Vintage connoisseurs offer their expertise on how to assemble the perfect bar for chic cocktails
Interior Design by Brown Cow Design | Photo by Alyssa Lee Photography
TIME TO CELEBRATE
Some gifts you unwrap once, then wear forever. This 41 mm Seamaster Aqua Terra is crafted in stainless steel and features a sun-brushed blue dial that is distinguished by signature stripes. Powered by a Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre, it’s an OMEGA choice that delivers precision, as well as style versatility. A perfect way to mark this season of celebration.
An
Hitting
Raise
Photo: Chris Emeott
from the EDITOR
The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year because I adore spending time with family and friends. I make it a point to pause and reflect on everything good that happened during the year. Who and what made life more meaningful? What am I grateful for? What do I hope for next year? These questions are the ideal way for me to end my year. I started this after attending a Tony Robbins seminar in 2023. He said, “Replace your expectations with gratitude and your whole life will change.” How would your life change if you examined it from a point of gratitude? It’s with this in mind that I curated our annual giving back and family issue. This month celebrates the connections that sustain us and the creativity that weaves beauty into our community.
For the connections that sustain us, we meet local filmmaker Brennan Vance whose documentary spotlights the unsung heroes who care for our most vulnerable (page 18).We also join two friends whose annual holiday cookie exchange has become a beloved tradition—complete with a healthy dose of competition for who makes the best treats (page 32).
In the realm of creativity, we introduce Kith + Kin Co., a toy company that is redefining playtime by creating dolls and playsets that reflect the families of today—diverse, modern and full of heart (page 14). We also step inside Carnival Bar, where circusinspired art from a restaurateur’s grandfather’s collection sets the stage for a playful atmosphere (page 10).
As we step into this festive time of year, I wish you a home full of kindness, light, peace, prosperity and warmth.
Happy Holidays!
Mehta feroza@localmedia.co
the Cover:
Photo by: Chris Emeott
Feroza
VOL. 21 NO. 5
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Feroza Mehta
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Perrier Briggs, Sarah Davis, Emily Deutschman, Taylor Ellingson, Jess Fuentes, Daniel Green, Gregory Rich, Twila Singh, Kelly Smith, Maureen Millea Smith, Jasmine Brett Stringer and Laura Westlund
DIGITAL INTERN
Claire Krieger
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Alison Perrier Briggs, Edina Community Foundation ; Daphne Edwards, Edina Public Schools ; Greg Hoyt, Gather Venture Group ; Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce ; Rebecca Sorensen, 50th & France Business Association ; Jasmine Brett Stringer, Carpe Diem with Jasmine ; Kelly Vickers, Zimmer Design ; and Annette Wildenauer, Design Mode Studios
Many families in Edina make it an annual tradition to take a family photo in front of the Galleria’s beautifully decorated holiday tree. It’s one of the many indoor exploits that await this festive season. The mall has complimentary valet parking, dazzling décor, extended hours and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy exclusive promotions, piano players and harpists on select dates and multiple photo opportunities. Adding to the cheer are the mall’s new retailers and dining spots, including an expanded Arhaus showroom, Boll & Branch, Faribault Mill, a refreshed Sweet Ivy and Sweet Paris Crêperie. —Feroza Mehta
Cook Less, Celebrate More
Growing up in England one of the staple meals in our home was shepherd’s pie. It was the ultimate comfort food because it was home cooked, hearty and always made with love. My mother would make big batches, enough to last us through the week or to freeze
for another day, and it somehow tasted even better the next time around. She always made it with very lean beef, keeping the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor. For my version, I whip the mashed potatoes until they are smooth and creamy, then brush the top with a
little egg wash to give it that beautiful golden crust when baked. Find the full recipe at edinamag.com.
Daniel Green is an Edina resident and a chef who specializes in healthy eating. Find his cookbooks on amazon.com.
Photos: Edina Galleria
This Is Happiness
This Is Happiness by Niall Williams is set in the imagined village of Faha on the rainy western coast of Ireland. Elderly Noel Crowe, known as Noe, looks back on the months he spent with his grandparents, Ganga and Doady, after he left the seminary at the age of 17 in 1958.
In a place known for cold rains, Easter week arrives sunny and warm in Faha, and it stays that way for weeks. While his grandparents attend Holy Week services, an older man named Christy turns up at their farm. Doady has taken him on as a boarder. He is there to sign up the villagers for electricity. The Rural Electric Scheme is coming to Faha, decades after it had reached the Irish cities. Christy takes on Noe as an unofficial employee. A friendship begins. During their weeks together in the miraculous sunshine, Noe learns Christy’s story. Williams’s novels are great reading, day or night, in any season.
