Major retailers warn stores may run out of Christmas decorations early this year. F2
JOLLY NEWS
White House holiday decor tour route will be updated
By R achel Kurzius The Washington Post
Despite the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to build President Donald Trump’s ballroom, you can still expect the annual holiday decoration tour at the People’s House, which attracts tens of thousands each year.
In the past, visitors entered through the East Wing and then traveled through the East Colonnade, a long hallway that served as a thesis statement for the annual decorative theme — that’s where first lady Melania Trump’s famed red trees stood, for example, and first lady Jill Biden’s candy cane columns buttressed dangling sweets.
As of this week, those structures no longer exist. Nevertheless, the holiday decoration tours will still occur this year, though the tour route will be updated, per a White House official. (The general public White House tours were suspended indefinitely in September due to the construction of the ballroom.)
The theme will be revealed shortly after Thanksgiving, just like in previous years.
Other rooms that play a prominent role in the decor each year, such as the East Room and the State Dining Room, are concentrated in the executive residence of the White House. Those remain standing.
The legion of volunteers who do the lion’s share of labor each year — armed with scissors, hot-glue guns and other tools to trim for the yuletide — have heard
NOT-SO-JOLLY NEWS America may run out of Christmas decor this year.
By Jaclyn P eiser
The Washington Post
Ifyou’re hoping to deck your halls with boughs of (faux) holly, now would be the time to head to the store.
A potential shortage of artificial trees, wreaths, garlands and other seasonal adornments is looming thanks to a tariff-induced frenzy that caused companies to pause or cancel imports during peak manufacturing season, industry experts warn.
Meanwhile, consumers should expect to pay as much as 18 percent more on such items compared with last year, company leaders said.
Early this year, imports surged as companies rushed to preempt the expected tariffs. Then, when President Donald Trump announced in April that tariffs would reach 145 percent on Chinese imports, there “was basically a 30-day freeze,” said Chris Butler, the chief executive of National Tree Company.
“All factories, all retailers, all manufacturers stopped ordering, canceled orders … and the factories stopped producing.”
Once the administration delayed the steep levy in
“I’m not saying shelves are going to be bare … but we certainly believe that supply will be lower than normal this year.”
CHRIS BUTLER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NATIONAL TREE COMPANY
April to keep negotiating with China, retailers, wholesalers and suppliers shifted to a more conservative approach, said James Gellert, the executive chairman of RapidRatings, a financial analysis firm.
“That means holding less inventory or buying ahead less … and reducing the amount of things that they produce.”
Butler estimates that about 75 to 80 percent of production resumed after the initial pause this spring. Imports from China in the Christmas decorations category in July - typically the start of the busy season for holiday merchandise, and the last month for which U.S. Census Bureau data is available — were down 14.3 percent since January and 5.7 percent year-over-year. The dollar value of those im-
ports was down 12.5 percent since January and 10 percent compared with last year.
The decline means inventories are much more depleted than usual.
“I’m not saying shelves are going to be bare … but we certainly believe that supply will be lower than normal this year,” Butler said. “We believe a lot of people will shop early.”
Christmas decor is the latest consumer goods sector to experience tariff shock. Industries that primarily manufacture in China are especially vulnerable, and many are passing the cost to consumers, prompting the prices of toys, electronics, appliances and apparel to climb. And
Decor
for most companies, moving to other countries in Asia has proved equally expensive after factoring in labor, tariffs, freight fees and the cost of the moving materials, business owners said.
Dan Casterella — whose company does elaborate displays in New York City spots including Rockefeller Center, Radio City, Saks Fifth Avenue and Cartier — has about 20 percent less inventory than he did last year. The chief executive of American Christmas, which also has an e-commerce business selling decor, said he makes his orders a year in advance, and by the April tariff announcement, most of his inventory was ready to ship.
Since then, though, he has shaved down his additional orders by 25 to 30 percent compared with last year and raised prices by 8 to 17 percent. He’s already started selling out of Mark Roberts elves, large nutcrackers and Christmas village figurines.
“If everyone is down anywhere from 15 to 30 percent of inventory, that’s a lot less in the marketplace,” Casterella said. “If there’s something that someone wants, they should act sooner than later. I also think things will continue to get more expensive into the future. It’s the world we live in today.”
The added cost is weighing particularly hard on small and midsize retailers and suppliers. Jared Hendricks, the chief executive of three Christmas-themed companies offering light-installation training, Christmas decor and storage - Village Lighting, TreeKeeper and Santa’s Bags - said he has had to pay $750,000 to $1 million in tariffs, all of which he paid for through a line of credit.
“Usually I wake up in a panic three, four, five times a night,” he said in a phone interview, his voice shaking. “I’m just scared out of my mind. … I owe so much money right now and we just have to sell.”
National Tree Company,
“If
there’s something that someone wants, they should act sooner than later. I also think things will continue to get more expensive into the future. It’s the world we live in today.”
Dan Casterella
one of the largest makers and distributors of faux Christmas trees, faces a $5 to $10 million annual tariff hit and raised prices about 10 percent, Butler said.
Casterella has had to lay off staff. Tariffs used to cost the company about $600,000 annually but now will total “in the millions,” he said.
“Everyone is working harder in my company, and we’re making less,” Casterella added. “It doesn’t feel right.”
But in this economy, being a little short on inventory as opposed to too much could be helpful as consumers pull back on discretionary purchases ahead of the holiday season, said Katherine Black, a partner at consulting firm Kearney.
“I’m not hearing a lot of retailers saying, ‘Oh, jeez, this is going to end up being rosier than I thought,’” she said. “I’m hearing a lot of uncertainty. It’s as much on the consumer side as it is on the supply side now.”
Still, some importers ordered just as much this year.
Bob Worth, the chief executive of wholesale holiday decorations and artificial floral company Worth Imports, is hopeful that customers will embrace the Christmas spirit and stick with him this holiday season, despite raising prices 8 to 10 percent.
“Christmas is a traditional holiday, and people are going to buy Christmas,” he said.
Federica Cocco contributed to this report.
lee reich | In the Garden
This simple gas controls how fruits ripen
ETHYLENE IS SO SIMPLE.
It’s a gas made up of merely two atoms of carbon and four atoms of hydrogen. Simple gases are generally not the kinds of molecules that make plant hormones which, like human hormones, are generally complex molecules with dramatic effects at extremely low con-
centrations. Nonetheless, ethylene is a plant hormone. I thought of ethylene as I sunk my teeth into the last garden-fresh peppers of the season a couple of weeks ago. Note that I wrote “fresh,” not “fresh-picked.”
Those peppers were picked a week or two before being eaten. I picked any green peppers showing the slight-
est hints of red, then spread them out on a tray. Many gardeners do this with tomatoes. I like peppers a lot more than tomatoes so only occasionally try prolonging the season of fresh tomatoes.
