HomeLife December 2012 / January 2013 by Northern Michigan Review Inc.

HOMElife DECEMBER 2012 / JANUARY 2013

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Light it up

How to create a sparkling display

Wooden wonders

Rural cabin built with unique carvings

PERFECT PARTY Expert recipes, decorating tips and fashion ideas

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HOMElife an up-north MAGAZINE

December 2012 / january 2013 Publisher Doug Caldwell Editor Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell smcwhirter@petoskeynews.com Photography G. Randall Goss rgoss@petoskeynews.com Layout & Design Renée Tanner rtanner@petoskeynews.com

Advertising Information: Advertising Manager Christy Lyons clyons@petoskeynews.com (231) 439-9329 © HomeLife, all rights reserved, 2012/2013. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect any endorsement for any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement that there is approval for such endorsement.

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Volume 6 Issue 3 Dec. 2012/Jan. 2013 (USPS #) is published bi-monthly $19.95 per year by Northern Michigan Review, Inc. 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770. Periodicals postage pending at Petoskey, Mich. Postmaster: Send address changes to: HomeLife, 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770

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HOMelife 3

a note from the

editor

he holidays are exhausting. By the end of the calendar year, most folks find themselves aching for that holiday break, the time between Christmas and New Year’s when there’s little to do but rest. Trouble is, that’s always the plan, but the plan rarely goes off without a hitch. Chances are you’ll be invited to a swanky Christmas party, a five-course dinner do or a New Year’s blow-out. Who knows? Maybe it’s your turn to host the neighborhood’s or your family’s holiday soiree. This edition of HomeLife magazine is dedicated to getting prepped for the season. There’s decorating for the holidays, eating good food at the holidays, wearing sharp-looking clothes at the holidays, throwing your own smashing holiday party and buying that perfect Christmas gift

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for your loved ones. To put together this magazine I’ve eaten quite a bit, shopped a little, checked out holiday decorations and met a holly jolly dog, or two. What I learned is that Northern Michigan residents know how to celebrate the season whether it’s before a

two-story fireplace decked to the hilt with Santas, sleighs and snowmen, or inside a cozy, woodsy cabin where the warmth from the cast iron stove radiates through the polished wooden cottage, all tucked away at the end of a red pine-lined track in rural Charlevoix County. So let’s all raise our glasses — whether filled with spirits or eggnog — and toast to the holiday season with all its magic and sparkle. We each know once the glimmering holiday lights go dark and the garland comes down, we will still have a long, cold winter ahead just waiting to embrace us. Grab your parka and hang on tight. We’ll see you again in the deep snow.

Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell HOMElife Editor

smcwhirter@petoskeynews.com

Extraordinary Homes

Light it up How to create a sparkling holiday display By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss

o you aren’t Clark Griswold. You are unwilling to climb across your roof like Spiderman to screw in little hooks and loop strings of lights, whether colorful, white or otherwise. You hate it when sticky pine sap gets under your nails, on your hands, in your hair and on your clothes. But all that doesn’t mean you must play Scrooge or even the Grinch during the Christmas season. What it allows is for you to still have the opportunity to win the neighborhood holiday lights contest with the help of any number of local businesses that can deck your halls in fashion, making your front door the envy of the community. Even better is how many of the decorations will remain fresh and lovely until spring, even if not illuminated much beyond New Year’s. 

