Issuu

DECEMBER 2018

LifestylePubs.com/Naples

Joy MEET TIMELESS'S CHEF DAVID NELSON: AN INSIDE LOOK INTO HIS CREATIVE KITCHEN

WHAT'S ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST? THREE LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS REVEAL ALL THEY WANT

THE NAPLES PLAYERS: 65 AND COUNTING

3 6 5 5 t h Av e n u e S o u t h # 1 0 4 , N a p l e s, F L 3 4 1 0 2 w w w. Fr i t z M a r t i n C a b i n e t r y. c o m 239.963.1731

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2018 PUBLISHER

Les Baker | les.baker@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Alison Holmes | alison.holmes@lifestylepubs.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Alexia Marcin | info@balancedimages.com

Magic Is in the Air

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Holmes

AS THE SAYING GOES, TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN. And time sure has flown by this year as we can’t believe we’ve put together the December issue of Naples Lifestyle and the year is coming to a close. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting down to wrap up the premiere issue for November. There’s a unique perspective that working in publishing brings. While we certainly don’t want to wish our lives away, we’re always looking toward the future. Whether it’s planning our next issue or developing story ideas for the next year, we’re often already fast forwarded to future months before the current month has even begun. The fast-paced lifestyle this industry calls for can often make it difficult to really settle down and absorb what’s going on around us and, before we know it, the year is over and it’s time to move forward again. So this December, we hope you take the time to slow down a little bit. With the holiday season upon us, we hope you make the time to take it all in. Enjoy your time with family and friends, bask in the magic of the winter season, reflect on past memories you hold close in your hearts and keep the new ones you create in the present for as long as you can. We’ll take your lead, and we can’t wait to see you next year!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin EDITORIAL Kate Baxendale AD MANAGER Chad Jensen AD COORDINATORS Cyndi Harrington | Alicia Huff | Jessica Soetaert LAYOUT DESIGNERS Cyndi King | Dana Rudolph | Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek | Adella Wrisinger FIELD SUPPORT Carli DiMarco | Victoria Perry PUBLISHER SUPPORT Melanie Carlisle ACCOUNTANT Austin Park APPLICATION ARCHITECT Michael O’Connell WEB DEVELOPERS Tejaswini Jagarlamudi | Harshith Potu

Les Baker, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

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Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

Proverbs 3:5-6 Naples Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Naples areas’ 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 Naples Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2018

FEATURES 18 All I Want for Christmas Shop for the Holiday Season Well in Advance

22 All the Worldâ€™s a Stage The Naples Players Turns 65

25 Timeless Dining Meet Chef David, the Talent behind Timeless: An MHK Eatery

25 28

28 A Naples Dream Home This Could Be Yours

18 DEPARTMENTS 8

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

25 Hot Spot 28 Open House 30 Culinary Creations 32 Trend Setter

GOOD TIMES

Just in Time for the Holiday Gift Giving Season Joseph Wendt Custom Clothiers recently hosted a trunk show featuring Spivey accessories. From bowties made of feathers toÂ geode cufflinks and many other unique items, these are available now and should help make holiday shopping easier for all the people in your life.

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

AROUND TOWN

NAPLES’ BOTANICAL GARDENS' NIGHT LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN, TROPICAL WINTER Wonderland, from Dec. 7-23, 26-30, 2018; and

TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL Dec. 18-24 at the Florida Rep at the Artstage Studio Theatre

Jan. 1-3, 2019, from 6-9 p.m. Rediscover the natural

Tenderly is a remarkably personal and poignant

beauty of plants from the tropics and subtropics

picture of the woman whose unparalleled talent

as thousands of lights illuminate the garden. Enjoy

and unbridled personality made her a legend. In

entertainment for the whole family including music

this fresh new musical revue, Rosemary Clooney’s

from various local artists and gourmet treats.

journey starts with her simple Maysville, Kentucky,

On select nights, your stroll will include making a

childhood and follows her rise to Hollywood star-

wish on a Wishing Tree and special holiday perfor-

dom. With her signature songs woven in and out,

mances by Opera Naples and Naples Ballet.

audiences learn about her professional successes

NaplesGarden.org

as well as her struggles. As her career fades with

the rise of rock 'n' roll, Rosemary battles with

WINTER FEST AT THE NAPLES ZOO On Dec. 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Naples

addiction and depression, but audiences will revel at her triumphant comeback.

