Holiday Gift & Party Guide

& Party

a blank slate media special section December 19, 2014

28 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

Cook ahead of the holidays to save time

“Angel Wings Pendant” Tattoo Collection

Design with a deeper meaning.

In the spirit of gifting and giving back

“Shop for Charity” Now through Christmas.

“Francesca II” Cocktail Ring Collection

Winner World Gold Council Design Competition Detachable Pavé Lockets on Starburst Bracelet

2014 Shop for Charity Partners Community Chest of Port Washington Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Friends of the Port Washington Library Friends of the Sands Point Preserve Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club Hearts of Port Washington Landmark on Main Street Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency Nassau County Museum of Art

NCRT of Glen Cove Nicholas Center for Autism/Spectrum Designs Foundation Port Washington Children’s Center Port Washington Education Foundation Port Washington Library Foundation Port Washington Parks Conservancy Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington Tuesday’s Children Women’s Fund of Long Island

Holiday Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 5:30, Sunday, December 21, Monday, December 22, 12:00 - 3:00, or by apointment.

glennbradford.com

279 Main Street, Port Washington, NY~516-767-1600 ©2014 Glenn Bradford Fine Jewelry Corp. & Glenn Bradford Licensing Group I Corp.

Holiday hosts and hostesses may want to put a storage freezer on their wish list this year. Having the ability to prepare meals in advance and store them easily for later use could prove invaluable — especially for those who are opening their homes for the holidays.

Food and celebrations are unequivocally intertwined. While presents and decorations may be important parts of holiday festivities, food is just as important for hosts who want to throw a successful holiday party.

Those who are welcoming guests to their homes for the holidays may fret over what to serve and how long preparation will take, especially when they’re busy with other tasks. However, stretching out food shopping, preparation and cooking over a few weeks can make the process much more manageable.

A freezer can be a party host’s best friend come the holiday season. Many foods can be prepared in advance and then frozen until the celebration. Also, having small portions of pre-made foods can be helpful when visitors pop in unexpectedly and may be hungry for a meal. Just take something out of the freezer and heat it.

Certain tips can ensure foods made in advance are stored properly and heat up quickly.

Casseroles, baked pasta dishes and vegetables can be prepared in advance and frozen. Be sure to consult with any recipes to see if items can indeed be frozen if you are unsure how they will fare in the freezer.

Instead of preparing food and storing it in one large container, separate it into two smaller containers so dishes defrost quickly and dinner time isn’t delayed.

Use packaging specifically designed for use in the freezer. These products will offer extra insulation against freezer burn, which dehydrates food. Keeping air out of the packaging will help to alleviate cases of freezer burn and potential waste of good food.

Mark packages with the date the foods were packaged as well as what is inside.

This makes it easy to keep inventory of what is in the freezer.

Defrost foods in the refrigerator the night before the holiday meal will be served.

Heating foods that aren’t still frozen considerably cuts down on cook times.

If food cannot be defrosted before cooking, keep in mind that you may have to cook foods longer than normal.

Many desserts also can be frozen. Freeze pies before they are cooked. Cakes can be frozen if you freeze the layers separately.

Then assemble and frost the cakes before serving. Cream pies cannot be frozen, but you can use pudding in place of cream in many recipes and be able to freeze them.

Brownies and other “bar” recipes will freeze and carry well.

If you don’t want to have everything prepped in advance and enjoy the taste of a freshly cooked meal, consider preparing side dishes in advance and then leave the roast or turkey to cook. Any steps you can take ahead of time will dramatically cut out the time you have to spend in the kitchen while guests are around.

Don’t feel shy about cutting corners when possible. If you’re cooking the entire meal, invest in pre-made frozen appetizers to save time.

Designers of Fine Jewelry OPEN SUNDAY THRU CHRISTMAS

Designers of Fine Jewelry

LAY-A-WAY AVAILABLE WE SPECIALIZE IN: ALL TYPES OF WATCH & JEWELRY REPAIRS DIAMONDS WE BUY GOLD REMOUNTS AND APPRAISALS

20%

OFF ON ANY PURCHASE OVER $100 (WITH AD)

Your #1 Stop For All Your Holiday Shopping!

