2025 LUXURY AWARDS LAST CHANCE TO VOTE
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS WITH A TWIST
HOLIDAY home & garden
FAMILY FRIENDLY WINTER CELEBRATIONS
SEASONS’ GREETINGS AND GATHERINGS FARMHOUSE FESTIVE DÉCOR
x2
Vote for holiday cheer!
Make Riverwalk your holiday gathering spot. Treat loved ones to the flavors of Papi’s Mex Grill, indulging in authentic Mexican dishes with a festive twist, or enjoy the classics at Blast & Brew—a perfect place to share a pizza and toast to good cheer. Hosting at home? Riverwalk’s Fresh Fill market has all the essentials, making holiday prep quick and convenient.
As you enjoy the season, we appreciate your support in the 2025 CVLUX Luxury Awards. We’re honored to be nominated for both Best Community and Best Shopping Center. Cast your vote by December 13th at CVLUX.com/votenow-2025 or scan the code below. Thank you for making Riverwalk a holiday favorite!
Stylish Homes
Trails & Parks
The Lodge
Riverwalk
Central Bark Dog Park
Stone Creek Elementary
Tour the Model Homes www.RiverstoneCA.com @LifeAtRiverstoneCA
From Fresno, go north on Highway 41, turn left at Avenue 12 and follow the signs.
BSweet Dreams
Holiday Magic
ook your stay in a magical themed room: Santa’s Suite, Candyland, or The Nutcracker, and make holiday memories to treasure!
Resort-Style Pools and Cabanas
NATIONAL COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
There isn’t just one thing that elevates Tesoro Viejo to National Community of the Year standards. It’s a sum of parts, both big and little. It’s living in a community where kids can walk or bike to school. There are all kinds of parks, inviting gathering spaces, and fifteen miles of exhilarating trails to make the most of the great outdoors and encourage you to get out and enjoy it every day. Residents can enjoy relaxation with resort-style amenities at the Ranch House Clubhouse with pools and cabanas. And, inviting one and all, is a vibrant town center— convenient and curated for just what you need.
Please come and visit. Tour the new homes from premier builders. And give yourself time to take it all in.
Tour 20 Model Homes
Live Music Series Walk to Hillside School (TK- 8)
Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery
15 Miles of Trails
SOCIAL AFFAIR
24
AROUND TOWN
It’s the holiday season! And December is coming ‘round with lots of events all over town. Here lies just a handful of things to do with your loved ones near and far.
26
2025 LUXURY AWARDS
Voting closes on Friday, December 13th. Purchase your tickets and sponsorships to the most luxurious night of the year while you still can! The party is on January 10th. Check out www.cvlux.com for additional details.
64
PRESIDENTS CLUB’S HOT PINK CLASSIC
This esteemed golf tournament took place at the Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club to raise funds in support of the Marjorie E. Radin Breast Care Center.
65
TESORO VIEJO 4TH ANNUAL SIP & SUPPORT
Held at the master planned community’s Ranch House, fundraising efforts supported Valley Children’s Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program.
66
ZOOBOO 21+
As one the Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s adults-only events, attendees celebrated the autumn season with pumpkins, candy, a costume contest, and an all-new drone show.
67
3RD ANNUAL GALA OF LIGHT
Exceptional Parents Unlimited’s beautiful evening occasion helped ensure that they can provide specialized care, resources, and opportunities to families and children in need.
We have virtually everything you need for your home office!
Contents
Holiday Home & Garden
68 ORLOFF JEWELERS’ DAVID YURMAN HOLIDAY EVENT
The Fig Garden Village jeweler hosted a dazzling and festive occasion with perfect timing for holiday season shopping.
69
FRESNO ART MUSEUM 75TH ANNIVERSARY BLACK AND GOLD GALA
A milestone commemoration, this night focused on honoring past board presidents while raising money for FAM’s exhibitions and education programs.
70 AFP, CALIFORNIA VALLEY CHAPTERNATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY LUNCHEON 2024
Back after a hiatus, this luncheon celebrated remarkable achievements in philanthropy across the Central Valley at the Fort Washington Country Club.
DEPARTMENTS
36 TRADITIONAL WITH A TWIST
Arlete Slenders is the embodiment of Christmas spirit. Every holiday season, she and her family open their hearts and doors in a way that is utterly inspiring. And with a little help from two of Fresno’s favorite decorators, her home feels as warm and inviting as it looks.
42 CHRISTMAS FEELS
Courtney Vanderham cherishes Christmastime dearly for a myriad of reasons. Nowadays, she is relishing the opportunity to create new memories in the house her husband grew up in with their own young family. Her impeccable eye for style transforms this country home into one filled with festivity as well as history.
48
2024 GIFT GUIDE
Our Gift Guide is here! This year’s selection was formulated with the new upcoming editorial calendar in mind. Check out our local picks across seven issue themes: Beauty & Wellness, LUX life, Home & Garden, Power Players, Travel & Leisure, Legacy, and Cuisine.
72 COSTARS
Sagittarius comes into the sky with a dark new moon that makes way for the ability to stretch understanding of other diverse cultures.
For the December Edition, CVLUX features the home of Courtney Vanderham for the Holiday Home & Garden cover.
