carrie and really exploring the thesaurus to expand the story's impact” would become one of Heather’s most humorous memories. “The number of adjectives that were vetoed and crossed out was insane!”
A shared, lighthearted madness born from too many transparencies and not enough coffee…but the Champagne always made each day sparkle.”
Danielle had to agree, finding that the abundance of Champagne was often the glue that bound… “We were working through Covid, which came with unexpected obstacles. Sometimes the only answer was to refill the glasses, take a breath, and keep going. It became our running joke, and it kept us sane through a very intense timeline.”
Getting It Together
Although the imagery in The Book is the true magic, weaving in the wisdom and insights of “Ruby Copper” and gathering the critical forewords was nearly more complex. “My favorite memory
The process of filtering the Ruby Copper component again became a logical method. Every excerpt from Carrie’s journal was copied and pasted into one document, then sections were cut out and taped across the office walls. Using colored sticky notes, the “themes” of the chapters started to emerge from her reflections. Courage… Love and relationships… Wisdom… Change. As each chapter was identified, the story evolved: page by page, thought by thought. All so obvious, but as the team learned, even the best laid plans…
Carrie explained, “There was a quite detailed strategy for how many pages each chapter would have, how many images versus text, and so on (we’re looking at you, Dana…). So, when she unexpectedly had to be out of town, things got a bit complicated.” Dana adds, “We had
it worked out pretty specifically to distribute the content evenly across the pages. It was very mathematical, and we followed the format and plan through the first parts of the book … up through Chapter 3. However, when I returned from an unplanned absence, Chapter 4 had ballooned and was significantly longer than the previous chapters! Of course, there was so much pressure to finish that we couldn't go back and edit Chapter 4 to match the length of earlier chapters, and since the printing specs were based on a specific number of sheets, the subsequent chapters would have to be adjusted. But Chapter 4 was a comedy... It almost became a euphemism when things go off the rails, and it still makes me laugh when we say, "Well... at least it's not Chapter 4!"
Bringing It All To Life
memory was our trip to Scottsdale to visit Roswell Bookbinding and seeing the finished book come off the press. I had worked in print shops before, but nothing at this scale. Watching a massive press run, seeing the pages printed, cut, and assembled, made the project feel real. We stayed in the art district, which fit our personalities perfectly, and our hotel, The Valley Ho, was its own retro art piece. It felt like stepping into the set of Mad Men. (And yes, we had plenty of funny pool-day memories, but those might stay off the record.)”
At the same time, Heather was also promoting the pre-print publication to collectors and followers, while Dana and Carrie planned the launch party. Recalls Carrie, “Because we were still in the grip of the pandemic, many of our grand plans for
Once all the pages had been designed and laid out, the next challenge began: getting the books printed and bound, all while promoting the project during a once-in-a-generation global pandemic. As is usually the case, this project hadn’t just materialized in Carrie’s imagination; she had been thinking about it for years. She already knew which company would print – worldclass Vision Graphics in Denver through metalplate lithography - as well as who would bind them - Roswell Bindery, whose expert craftsmen ensured the durability and elegance befitting a collector’s edition of this scale, and could handle the added details, such as dust covers and embossed clamshells, for the limited-edition versions. For Graphic Designer Danielle, “My favorite
a spectacular book launch dissolved, since the city of Denver still banned gatherings in December 2020, and Heather couldn’t fly in. Undeterred, we transformed the tiny front office into a makeshift stage and called upon Melissa Moore, who at the time was an on-air talent for radio station KOSI 101.1, to moderate. And so, the FACEBOOK LIVE BOOK Launch was born, fueled (as always) by an abundance of Champagne and laughter. I can still picture my niece, Caylynn, deftly managing the live feed and fielding questions as they streamed in, laughing and occasionally rolling her eyes as she wrangled the comments. At the same time, Heather valiantly kept up remotely. All we could see was her radiant face and playful expressions, beamed in from California via Zoom. It was unscripted, honest, chaotic, and truly pure, unfiltered joy and release. It remains one of my fondest (and funniest) memories of the project.”
A Favorite Child Among The Pages?
As we wrapped up the discussion, it felt natural to ask which, if any, chapter especially resonated with the ladies individually. Once again, distinct personalities and different perspectives emerged. For Danielle, "...every chapter holds something special, but Chapter 5 stands out for me. It highlights the more modern, edgy side of her work, which aligns more closely with my own personal style. Plus, four of my personal pieces are featured in that section, so it has a sentimental edge as well." Heather believes the entire collection of Ruby’s presence transcends any specific chapter, since Ruby narrates throughout the whole book. “I have a special place in my heart for all of Ruby’s stories, which finally have a home on the pages of this book and in the hearts of all those who are lucky enough to read each passage. The best part about Ruby’s travels is that everyone, regardless of their background, can personally relate to some aspect of her journey. That’s what draws both readers and collectors into Carrie’s West.”
