The E List Guide to the Holidays 2023

Holiday 2023

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Guide to the Holidays on the CT Shoreline

Holiday Happenings | Local Gift Guide | Festive Decor Pop Up Shops | Afternoon Tea | Seasonal Music

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Party Time It’s a magical time of year on the Shoreline and we don’t want you to miss a trick! We’ve compiled all our most popular, need-to-know holiday info into one digital, mobile-friendly, downloadable, and shareable magazine.

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You’ll find round-ups of our favorite holiday events, fun pop-up shops, the best in holiday decor, teas and treats, and lots of local gifts to keep our hometown businesses thriving.

Click on the links or photos throughout to discover more about the featured shops, restaurants, happenings, and creators.

NOW–DEC 30

Wishing you the happiest of holidays, Erica & Laura

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About The E List Erica and her team have been shouting out the best of the CT Shoreline since 2008. Our 25,000 devoted and loyal subscribers look to The E List newsletter and website to plan their lives on the Shoreline.

Who makes a stunning floral arrangement? Where’s the best gift shop? What’s the go-to cocktail bar?

We announce the sales and events that matter, must-have items of the season, and tell you where to eat and what to do this weekend.

Whether you’re new here or a longtime follower, we invite you to peruse our Guide to the Holidays on The Shoreline and discover our fantastic local businesses.

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here.

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Contents Deck the Halls 5 Holiday Happenings 11 Strolls & Tree Lightings 17 Where to Dine Out on Christmas 21 Local Food Finds 23 Festive Pop Up Shops 27 Local Gift Guide 31 Holiday Teas 47 A Cookie Recipe 49 Classes & Crafting 51 Mood Music 55 Best Cocoa 57

Pictured on the cover: Peace Sign on Deep River Home

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Deck the Halls Here are a few of our favorite spots for custom holiday trimmings, but don’t dally; these oral and decor designers ll up fast!

Check out their sites for more info and online shopping.

(Photo: Bramble Collective)

Hanging cloud installations and wreaths:

Bramble, Chester

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Ornaments, holiday decor, trimmings, and DIY:

Saybrook Home Wreaths and florals:

Hana Floral, Mystic

Wreath: Mar Floral, Old Saybrook 6

Trees, trimmings, ropingtrimmings, and DIY: Trees, roping andFlower DIY: Madison Shop

Madison Flower Shop

Tablescape: Folklore Flower Co, Madison

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Custom mantel installations, decor and ornaments:

Where Memories Are Made, Old Saybrook

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Holiday Happenings Get in the holiday mood with these upcoming events: 11

The E List Girls' Nights Out: Join us for our favorite nights of the year!

Drinks, Discounts, and Dinner! In Essex on 11/15 and Guilford on 12/6.

Deck the Walls at Lyme Art Association, 11/17 - 12/31: Juried exhibit of Lyme Art Association members. This exhibit of well-priced artworks is perfect for gifting!

Opening reception 11/19, 2 -4.

The Nutcracker, Short & Suite at Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown, 11/19, 3 performances: The Mansion welcomes Ballet Hartford for an intimate performance of a classic holiday favorite. This is a condensed version that features a combination of dance, dialogue, and narration to tell the story of Clara and the Nutcracker.

Crafts, cookies, cocoa, a performance, and a special meet and greet with the principal dancers!

Annual Holiday Train Show at CT River Museum 11/21 - 2/18/23, 10am - 5pm: Bring the whole family to this exhibit, created by train artist Steve Cryan, featuring more trains, new scenery, and lots of surprises in the fully operational 26-foot model train layout.

Holiday Magic at Florence Griswold Museum, 11/24 – 12/31: This year’s celebration features new twists on the traditional décor in Miss Flo's house.

Three Fantasy Trees add bespoke sparkle in the historic house and in the Krieble Gallery, over 220 painted palettes, adorn four stunning Artist Trees. Find out more.

Winter Nights at Stone Acres Farm, Every Thursday-Saturday night beginning 11/24 in the historic Manor House at Stone Acres Farm. With a spirit of a Charles Dickens novel, you’ll enjoy a charming evening surrounded by crackling fireplaces and candlelit dining rooms. Enjoy locally sourced seasonal fare and expertly curated cocktail menus provided by the talented 85th Day team.

