Celebrations Decorating & Entertaining
Expert tips, recipes and inspirations to: • Deck the Halls Naturally
• Pick the Perfect Tree • Upgrade Your Cookie Game … and More!
2 • Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date
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Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date • 3
12 Back-to-Basic Must-Haves for Every Holiday No matter what color or style you choose - or which holidays you celebrate - here are some standard musthaves:
1. Candlesticks
Nothing can set a mood like the flicker of candlelight, and if you have glass or metallic candleholders, all the better for stoking the holiday spirit. It should go without saying that a candelabra or a good pair of candlestick holders bring drama and elegance to a holiday mantle or table. But why not go for a bit of nostalgia with traditional chambersticks? (Those are the holders set into a pan with a tiny loop for a handle.) Electric models can safely be set into windows, a centuries-old tradition intended as a sign of celebration or welcome.
2. Glass bowls
It sounds almost too simple, but glass bowls are incredibly useful for dressing up your home. A trifle bowl or hurricane glass can be filled with holiday candy, layered with pinecones and greenery or loaded with ball ornaments or dried fruit. You’re only limited by your imagination. Use them as centerpieces or as decorative elements anywhere a bare, flat surface beckons.
3. Glass & metallic trays
Sure they can fulfill their intended duty as a backdrop for hors d’oeuvres. But filled with ornaments, beads or chandelier crystals, they easily make the transition from scenery to star. Slip a tray under a flower centerpiece or beneath an arrangement of pillar candles. They’ll add an extra bit of sparkle to your tabletop décor.
4. Ball ornaments
Ball ornaments allow you to introduce color or shine anywhere in your home. Collect them by hue, by size or both. If you have a glass bowl that can be set into another bowl, place smaller balls in the top vessel and larger ones in the bottom. Also employ them in wreaths, or use them to create their own wreath by stringing the balls onto an old wire hanger.
5. Beaded garland
Beaded garland is a versatile standard, whether wrapped around a tree, intertwined with greenery or festooned across a mantle. Plastic garland tends to looks like fake jewelry, so stick to glass or crystal, when possible.
6. Linens
It’s wonderful to have tablecloths and napkins to complement your color palette or style of décor. But don’t overlook remnants, which can be used as table runners or tree skirts.
7. Collectibles
Almost everyone has a holiday collecting tradition, but too many tchotkes can look messy. Whether you favor Nutcrackers or nativity sets, snow globes or menorahs, try grouping them in one area – on a fireplace mantle, for instance-or pick an odd number (three or five tend to look best) and center them along a table.
8. Wide ribbon
Quality, double-sided satin ribbon is one of the smartest purchases you can make - especially if you can get it on clearplease see BASICS, page 4
4 • Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date
Basics Continued from page 3
ance at the end of the holiday season. Use it to trim garlands with bows, wrap it around trees, create ornament bouquets (as shown) tie it on presents. Three-inch and five-inch wide pieces can be used as table runners. Often ribbon can be salvaged and reused the following year.
9. Topiary
Topiaries work well in pairs in foyers or on either side of the front door. Smaller ones can be lined up along a table in sets of three or five to create a modern look.
10. Sleigh bells
Sleigh bells have a romantic feel that evokes wintry scenes. Once upon a time, they were used to alert pedestrians that a sled was traveling on the road. They have long since lost their practical application, but not their charm. Found at retail stores and antique shops, sleigh bells are often admired (and acquired) for their inlaid patterns. In fact, some can be quite
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ornate. Affix them to wreaths or garlands. Or tie single bells to ribbon, twine or raffia and hang them from individual panes of glass. Better yet, collect a whole bunch and place them in a glass bowl centerpiece for a modern twist.
11. Greenery
The scent of fresh greenery is the scent of winter holidays. Whether you choose juniper, fir, boxwood or pine, fresh looks best, but some quality artificial greens are available (sans the enlivening aroma, of course). Fresh swags or wreaths can be sprayed with an antidesiccant to prevent drying. Otherwise, spray them with water and leaving them in a trash bag for a day or two to hydrate. A longer-lasting alternative to greenery is to spray paint tree branches white. Used indoors or outside in window boxes or urns, they are appropriate for use well into the New Year.
