Depew Lancaster Home for the Holidays 2014

2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS 1

November 30, 2014 - Community Papers of WNY

November N b 30 30, 2014

Let There Be Lights How to hang holiday lights

Over the River & Through the Woods Tips for a successful, stress-free holiday travel season

Hosting at Home

Six reasons to host a holiday this year

2 2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS

Community Papers of WNY - November 23, 2014

As the Christmas season approaches, there is always so much activity, and we all become very busy. We take great pleasure in setting aside our regular work to send a heart felt message to all of our readers and advertisers. We would like you to know how much you are appreciated. As we reflect upon 2014, we are grateful for all the new friends we have made. We look forward to continuing building strong relationships with our advertisers and helping you get your message out to your current and new customers. As we move into the New Year, watch for more improvements, and more themed magazines to enjoy throughout 2015.

We know that without our readers and customers, our business has no reason to exist and it won’t last long. Companies, and their employees, need to make “customer satisfaction” more than just an expression. We will work very hard to meet your expectation!

the coming year be overflowing with all good things in life.

A very close friend shared the quote below with me years ago, and it is still true today:

“If you’ve had wonderful family relationships, you will be able to call yourself a true success in life no matter what else you’ve achieved.”

Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year filled with peace and happiness.

Sincerely,

Our thoughts now turn to what is most important - family! We know that the holidays are an important time to reconnect with family. Let the magic of this holiday season bring you joy and happiness as you spend time with your family. May your holiday be filled with joy and

James C. Austin, Publisher Community Papers of WNY, LLC

PRESIDENT Bob Cassell

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER Karin Weale

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Janet Gane

MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Ondesko

CIRCULATION MANAGER Bill Marshall

ART DIRECTOR Dave L. Neamon

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A less traditional tasty November 23, 2014 - Community Papers of WNY

take on a holiday dinner

2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS 3

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oliday dinners vary from household to household.

Some might prefer a traditional meal of turkey with all of the trimmings, while others might want to try their hands at something new. For those among the latter group, the following recipe for “Winter-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin� from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook� (Storey Publishing) is sure to make a splash at your holiday dinner table this season.

Winter Fruit-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Serves 8

1â „2 cup dried apricots 1â „2cup dried cherries 1â „2cup dried figs 2 pork tenderloins (about 3 pounds total) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup crumbled blue cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons butter 1â „4 cup honey, preferably sourwood honey 1. Mince the apricots, cherries and figs by hand or in a food processor.

2. Slice the tenderloins lengthwise, almost all the way through. Open them up and lay them flat. Place each tenderloin on a large piece of plastic wrap. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and pound each piece of meat with a meat tenderizer until it is about 1â „2-inch thick. Remove the

top piece of plastic.

3. Season the surface of the pork with the salt and pepper. Divide the fruit mixture in half and spread evenly on the cut surface of each tenderloin.

Top each with half of the cheese.

Roll up each tenderloin, using the bottom piece of plastic to help you, tucking in the fruit and cheese as you go. Tie kitchen string every 2 inches around the tenderloins, continuing to push in any fruit or cheese that may fall out.

4. Preheat the oven to 450 F. 5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tied tenderloins, turning as each side is browned. Be careful when searing the open side, as some fruit and cheese might fall out. You are just trying to seal in the meat juices, not trying to cook the pork all the way through.

6. Combine the butter and honey in a microwaveable bowl and microwave on high for about 20 seconds, or until the butter is melted. Drizzle the butter over the tenderloins.

7. Place the tenderloins on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 150 F. Remove the baking sheet and allow the tenderloins to sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will keep the juices in the meat rather than all over your kitchen counter.

8. Snip off and discard the strings.

Slice the pork into 1-inch-thick pieces and serve.

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6 reasons 4 2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS

Community Papers of WNY - November 23, 2014

to host a holiday this year

W

hat would the holidays be without gatherings of family and close friends?

Everyone gets to reminisce around the dinner table, and distant family members get to meet face-to-face instead of through social media.