Reserved seatings beginning at 5pm.

Reservations required. $78 per guest.

Ocean House Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, 11/25, 5pm: Ignite the Christmas Spirit at Ocean House’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Village. Resesrve dinner with Santa following Tree Lighting!

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade & Santa Arrives by Tugboat in Mystic on 11/25: Santa Claus is coming to town and so is Mystic’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Historic Downtown Mystic.

Thousands gather at the Mystic River Park to watch Santa arrive at 2 pm on a 60’ tugboat.

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Season’s Eatings Let us cook for you!

Take the stress out of the holidays this year with our delicious, ready-made appetizers, mains, sides, and more!

North Stonington & Niantic Celebrating One Year In Niantic!

Easy online ordering at ggathome.com 185 Main Street | Niantic, CT | 860-850-4049 • 138 Norwich-Westerly Rd | North Stonington, CT | 860-415-9347

Old Saybrook Ladies Night, 12/1 from 5:30 - 9pm: 'Tis the season to treat yourself, too! Ladies Night will feature extended shopping hours, special discounts, and a drawing with items donated from participating shops.

Ice Carving Competition & A Cappella Concert,12/10 from 12 - 4: 5 professional ice carvers will transform 900lbs of ice into a spectacular sculpture on Broadway Island (56 Broadway).

Great photo opportunities with the sculptures after the event. You’ll also be treated to performances by Yale a cappella groups.

Legacy Theatre, Branford Presents A Christmas Carol, 11/29 - 12/10: Adapted and directed by Keely Baisden Knudsen, this story illuminates the journey of one Ebenezer Scrooge and his guided self-reflection amidst the Christmas season in 1800s England.

Holiday Carnival at Olde Mistick Village, 12/2 from 12 - 4: Carolers, a brass band, and Santa's Workshop!

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Photo: CT River Museum

Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport, 12/8 - 12/23 on Fridays and Saturdays: Lantern Light Village is an outdoor, free-roaming experience designed to exemplify the differences between the modern and 19th century holiday seasons. Enjoy festive lighting displays, live music, horse and carriage rides, plus a visit from St. Nicolas, and so much more! Interact with the denizens of our 19th century village as they prepare for Christmas Eve and join them in their end of the year festivities.

Winter Wonder Day at Lyman Allyn Free First Saturday, 12/2, 11-1pm: Start your holiday season with a visit to Winter Wonder Day at the Lyman Allyn. Enjoy special crafts and activities inspired by the Wonderment exhibition, explore the museum's exhibitions, take your photo with Santa, and more! Visit the website.

Madison Chamber’s Ladies Shopping Night in Madison 11/30, from 5 - 8pm: Specials and events at participating shops in Madison. Learn more.

Photo: CT River Museum

Photo: Mystic Seaport Museum

2023 Holiday Events & Promotions at The Shops at Yale, New Haven

Festival of Lights at Olde Mistick Village, 12/8: Experience the magic of

Tree Lighting, Holiday Village, Storytelling with Santa, Ice-Carving Competition, Strolling Carolers, Small Biz Pop-Up and more during the season. See all the events.

the holiday season at the Olde Mistick Village. Come stroll through walkways brilliantly lit by thousands of luminaries, with live entertainment and complimentary treats in the Meeting House.

A Magical Cirque Christimas Show at The Garde, 11/26 at 4pm: Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music.

The Nutcracker at The Garde, 12/9 – 12/10: Get tickets to see this holiday favorite performed by Eastern CT Ballet with dancers from the New York City Ballet at The Garde.

Madison Beach Hotel Bon re & Tree Lighting, 11/25 at 4pm: Caroling, complimentary hot cocoa, hot cider and live holiday themed music. Reserve for dinner after at The Wharf.

CT River Museum’s Annual Trees in the Rigging, 11/26 from 12-6pm: Enjoy this all-day annual celebration with crafts for kids, a Holiday Fair and a traditional, lantern-lit carol stroll where spectators are invited to bring their own lanterns or flashlights. And check out the dazzling displays created by local boaters during the magical Boat Parade.

