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N OV E M B E R 2 022
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2022
FA M I LY L AW
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November 2022 PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
LIFESTYLE LETTER
The Thankful Issue
EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR
Rayna Southart | rayna.southart@citylifestyle.com STAFF WR ITER
Karin Eisenberg | karin.eisenberg@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER
In this season of thankfulness, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering and gratefulness. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season, as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful. Blessings to you and your family,
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER
Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER
Kelsey Ragain CONTR IBUTING WR ITER
Lindsay Sikora CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Aly Darin, Janie Jones, Jeff Nguyen, Kyndra Decker
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ALI KRAMER, PUBLISHER @BIRMINGHAMCITYLIFESTYLE
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise
Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/BIRMINGHAMMI |
Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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inside the issue The Thankful Issue
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38
32
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
16 Fierce
6
Lifestyle Letter
10
City Scene
12
Business Monthly
16
Athlete Life
24
Culinary Creations
32
Decor Trends
LI FE + C U LT U R E
38
Hosting Tips
FO O D + B EV ER AG E
Detroit Lions’ Taylor Decker packs a punch on and off the field.
24 In Kyndra’s Kitchen
Chef Kyndra Decker shares two holiday favorites.
32 Cozy For The Holidays Three easy ways to refresh your home.
38 A Thanksgiving Table
Bring the outdoors in to create a lush DIY holiday setting.
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Aly Darin Detroit Lion TAYLOR DECKER
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S PO RTS + R EC R EATION FO O D + B E V E R AG E
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For us, luxury real estate isn't about a price, it's about an experience.
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city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
3
6
4
2 7 5
1: At the Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational at the Detroit Golf Club on Aug. 29, Jay Feldman and Mark Wahlberg. 2: Bob Guiney, Dan Taylor, Ron Duguay, Dan Cornwell, Jon Pope. 3: Jordan Yellen, Keith Jahnke, Braylon Edwards, Ryan Jahnke, Adam Jahnke. 4: Dave Katarski, Dino Rotondo, Mark Wahlberg, Jerome Bettis, Marla Feldman, Tom Dond. 5: At debut of Denise Lutz’s novel, Thumbs, and photography exhibit at Robert Kidd Gallery, Sept 9: Gerard Marti, Jackie Kallen, Skip Kaplan. 6: Patti Prouse and Renee Godin. 7: Denise Lutz and Lynn Ferron.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @birminghamcitylifestyle
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C I T Y SC E N E
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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2
business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Famiglia Wealth Anniversary
We are a full-service probate and estate planning law firm that is local, well established, highly experienced and specializes in comprehensive and affordable estate planning to allow the client to pass his or her assets on to the heirs without the expense and hassles of probate.
2565 West Maple Road, Troy 248-435-0400 | eplspc.com 12
B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Famiglia Wealth celebrates its anniversary on November 12. Their CEO Jason M. Geisz said: “Thank you to the families and communities we serve for a successful year. We couldn’t do it without the support of our team in Bloomfield Hills that puts clients first. The plans we customize for Famiglia Wealth clients include much more than just investment strategies. They are tailored to each family’s needs.” CONTINUED >
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B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D
American Acupuncture Center's One-Year Anniversary Left to Right: Jason M Geisz, Elizabeth M Silver, R Adam Biswanger, Suzanne Minster, Robert F Alati, Robyn R Crewdson
Famiglia Wealth is a Bloomfield Hills based wealth management firm focused on taking a holistic approach to helping successful individuals and families simplify and improve the financial decisions that impact their future. FAMILY WEALTH PLANNING
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Dr. Serena LoDuca, the first Doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Michigan, celebrates her one-year anniversary of opening The American Acupuncture Center. Dr. LoDuca saw a need in the Birmingham Bloomfield community to help people heal naturally with evidence-based acupuncture, cupping therapy, herbal medicine, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques. She thanks all of her patients for supporting her vision. Without you, The American Acupuncture Center would not be a reality.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamMI
6/28/22, 11:13 AM
Name:
RightEye 6/28/22, 11:14 AM
KRM
Age: 10
Head Movement
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Date: 04/20/2022 Name: KRM
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Get Your Child Ready for School with Us Book a Discovery Exam today for just $50!