Custom Made Jewelry For Your Special Needs

2449 Jericho Turnpike • Garden City Park, NY 11040 (P) 516-742-4590 (F) 516-742-4669 www.herricksjewelers@Yahoo.com Hrs: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 10-6 • Thurs. 10-7, Sun. - Closed We will be open on Sundays! Starting Nov. 30th - Dec. 21st 11am-5pm

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • HolIDAy gIFT & pArTy gUIDe

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30 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

The Perfect Gift • Expert remodeling services • Lay-away • Trade-in Programs

Do good by donating older gifts Much as you would decorate the home or shop for fancy holiday clothing, you can set aside a day for sorting through infrequently used items and preparing them for donation. Doing so can teach children the benefits of generosity, which often goes hand-in-hand with the season.

Work with an organization

There are certain organizations that gather used or new toys and other items to give to the less fortunate. Begin with churches and synagogues and inquire if they sponsor or host a collection program. Schools also may hold item swaps to help raise money for parentteacher associations or to donate to charities.

The holiday season is one firmly ensconced in the tradition of exchanging gifts.

To address storage issues, some families choose to make charitable donations of some of their past holiday finery in preparation for the arrival of new gifts and goodies.

If you cannot find an organization that serves as the middleman for donations, take it upon yourself to solicit safe houses, hospitals, veteran groups and more to see if they will accept your items.

Set limits on new gifts

The average person has many belongings he or she may not need. According to the Self Storage Association, there are 2.3 billion square feet designated to self-storage space in the United States, and one out of every 10 households in the country rents a unit. Many financial analysts say that the self-storage industry is essentially recession-proof. That’s because once a person moves items into storage, they’re not likely to move it out anytime soon.

Many of the items relegated to selfstorage units across the nation could be holiday gifts from years past. But rather than store items that will never see the light of day, why not help a good cause and donate such items to charity?

Make it a tradition

Families can make donating items prior to the holidays a tradition so that it is something that everyone anticipates and looks forward to.

Encourage family members to give back while gifting as well. While one or two new items will be appreciated, you may want to specify that donations to charities that you support, or helping to fund extracurricular activities, is your preference.

Organize storage spaces

Once clutter has been removed, use this opportunity to install new closet organizers, storage bins, shelving, and any other methods of organization that you prefer. Sort and categorize existing toys and items so that new ones can be added neatly.

Involve children in the donation process

When donating items, bring the kids along so they can see how their former toys and books will be put to use by other children who may not have the same advantages. It will serve as a good lesson and may help children walk away with a heartwarming experience.

East Williston Florist Order your

BARBATSULY FURS OF GARDEN CITY

1046 Franklin Avenue, Garden City 516.742.8289 www.barbatsulyfurs.com

Holiday Flowers Now!!

131C Jericho Tpke.

Mineola, NY 11501 1-800-4florist

516-742-9129

eastwillistonflorist.net

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

COAL BRICK-OVEN PIZZERIA

www.grimaldisgardencity.com

CATERING MENU APPETIZER SELECTIONS ANTIPASTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70 Homemade mozzarella, oven roasted sweet red peppers, genoa salami, sicilian olives

TOMATO MOZZARELLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65 Served on toast with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and a basil pesto sauce

18” SALAD SELECTIONS House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45 Caesar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Chopped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 Spinach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 Portobello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65 Mediterranean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 Add Fresh Mozzarella $10 • Add Grilled Chicken $12 • Add Salami $10

MEAT & CHEESE ROLLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 rolled salami, ham, provolone, portabello, peppers served on toast

GRILLED CHICKEN TERIYAKI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 Grilled chickcen in a teriyaki marinade. Served on toast with a dusting of crusted walnuts

BRUSCHETTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 Seasoned chopped tomatoes, topped with a parmesan dusting served on toast

ANTIPASTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 Assorted vegetables served with a blue cheese dip

SHRIMP COCKTAIL PLATTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90

ENTREÉ SELECTIONS Half Tray

18” DESSERT PLATTER

4 lbs. of large chilled shrimp served with a cocktail sauce dip

ASSORTED BAKED PINWHEELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 Variety of spinach, pepperoni, chicken and sausage rolls, served on a bed of pomidoro sauce