It’s ethylene that’s responsible for the transformations from unripe to ripe. Ethylene is produced naturally in
ripening fruits, and its very presence — even at concentrations as low as 0.001 percent — stimulates, in turn, further ripening. The ethylene given off by ripe apples can be used to hurry along ripening of peppers or tomatoes, by placing an apple in a closed bag with them. If the fruits
SPRINGFIELD
Let’s party!
The Springfield Garden Club last month presented a Horticulture Specialty Show, “Let’s Party!” in the Old Monkey House in Springfield’s Forest Park. The show featured exhibits and themed horticultural categories, collections, and displays, with 46 separate classes of plants on display. An educational division of the show, “Pollinator Fiesta,” emphasized the importace of pollinators and the work that they do. The show was free and open to the public. At left, president of the Springfield Garden Club Wanda Roberge walks through the Monkey House in Forest Park. (DOUGLAS HOOK / THE
REPUBLICAN)
Above, from left, an orange and red Zinnia; an Orange Dahlia; and a pink Dahlia were among the flowers on display during the Springfield Garden Club’s October horticulture show, “Let’s Party!” (DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)
terry & kim kovel | Antiques & Collecting
Art deco style is now officially antique
THE FIRST SUNDAY in November is the time to turn your clocks back an hour. This year, you might want to look back a century, too.
The International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris ended in November 1925, making art deco, the style it exhibited (not to mention named), officially antique at 100 years old. Its appeal is still going strong; dealers, decorators, and trend watchers have noticed a surge of interest in art deco in recent years.
The hundredth anniversary of the exhibition may be a factor, or maybe it’s just that the sleek lines and geometric shapes of art deco are truly timeless. This ATO electric clock sold for $1,020 at Schmitt Horan & Co. Dated to about 1930, its antique status may be debatable, but it is an exceptional piece of art deco-style. The stepped Bakelite base, echoed in the shape of the hands, combines characteristic shapes and materials of the era. The stylized chrome numerals still look modern.
The clock was designed by French horologist Leon Hatot (1883-1953), who established the ATO trademark in 1920. Known for his clocks and watches, which often overlap with jewelry and sculpture, Hatot is one of the quintessential French art deco designers. His electric clocks earned him the Grand Prix at the 1925 exhibition.
Q. I bought a bentwood highchair at a tag sale in the late 1970s. I had the caning redone and have used it to set stuffed animals on it. I recently began to think about what it might be worth, as I am interested in selling it. In researching it, I found that it looks like the Thonet highchairs. Can you tell me anything about it and what it might be worth?
A.
Michael Thonet (1796-
1871) patented multiple woodworking methods by 1841 and started a furniture business with his sons in 1849. He is best known for his bentwood furniture made of specially prepared beech wood, which was mass-produced and sold inexpensively. The furniture could be shipped in parts and assembled by shopkeepers.
Thonet furniture became extremely popular by the early 1900s. Many other companies made Thonet designs, and others copied them to make similar pieces. Check under the seat of your chair for a mark. Thonet chairs usually have the name “Thonet” impressed or stenciled on the back edge. Antique and vintage Thonet bentwood chairs with caned seats can sell for anywhere from about $20 to over $100. Their age, the type of wood (for example, beech or oak), and the amount of detail in the design will contribute to the price. The Thonet company is still making furniture. They also have resources for authenticating vintage Thonet furniture. If you contact them online (thonet.de/en), they may be able to help you.
Q. I have an interesting old picture I bought along with some antique prints. It shows an indoor scene with a woman holding a baby in a room that looks like a parlor. It looks like a black and white photograph, but some parts are in color. It does not include a title or any information about the artist. Was it hand-colored? Can you tell me anything about it? How can I find out about the photographer?
A. Hand-tinted photographs were popular in the early 20th century. Many photographers made them, and many have been reprinted since then. The book “Early Twentieth Century Hand-Painted Photography: Identification and Values” by Michael and Susan Ivankovich (Collector Books, 2005) is a good comprehensive guide to
Art deco may be antique now, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of date. Art deco designs like this clock by Leon Hatot have plenty of appeal for collectors and decorators. (SCHMITT HORAN & CO.)
CURRENT PRICES
Even if you can’t confirm a photographer for your picture, you might be able to narrow down a date. The woman’s clothing and hairstyle may provide clues, as does the furniture and decorations in the room, especially if any technology, like a telephone or phonograph, is visible.
TIP: If your electric clock stops, turn it upside down for a day. The oil inside may flow into the gears, and the clock may start working again.
Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications.
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Peanuts, telephone, Snoopy & Woodstock, Snoopy standing, holding receiver, yellow, red base, keypad, box, ATC, $65.
Imari, charger, trees, leaves, flowers, center blue and white medallion, three plants, late 19th century, 18 inches, $75.
Glass-contemporary, vase, globular, blue iridescent, short collar, tapered base, hand blown, signed, Mark Peiser, 1970s, 2 1/2 x 3 inches, $160.
Bradley & Hubbard, lamp, dome shade, scenic panels, blossoming tree branches, multicolor slag glass, signed base, early 1900s, 24 inches, $220.
Royal Dux, group, woman, seated, in carriage, two giltwood poles, two men, standing, dog, sitting, rococo style dress, oval base, four-footed, leafy scrolls, masks, cobalt blue and white, gilt, 15 1/2 x 15 1/2 inches, $255.
Clock, advertising, General Electric, figural, refrigerator, round dial, four-footed, electric, Warren Telechron, 9 x 5 x 3 inches, $280.
Furniture, mirror, Federal, gesso, gilt, oval, eagle crest, spread wings, leafy garland, two cornucopia sides, shaped base, c. 1850, 30 x 52 inches, $345.
Tiffany, letter holder, Venetian, bronze, two tiers, scrollwork trim, scrolling vine around base, stamped, Tiffany Studios, New York, c. 1900, 6 x 10 inches, $510.
Rug, Heriz, center medallion, light blue, rust red field, ivory spandrels, banded border, midnight blue, 20th century, 10 feet 4 inches x 7 feet 11 inches, $1,375.
these photographers. The Wallace Nutting Collectors Club (wallacenutting.org) focuses on one of the most famous of these photographers (also
known for his reproductions of the Colonial furniture that appeared in his photographs) but may have information on other creators of hand-colored photographs.
Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email collectorsgallery@kovels.com.
Banana, apple, pepper, tomato, and avocado are among so-called climacteric fruits, which undergo a burst of respiration and ethylene production — their “climacteric” — as ripening begins. These fruits, if picked sufficiently mature, can, like my peppers, ripen following harvest.
are left too long in the bag, ethylene will stimulate ripening which will stimulate more ethylene which will stimulate even more ripening which will stimulate more ethylene which will stimulate still more ripening, ad infinitum, until what is left is a bag of mushy, rotten fruit. Apples can do this to each other, so one rotten apple really can spoil a whole barrel of them.