Maureen Millea Smith is a retired librarian and a Minnesota Book Award winning novelist.
Heritage Meets Holiday
Faribault Mill, the Minnesotan textile brand known for its distinctive woolen goods, has opened a pop-up shop in the Galleria. The brand is known for its iconic frontier blanket with its navy blue, yellow and red stripes, and its Kelly Green Edina blanket. Learn more about Faribault Mill and how local business leader Paul Mooty and his family reopened the factory in an upcoming issue. —Feroza Mehta
Photo: Faribault Mill
An Evening at the Circus
Tommy Begnaud and the Mr. Paul’s team create a secret bar of whimsy.
By Feroza Mehta
Edina’s dining scene has a whimsical new addition with the Carnival Bar, created by the team behind Mr. Paul’s Supper Club. Co-owner Carrie Erickson describes the new venture as a “super fun” space where wonder and nightlife collide. Carnival Bar—co-owned by Erickson, Tommy Begnaud and Courtney Briden—is tucked behind Mr. Paul’s and represents a fresh chapter for the whole team. “When we finished Mothership [Pizza Paradise], we thought, ‘What do we do now?’ We love to start new things.” They figured the sandwich shop behind Mr. Paul’s needed a facelift. “We thought it was time for a refresh. We wanted to focus on the nightlife business, and it would be fun to have a secret bar back there,” she says.
The secret bar is a mix of nostalgia and creativity that is anchored by a series of
circus-themed paintings from the art collection of Begnaud’s grandfather, Mr. Paul. “We had these awesome paintings from Mr. Paul,” Erickson says. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we use that as the focal point?’” The paintings were originally painted onto a circus tent. “Mr. Paul had them pulled off and commissioned an artist to cut the tent apart and put them on these pieces of wood. It was all one piece on a tent before,” she says. The series of five paintings spans the eccentric and playful world of the circus. They are the perfect visual centerpieces for Carnival Bar.
The design of the space is a reflection of the bar’s playful spirit. The team meticulously planned every detail. “We designed it ourselves. It’s our brainchild,” she says. “We hired a painter, and we bought the glass and brass shelving. We
shopped around. A lot of the glassware is one-of-a-kind vintage glassware we collected. We extended the bar and did new lighting, tables and barstools. We striped the ceiling to resemble a circus tent on the inside. We love color and pattern. We want people to have things to look at, to have a full experience.”
Carnival Bar’s menu is as playful as its décor. There are shareable plates and a “burger of the moment,” which changes every couple of weeks. Recent creations have included a Pepper Jack Juicy Lucy and an homage to White Castle. “That’s our schtick back there,” Erickson says. “We always have something new for people to try.” Inventive cocktails also dazzle the menu. The Popcorn Margarita features lime, orange liqueur, popcorn and tequila. Giggle Water is a cotton-candy
topped vodka drink mixed with cherry bark vanilla, cotton candy seltzer, sakura blossom and more. And the Circus Peanut Fizz is a nod to the classic marshmallow candy. It’s an eclectic yet delightful mix of banana liqueur, chai spices, nondairy creamer, seltzer and vodka.
Beyond its everyday offerings, Carnival Bar can also be rented out for private events. It’s open Thursday through Saturday evenings and closes at or around 11 p.m.
“We love to start new things and bring fresh experiences to the area,” Erickson says. “We pushed the boundaries with Carnival Bar.”
Carnival Bar mrpaulssupperclub.com @carnivalbarmn
Carnival Bar dazzles guests with its lively circus-inspired interior and inventive cocktails.
Hitting the Right Notes
Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs celebrates its 45th anniversary.
By Emily Gedde
If a 12-year-old Edina boy's enthusiasm for a Twin Cities choir is any indication of its success, then Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs (ACYC) is hitting all the right notes. Louie Salmen’s passion reflects the heart of the organization that’s been transforming the lives of youth for 45 years, one performance at a time. “I remember singing at the Ordway once, and I looked around and thought how cool it was to perform there,” Louie says. “It was so amazing.”