HOMelife 5

Light it up Continued from page 5

The glow from below Kelly Wells and Greta Cherrette, of Polly’s Planting & Plucking in Harbor Springs, recently busied themselves on the stone-paved circular driveway at a Lake Michigan shoreline home in Harbor Springs they are contracted to tend. They delicately wove together long strands of cedar and balsam clippings to create a lush, aromatic and natural garland. “We are working on the garland to hang above the door and we’re going to light it. It adds a nice touch and is really nice for the entry — a little sparkle at the front door,” Wells said. Tracey Sloan is the crew’s light lady. She’s to make sure the bushes and other exterior trees — with or without foliage — are appropriately lighted, but also that it’s done in such a way that circuits don’t fail and nothing melts. “You can only plug so many in to one outlet,” Sloan said, laughing. “We tend to lean on the heavy side of lighting, mostly for the impact.” Even the bare magnolia tree in front of the house is lighted, illuminating the fuzzy seed pods left behind to face autumn and winter. The hedgerow along the guest house also is decorated, with additional lighted holiday wreaths hung in the tea garden on the way to the main house. This home doesn’t feature lights along the eaves or up the roof peaks, just simple, mostly ground level white lights that shine. A final and spectacular touch the Polly’s crew does for their clients is holidaythemed boxes on front porches. A flower box is filled with dirt, stuffed with mixed greens such as cedar, blue spruce, white pine, balsam fir, Frasier fir and both pine cones and bright red winter berries, then frozen in place by pouring water into the bottom of the box, allowing the frozen soil to hold everything secure until the spring thaw, Wells said. Polly’s Planting and Plucking is available to decorate area homes for the holidays, or to supply the needed natural items to do the job yourself — complete with a list of needed items and clearly printed instructions. 6

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Up on the roof top The difference at this festive Petoskey home perched on a hill — a hill that offers a view across Little Traverse Bay to Harbor Springs — is how lights are strung along the roof to frame the house’s exterior in glowing snowflake lights. “They are kind of unique,” said Dave Firman, of Firman Irrigation & Landscape Lighting in Petoskey. “It adds a lot. It the evergreen trees in the yard don’t escape definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit.” the festive spirit. Special three-dimensional snowflake“Most of the pine trees heading down the shaped light links are lined up along the eaves, driveway are done in colors,” said Andrew as well as along the bottom of the elevated Dawley, working his third season with Firman. deck, highlighting the outdoor basement pa- “It’s a good change from doing irrigation.” tio below. Firman workers also wrap the front door A simple nativity scene made with colorful columns in faux garland with pine cones and lights sits in the lawn of the home owned by lights. Then when every bulb is in place and Tim and Carol Londo, just off the driveway so all details are settled, they flip the switch and everyone who arrives can’t miss it as they pull a holiday lover’s dream appears in the dark in. There’s even a shooting star display made Michigan night. with incandescent white lights along the side Firman said it’s so well-lighted, you can see of the home. the house from Mitchell Street in Petoskey. “We enjoy it and like having the house look But the question is whether it can be seen good,” said Tim Londo, owner of Stone Funer- from farther away than that. Can the Londo’s al Home in Petoskey. holiday-lighted house be seen from across the The idea is to continue lighting up the bay in Harbor Springs? house each Christmas, Londo said, perhaps Londo laughed at the question. even to create an annual tradition meant to “Well, yes. We were in Harbor Springs delight the young grandchildren now begin- once and we stopped to look. We could ning to stake their place in the family. pick it out,” Londo said, continuing to And the house may be the showpiece, but laugh. HL

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FASHION

Razzle-dazzle ‘em this year ... and leave the snowman sweater at home By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss

his time of year brings party after party — Christmas parties, New Year’s parties, office parties, neighborhood parties — the list goes on and on. Two local clothing shops recommended a few outfits to help you choose a stunning ensemble, something that will bring the wow factor with you when you either open the door for your guests, or walk through somebody else’s front door as their guest. Both The Clothes Post and Threads in downtown Petoskey offer these items to help you look your best for the holiday season.

PURPLE PIZAZZ TINT OF VIOLET This dark grey checked S. Cohen suit is made in Montreal ($495). The Damon by Enro shirt ($49.50) goes well with the tie ($55) and the leather belt ($45).

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This Nicole Miller jersey knit cap sleeve dress ($265) goes well with the druzy necklace by Marcia Moran ($209) and the white linen and wool wrap with sequins by Repeat ($195).

HOLIDAy RED This warm red cotton-blend sweater ($75) covers a yellow Damon by Enro shirt ($49.50), which is well-paired with a medallion kerchief ($35), a traditional necktie ($55) or a bowtie ($45).

CASUAL SHINE The sequin drape front tank is by Ecru ($140) and is intended to go with the Seven for All Mankind silver blue jegging ($198) and wrapped with the Streets Ahead black leather belt with its silver buckle ($214). To finish the look, add a Deux Lux magenta sparkle clutch ($62) and the Marlaina Stone Peyton bracelet ($125).