Banana, apple, pepper, tomato, and avocado are among so-called climacteric fruits, which undergo a burst of respiration and ethylene production — their “climacteric” — as ripening begins. These fruits, if picked sufficiently mature, can, like my peppers, ripen following harvest. Soon after their climacteric, these fruits start their decline.
Citrus, fig, strawberry, and raspberry are examples of nonclimacteric fruits, whose ripening proceeds more calmly. Nonclimacteric fruits will not ripen at all after they’ve been harvested. They might soften and sweeten as complex carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, but such changes might be more indicative of incipient rot rather than ripening or flavor enhancement.
Over the centuries, ethylene has sometimes unknowingly been applied to growing plants or stored fruits. The Chinese used burning incense to get pears to ripen (burning gives off a small amount of ethylene).
A century ago, the skins of oranges shipped North from Florida morphed from green to orange in railroad cars heated with kerosene stoves. It wasn’t until 1934 that a scientist discovered that ethylene is produced in plants and stimulates ripening. These days, ethylene
is applied knowingly by farmers with a chemical commonly known as Ethrel. When plants are sprayed with Ethrel, it changes to ethylene. In an effort to thwart ethylene production—to put the brakes on fruit ripening, to keep harvested, ripe fruit in good condition longer, or to delay fruit drop from a plant — chemical inhibitors, such as 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) have also been developed. In my refrigerator hydrator drawers are some packets I bought to absorb ethylene and keep produce fresh longer.
Ethylene has effects other than hastening fruit ripening. It also can slow rampant shoot growth — sometimes, in so doing, diverting a plant’s energy into making flowers and fruits. Puerto Rican pineapple growers used to build bonfires near their fields to get the plants to start fruiting sooner. On a windowsill, a potted pineapple plant can be persuaded to flower by enclosing the whole plant in a bag with an apple for a while. Commercial apple trees which are growing only stems sometimes are sprayed early in the season with Ethrel to get them to settle down and start fruiting. It can also hasten fruit coloring and/or ripening and loosen fruit for easier harvest. It’s all a matter of timing, concentration, and physiological state of the plant.
Fruit ripening and ethylene itself are not the only stimuli to ethylene production in plants. If a leaf is damaged, or even gently rubbed, its cells start emanating ethylene. The same is true with branches bent or whipped in the wind. There may be something to the folklore of beating an apple tree to induce it to fruit.
Just as ethylene hastens ripening, then senescence, of fruits, it also hastens senes-
WILBRAHAM Garden Club meeting
The Wilbraham Garden Club meeting will meet in the St. Cecilia Parish Center at noon on Monday, Nov. 10. Members of the Flower Arrangers Group will guide participants through a handson activity, “Look, Ma, No Oasis!” Learn to make coffee mug arrangements with flowers and greens, without using oasis. Light refreshments will be served. All levels of gardeners are welcome to attend and there is a $5 guest fee for this meeting. Contact Anna Howell at 413-537-5788 with any questions.
Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.
cence of leaves and flowers. A leaf might yellow, then drop, partly in response to ethylene production following insect or disease damage. Cut flowers fade depending on how much ethylene they are producing, both from aging and in response to being cut. Adding a floral preservative, such as silver thiosulfate, to the water in a vase works by putting the brakes on ethylene production.
When I pick my end-of-season peppers, I’m especially careful to pick only undamaged fruit. Damaged portions of a fruit would produce more ethylene, then ripen and rot too quickly. Some gardeners wrap each harvested tomatoes in newspaper, which accelerates ripening by slowing ethylene diffusion from the fruits. Peppers should respond similarly. I keep my end-of-season peppers and tomatoes unwrapped so I can keep an eye on them, moving any rotten ones to the compost pile and the ripe ones to the cutting board.
These photos show how long (or short) it took to ripen San Marzano tomatoes indoors at the end of the season. (LEE REICH PHOTO)
Long-term US mortgage rate dips to 6.17%
Drop marks lowest level in more than a year
By A LEX VEIGA Associated Press
The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell for the fourth week in a row to its lowest level in more than a year.
Lower mortgage rates boost homebuyers’ purchasing power. They also benefit homeowners eager to refinance their current home loan to a more attractive rate.
Deeds
AGAWAM
Christine L. Craig to Karen E. Anderson and Robert P. Gagnier, 160 Regency Park Drive, $164,900.
Lucas Giusto, trustee, Dominic Santaniello, trustee, and Naples Home Buyers Trust, trustee of, to Flipped & Finished LLC, 19 Church St., $190,000.
Shelby Texeira to Gladys Provost and Sarah A. Johnson, 67 Suffield St., $400,000.
Stephen M. St. Peter, Matthew St. Peter, Brendan St. Peter and Brenden St. Peter to Irina Donskaya, 106 Beekman Drive, $290,000.
AMHERST
Tremontaine Properties LLC, to Slgw Real Estate LLC, 664 Main St., $25,000.
Angeline Barretta Herman and William Randolph Herman to Bao Nguyen Tran and Duy Nhat Tran, 5 Amity Place, $430,000.
ASHFIELD
Rotima SA Inc., to John Valerio, Route 112, $33,000.
Rotima SA Inc., to John Valerio, Hodgens Road, $2,000.
BELCHERTOWN
Ann L. Tabb and Amy F. Zwaan to Joelle A. Dubois Michigan, 17 Metacomet St., $220,000.
Robert C. Lattanzi and Susan Y. Lattanzi to Lawrence Lacombe and Lisa Lacombe, 1 Chestnut Drive, $554,000.
Crystal Spring Enterprises LLC, to Laliberte Home Builders Inc., 36 Lamson Ave., $97,000.
The average long-term mortgage rate dropped to 6.17% from 6.19% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.72%.
The last time the average rate was lower was on Oct. 3, 2024, when it was 6.12%.
Borrowing costs on 15-year fixedrate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also eased this week. The average rate dropped to 5.41% from 5.44% last week. A year ago, it was 5.99%, Freddie Mac said.
Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation. They generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has remained above 6% since September 2022, the year mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows. The housing market has been in a slump ever since.
The pullback in rates has helped spur homeowners who bought in recent years after rates climbed above 6% to refinance their home loan to a lower rate.
Mortgage applications, which include loans to buy a home or refinance an existing mortgage, jumped 7.1% last week from a week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Applications for mortgage refinance loans rose 9% and were up more than twofold versus the same week last year.
Audrey L. F. Safford and Andrew M. Safford to Lauren Parlapiano and Caleb Christensen, 74 Sabin St., $550,000.
Mark T. Maghini to Hallie M. Robertson, 340 Allen Road, $365,000.