PHOTOGRAPHER ELLIE KOLEEN
Welcome to the Issue
Holiday Home & Garden
All is Calm
On the cover is the home of Courtney Vanderham, who marries festivity and family history with impeccable taste, and it’s even more so on display during the Christmas season (page 42). See how Arlete Slenders puts a twist on tradition in her holiday decorations with a bit of help from two of Fresno’s favorite tastemakers (page 36). This year’s Gift Guide (page 48) introduces the new upcoming editorial calendar with local picks across seven issue themes: Beauty & Wellness (page 50), LUX life (page 52), Home & Garden (page 54), Power Players (page 56), Travel & Leisure (page 58), Legacy (page 60), and Cuisine (page 62). December has come ‘round with lots of events all Around Town (page 24).
Social Affair offers a peek inside the Presidents Club’s Hot Pink Classic (page 64), Tesoro Viejo 4th Annual Sip & Support (page 65), ZooBoo 21+ (page 66), 3rd Annual Gala of Light (page 67), Orloff Jewelers’ David Yurman Holiday Event (page 68), Fresno Art Museum 75th Anniversary Black and Gold Gala (page 69), and AFP, California Valley Chapter - National Philanthropy Day Luncheon 2024 (page 70). Voting closes mid-month for the 2025 Luxury Awards, and there’s still time to purchase tickets and sponsorships to the most luxurious night of the year (page 26). Costars has Sagittarius at the forefront (page 72).
All is Bright
There’s no place like home for the holidays. Yet home is as much about people as it is about place. Find ways to spread the good cheer. Whatever feels like home to you, embrace and express it passionately with love and gratitude.
DAVID MANNING Publisher, Owner
EDITORIAL
Editorial Director LAUREN BARISIC Astrologer SHARI SCHOPP
ART
Design Director PHENG MOUA Graphic Designer SAMANTHA DEATHERAGE
Contributing Photographers CLAIRE CARRILLO, DON DIZON, LORI KEARNEY, ELLIE KOLEEN MATLYN PEDEN, ROB WALKER, FIELD HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY and FRESNO CHAFFEE ZOO
BUSINESS
Account Executive NICOLE GIORDANO ASHJIAN Accounting Director DEE ANN LINKER Legal Counsel GONTORWON BORH
Please submit all advertising inquires to information@cvlux.com.
Letters To The Editor: We want to hear from you. Please submit letters to: CVLUX, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720 or e-mail to information@cvlux.com. Letters must be signed and deemed appropriate for our readership to be considered for publishing. Letters are subject to editing and may be cut for length.
Story Queries: Are you a writer? Please send story queries to lauren@cvlux.com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response. CVLUX is not responsible for unsolicited material.
CVLUX is published twelve times a year by Modern Living Publishing LLC, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720. Copyright 2014 by Modern Living Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. CVLUX does not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. All materials, articles, reports, original artwork, and photos published in this magazine are the property of Modern Living Publishing LLC and cannot be used or reproduced without permission in writing. Modern Living Publishing LLC is not responsible for the opinions expressed within the publication. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice.
Contributors
Holiday Home & Garden
Ellie Koleen Photographer
Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work, and you can find her traveling any opportunity she gets to capture stories for her clients. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards four consecutive years in a row.
Don Dizon Photographer
Don is a portrait and still-life photographer based on Fresno, California. He was a nursing major at Fresno City College, and while waiting to get into the nursing program, he continued to take photography classes. There he fell completely in love with photography. Capturing the right moment only takes one shot. But it is much more than that! You need to have the right lighting, angle, and expression to get the perfect photograph. Over the years, Don has mastered the art of capturing the moment.
LUX locale
Community Calendar
DECEMBER
Around Town
December 3rd and 11th
Christmas Tree Lane
Walk-Only Nights
Old Fig Garden
www.christmastreelane.com
Christmas Tree Lane celebrates its 102nd anniversary during December 2024. Two Walk-Only Nights will take place on Tuesday the 3rd and Wednesday the 11th. The lane runs the length of Van Ness Boulevard from Shields to Shaw Avenues in the Old Fig Garden neighborhood. Those who cannot attend on these dates can drive the Lane until Christmas Day night.
December 6th
Home for the Holidays
Fresno Philharmonic Saroyan Theatre www.fresnophil.org
The Central Valley’s beloved holiday music tradition returns to the Saroyan Theatre. The Fresno Phil’s Home for the Holidays concert begins at 7:30PM and is lead by Conductor Rei Hotoda. The performance also includes the Fresno Master Chorale and Anna Hambre as director. Come early for caroling, hot chocolate, and pictures by the Christmas tree in the lobby.
December 14th
The Enchanted Ball Candlelight Guild Palomino Event Center www.candlelightguild.com
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Candlelight Guild, which is committed to supporting the well-being of Fresno and its greater community. This event celebrates their important work and benefits six charities. Guests will enjoy a hosted bar, dinner, dancing, live music by Alison Sharino Band, valet parking, as well as a wine and spirits auction and raffle.
December 14th
Baume & Mercier Launch Event
Orloff Jewelers www.orloffjewelers.com
Orloff Jewelers in Fig Garden Village will be hosting the Baume & Mercier Launch Event on the second Saturday of the month from 1:00PM to 6:00PM. Guests are invited to come into the store to explore the brand’s beautiful timepiece offerings while enjoying charcuterie, wine, bourbon, dessert, and cigar offerings. A watchmaker from Baume & Mercier will be there.
December 14th and 15th
Central California Ballet: The Nutcracker Lively Arts Foundation Saroyan Theatre events.fresnoconventioncenter.com
The Nutcracker is a must-see tradition. Performed by the Central California Ballet, this highly entertaining ballet is from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original fairy tale. The whole family will delight in the festive story of the Nutcracker General, Mouse King, and Marie all set to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky.