Zoo at Caribbean Gardens hosts its annual Winter

A new musical salute to the beloved radio,

Fest when zoo officials will be delivering gifts to

TV and film icon featuring more than 20 amazing

the animals. A fun event for kids of all ages, the

tunes like “Come On-a My House,” “Hey There,”

event features big cats clawing into beautifully

“Sisters,” “Mambo Italiano” and many more.

wrapped presents, while many other animals enjoy

FloridaRep.org

holiday-related delicacies. Santa’s been spotted walking around gathering lists in years gone by; we expect he’ll drop in this year as well. NaplesZoo.org

CONTINUED >

THE NAPLES PLAYERS PRESENT

OUR 2018-19 SEASON

MARJORIE PRIME GUYS & DOLLS ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID LOST IN YONKERS THE NAPLES PLAYERS SUGDEN COMMUNITY THEATRE

701 5TH AVENUE SOUTH • NAPLES FL 34102

NAPLESPLAYERS.ORG • 239-263-7990 14

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

See what weâ€™ve done, and imagine what we can do... for you.

everlasting.

SARASOTA

D E L R AY B E A C H

S T O F F T C O O N E Y. C O M

NAPLES

AROUND TOWN

(CON TI N UED)

ARTIS NAPLES EVENTS Dec. 13-16: Celebrate the season with an allnew program of holiday classics, featuring the Naples Philharmonic Chorus and Youth Chorus. The program promises to remind us why music is such an important part of our year-end traditions. Jazz vocalist Denzal Sinclaire lends his smooth vocals to the festive Holiday Pops. Experience some of the most memorable music ever written as it was intended to be heard—in the company of friends, family and neighbors. Dec. 19 and 21: For opera lovers, the Naples

Carefully curated value-driven wines from small-production, artisan, family-owned wineries. We ensure your selection is the perfect wine to match your palate and purse.

Philharmonic and Opera Naples present Verdi’s Egyptian epic, featuring stunning costumes and remarkable sets in this fully staged production. An explosive tale of forbidden love, power and loyalty, Aïda is known for its grand pageantry and the famous Triumphal March. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

California Tasting Room Wine Education Center Private Event Venue Wine Storage Cellar Management Delivery Service

There’s a whole lot more at Artis, including a performance of The Nutcracker and The Sound of Music. ArtisNaples.org

THE ROTARY CLUB OF NAPLES' FOOD, WINE & BEER FESTIVAL Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m.: The Rotary Club of Naples' Food, Wine & Beer Festival is scheduled at Bayfront in Naples. This event will feature premium wines and craft beers, along with food from many local restaurants. The Saturday night party also includes music groups and entertainment all along the street. RotaryNaples.org

Open Monday-Saturday at 11 am The Wine Store 1200 Central Avenue Naples, Fl. 34102 (239) 234-6625 Info@TheWineStoreNaples.com

www.TheWineStoreNaples.com 16

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

We are always accepting submissions for announcements you’d like to see included in our Around Town section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at LifestylePubs.com/Naples.

GET READY. TO TA K E O N T H E WO R L D.

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

SOME PEOPLE—WE ALL KNOW A FEW—PLAN AND SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON WELL IN ADVANCE ARTICLE ALISON HOLMES | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIA MARCIN

THE HOLIDAYS ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, AND ALTHOUGH BEING TOGETHER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS EXCITING, FUN AND MEMORABLE, THE PRESSURE OF FINDING THE PERFECT GIFT IS NEVER EASY. So, for inspiration, we asked a few people about town who know what’s out there when it comes to putting together a great Christmas list. And while there’s food for thought within these pages, they are by no means the last word. After all, Santa himself should be the one who decides if our chosen advisors have been naughty or nice.