HOLIDAy SHIMMER The stunning ensemble comes together with just three items, including the Yoana Baraschi silk top with sequins ($240), the Susana Monaco leather skirt ($298) and the silver multi-chain necklace ($163).

TERRIFIC IN TWEED This classic Christmas look is made up with the Enro non-iron shirt ($79.50), a holiday red sleeveless vest by Thaddeus ($89.50) and the Harris Tweed jacket ($395). To finish the look, perhaps combine it with a traditional necktie ($55) and a paisley kerchief ($35). The grey ďŹ&#x201A;annel trousers ($145) also can be added with the leather belt ($45).

HOMElife 9

ExTRAORDINARy HOMES

Gala gorgeous By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss

How to plan the perfect holiday party

oliday season splendor brings more than the festive spirit, it brings festive parties. Kris Rundblad is an expert at this, as she should be as owner of wedding, social and corporate event planning business Merry Makers in Charlevoix. She said throwing a great holiday party — whether at Christmas or New Year’s — is a matter of proper prior planning. “You should really have fun at your own party, so preparation is essential,” Rundblad said. The party-planner’s recommended checklist includes making good choices about the party’s time and date, guest list, food and beverages, layout, agenda of events, decor, favors or parting gifts and the social hour before departure.

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✔ TIME, DATE AND GUEST LIST A holiday party is no fun if nobody comes. That’s why Rundblad suggests you make good choices about the time, date and guest list for the party. “Generally you want to do something that doesn’t conflict with people’s work schedules, so maybe Friday, Saturday or Sunday,” Rundblad said. Her advice is to check the event calendars for the local school and community to avoid planning a holiday party nobody can attend. However, there will always be a conflict for someone, she said. “You have to realize there’s going to be a conflict for someone. But you want it convenient and you want as many people as possible to come,” Rundblad said. In some cases, hosting a holiday party after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays may be the best choice, she said.

Rundblad said the guest list will largely depend on what type of party you want to host. Neighbors? Friends? Acquaintances? Are children allowed to attend? Is it a formal gathering, or a casual holiday party? “I like to have an eclectic mix of people at the party — people you may know from various aspects of your life,” she said. “I think it’s fun conversation and sometimes you find common bonds.”

✔ FOOD AND BEVERAGES A party’s budget and attendance will to a large degree determine what foods and drinks you serve at your soiree. “If you’re going to have 50 people, you’ll serve something different than if you’ll have 15,” Rundblad said. She recommends hosts prepare two or three hors d’oeuvres to serve party-goers, maybe brie with apples, bruschetta or

smoked fish. The dinner should include not only an entree, but also a salad, vegetable and dessert. If it’s not a dinner party, at least six or seven appetizers should be on the menu. “You should count on three or four pieces of appetizer per person at the party,” Rundblad said. Another idea that can minimize the expense of a classy shindig is to host a fancy potluck-style party. It’s a way to spend less on food and allow guests to share the holiday shine by serving their own specialities. “It’s great to have your guests bring an appetizer and then you provide dinner,” Rundblad said. And she said for the thirsty you should provide both boozy and non-alcoholic beverages. Perhaps San Pellegrino, club soda, soft drinks or a bowl of punch could be offered. At the bar, there should be beer, wine, sparkling wine or even a full liquor rack. “You may even want to have a signature cocktail or a signature non-alcoholic drink,” Rundblad said. Coffee and tea is the ideal way to round out the evening with a warming cup of caffeine before your guests head home, she said. Rundblad said some may choose to host catered parties — taking advantage of the plethora of local fine dining venues that offer catering services — reducing the need to spend every day leading up to the event in the kitchen.