As a sixth-grade student at South View Middle School in Edina, Louie has had four years of fond memories since joining ACYC the summer before third grade. As an organization that attracts students from 36 different schools around the Twin Cities (and as far away as Owatonna), it’s the friendships that truly stand out for the young man. “I have met so many great people at choir. I love the songs we sing too, but I have a lot of great friends here,” he says.
The connections certainly are special. ACYC executive director Audrey Riddle says she loves watching the friendships form—and last—as students grow up with the organization. “These kids all share something in common,” Riddle says. “They all have a special bond of their love of music. Singing is a skill you get for your whole life. It’s where you find community.”
Since its inception in 1980, ACYC has created a space for kids who have
Photo:
Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs
chosen music as their “sport,” and the choir becomes a close team. Riddle says whether its newcomers or alumni, the faces and voices of ACYC are like a family. And once those notes are learned, real magic happens, she says.
Louie agrees. “It’s been a magical journey,” he says, noting his involvement in the choir has taught him discipline, patience and how to work together as a team. “Everyone has to do the same amount of work every week at practice and when we practice at home too.”
His mom, Anne Salmen, says she’s been impressed with the confidence ACYC has helped instill in her son. “They teach them such amazing skills on how to carry themselves and teach them things they carry over to other parts of their lives,” she says. “These choirs provide self-motivated kids an opportunity to grow their skill and have fun.”
As ACYC embarks on its 45th year, the magic of the organization will be on full display December 7 during its winter concert at the Ordway Concert Hall (345 Washington St., St. Paul). The schedule includes two shows, the first at 4:30 p.m., featuring the organization’s younger singers (Con Brio, Cantabile and Concert Choir). The second event is at 7:30 p.m. and includes ACYC’s senior-level singers (Cantanti Singers, Concert Choir and Treble Singers). Both shows are pay what you can, a reflection of the choir’s commitment to accessibility and community.
Looking ahead, Riddle hopes to continue what ACYC does best: putting kids first. “We are going to keep what we’re doing really well while focusing on the kids first,” she says. “We’ll be singing every week and getting ready for our concerts.”
For Louie, he’s looking forward to continuing to do what he enjoys during this milestone year. “It’s important to love what you’re doing,” he says. “And I just love doing what I’m doing.”
Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs angelicacantanti.org @angelicachoirs
MINNETONKA, GOLDEN VALLEY, EDEN PRAIRIE AND PRIOR LAKE
With a legacy of architectural, design and construction accolades, our talented team is dedicated to surpassing your
Let’s bring your vision to
Proven Quality. Proven Trust. Since 1975.
A Family for Every Family
An entrepreneur reimagines a classic toy.
Jennifer Pitterle
Written
When Edina’s Sarah O’Keefe couldn’t find dollhouse figurines that represented her blended family, she didn’t just get frustrated—she got to work. What began as a challenge on behalf of her kids has blossomed into Kith + Kin Co., O’Keefe’s wooden-toy company that celebrates family diversity.
The journey started around 2017, when O’Keefe and her now-ex, Tony Nardi, were going through a divorce. Their children were young and attending play therapy. “I had noticed that both of my kids gravitated toward playing family with the dollhouse in the therapy sessions,” O’Keefe says. “I thought it was such a thoughtful thing to be doing at home, too.” She wanted to continue this therapeutic play but quickly discovered a problem: The dollhouse toy market offered limited family representations. “I just found the ‘nuclear family’ with a mom, dad, boy and girl. A white family,” she says. “I thought, ‘Well, wait a second. This just doesn’t work with modern families.’”
She wondered about families of all shapes and sizes not represented by traditional toy sets—adoptive and foster families; families where grandparents are primary caregivers; families with two moms or two dads; multiracial families; single-parent families; and so on. Determined to create change, O’Keefe embarked on what would turn out to be a complex technological journey.
She envisioned an online shopping platform where her customers could customize each figurine for their family sets instead of purchasing a prepackaged group of dolls. She reached out to various tech firms to explore the possibilities and found it would be prohibitively expensive. So when one company offered to develop the technology pro bono, her dream suddenly seemed possible. “I knew that I had to move forward because I couldn’t pass up this opportunity,” O’Keefe says.
Next, she worked with illustrators to create layered digital illustrations that could then be printed onto wooden figurines. And her background as an interior designer influenced her vision for creating not just dolls but entire community settings. “I wanted the kids to set up their community, kind of like you set up a toy train table,” she says. (As of this writing, in addition to its people figurines, Kith + Kin Co. offers a bookstore, fire station, flower shop, ice cream shop, market and school in its Community Buildings line.) There are also nativity sets for families who celebrate Christmas.