Christmas in the Village, Goodspeed Airport, 12/5 at 5pm: Santa will fly into the airport and visit in East Haddam Village. Find out more.

Photo: Thomas Giroir

Niantic Light Parade, 12/9 from 6 8pm: New Englands largest and brightest light parade!

A Christmas Carol at the Shubert, New Haven, 12/22 & 12/23, This brand-new production of the Dickens’ classic offers a fresh, new take on a familiar story while maintaining the traditional elements that have made the tale a favorite for generations.

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Strolls & Tree Lightings Holiday strolls in Shoreline villages feature Santa visits, sleigh rides, caroling, tree lightings and special events in the shops.

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Niantic Holiday Stroll on 11/25, 3 7pm: Enjoy store specials, sales and giveaways while shopping local this Small Business Saturday from 3pm to 7pm. Stop by the Food Truck court to warm up with delicious bites. Go on the hunt for some mischievous elves in the shop windows with the Mermaid Elf Trail.

Stonington Lobster Trap Tree at Stonington Town Dock 11/25 - 1/9: Lit from 4:30 to 9:30pm through January 9

Madison Small Business Saturday and Santa Comes to Town on 11/25, 11:15-6pm: Small business Saturday comes to Madison the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Come down and stroll the shops see what they have to offer this holiday season!! Santa will ride down Main Street to the steps of Cafe Allegre, where he will listen to all the boys and girls holiday wishes. Find out more.

New Haven Tree Lighting & Holiday Village on 11/30, 5:30pm: Join the Elm City as they kick off the holiday season with their official Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Village on the New Haven Green. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and many more surprises for the whole family! This event is familyfriendly, and pet-friendly with retail products by local entrepreneurs perfect for holiday gifts. The Holiday Village runs through the weekend. Details here.

Stonington Lobster Trap Tree

Stonington Village Holiday Stroll on 12/1, 5:30pm: Every year, on the first Friday evening in December, the Stonington Village Improvement Association (SVIA) sponsors a tree lighting ceremony in Wadawanuck Square that includes a community carol sing and a special visit by Santa. Immediately following the lighting of the tree is the annual holiday stroll down Water Street.

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First Friday in Chester and Starry Nights on 12/1, 5 - 8pm: Join the Merchants of Chester for an extra special First Friday celebration! In addition to new exhibitions, seasonal menus & ice cream flavors, live music and great shopping, the Star installation will be lit, all at once at 5:45pm! Visit the Chester website.

Guilford Tree Lighting, 12/1, 5:45-6:30pm on the Town Green. Music performances, Santa visit & more. Get details here.

Ivoryton Illuminations, 12/2 and continuing throughout December: Visit the brightest village in Connecticut throughout December as Ivoryton lights up with over 400,000 lights! Sponsored by the Ivoryton Village Alliance.

Westbrook Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on 12/3, 4pm: Join the fun on this annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Ice Carving, Crafts and reindeer food, S’mores at the bonfire, Horse-drawn carriage rides and much more abundant good cheer. Get the details.

Christmas in the Village, East Haddam, 12/5 Santa will fly into the Goodspeed Airport to help celebrate the season in the village of East Haddam.

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Old Saybrook Starlight Festival on 12/2: Centered on the Town Green, this day-long family friendly event will have you feeling merry & bright!

Activities include: Meet with Santa, a Stocking Walk, Story Time, dance performances and more. Get details.

The Deep River Annual Holiday Stroll and Holiday Light Parade on 12/2, 4-7pm: Visit local merchants for festive cheer and specials. Festivities include CT Yuletide Carolers, DR Historical Society’s Festival of Trees, Tree Lighting, Visit from Santa, Gingerbread House Contest, Fire Performer and Inflatable Snow Globe and more. Find out more.

Downtown Mystic Holiday Stroll & Luminaria on 12/5 from 5 - 9pm: Stroll the festive streets of Historic Downtown Mystic and listen to the carolers rejoice in the holiday spirit as Santa makes his way through the hustle and bustle! Merchants will keep their shops open late so everyone can get a head start on their holiday shopping while enjoying hot cider, cookies and other goodies in the stores. This is a community event, free of charge and open to the public.