✔ DÉCOR AND THEME Holiday parties easily can make use of your home’s existing Christmas decorations, even more winter-generic snowmen and snowflakes. But a special holiday table cloth will make an impression with your guests, as will using natural flowers or other outdoorsy items such as holly or cedar boughs, Rundblad said. “And it’s great to bring out fun things you normally have hidden away in a collection, like a Waterford vase you never get out. Go ahead and bring it out and show it off,” she said. Even a plain, old hurricane candle holder can be re-envisioned by filling it with

beads, coffee beans, stones or branches to accentuate a candle. But what if you don’t have these items in your linen closet? Rundblad recommends turning to local companies that can provide decorations or even the needed china and flatware, such as Taylor Rental Center in Petoskey. “You can rent tablecloths, napkins, china, wine glasses, even furniture,” Rundblad said. Another good idea is to scavenge through local resale shops, she said, where hidden linen and decorative treasures can be found for little cost.

✔ LAYOUT AND AGENDA Your holiday party won’t “flow” very well without consideration given to your home’s layout and a snappy agenda of events, Rundblad warns. “If you’re having a seated meal, you have to figure out where you can have seating for everyone,” she said. “Consider the layout of your home. You may want to put the bar in your family room or your living room — maybe even outside on the porch.” The plan should be to have enough time for an appropriate welcome for your guests, adequate to meet and greet, as well as nibble an appetizer and get themselves a cocktail. Then comes dinner, which will occupy a significant amount of time. Next up is group activities, such as a piano sing-along, caroling, board games or even charades, Rundblad said. These type of group activities often work as perfect ice-breakers among strangers, and

sometimes end up being a lot of fun among friends and new acquaintances, she said.

✔ SOCIAL HOUR AND PARTING GIFTS Rundblad’s advice is to set a designated conclusion time for your holiday party and be clear about that in the invitation, but leave time for a social hour prior to your guests’ departure. “Every party is different, but you want to have during the social hour a dessert with coffee and that’s when you give a parting gift, or party favor,” Rundblad said. Christmas cookies or home-made fudge in a tin lends a personal touch, she said. “Sometimes it’s nice to give somebody a nice dessert or if they are wine-drinkers, maybe it’s a bottle of wine for them or a wine stopper. Maybe you’ve come up with a great Christmas decoration you want to make for everyone,” Rundblad said. Whatever you choose, it’s very classy to send guests home with a small gift, she said, a way to thank them for attending your holiday gathering. Rundblad is a party-planner for hire in the area and can be reached by calling (231) 547-5061, or sending email messages to merrymkr@chartermi.net. More information also is available online at www. merrymkr.com, including Rundblad’s background in wedding, social and corporate event planning. HOMElife 11

cover story

Home at the holidays Burnham family celebrates Christmas in classic style By Sheri McWhirter-Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell â&#x20AC;˘ Photography by G. Randall Goss

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“I like to drive out, put my boots on and trudge out there to find the tree. I’m very picky ...”

hristmas is the perfect time to be at the Burnham home. Their house along Lake Charlevoix’s eastern shoreline exudes holiday spirit, a warm and inviting place where Christmas magic comes true. It’s where Dave and Linda Burnham each year call home their two adult children and their spouses, when the family gathers to celebrate the season and their blessed lives together. Last year, there was even a Dave Burnham new grandbaby. “We love Christmas,” Linda said. That feeling is well-bolstered by an im- North Star Trees farm in Wolverine. pressive assortment of holiday decorations, “I like to drive out, put my boots on and Christmas ornaments collected from a trudge out there to find the tree. I’m very lifetime together spent growing with love picky. We usually end up going with friends and building family traditions. The family’s who want to do the same thing,” Dave said. Christmas traditions begin with the tree. “We haul it home and put it up here.” And what a tree it must be — one usually The tree is covered with colorful lights collected during Thanksgiving weekend at and individually chosen ornaments, a

hodgepodge of holiday symbols that each carry a specific memory, a page in the family’s storybook. “Whenever we travel we get an ornament,” Linda said. That tradition resulted in a houseful of holiday decorations — candles and lights, pillows and sleighs, nutcrackers by the dozens and Santas of all sorts. If you judged it by the Burnham home, Santa even plays football for Michigan State University. “I’ve always decorated for the holidays, so it’s almost expected,” Linda said. “It takes about a week to get it all up.” Dave thinks it may be longer. “She chips away at it, probably a week or two weeks,” he said. That’s not a surprise, since virtually every available spot in the Burnhams’ living spaces is occupied by some type of hollyjolly item. “Pretty much every space we do — all the cabinets, even the dishes. Everything changes,” Linda said. 

