Style Magazine - December 2022
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Growing up, I had a lot of them. My parents’ annual gingerbread house party where friends, family, and neighbors would fill our house with cheer as we decorated the edible abodes with brightly colored candy; hiking through Snowy Peaks to hunt down the perfect pine tree, followed by a fireside cup of the farm’s complimentary cocoa; and waking up Christmas morning to a half-eaten plate of cookies and carrots, seeing my stocking stuffed to the brim (with practical things like socks and scrunchies!), and unwrapping presents in PJs before devouring a big brunch. Yep, Christmas as a kid was pretty magical. As an adult, some of the magic has certainly slipped away. But now, with offspring of my own, my family's forming new traditions and recreating the ones above in hopes that my kiddos' Christmas memories are just as merry and bright. Whatever season of life you’re in—empty nester, new parent, pet parent, etc.—I can assure you that this issue is full of festive ways to celebrate the actual season. If you’re like me and don’t start Christmas shopping till it’s almost too late, fret not. Our “Holiday Gift Guide” (page 68) has ideas for everyone on your list—cool kids, furry friends, fashionistas, foodies, homebodies, and self-care seekers. The best part? All 50+ finds are sold at mom-and-pop places or made by area artisans. Empty your Amazon cart and #ShopLocal this year. Side note: Most of the featured businesses offer online shopping and free delivery, too. Considering sugar and spice is a big part of what makes Christmas nice, I encourage you to check out “Make it Merry” (page 94), featuring home-based bakers’ most-requested recipes to sweeten the season. Bring out the butter, pull out the parchment paper, and dedicate one full (preferably rainy) day to baking things like coffee-glazed molasses cookies and pecan-topped toffee. The finished products make for a perfect present, too! Finally, in “Making Spirits Bright” (page 90), local mixologists share their top winter warmers, including our cover cocktail, “Bad Santa,” whose ingredients include some of my favorite things (coffee, candy canes, and Irish cream). Gather with your booze-loving buddies, turn up the Christmas tunes, and toast to the most wonderful time of the year. Cheers!
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Growing up, I had a lot of them. My parents’ annual gingerbread house party where friends, family, and neighbors would fill our house with cheer as we decorated the edible abodes with brightly colored candy; hiking through Snowy Peaks to hunt down the perfect pine tree, followed by a fireside cup of the farm’s complimentary cocoa; and waking up Christmas morning to a half-eaten plate of cookies and carrots, seeing my stocking stuffed to the brim (with practical things like socks and scrunchies!), and unwrapping presents in PJs before devouring a big brunch. Yep, Christmas as a kid was pretty magical.
As an adult, some of the magic has certainly slipped away. But now, with offspring of my own, my family's forming new traditions and recreating the ones above in hopes that my kiddos' Christmas memories are just as merry and bright.
Whatever season of life you’re in—empty nester, new parent, pet parent, etc.—I can assure you that this issue is full of festive ways to celebrate the actual season.
If you’re like me and don’t start Christmas shopping till it’s almost too late, fret not. Our “Holiday Gift Guide” (page 68) has ideas for everyone on your list—cool kids, furry friends, fashionistas, foodies, homebodies, and self-care seekers. The best part? All 50+ finds are sold at mom-and-pop places or made by area artisans. Empty your Amazon cart and #ShopLocal this year. Side note: Most of the featured businesses offer online shopping and free delivery, too.
Considering sugar and spice is a big part of what makes Christmas nice, I encourage you to check out “Make it Merry” (page 94), featuring home-based bakers’ most-requested recipes to sweeten the season. Bring out the butter, pull out the parchment paper, and dedicate one full (preferably rainy) day to baking things like coffee-glazed molasses cookies and pecan-topped toffee. The finished products make for a perfect present, too!
Finally, in “Making Spirits Bright” (page 90), local mixologists share their top winter warmers, including our cover cocktail, “Bad Santa,” whose ingredients include some of my favorite things (coffee, candy canes, and Irish cream). Gather with your booze-loving buddies, turn up the Christmas tunes, and toast to the most wonderful time of the year. Cheers!
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| home & garden |<br />
Deck the Halls<br />
by EMILY PETER-COREY<br />
DIY<br />
Holiday<br />
Décor<br />
When it comes to holiday décor there’s nothing better<br />
than putting your own spin on it. We spoke to several<br />
design (and DIY) experts who suggested easy ways to<br />
celebrate the season in style.<br />
Select your ring of choice (grapevine,<br />
wire, etc.).<br />
Attach your bundles all the way to the<br />
desired ending spot.<br />
Create small bundles of your chosen<br />
ingredients and attach them to your<br />
ring with floral wire. Secure them tightly<br />
because they like to slide.<br />
Strategically place a loose, romantic<br />
silk ribbon bow, so it will hide your<br />
jointing spot and add visual interest.<br />
Cindy Magan, owner and lead<br />
designer at Hillside Blooms Floristry<br />
(hillsidebloomsfloristry.com), shares her<br />
steps for creating a custom wreath that is sure<br />
to have guests asking where you purchased it.<br />
"Wreath making is not as hard as you would<br />
think. With a few easy tools and a bit of elbow<br />
grease, anyone can make their very own<br />
custom wreath,” explains Magan.<br />
The More the Merrier<br />
When it comes to decorating your home<br />
for the holidays, Cathy Tonks, founder and<br />
interior designer at Designs With You In Mind<br />
(designswithyouinmind.net) suggests bringing<br />
outdoor elements inside. Below are some tips for<br />
incorporating natural elements into your home.<br />
• Dress up doorways, tablescapes, and fireplaces<br />
with full, lush garlands—real or fake.<br />
• Decorate with small potted pine tree plants<br />
or pine sprigs to add a natural, organic feel to<br />
your home.<br />
• Add a festive pop of Christmas color to any<br />
wreath, fireplace, or staircase by adding bright<br />
red holly berries.<br />
• Embrace texture and think outside the box by<br />
using succulents. Their clean lines work well<br />
during the holidays, and each variety offers a<br />
unique, fun texture. You can even spray them<br />
with glitter or add gold foil!<br />
• Transform unconventional items, such as<br />
globe vases, by adding a cheerful Christmas<br />
scene or snowman inside. Amp up the<br />
holiday flavor by placing the vase on top of a<br />
round wreath base.<br />
Top photo sonyachny - stock.adobe.com. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.<br />
60 stylemg.com | DECEMBER <strong>2022</strong> | /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemags
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