In many families, holiday hosting duties are shared by one or two family members. Some host out of a sense of obligation, while others do so because they truly love providing a place for their loved ones to get together during such a festive time of year. Those undecided about whether or not to take on the role of holiday host should know there are a bevy or reasons to do just that.

1. No travel time: If you despise sitting in traffic or waiting in line at the airport for a delayed flight, hosting the holidays is your way around such headaches. While you’ll certainly deal with a number of people in your home, it will pale in comparison to the crowds holiday travelers must deal with.

2. New traditions: Hosting the holidays presents an opportunity to try out your own unique ideas and establish new traditions for

your family. Over time, traditions become integral parts of family celebrations. A new host can impart fresh concepts and breathe new life into the festivities.

3. Time management: Hosting the event allows you to set the pace of the day. You may find the holiday is less stressful when you know what is coming next and can exercise control over the schedule. You may not have to wake up as early to account for travel time and could feel more relaxed.

4. Give older relatives a break: Perhaps Grandma or an aunt has always hosted the big holidays.

Over time, the scope of the event can prove too much for an older person, whether it’s physical or financial constraints sparking such difficulties. Stepping up to take over hosting will relieve someone you love of the work, allowing him or her to enjoy the festivities even more.

5. Sense of pride: Hosting a holiday is a significant undertaking, especially if you will be following in the footsteps of a successful party host or hostess. This can be

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your proving ground and a chance to show that you are up to the task.

It can give you a confidence boost and the inspiration to try other things you may have thought were beyond reach.

6. Food: Hosting also allows you to customize the menu so the foods you and your immediate family like best make it on to the holiday menu. You may open others’ eyes to new culinary treats and show off your culinary skills along the way.

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Once the festivities have ended, you may even have enough leftovers to free you from cooking for a few days after the holiday, giving you a chance to relax and recuperate.

Some people shy away from hosting a holiday because of the work involved. Although it can be challenging, there is a sense of reward and many other benefits that come with opening your home to friends and family come the holiday season.

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2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS 5

Cookies make a perfect November 23, 2014 - Community Papers of WNY

holiday indulgence

T

he holiday season is known for many things, not the least of which is all those special treats that find their way onto holiday tables each year. Though moderation should reign when indulging in delicious holiday treats, what would the season be without a few extra cookies and confections?

Baking is popular come the holiday season, and the following recipe for “Triple-Chocolate Cookies” from Michael Recchiuti and Fran Gage’s “Chocolate Obsession” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) is sure to add some joy to an already festive time of year.

Triple-Chocolate Cookies Makes about 48 cookies 7

ounces unbleached all-purpose flour 11⁄2 ounces unsweetened natural cocoa powder 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 6 ounces unsalted butter with 82 percent butterfat, at room temperature 31⁄2 ounces granulated cane sugar

41⁄2 ounces dark brown cane sugar 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1⁄2 Tahitian vanilla bean, split horizontally 1⁄2 teaspoon fleur de sel in fine grains 3 ounces 41 percent milk chocolate, roughly chopped 3 ounces 65 percent chocolate, roughly chopped

To make the dough: Sift the flour, cocoa and baking soda together in a bowl. Set aside.

Put the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until creamy. Add both sugars and the vanilla extract. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the bowl. Sprinkle the salt over the top.

Beat on medium speed just until combined.

Reduce the speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, pulsing the mixer to incorporate each addition before adding the next one. Pulse just until a crumbly dough forms. Add both chopped

chocolates and mix on low speed just until incorporated.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead a few times to incorporate any crumbs.

Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a log about 11⁄4 inches in diameter and 12 inches long. As you roll, gently push the ends toward the center occasionally to prevent air pockets from forming and to keep the logs at an even thickness.

Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least three hours or up to three days.

To bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line the bottoms of two 12-by-18 inch sheet

pans with parchment paper.

Remove the logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a ruler to guide you and a sharp knife, cut each log into rounds 1⁄2inch thick. If the dough crumbles as you cut it, reshape each slice. Place the rounds on the prepared pans, spacing them 11⁄2 inches apart.