HOMelife 13

The Burnhams’ holiday decorations feature an extensive nutcracker collection, as well as an impressive assortment of Santas.

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“Christmas is even special for the dog. Christmas Day is my favorite day because it’s all about us being together, just our family.” Linda Burnham

Home at the holidays Continued from page 13

But the exterior is Dave’s place to shine. And shine it does. “I bet I put up 500 to 600 bulbs,” he said. “I like the old-fashioned ones, even if it’s harder and harder to find replacement bulbs.” And on tap this year is Dave’s second appearance as Santa, a performance specifically intended for his young granddaughter, perhaps another budding Burnham family Christmas tradition. Christmas traditions for the Burnhams begin each year with the tree selection and installation. Once achieved, the family gathers around the television for a twofeature Christmas movie night, including “A Christmas Story” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” the latter a particular favorite. “It’s such an irreverent movie. We laugh and laugh,” Linda said. “He’s even been

called Clark before,” she said, nodding at her husband. The Burnhams also tend to host a wellattended holiday event. “We usually do a Christmas party before Christmas and the week of Christmas is all family and friends,” Linda said. “We’ve been here three years and have met some really wonderful people. And we like to have friends over,” Dave added. But come Christmas Eve, it’s all about the Burnhams. “We have the tradition that the kids get pajamas the night before — on the 24th — and we still do this,” Linda said. “Even though they’re 28 and 31, at Christmas, they go back to being kids.” The Burnhams’ son is the reason for their extensive nutcracker collection. It’s actually his collection. He received a nutcracker each Christmas, which means his collection now stands at 28. And on Christmas morning, the family gathers in front of the fireplace for gift-

giving and receiving, yet another longrunning tradition. Even Megan, the family’s black Lab, receives a Christmas collar and other presents under the tree. “Christmas is even special for the dog,” Linda said, laughing. “Christmas Day is my favorite day because it’s all about us being together, just our family.” The Burnhams’ beautiful lakeshore home is near the Ironton Ferry in the Charlevoix Shore Estates neighborhood, on the Boyne City side of the lake. Glennwood Custom Builders in Petoskey constructed the house, finishing in July 2009 when the Burnhams permanently moved there from their downstate home in Kalamazoo. Before that, the Burnhams came to their “Up North” property as loyal resorters and stayed in the cottage that formerly stood there. Dave is a pharmaceutical marketing and sales professional, while Linda operates a small corporate event planning business. HL

HOMelife 15

Extraordinary Homes

Both sides of the Matthewsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; staircase railing is adorned with artwork â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a handcarved eagle head on one side and inlaid, polished Petoskey stones on the other.

Extraordinary Homes

Wooden wonders Rural Charlevoix County cabin built with personal touches ď&#x20AC;´

By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss

Harry Matthews’ artwork is built into the cabin in various ways. There are animal carvings in doors, handmade wooden furniture and a polished maple burl in a weight-bearing beam. 18

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arry Matthews is a unique guy who lives in a unique house with his wife, Tina. The couple built their deepwoods cabin together, not hiring any contractors to help them. There was no need. After all, Harry is a customer builder in the area, sought after for his artistic talents with wood. That self-taught talent exudes from the Matthewses’ home. You can’t turn around without seeing proof he’s an artist like few others. “I started as a child with drawing and did art in high school, watercolors and such,” Harry said. “It’s just a DNA thing, I guess.” The comfortable cabin is held up with beams made from red pine, grown to maturity on the 20-acre property. Beautifully polished red cedar tongue and groove panels line the walls and ceiling, materials recycled from a prior condominium job Matthews worked on — stunning wood rescued from a fate in a landfill. The floors are made with handplugged, one-inch-thick white pine planks, all sanded down and coated in urethane to created a shiny and smooth surface. And that breathtaking woodwork simply creates the shell of a personalized home filled with hand-crafted artwork literally built into the structure. “We just couldn’t go with a dry-walled house,” Harry said. But before the house came the vision. And the proposal.