Holidays at Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam See the Castle in all its holiday splendor with a slew of special events.

Check the schedule here.

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Where to Dine Out on Christmas A handful of local restaurants will prepare a fancy feast for you, friends, and family on Christmas Day. 21

Weekapaug Inn: Feast of the Fishes 12/24, 5-8pm: A tradition of ItalianAmerican families throughout our area, the Feast of the Fishes is a favorite Christmas Eve custom at Weekapaug Inn. With access to some of the freshest seafood and the finest local ingredients their talented culinary team will provide you and yours with a sumptuous familystyle seafood meal. $95 per adult + optional wine paring for $75 additional/ $40 per child ages 4-12.

Reserve here.

The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel offers a Holiday Dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Menu. Check the website for menu/ pricing updates in the coming weeks.

Ocean House: Christmas Day Brunch at the Bistro Indulge in delicious food, listen to live jazz in the lobby, and enjoy unlimited drinks with your buffet–a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. 8:00am - 2:30pm. $95++/ Adult. $45++/ Child ages 4-12.Reserve online or by calling 401-584-7000.

Water’s Edge: 12/25, Enjoy a decadent Prix Fixe Christmas Dinner at Dattilo Fine Italian. 1-7pm, $79++ per person.

Reservations available online or by phone: 860-577-3511

Christmas Day Family Style Brunch at Weekapaug Inn 12/25, 9am - 3pm: Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive family-style feast in The Restaurant! Chef Andrew and his team have crafted a delectable brunch menu, making the Inn the perfect place to celebrate the holiday with family or friends. Reserve here.

Christmas Day Buffet Dinner at Saybrook Point 12/25, Enjoy an elegant buffet featuring an array of dishes from seared duck to swordfish, plus a raw bar and carving station.

Candy Cane Cheesecake for desert! $109 + + per person/kids are $49.95 ++. Call to book: 860-395-2000

Local Food Finds For your cocktail lovers, these sugar Cubes doll up any beverage with floral notes. Find at Savour Cafe, Centerbrook. $17.99

6 Fresh Cookies made fresh at Chocolate Geeks, Essex: crispy, chewy, chocolatey, gooey cookies.

Baked the day of pick up. $15.

Winter Forest Simple Syrup Folklore Flower Co, Madison. Oregon-made, handcrafted fresh pine and cranberry simple syrup for cocktails and cocktails. $18 23

Deep River Home: Handmade in small batches by Flouwer Co, these pretty crackers are filled with edible flowers and fresh herbs. $12 Give this scrumptious Chai Tea Latte mix to your favorite tea lover. Made in small batches in Nashville. Sold at Deep River Home. $20

An effervescent wine from the Monteodorisio Vineyard in Chieti, Abruzzo. Find it at CT River Wine & Spirits, Chester $19.99

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Fantastic French treats for all your Francophile friends, plus gift boxes of goodies ready to go!At Cocotte: Marrons Glacés $29.50, Beurre Fine $21.50, Caramels Tendres $14.50 and Specialities Du Berry. $21.50

For the Panettone fan in your life. In stock now at Centerbrook Cheese Shop. $59.99

Centerbrook Cheese Shop’s Gift Boxes come in lots of varieties and run from $69-$140. Nothing better than a box of cheese!

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Gingerbread Boxes Advent Set to fill with goodies at Fromage. $14.49

Nutmeg + Honey’s Made in CT Holiday Treats Gift Set. $100

The real deal Egg Nog from Arethusa Farm at Fromage . $18

Surprise your favorite Sweet Tooth with a Classic Cake from Honeycone, Chester One layer chocolate ice cream, once layer vanilla ice cream, with a fudge middle layer, sprinkles, cherries, and a brownie base. From $45. Holiday Pies are also coming soon: Peppermint Bark, Orange Chocolate, Santa’s Milk and Cookies and Ferrero Rocher. Check website after 11/19.

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Festive Pop-Up Shops

Artistry at the Guilford Art Center ,11/2-1/7/24. Over 300 fine American crafters, artisans and jewelers are featured at this celebrated annual sale. Enjoy the new Accessories Showcase, featuring an expanded selection of contemporary accessories from small-batch and New York boutique designers.Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am-5:00pm and Sunday 12-5pm. Details.