Bake on the middle shelves of the oven, rotating the pans 180 degrees halfway through the baking time, until set but soft enough to hold a slight indentation when pressed with a fingertip, about 14 minutes.

Let cool completely on the pans on wire racks.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

6 2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS

Community Papers of WNY - November 23, 2014

6 steps for holiday shopping safety

T

he holiday season is a joyous and busy time of year. Decking the halls, catching up with old friends and holiday shopping make this time of year especially hectic.

Though the season is generally jolly, there are those people who take advantage of the hectic nature of the holiday season, preying on busy holiday shoppers who may be understandably distracted as the season progresses. As a result, shoppers and holiday revelers should heed the following precautions to ensure this holiday season is as safe as it is festive.

1. Exercise caution at ATMs. Thousands of dollars change hands at stores and banks this time of year.

Potential thieves know that ATMs make good places to target victims withdrawing funds for purchases.

Shoppers should choose ATMs that are well lit and withdraw money only when banks are open. If that’s not possible, avoid using ATMs in remote locations or dark alcoves.

Keep your eyes fixed on your surroundings and be aware of the people in your vicinity. Promptly

pocket your money and do not openly display your cash.

2. Keep purchases out of view.

When shopping, keep your purchases hidden from prospective thieves.

Make frequent trips to your car when shopping and store merchandise in the trunk of your car or in a cargo area with a cover drawn. Once items have been brought home, keep them well out of sight, stored in closets or away from windows.

3. Only park in well-lit lots. Finding a parking space at a busy mall can be difficult, but be picky when choosing spots. Try to park in a well-lit area in a busy location and be aware of the surrounding vehicles. If you feel uncomfortable going back to your car, ask a security guard to escort you.

4. Shop in groups. Go to the store with a group of friends. There is safety in numbers and having more eyes to look out is to your advantage.

Thieves are less likely to approach a group of people than a solitary person.

5. Carry minimal items. Always

keep your hands free to ward off any people in the event of an attack. Bags and packages weighing you down make you an easy target.

6. Leave extra credit cards at home.

Carry only what you need on a

shopping excursion. Do not carry your entire wallet or extra credit cards. This only puts you at greater risk of identity theft or fraud should you lose your wallet.

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2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS 7

November 23, 2014 - Community Papers of WNY

How to hang holiday lights Holiday lighting displays are a beloved tradition come December, as homeowners and businesses alike string lights to make the season even more festive. Stringing lights can be tricky, but the process can go smoothly if do-it-yourselfers employ a few tricks of the trade.

The best time to hang outdoor lights is before the weather gets especially cold and wet. Some people like to hang their lights before American Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November, while others hang their lights on the days after Thanksgiving. No matter when you hang your holiday lights, make sure you do so when the conditions outside are comfortable and safe.

Even if you do not plan to hang the lights early in the season, start your preparation early. Remove the lights from storage and inspect them to check for bulb outages or frayed wires. Sketch out your lighting plan, including which architectural

features of the home you plan to highlight. Set the ground work by running and attaching extension cords and setting up any timers you plan to use.

If this is the first time you are lighting up your home’s exterior or if you are trying a new lighting scheme, use a tape measure to determine the width and height of the area you will cover.

Then measure the length of each strip of lights you will use. Multiply accordingly to best estimate how many strings of lights will be needed. It’s much less stressful to have an extra box of lights on hand than to realize when you’re up on the roof that you have run out of lights and need to purchase more.

Invest in a few packages of light clips or nail-on fasteners. These devices attach to the gutters or siding to make it much easier to string up lights. If they are inconspicuous, some clip styles can be left up for several years, saving you more time in the years to come.

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additional lighting tips • Tailor lighting displays to the style of your home. Let them complement the architecture as well as the neighborhood.

• Borrow ideas from neighbors but do not copy them to a tee.

• If you are new to the neighborhood, ask neighbors what is typical for lighting displays on your street.