After years of development, Kith + Kin Co. officially launched in December 2024. The wooden figurines are crafted from solid maple and printed in Minneapolis. But for O’Keefe, this is about more than just a business—it’s a mission of representation. “If you just look at all the studies out there, representation is about [what] makes a child feel included and seen and heard,” she says. “There’s the joy of a child saying, ‘This is me, and this is my
Sarah O’Keefe
by
— Photos by Kith + Kin Co
“There’s the joy of a child saying, ‘This is me, and this is my family.’”
Sarah
O’Keefe,
owner and creator of Kith + Kin Co.
family.’” Her family story continues to reflect the modern complexity she celebrates. O’Keefe and her ex-husband, Nardi, “… have a wonderful coparenting relationship,” she says. “We’re best friends.” She’s also now engaged to Jack Toal, who lives with her and her kids, Sam, 12, and Elsie, 11. “Everything is very modern and happy,” she says.
The response to Kith + Kin Co. has been validating, O’Keefe says. One happy customer is Liseli Radko, who owns Emery’s Playhouse children’s boutique in St. Paul. “We’re a vibrant melting pot,” Radko says of her family. She’s from Trinidad; her husband, Jacek Radko, is Polish. “Our little girl, Emery, 1, gets the best of both worlds,” Radko says. “I’ve purchased a few of the wooden dolls … I designed Jacek, myself, my mom and my sister. It’s been such a unique experience. Emery gets to see us represented in a fun way. Every morning, she rushes to her dollhouse, pulling out the dolls and excitedly saying, ‘Da,’ to the daddy figure. It’s such a special way for her to connect with our family.”
Looking ahead, O’Keefe plans to expand Kith + Kin Co.’s offerings. She’s working on adding more community buildings that offer a broader representation of where kids live and is also focused on creating figurines that show disabilities. “Because so many families are different today, they deserve to feel seen,” O’Keefe says. “That’s what I wanted to do with Kith + Kin; I wanted kids to have the opportunity to see themselves and their families and to bring them that joy.”
Kith + Kin Co. kithandkincompany.com @kithkincompany
A Kith + Kin Co. dollhouse with customizable figurines comes in three distinctive designs: Cape Cod, Colonial and Tudor.
You’ve got enough on your plate this season— let Bonfe handle the rest. Our licensed, insured technicians are available 24/7 for any emergency, and every recommended repair or installation comes with our Lifetime Warranty.
Stay cozy, stress-free, and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Bonfe.
LIFELINE
Documentary filmmaker highlights the work of unsung caregivers.
WRITTEN BY MOLLEE FRANCISCO
Brennan Vance can’t help but pause when someone calls him a documentary filmmaker. Even though he has a couple of documentaries under his belt, the whole experience feels relatively new. “I still don’t identify as a documentarian. It was an accident that I fell into documentaries,” Vance says.
Vance’s latest documentary is the Regional Emmy Award-winning, How to Care. It premiered at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival in April and had a second screening at the Edina Mann Theatre in May. It can currently be seen on PBS and follows Dan Stallsworth, a 75-year-old artist with cerebral palsy, and his caregivers while offering a glimpse of the human side of care work.
“The goal was to show the positive effects of care,” he says. “Show these people in their fullness, their amazingness. It was an exciting challenge.”
A CAMERA AND A STORY
Vance, who graduated from Edina High School in 2003, grew up loving films. “I thought Jurassic Park was the greatest thing ever,” he says. “Then I found films that changed my DNA, films like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Punch Drunk Love and The Royal Tenenbaums.”
In his 20s, Vance moved to New York City to pursue film work, but the reality of making movies quickly put him in his place. “It’s expensive and time-consuming to make fiction work,” he says.
Photo: Chris Emeott
Brennan Vance
YOUR LUXURY REAL ESTATE ADVISORS
Our top agents provide in-depth market insights, local expertise, and targeted strategies to showcase your property and connect buyers with the lifestyle they desire. Keenan
612-926-9999
Moving what matters forward.
Photos: Brennan Vance
How to Care offers a glimpse into the life of Dan Stallsworth and his caregivers Mel Jones (top), Dolphine Momanyi (middle), Sam Subah (bottom), Jessica Dzielinksi and Lisa Riley (not pictured).