BERNARDSTON
Hunter Charles Cote to Jessica Burge, 109 Depot St., $206,000.
Heather M. McGuirk and William J. McGuirk to Jessica Barnes, 42 South St., $375,000.
BRIMFIELD
Theresa M. Muska to Beau X. Boudreau and Courtney A. Boudreau, 50 John Haley Road, $450,000.
BUCKLAND
Peter Zev Rabinovitz to Bobbi Dale Thompson and Richard D.
Thompson, trustees of the Thompson Family Trust, 50, “a/k/a 48B” State Street, Unit B Bridge of Flowers River View Condominium, $315,000.
Rotima SA Inc., to John Valerio, Route 112, $33,000.
Rotima SA Inc., to John Valerio, Hodgens Road, $2,000.
CHESTER
Perennial Flow LLC, to James D. Adams, 97 Old State Highway, $120,000.
CHESTERFIELD
Noah Galko and Briana Cristofori to Maxwell Charest, Bissell Road, $78,500.
CHICOPEE
Alexandra A. Beeler to EMI In-
vestments LLC, 127 Cyman Drive, $215,000.
Alyson Marie Flahive to Karina Rodriguez, 40 Greenwich St., $303,000.
ARPC LLC, to R&R Home Improvement & Remodeling LLC, 1709 Memorial Drive, $180,000.
Christopher Nascembini to Prossy Drinkwine, 664 McKinstry Ave., $475,000.
Eric Dunigan, representative, and Bruce C. Dunigan, estate, to Eric Dorn, 36 Lapa Farm Road, $360,000.
Francis Ronald Couture and Susanne T. Couture to Julianna V. Ricciardi, 104 Johnson Road, Unit 1210, $269,900.
Geraldine S. Szczebak, estate, and Scott Szczebak, representative, to 676 Front Street LLC, 676 Front St., $375,000.
Gladys Provost to Veteran Stan
LLC, 248 Hampden St., $225,000.
Jason William Hurley to Andrew Barnard and Meghann Sullivan, 110 Roosevelt Ave., $305,000.
John D. Griffin to Pah Properties LLC, 27 Janine St., $150,000.
Lisa A. Soldato, trustee, Nancy A. Soldato, trustee, and Peter L. Soldato Jr. Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Joshua Ortiz and Kaylla Fairbanks, 19 Dale Court, $285,000.
Lotus & Hawk LLC, to Rhonda Hollimon, 26 Horseshoe Drive, Unit 6149C, $180,000.
Madison Sinkfield to Brian R. Houghton, 17 Robinridge Road, Unit 17, $222,500.
Michael P. O’Brien and John W. O’Brien to Joseph E. Denette Jr., and Krista L. Denette, 60 Yorktown Court, $130,000.
Michelle Paneto and Abel J. Fermin to Natalie A. Guzman Escalera and Angeliza Z. Guzman Escalera, 20 Gilbert Ave., $355,000.
Pamela J. Bucalo, Karen E. Archambault and Rhonda Touchette to Rita H. Acevedo and Gilberto Rojas, 70 Empire St., $300,000.
Sylvia Burns to West Jam Man LLC, 1697 Westover Road, $215,000.
Thomas G. Finn and Suzanne Finn to Jeffrey Moore and Cheryl Moore, 39 Pinecrest Drive, $320,000.
William K. Malone Jr., Sally S. Malone, Sally S. Cole and Sally Ann Pease to Susan L. Arcisz and Joseph M. Braga, 25 Andover Road, $347,500.
COLRAIN
Entrust Administration Inc., FBO Vincent Hurteau IRA #34168, to Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., Adamsville Road, $360,000. SEE DEEDS, PAGE F8
Deeds
CONWAY
Lillian T. Pearsall to Dawn Samuel, 406 Hart Road, $186,000.
DEERFIELD
J2K Realty LLC, to John Edward Delmolino, 29 River Road, $687,500.
EAST LONGMEADOW
D. R. Chestnut LLC, to Ruth C. Katz, trustee, and David B. Katz Qualified Personal Residence Trust, trustee of, 13 Feather Reed Lane, $554,796.
George L. George and Lynn E. George to Marc Justin Riccio and Sarah Ashley Riccio, 57 Marci Ave., $570,000.
John J. Ferriter, administrator, and Armen Tashjian, estate, to Marc Dulaimy, 158 Elm St., $201,000.
Karen K. Temkin and Michael E. Katz to Robert L. Leonard and Ellen O. Leonard, 13 Feather Reed Lane, $780,100.
Marc J. Riccio, Sarah A. Riccio and Sarah A. Gage to Matthew D. Wiklund and Megan Scutti, 20 Maynard St., $435,000.
Michael Carabetta to Michael B. Fenney, 76 Alpine Ave., $190,000.
Tom Makris and Julie A. Makris to JPMT Realty LLC, 152 Brookhaven Drive, $450,000.
William A. Caplin and Mary L. Jenewin-Caplin to Edward J. Fallon and Jacqueline S. Fallon, 16 Broadleaf Circle, Unit I-25, $575,000.
EASTHAMPTON
Interland Real Estate LLC, to Easthampton Mill 180 LLC, 172 Pleasant St., and 180 Pleasant St., $9,750,000.
Joshua Freniere and Jaclyn Essa Freniere to Skylah Colon, 23 John St., $360,000.
Pineview Development LLC, and West Co. Investments LLC, to William F. Sullivan Jr., and Leslie A. Sullivan, 11 Nicols Way, $689,900.
ERVING
Casey M. Dyer to Maxwell Dischler, 21 French King Highway, $293,815.
GOSHEN
Linda A. Sbrega to Jessica Emmonds, Jessica L. Emmonds, Timothy Mott and Timothy M.
Mott, 95 Ball Road, $490,000.
GRANBY
J.L.N. Properties LLC, to Glenn Goulet and Mary Goulet, Carver Street, $190,000.
GRANVILLE
Michael Hooben and Cynthia Hooben to Roger Bruso and Jannie Bruso, 23 Dickinson Drive, $440,000.
GREENFIELD
George S. Briggs Jr., to Gael Brown Humphrey and John Polak, 20 James St., $450,000.
Josephine D. Queneau, Trustee of Josephine D. Queneau Living Trust to Timothy A. Zabek. 45 Eastern Avenue. $282,000.
HADLEY
Firefly Vacation Homes LLC, to Chang Liu and Fei Qian, 2 Nikkis Way, $1,015,000.
HAMPDEN
Peter E. Miccoli and Tamara J. Miccoli to Sandra M. Turgeon, 19 Deerfield Circle, $439,900.
Philip J. Lord and Patricia P. Lord to Shelly Warren, 279 North Road, $417,500.