Full Tray

Chicken Parmigiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50 . . . . . $80 Chicken & Vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50 . . . . . $80 Chicken Marsala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$55 . . . . . $90 Sausage & Peppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45 . . . . . $75 Eggplant Parmagiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40 . . . . . $70 Eggplant Rollatini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45 . . . . . $80 Penne Primavera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40 . . . . . $65 Penne Ala Vodka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40 . . . . . $55 Linguini white or red Clam Sauce . . . . . . . . . . . .$45 . . . . . $75 Ravioli Fileto Di Pomidoro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40 . . . . . $70 Party Heros (Italian/American) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15 per foot Combination of Jr. Cheese Cake, Cannoli, Chocolate Decadence and Rice Pudding $60 Grimaldi’s Cannoli Platters (15 cannolis) $45

“Just Like Under The Brooklyn Bridge” PARTY PACKAGE Includes Add a Pasta Couse Coffee • Tea • Soda PER PERSON Mixed Green Salad/Caesar Salad Add a Chicken / Eggplant Entreé Antipasto/Tomato & Mozzarella PER PERSON Assorted Pinwheels Open Bar (3) Hours vs. Bar Tab One Large Calzone per Table

$24.00

$22.00 PER PERSON

$30.00

with side of sauce

Unlimited Pizza with Toppings

Add

$20.00 PER PERSON

CAKES MAY BE PROVIDED AT AN ADDITIONAL COST YOU MAY BRING YOUR OWN

(516) 294-6565 • Fax (516) 294-0370

980 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530

VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD ACCEPTED

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32 HolIDAy gIFT & pArTy gUIDe • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

Celebrating our 2nd Year Annivesary!

May the Festival of Lights bring you peace and joy.

“A pleasure to eat at!”

Lunch Dinner Catering • Parties

— Newsday

15% OFF

ANY TAKE-OUT ORDER Valid anytime. Pick-up only. Not to be combined w/any other offer. Exp. 1/19/15

“Opa Grille delivers a solid dining experience in an attractive setting” — New York Times

Opa Grille Williston Park

432 Hillside Avenue Williston Park, NY 11596 tel: 516-307-9966 / fax: 516-307-9968 www.theopagrille.com Ample Parking !

Happy Hanukkah

B O O K Y O U R H O L I D AY G A T H E R I N G S N O W !

Special - 7 DAYS A WEEK Lobster Tail Dinner

Choice of: Ceasar Salad or Mixed Green Salad Twin Lobster Tails (served with drawn butter) Served with Pasta Marinara, Garlic & Oil or Potato & Vegetable Coffee or Tea Tiramisu & Biscotti

$32.95

Catering Available. Holiday Food Trays To Go Also Available.

PLUS TAX

No sharing, not to be combined w/any coupons

Ask About Our 2 for 1 TAKE-OUT SPECIALS

Authentic Italian Menu

FEATURING A FULL SELECTION OF VEAL, CHICKEN, FRESH FISH AND SEAFOOD • STUFFED ARTICHOKES • FRESH PASTA and WHOLE WHEAT PASTA • BRONZINO CHILEAN SEA BASS • LOBSTER TAILS • RACK OF LAMB • FILET MIGNON

RISTORANTE

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE, NEW YEAR’S EVE AND NEW YEAR’S DAY We serve from our regular menu

36 Lincoln Avenue, Roslyn Heights / 516.625.6688 FREE LOCAL DELIVERY / VALET PARKING / OPEN 7 DAYS

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

Merry Christmas

Reservations Required

Contact Atlantica on the Ocean at 516.992.3730 Complimentary Valet

Prices Exclude Tax & Service Charge

Inquire About the Allegria Gift Card!

80 West Broadway | Long Beach NY 11561 | www.allegriahotel.com | 516.889.1300 |

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34 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Christmas Is Right Around The Corner.

Holiday Gift Certificate Promotion.