“There was so much joy, so much fun. People genuinely seemed to love each other. I wondered, ‘Is it possible to capture this on film?’”
Brennan Vance, filmmaker
Documentary films were another story. “With a camera, a couple [of] people and a good story, you can make a documentary,” Vance says. “And it can be even more resonant. To tell a story through someone else’s eyes is like walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.”
Finding the right subject matter was Vance’s first hurdle when tackling documentary work. Then, his father was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. “It was a tenuous relationship,” he says. “But there was this short window of time, and my impulse was, whatever happens, I’m going to film it.” The result was a 30-minute documentary film called Like Father Vance says only a couple [of] dozen people have ever seen it, but making it changed everything. “It was therapeutic in ways,” he says. “It was an adventure. It made me confident that this was something I could pursue.”
Vance used the film to get a grant to continue his work in documentaries. “It opened me up to the idea that reality is a lot more interesting,” he says. “There’s a rich, visual art to real-life stories.”
THE RIGHT STORY AT THE RIGHT TIME
After months searching for his next project, Vance was approached by Jon Hallberg, a family medicine physician and medical director at University of Minnesota Physicians Mill City Clinic. Hallberg suggested creating a
documentary about caregivers. It was an idea that had already been sitting in the back of his mind after watching his father’s illness progress. “It was an emphatic yes,” Vance says.
Then Vance met Stallsworth and his caregivers at Living Well Disability Services in Inver Grove Heights. “Within 30 seconds of meeting, [Stallsworth] was trying to sell me one of his paintings,” Vance says with a warm laugh. “There was so much joy, so much fun. People genuinely seemed to love each other. I wondered, ‘Is it possible to capture this on film?’”
Vance filmed for five or six days, capturing the ins and outs of a day with Stallsworth. The film also captures Stallsworth talking to local lawmakers about continued funding for his kind of care. “It was the best directing job I’ve ever had,” Vance says. “These people were ready to tell their story. It was like lightning in a bottle.”
But the highlight of the experience was watching the film with Stallsworth and the caregivers at Living Well’s Cloman House. “It was the greatest screening of my life,” Vance says. “I knew they felt seen.”
Brennan Vance brennanvance.com @_brennanvance
TO BE TRULY SEEN
For Dan Stallsworth, the man at the center of the documentary How to Care, seeing himself on film was a unique experience. “It made me feel like a man with abilities instead of disabilities,” he says.
Stallsworth says he was honored to be a part of the documentary and share part of his life with an audience. “I want people to know how life is for someone in a wheelchair,” he says. “I wanted people to see how people in wheelchairs live their lives at home and in the community.”
Sam Subah, one of Stallsworth’s caregivers featured in the film, also wanted to
shed light on his life and his work. “I felt that the documentary was an excellent opportunity to make people understand the importance of the work we do,” he says. “I have been doing this for over 30 years, and this was one opportunity I had to allow others to see how fulfilling it is to work with the people we serve.”
Subah has known Stallsworth for eight years and describes him as “exceptional.”
“He’s always happy regardless of what comes his way,” he says. “His cup is always half full, and no matter who he meets in his path, he brings light to their world.”
While at times the job of providing care for Stallsworth can be physically exhausting, Subah says getting to know Stallsworth has been one of the best experiences of his career. “It’s always laughter, joy and happiness whenever I see [Stallsworth],” he says. “It never feels like work to me; it always feels like a place to hang out and have fun.”
Subah says that Vance’s film brought tears to his eyes. “[Vance] captured the most important piece, and it was about the people we serve,” he says. “I hope that the viewers can take away
Photos: Living Well; Brennan Vance
Left: Brennan Vance filming during Disability Services Day at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Below: A sampling of Dan Stallsworth’s paintings, which he creates at his day program. There is a whole section about the day program and how Stallsworth brings his creativity to life in Brennan
the importance of making a difference in someone’s life means more in this line of work than the wages we make.” He encourages people to watch the film and learn more about people with disabilities and their caregivers. “Invest, reach out and make a difference,” he says.
“People are no different from each other in this world,” Stallsworth says. “We should all find a way to care/love each other more.”
To watch the How to Care documentary, go to tpt.org.
Vance’s How to Care
Vintage connoisseurs offer their expertise on how to assemble the perfect bar for chic New Year’s cocktails.