“He asked me to marry him and then brought me to see the property,” Tina said. They stood together on the wooded lot, talking about their future life together and envisioning the home they would share. Then they planned and built it together. Harry and Tina moved to the property together in 2000, living in a Winnebago motor home they modified into an elevated cabin, of sorts. They worked on their dream house by day and slept in their modified cabin-trailer hybrid at night. “We would lay there and dream about our home,” Harry said. “That spring we started our basement.”

Built-in artwork The front door of the Matthewses’ home is an exceptional hand-carved piece of art in itself. A full-sized front door, adorned with a depiction of a predator-prey wildlife scenario: a pack of wolves surrounding an elk with a bird of prey swooping overheard. But for that matter, every door inside the home is decorated with Harry’s wood-working or hand-drawn wildlife designs, including elk, bear and more. Inside the front door, a large maple burl is built in near the staircase — the type to stop you in your tracks — part of a weight-bearing beam that’s polished smooth to create a visually stunning interior decorating feature. These curious and natural growths are caused by a disease in the tree, Harry said, but often are used by artisans and woodworkers for the 

The cabin is a stunning example of woodworking itself, but is also filled with artwork and hand-carved wooden furniture.

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HOMElife 19

Wooden wonders Continued from page 18

bold colors and unique wood grain patterns. He chose to display the gnarly piece in its original form, just far more glossy than nature made. The staircase itself is made with cedar, with hand-sketched pencil drawings atop each step. A urethane varnish is intended to permanently seal the artwork in place, to forever protect the detailed pictures from the expected footsteps during all the years to come. “It’s an ongoing process,” Harry said. “The whole house is, really.” Both handrails on the staircase are special pieces, as well. Each are single-piece chunks of cedar with an almost 90-degree angle, ideal for handrails that turn out at the base. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, one railing is hand-carved into an eagle head and the other is embellished with polished Petoskey stones — the perfect local touch. Across the room, a marvelously detailed wolf carving made from white pine is mounted above the mantle. The image is large and eye-catching, a piece that draws attention in a room filled with visual delights.

gift to Tina last year, a roll-away hemlock kitchen island with an inlaid walnut bear design on the top. The piece of furniture offers storage space below and a beautiful countertop for chopping or slicing, if perpetually gazing at the craftsmanship can be overcome. And when the food is cooked and the meal is ready to eat, it’s served on a hemlock dining table preserved with the natural bark edging. The table is a massive piece handmade by Harry, surrounded by charming wooden chairs he picked up at a yard sale — yet another example of the couple’s recycling. “Harry even made the gun cabinet,” Tina said. The coffee table in the living room is made from willow, a large cross-section that resembles a mirror image of the Lower Michigan mitt. Harry said he wanted to make it a perfect Michigan mitt, but had to make a tough woodworkers choice to go with the more presentable surface. The trade-off is well made up for, though, with hand-carved roots designed into the table’s legs.

Functional artwork

The woodwork in the Matthewses’ home is especially spectacular, but it’s not the only talent Harry possesses. He built a magnificent, arching backdrop to the cast iron stove using cultured field-

Lovely, made-to-fit cabinets in the cabin’s modern kitchen are well-lit in a way that creates a warm, inviting feel in the cozy space. But the stand-out piece is Harry’s Christmas 20

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Final touches

stone so well-made that the material looks just like the real deal. The stones create a framing arch above the stove, as well as the base it sits on and the adjacent walls. Even more perfect is how the wood-burning stove heats the stones, emitting an inviting and wholesome warmth. “We usually put a venison stew or a roast on there,” Tina said, nodding toward the stove. They often use either a cast iron pot or Dutch oven to slow-cook meals while heating the house, a method that infuses the home with the aromas of whatever hearty creation is in the works. And that’s not the only useful place Harry used the cultured fieldstone that looks so convincingly real. He mounted them across the front of the cabin’s exterior and built a bath lover’s delight in the upstairs bedroom. The large bathtub with jets was an easy purchase at a local big box hardware store and Harry said he bought the cultured rocks from Emmet Brick & Block.