12. Fruit
Fruit is an easy and traditional way to include the warmth and comfort of the holiday season into your overall
décor. Apples, pomegranates and pineapples, for instance, add color and texture to tabletop centerpieces. If you’re using fresh produce, apples, pomegranates and artichokes tend to hold up the best. Kumquats and lemons brown quickly, as does holly foliage, she adds. Dried fruit can last for several seasons,
depending on how well it was preserved and whether it is used inside or outside. Cardboard boxes wick moisture during storage. Use plastic bins only for cones and pods that will not get mildewed. And always date boxes so you can reuse older items first. © CTW Features
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Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date • 5
10 Pinterest Worthy DIY Decorating Hacks for the Holidays BY JESSICA ABELSCROFT CTW FEATURES
Craftiness is cooler than ever thanks to the proliferation of social media. The biggest upside to the increased interest in DIY holiday décor, crafts and food preparation is cost savings. Whether a novice, expert or something in between, here’s how to create a festive home on a budget, so you can concentrate on the memories you’ll be making.
1. Double Up
“I try to use things that do ‘double duty,’ which means I can either use them for two holidays or I can eat them when finished,” says Tracey McBride, the author of the “Frugal Luxuries”
thing more prominence and makes it more special, and it doesn’t cost a thing.”
series of books published by Bantam. She decorates with glass bowls of apples, nuts, berries or rosemary, then uses them in the kitchen later.
4. Get Crafty
“Take old ornaments, spray them a different color and sprinkle on some glitter while it’s still wet,” suggests Shelley Wolson, author of “Budget Celebrations: The Hostess Guide to Year-Round Entertaining on a Dime” (Filipacchi Publishing, 2009). She also cuts up the cardboard tubes from wrapping paper and covers them with fabric or paper to use as napkin rings.
2. Pick and Choose
“Choose one room, or maybe the kitchen and one room, and choose one focal point to decorate and keep your collections together,” suggests Kelley Taylor, author of holiday-décor mainstay “Holiday Decorating For Dummies”. “Focus on one table or area or a fireplace. Don’t spread Christmas around the room.”
5. Color Your Home
3. Take It Up A Notch
“I always like to elevate things when possible,” McBride says. “It gives someplease see DECORATING, page 6
When purchasing artificial flowers, Taylor says it’s more economical to avoid poinsettias. “Look for the colors instead of what the flowers are,” she says. For example, roses and amaryl-
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Think of creative ways to use leftovers. “Say you buy a box of candy canes and you don’t use them,” Wolson says. “Glue them around a coffee container or [other] container and you’ve got a really festive, cute way to hold flowers.”
7. Reap What You Sew
Wolson has a friend who turned her daughter’s first-year Christmas dress into a stocking. “That way she was able to keep the dress and it was a really neat way to hold onto it,” Wolson says.
8. Turn Up the Heat
Inexpensive white candles can be used any time, in any room, Taylor says. She keeps a drawer of them on-hand
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6 • Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date
Decorating
All About the Garland
Continued from page 5
in her home. “They’re timeless and just make everything glowing and special,” she says.
9. Make A List, Check It Twice
“Keep a list of what’s leftover, what you can use for next year. Print it out and store it with the box of ornaments,” Wolson says. “While you’re in the season and in the moment it’s good to think of things you want to do next year.”
BY LISA IANNUCCI, CTW FEATURES There is nothing that says the holidays are here more than fresh garland. “Not only does it look beautiful but smells wonderful,” says Christine Mango, a holiday decorating expert from Calabasas, Calif., who has decorated the homes of Sylvester Stallone and Gene Simmons. “Garland can last up to two weeks if cared for properly.” please see GARLAND, page 7
10. Head to the kitchen
Create an idyllic holiday setting with a classic gingerbread house. And don’t stop at the house - think big. Trees, a village of gingerbread families, a flurry of snowflakes and a field of snowmen await you and your helpers. © CTW FEATURES
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Cookie Basics
BY MATTHEW M. F. MILLER CTW FEATURES
Decorating Continued from page 6
There are several types of fresh garland from which to choose. “The most popular is white pine,” says Peter Bieneman, general manager of Green Fields Nursery in Baltimore, Md. “It is thin and good for around columns, staircases and entrances.” Bieneman also suggests boxwood garland, which dries out very quickly. “It turns a glossy green that people use to make boxwood topiary trees and stick boxwood into floral bases. The minuses of it is also that it dries out quickly and
shatters when it’s dry. Most people just hang it and don’t disturb it.” Finally, he suggests cedar garland. “It is a thicker, larger roping that lays beautiful on a mantel and lasts a long time,” he says. “It also has a very beautiful wonderful smell.” When it comes to decorating with garland, Mango says that less is more. “Twinkle lights and holiday bows are all that are needed,” she says. “Doubling up the garland for your fireplace mantle adds fullness and enough to drape and place on top of the mantle. Pillar candles placed on top of the mantel are a great addition to a mantel piece.”