HATFIELD
Shirley Skorupski and William J. Skorupski Jr., to 119 Real Estate LLC, 353 West St., $464,000.
Joanne Chan and Joseph Craig Rhone to Andrew Blair Perry and Honor Melanie Buell, 46 North St., $618,500.
HEATH
Entrust Administration Inc., FBO
Vincent Hurteau IRA #34168, to Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., Colrain Stage Road and Hosmer Road, $360,000.
HOLLAND
Bradley T. Spink and Patricia Spink to Joseph A. Cavanaugh, 35 Island Road, $465,000.
Christine J. Catt to Brandon Hart, 71 North Wales Road, $369,900.
Daniel D. Carr to Daniel Richard Carr, 108 Wales Road, $310,000.
Kevin F. Bard and Joelle L. Bard to Daniel Frank Consolati and Jeanne Marie Consolati, 10 Brandon St., $385,000.
Stephen A. Kavorkian to Heather Davis, 88 Wales Road, $377,000.
HOLYOKE
Christine Nichols Weigel to Mikhail Okhrimenko and Lyudmila Okhrimenko, 7 Maple Crest Circle, Unit 7E, $188,000.
Grant T. Schlosstein and Marie A. Millane-Schlosstein to Devin Colon-Grenier and Emily Colon, 16 Meadowview Road, $315,000.
Jeremiah J. Mullane, Michael J. Mullane and Louise F. Millane-George to Marie A. Millane-Schlosstein, 43 Bemis Road, $300,000.
Nuriye Kartal to Ali S. Okatan and Ali Sukru Okatan, 21 Hillview Road, $335,000.
Wendy A. McKellick-Eaton and Wendy Pelletier to Lee A. Bourdon, 34 Maple Crest Circle, Unit 34D, $227,900.
LEYDEN
Howard H. Maynard to Mikayla E. Bompastore and Hunter C. Cote, 164 Alexander Road, $490,000.
LONGMEADOW
Anthony Gandelli and Lisa K. Gandelli to Jackson T. Kleintz and Cailin F. Kleintz, 15 Berwick Terrace, $365,000.
Fabricio Ochoa and Jill Ogues Ochoa to Eduardo Ramon Nunez and Kelly Benabou, 41 Dennis Road, $1,070,000.
Song Zhang and Halei Zhu to Mason F. Rapaport and Amy D. Rapaport, 124 Longfellow Drive, $750,000.
LUDLOW
Dennis H. Bunten and Marcia J. Bunten to Jennifer McCarthy, 78 Aldo Drive, $387,400.
Janice P. Cameron, trustee, and Janice P. Cameron 2015 Family Trust, trustee of, to Delary Jeantys and Claire Mathieu-Jeantys, 62 Norwich Road, $420,000.
Lucas Giusto, trustee, Dominic Santaniello, trustee, and Naples Home Buyers Trust, trustee of, to Morales Real Estate Solutions LLC, 68 Fairview St., $160,000.
Ludlow Town to S&C Investors LLC, 0 Center Street, $125,000. Ludlow Town to S&C Investors LLC, 0 Center Street, $10,000.
Scot P. Padgett and Michelle D. Padgett to Ronald Tomlin, 558 Alden St., $400,000.
MIDDLEFIELD
David W. Brush, trustee, Jennifer C. Brush, trustee, and Brush Family Trust to Molly LaFlesh and William Kryjak, 120 River Road, $339,000.
David W. Brush to Molly LaFlesh and William Kryjak, River Road, $69,900.
MONSON
Brenda Nicolazzo, trustee, and Kane Family Trust, trustee of, to Dennis H. Bunten and Marcia J. Bunten, 46 Palmer Road, Unit 28, $428,500.
Carole Singh to Jeremy Vargas-Percy, 32 Bunyan Road, $260,000.
Dominick A. Garreffa and Lewis T. Garreffa to Michael Chamberlain and Vicki Chamberlain, Wilbraham Road, Lot 9A, $50,000.
Jerry R. Degon and Caroline M. Degon to Ryan Micheal Fay, 138 Brimfield Road, $370,000.
MONTAGUE
Northern Enterprises LLC, to David Bunting and Michelle Meiser, trustees of the M&D Rainbow Over Montague Trust, 3 Bridge St., $431,000.
Debra Hunt and Gordon Hunt to Lilian Autler, 43-A J Street, Unit 1 Heritage Park Condominium, $200,000.
MONTGOMERY
Jeffrey C Lee and Carol Holmes to Kathy A Lee, 11 Old Main Road, $155,334.
NORTHAMPTON
James A. Haynes III, personal representative, and Christopher A. Haynes, estate, to Adam K. Komosinski and Margaret F. Macaluso, 71 Forest Glen Drive, $390,000.
Karen C. Hogan and William S. Hogan Jr., to Stephen M. Tirrell, trustee, Stephen M. Tirrell 2009 Revocable Trust, Molly Pickett, trustee, and Molly Pickett 2009 Revocable Trust, 35 Hillcrest Drive, $1,200,000.
Sunwood Development Corp., to Amble William Ryan and Katherine Luann Morris, 811 Burts Pit Road, $665,000.
Lewis M. Cohen, trustee, Joan N. Berzoff, trustee, and Joan N. Berzoff Revocable Trust to Hannah Pollin Galay and Assaf Pollin Galay, 51 Harrison Ave., $1,440,000.
ORANGE
Anthony W. Forbes and Peter M. Forbes to Channel Z. Seismometry Inc., Flagg Road, $8,000.
Mark Songer to Canning Realty & Trust LLC, 382 East River St., $157,000.
Andrew Illhardt and Jessica Illhardt to Andrew Illhardt, 82 Mechanic St., $100.
PALMER
Dolores M. Elkas to Conor Owen Flynn and Mallory Veneta Flynn, 16 Old Farm Road, $435,000.
Karen M. Krohn to Albert D. Mendelsohn, 2010 Bridge St., $285,000.
Scott F. Wozniakowski, Lynne W. Rahim, trustee, Lynne M. Rahim, trustee, and Lynne W. Rahim Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Joshua Banas and Danielle Banas, 10 Forest St., $444,900.
PELHAM
Michelle Murray to Shayne Burke, 58 Daniel Shays Highway, $360,000.
PLAINFIELD
Steven Nartowicz to Mia Zoino, 91 Summit St., $223,500.
Brian Cullen, trustee, Louise Cullen Robinson, trustee, and Cullen Nominee Trust to Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., West Main Street, $130,000.
SOUTH HADLEY
Ronald D. Chateauneuf, personal representative, Lucille J. Chateauneuf, estate, and Ronald D. Chateauneuf to Richard Veltman, 341 East St., $335,200.
James J. Plasse and Marie A. Plasse to Francis Couture and Susanne Couture, 45 Shadow Brook, $322,500.