Purchase a $50 Gift Certificate and Receive A Complimentary $10 Certificate Purchase a $100 Gift Certificate and Receive A Complimentary $20 Certificate Extended to December 23rd

Reservations Are Now Being Accepted

for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day

Please call 516-746-3075 for reservations

Only 1 Jets Tailgate Bus Left Sunday 12/21. Limited Availability, Seats are going quick.

Friday Night - December 27th Live DJ 10pm-closing

Join Us For Happy Hour Monday - Friday from 4-7 $6.00 Appetizers Not In Garden City...

Visit Our Affiliated Locations BK Sweeney’s Parkside Tavern, Bethpage Churchill’s, Rockville Centre The St. James, Mineola Winstons (Coming Soon), Rockville Centre

B.K. SWEENEY UPTOWN GRILLE 636 Franklin Avenue, Garden City (516) 746-3075 Visit our website at BKSweeneys.com

10% OFF

All Items In Store

W/coupon. Exp. 1/31/15.

Not to be combined w/any other offer.

BOURBON COUNTY GIFT BASKET FREE RAFFLE

Purchase any item in store & be eligible for a raffle on Mon., Dec. 22nd

• Holiday Parties • Home & Office Delivery Available • Newly Renovated

396 Willis Avenue Williston Park (between Hillside & Jericho)

516-746-0231

S o t tuon a L RISTORANTE

Savor the taste of delicious Gourmet Italian Cuisine while relaxing in a Contemporary yet Casual Atmosphere

The Finest in Fresh Fish & Seafood Full Bar / Brick Oven Pizza Full Menu Available for Take-Out Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner

Open Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Reserve now for your holiday parties Catering also to go

367 Willis Avenue, Roslyn Heights

516.621.2112

Conveniently located just South of the LIE & The Northern State Pkwy in the CVS Shopping Plaza • AMPLE PARKING

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

Richard Harris M E N S W E A R

HOLIDAY PROMOTION Mens Suits, Sportcoats, Shirts, Sweaters, Pants, Ties & Accessories

20%-50% off Selected Items

Large Selection Made in Italy 234A Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501 (Across From Jericho Terrace)

516-468-6869 516-414-2244

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36 HolIDAy gIFT & pArTy gUIDe • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

Travel gifts wrapped and ready for holiday giving

Travel gifts can make for unexpected and unique holiday gifts.

C

ertain gifts are standard fare come the holidays. Adults often receive clothing while kids typically get toys.

But shoppers who want to employ the element of surprise this season may want to consider travelrelated gifts to put smiles on the faces of their loved ones.

Many people cannot afford

to travel. gifting travel enables couples or families who may not have the means to get away to hit the road in style.

When giving the gift of travel, shoppers should consider gift certificates or vouchers that can be applied to flights or lodging.

Many travel businesses and websites now offer gift

registry services that make it easy for shoppers to pay for getaways for their loved ones. Some travel agencies also incentivize travel gifts by offering coupons or discounts to shoppers who purchase travel packages for friends or family members.

Those on the lookout for travel-inspired gifts can explore the following options.

Airline gift certificates: A gift certificate makes it easy for travelers to book their own flights at their leisure.

These certificates typically can be applied to any flight the airline offers and may even be transferable.

Frequent flier miles: Find out if your frequent flyer miles can be deposited directly into your loved one’s account. later on he or she can redeem the miles for a

desired flight.

Luggage: Frequent travelers may appreciate new luggage.

Monogrammed tags can help make luggage easy to identify at luggage carousels in crowded airports.

Small ship voyages: Some cruise lines offer working vacations, where passengers participate in some of the responsibilities aboard the ship. These voyages are ideal for someone who enjoys being active and a part of the travel experience.

Scuba lessons: Travel enthusiasts who frequently jet off to tropical locales may want to learn to scuba dive, which means they must be certified after taking lessons.

Foot the bill for those lessons so their next water adventure is complete.

Traveler’s checks: Sometimes the best gift is the simplest one. Traveler’s checks may seem like an outdated notion in the era of credit cards, but they’re still available. Banks and credit card companies are the best place to find traveler’s checks. These checks are safer than bringing cash along on a trip because they provide travelers with protected purchasing power for the duration of their trips. prepaid gift cards also can be used for travel.