Meet Heather Serrano. For more than a decade now, Heather has spent her time meticulously transforming many of the finest properties in Southwest Florida into dream homes. “Everyone’s unique,” she says. “So I strive to reflect the lifestyle and needs of each homeowner with a custom design that’s sophisticated and timeless." As a lady whose forefinger is succinctly poised on the pulse of style, we trust her to choose well when it comes to the definitive gift. Have a look at what’s on Heather’s Christmas list this year. And while none of us in Naples are all that keen on rain, you’ll admit that Peter Max’s Umbrella Man would take pride of place on anyone’s living room wall.

Heather Serrano Designs 18

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

2097 Trade Center Way, Naples, 239.325.9794, SerranoDesigns.net

Heather Serrano is passionate about interior design. "Naples is a style lover's dream," she says.

HEATHER’S

CHRISTMAS LIST:

2. 3.

1. SOMETHING TIMELESS | Peter Max’s Umbrella Man, original acrylic on canvas, TheLoftFineArt.com, price upon request 2. SOMETHING USEFUL | MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Floor Lamp, NeimanMarcus.com, $2,995 3. SOMETHING GLAMOROUS | Aged Calfskin & Gold-Tone Metal Large Shopping Bag, Chanel.com, $4,800

CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Naples Lifestyle

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

(CON TI N U ED)

Another gal about town who’s frequently found sizing up other people’s homes for a good reason is Courtenay

Inspired Closets

Lindsey. She’s a designer at Inspired Closets, whose motto is “Love your Closet.” Ain’t that the truth? If you’ve ever lived in NYC or in a Parisian grenier, for that matter, you’ll know what it’s like to (literally) dream about closet space and an uber-organized life. Two area locations, InspiredClosets.com

1. A CRUISE ON SILVERSEA TO THE GALAPAGOS | Everything is organized for you, day and night silversea.com 2. ETUI VOYAGE PM | A stylish way to keep the clutter at bay while traveling louisvuitton. com, $445.00 3. A $100 ADOPTION FROM THE WWF | Courtenay's passionate about elephants and their conservation gifts.worldwildlife.org 1.

2. Courtenay Lindsey of Inspired Closets believes we are all more productive when we're organized. Here, here.

COURTENAY’S

CHRISTMAS LIST: 20

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

Bruce Nichols has the holiday season all wrapped up. A fine Burgundy is what he's hoping for, from his wine store—where else?

The Wine Store

BRUCE’S

CHRISTMAS LIST:

Bruce Nichols, a veteran of the hospitality industry, knows what to bring when he’s invited for dinner. He can also teach any wine newbies a little bit about which vintages go with what food if they spend a little time in this elegant store of his. “The holidays are all about celebrating,” he says. He has many ideas to share with fellow wine lovers; all you need to do is ask.

1200 Central Ave., Naples, 239.234.6625, TheWineStoreNaples.com

1. THE WINE STORE can suggest the perfect gift to leave out for Santa as he descends the chimney Dec. 24. 2. “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS COMES IN A BOTTLE, WITH A KRUG LABEL ON IT!” Bruce says.

December 2018 | Naples Lifestyle

There's talent behind the stage, too: Jessica Walck, associate artistic director, and Bryce Alexander, artistic executive director, The Naples Players

A L L T H E WOR L D ' S A STAGE THE NAPLES PLAYERS TURNS 65 ARTICLE ALISON HOLMES | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIA MARCIN

The production of Irving Berlinâ€™s White Christmas is sure to be a crowd pleaser

A glimpse into the prolific costume closet 22

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

SUGDEN COMMUNITY THEATRE 701 Fifth Ave. S Box Office: 239.263.7990 NaplesPlayers.org

"We are a small team of full- and part-time employees," says Bryce Alexander, TNP's executive artistic director. Proving Naples is a community that cohesively works toward the “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE, AND ALL THE MEN AND

greater good and has fun doing so, he explains, "We have about

WOMEN MERELY PLAYERS.” –Jaques, Act II, Scene VII, As

500 dedicated volunteers who work in every department, from

You Like It, William Shakespeare

costumes, stage creation, lighting, ushering and, of course, acting;

So proclaimed Jaques, one of the lead characters in Shakespeare's

that amounts to about 60,000 hours a year."