RAISE YOUR GLASS
Written by Jennifer Pitterle —
by Chris Emeott
Lisa Clark Balke and Susan Blankenship have been curating unique vintage and new home decor treasures at Victory Vintage, their 44th Street shop in Minneapolis, for over 10 years. Beyond selling to the public, Clark Balke and Blankenship offer their expertise to style houses and offices, blending one-of-akind finds with fresh pieces to create spaces that truly stand out.
We turned to these vintage-style experts for their advice on setting up a bar for New Year’s Eve cocktails, using classic vintage glassware and barware. No matter how small the space they’re styling—whether it’s a bar cart in a study or a full kitchen island—Clark Balke and Blankenship take a thoughtful, design-forward approach that doesn’t skimp on details.
Old School Cool
For a bar setting that’s right out of a wood-paneled library or a country club, Clark Balke and Blankenship would start with a shiny silver or brass tray topped with a decanter and lowball glasses— those are the shorter, straight-sided glasses usually intended for scotch or Old Fashioneds.
Next, add a few details that will make your bar feel finished, like vintage swizzle sticks—some sterling silver— and liquor callers, those little labels that tell you what’s in a decanter. “My favorite piece for this setup is a Lucite, golf-ball-shaped ice bucket. It’s very mid-century modern,” Blankenship says. “If you golf, it’s fun to put that out with vintage glasses that have golfers
Lisa Clark Balke and Susan Blankenship, co-owners of Victory Vintage.
Photos
on them.” Feel free to mix themes to match the interests of your guests: “If someone’s a big tennis player, we also have vintage glasses with tennis rackets in gold and black.”
If your vibe is more English country manor, check out an unusual bar piece like stirrup cups, which feature animal heads, like foxes or deer. “They were given to guests before going on a hunt while they had their feet in leather stirrups,” Blankenship says, hence the name. The butler or footman would bring out a tray of the pewter or silver cups and pour each guest a few sips before they departed.
Gatsby Glitz
If your image of a chic New Year’s Eve party leans to the Roaring Twenties, go all in, says Blankenship. “Try a big stack of Champagne glasses,” arranged like a pyramid. “Our favorites are the coupes.” Coupes are shallow, saucer-shaped
stemware designed so the Champagne or sparkling wine flows down into the stem. Vintage ones made by Murano are popular. “We’d also have a big, vintage Champagne bottle as a decoration, maybe one that was a liquor store display. Then, add a vintage Champagne cooler in a sparkly metal.” After you stack the glasses, pour the Champagne starting at the top glass, and watch it waterfall into the coupes below for a real pièce de résistance
Mix and Match
Blankenship and Clark Balke say your cocktail bar setup should be eclectic and personal. The shelves at Victory Vintage feature everything from candles, coffee table books, furniture, gifts and napkins to barware, blue and white chinoiserie, jewelry and purses. You might find a piece that’s not barware but that complements your theme to accessorize the space. “A big bouquet of flowers or
greenery, a disco ball for New Year’s or even a figurine holding a little tray for nuts,” Blankenship says. Candles add warmth and ambiance but should be used cautiously around alcohol.
Mixing silver-plated Champagne buckets with crystal glasses or pairing a vintage picture frame or trophy filled with toothpicks is all part of the art. “We don’t often have matching decanters and glasses,” Clark Balke says. “It’s muscle memory. If it looks good, it works.” When hosting, Clark Balke often sets out a variety of glasses and lets guests pick their favorite. “That way you can display it all and actually use it,” she says.
Left: A cherished set of vintage Minneapolisthemed glasses, once given to new bank customers, features gold accents and illustrations of local landmarks. Right: A set of 4 Culver Valencia lowball glasses. Opposite page: A bar cart complete with a midcentury modern Lucite ice bucket.
Vintage Old Fashioned
MID-CENTURY MIXOLOGY
Consider the flow of guests around your bar at a large gathering. “For New Year’s, I’d have drinks ready to go, like Champagne or one signature cocktail on hand, so you’re not running around making drinks when you should be with your company,” Susan Blankenship says. “Then have a self-serve setup with wine and nonalcoholic options.”
We asked Blankenship and Lisa Clark Balke to share some inspiration for a couple of signature cocktails, perfect for New Year’s Eve. For a Vintage Old Fashioned, use rye whiskey, Grand Marnier cherries and bitters, and serve in a lowball glass with an oversized ice cube. Or, try a Dark Rum Southside, with dark rum, simple syrup, sparkling water, lime and mint leaves. Pair this one with 1950s-style glasses, like the sterling-topped ones by beloved California designer Dorothy Thorpe.