• Dress windows from the inside if you do not want to scale the exterior of your home.

• Net lights and other products are designed to make covering bushes and trees easier.

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8 2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS

Tips for a stress-free holiday travel season Millions of people fly the friendly skies, ride the rails or hit the highway come the holiday season.

Such travel can be both expensive and stressful. But holiday travel need not be so costly or tense. The following are a handful of tips to help travelers enjoy successful and stress-free travel this holiday season.

Reserve early. Fares only rise as the holidays draw closer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely you will score a last-minute deal by waiting until the last minute to book holiday travel, as discount fares are largely a thing of past. If your travel schedule is inflexible, book as early as possible. You might be able to save some money if you have some flexibility with regard to your travel schedule.

Fly on the holiday. Very often flying on popular holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, is less expensive than flying on the surrounding days. If your goal is to save money and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind showing up on the holiday itself, then flying on the holiday may earn you the most savings.

Book a business hotel. Hotels that

cater to business clientele in big cities often reduce their rates during the holidays, when business travel tends to wane.

Consider flying into and out of smaller airports. What they lack in size, number of flights and modern comforts, smaller airports can make up for in fewer delays and smaller crowds. Flying into and out of a smaller airport may be especially advantageous if such an airport is closer to your home or final destination.

Get pre-screened security clearance. The TSA Pre-Check Program enables some people to move quickly through security checkpoints. This can help save a considerable amount of time. Visit www.tsa.gov to learn who qualifies.

Do not wrap gifts prior to traveling. If you must bring gifts along, your move through security will likely be quicker if those gifts are not wrapped. Unwrapped gifts save officers the time of removing wrapping paper to inspect whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside, so reserve the wrapping for when you arrive at your destination.

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Community Papers of WNY - November 23, 2014

Have an alternate plan in place. Unforeseeable delays or cancellations can turn even the most carefully planned itinerary on its head. Keep phone numbers for taxi services and hotels handy just in case your flight is delayed and you do not want to spend a night at the airport.

Avoid domestic or popular holiday destinations. One way to avoid the holiday crowds is to head off for parts of the world that are not

celebrating the same holiday as you.

Such locales likely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attract as many tourists as other parts of the world, and you might be able to save money by visiting during the offseason.

Take your turn hosting. People who do the holiday hosting do not have to worry about holiday travel at all. Even though it can mean more prep work and cleanup, hosting duty saves you the headaches and expenses of holiday travel.

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2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS 9

November 23, 2014 - Community Papers of WNY

Because Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s So Much to Celebrateâ&#x20AC;Ś

Please Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Drink & Drive.

Your health is important. Your friends and family are precious. Your reputation is valuable. Your freedom is priceless.

Life is irreplaceable. When you decide to drink and drive, you risk it all. Respect yourself and others by committing to a sober ride home this New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve.

The Choice Is Yours.

1. Be a designated driver.

2. Make plans with a designated driver.

3. Reserve a ride home with a car service.

4. Call a taxi service.

5. Make overnight plans.

6. Attend an alcohol-free celebration.

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10 2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS

I

Did you know?

n spite of its dubious reputation, fruitcake has remained a symbol of the holiday season, even after centuries of derision. Fruitcake is a dense cake filled with candied fruit bits that is often soaked in liqueur. While it is popular in Japan, where it’s sold yearround, fruitcake is considerably less favored in other areas of the world, a reputation that may trace its origins back several centuries. Historians theorize that inexpensive sugar imported into Europe from tropical colonies led to the creation of fruitcake, which many believe was first introduced after people learned that fruit could be preserved much longer if it were soaked in a sugar solution. That meant fruits usually unavailable during particular seasons could still be enjoyed in candied form. With so much candied fruit lying around, it made sense to use it up by mixing it into baked goods. Although fruitcakes are not as widely available today as they once were, one can still find the rare ring-shaped sweet treat on store shelves come November or December. Those who are inspired to bring a fruitcake to their next holiday gathering should know that it may never make it onto the dessert table.