Higganum Holiday Pop-Up Market, Opens 11/18: Locally handcrafted products, made with love at Haddam Elementary School.

Florence Griswold Museum Shop is all stocked up with ornaments, children’s toys, books, jewelry and gifts for the holidays -- complimentary gift-wrapping included. Online shopping, too! Visit Flo Gris.

Hill-Stead Annual Holiday Boutique features 25 artists and crafters who bring their best to this two-day sale, 12/2 & 12/3. Preregistration required for boutique. Visit Hill-Stead.

Wesleyan Potters Annual Exhibit and Sale: 11/24-12/24, 10 - 6pm, Wed,

collection of artists, specialty artisan products, holiday-inspired vendors, prepared foods, and much more. Get the details.

Thurs, Sat, Sun and 10 - 8pm Fridays: Discover a vast selection of original, handcrafted pieces: sparkling jewelry, fun and functional pottery, statement sculptures, elegant hand woven apparel, original woodwork and more by over 250 local and nationally known artisans. Find out more.

Holiday Market at the Westbrook Outlets, 11/25, 10-4pm: Candle

Dudley Farm Museum Open House and Holiday Market, the first three

workshops, live entertainment, Colossal Kielbasa, TAPVILLE, over 80 regional and local Holiday Vendors offering one of a kind gift options, Santa Visit and photo opportunities, UGLY sweater contest, games and activities.

weekends in December from 10 am - 2 pm. Specialty items from vendors will be sold in and around the Munger Barn. On 12/3, step back in time in the 1844 Farmhouse and Museum for cookies, carols and merriment for an Open House celebration from 1-4pm. Visit their website for current info.

East Haddam Holiday Farmer's Market, 11/25 from 9-12pm: A

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Chester Holiday Market: 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17: Every Sunday between

Thanksgiving and Christmas, enjoy farmers, special events, openings and more in the shops and restaurants of Chester from 10am - 1pm. Learn more.

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at Chester Meeting House, 12/1, 5 - 8pm: Held at the Historic Chester Town Meeting House, HSE is always a friendly, festive event full of amazing local vendors, gorgeous gifts, handmade goods, and plenty of Holiday Cheer!

Wadsworth Mansion Holiday Bazaar, Middletown: Sunday, 12/3, 10 - 3pm: Featured

vendors from the Open Air Market will be selling handmade products and unique holiday gifts for your family and friends. Lunch and hot beverages available. Visit Wadsworth Mansion.

Historical Society Christmas Fair at Parmelee Farm, Killingworth 12/2, 8:30 -

3pm: Parmelee Farmhouse will be transformed into a holiday boutique with handmade items crafted by members, including fresh arrangements, baked goods, holiday decor, gift items, knitted accessories. 465 Route 81, Killingworth.

Holidays at Bishop’s Little Red Barn, Guilford, First 3 weekends in December,

Saturdays and Sundays only. Visit with Santa, enjoy a a holiday craft, cookie decorating, a ride on the holiday apple train and wagon rides around the orchard. There will be hot chocolate, hot cider, fire pits with s'mores kits available and lots more holiday cheer!

Tickets go on sale 11/17!

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Local Gift Guide

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Socks That Do Good: This sock gift box provides access to justice for six survivors of violence through The United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women at Creations, Madison. $56.95

Local jeweler Emily Kuvin KAPOW! Collection is all about confidence, power, and dreaming big. $1120

Piecework Puzzles at Deep River Home.

What’s better than Aprés Ski? $38

Opposite Page: Grace, Niantic is stuffed with colorful & cozy sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves.

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The Man Can at Creations, Madison has everything for a sweetsmelling guy. $53.95

Everyone needs a cozy Nordic sock in their stocking from Homeward Collective. $14

Granite salt & peppers make a great hostess gift! Find these at Rock Paper Sistas. $62

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Make some art with these fun paintby-numbers at Homeward Collective, Old Lyme. $40

Gourmet Galley: This eucalyptus wreath makes a natural statement (and a welcome gift) in or outside. $70.