Skinner Woods LLC, to Carol Boyle and Gerald Boyle, 1 Skinnerwoods Way, $589,000.
Todd Grover and Mary Grover to Coutures Management Corp Inc., 49 North Main St., $515,000.
SOUTHAMPTON
Robert B. Merritt, trustee, Johna L. Merritt, trustee, Johna U. Merritt, trustee, and Robert B. Merritt & Johna L. Merritt Faily Trust to Megan Creighton and Alex Babinski, 43 Pomeroy Meadow Road, $665,000.
SOUTHWICK
PGA Holdings LLC, to Frank Abarno and Susan Abarno, 3 Iron Horse Hill, Unit 26A, $527,000.
SPRINGFIELD
299 Belmont LLC, to Camille Royal, 299 Belmont Ave., $310,000.
Tour
back from the White House. Tammy West, owner and creative director for Glow Floral Event Design in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and her assistant applied to volunteer (the Office of the First Lady began soliciting volunteers in August) and learned they had both been accepted a few weeks ago. They discovered this week that their background checks had
Deeds
CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8
Afimi LLC, to RR2 LLC, 116 Fort Pleasant Ave., $660,000.
Anna Cardaropli and Anna Cardaropoli to Jenna Jackson and Sharon Jackson, 52 Luden St., $298,000.
Bank Of New York Mellon, trustee, and Cwabs Inc. Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2006-21, trustee of, to Joseph Leo Selevitch, 179 Oak St., $215,250.
Benjamin R. Torres to Alyson Flahive, 189 Bowles Park, $325,000.
Unlimited Property Services LLC, to Manuel A. Santiago and Talisha Roman, 26 Portulaca Drive, $320,000.
Debra Craig and Debra Baker to Emtay Inc., 34 Castle St., $185,000.
Dinessa Rodriguez, Dinessa Figueroa and Alexus Rodriguez to Elizabeth S. Motta, 245 Allen St., $293,000.
Eddie L. Hosey and Rosemary L. Hosey to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Kokoleka Realty Trust, trustee of, 187 Lamont St., $205,000.
Eleanor Chestnut Realty LLC, to Bar Belmont LLC, 175 Chestnut St., $1,000,000.
Eugene Strycharz, representative, Stanley Strycharz, estate, and Chester Strycharz, estate, to Hassle Free LLC, 24-26 Pequot St., $60,000.
Falynne P. Correia to CLX Real Estate LLC, 137 Cobb St., $225,000. Heather S. Guadeloupe, Nicolet Guadeloupe and Ian Kadian Gabbidon to Dominic Santaniello, trustee, Lucas Giusto, trustee, and Naples Home Buyers Trust, trustee of, 87 Fenwick St., $140,000. Javier Hernandez to Johnathan Salas, 42-44 Somerset St., $150,000.
Jessica Morales to Nancy Garcia, 88 Meadow St., $400,000.
cleared.
Typically, preparations for White House decorations begin many months in advance. Brainstorming for last year’s “Season of Peace & Light” kicked off in January, while more full-scale planning occurred after the Easter Egg Roll. Then, in the fall, it was time to begin executing. White House staffers expected about 100,000 visitors, including guests at a slew of holiday parties.
The first lady traditionally
JJJ17 LLC, to Anastasia Acevedo, 93 Bristol St., $225,000.
Joshua Carney to Caysi Staas, 22 Holly Court, $75,000.
Kimberly A. Douglas to Nadine A. Thomas, 45 Fenimore Boulevard, $365,000.
Lori Pannozzo, representative, Joseph Lyons, representative, Charles Roger Lyons, estate, and Charles R. Lyons, estate, to Nalani Capital 3 LLC, 467-469 Belmont Ave., $300,000.
Marlene Besaw, trustee, Marlene Bishop, trustee, and Gargamel Trust, trustee of, to Appleton Grove LLC, 140 Chestnut St., Unit 619, $85,000.
Melissa M. Boam, representative, and Claire L. Williams, estate, to Audrey L. F. Safford and Andrew M. Safford, 124 Sierra Vista Road, $280,000.
Nancy Garcia and Edward J. Garcia to Gina Beau-Prince, 56 Clayton St., $360,000.
Opus Durum LLC, to Diomedes D. Bobadilla Suarez, 44-48 Armory St., $310,000.
Orange Park Management LLC, to Gabriel Anthony Santana Jr., 58 Gilman St., $271,500.
Phantom Holdings LLC, to Monica Kuku, 64 East Bay Path Terrace, $349,000.
Saje Home Services LLC,to Janice Lawes, 212 Marsden St., $300,000.
Stefan Hagmann and Ayse Nazlim Hagmann to Meredith Lemasurier and Timothy Strassmaier, 47 Garfield St., $483,460.
Susan L. Guterl to Lance Hamilton, 41 Nevada St., $310,000.
Terry Dinh to Naples Home Buyers Trust, trustee of, Lucas Giusto, trustee, and Dominic Santaniello, trustee, 371-373 Oakland St., $250,000.
Theresa M. Rice, Theresa M. Torres and Jason Rice to Arnoldo W. Rodriguez Gallardo, 61 Russell St., $230,000.
spearheads holiday decorating, a task that has grown more all-consuming over the years. Noel-fanatic Mamie Eisenhower began consistently putting the White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room. In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy was the first to select an official theme for said tree. (She chose “Nutcracker Suite.”) An increasingly intricate gingerbread house became part of the offerings during the Nixon administration, and, since the 1990s, those cookie creations have
been made to resemble the White House itself.
Melania Trump took the helm during her husband’s first term. Secret recordings released of her in 2020 revealed her exasperation with the responsibility. “I’m working … my a— off on the Christmas stuff, that you know, who gives a f—- about the Christmas stuff and decorations?” she said in 2018, per the recordings. “But I need to do it, right?” And it can at times be a thankless task: Each year,
people scrutinize the decorative choices for their aesthetic value and potential political symbolism.
Melania Trump’s former social secretary, Anna Cristina Niceta (who goes by Rickie), has every confidence in her former boss navigating around the construction. “It’s not something that I think people have to worry about,” she says. “She’ll make it beautiful. She makes everything beautiful.”
Dan Diamond contributed to this report.
SUNDERLAND
Barbara A. Salamone, trustee of the Barbara A. Salamone Trust, to Mariana Chilton, 324 South Silver Lane, $520,000.
Sharon E. Glaszcz and Stephen P. Glaszcz to Stephen P. Glasczc, Jr., 7 North Plain Road, $200,000.
TOLLAND
Daniel Getman to Cole William K. Hathaway and Emily Kaitlyn Chevalier, 1259 East Otis Road, $335,000.
Dorothy Nicoletti to Charles H. Keller and Patricia Keller, 64 Porcupine Point, $649,900.