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Disclaimer
The RightEye Systemfor is designed The RightEye Vision System is designed to provide information based on involuntary eyeVision movements reading. to provide information based on involuntary eye movements for reading.
Call 248.744.4447 to speak with our team.
The RightEye Vision System cannotan replace your evaluation. Nor thetreatment RightEye Vision be used to provide an uninterpreted diagnosis or direct treatment The RightEye Vision System cannot replace your evaluation. Nor can the RightEye Vision be used to provide uninterpreted diagnosis or can direct recommendations. recommendations.
Your average distance from is the screen Your average distance from the screen was 51 cm (42-61 cm) recommended distance 55-60 cm.was 50 cm (46-58 cm) recommended distance is 55-60 cm.
30955 Woodward Ave. Ste. 435 Royal Oak, MI 48073
https://portal.righteye.io/#/viewReadingEyeQ?assessmentId=5aba5514-5395-4ccd-b460-c04c5b782483&report=readingeyeq https://portal.righteye.io/#/viewReadingEyeQ?assessmentId=787e7979-b428-4999-9d69-c8d37e095561&report=readingeyeq 1/3
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FIERCE Detroit Lions’ Taylor Decker packs a punch on and off the field.
ARTICLE BY KARIN EISENBERG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY DARIN
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AT H LE T E LIF E | SPORTS + RE CRE ATI ON
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Taylor Decker with his wife, Kyndra, and pups, Rollo and Benny.
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AT H LE T E LIF E | SPORTS + RE CRE ATI ON
Photo by Jeff Nguyen, Detroit Lions
Watching our beloved Detroit Lions play on Thanksgiving Day has been a Michigan tradition since 1934. To celebrate this year, we chatted with Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker. At 6’7” and 320 pounds, the 2016 Lions Rookie of the Year packs a punch on the field and in his personal life — he lives with gusto and gratitude, and a sweet demeanor that belies his stature.
and support the Lions fiercely. There are such beautiful places to go in Michigan, and you can feel the culture and history deeply embedded in its roots everywhere you go. I live in Bloomfield Hills, and love it here and in Birmingham. The area is beautiful, and the restaurants are great. I love the history here, and it’s hard to beat the cider mills in the fall!
Birmingham City Lifestyle: Are you as excited about the Lions’ current season as the city is? TD: I’m so excited about this season, and I love sharing it with all the loyal fans who have supported me for seven years. Being able to give an inside look into the hard work we’ve put in to give Detroit a winner on [reality sports series] Hard Knocks is amazing. I feel that has brought the fans even closer to us as players.
BCL: Where do you live in the off-season? TD: After training for the [NFL Scouting] Combine in Arizona in 2016, I fell in love with the area and decided to train there in the off-season. That is where I met [my wife] Kyndra — she is from Arizona and most of her family lives there [see the professional chef’s recipes in TK]. In the off-season, it’s the perfect place for golfing, relaxing and hanging by the pool with the dogs.
BCL: You have spent your entire NFL career in Metro Detroit. What has that meant to you? TD: Detroit has become home, simply put. I love the hard work ethic of this city and have had countless conversations with wholesome, positive people. They all love where they are from,
BCL: You played college football at Ohio State. Are you still a loyal Buckeye? TD: I will always be a loyal Buckeye. I grew up in Vandalia, Ohio — and I know Michiganders may hate to hear it — but I always wanted to be a Buckeye. My time there really helped me grow up. CONTINUED >
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Decker and his wife, Kyndra, a chef, cook together. See Kyndra’s Thanksgiving recipes in “In Kyndra’s Kitchen” on page 24.