For travel or couch, this cushy, stretchy set from Spanx at Ella Where She Shops is a must have (and an Oprah’s Favorite). $118 top/$110 bottoms.

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You don’t need to stash these colorful wooden stackers in your toy closet. Pretty enough to leave out, at Azalea, Niantic. $70.

Is this the perfect party skirt? I think so! One size and four colors available, at Swish, Guilford. $159

Wrap you or a loved one up in this one size sweater coat at $88.

3 colors. Mix Design Store, Guilford

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Willow & Birch in Madison: Brooklyn Candle Studio makes the freshest scents.

All you need is a spritz! $35

Buy me this book!

At RJ Julia $79.95

Marijane Boutique, Guilford is known for luxury consignment including a stock of Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Chanel bags.

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Gold Plated Earrings at

Homeward Collective. $24 - 48

I’m a sucker for anything toile, including this cheeseboard at RJ Julia. $35

I was gifted this book and I can’t stop flipping through it. Gorgeous and inspiring.

From Artemisia. $75

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Might as well get them started early. Kids Toy Coffeemaker at GG at Home, Niantic. $31

Pearls & Plaid: These adorable beltbag/cross bodies in supple suede are a steal at $38. Love the dark green!

We love this French accented shop and these linen stockings. Deux Bisous, Madison.

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Welcome home!

D E S I G N

CP

Chester CT

860.322.4470 interior architecture & design Photo: Rise Visual Media

Recipe book at Azalea: I’ve been dying to share with my daughter all her favorite recipes growing up, and this beautiful heirloom might be the reason to finally do it. $58

Looking for an alternative to a pine candle that still whispers holiday? Here you go!

Delicately scent your home with wafts of wood fire. I LOVE it. At Artemisia in Old Lyme. $65

Dina Varano handcrafts these gorgeous rings in her Chester studio. Wire Heart Ring in Silver $185. 14kt Gold Wave Ring $325.

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Add a little color to your guys wardrobe with this puffer at Gentleman’s Social, Guilford. $248

J. Horton: You’ll find a cheeky slogan (and chic) notebook for everyone on your list here. $49

Pearls & Plaid, Niantic & Old Saybrook: A giant sweatshirt for lazy days at home, or over your leggings for running to the gym. $68

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Local jeweler Ann Lightfoot is known for her elegant and elemental jewelry. This 4 strand necklace is a serene mix of green/blue apatite and hematite. $234.

Who doesn’t love tacos?

Here’s a colorful way to enjoy them from Essex Mercantile $10.99

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Holiday Teas

Luxurious, indulgent and smacking of the holidays, there's nothing better than an hour or two spent sipping tea and nibbling cucumber sandwiches.

Winter Princess Holiday Tea at Madison Beach Hotel, 12/10 wear your favorite Princess attire and enjoy pastries, tea sandwiches, scones, tea & a hot cocoa beverage station.

Old Lyme Inn Holiday Tea, Saturdays 11:30 -2pm in December. Enjoy a tower of tea sandwiches, petite desserts, scones and more.

Tea with Santa at Old Lyme Inn, 11/25, 11 - 4pm. Holiday tea and a fireside chat with Santa.

Miss Florence Holiday Tea, 11/28 - 12/30, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Select seating time 11am or 2pm. Enjoy tea for up to two hours. Enjoy tea, tea sandwiches, and seasonal sweets by Gourmet Galley while overlooking the wintry splendor of the Lieutenant River.

Fireside Holiday tea at Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast, Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays in December. Cozy up for a fireside Holiday Tea: choice of tea, sparkling cocktail, soup, assorted tea sandwiches baked goods, sweet treats and macarons.

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A Cookie Recipe

Iced & Spiced Hermits

By Dorie Greenspan Photo: Mark Weinberg

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doriegreenspan.com

Makes 24 cookies For the Cookies

• 2 cups (272 grams) all-purpose flour • 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda • 1⁄2 teaspoon fine sea salt • 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder • 11⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 11⁄2 teaspoons ground ginger • 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg • 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 stick (8 tablespoons; 4 ounces; 113 grams) • unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 cup (200 grams) packed brown sugar • 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) unsulfured molasses • 1 large egg, at room temperature • 1⁄2 cup (80 grams) moist, plump raisins

For the Icing

• 1 cup (120 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted • About 2 tablespoons milk, water, lemon juice, brandy or rum

To Make the Cookies: Whisk the flour,

baking soda, salt, baking powder and spices together.