As You Like It—from the stage of London’s Globe Theatre—in a

With nine major productions annually, readings, various courses,

scene performed over and over throughout the years. So many

children's performances, yoga classes, music and comedies

great and memorable lines have been delivered from theaters all

on offer, there's always something going on—and often several

over the world since man first realized he needed entertaining that

productions rehearsing and performing at the same time. This

it's hard to believe that one theater, right here in downtown Naples,

December will be busy, including the staging of the holiday musical

is celebrating its 65th anniversary as Naples' oldest theater group.

classic Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, which is sure to be a big hit.

It all started back in 1953, when the newly organized Naples

"We are thrilled that for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and sev-

Players troupe gave its first performance, hailed as “worthy of

eral of our other productions, we can offer sensory-friendly perfor-

accomplished professionals” by the Miami Herald. But it wasn’t

mances, making it possible for individuals with special needs and

until the mid-1990s and several venues later that the city of Naples

their families to experience the same quality theater as everyone

offered TNP the fabulous opportunity to build Sugden Theatre on

else," Associate Artistic Director Jessica Walck says.

Fifth Avenue South. The city of Naples, back then, was struggling to retain the charm that made it such a popular destination.

During these performances, the house lights remain on all the time, the sound is turned down, movement during the performance is not

Around that time, a renowned architect had come to town to

restricted and the venue operates at 50 percent capacity. Also, audi-

assess the revitalization of downtown Naples. His advice: build

ence members receive a guide to the show that tells them where there

an arts center, like a theater, to anchor the culture of the com-

might be a sensory trigger, so they can prepare themselves in advance.

munity. And that's exactly what happened. A lot of hard work

Once again, as men and women, we are all merely players. Here's

and support plus generous donations helped make the theater

calling all aspiring actors out there: auditions for March and April's

the vital community center it is today.

production of Guys & Dolls will be held on Dec. 15. December 2018 | Naples Lifestyle

Joseph Wendt Custom Clothiers est. 1994

MASTER THE ART OF STYLE

WWW.

JOSEPHWENDTCC.COM

239.530.0070

HOT SPOT

Timeless Dining ARTICLE ALISON HOLMES | PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIA MARCIN

GREAT CHEFS, LIKE ARTISTS, MOST PEOPLE WILL AGREE, ARE CREATIVE, EXPERIMENTAL AND ENERGETIC TYPES. It’s a fact that a high dose of adrenaline makes miracles in the kitchen. Chef David Nelson of Timeless – an MHK Eatery is, and has, all that and more. Timeless's location is surprisingly and delightfully unusual. It’s in Naples’ design district, where the restaurant’s decor, like the food, is imaginative, beautiful and fits perfectly into the city’s groove. We’ve waited a long time for something like this. The chef himself is an all-around creative; a glance at the menu will prove it: dragon pizza, TIMELESS – AN MHK EATERY

seafood gumbo (perfected over countless hours, he’ll explain), and pork belly tacos, to name

90 Tamiami Trail N, Naples,

a few. But what impresses the most is his passion for all things food and the drive and deter-

239.331.4325, TimelessEatery.com

mination to achieve perfect results in everything that hails from within his open-view kitchen. CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Naples Lifestyle

(CON TI N U ED)

Timeless

HOT SPOT

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

In creating his domain, David recognized that having

“I love it here,” he beams.

the best tools of the trade was paramount to setting him

And when Matthew Kragh, founder and owner of

apart from what Naples already offered. Realizing that

the MHK Architecture + Planning office building where

pizza was a crowd-pleaser in town and determined to

Timeless is located, wanted to do something daring

deliver the very best, he went to Bellingham, Washington,

and unusual in Naples—namely open an “old Florida”

and came back a week later with the best coal-fired pizza

architectural-style eatery on his business premises—

oven money can buy—and the skills to use it.

David jumped at the chance.