If you want to use fresh garland in time for the holidays, Mango suggests these tips to care for whatever type you choose: Soak it: “Toss your garland in a large bucket, the kids’ wagon, the kitchen sink or your bathtub and soak in lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes, giving garland its last big drink (including garland wreaths),” she says. “Once you have hung your garland, spray with water once a day (make sure twinkle lights are off and unplugged if woven throughout). There are also coating sprays available that help seal in the water.” Limit lights: “Only plug in twinkle lights when the family and friends are around to enjoy the décor,” she says. “The lights dry out the garland.” © CTW FEATURES
Since the holidays come but once a year, the cookie staples of the season leave little to the imagination and a lot to tradition. Chewy gingerbread, shortbread and jam-filled thumbprints are iconic bakes, and most bakers (and eaters!) have a preferred, tried-and-true recipe that evokes not only the taste of the holidays, but also memories of years past. After all, cookies are so much more than dessert. They are saccharine time machines that send you back to childhood one bite at a time. Social media, however, has changed the game. Videos, pins and blog posts abound with innovative twists on holiday classics. There are so many options and too little baking time to try every recipe that whets the appetite, especially when you’re already committed to the basic three (or four for sugar cookie lovers!). Here, I offer my favorite recipes for the classics along with two variations for each. Each variation uses the same base dough as the standard version, which means you can make one big batch with three very different cookie outcomes. It’s a simple way to try something new without disappointing your loved ones that cling to tradition. ‘tis the season to bake, eat and be merry. © CTW FEATURES
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup molasses 2 large eggs 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
¼ tsp. allspice 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. salt ½ tsp. grated orange zest ½ tsp. vanilla 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
please see COOKIES, page 10
8 • Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date
Oh, Perfect Tree!
Everything you need to know to pick out and decorate the best Christmas tree ever. BY MATTHEW M. F. MILLER & ANNA SACHSE CTW FEATURES
Few holiday decorations are as symbolic of the season as the elegant Christmas tree. Lush, lovely and aromatic, it’s the focal point of the most wonderful time of the year, and not just because it’s the destination for scads of wrapped gifts. “Real Christmas trees are symbolic of this season of giving and sharing and family gatherings,” says Tom Dull, a Christmas tree grower from Thorntown, Ind., and president of the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). “Nothing says Christmas better than the fresh scent, feel and texture of a real Christmas tree.” According to the National Gardening Association, the most popular variety of tree is the Scotch pine. It’s upward-curving branches, perfect for hanging ornaments, and resistance to dropping needles makes it holiday favorite. Also extremely popular is the Balsam fir, which is tall and slender with ½-inch-long needles, which makes this aromatic tree perfect for tighter space. Other popular choices include the Douglas fir (big and full with longer needles); the Fraser fir (perfectly shaped tree with dark green needles that appear silver underneath); and the Colorado blue spruce with it’s iconic bluish-gray hue. “Whether you prefer to select a tree as a
family at your local choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, or choose from a variety of trees at your retailer of choice, the earlier the selection process begins the better chance you will have of finding that perfect tree,” Dull says. When it comes to decorating your fresh tree, start by considering an overall color scheme, says Michelle Workman, a Chattanooga, Tenn.based interior designer who has composed spaces for celebrities like John Travolta and Jennifer Lopez. For traditionalists, traditional colors like red, green, white, gold and silver never get old. For a bold effect, Workman suggests trying hues such as fuchsia, chartreuse and turquoise. It can also be fun to create a theme, such as an “enchanted forest” with amber lights, pinecone garland, mini gold balls, owl ornaments and faux birds nestled in branches, says Nicole Sforza, freelance writer and former senior editor for Real Simple magazine. Either way, always start tree-decorating with lights, followed by garland and then ornaments, Workman says. Keep real trees away from direct sunlight, air vents, heaters and fireplaces to prevent premature drying and accidental fires. please see TREE, page 9
Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date • 9
Tree
pearls, knotted twine or rope, colorful buttons and satin ribbon. Keep the garland approximately half an inch thick for an elegant look that won’t overwhelm the tree, Workman advises.