Just confirm that the card is accepted by retailers at your loved one’s travel destination.

Travel gifts can bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. These unique gifts are a novelty that’s not often found tucked under the tree.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

Warmest Wishes

for a Happy Holiday Season.

Wishing you a happy holiday season and a joyous New Year from the NYCB Family of Banks to your family.

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38 HolIDAy gIFT & pArTy gUIDe • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

Did you know?

T

hough there is no official data that declares the bestselling holiday toy for children of all-time, it’s fair to assume the lovable “Sesame Street” figure elmo is high on the list of most popular holiday toys. Much of that popularity can be traced to the introduction of Tickle Me elmo in 1996. Though not the first elmo doll, Tickle Me elmo became the must-have gift of 1996, when parents searched far and wide for the doll that laughed when users tickled its stomach. During the holiday season of 1996, many people paid far beyond market price just so their children could wake up on Christmas or Chanukah and have a Tickle Me elmo doll to call their own. Since 1996, elmo has been reincarnated many times over, and each elmo doll seems to inspire its own craze come the holiday season. released in 1998, Walk ‘N’ Talk elmo was a popular children’s gift, as was rock ‘N’ roll elmo (1999), Tickle Me elmo Surprise (2001), Chicken Dance elmo (2002), and SHoUT elmo (2005). In 2006, Mattel®, the company that produces the elmo dolls, announced a special commemorative elmo to mark the 10-year anniversary of the introduction of Tickle Me elmo. That, too, sparked a buying frenzy, as some reports indicated private sellers were selling the latest elmo, known as TMX elmo, for thousands of dollars.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

AT THE NEW GARDEN CITY HOTEL

DECEMBER 16-24

DECEMBER 25

Topped with caviar, smoked salmon & spiced apple compote. $12 in Polo Lounge

Magical and traditional, our Christmas Brunch is a lavish display of your holiday favorites!

Christmas Brunch $80+

LATKE FLIGHT

CHRISTMAS

45 SEVENTH STREET GARDEN CITY

Reservations 516.877.9385

DECEMBER 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Toast to 2015 in Polo Lounge with live jazz! $75+ includes glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne

GARDENCITYHOTEL.COM

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

Calogero’s FINE DINING

RISTORANTE

Now Booking Holiday Parties

Using the best quality, freshest ingredients, Calogero’s ALWAYS delivers results.

“UN ASSAGGIO D’ITALIA Great Food & Good Times With Family and Friends

Lunch • Dinner Private Room On/Off Premise Catering Take-Out • Delivery IA R E Z Z PI N OPE

OPEN 7 Days All Major Credit Cards

Come Dine With Us Again

294-2922

919 Franklin Ave., Garden City, NY 11530 (between 9th & 10th Street)

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40 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR LUTHERAN MANHASSET

CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2014

Festival of Lessons and Carols & Holy Communion Wednesday, December 24th, 4:00 p.m.

Festival Holy Eucharist Wednesday December 24th, 10:30 p.m.

Choirs, Soloists, Organ, Instrumental Ensemble

CHRISTMAS DAY 10 AM Festival Celebration and Holy Eucharist

Reverend John Jurik, Pastor Dr. Richard Heschke, Director of Music

1901 Northern Blvd.

Manhasset • 516- 627-2430 www.manhassetlutheran.org Parking in rear of Church

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

Brighten up the holidays.

WE DELIVER

20% off

Your Entire Bill

Sunset Pendant with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay and Diamond in 14K Rose Gold $599 Chain included

Maximum Discount $50.00 Valid for lunch or Dinner Fri. & Sat Only • Dine-In, Take-Out, Delivery May not be combined with any other offer or discount. With coupon only.

One coupon per table. Coupon expires 1/19/15

25% off

Matching Earrings available

Your Entire Bill Valid for Lunch or Dinner Mon. & Tues. Only • Dine-In, Take-Out, Delivery

May not be combined with any other offer or discount. With coupon only.