December 15th
Christmas High Tea
The Elderberry House www.chateausureau.com
Christmas at The Elderberry House is a magical European-inspired experience in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. This high tea will take place on the third Sunday of the month at the Château du Sureau. Artisan teas will be paired with delicate bites and elegant sweets infused with holiday cheer. This experience runs from 11:30AM to 2:30PM and reservations are required. Tickets are $110 each.
December 31st
New Year’s Eve
Noir & Blanc Ball Elderwood www.thedarlingvisalia.com
Celebrate the arrival of 2025 at Elderwood’s Noir & Blanc Ball. This rooftop affair, atop The Darling Hotel, is an elegant black-and-white soirée that will run from 9:00PM to 1:00AM. The ticket price includes event entry, one drink token, a champagne toast at midnight, access to live entertainment, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and a photo booth. Tickets are $75 per person.
THE CANDLELIGHT GUILD BALL RETURNS TO SUPPORT A VARIETY OF LOCAL CHARITIES. PHOTOGRAPHER DON DIZON
GET READYto PARTY!
VOTING IS NOW OPEN!
Each year, CVLUX recognizes the Central Valley’s favorite businesses with Luxury Awards.
The official ballot containing the top five in each category has been released. Online voting is currently open and will remain open through December 13th, 2024. Best of luck to everyone participating!
SCAN HERE TO VOTE!
WHEN& WHERE
Friday, January 10th, 2025 5:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Fresno Convention Center 2233 Ventura Street Fresno, California 93721
DRESS CODE: BLACK TIE FORMAL
HOSPITAL
Community Medical Centers
Fresno Surgical Hospital
Kaiser Permanente
Kaweah Health
Saint Agnes Medical Center
CANCER CARE
cCare Fresno
Community Cancer Institute
Fresno Cancer Center
Premier Cancer Care and Infusion Center
Serenity Cancer Center
SPORTS MEDICINE
Bautista Medical Group
Baysal Orthopedic Institute
Green Sports Medicine
Sierra Pacific Orthopedics
Simonian Sports Medicine Clinic
CONCIERGE PHYSICIAN
Brandon Boggs, MD
Gina Brar, MD, FACP
Arman H. Kalamkarian, MD
Jim Phanucharas, MD
Douglas S. Stanley, MD
ANTI-AGING & REGENERATIVE HEALTH
Bautista Health & Anti-Aging
Dr. Guzman Integrative
TOP, Testosterone Optimization Program
Pure Health & Wellness
Valley Natural Health
LUX award
WEIGHT LOSS & NUTRITION
Allende Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Vitality
Body Goal
Gameday Men’s Health
Restorative Health & Wellness
Sylvan Med Spa, Weight Loss & Aesthetics
DENTIST
Harmeet Mann, DDS
Elite Dental
J. Art Mirelez, Jr., DDS
Mirelez Wellness Dental
Sam Namdarian, DMD
Fresno Smile Makeovers
Gerald T. Shinkawa, DDS
Shinkawa Dental
Kurt Whitlow, DDS
Whitlow Dental Care
ORTHODONTICS
Christensen Family Orthodontics
Costanzo Orthodontics
DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics
Nalchajian Orthodontics
Thurman Orthodontics
ORAL SURGERY
Juan Alzate, DDS
Wisdom Teeth Away
Ardavan Kheradpir, DMD, MD
Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center
Justin Nassiri, DDS
Valley Oak Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Andrew R. Rahn, DDS
Central Valley Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Institute
Reed Van Wagenen, DDS
Premier Valley Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
PLASTIC/COSMETIC SURGEON
Hedieh Arbabzadeh, MD
Dr. Hedi Plastic Surgeon
Carl Askren, MD, FACS
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Pavilion
Mark A. Chin, MD, MPH
Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery
James Hoyt, MD
Beautologie Fresno
Kaye Riolo, MD, FACS
Riolo Plastic Surgery
DERMATOLOGIST
Kathleen Behr, MD
Behr Laser & Skin Care Center
Carlos Paz, MD, PhD
Paz Dermatology
Babar K. Rao, MD, FAAD Rao Dermatology
Rohini Shantharam, MD Boswell Dermatology
Leslie Storey, MD
Valley Skin Institute
MEDICAL SPA
Aspire Medispa
Body del Sol Aesthetics
Fort Washington Aesthetics
Kiss Me Med Spa
Revay Aesthetics
DAY SPA
Muses Day Spa
Nuné Esthetics
PREEN a boutique salon
Serenity Springs Spa
The Spa at Fig Garden Village
SALON
Adrina Martins Salon
Hairitage
La Dama Salon
PREEN a boutique salon
Spectrum Salon, Day Spa & Barber Shop
FITNESS
Blue Moon Yoga
Body Fitness & Spa
The Iron Office
JB Fitness
Olympus Fitness
SHOPPING CENTER
Fig Garden Village
Park Crossing
River Park
Riverwalk
The Row
BOUTIQUE
The Closet
Lomie’s
Patrick James
Posh Panache Boutique
pum bum
FINE GIFTS & DÉCOR
Jude’s
RPL. Lifestyle
RSVP Style
Shoppe At The Avenue
Vonda’s
JEWELER
Gianni Fine Jewelers
Lewis Diamond Co.
Orloff Jewelers
Rogers Jewelry Co.