Continued from page 8
Tree
Before buying a tree, touch the branches. The needles should feel soft and supple, Sforza says. It’s also important that the overall color isn’t faded, the bark of the outer twigs isn’t wrinkled and the exterior needles stay intact when the tree gets gently bounced. Fraser firs are one of the most popular options, Sforza says. “They shed minimally and have a classic, conical shape and strong branches that won’t droop under the weight of heavy ornaments.”
Topper
Stars and angels are classic tree toppers. For something more unique, consider faux antlers or a thick satin ribbon tied in a bow, Sforza says. Think birds, too. Workman uses a colorful faux peacock to top off her tree.
Ornaments
“When stringing lights, start at the bottom of the tree and work up,” Sforza says. To make taking down the lights easier, she recommends dividing the tree into three vertical sections, and then running the lights through the interior and exterior of the branches to add depth to the design. Consider using LED lights, which burn up to 80-percent less energy and give off less heat.
To give the tree depth, ornaments should be hung toward the inside of the tree and on the branch ends, Workman says. Place them where they won’t touch the branch below. Keep from overcrowding by exercising restraint and occasionally stepping back to see the tree as a whole. Use ornaments that match the theme or color scheme, or personalize the tree with homemade decorations. Sforza likes to create ornaments using a glue gun and string to hang origami, family photos, baby shoes or old toys like Matchbox cars and wooden blocks.
Garland
Stand
Lights
An average-sized tree (6 to 7 feet) will typically use 60 feet of garland, Sforza says. She suggests creating homemade garland out of beads, faux
An average-size tree requires a stand with a base of about 20 inches in diameter, Sforza says, and it should hold at least a gallon of water. Only plain
Embellish the base of a tree (and catch wayward needles) by draping the floor with an array of silk scarves in different patterns. Try luxurious velvet, silver organza or gold lamé fabric, Sforza suggests. Don’t forget that presents are the best Christmas tree accessory. “Wrap them in fun colors that coordinate with the tree and incorporate pretty satin ribbons and dangly bits to make them extra special,” Workman says. © CTW FEATURES
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tap water is needed; do not add bleach, aspirin or fertilizer, which can actually reduce moisture retention and increase needle loss. Before securing the tree in its stand, cut one-half inch off the base. A fresh cut reopens the pores that take up water, Workman says. Check the water level daily to ensure it stays above the tree’s base. “If the tree looks dry, adding hot tap water to the stand can speed up intake,” Sforza says.
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10 • Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date
Cookies
minutes more. Variation #1: Cookie Butter Thumbprints Roll 1 heaping Tablespoon of dough into a ball. Roll the cookie ball in the lightly whisked egg whites and then roll in finely pulverized Biscoff cookie crumbs. Bake at 300 degrees F for 8 minutes. Remove from oven, push thumb into each cookie, fill with cookie butter and bake for 12-14 minutes more.
Continued from page 7
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Add molasses and mix until combined. Add one egg at time, mixing until fully incorporated after each. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients and stir to combine. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until combined. Add orange zest and vanilla and mix until incorporated. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into a ball and then roll in sugar. Bake on a parchment paper lined baking sheet for 10 minutes. Variation #1: Chocolate-Cherry Stuffed Gingerbread Butter a cupcake pan. Drop a rounded tablespoon of dough into the bottom of each cupcake tin and lightly press into the bottom and sides of the pan, forming a ½-inch crust up the sides to create a well. Place 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips and 1 chopped Bing cherry in the middle. Flatten out a rounded tablespoon of the dough and place over the top. Bake at 375 degrees F for 16-18 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when cool. Variation #2: Gingerbread Lemon Mascarpone Cream Sandwiches Add ½ cup flour to the original recipe. Lightly flour work surface and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with your preferred cookie cutter and bake at 375 degrees F for 7-8 minutes. For cream, mix one 8-ounce container of mascarpone cheese with the zest of a large lemon, 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, and ½ cup powdered sugar. Stir until combined. Once the cookies are cool, spread the cream on the bottom side of one cookie and top with a second cookie.
Shortbread 1 c. unsalted butter, softened 1/3 c. sugar 1/3 c. powdered sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter, sugar and powdered sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Add flour and salt and mix until combined. Add vanilla and mix until combined. Using a rolling pin, roll out shortbread to 1-inch thickness. Cut into desired shape (I like 3-inch rectangles). Bake 12-15 minutes. Variation #1: Cranberry Coconut Bliss Shortbread Roll out shortbread dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cut into triangles. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Dip into melted white chocolate and sprinkle with coconut shreds, cranberries and white chocolate chips. Variation #2: Pecan Pie Shortbread Cookies Scoop out 2 Tablespoons of shortbread dough and form into 4-inch piecrust shapes, building up the sides to hold in filling. Press down on the tops of the crusts with tines of a fork for decoration. For the pecan pie filling, stir together 2 eggs, 2/3 cup corn syrup, 2/3 cup sugar, 1 Tablespoon melted butter and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Fill each cookie to the brim with pecan pie filling. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.