Dana and Carrie diverge from the others but agree: Chapter One: Cowgirl Rising. For Dana, it marks the beginning, not just of Carrie Fell’s career, but of her own understanding of Carrie as an artist. “Unlike the other thematic chapters, Cowgirl Rising is the chronological start of her career, focusing on her earliest works… When I joined the team, I had only met Carrie a few years earlier and mostly knew her socially, with some professional interactions, but nothing like what I learned while doing this project. Seeing how her works began and the early concepts that would develop into her ‘regulars’ and signature style was mesmerizing. The talent is incredible to behold from the very start on those initial pages.” For Carrie? “I always love reliving the beginning…” Then added, “I’m thinking about…
About The Book
Encompassing 560 pages and over 400 carefully curated images, The ART of CARRIE FELL and The Chronicles of Ruby Copper: A Retrospective Review 1994-2020 is both an art retrospective and a tribute to collaboration. This landmark publication, permanently included in The Library of Congress, honors Carrie Fell’s distinguished career, tracing her creative journey from her earliest pen-andink sketches to the vibrant, fluid expressions of her inimitable contemporary Western style.
We can hardly wait.
“
The Art of Carrie Fell is a work of art in itself, giving the reader a glimpse into the soul of the artist and what has driven her in her artistic journey. —Stacy - Collector
“ ”
Threaded through the pages are the Chronicles of Ruby Copper, a visionary narrative that embodies the evolving spirit of the modern West. Ruby Copper, a character created from Fell’s imagination, becomes both muse and mirror, symbolizing resilience, transformation, and the ongoing dance between history and modernity. Her story weaves seamlessly with Carrie's art, offering readers a richer, more immersive experience into the artist’s creative world. The volume features Fell’s commissioned works for the International Ski Federation (FIS) created for the 2015 World Championships, marking a milestone in her artistic journey. These pieces embody movement, strength, and grace - hallmarks of Fell’s mature style and her consistent ability to capture vitality and the spirit of place.
For collectors, curators, and enthusiasts alike, The Art of Carrie Fell and the Chronicles of Ruby Copper is an essential masterpiece. With fewer than 100 copies remaining from the initial print run, this book combines artistry, storytelling, and craftsmanship. Honoring the enduring legacy of Carrie Fell and her unmistakable vision of the modern West, it is a treasure every art lover should have.
This is the best book I’ve ever seen shared on a coffee table! It’s not just a book. You can feel the artist, her soul & spirit! — Judy - Collector
”
GlitterBalls
Celebrate the season with the 2025 Glitter Ball—a dazzling, limited-edition collection of custom, hand-blown ornaments, expertly embellished by renowned artist Carrie Fell. These generous 4.75" glass treasures shimmer with uniquely painted designs, each sparkling with vibrant micro-glitter and holiday magic. No two ornaments are identical; each one is a true collectible keepsake, intended to become a cherished legacy piece in your collection and a treasured part of your seasonal tradition.
Included with each ornament is a Twig Gold Metal Metallic Pillar. This elegant holder features a striking antler-inspired design, adding a touch of natural charm and rustic elegance to holiday décor and throughout the year. Available in 8" or 10" height.
Scan the QR code to discover the titles and designs or experience them in person at the Glitter Ball Open House on December 11th at the Gallery.
The ART of Responsible Entertaining
ARTful style talked with master distiller, mixologist. and CEO of felene Vodka, Tim Kelly, for his perspective on how to host an event that prioritizes socializing and interaction, even as craft cocktails and signature drinks take center stage.
“Many hosts search for effective ways to encourage mindful drinking and comfortable pacing during holiday gatherings,” says Tim. “Moderation at social events is influenced more by environment, tempo, glassware, and drink format than by personal reminders or rules. When hosts make thoughtful choices in how drinks are offered, guests naturally slow their pace while still enjoying flavor, conversation, and celebration.” With that in mind, here are a few of Tim’s top suggestions to ensure the beverages at your next event play a supporting role in the celebration, rather than being the star.
• Serve Drinks Built for Length, Not Strength - Cocktails served in taller glassware mixed with sparkling water, soda, or herbal tea promote slower sipping. Highballs, spritzes, and Collins-style drinks provide refreshment without intensity. These formats help guests enjoy the drink steadily throughout conversation, rather than finishing quickly.