Fresno Coin Gallery, The Showroom
DEALERSHIP
Audi Fresno
BMW Fresno
Fresno Acura
Fresno Land Rover
Fresno Lexus
Nominees
HOME FURNISHINGS
4 Seasons Furniture
dlb design bar
Fashion Furniture
Revival 23
Shoppe At The Avenue
COMMUNITY
Copper River Ranch
Old Fig Garden
Heritage Grove
Riverstone
Tesoro Viejo
BUILDER
Bonadelle Neighborhoods
De Young Properties
Gary McDonald Homes
Granville Homes
McCaffrey Homes
MORTGAGE LENDER
Kristin Flora
Premier Mortgage Resources
Michelle Glass
Royal Charter Mortgage
Kurt Goetz
NEXA Mortgage
Toby Petrucelli
Premier Mortgage Resources
Kathy Stypula
Change Home Mortgage
REALTOR
Alexandra Cetti
Premier Valley Realty
Nico Gentile
Gentile Real Estate
Laura Mather-Mollica
London Properties
Robert Mitchell
The Robert Mitchell Realty Group
Paul Tatarian
The Apex Broker
CONTRACTOR & REMODELING
Icon Construction & Design
Imagine Remodeling
Keystone Kitchen and Bath
Kitchen Tune-Up
Trademark
FLOORING & TILE
A&M Flooring & Design
Bedrosians Tile & Stone
Central Floor Supply
Creative Tile
Robinson’s Interiors
INTERIOR DESIGN
EMID Design Group
Facility Designs
Jbarr Interiors
Katie Mendrin Design
Stephanie Catron Design Collaborative
LANDSCAPER/NURSERY
Belmont Nursery
Elite Landscape Construction
Gazebo Gardens
Stangby Designs
Willow Gardens Nursery
FARM/GROWER
Dalena Farms, Inc.
Fowler Packing
Harris Family Enterprises
Sun-Maid
Wawona Frozen Foods
PRODUCE WHOLESALER
Bee Sweet Citrus
Crown Jewels Produce
First Quality Produce
FreshKO Produce Services
OK Produce
LUX award
Nominees
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Citizens Business Bank
Community West Bank
Educational Employees Credit Union
FFB Bank
Premier Valley Bank
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Blue Oak Wealth Management
Kerr Wealth Management
Thiesen Dueker Modern Wealth Management
Valley Wealth Management
Whelan Financial
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Brent F. Freeman Jr., CPA
The Garabedian Group
Gill & McAvoy, LLP
Moore, Grider & Company LLP
Price Paige & Company
INSURANCE
DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance
Kerr Insurance Brokers
McCarty Insurance
Newfront
Professional Benefits Team Inc
LAW FIRM
Chapman Law, P.C.
Law Office of Melissa A. Proudian
Mitchell Law Group, Inc.
Moran Law Firm
Paboojian, Inc. Attorneys at Law
CASINO
Chukchansi Gold Resort Casino
Club One Casino
Eagle Mountain Casino
Table Mountain Casino Resort
Tachi Palace Casino Resort
RESORT/HOTEL
Château du Sureau
The Darling Hotel
El Capitan Hotel
Harris Ranch Resort
The Padre Hotel
BAR
Elbow Room Bar & Grill
Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar
Max’s Bistro & Bar
Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar
Standard Restaurant and Lounge
CASUAL DINING
Annesso Pizzeria
Heirloom
Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co.
The Patio Cafe
Sam’s Italian Deli & Market
FORMAL DINING
13 Prime Steak
FIVE
O-iza Modern Japanese
Parma Ristorante
Saizon
HIDDEN GEM
Diamond Auto Body & Paint, Inc.
ENZO’S TABLE
JetsPlus
Richard’s Prime Rib & Seafood
The Safe Gal
LEGACY
CRŪ Winery
Fresno Coin Gallery, Jewelry & Loan
Valley Wide Beverage
The Vineyards | California Armenian Home
Wawona Frozen Foods
LUX award
twith a traditional TWIST
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic Photographer Ellie Koleen
Arlete Slenders embodies the spirit of Christmas. “It’s a great time to bring the family together and celebrate the blessings we’ve had throughout the year.” With two young grandsons around, the holidays have become even more special for her. “I love seeing Christmas through their eyes, and I’m looking forward to sharing Christmas traditions with them and starting new ones!” Yet, her celebration goes deeper than that. “It’s important to me to keep in the true meaning of the season, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Having that as the main focus is key. I try not to let the commercial side of Christmas get to me, which can be difficult when the holiday catalogs start rolling in!” acknowledges Arlete, with a laugh. “I love decorating my home so it feels warm and inviting for family and guests.” And indeed, she has achieved just that.
Arlete’s holiday décor is much like her own personal look. “My everyday style I consider to be diverse—somewhat traditional but with an edge,” she explains. “So having multiple rooms and trees to decorate allows me to incorporate various styles. My decorations range from traditional crosses and nativity scenes to 4-foot musical teddy bear nutcrackers, 6-foot reindeer stags welcoming guests with trays of champagne, and mistletoe hanging from the doorways.” Her motto? “I like adding something unexpected.”
The Slenders moved into their current home during COVID, and their furniture was on backorder for four months. “But I told my husband I still wanted a Christmas tree for the front room, although it was completely empty,” Arlete recalls. Happy to oblige, “He went to Costco and brought home just one box…he set it up, and it turned out to be only half of the 12-foot tree I had ordered,” she remembers. “We had this 6-foot tree in a room with 22-foot ceilings. It looked ridiculous, and needless to say, I needed professional help with decorating the tree! So, I called Danielle at Willow Gardens Nursery to come and professionally decorate my Christmas trees.”