One coupon per table. Coupon expires 1/19/15

Roosevelt Field Upper Level between Macy’s and Nordstrom, 516-248-7200

Wednesday Nights

NaHoku.com

LOBSTER & FISH SPECIAL NAHO-03739-1_SunsetMOPBW-HCP.indd 1

11/10/14 2:57 PM

• 1 1/4 lb. Lobster, Clams, Mussels Oreganata over Linguini

$19.95 Per Person

FULL INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES FEATURING THE FINEST IN HOME FURNISHINGS

Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Expires 1/19/15

Thursday Nights

LADIES NIGHT

1/2 OFF

All Appetizers, Wine and Liquor

Every Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Night

1/2 Price Bottles of Wine

Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Expires 1/19/15

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER PARTY 4-Course

$35

Per Person

Starting at 9 pm

• Champagne Toast • No cover charge

10% OFF

For Any IN HOUSE or OUTSIDE CATERING Minimum 25 People

ARTWORK • MIRRORS • LIGHTING • PILLOWS DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES • FURNITURE • WALLPAPER • FABRICS

Book Your Holiday Parties Now!!!

Celebrate The Season with a

149 MINEOLA BLVD., MINEOLA, NY 516-747-2545

ON ALL HOLIDAY ITEMS

Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM. Friday & Saturday 11AM-11PM, Sunday 11AM-9PM

20% DISCOUNT Happy Holidays

739 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, NY • 516-280-6888 Monday-Friday 11-4 • Saturday 10-5 • Sunday Closed

www.nickstuscangrill.com

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42 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

Strategies for last-minute shoppers

H

oliday shoppers tend to fall into three distinct camps. There are those people who have completed all of their shopping and wrapping even before November ends.

Others shop in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Finally, many people wait until the last minute, and such shoppers are the ones seen rushing from store to store on December 24.

Waiting until the last possible second to purchase a gift may not prove much of a problem when shopping for birthday gifts. But come the holiday season, such procrastination may find shoppers perusing limited inventories and dealing with other frantic proscrastinators.

But even those shoppers who still plan to put off their holiday shopping can make the most of such stalling this holiday season.

Consider eGift cards. Many retailers offer digital gift cards that can be emailed in a matter of minutes. Purchase the card from the online retailer and email the redemption code to

the gift recipient. Time the email to arrive on Christmas morning or include all of the necessary information in a holiday card.

Ship to store. Some shoppers like the convenience of ship-tostore services. This enables a person to purchase a gift online but avoid shipping charges by having the item made available at a store location. In-stock items are typically ready the day of purchase, and this helps you avoid crowds and impulse buys, as online purchases are typically available at special pick-up locations in the store that allow online shoppers to skip long lines at the registers.

Avoid gimmick gifts. Skip the “as seen on TV” aisle at the store or trendy infomercial gifts.

Such gifts may suggest to their recipients that you waited until the last minute to buy the gifts and then really didn’t have any good ideas.

Expect extra charges and factor such charges into your budget. Procrastinating may work for your schedule, but expect to pay more if you shop online and require shipping.

You will probably need to

expedite shipping if you expect to have gifts delivered on time.

Verify the delivery date before making any purchases. Paying more for shipping may outweigh the hassle of driving to store after store searching for gifts.

Online retailers like Amazon may even offer selective delivery on Christmas Eve. Check store hours. Some stores offer extended shopping hours to meet the needs of lastminute shoppers. You may be able to visit early morning or late at night to skip the crowds.

Certain department stores time sales with these extended hours, such as “early bird” or “night owl” specials, so you may even be rewarded for procrastinating.

Shop smaller retailers. One way to avoid the hassles that often come with holiday shopping is to patronize smaller, independent shops. Chances are the crowds will be smaller at these shops and you may have access to a more unique selection of gifts than you would find at the nearby mall.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

43

“THE BEST CRUST IN TOWN” Pasta & Meatball Pots Ready To Take Home.