David will tell you he was always ambitious, deter-

And the rest is history, as they say. Many of his cus-

mined to be noticed and to matter in his inner circle.

tomers are regulars, so the menu changes seasonally

As a native of Minneapolis, he didn’t stick around

to reflect the best produce available and the inspira-

the cold climes too long, but ventured forth, always

tions of the chef.

attracted to, and comfortable working within, the culinary world. Initially, he spent some time in the armed

“It’s how great dishes are created, and how things stay fun and exciting in the kitchen,” David says

services which, no doubt, fueled his determination to

And the future, one wonders?

get out and create some great food: notably timeless

“I plan to open restaurants wherever Matthew opens

dishes with a distinct flair. He settled in Seattle briefly, where he worked for Paul Mackay of El Gaucho Hospitality, learning to love all things seafood. Taking that devotion a step further, he

an architectural office,” David says. “In the near future, Greenville [South Carolina], and also Fort Myers and Palm Beach are on the cards, I hope.” So do we.

came to Florida, where, eventually, he found himself at

Timeless has a varied selection of food on offer;

Truluck’s upscale dining establishments as the regional

lunch and dinner menus vary, to include sandwiches,

manager based in Boca Raton. In that capacity, he made

salads, pizzas and more elaborate meals in the eve-

his way to Naples and decided to stay.

nings. Reservations, especially during the holidays,

And he’s never looked back.

are recommended.

December 2018 | Naples Lifestyle

OPEN HOUSE

A NAPLES DREAM HOME A QUAINT HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD MINUTES FROM THE BEACH AND DOWNTOWN NAPLES PHOTOS PROVIDED

TRULY A MASTERPIECE, THIS MAGNIFICENT RESIDENCE IN THE HEART OF OLDE NAPLES SITS JUST A FEW BLOCKS FROM THE SUGARY WHITE SAND BEACHES AND GLISTENING WATERS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO. Offering coveted southwestern exposure and decorated with St. Tropez furnishings, this four-bedroom-plus-den home was crafted with meticulous attention to detail and the finest finishes. An

entertainer’s

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the

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boasts Calcutta gold exotic stone countertops, Sub-Zero and Thermador appliances and a 300-bottle wine cooler found in the butler’s pantry. An expansive outdoor living area boasts a kitchen, two fire features and a sparkling pool and spa, perfect for enjoying the luxurious Naples lifestyle and beautiful weather. The charm of Olde Naples is defined by its delightful fusion of sophistication and coastal ease. Amidst the rich, colorful downtown architecture, you will find a mix of cultural art, historic landmarks, chic boutiques, exquisite dining and the historic Naples Pier. For more information, visit MichaelLawler.com.

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

INTERIOR + Four bedrooms plus den + 4 full and 2 half baths + Marble and wood floors + Large wine cooler + Large center island in kitchen + Eat-in kitchen area + Breakfast bar + Formal dining room + Bar with built-in cabinets + Tray ceilings + 3-car garage + 4,946 square feet under air

EXTERIOR + Outdoor kitchen with built-in grill + Private pool and spa with decorative fountains + Impact-resistant doors and windows + 6,496 total square feet

LIFESTYLE + Located near the heart of downtown Naples + Short distance to shopping, dining and entertainment + Close to the white sand beaches and Naples Pier

417 Palm Circle W, Olde Naples December 2018 | Naples Lifestyle

CULINARY CREATIONS

TIMELESS

LOBS TER CHEF DAVID SHARES AN ALL-TIME FAVORITE RECIPE

ROLL PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIA MARCIN

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A LOBSTER ROLL, PREPARED WITH THE FINEST INGREDIENTS AND SERVED IN A DELICIOUS BREAD ROLL? Chef David Nelson of Timeless – An MHK Eatery has shared this pared-down version of the restaurant's popular recipe. Still too hard? Skip the aioli, and just mix Meyer lemon juice into some mayo. But don't forget the parsley!