Danielle continues to create Arlete’s stunning trees. “My décor grows every year when I visit local boutiques like Willow Gardens Nursery and RSVP Style. The girls bring wonderful ideas into my home from year to year, always enhancing the warmth of the holidays,” she cherishes. Arlete begins decorating whenever Danielle is available, typically in mid-November, putting her in the holiday spirit even before Thanksgiving! “I also have Stephanie and Gina from RSVP come in to decorate my home. They always come through with some great ideas and special touches. All the girls are amazing,” she gushes.
“Traditional with a twist” best describes Arlete’s holiday style. “I like to incorporate silver, gold, and bronze into my trees. One tree is dedicated to various crosses and then another is decorated with ornaments collected from our travels.” Traveling serves as a huge source of inspiration for Arlete, especially during the holidays. “I get inspired by the places I travel during the holiday season. I love seeing storefront window displays and often, too, what I see in magazines.”
Yet, there is still one more tree to decorate. “The third tree in our den is what I call ‘The Kids Tree’ and it’s mostly dairy-themed, whimsical decorations sprinkled in with whatever the grandkids are loving that year. Ornaments can range from Santa riding a cow to a stick of butter or even a corn on the cob,” which is fitting given the Slenders’ family business. “We are dairy farmers, and our operation runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we drive out to the dairy and give our employees a Christmas bag filled with dairy products and some Christmas cheer in appreciation for them working the holiday .”
This is just one of the several traditions the Slenders uphold during Christmastime. “My family, my sister’s family, and my mom have always attended Christmas Eve mass at our parish in Laton, where we all grew up,” Arlete shares. “Afterward, we all gather at my mom’s house, unload the gifts under the tree, and take a family photo on her staircase. The grandkids change into their Christmas pajamas, and I don’t know how the tradition got started but for some reason we always have Mexican food trays to dine on this night even though we are Portuguese! We open gifts immediately after dinner.”
“My husband and I always look forward to Christmas Day when our two children, their spouses, and our two young grandkids gather at our home for some ‘togetherness’ time,” Arlete relishes. “It’s a typical scene. I’m usually trying to divert the camera since I’m in my robe and not camera-ready! My son and daughter try to stop me from saving all the Christmas ribbons (since I have hundreds from past Christmases). My husband is trying to look cheerful while getting his usual gifts of socks and underwear. The grandkids are feeding the dogs See’s Candies, and my son-in-law and new daughter-in-law are sitting there graciously wondering if this scene will ever change! I hope it never does!” she joyfully admits.
It’s also a tradition for Arlete, her mom, and her sister to take an annual holiday trip to Santana Row after Thanksgiving. “It gets us in the spirit of the season. We love admiring all the beautiful decorations and it also allows us to get some mother-daughter bonding time before the hustle and bustle of Christmas.” Then, the
jam-packed calendar of events with family and friends kicks into high gear. “With our friends, we celebrate by attending an annual private afternoon Christmas Eve Mass at their beautiful home. It’s such a special gathering to mingle with friends ”
During this festive time, Arlete hosts the annual Slenders Family Christmas party at her home, “which is around 60 people and happily growing each year. I’ll be honest,” she confesses, “every year I start off making reservations for the party at a restaurant, and every year my husband talks me into hosting at our house because, in his words, he will ‘help with everything’ and we know how that goes! But honestly, I end up loving the fact that we host the party in our home. It makes it more intimate, and I love catching up with everyone and having all the children around. We are making the most wonderful memories. We also have a white elephant exchange and Christmas games, which is always cause for good laughs. Santa always drops in with candy for the kids.”
Christmas is the climax of a season lived in alignment with the Slenders’ family values, where fellowship, giving, and celebration are at the core. Inspired by the reason for the season, the welcoming environment that Arlete creates for guests and family alike is truly at the heart of it all. Her home serves as the gathering point for countless memories made and those yet to come. Each year, her inspiration grows, just like her family. With a little help from Willow Gardens Nursery and RSVP Style, it will surely always look like a very Merry Christmas at the Slenders household.
Christmas
FEELS
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic Photographer Ellie Koleen
Courtney Vanderham has cherished Christmastime for as long as she can remember. “I love this time of year so much, hopefully for the same reason many people do,” she shares enthusiastically. “It’s that time of the year that brings all of your loved ones together at the same time and hopefully in the same place. Life is so busy. Days, weeks, and months pass by so quickly. But once the end of November comes around, we can always count on the blessing of many family gatherings. My husband and I like to describe this time of year as ‘organized chaos’,” Courtney laughs. “Between both of our families, we can count the amount of family gatherings with both hands. Sometimes we host, sometimes we don’t. But we wouldn’t change it for the world. We love how fun and busy it can all be.” The Vanderham home, located on the family’s dairy farm in Tulare, beautifully blends form and function with festivity, especially during the Christmas season.
This country home is filled with love and history. “In 1991, my husband and his family (dad, mom, two brothers, and one more brother who came after the move in ’94) built and moved into this beautiful home,” Courtney recalls. “The four brothers grew up with a country kid childhood, which I would say is memorable and unforgettable. My mother-in-law was one who never passed up a celebration. And Christmas was no exception! Her joy for giving was her biggest gift! Whether it was opening up her home to you, a gift just because, or simply putting a smile on your face. This home radiated love and the celebration of Jesus, family, and lots of Christmas spirit because of her. I dare say it was her favorite holiday.”