But I’ve become a man from my time in Detroit, competing on Sundays as a Lion. I think it is important to be cognizant of your roots and the people who helped you get to where you are. BCL: Tell your fans something about you that nobody knows. TD: I absolutely love getting the smoker rolling to make a barbecue. I do it at least once a week in season, and much more frequently off-season. I love the time and care it takes to be done properly and there’s no better way to build flavor than time. Another one: My wife and I love playing video games together to unwind. It gives us a brief escape from the madness of an NFL season. She’s a super nerd just like me! BCL: What are your goals in the game of football? TD: The ultimate goal is to be a winner, but there are multiple things that go into that. For me, the first thing is to make my loved ones proud. My wife, parents and family have always been supportive of me striving for my goals, and I want to repay that by being a person and athlete they’re proud of. The other would be earning the respect of my teammates and opponents. If you can do that then you’re approaching your craft the right way. BCL: With Thanksgiving coming up, how do you celebrate and what are you most thankful for? TD: I’m thankful for my loved ones. And soon [at the time of this interview], my wife and I will be welcoming our first child. That has been such an amazing experience, seeing Kyndra develop her maternal instinct. I grew up in a big family so beginning my own family with my wife is a huge chapter for me. CONTINUED >
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AT H LE T E LIF E | SPORTS + RE CRE ATI ON
“The ultimate goal is to be a winner, but there are multiple things that go into that. For me, the first thing is to make my loved ones proud.”
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Photo by Jeff Nguyen, Detroit Lions
BCL: Tell us about those tattoos. TD: I’ve got two sleeves, both hands, my chest, over half my back, a quad and a calf done — and I’m sure it won’t end there. I have a good amount of family in the military — when I was 18, I spent all of my graduation money on a tattoo to honor my brothers and their service in the Marine Corps and Navy. Then I was hooked. I have many that have meanings and others that I simply thought looked cool. My leg is a tribute to my family heritage. On my chest is a Lion with a Native American headdress (after a favorite mini statue my grandma had). I’ve got the Simba finger painting on an elbow — my favorite movie as a kid. I have Arizonainspired ones, where I spend my off-seasons and where I met my wife. And yes, I have a Block “O” from my time at Ohio State. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
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AT H LE T E LIF E | SPORTS + RE CRE ATI ON
“My wife, parents and family have always been supportive of me striving for my goals, and I want to repay that by being a person and athlete they’re proud of.”
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In Kyndra’s Kitc hen CHEF KYNDRA DECKER SHARES TWO HOLIDAY FAVORITES. ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYNDRA DECKER
Kyndra Decker not only has an eye for the gorgeous, but the talent to create it, too. The chef, food stylist, photographer and artist develops recipes in the kitchen of her nearly 100-year-old Bloomfield Hills home that she shares with her husband, Detroit Lions’ Taylor Decker (see “Fierce” on page 16), and furry buddies Rollo and Benny. A graduate of the Culinary School at Le Cordon Bleu, Decker created Kyndra’s Kitchen (kyndraclaire.com and @kyndraskitchen), where she posts her stunningly beautiful creations (which she photographs herself), some of which are found in Made With Love, Not Gluten (available on Amazon). Growing up in Scottsdale, Ariz., Decker learned to cook from her mom, Cindy, and grandmother, Joyce, and she immediately fell in love with the feeling of creating tantalizing food for her friends and family. She published her book, Made With Love, after being diagnosed with a gluten allergy, wanting it to be as appealing to look at as the recipes are mouthwatering to taste. “I never want anyone to feel the way I did, sitting in the doctor’s office that day, being told I couldn’t eat my favorite foods ever again,” Decker says. “Because you can. Going gluten-free does not mean you can’t still eat all of your favorite treats and that is what this book is all about.” In addition to Decker’s own love of cooking and baking, her husband, Taylor, is a fan of lighting up his backyard smoker. In the giving spirit of this holiday season, Decker shares with us two of her family’s favorite recipes.