Working in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the molasses and then the egg and beat for a few minutes more, scraping the bowl and beater(s) as needed. The dough will be light and fluffy, like whipped peanut butter.

Turn off the mixer, add the flour all at once and pulse to start blending in the dry ingredients. When the risk of flying flour has passed, turn the mixer to low and beat only until the ingredients are almost incorporated.

Add the raisins and continue to mix on low until there are no traces of flour. Turn the dough out, gather it together, wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. (The dough can be refrigerated overnight.)

When You’re Ready to Bake: Center a rack

in the oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.

Divide the dough in half. Place one piece 2 to 3 inches away from a long side of the baking sheet and shape into a log about 12 inches long; don’t worry about the width. Repeat with the second piece of dough on the other side of the sheet. Flatten the dough a bit with your hands.

Bake the logs for 23 to 26 minutes, or until the edges feel just firm to the touch; the tops will still be soft. The logs will have spread and cracked, and that’s just what they’re supposed to do. Transfer the baking sheet to a rack and let the logs rest for 15 minutes or so while you make the icing.

To Make the Icing: Put the confectioners’

sugar in a medium bowl and pour in 11⁄2 tablespoons of the milk (or whatever liquid you’ve chosen). Use a spoon to stir the milk into the sugar. Add more milk as needed—you might need more than 2 tablespoons—until you’ve got an opaque icing that falls easily from the tip of the spoon.

To Ice and Slice the Cookies: Drizzle the

icing over the still-warm logs. Don’t worry about being neat or creating a museum-worthy design—just have fun. When the icing has set and the logs are cool, trim the ends (or don’t) and decide how you want to cut the cookies— you can either slice them crosswise into 1-inchwide pieces or cut them into 2-inch-wide pieces and then cut them crosswise in half to make squarish cookies. I like the chunky, handmade unevenness of the double-cut cookies.

Storing: These are good keepers—packed in

a tightly covered container, they’ll be good for at least 4 days. I think they’re still good when they get a bit drier and less chewy. At that point, they make good dunkers—dip them in coffee, tea, cold milk or warm cider.

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Classes & Crafting Here’s a hands-on way to celebrate the season and create thoughtful gifts, too.

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Learn How to Bake German Holiday Classics, 11/19 from 1 to 4pm. In this hands-on workshop you will be rolling and shaping dough, decorating, and baking cookies of various types. Take home a basket of your freshly baked cookies, plus recipes, to share with friends and family.

Brot Workshop, Killingworth.

Sunday Workshops at Deep River Home: 11/26 Holiday Wreath Making Workshop with Bramble. 12/3 Herbal Bath Salts Workshop. Follow @deep_river_home for tickets and updates on more events.

Learn To Bake Holiday Treats at La Belle Aurore, Niantic, 11/29 at 6pm. Get into the spirit of the holidays with this baking class of cookies & small treats to add to your repertoire.

Flo Gris Holiday Gift Basket Weaving Workshop: 12/2, 10 - 3: Join Jennifer Misseri of Connecticut Valley Baskets to learn traditional basket-making techniques and create your own Holiday Gift Basket, perfect for filling with holiday gifts, but useful all year!

Spectrum Art Gallery Live Wreath Workshop, 12/3 from 1:30 to 4pm. Create your own 30” live wreath. A variety of freshly picked greenery plus florist wire, hand-made bows and embellishments are provided. Bring wire cutters or sharp scissors, and gloves are recommended.

Best Buds Flower Farm Holiday Wreath, Lyme, 12/2, 12/3 & 12/12: Create a lush holiday wreath with everlasting flowers for decorations, in the barn at the farm, while enjoying wine or soft drinks and homemade sweet treats.

Ocean House Gingerbread House Workshop, 12/14 from 3 to 5:30: An art to be mastered, building the perfect gingerbread house isn’t so hard under the expert guidance of the Ocean House pastry team! Find more holiday crafting workshops on the Ocean House events site.