Though Courtney’s mother-in-law passed away during the holiday season in December 2009, her joy and love for family never left the home, and those memories continue to resonate with the Vanderhams. It wasn’t until many years later, however, that the next chapter of the home’s story began. “My husband, two girls, and I were given the opportunity of moving into his childhood home in October 2021.” It was a dream come true for Courtney and her young family. “Since then, it has brought us so much joy to bring the holidays alive every year in this home and create new family memories and stories, while at the same time embracing and remembering the ones that built this home.”
Evergreens, festive pale wood accents, and glittering metallic touches seamlessly integrate with the home’s existing décor. “The best way I can describe my holiday aesthetic would be a neutral, modern, cozy
farmhouse with a traditional baseline. If that’s a thing!” Courtney giggles. “My holiday décor comes from finding joy in things. As I shop for décor, the tradition of the holidays is my number one goal. I only pick things out that really stand out to me and make me happy.” This undeniably leads to a refined yet ever-evolving look.
Even with the new yearly additions, Courtney skillfully reworks her previous decorations, giving new life to the old. “Every year, I seem to add just a little bit more. Whether it’s another garland, more tabletop décor, or even another large set of ornaments to add to my tree.” With her thoughtful designing, the tree and mantel vary each year. “I try not to look at the previous years’ photos so that I don’t recreate the look year to year. It’s so easy to copy exactly what you have done the year before. But where is the creativity and holiday magic in that?” she questions.
“Although we have our beautiful 12-foot tree, one tradition we like to uphold as a family is to also have our traditional family tree.” Courtney elaborates that this tree stands in the children’s playroom. “Our girls love to walk through the lot to find the perfect tree that best fits them. We then take it home and do the classic stringing of the lights, then following that with all of their favorite school-made ornaments and other fun store-bought ones, as well. There is just nothing like the smell, feel, and ambiance of a real, live tree,” she concedes. “What I love the most about this tradition is seeing the joy it brings our girls and also how proud they are of themselves to be able to contribute to our holiday décor with their own touch, love, and memories.”
Achieving her desired country home holiday aesthetic is certainly a massive undertaking. “When it is time for me to start decorating, it feels like I need to pump myself up sometimes,” admits Courtney. “As much as I enjoy every moment of it, it is also a very tiring and physically exhausting job.” So, for the past few years, she has been decorating the house during the week before Thanksgiving while her kids are still in school. “Why add to the chaos and mess with kids home?” she says. “I always start with the tree assembly. That’s where my husband is very helpful! As crazy as I get when it comes to decorating, he is very supportive of it all. I think he secretly enjoys all the decorations as much as I do. Just not the over-abundance of Christmas music,” she jokes.
This past year, Courtney and her husband created a rolling platform for their main Christmas tree. “So, instead of me climbing up onto a 9-foot ladder to decorate the top, we just roll the entire tree over to the upstairs banister. Best thing we ever did!” she proclaims. “He then becomes my ‘Rotate Man’ as I lean over the railing trying to decorate the top. Once I have achieved that part, we then roll it into place and I just work from the top down. The tree itself takes up one whole day, easily.”
Next, Courtney decorates the banisters, mantel, and tabletops. She then sets up the nativity scene. “A few weeks later is when we go as a family to pick out our family tree and continue on to the fun tradition of that. Best of all, I sit back and let the girls take the wheel! They decorate the tree all by themselves. On occasion, if the tree is a little unbalanced with décor, Sparkles the Elf will come in the night and work her magic (wink-wink). This time of the year flies by so fast and decorating is so much work that I always keep my décor up until right after the New Year. Once the ball has dropped, it’s time to pack it all up and start the New Year off with a fresh start.”
The holidays hold deep meaning for Courtney. “Beyond all of the lights, food, and festivities, it’s most important to me to remember the true meaning of the holidays: Jesus’ birthday. As a child, and same with my own children, it’s easy to get swept up by all the gifts and the idea of a large man in red bringing you all the things you could ever dream of,” she acknowledges. “But the true meaning is so much bigger than that. I love watching my children grow in their faith as they learn a little more every year about the true meaning of Christmas.”
Courtney’s holiday aesthetic reflects her personality in many ways. “I’ve always taken pride in the fact that no matter what home I have lived in, friends and family always feel comfortable and at-home. With my holiday décor, I want you to have the feeling of wanting to grab a cozy blanket, ball up on the couch next to a roaring fireplace with a hot cup of coffee, with the feeling of the holiday spirit and the presence of family, faith, and love in my home while forgetting about the crazy world that surrounds us outside.” Given the welcoming ambience of her country home, Courtney has undoubtedly mastered the art of creating Christmas feels.
2024 GIFT GUIDE cvlu x ’ s
Give the gift of luxury with the help of the CVLUX 2024 Gift Guide! We just announced that the magazine is moving to eight poignantly themed issues that will come out every six weeks next year. In anticipation of this exciting change, this special digital feature includes a round-up of correlating local items for each section. There are seven topics to explore, each highlighting a variety of businesses, objects, and experiences while emphasizing the best of the Central Valley.
M r tma
Beauty + Wellness
Self-care is always in season. A scrumptioussmelling soaking salt from a local philanthropic organization, a luxurious skincare set that helps upkeep office treatments, and an incredible eyebrow mask make it easy to indulge in beauty rituals from the comfort of one’s own bathroom. Keep the good juju going with the gift of yoga for a year or a floating session that offers pain relief, relaxation, recovery, and better sleep to loved ones and yourself.