Joseph F. Dempsey and Susan M. Dempsey to Richard Duffy Jr., Richard Ernest Duffy, Elizabeth Elkin and Carley Elkin, 277 Owls Nest Lane, $220,000.
Keith Thomas Clark and Barbara Anna Clark to Patrick Hermans and Nicolette Smith, Colebrook River Road, Lot 4, $65,000.
Michael Seich to Yong Ju No and Carole Chatagner, 68 Porcupine Point, $363,000.
WALES
Brian M. Haraghey and Karen S. Haraghey to William Jacob and Janet Jacob, 17 Union Road, $325,000.
Ernest J. Bertothy Jr., to Naples Home Buyes Trust, trustee of, Lucas Giusto, trustee, and Dominic Santaniello, trustee, 6 Haynes Hill Road, $222,500.
WARE
Jennifer Boggess and Jennifer
Anne Boggess to Charming Colonials LLC, 93-95 Pleasant St., $100.
Jennifer Boggess and Jennifer
Anne Boggess to Charming Colonials LLC, 31-33 Parker St., $100. Sharafat Khan to Hoa Le, 9 Cottage
St., $250,000.
Cynthia S. Strniste, trustee, and Susanna L. Lewis Trust to Paul Richard Valley and Heidi Valley, 22 Berkshire Circle, $426,000.
WARWICK
Paul M. Neiman, trustee of both the Myril A. Neiman Revocable Trust of 2006 and the Marion H. Neiman Revocable Trust of 2006, to SanKen Homes Inc., Winchester Road, $140,000.
WENDELL
Allen Penniman, Leah Penniman, Sarah Naima Penniman and Adele Smith-Penniman to Kyle Marin, 191 Wickett Pond Road, $199,000.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Angel Mathews and Edward R. Crosier to JoeJoe Properties LLC, 132 Lincoln St., $205,000.
James R. Keddy Jr., and Kathleen M. Keddy to Silvia D. Durand De Jeronimo, Silvia Durand Jeronimo, Cesar G. Jeronimo and Cesar Jeronimo, 103 Hillcrest Ave., $315,000.
Jennifer A. O’Connor, Jennifer A. Kennedy and Daniel A. Kennedy to Danielle Maynard, 45 Elm Circle, $295,000.
Moira F. Centracchio to Sandra Brodeur and Lora S. Brodeur, 51 Craiwell Ave., $410,000.
Tara M. Torino and Paulette R. Lowe to Dominic Florence, 123 Belknap Ave., $340,000.
WESTFIELD
Debbie Smith to MHI Properties LLC, 248 Birch Road, $60,000. Ernest Rental LLC, to Douglas Thayer, Shelbey Thayer and Matthew B. Thayer, 151 Franklin St., $315,000.
Francis B. Marsh III, and Angela M. Marsh to Ryan Simmitt, 15
Laro Circle, $475,000.
Joan H. Corell, trustee, and Joan H. Corell Declaration of Trust, trustee of, to Lori Taylor, 126 Western Circle, $410,000.
Melissa M. Ostrander to George A. Poulopoulos, 48 Murray Ave., $286,000.
Patricia Bell and Frederick Bell to Michael Hooben and Cynthia Hooben, 57 Jessie Lane, $650,000.
Shelia Byrne to Matthew Healey, 150 Hillside Road, Unit 11, $235,000.
Velapartment Rentals LLC, to Ralph Santaniello and Michael Presnal, 8 Cherry St., $464,900.
WILBRAHAM
2301 Boston Road LLC, to Mary Jo Weldon, 25 Cherry Drive, $437,000.
Anita E. Richard to Ralph F. Hess and Christine Hess, 31 Brooklawn Road, $538,000.
Jeffrey Webb to Olivia G. Fernandes, 21 Hunting Lane, $380,000.
Julie Ann Russell to Danielle Lo, 1 Manor Road, $370,000.
Michael J. Stirlacci to Kathryn Fischman and Daniel Fischman, 8 Meadow View Road, $429,900.
Samson H. Hanka and Zewditu M Reta to Iqra Vohra and Reid Hunter, 2 Stirrup Lane, $660,000.
Walter E. Hoyt III, to Serena Marie Fiore, 2205 Boston Road, Unit K-102, $250,000.
WILLIAMSBURG
Thomas C. Hodgkins, trustee, Thomas W. Hodgkins, trustee, and Thomas C. Hodgkins Trust to Gregory R. Conz and Carol A. Conz, 12 South St., $350,000.
Rosana P. Duval and Christopher M. Duval to Branching Tree Inc., 201 Main St., $910,000.
What does ‘clean’ smell like?
By Jolie K err
The Washington Post
Dish soap that smells like gingerbread. Birthday-cake-scented trash bags. Laundry detergent redolent of a ripe peach.
Move over lemon, pine and lavender, there’s a new set of scents taking over the cleaning aisle.
“Consumers today, especially Zillennials, are energized by scent,” says Brienne Neisewander, vice president of marketing at Hefty, the maker of those birthday-cake-scented trash bags. “Scent has become an experience in itself, offering a form of escapism, a mood boost or even a sense of self-expression.”
As with anything else in life, fragrance is subject to trends and whims. “The pendulum swings back and forth” between an interest in and demand for fragrance and pushes for a more fragrance-free existence, says Emily Little, the associate managing editor of Perfumer & Flavorist.
We’re in a period of #smellmaxxing, a trend driven largely by young people. “Adding fragrance in unexpected places, or with unexpected profiles, can infuse fun into the everyday,” Neisewander says, “even in something as simple as a household essential.”
Consumers aren’t necessarily abandoning legacy fragrances to make room for new scents, though. “Classic scents like citrus, lavender and pine will always drive broad consumer appeal,” Neisewan-
der says, “but we are seeing consumers express interest in more complex and intriguing profiles.”
That includes sweet dessert-like scents, in particular, that elicit feelings of warmth, comfort and nostalgia. “That emotional connection is a powerful driver of why they’re becoming increasingly popular in the cleaning and home essentials aisles,” Neisewander says.
brand Laundry Sauce introduced Mojave peach.
“ We haven’t traditionally done fragrances that are gourmand, but we wanted to bring something fruity and fun [to market],” founder Ian Blair says.
He was concerned that gourmand scents would be “too edible,” by which he means he didn’t want his detergent to make your clothes smell like food. He needn’t
Baby boomers, on the other hand, are clinging to their pines, lavenders and lemons. (As is typical, not one of the experts interviewed for this story mentioned Gen Xers. But we’re okay with that. Really.)
An evolution and elevation of citrus Fret not, boomers and other lovers of citrus scents. They still have a strong presence in the cleaning aisle, but man-
“Adding fragrance in unexpected places, or with unexpected profiles, can infuse fun into the everyday, even in something as simple as a household essential.”