ATY Bar and Bon Bons (from the folks at Sift) is hosting themed cocktail classes: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Winter and Valentine’s! Call 860 245 0541 to reserve your spot.

Weekend Kitchen: cooking class offerings include Thanksgiving with A Twist, Holiday Cocktails and Appetizers, and Flavors of Italy for the Holidays. Sign up here.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating and Wine at Madison Beach Hotel: 11/28, 12/6, 12/12, 12/19. Grab some friends and decorate giant house-made Gingerbread Cookies while sipping wine. Each Attendee will receive four cookies to decorate – 2 giant Gingerbread Cookies and 2 large sugar cookies to decorate and take home. Ticket includes 1 glass of wine. (This is an Adult Event 21+).

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690 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT jhortonstore.com

Mood Music There's no better way to celebrate the season than a holiday chorale or concert.

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Million Dollar Quartet Christmas at The Ivoryton Playhouse, 11/16 12/17: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together to celebrate the holidays. Sun Records rings with sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made the Million Dollar quartet famous.

Cappella Cantorum 12/3: The Cappella Cantorum Masterworks Chorus and its Orchestra will perform “Magnificat” by John Rutter and “The Many Moods of Christmas” by Robert Shaw.

Messiah Sing Along at The Kate, 12/17, 2pm: Participate in the sounds of the season with a Kate holiday tradition.

Open to all who want to sing-along, the Photo by Musical Masterworks Messiah Sing combines Cappella Cantorum’s professional soloists with a chorus of talented volunteers. Sit in the back and listen or sit down front and participate. Singers should arrive at 1:30 for section seating and rehearsal.

Musical Masterworks, Old Lyme Congregational Church, 12/2 at 5pm & 12/3 at 3pm: Beloved familiar and new masterworks and artists will bless us in December with grand works by Bach and Dvořák as well as original works from Thurber and Lark.

Con Brio Christmas Concerts at Christ The King Church, Old Lyme on 12/9 & 12/10. This year's concert featuresthe rarely performed Missa Gratias agimus tibi (13th Mass) by Jan Dismas Zelenka. Composed in 1730, in Zelenka’s late style, this festive mass is scored with trumpets and timpani, soloists, chorus and orchestra, with courtly splendor and excitement.

Community Carol Sing, 12/17: First, enjoy the Mystic Seaport Carolers as they perform a holiday concert in the Greenmanville Church at 2 p.m. Next the Community Carol Sing will commence on the deck of the Thompson Exhibition Building and McGraw Quadrangle at 3 p.m. led by Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Connecticut, Jamie Spillane, and backed by The Mystic Seaport Museum Carolers, and a brass quartet.

Photo: Musical Masterworks

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The Best Cocoa Photo: Christian Steiner

Ashlawn Farm Coffee, Old Saybrook Made to order with Callebaut chocolate (ground in-house) and local milk (or vegan).

This is one cozy and scrumptious cup!

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Joy Chocolate Company, Essex This not-to-be-missed drinking hot chocolate is made on-site at Joy Chocolate Company in Essex village. The recipe is made from a single origin cocoa bean from West Africa.

Photo: Joy Chocolate Co

Sift Bake Shop, Niantic & Mystic It’s no surprise that Adam T. Young’s hot chocolate is somewhat of a delicacy but it’s friendly to all dietary needs too. Order yours with skim, almond, coconut or oat milk. Plus you’ll have the option to add caramel, peanut butter, hazelnut or white chocolate.

Honeycone, Chester This favorite gourmet ice cream shop makes decadent house made hot chocolate made with real melted chocolate - and a house-made marshmallow!

Photo: Tina Rupp

Guilford Marketplace, Guilford Explore the menu of 16 oz gourmet hot chocolates made from Belgian chocolate blends ranging from Mexican (with Guallilo chilis) to Candy Cane (crushed candy canes and peppermint).

Nana’s Bakery, Mystic & Westerly, RI There’s nothing like a cozy cup of steamy hot chocolate from Nana’s made from Diaspora organic cacao. We pair ours with a Cacio e Pepe Donut (made to order!).

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Happy Holidays!

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