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
G R A S S- F E D ANGUS RIBE YE WITH CHERRY BORDEL AISE SAUCE “When I made this sauce for Taylor, he said, ‘I would eat this cherry sauce off of a flipflop.’” No need! INGREDIENTS FOR THE STEAK • 2 grass-fed Angus steaks (Decker prefers ribeye) • Salt • Pepper • Garlic Powder • Oil • Butter INGREDIENTS FOR THE CHERRY BORDELAISE SAUCE • 1 tablespoon butter • 2 cups cherries (pitted & stemmed) • 1 shallot, sliced thinly • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme • ½ cup red wine • 2–3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • 1 tablespoon berry jam (any kind) • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon honey • Salt • Pepper
DIRECTIONS Let steaks rest at room temperature while you prepare the cherry sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 1–2 tablespoons butter. Add in shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes until they are soft and just start to caramelize. Add in the fresh thyme leaves, 2 cups cherries and ½ cup red wine. Reduce for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Next, add the 2–3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon berry jam, 1 tablespoon Dijon, 1 tablespoon honey. Stir until there are no more clumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and turn to low while you prepare the steaks. Season one side of the steaks with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Season very well! Turn skillet on high and let it come to temp.
In a cast-iron or skillet of your choice, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and about 2 tablespoons butter. Once very hot, add the steaks seasoned-side down. Do not move the steaks once placed on the skillet to avoid disrupting the crusting process. Season the other side thoroughly with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook for 3 minutes. Add more butter, flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Tilt the pan and baste the steaks. Using a meat thermometer, cook until the steaks reach 130 degrees F (medium rare). Adjust the cooking time to taste. Remove from pan and let rest for a couple minutes; begin plating. Add cherry sauce over the top and enjoy! CONTINUED >
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S A LT E D C A R A M E L APPLE COOKIE SKILLE T (G L U T E N - F R E E ) “One of my favorite cozy, fall-time, gluten-free treats,” Decker says. INGREDIENTS • 1 cup almond flour (heaping cup) • ½ tsp baking soda • Dash sea salt • ½ cup softened butter • ¾ cups brown sugar • 1 egg • ½ tsp vanilla • ½ cup chopped pecans SALTED CARAMEL TOPPING: • 1 cup diced apples (about 2 apples) • 2 tablespoons butter • ¼ cup brown sugar • ¼ tsp sea salt • Your favorite salted caramel topping • 1 pint your favorite ice cream DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a ⅛-inch cast-iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In stand mixer, combine browned butter and brown sugar. Whip until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix. Lastly, add the pecans. Scoop dough out into cast-iron skillet. Gently pat down to the edges. Bake 25-35 minutes, depending on how gooey you want the center to be. Watch closely! Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. While cooling, make the salted caramel apple topping. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples and let sauté for about 3 minutes. Add brown sugar and sea salt. Cook for 5 minutes until apples are soft and syrupy. Spoon apple mixture over cookie skillet and top with ice cream and drizzle with Salted Caramel Topping. Dig in!
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The Low Group
Business Built on Relationships We Provide:
Available for:
Investment Management
Individuals & Families
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Family-Owned Businesses Institutional Investors
John Low
Kristen Palazeti
Managing Director Private Wealth Advisor
Vice President Private Wealth Advisor
CEPA, CRPC
®
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Contact Our Team Today 248.833.6670 | rcm.rockco.com/thelowgroup lowgroup@rockco.com
135 N. Old Woodward, Ste. 200 · Birmingham
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Jumbo mortgage options for your needs to buy, build or borrow. The right mortgage supports your financial goals and fits
Work with a mortgage lender from your neighborhood. Contact me today or scan the QR code below to visit my mortgage loan officer webpage.
your long-term financial strategy. Get the personalized mortgage service and guidance you deserve, backed by the strength and stability of U.S. Bank.
