Guide to
A Blank k S l a t e M e d i a / L i t m o r P u b l i c a t i o n s S p e c i a l S e c t i o n • N o v e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 1 7
38 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 24, 2017
9 P
ways to maximize entertaining space
eople who live in compact homes or apartments may find space is at a premium during regular times of the year. When the holidays arrive, decorations, trees and presents can make homes seem even more cluttered. This can make it especially challenging for holiday hosts who want to open up their homes for festive gatherings.
folding chairs. Stow knickknacks in bedrooms or in closets.
Even if space is at a premium, all it takes is a little ingenuity to entertain successfully.
3. Collapse tables after meals. If a sit-down dinner is the goal, set up tables accordingly. Then break down the tables afterward to free up more space. Serve small desserts that can be easily transported from room to room.
1. Put nonessential furniture and other decor away. It’s impossible for would-be holiday hosts to move all of their belongings out of their homes to create entertaining space. But hosts can certainly cut down on clutter. Check out the flow of a room and then move pieces around as needed to open up floor space. Push tables or large pieces of furniture up against walls. Swap out armchairs for
2. Put benches and wide ledges to use. Narrow benches, such as those common to picnic tables, can seat three or four comfortably. Do not discount deep window ledges as potential seats, as these areas can be made more comfortable with pillows or cushions.
4. Use islands and countertops. Tables can take up valuable space. When entertaining a lot of guests, set up an all-purpose counter island and add barstools. This can be an area for food prep, eating and entertaining.
5. Create conversation areas. Encourage guests to spread out by setting up intimate spots in various rooms. This way guests won’t feel the need to congregate in the same space. Bistro tables in a den, a few floor pillows in front of the fireplace and stools by a kitchen island will create conversation areas. 6. Expand outside, if possible. Rent a tent that can be warmed with a space heater. If your home has a closed-in porch or patio space, cover screens with insulating plastic to create a comfortable added room. 7. Skip a sit-down meal. Large tables take up a lot of space, so serve a buffet, tapas or passed hors d’oeuvres so guests mix and mingle rather than sit down at one large table. 8. Use all available surfaces. Invest in some sturdy serving trays that can be placed on television stands, upright speakers, ottomans, or even wooden
crates. This will increase the amount of room you have to serve and store items. 9. Spread out refreshments. Avoid bottlenecks in common areas by putting food, beverages and other items in various locations. Fill up the kitchen sink with ice and make it an oversized beverage cooler. Holiday entertaining requires some creativity when hosting in compact spaces.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 24, 2017 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
Please Join
A M E R I CA NA M A N H A S S E T for our Annual Holiday Shopping Benefit
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You must present your CHAMPION NUMBER at the time of each purchase. To register for your complimentary CHAMPION NUMBER and for more information, including a list of the 120+ participating charities and 70+ stores,
©2017 CASTAGNA REALTY CO., INC.
visit us at championsforcharity.org or call 800.818.6767.
Champions for Charity® was founded by Americana Manhasset in 1996. This annual holiday shopping benefit has been embraced by the community, growing to support 120+ not-for-profit organizations with the participation of 70+ Americana Manhasset and select Wheatley Plaza stores. Now in its 22 nd year, Champions for Charity® has raised more than 10 million dollars. Taking an active role in the community has been an integral part of Castagna Realty Retail Group’s mission, particularly throughout Americana Manhasset’s 61 year history.
Northern Boulevard at Searingtown Road • Manhasset, NY
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40 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 24, 2017
Celebrating the holidays as a blended family
All is bright.
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motions run deep come the holiday season. Holiday planning can be hectic, especially for blended families.
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Today’s families are increasingly blended, meaning they’re a combination of families due to divorce or death. Even though the holidays are meant to be joyous, navigating traditions and accommodating the unique needs of all involved — including cultural traditions, visitation schedules, rituals, and religious beliefs — can be challenging. But blended families need not fret as they attempt to negotiate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or New Years.
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The first step to holiday planning is to keep in mind predetermined custody or visitation agreements. Although there can be hope for holiday flexibility and generosity, try to stick as close to existing arrangements as possible. Some families choose to divvy up particular holidays throughout the year in advance. Others may do it as plans get arranged. As long as the arrangement is fair to everyone, the choice is up to the families. The plans should be made known to all involved.
Discuss expectations The Stepfamily Association of America says that communication during the holiday season is vital, especially for children so they know what to expect. Writing down specific itineraries can help alleviate the stress of not knowing where they will be at a given time. All members of the family should vocalize how they feel about particular aspects of the holidays so that no one is disgruntled. Do not expect others to
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be mind readers. Perhaps one person is focusing a significant amount of energy on trimming the tree when that isn’t as important to others. Discussing expectations can make planning that much easier.
Create new traditions The holidays without everyone under the same roof enjoying traditions that have been part of celebrations for years can contribute to feelings of anxiety for people accustomed to these annual traditions. Draw the focus away from how things used to be done and create new traditions that all can anticipate. Host a holiday movie night if this isn’t the year to have the kids for Christmas. An annual outing to see a concert or show might be a new tradition the entire blended family can enjoy.
Don’t expect perfection Putting too much emphasis on trying to make the holidays perfect can backfire. Blended families must recognize that holiday celebrations will change. It can take time to find a new celebratory rhythm, and comparisons always will be made. It’s acceptable to have mixed feelings about new traditions, but each member should go into the season with a positive attitude. Blended families may face additional challenges during the holidays. Working together, such families can restore joy to the season and create new traditions.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 24, 2017 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
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42 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 24, 2017 ADVERTORIAL
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 24, 2017 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
For use towards your purchase of $100 or more. Excludes Holidays. Non-combinable. Expires 1/30/2018.
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44 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 24, 2017
Tis-the season @ Harbor Links
Whether you are looking to host a small intimate affair or a large gala, Harbor Links is the perfect setting to have your next Holiday Party. Choose the perfect menu for your holiday celebration
Please call: Jeanine Phelan @ 516-767-4810 jphelan@palmergolf.com Harbor Links 1 West Fairway Drive Port Washington, NY 11050
• Sit down menus • Buffet menus • Cocktail style menus • Light fair of hors d' oeuvres and desserts • Full open bar packages • Beer and wine packages • Wine packages • Cash bar