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The many ways to recycle Christmas greeting cards

Community Papers of WNY - November 23, 2014

The Greeting Card Association says Americans purchase some 6.5 billion greeting cards every year. Of those, around 1.6 billion are Christmas cards. Exchanging cards is a great way for people to show their loved ones that theyÕre thinking about them, and such cards make for festive ornaments to display around homes. But when the holiday season ends, recycling those cards into other items can make good use of the paper resources and turn whatÕs normally a single-use item into an enduring trinket.

• Turn this yearÕs cards into next yearÕs gift tags. Cut out circles, rectangles or any shape you desire.

Otherwise, visit the scrapbooking aisle of your favorite craft store and purchase a paper punch to make easy work of cutting those shapes.

• Transform a greeting card into a mini puzzle for a youngster.

• Glue silly characters from Christmas cards onto a sheet of magnet.

Then use these magnets for decora-

tions next year.

• Frame favorite cards so their messages can endure year after year.

• Turn a beautiful card into a keepsake. Use a decoupage medium to attach a card to a ceramic or wood backing. Coat with a polyurethane top coat to protect it.

• Use greeting cards to make wine charms for holiday entertaining.

Guests can keep track of their glasses with ease.

• Use cut-outs of cards to improve the appearance of plain gift wrap or bags.

• Insert cut rounds of greeting cards into the inside of can lids to create crafty ornaments.

• Make a paper Christmas tree from cutouts on greeting cards.

• Encourage kids to make a photo collage from the cards they like.

Mount their efforts on poster board and save for next year.

• Donate used cards. St. JudeÕs Ranch recycles greeting cards by reselling them to help fund programs.

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Celebrate with safety around your tree this holiday season

2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS 11

November 23, 2014 - Community Papers of WNY

Christmas trees are a beloved staple of the holiday season. Whether you prefer a freshly cut tree or an artificial alternative, the day a Christmas tree is brought home or erected is when many people truly grow excited about the holiday season and begin to be overtaken by holiday cheer.

But as beautiful and inspiring as Christmas trees can be, it’s important that men, women and children exercise caution around trees so no accidents occur. The following are some Christmas tree safety tips courtesy of the National Fire ProtectionAssociation. * Choose the right tree. The tree you choose can go a long way toward ensuring the tree will make it through the season accident-free. Artificial trees should be identified on their labels as fire retardant, which means they are less susceptible to fire, something that’s especially important since so many people drape their trees in decorative lights. A freshly cut tree should have fresh, green needles that do not fall off when the tree is touched. This indicates that the tree is not dried out and less susceptible to catching on fire. * Do not place the tree near a heat source. Even freshly cut and flame retardant trees can catch fire, so it’s important that trees are not placed in close proximity to any heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, heating vents, baseboard heaters, and candles. In addition, avoid plac-

ing the tree near lights or lamps that emit a lot of heat. * Keep the tree clear of exits. A Christmas tree should never be placed in a spot that bars an exit.

Should an accident happen and the tree light on fire, all exits should be easily accessible so residents and guests can quickly get out of the home. * Add water to the tree stand every day. Water should be added to the tree’s stand every day. That water will not only help the tree maintain its color and aesthetic appeal, but also helps to prevent the tree from drying out. A dry tree is a significant safety risk, so be sure to check if the tree needs water when you wake up each morning and again before going to bed. Many trees initially need water both in the morning and at night. As the holiday season wears on, the tree will likely consume less water, but it’s still best to monitor the stand’s water levels every day until the tree is discarded. * Inspect lights before decorating the tree. All Christmas lights should be inspected before they are hung on the tree. Replace any loose or burned out bulbs, and inspect cords to make sure they are not worn down or frayed. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully when stringing lights, as there may be specific guidelines as to how many strings of lights can be connected at one time.