HOMEMADE SAUCE & MEATBALLS HOT & READY Served with Cheesy Italian Bread

Personal Pot - $22 Approx. 8 Meatballs & Pasta or - 12 Meatballs No Pasta

Small Pot - $30 Approx. 12 Meatballs & Pasta or - 16 Meatballs No Pasta

Large Pot - $45 Approx. 20 Meatballs & Pasta or - 25 Meatballs No Pasta Add Sausage to any pot

Additional Pots Linguine Clam Pot, Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken, Basil & Shaved Parm $20 deposit on all pots fully refunded at time of return

DINE IN / TAKE OUT Free Delivery 516-877-7790

Open Seven Days a Week 124 Old Country Rd., Mineola NY 11501 (Corner of Willis Avenue)

44 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

America’s Most Comfortable Place to Find Your New Puppy Love!

We are committed to provide healthy puppies to our customers.

At the time of the sale every puppy is fully checked by a veterinarian, vaccinated up-to-date and is microchipped and registered for AKC Reunite loss prevention and recovery program completely free for our customers. We have contracted with local veterinarian offices to provide free health and medical checkups for our puppies for the first 2 weeks after the purchase.

$200 OFF

any regular priced puppy With This Coupon

Forever Puppy Love 500 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 516-321-4973 www.foreverpuppylove.com

D

A Mineola Landmark…

AVENPORT RESTAURANT

P

RESS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT DAVENPORT PRESS Call Today To Book Your Holiday or Office Celebration

Join Us For A Delightful Experience!

Live Entertainment, Dining & Dancing Friday & Saturday Nights - No Cover Charge

• Aged Steaks • Prime Rib • Rack of Lamb • Pot Roast • Chilean Sea Bass • Sauerbraten • Bronzini • Fresh Maine Lobster • Fresh Seafood • Pasta Dishes • Daily Grilled Specialties • And Much More!

prix fixe dinner…

$

30

95

per person includes: appetizer, entree & dessert

$

dinner packages starting at…

28

95

for holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, engagement parties, business functions or any other special occasions banquet rooms available for 20-120 people

Join us for the New Year’s Eve Bash!!

95

Live entertainment, complete dinner, full open bar, dancing, hats & $ noise makers • Starts at 9:30pm

Serving Regular Dinner Menu

Complete Bridal & Baby Shower Packages

19 30

$

95

$

95

per person

per person

15% OFF DINNER CHECK

70 MAIN ST., MINEOLA 516-248-8300

per person + tax & gratuity

Valid for Dinner only - Sun.-Fri. anytime, Sat. before 5pm. For parties of 6 or under w/coupon only - Cash only. Not valid w/other promotions, on holidays, party packages or prix fixe menu.

Exp. 1/31/15

Call today to book your celebration in one of our private party rooms

70 MAIN ST., MINEOLA • 516-248-8300 www.davenportpress.com

ift returns are inevitable come the holiday season. No matter how much thought shoppers put into gifts for their loved ones, chances are someone is going to return one of those gifts. Clothing may not fit or a gift might be a duplicate, while other gifts simply don’t tickle a recipient’s fancy. But returns should not be taken as a personal slight, and men and women can take steps to make the process of returning gifts a lot easier.

Givers

Open Christmas Eve!

Weekday Luncheon Parties…

Gift returns done right G

There are many ways to facilitate the process of exchanging gifts or making returns, including finding a gift that is less likely to be retuned. In a survey for the popular department store Kohl’s, researchers found that clothing, items for the home and beauty and fragrance items were the gifts most likely to be returned. So shoppers may want to avoid such gifts this holiday season.

Another way to make returning or exchanging gifts easier is to make note of the policies governing such returns and exchanges. Such policies are often posted near checkout areas and are outlined on the back of printed receipts.

Before embarking on a shopping trip, shoppers can visit a retailer’s Web site and familiarize themselves with its return policies. If rules are unclear, ask an employee.

Shoppers also can shop at stores that allow consumers ample time to return or exchanges gifts. This allows your loved ones to return or exchange a gift when it’s most convenient for them.

Many retailers have recognized the advantages to having more liberal

return policies. A recent survey by ConsumerWorld.org identified which retailers have made changes and which have maintained the same return policies. Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Kohl’s, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx were found to be the retailers with the most generous regular or holiday return deadlines. Choosing retailers with more lenient return and exchange policies can make things easier on your loved ones.