Blackberry Jam Thumbprints 1 c. unsalted butter, softened 2/3 c. sugar 2 eggs, separated 2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla ½ c. toasted almonds, pulverized in a food processor 1 c. blackberry jam Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Add egg yolks one at a time and mix until fully incorporated. Add flour and salt and mix until incorporated. Add vanilla and mix until incorporated. Roll 1 heaping Tablespoon of dough into a ball. Roll the cookie ball in the lightly whisked egg whites and then roll in almonds crumbs. Bake at 300 degrees F for 8 minutes. Remove from oven, push thumb into each cookie, fill with blackberry jam and bake for 12-14
Variation #2: Orange Chocolate Cheesecake Thumbprints Add 1 Tbsp. orange zest to dough thumbprint dough. Roll 1 heaping Tablespoon of dough into a ball. Roll the cookie ball in the lightly whisked egg whites and then roll in sugar. Bake at 300 degrees F for 8 minutes. While cookies are baking, mix 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1 Tablespoon of hot fudge sauce at room temperature. Mix until fully incorporated. Remove cookies from oven, push thumb into each cookie, fill with cheesecake batter, top with orange zest and bake for 12-14 minutes more. © CTW FEATURES
Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date • 11
Get ‘Gin’ the Holiday Spirit
Don’t spend all night bartending. For your next celebration, let gin please every palette. BY MATTHEW M. F. MILLER CTW FEATURES
Looking for one cocktail to please a diverse crowd? Look no further than gin. Contrary to it’s stuffy reputation, gin is the “it” spirit to infuse your 2017 holiday gathering with trendy pizazz. According to HM Revenue & Customs, the U.K.’s tax, payments and customs authority, sales of the juniper-based alcohol rose by 12 percent in 2016 – a pace that is expected to be shattered in 2017. Need more proof? More gin is exported to the U.S. than any other country, which means you’ll be in good spirits, so to speak. In an interview with The Guardian, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said, “The quality of the gin combined with the world’s love for brand Britain has seen British gin breaking records both at home and abroad.” In fact, according to sales figures, gin is now more popular than it has been in a century. Much like the beer craze of a few years back, craft gin is leading the charge in it’s rising popularity, with new distilleries popping up constantly. Consider making your cocktail extra special by visiting or buying gin made from a local or regional distillery. If you visit the distillery, ask if they have any stickers, coaster or other swag to
offer your guests at the bar to further personalize the cocktail. For those new to gin, you’re in for a treat. It has a neutral flavor that is derived from grain or fruit and is infused with (or distilled a second time) with botanicals. The only gin requirement is the juniper. It offers extreme versatility and unlike some stronger spirits (tequila, bourbon) it tends to be a crowd pleaser. It’s also easy to use and there are simple cocktails that require very little know-how or additional mixing gear. Need inspiration? Try this yuletide twist on a classic that’s sure to get any party started.
Orange Cranberry Gin & Tonic 3 oz. gin 1 oz. fresh squeezed orange juice 1 Tbsp. cranberry sauce 4 oz. tonic water 2 1-inch pieces orange peel In a cocktail shaker, add gin, orange juice and cranberry sauce. Stir clockwise until combined. Fill a high ball glass with ice and pour the mixture from the shaker into the glass. Top with tonic water. Garnish with orange peel. © CTW FEATURES
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COOKIES & CREAM
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Whipped Cream 2 Cookies, Crushed
Whipped Cream 2 Cookies, Crushed
Invites You to Mark Your Calendars and Join Us For These Upcoming Events! Story Time
Saturday, December 2nd Join us before and after the Santa Parade for Story Time with Father Christmas brought to us by Our Literacy Council.
Friends and Family Fun Night
Author & Book Signing
Saturday, December 9th 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Friday, December 8th 6:30 to 9:00 pm
• Shopping, Food, Fun and Christmas Cheer! • Extended Shopping from 6:30-9:00pm • 25% off ENTIRE purchase during the extended hours – excludes already discounted items • Homemade goodies and cider • Ugly Sweater Contest - If you dare! • Kids activities while you shop • Free Christmas wrapping station (DIY) • Questions or RSVP? Call us: 360-748-6221
Julie M. Zander “Chehalis” & “Winning The War” + other books of hers
More authors to be announced!