Expect community focused banking.
After all, beautiful glassware should be used. Other than handwashing your vintage glass, the best thing you can do is enjoy it, says Clark Balke. “You can’t be worried if someone breaks it,” she says.
The Thrill of Discovery
For those looking to start their own vintage barware collection, Blankenship advises hunting for recognizable brands like Dorothy Thorpe, George Briard, Libby, Moser and Waterford. “Look for labels, and get your magnifying glass out. You can tell quality by how it feels in your hand,” she says. “Some Libby glassware even has 22-carat gold accents. Just remember: no dishwasher.”
Among Blankenship and Clark Balke’s prized pieces is a full set of Minneapolisthemed glasses, which had been handed out decades ago with new bank accounts. “They have gold accents and feature landmarks like the Northrop Auditorium and the old Guthrie [Theater]. I always use them as my water glasses at the table,” Blankenship says.
Victory Vintage shopvictory.com @victoryvintage44
Dynamic duo gives the traditional cookie exchange party a festive edge.
Written by Mollee Francisco
A Friendly Competition
It’s one of the most coveted invites of the holiday season for friends of Edina’s Jasmine Brett Stringer and Kim Sundy: the annual cookie exchange party. Each December, they welcome more than 60 people for an evening of sweet treats, hearty laughs and friendly competition. “We have a lot of people who say, ‘I never thought a cookie exchange party could be so epic,’” Stringer says. Sundy adds, “We go all out … This is our Super Bowl.”
This cookie exchange party is next level, complete with themed décor, a signature cocktail and even a party butler. It’s no wonder guests are always asking if they can bring a friend next year. “It has become about community over time,” Sundy says. “That’s what’s really special about it.”
FIRST FÊTE
Stringer and Sundy first met when they were assigned to the same party planning committee at General Mills. “We just clicked,” Stringer says.
The instant friends eventually migrated their party planning prowess outside of the office and decided to throw their own event. That first cookie exchange party was 13 years ago. Sundy was living in Mexico City at the time, and they were trying to figure out a way to get together over the holidays. They opted to model a festive fête after the famous Wellesley Cookie Exchange. Sundy would fly back to the Twin Cities for the event, and they would invite a small handful of their closest friends. Everything was going to plan until Stringer, who had been working in New York prior to the party, got stuck on the tarmac waiting for her flight back to Minnesota. “I only made it to the tail end of the first one,” Stringer says. “But I saw the energy and excitement.”
That was enough to convince the duo to throw a second party the following year. Over time, they outgrew Stringer’s condo and then her house. During COVID-19, they hosted the party virtually. And for the
Bake, Trade, Repeat
For those interested in hosting a cookie exchange party, Jasmine Brett Stringer advises nailing down a theme early and using that to shape the event and start gathering materials. Send out save the dates as soon as possible, and let guests know the categories and the theme, Stringer says. Then, let the invitees work their magic. “It’s all guest driven,” she says. “The people bring the energy.”
last three years, the friends hosted the event in an office center. “It’s a holiday tradition now,” Sundy says. “Life is busy, but people will say, ‘I know I’ll see you at the cookie exchange,’” Stringer says.
THE VIBE
So, what is it about this cookie exchange party that has people clamoring for an invite? “It’s the energy and the vibe,” Stringer says. “Joy is on the menu,” Sundy says. “It’s a nice place to meet people.”
Stringer and Sundy set the tone for the event. “We always have matching Christmas sweaters and some sort of lighted feature or accessory,” Stringer says. They fill the space with holiday décor. (Last year, there were poinsettias everywhere.) They also develop a signature drink for their guests. Aside from some light hors d’oeuvres, the hosts let the cookies take center stage. “A lot of people try to get there early,” Stringer says. “They bring displays with lights and everything.”
“People really do get into the presentation,” Sundy says, noting all the extras competitors bring from décor to chocolates to shots that complement their creations. “It becomes contagious,” Stringer says. That’s right. A plate of cookies won’t cut it for this cookie exchange. This is a competition where taste and presentation go hand in hand. That’s one of the reasons Stringer and Sundy enlisted the aid of a party butler to greet guests and help them set up their
stations. “[The butler] allows us to be present for our guests,” Sundy says. “A little help goes a long way.”