• Present Non-Alcoholic Options with Full Aesthetic Care - Non-alcoholic drinks feel inviting when they match the visual experience of cocktails. Use the same glassware, garnish, and ice. A well-presented zero-proof drink avoids the social divide that often accompanies the “water vs cocktail” choice.
• Feature One “Signature” Spritz or Highball for Consistency – Offering a signature cocktail simplifies decisions and supports a shared pacing rhythm. A spritz or highball extends flavor with bubbles and citrus while keeping alcohol concentration moderate. The drink becomes refreshing and conversational, rather than rapid.
• Guide Tone Through Atmosphere, Not Instruction - Social pacing follows environmental cues, not rules. Soft music, conversational clusters, relaxed lighting, and a slower hosting tempo signal a long, comfortable evening rather than a quick-drinking one.
Tim’s Final Sip? “Mindful hosting is not about directing behavior. It is about shaping an environment where guests feel comfortable settling into a natural pace. Thoughtful drink formats, visible hydration, balanced food pacing, and warm social spaces create gatherings that feel meaningful, easy, and enjoyable long after the evening ends.”
Tim Kelly, CEO & Kim Laderer, President Photography by: Brandon Wood Photography
New Money: Gold Rush Ingredients
• ½ ounce honey
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• 1¾ ounce Felene Pear Flavored Vodka
• 1 ounce amaretto
• ½ ounce Agave Nectar
• 3 dashes cardamom bitters
• cinnamon sugar
Instructions
1. Cover the bottom of plate with cinnamon sugar, wet the top of a glass with agave nectar, Dip the glass into spice mix to coat
2. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, combine honey and lemon juice and stir with a cocktail spoon.
3. Add the pear vodka, amaretto, and cardamom bitters and stir again, making sure the honey has dissolved.
4. Add ice, cover and shake vigorously. Pour into prepared glass and serve.
meet at THE RIVER
JANUARY 17 | 2175 SOUTH PLATTE RIVER DRIVE
CULINARY CREATIONS BY CHEF RICHARD BAILEY AND INSPIRED COCKTAILS BY TOMMY PANYAKO
SCAN BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PRIVATE GALA
by
LA UREEN HOPKINS S TUDIO
interior design
Laureen Hopkins | Alexis Wessell
The Gift fresh thoughts...
As the year comes to an end, we often reflect to celebrate life’s significant milestonesthose special, shining moments that signal change, success, or growth. However, when we honestly reflect, we see that the true shape of our lives is not defined by the heights we might briefly achieve, but by the quiet, unassuming valleys in between. Real life happens in these gentle pauses. These subtle transitions from one chapter to the next seldom seem significant. Yet, it is precisely during these modest intervals that we experience life’s deepest and simplest joys.
Between every beginning and every ending, we experience countless moments that pass unnoticed. No matter how ordinary they seem, they deserve recognition. Often, they carry the very essence of what we remember most fondly. Just as evergreen boughs rise without fanfare toward the light, reaching steadily for an open sky, our spirits can also ascend in quiet gratitude for these small, kind blessings. The “in-between” times rarely focus on achievement or revelation; they simply ask us to pay attention.
How you choose to honor these moments is entirely up to you.
Maybe it’s enough to acknowledge that being alive is reason enough to celebrate, that each day presents another opportunity to sit with someone you love, to engage in work that sustains you, or to enjoy something quietly beautiful. When you take the time to notice the abundance already threaded through your life, the reasons to celebrate expand: the warmth of a favorite cup of tea, the hush of an early sunrise, the comfort of a cherished book, the familiar sweetness of fresh air.
To honor these little wonders, give them your full attention. What might seem ordinary becomes meaningful when you choose to see it that way. Slow down. Let your heart and mind absorb the magic that arrives quietly. Too often, we rush past these fleeting points in time, unaware that they are the very threads weaving the fabric of our days... quietly building to the crescendos, and picking back up when the fanfare has ended. As we reflect on the year behind us and gently step into the one ahead, it becomes clear that these are where life truly unfolds. Without them, the milestones we celebrate would have nowhere to stand, and without their gentle light, we would miss much of what connects us all… Herein lies the gift. —CARRIE
2175 South Platte River Drive
Denver, CO 80223
May your heart be filled with Faith and unwavering Hope this Holiday Season… From all of us, to all of you - Best wishes for a prosperous New Year
Carrie, Dana, Danielle and Heather