Luxury looks lovely on everyone. Yet, it takes on many different forms. Craft a custom scent for someone special. For the fashionista in your life, a closet color assessment can take their wardrobe to the next level. Fancy pajamies are always appreciated. Leather goods enthusiasts will adore a pre-loved, authentic designer addition to their handbag collection. And diamonds have a permanent place on most wish lists. Go for
HOME & GARDEN
Flowers feed the soul, but home is where the heart is, especially during the holidays. An already stunning space will smell equally beautiful thanks to the magic that is room spray. Candles are another such gift that upgrade any interior. Bring the outside in to a friend or family member’s home with a seasonless, charming potted olive. A new yet lovingly aged decorative tray or a set of festive cheese knives is an ideal present for the hostess with the mostess.
Paul Loeffler
“The
Voice of the Fresno State Bulldogs”
2024 Gift Guide
POWER PLAYERS
Harness your present-picking superpowers for the movers and shakers in your life. Consider a custom and undeniably cute safe to house small valuables. Help hone their golf game with an indoor practice. Monopolize Fresno via the most famous real estate board game with a version that highlights homegrown landmarks. Plan a team-building getaway that your employees will cherish. Add to his watch collection with a timepiece that spotlights the night.
LEGACY
There are a lot of local legacies to be enjoyed here. Music enthusiasts will relish a custom ticket series to hear world-class symphony played in Fresno. Gift a creative family with an annual art museum membership. Celebrate the season and beyond with a pair of bottles from a favorite Madera-based winery. Share the knowledge that The Vineyards is harnessing by buying a book dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s. Treat those with a sweet tooth to a frozen fruit favorite.
Cuisine
Food brings people together even more than usual during this time of year. Give a basket of goodies when you can’t pick just one. Seasoning aficionados will be delighted to receive a Santa Maria style variety of spice mixes. Organize a custom culinary experience for those who love to learn and cook as much as they like to eat. Fuse flower and food love with edible, organic confetti. Those with a picture-perfect kitchen will adore this display pedestal.
SOCIAL affair
Presidents Club’s Hot Pink Classic
PRESIDENTS CLUB’S HOT PINK CLASSIC
Benefiting Marjorie E. Radin Breast Care Center
Photographer Matlyn Peden
On Friday, October 11th, Presidents Club hosted their annual Hot Pink Classic golf tournament at Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club. The event raised more than $220,000 to support the Marjorie E. Radin Breast Care Center with 180 attendees present. A number of premier sponsors helped make it all possible: Table Mountain Casino Resort, Radin Foundation, Mark Wilson Construction, EKC, Utility Trailers, and CENCAL Services. The day on the course featured exciting surprises, including a lucky golfer winning a brand-new Range Rover with a hole-in-one!
For more information about Community Health System, please visit www.communitymedical.org.
SOCIAL affair
Tesoro Viejo 4th Annual Sip & Support
TESORO VIEJO 4TH ANNUAL SIP & SUPPORT
Benefiting Valley Children’s Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program Photographer Claire Carrillo, RPM PR
Tesoro Viejo presented the 4th Annual Sip & Support at Tesoro Viejo’s Ranch House on Saturday, October 19th. More than $62,500 was raised in support of Valley Children’s Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program. Over 250 people attended, including Kayleigh Stagner, who is a young patient participant in the Valley Children’s Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program. Presented by Teichert, this special event featured a collective of top local wineries and handcrafted beer, live music, delicious food, and a silent auction.
For more information about Valley Children’s, please visit www.valleychildrens.org.
SOCIAL affair
ZooBoo 21+
ZOOBOO 21+
Benefiting Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Photographer Fresno Chaffee Zoo
ZooBoo 21+ took place at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo on Thursday, October 31st with over 600 guests present. Highlights from the event include dancing, a costume contest, and an all-new drone show. Attendees celebrated the autumn season with lots of fall fun throughout the Zoo, including pumpkins, a pirate ship, activities, and candy galore.
For more information about the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, please visit www.fresnochaffeezoo.org.
3rd Annual Gala of Light
3RD ANNUAL GALA OF LIGHT
Benefiting Exceptional Parents Unlimited
Photographer Field House Photography
Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) hosted the 3rd Annual Gala of Light on Saturday, November 2nd at Pardini’s Catering & Banquets in Fresno. Some 258 individuals raised $117,262 for children and families with unique needs. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for EPU to shine through the children and families they serve, their dedicated community partners, generous supporters, and this year’s two awardees. The Beacon of Hope Honoree was Dr. Bob Nelson and the Hope Grows Here Honoree was Isnardi Foundation. CBS47 Anchor Kathryn Herr was the emcee and President & CEO Lowell Ens spoke. Guests received a champagne greeting and enjoyed a photo booth, the Fresno State Jazz Ensemble, live and silent auctions, and dinner. Funds raised by the Gala of Light ensure that EPU can provide specialized care, resources, and opportunities to families and children facing incredible challenges.
For more information about EPU, please visit www.epuchildren.org.
SOCIAL affair
Orloff Jewelers’ David Yurman Holiday Event
ORLOFF JEWELERS’ DAVID YURMAN HOLIDAY EVENT
Photographer Don Dizon
On Thursday, November 7th, Orloff Jewelers hosted a dazzling and festive occasion, the David Yurman Holiday Event, at the store in Fig Garden Village. The David Yurman Holiday Trunk Show offered an exclusive opportunity for over 100 clients to explore expanded fine jewelry collections while receiving personalized styling tips from Travis Ngo, David Yurman’s Director of Styling Events. Guests were treated to champagne and hors d’oeuvres, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere as they discovered the latest in fine jewelry trends with perfect timing for the holiday season.