Shoppers also should include a gift receipt with gifts. This shows recipients that you have their needs in mind and want to make the process of exchanging or returning a gift as easy as possible. Without a receipt, recipients may not get the full value of the item at its time of purchase and only get credited with the current price of the item.

Prices are often slashed in the days following the holidays.

Many stores have become more stringent with their return policies in an attempt to avoid fraud. As a result, receipts are essential because without a receipt stores cannot verify purchases or issue a refund or exchange. Certain stores will allow a certain number of returns without a receipt, but these are carefully recorded and linked to a shopper’s driver’s license number. This makes it easier for retailers to monitor serial returners. Some retailers even refuse returns without receipts.

Recipients

Try to make returns during less busy times of the day. Long lines at the customer service counter are commonplace in the days after Christmas.

Check the receipt for the return deadline, and try to wait at least a week or two after the holiday rush is over, eventually visiting the store in the early morning or late evening when crowds typically have thinned.

Returns for online purchases may be challenging. Some retailers allow returns at their brick-and-mortar stores, while others require consumers to mail back the item. Some stores will only offer store credit instead of a cash refund or replacement of funds on a credit card. Online returns may require the help of the person who gave you the gift.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014 • holiday gift & party guide

LUNCH

•

DINNER

•

CATERING

Holiday Dinner Package

Holiday Seafood Package

(Serves 20-25 people) 1/2 Tray Tossed Salad Full Tray Baked Ziti Or Penne Ala Vodka Full Tray Chicken Francese Or Chicken Parmigiana Full Tray Eggplant Parmigiana 2 Grandma Pizzas Bread, Cheese & Serving Utensils

(Serves 12-15 people) 3 lbs Seafood Salad (Calamari, Scungilli & Shrimp

$

285

+TAX

45

in a Light Garlic & Oil Marinade)

1/2 Tray Baked Clams Oreganata 1/2 Tray Tilapia Oreganata 1/2 Tray Linguine & Clam Sauce 1/2 Tray Shrimp Marinara Over Linguine Bread, Cheese & Serving Utensils

$

cannot be combined with other offers

285

+TAX

V I E W O U R C O M P L E T E C A T E R I N G M E N U A T W W W. L O U I E S P I Z Z E R I A . C O M

HOLIDAY HOURS:

Star tin

g at

Dec. 24th 11am-5pm, Dec. 25th CLOSED Dec. 31st 11am-9pm, Jan. 1st 12pm-10pm

15% off

catering order max value $25

Louie’s Pizzeria • Carl Place • 516-248-2676 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 2/7/14.

$2 off $5 off any pizza pie or $15 purchase Louie’s Pizzeria

Carl Place • 516-248-2676 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 2/7/14.

any purchase of $30 or more Louie’s Pizzeria

Carl Place • 516-248-2676 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 2/7/14.

W C in om eT p as lim tin e g nt a Ev r y er yd ay

46 holiday gift & party guide • News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 19, 2014

DISCOUNT LIQUORS FINE WINE I DISTILLED SPIRITS

Imagine a store that somehow knows just what you like at just the right wholesale price.

Now imagine that store is conveniently located next to BJ’s Wholesale Club. And while members are always welcome, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy wholesale pricing at Garden City Discount Liquors FINE WINES Their Price

Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet 750ML Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet 750ML Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio BR Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Louis Roederer Brut Champagne

OUR PRICE

21.99 18.99 21.99 18.99 21.99 18.99 19.99 2 for $30 49.99 35.99

SPIRITS Bacardi Superior and Gold Rum 1.75L Johnnie Walker Black Gift Set 750ML Ketel One Vodka 1.75L Lagavulin Isle 16yr Single Malt Scotch Svedka Vodka 1.75L

750ML

21.99 34.99 44.99 69.99 19.99

17.99 31.99 39.99 56.99 16.99

Discount on these items expire 12/31/14.

Not to be combined with any other offer. Not responsible for typographical errors

Plenty of Parking Available Monday - Wednesday 9AM-8PM Thursday - Saturday 9AM-10PM Sunday 12PM-7PM

Open to ALL - Next to BJ’s Wholesale Club 711 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 516-228-WINE (9463)

Holiday Gift Special

Premium Wine Selection

4 for

$25