– Financing available for up to $5 million – Low down payment options – Fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages – Builder Lock option with extended rate lock up to 360 days1
Ted Edginton Mortgage Loan Officer
– Primary residence, second homes and investment properties
office: 248-991-9390 cell: 248-866-9460 ted.edginton@usbank.com NMLS # 502442 1. A fee applies to the Builder Lock program extended rate lock. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2022 U.S. Bank
Let Our Family Take Care of Yours
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine in Bloomfield Hills
Porcelain Crowns & Veneers ∙ Invisalign ∙ GLO Whitening ∙ Implants Preventative Childrens Dentistry ∙ TMJ Therapy Dental Cleanings for the Entire Family ∙ Complete & Partial Dentures *All services under Enhanced Infection Control and Patient Protection Protocols
American Acupuncture Center Acupuncture / Herbal Medicine Cupping Therapy / Meditation Rohit Arora D.D.S. & Purvi Arora D.D.S.
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Call Us at 248.645.5222 or visit BinghamFarmsDentist.com 31000 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 160 Bingham Farms, MI 48025
248.566.6997 AmericanAcupunctureCenter.com 4120 West Maple Rd, #104 | Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
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plantsbringjoy.com | 248.752.7773 Birmingham Detroit NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I RM I N G HA M M I
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FOR THE COZY
THREE EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME.
H O L I D AY S
Tina Smart
ARTICLE BY LINDSAY SIKORA
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D E C OR T R E N D S | L IFE + CULTURE
BRIAN NEEPER ARCHITECTURE
CONTINUED >
248. 259. 1784
brianneeper.com
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The air is getting cooler, days are getting shorter and spirits are getting brighter. That can only mean one thing — the holidays are coming. A time spent giving thanks, getting cozy and entertaining family and friends. In anticipation of the holidays, freshen up your decor with a few easy fixes. A simple way to completely change the look of a home is by switching out the rugs — some people even do it every season. We asked Tina Smart, owner of Area Rug Company (arearugco.com) in Birmingham, to recommend some easy tips for cozying up your home for the holidays. Born and raised in Canada, Smart graduated college before joining her family’s area rug business, launched by her parents, who immigrated from India in 2010. After getting married, Smart moved to Michigan in 2016; when the pandemic created issues crossing the border to get to her store in Canada, she decided to open up shop in Birmingham, launching the Area Rug Co. in 2021. “My vision when opening Area Rug Co. was to create an area rug showroom that offers the best of both worlds – the ability to choose from thousands of beautiful in-stock rugs or design a custom, handmade rug that is uniquely you, with the ability to pick the color, shape, size and material,” Smart says. “I am constantly adding new collections every few months so our selection will always be fresh, modern, and in-line with today’s trends.” Each year, Smart visits India, where she chooses four to six collections of handmade rugs to feature in her store, with a focus on high quality, durability and affordability. Here are her top three ways to cozy up your space this holiday season:
CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE First question: Neutrals or colors? “Neutrals are more on trend this year,” Smart says, adding that more people are steering away from the cooler gray tones which were popular in years past and choosing instead a warmer neutral palette. “Look for more beiges, creams and browns,” she says. Although neutrals are more on-trend this year, Smart advises not to be afraid of color. “It’s a great way to warm up a space and it brings cheer,” she says, suggesting focusing on darker warm colors like burgundy and mustard yellow. Lastly, winter white is always a classic. “I’ll be using a lot of white and gold this year,” Smart says. “These colors uplift any space and bring the winter indoors.”
TINA SMART:
ARE A RUG CO. 34
D E C OR T R E N D S | L IFE + CULTURE
Layers of beige and white
The same room and furniture set against different colors
CHANGE OUT THE ENTRYWAY RUG
ADD A LITTLE HOLIDAY CHEER TO EACH ROOM
“Rugs are the foundation of the room. They anchor the space,” Smart says. Swapping out the entryway rug for something more festive is a great way to set the tone for the home. “It makes a great first impression and gives guests a sense of the personality of the home right away,” she says. For those a little intimidated by color, Smart suggests trying a Bogota rug. “The colors are more faded,” says Smart, “but they are a great way to incorporate color without overpowering the space.” As a busy mom to a two-year-old daughter, Smart knows “my rugs will eventually get dirty. That is why Area Rug Company only sources highly durable and easy-to-clean rugs.” This is especially important to have in high-traffic areas like an entryway.