THE ‘BECKSTER’ LOBSTER ROLL Makes 4 sandwiches INGREDIENTS + 4 each split-top hot dog buns or 6-inch hoagie rolls + 2-3 tablespoons butter + 12 ounces cooked lobster meat + 6 tablespoons Meyer lemon aioli* + 2 avocados, diced + 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved + 1/2 cup mangos, diced + 2 lemons, zested and juiced + 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped + 1 1/2 tablespoons mint, chopped + 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

MEYER LEMON AIOLI

+ 1 head romaine lettuce

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

+ 1/4 cup canola oil

Pour the canola oil and olive oil into a measuring

Toast buns on a griddle or sauté pan

+ 1/4 cup olive oil

cup with a spout. In a blender or food processor,

with butter. Combine lobster meat, avo-

+ 3 egg yolks

combine the egg yolks, mustard, garlic, salt and

cado, mango, tomato, aioli, lemon juice,

+ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

white pepper. Pulse several times until the garlic

parsley and chopped mint. Toss gently to

+ 3 garlic cloves

is pulverized. With the motor running, add the oils

ensure everything is coated evenly. Place

+ 1/2 teaspoon salt

in a slow, steady stream. Stir in 3 tablespoons of

romaine leaves inside the pocket of the

+ 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground

the lemon juice. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon

toasted roll, divide the lobster mixture

lemon juice if needed to thin the aioli; it should be

among each bun and place on top of

the consistency of mayonnaise. Cover and refrig-

lettuce. Garnish the lobster mixture with

erate until ready to serve.

lemon zest and Old Bay. Serve.

white pepper + 3-4 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

creating

signature

spaces

inspired

our clients

heather serrano Interior Designer, Owner

schedule a consultation 239.325.9794 serranodesigns.net

TREND SETTER

W I N T E R’ S REVEL YOUR GUIDE TO A SIMPLE AND STYLIZED NEW YEAR’S SOIRÉE ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

FOLLOWING CLOSELY ON THE COATTAILS OF AUTUMNAL AND WINTER HOLIDAYS, THE CELEBRATION OF THE NEW YEAR CAN OFTEN BE OVERLOOKED DUE TO AN UNDERSTANDABLE DESIRE TO TAKE A BREAK FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE SEASON. But, a holiday that celebrates past memories and the opportunity for both new experiences and a fresh start shouldn’t lack any of the glitz of its celebratory predecessors. Round out the final days of the year reminiscing on or saying goodbye to the experiences—good and bad—of the previous 12 months with a simple end-of-the-year gathering that isn’t lacking any of the glamour.

THE DRI N K S

Champagne has long been a traditional drink to toast to the new year. Keep it simple but step up your game with your own DIY Champagne cocktail bar. Consider stocking your bar full of custom Champagne or bubbly choices, festive mixers like cranberry juice or rosemary simple syrup and unique garnishes like fresh fruit and herbs or decorative ice cubes with edible flowers.

TH E DECO R There’s no need to go out and buy a ton of additional decor when you just decked the halls (quite literally) with holiday ornamentation. Make those decorations work as hard as you did by repurposing all the greenery, pine cones and wood place settings you just couldn’t say no to. Throw in some neutral napkins, some natural twine and some dried orange peels for a woodsy (and fragrant) twist.

WHAT YOU NEED + Cheese board or serving plate

3 THE SNACKS

Cheese is best served at room temperature, so

Keep your guests happy with the perfect cheese plate. Consider

be sure your cheese has time to rest prior to

how many people you’ll be serving, whether you’ll be serving before or after dinner and what cheeses you’ll want to include. According to WineFolly.com, sparkling wines pair best with creamy, sticky cheeses due to the high acidity and carbonation.

+ Assortment of cheeses (We recommend Brie, Port Salut, Muenster, Camembert or Gruyere) PUTTING IT TOGETHER

serving. Slice the cheeses and arrange artfully on your cheese board with labels for each. Consider providing separate serving knives for each cheese to avoid any mixing of flavors. Add any additional bites you’d like and enjoy!

December 2018 | Naples Lifestyle

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Naples Lifestyle | December 2018

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The E-Class Cabriolet, scintillating and sporty. Donâ€™t just reach for the stars. Touch them. Make all your dreams come true this holiday season at Mercedes-Benz of Naples.

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of Naples