Participants are asked to bring six dozen cookies or treats for the competition. They compete in a variety of categories from Most Festive and Best Presentation to Gluten-Free and Best Treat. Winners are chosen by secret ballot, and prizes are awarded. “It’s small prizes but big bragging rights,” Sundy says. “This is a resume builder,” Stringer jokes.
Among their favorites over the years is a series of intricate black and white Santas for Sundy and a classic wreath made out of corn flakes for Stringer. “Good cookies win,” Stringer says. And while most first timers have no idea what they’re in for at one of Stringer and Sundy’s events, just a taste of it is usually enough to have them hatching a plan for next year. “We are bringing you into our world,” Sundy says. “Come in a white sweater, and we’ll have you leaving in tinsel.”
While Stringer and Sundy have a good handle on their own cookie exchange party, they still start planning for the next one as they are cleaning up the current one, talking about what went well and what they’d like to do next year. “We’re always thinking about the guest experience,” Sundy says.
And if you’re lucky enough to get an invite, flex your creative muscles and enjoy. “You are part of the experience,” Sundy says. “This cookie party is our gift to our friends.”
Clockwise from top left: Jill Wheeler, LaRae Ellingson and Brenda Bunnell; snowflake sugar cookies, Acooa Ellis and Rachelle McCord, chocolate peppermint cookies.
At Edina Public Schools, excellence begins with our youngest Hornets. The Early Learning and Family Center nurtures creativity, sparks curiosity, and builds critical thinking skills—all within a safe, inclusive environment where every child can discover their possibilities and thrive.
Registration for Preschool School Year 2026-2027 opens January 20th.
A quieter setting helps every child feel the joy and wonder of meeting Santa Claus.
Families are invited to a heartwarming holiday tradition at Southdale Center with Caring Santa, a sensory-friendly experience designed for children with visible and invisible disabilities. This special event provides a calm, welcoming environment where kids can enjoy cherished time with Santa without the crowds and overstimulation of typical photo sessions. Caring Santa will be at Southdale Center 9:30–10:30 a.m. on December 7. Reservations are required. To secure your spot, visit simonmalls.com or whereissanta.com. —Feroza Mehta
Comfort Keepers® is here to help seniors thrive safely while living independently at home. Our empathetic caregivers are specially trained to provide uplifting care and support.
We’re here to help!
12.04
Power Hour
Hosted by the Edina Chamber of Commerce, the event invites local businesses to collaborate, connect and share ideas with each other. Enjoy beverages and holidaythemed treats. edinachamber.com
12.05
Puzzle, Pints and Pizza
Team up with friends to complete jigsaw puzzles while eating pizza and drinking a craft beer. edinamn.gov
12.05
Jingle Bingo and Joyful Creations
Savor the holiday season with a fun game of bingo followed by art projects. This event is put on in partnership with the Edina Art and Senior centers. edinamn.gov
12.05
Presents for the Holidays
Create special gifts for friends and family during this adaptive event for adults. edinamn.gov
12.12
Wonderful Movie Night
Head to Edinborough Park’s amphitheater for a special screening of the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life edinamn.gov
12.20
Holiday Concert
The O’Neill Brothers are back for their annual Christmas concert full of Broadway and movie music, Irish tunes and more. bandsintown.com
The City of Edina applauds Sweet Science for being a Green Business!
Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze
To have your event considered: email edinamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
Ashlee Olds is committed to formulating only locally sourced and all-natural flavors in her product at Sweet Science. Though she is quick to point out that the most “green” ice cream vessel for her product is an ice cream cone, all cartons and tubs she uses are branded and compostable. The City of Edina is committed to reaching its Climate Action Plan goals and is interested in recognizing businesses like Sweet Science for doing their part. For more information or to apply to be a Green Business, visit EdinaMN.gov/GreenBusiness.
Presents for the Holidays cynthia
Finding Magic in the Snow
On a clear winter day at Arneson Acres Park, Brenda Riner stopped to snap a picture of the snowy hill in front of her. “This scene gave me the feeling of a vast expanse of land beckoning me down the hill, through the dark woods [and] toward the light on the other side,” Riner says. “I could envision the happiness this beautiful park offered to the people that made the tracks—sledding, skiing and hiking— all intersecting in one place.” —Avery Vrieze
To view other Images of Edina photo contest winners, visit edinamag.com.
IMAGES OF EDINA
Photographer: Brenda Riner
Title: Ambling at Arneson
Equipment: iPhone 13
Location: Arneson Acres Park
Category: Places in Edina Award: Honorable Mention