BRIENNE NEISEWANDER, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AT HEFTY
Companies that make household goods, including cleaning products, have taken note, particularly of the enthusiasm for gourmand scents - the fancy name for fragrances that smell like foods. They’re using them to reach younger customers, even as they challenge traditional ideas of what clean smells like. “There’s a growing appetite for fragrances that feel fresh, new and even a little indulgent,” Neisewander says.
Clean smells like a delicious bakery
Gourmand scents are even turning up in the laundry room. This year, the detergent
have worried.
“It’s been a very well-received fragrance,” he says. “In fact, out of all of our limited edition fragrances, it’s the one that’s sold the fastest.”
Laundry Sauce isn’t the only brand seeing huge successes by dipping a toe into the gourmand arena, but not all shoppers want these scents.
There is a generational divide at play here: Millennials and Gen Zers are snapping up gourmand-scented anything lip glosses and toilet bowl cleaners, it doesn’t matter; if it comes in cinnamon roll or root beer float, they want it.
She promises there is still room in the cleaning aisle for what she called “that classic lemon scent,” because it rouses feelings of nostalgia. “People will always want something that reminds them of the good old days, and that may be a lemon spray that smells similar to what your mom used.”
Blame the PSL, and ‘little treat culture’
Nostalgia is at play in another key driver of the popularity of gourmand scents: the pumpkin spice latte.
“ It’s been a major factor,” Little says of the effect the autumnal Starbucks juggernaut has had on, well, everything.
“The entire vibe that they created around the pumpkin spice latte it’s not just a latte; they tell you that fall is here, cozy times are here.” Little says that consumers are looking to re-create that mood in their homes.
One of the reasons the PSL and all the adjacent products are so coveted is that they are only available for a specific period of time, which lends them an air of exclusivity. “While PSL may have opened the door, it’s this broader cultural shift toward seeking simple pleasures that’s really fueling the demand for gourmand scents,” Neisewander says.
So what, beyond a fondness for nostalgia, does our demand for PSL and other scents say about us? Neisewander points to the influence of “little treat culture.”
darin, neroli and other fancy oranges are pushing aside the humble lemon. Limes, too, are having a moment, particularly outré ones like Kaffir and Persian. Even the regular ones are being tarted up, appearing in countertop sprays and glass cleaners under the stage name Lime Zest, or paired with sea salt, basil or green tea.
“ Citrus sounds like such a monolith, but there are so many different species of citrus,” Little says. The newer iterations sound “a bit nicer, so there is that premiumization that people are looking for from those fancier ingredients.”
“Consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are looking for small affordable ways to bring joy and comfort into everyday life,” Neisewander says.
And it’s not just fall; there are seasons and events, such as summertime, back-to-school and, yep, even birthdays, that provide important touchpoints and sensory associations — for brands to reach customers both new and old.
“Tastes and fragrances and food,” Blair says, “all that is truly the spice of life.”
Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert and the author of the best-selling book “My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag … and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha.”
PUBLIC AUCTION
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COMM. OF MASS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE “TAX SEIZURE AT PUBLIC AUCTION” RE: C&C FOOD SERVICE CORP D/B/A SUBWAY. LIVE AND ONLINE BIDDING ONLY PREMISES ARE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE FULLY EQUIPPED SANDWICH SHOP EQUIPMENT 213 MAIN ST., HUDSON, MA THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 AT 11 A.M. ONLINE BIDDING NOW AT WWW.PAINEAUCTIONEERS.COM CLICK ON SUBWAY AUCTION TO REGISTER AND SEE PHOTOS PARTIAL LISTING NORLAKE 6’x6’x6’3” S/C WALK IN FREEZER, NORLAKE 6’x6’x6’3” WALK IN COOLER S/C REF, 6 ASST’D SIZE SECTIONS GREEN COATED ERECTA SHELVING, TURBO AIR MERRY CHEF HI SPEED OVEN MODEL E-45STMV6DFU, BIZERBA MODEL L-23 FULLY AUTOMATIC MEAT SLICER, BRAND NEW AVANTCO 450LB AIR COOLED ICE MACHINE (HEAD ONLY) CRATHCO 4 TANK TOPS JUIC OR DRINK MACHINE, (2) LOCKWOOD (2) DOOR HOLDING CABINETS, SHEET PAN RACKS, 3 ASST’D SIZE SECTIONS CHROME SHELVING, ALL S/S TOP 2 DOOR CABINET W/ HAND SINK, TOSHIBA MICROWAVE, APPROX 14’ FRONT SERVICE LINE W/72” MEGATOP SANDWICH UNIT S/C. 48” HOT TABLE 72” CHECKOUT COUNTER W/ ALL S/S TOP AND POS SYSTEM HOLDERS, 10’ GLASS CURVED GLASS SNEEZE GUARD, 65+ ½ SIZE ALUM SHEET PANS, ONION SLICER, NEMCO VEGETABLE CUTTER, DOUBLE DOOR DROP SAFE, 24”x24” S/S POT SINK, 3 COMPT S/S SINK, (2) WALL RACKS W/UTENSILS, S/S WALL SHELF, LOTS OF S/S ASSORTED SIZE S/S INSERTS, 6’ STEP LADDER, BUNN COFFEE MACHINE, LOT JANITORIAL, LOTS OF PAPER GOODS, FOOD PRODUCTS, SONY YAMAHA MUSIC SYSTEM, 8 MAGNETIC MENU BOARDS, 20 METAL FRAMED PADDED SEAT CHAIRS, (12) 24”x 20” FORMICA TOP TABLES W/ BASES, BABY HIGH CHAIR, CURVED METAL (6) SHELF LOADED CHIP DISPLAY, NUVIEW UPRIGHT BAKING CENTER W/OVEN AND PROOFER (ELECT.) MANY MORE ITEMS. TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE BIDDING GO TO WWW.PAINEAUCTIONEERS. COM CLICK ON SUBWAY AUCTION. ENTIRETY BIDS LOT#1A TO LOT 41, A $5,000.00 DEPOSIT WILL BE REQUIRED TO BID ON THE ENTIRETY. CALL STAN AT 617-731-4455 FOR WIRE INSTRUCTIONS. TERMS: 18% BUYERS PREMIUM, 3% DISCOUNT FOR CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS. AUCTION WILL ALSO BE LIVE AT THE LOCATION ON THE MORNING OF 11/6/25 FOR LIVE BIDDING. WHICHEVER WAY REALIZE THE HIGHEST DOLLAR AMOUNT IS THE WAY IT WILL BE SOLD. INSPECTION WILL BE 9 A.M. MORNING OF AUCTION SALE. EDWARD F. SMITH AUCTIONEER MA LIC# 126 AVENUE AUCTION SALES 80 MYRTLE STREET QUINCY MA 02171 617-770-1600
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