* Use appropriate lights. Many lights are exclusive to indoor or outdoor use, so be sure to use the appropriate lights for your indoor tree. The wrong lights could be a safety hazard. Do not hang lit candles on a Christmas tree. * Turn lights off before going to bed. Though a Christmas tree may look beautiful when it is illuminated in the middle of the night when no other lights are on, the lights on

the tree should always be turned off before going to bed or leaving your home. * Properly discard the tree. Trees that have dried out pose a considerable fire risk, so it’s best to discard a tree when it starts to drop needles.

Do not place a discarded tree in the garage or lean it up against your home. If necessary, consult a local recycling company to determine the best way to discard your tree.

Christmas tidbits to put you in the holiday spirit The holiday season has arrived, and millions of people across the globe will be celebrating Christmas with their families and friends. The following are some interesting tidbits to share with your loved ones this holiday season.

• Each year, more than three billion Christmas cards are sent in the United States alone.

• In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many historians and theologians have surmised that Christ really wasn’t born this time of year, thanks to imagery and information from the Bible.

• Christmas carols began as an English custom called “wassailing.” Individuals toasted neighbors to a long and healthy

life.

• Despite the common tale that three wise men paid homage to baby Jesus, the Bible never specifically calls out a number. Similarly, there’s no specific indication that they visited the infant Jesus. Their visit may have occurred when Jesus was older.

• Santa Claus’ modern look was inspired by writings from The Knickerbockers of New York and imagery from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Moore denied authoring the famous poem for 15 years after it was published anonymously, feeling the poem was beneath his talents.

• Santa has his own official postal code.

It’s H0 H0 H0.

• The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving and not

Christmas. People loved it so much that the lyrics were changed to fit Christmas.

• Christmas trees typically grow for 15 years before they’re cut and sold. This means the trees sold today were likely planted in 1999.

• Christmas was not declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.

• Before turkey, the traditional Christmas meal served in England was a pig’s head and mustard.

• Male reindeer tend to shed their antlers in the winter. This means Santa’s reindeer are likely female.

• Christ may have been born in a cave rather than a manger. According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds that helped find shelter for Mary to give

birth kept their flock in a cave. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is built over a cave called the Grotto of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born.

• Many people may be less inclined to stand under mistletoe waiting for a kiss if they knew what “mistletoe” means in the ancient Germanic language. It literally means “dung on a twig,” for the bird who eats the berries and then leaves seeds in droppings to propagate new plants.

• Each holiday season, PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The price index for the gifts went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 in 2011. The most expensive gift is the swimming swans.

How to make your holiday party unique

12 2014 HOME for the HOLIDAYS

Entertaining season is in full swing, and many people’s social calendars are filled with parties, dinners and family gatherings. For those serving as host or hostess, setting your event apart from others can be challenging but not impossible. Explore these ideas to breathe new life into holiday parties.

• Choose a creative date. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day tend to be the busiest of the holiday season, so think about hosting your event outside of this four-week span. A pre-Thanksgiving party or something in mid-January may be more amenable to busy guests. Parties that fall outside of the usual time period may be a welcome change for guests who are simply stretched too thin during the heart of the holiday season.

• Choose an unusual party time.

Cocktail parties are the norm come the holiday season, so switch things

Community Papers of WNY - November 23, 2014

up for your soir’e. Host a brunch or luncheon, which figures to be less expensive than cocktail or dinner parties.

• Invite children to the event. For

a departure from the more typical adults-only holiday parties, include children in the festivities this year.

Seeing the magic of the holidays through the eyes of children can

add life to your party, and it can save you and your guests the cost of childcare.

• Create a photo montage. Collect images of your guests from the last year and create a slide show. Guests will likely enjoy reliving the previous 12 months and look forward to making some memories in the year to come.

• Throw a party you would love to attend. Instead of thinking of ways to make your party the best or the most unique for guests, figure out your likes and what makes you comfortable. If you are relaxed and enjoying yourself, there’s a good chance that demeanor will rub off on your guests.

The holiday season is littered with parties, many of which are difficult to distinguish from one another. But party hosts can take several steps to set their shindigs apart from other holiday gatherings. HL14C782

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