Adding a little touch of autumn to each room can be an easy and budget-friendly way to add a festive touch to your home. Smart suggests swapping out simple items in each room for more holiday-inspired options, like the throw pillows on the couch and beds, the dining room centerpiece and the decor on the fireplace mantel. Smart is also a fan of Christmas trees. “I put one in every room of my house,” she says. From small pre-lit ones in the bedrooms to a huge one in the great room, a beautiful tree — or wreath of fall vignette — envelopes a home in warmth.
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a thanksgiving ta ble BRING THE OUTDOORS IN TO CREATE A LUSH DIY HOLIDAY SETTING WITH OUR EASY TIPS AND TRICKS. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
TABLESCAPE: LEANN PARKER WITH @SILVERTOOTHHOME CHARCUTERIE BOARD/FOOD STYLING: SARAH JUENEMANN WITH GRAZINGK
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H OST IN G T IP S | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
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| 248.268.4299 248-268-4299 www.DrPensler.com Double Board Certified Surgeon NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I RM I N G HA M M I
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Gathering with the people we love is a gift whether we eat off paper plates or good china. Even so, adding beautiful accents fosters meaning to these moments and can be just as easy to pull together. In this tablescape, we used touches of the outdoors with real leaves, pinecones and grapevine wreaths — simple additions that add personality and warmth to any autumn table. All it costs is a walk around your neighborhood. HOW TO: PRESERVE PINECONES Bake pinecones to remove any critters, dry up the sap and give them a beautiful glossy finish. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lay pinecones in rows, allowing space to expand when baking. Place in oven for about 30 minutes. If pinecones were gathered on a damp day, it might take longer. Keep a close eye and pull them out when the house smells of pine trees and your pinecones go from a matte to glossy finish. To use, simply scatter around the table or use as place-setting card holders (shown). HOW TO: PRESERVE LEAVES Gather fallen leaves and test for dryness. Look for mostly dry, not brittle or limp. If too limp or fresh, then press between books on parchment paper for a few days
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H OST IN G T IP S | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
before proceeding. When ready to begin, prep the space by placing leaves in a single layer on wax paper. Brush one side of the leaf with a thin coat of Mod Podge using a foam brush. Let dry for 30 minutes or until the white coat turns clear. Flip leaves over, brush the other side and let dry again. Use leaves by scattering them around the table or frame as art for the gathering space. HOW TO: WRITE PLACE CARDS Handwriting guests' names on place cards give an extra personalized touch. Start with writing the name with pencil (an eraser is your friend), then trace with a thintipped Sharpie. Finally, go over the down strokes with a thick-tipped sharpie to create a hand lettering effect. Watch the how-to video on IG @silvertoothhome.
“Gathering with the people we love is a gift whether we eat off paper plates or good china”
HOW TO: CREATE A GORGEOUS CHARCUTERIE BOARD Shopping List: • 3-4 fine cheeses (a variety of soft and hard) • 1-2 cured meats (like salami and prosciutto) • 2-3 season-fresh fruits • 1 dried fruit • Nuts • Olives • 1 jam/honey/mustard • 1-2 types of crackers • Fresh herbs for garnish 1. Build the foundation of your board with cheese. Add your softest cheese as a full block and pre-cut your hard cheeses by crumblings or slicing. 2. Fold salami into quarters and lay the salami throughout the board building around the cheese. 3. Add pops of color such as fruit and olives throughout the board. 4. In the remaining gaps on your board, add crunch with items like nuts and crackers. 5. Garnish your board with fresh herbs.
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