Books • Art Supplies • Art Classes • Gifts • Custom Framing • Scarves Jewelry • Cards • Children’s Toys • Candy • Special Orders Located in Historic Downtown Chehalis • Mon. - Sat.10-6 • Sun. 11-4
www.BooknBrush.com BooknBrush@gmail.com 518 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis WA 98532 • 360.748.6221
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IDAY HOL S K O BO N! I ARE
14 • Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date
Snow Home
When it doesn’t snow on Christmas, these crafts will add a touch of fluff. BY LISA IANNUCCI CTW FEATURES If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, but Jack Frost isn’t cooperating or you live in a warmer climate, don’t worry. There are many creative ways you can bring the feeling of winter and the fluffy white stuff indoors to enjoy for the rest of the holiday season.
Mason Jar Snow Globes “Create your own snowy scenes that last all year long,” says Amy Shey Jacobs of Chandelier Events in New York. “All you will need is a mason jar with lid, super glue or a hot glue gun, glitter and water – and something cute like a figurine, snowman or Christmas tree scene to put inside.” Jacobs suggests using a waterproof glue, such as Gorilla Glue Super G, to adhere items to the metal lid. “While the glue dries, fill the mason jar with water and glitter or fake snow,” she says. “When you’re done, fasten the lid tightly and give it a whirl.”
Sweater Wine Sleeves Nothing says winter like snow and an ugly holiday sweater, so why not wrap up your bottles of wine in one too! “You can buy these online inexpensively or recycle old sweaters,” Jacobs says. “It’s as simple as cutting off the sleeve of the sweater, and sewing up the open hole. Pop the bottle of wine or cider into the sleeve so that the bottle’s neck sticks out of the wrist of the sweater sleeve. Tie it with a ribbon.”
Frozen Hot Cocoa Snow Cones Jacobs brings “snow” into the kitchen, too, with this frozen treat. “Create a batch of hot cocoa (you can use premade mixes) and freeze in a freezer-
friendly container,” she says. “When almost frozen, blend the hot cocoa in a blender or food processor to make a nice icy mix. Don’t over blend or it becomes a slushy. If you’re over 21, you can spike your cone with a favorite liqueur.” Once blended into a shaved ice, put in a paper cone and decorate with candies and sugar crystals. “Works well with eggnog, too,” she says.
Looking for crafts for young ones? They can cut out paper snowflakes, creative a snowflake journal, create outdoor snow paintings and more. For more snowy ideas, check out other websites as well, including Hands On As We Grow (handsonaswegrow.com). © CTW Features
Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date • 15
Holiday Savings Sale starts Nov. 24th! Centerville Gift Card.
White Horse Western Boot Socks
Perfect Gift for someone who has everything! !!!! Try on a Centerville Gift Card.
3 pack $ 95
17
“Perfect fit everytime.”
Reg. $7.95 ea.
Mens & Ladies
Western Boots
Justin Ball Caps
Values up to $85.00
Kids Cowboy Boot
by Smokey Mountain
1/2 Off
Limited to stock on hand.
Limited to stock on hand. Offer valid on regular priced merchandise only. Can’t be combined with any other discount offers. Sale ends Dec. 10, 2017
Values up to $24.00
Men’s Fashion Jean’s
by Dan Post Brands
25% Off
1/2 Off by Panhandle and Ariat
20 Off 1/2 Off $
00
Wallets by Dan Post
Limited to stock on hand.
Values up to $47.00
North End of the Factory Outlets
(360)736-4800
Men’s & Women’s
Wrangler
Buy 3, Get
FREE Lesser of the 3 items is the FREE item. Limited to stock on hand. Regular priced merchandise No other discount offers apply.
“SPECIAL WEEKEND HOURS”
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“Selected Styles”
Friday • Nov 24th & Saturday • Nov 25th 9am to 9pm Sunday • Nov 26th 10am to 7pm
16 • Special Section • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Day, Date
We will be closed on T hanksgiving so that our hard working employees can have the opportunity to spend the holiday with their families.
We appreciate those who provide us essential services on Thanksgiving Day. A special thanks to the service men and women who protect our freedom each and every day.
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Happy Thanksgiving