For more information about Orloff Jewelers, please visit www.orloffjewelers.com.
Fresno Art Museum 75th Anniversary Black and Gold Gala
FRESNO ART MUSEUM 75TH ANNIVERSARY BLACK AND GOLD GALA
Benefiting FAM Exhibitions and Education Programs
Photographer Lori Kearney
The Fresno Art Museum celebrated their 75th anniversary with the Black and Gold Gala on Saturday, November 9th with 80 patrons. The $40,000 raised benefit FAM’s exhibitions and education programs. The focus of the event was to Honor Past Board Presidents. Several were in attendance and attendees shared stories about them during dessert. The Fresno Philharmonic, one of FAM’s community partners, played with a string quartet. The Painted Table and XPress Yourself provided in-kind gifts toward event expenses. Guests were treated to cocktails, appetizers, a sit-down dinner, dessert, and after dinner drinks.
For more information about the Fresno Art Museum, please visit www.fresnoartmuseum.org.
SOCIAL affair
AFP, California Valley Chapter - National Philanthropy Day Luncheon 2024
AFP, CALIFORNIA VALLEY CHAPTER - NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY LUNCHEON 2024
Photographer Rob Walker
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), California Valley Chapter - National Philanthropy Day Luncheon 2024 took place on Tuesday, November 12th at the Fort Washington Country Club with 220 guests. Each year, the National Philanthropy Day (NPD) Awards Program, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, California Valley Chapter, celebrates remarkable achievements in philanthropy across the Central Valley. This event honors individuals, corporations, foundations, fundraising volunteers, and professionals whose efforts profoundly impact the quality of life in our community. The last NPD was held in 2019, and it was with great joy that it was brought back in 2024.
For more information about the AFP CA, California Valley Chapter, please visit www.afpglobal.org.
LUX lifestyle
COSTARS
Astrologer Shari Schopp @shari_starlight www.eyeonastrology.com
Sagittarius
November 22nd to December 21st
The dark new moon opens this month, enhancing your understanding of diverse cultures in contrast to your own. This journey will unfold through serendipitous events that carry themes of truth and consequence. Setting intentions will help you chart out future plans. If it takes a while for things to manifest, refocus on the smaller details to help move you in the right direction. The archer’s desire for unbridled freedom may lead to overdoing it, so be mindful to pursue healing art forms, such as Thai massage or Pilates.
Capricorn
December 22nd to January 19th
There’s time for you to tweak and edit ongoing projects by working in spurts, allowing for rest and downtime to make way for cleaning up and condensing demands. It will renew your energy at month’s end.
Aquarius
January 20th to February 18th
When you come to the crossroads, make decisions that prioritize balance. Strategize and invest your energy in creative dreams to break free from past stagnation. There is significant potential for expansion.
Pisces
February 19th to March 20th
Assess and analyze your processes. Remember to take breaks when things don’t go as planned. Adapt to changing circumstances to allow new opportunities to emerge, paving your road to success.
Aries
March 21st to April 19th
Taking risks and being bold can disrupt the energy flow. Eventually, you will reach a threshold where activities come to a halt. It will be necessary to reevaluate your current course and redirect based on your needs.
Taurus
April 20th to May 20th
A willingness to compromise and cooperate in existing relationships is effective only if you are both on the same page. Otherwise, it’s not worth the effort and having hurt feelings. Consider what is healthy and sustainable.
Gemini
May 21st to June 21st
With Mercury retrograde during the first half of the month, expect miscommunication and technical glitches. Once it goes direct, reconnect with those who know you and give encouragement.
Cancer
June 22nd to July 22nd
Making time for retreats will help you decompress and give back the warmth that feeds your soul. This practice liberates you from the ups and downs of daily life while fostering freedom from feelings of being inundated.
discernment to extricate yourself from those situations. Take a relaxed approach and immerse yourself in creative endeavors at home.
Virgo
August 23rd to September 22nd
Letting go of outdated ideas shifts your focus toward new directions. Keep your information private from prying eyes. Seek technology that enhances your creativity while balancing it with intuitive judgement.
Libra
September 23rd to October 23rd
Engage with projects that require attention to detail, completing duties at hand. Once your tasks are complete, enjoy time with friends and family. You deserve pleasure and fun.
Scorpio
October 24th to November 21st
Ensure your work is held to a higher standard by slowing down. A strict protocol gives you the discipline needed to stay on track. Check in with co-workers to ensure that ideas are implemented, leading to success.
Our goal has always been more inspired patient outcomes.
Our doctors have always been inspired to not only practice here but to teach the next wave of medical professionals at the highest academic levels. And to pioneer cutting-edge research for treating Valley patients with new advancements in technology and medical discovery.
Inspiring top physician specialists to put down roots here is why Central California Faculty Medical Group and its University Centers of Excellence are now Inspire Health Medical Group. Because, when the best minds in medicine come together, the result is nothing short of inspirational.
inspirehealth.org
Villyan Bijev
Midfielder for Central Valley Fuego FC
Robert Kollmorgen, DO Orthopaedic Surgery
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Families throughout the Central Valley have been celebrating the holidays in Bonadelle Neighborhoods homes since 1945. From continuing family traditions, to spending time with the ones you love the most, home is where it all happens – it is the heart of the holidays. As another year comes to an end, Bonadelle Neighborhoods is grateful to give families throughout the Central Valley a place to celebrate for generations to come.