Artwork to come A few dozen feet from the Matthewses’ once dreamed-of home is Harry’s workshop, an outbuilding with even more hidden treasurers inside. “I never know what he’s carving out there. He’s either carving or jamming on his guitar,” Tina said, laughing. Harry said he’s always working on their home, coming up with new ideas and new creations. And Harry’s talents aren’t reserved for him and his wife alone. He works as a custom builder for Petoskey-based contractor Robert K. Brill, often on certified green construction jobs. He also does handcarved sculptures both large and small, made with wood or bone. Don’t forget he also paints, with a fondness for watercolors — all without any professional artistic training. Harry said his artwork also can be viewed and purchased at Bay Shore Art & Antiques, as well as at Freshwater Studio in Boyne City. “I just love the outdoors so much and I love being so close to it here,” Harry said. “I just have a drive to do this.” HL HOMelife 21

By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell Photography by G. Randall Goss

here is a house in an historic Petoskey neighborhood quite literally stacked with beautiful and often delicate quilts, including special decorative ones just for the holiday season. For that matter, well-known quilting expert and fabric artist Tresa Keys keeps decorative quilts for every holiday, all year long. “I have quilts for every season — fall, winter, spring and summer — and according to the colors I put them out for the season,” she said. Tresa has precisely 132 quilts under her roof, inventoried for insurance purposes. She made about two-thirds of those quilts and either inherited or purchased the rest. It amounts to a treasure trove of warmth, history, love, story-telling and tradition. There are so many that Tresa stores them stacked one upon the other on upstairs guest rooms, save for those displayed in glass front cases, hung on walls or draped over furniture. Tresa said she’s sewn all her life, an interest that turned into a thrilling hobby after a positive home economics experience in high school. She even turned her love for colors and textiles into a career, working for a fabric merchandising company and doing personal color analysis for clients. “I have a love affair with fabric and colors,” she said, laughing. “The love for quilting I think is because I’m a textile and fabric person.” By now, though, it’s morphed into passion. “It always looked like something that would be consuming,” Tresa said, standing in her dedicated, main-floor quilting

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Quilting with a passion Petoskey quilter decorates, sews for fun and gift-giving

room in front of a bookshelf lined with quilting books. Tresa said she “gave herself a gift” of going to a quilting retreat after her second daughter married. Following that, she found herself really off and running, she said. “You are expressing yourself in cloth and color. It’s more than a hobby. It’s a passion.” Among Tresa’s Christmas collection are

several stunning examples of skilled quilting. A red and white quilt with detailed embroidery features a different Santa Claus or Father Christmas from a multitude of European countries, including Germany and the Scandinavian countries. Another stunning blue quilt tells a story with its wintertime landscape and embroidered “Walking in a winter wonderland” title — a masterpiece that took

three years to complete, Tresa said. Yet another holiday quilt features images of family members’ favorite stuffed animals received on Christmas morning through the years. Tresa even wrote a children’s story titled “Toy Box Chatter” to go with the storytelling quilt. But perhaps the most personally touching Christmas quilt is one based around a letter Tresa’s now-deceased father wrote to Santa when he was just seven years old. She discovered her father’s childhood letter about eight years ago. “He’d been gone for 20 years when I found it,” she said. Tresa found herself inspired by the charming letter, in which her father asked Santa for a “little wagon, ball of popcorn, sack of candy, train and sack of peanuts.” She made a quilt that features a black and white photograph of her father roughly at that age transposed onto fabric, along with his letter delicately 

HOMelife 23

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a love affair with fabric and colors.â&#x20AC;? Tresa Keys

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Quilting Continued from page 23

embroidered to match his childhood penmanship. The family heirloom is adorned with freeform embroidered images of the requested items. Finally, the holiday quilt also features an Ohio star quilt block pattern, a nod to her family’s roots in that Midwestern state. Tresa said the quilt has an identical twin, owned by her sister in Washington state. Each quilt comes with a story, some older than others. Some even involve a collection of stories, like Tresa’s group quilt that features a single block made by 12 different friends. Each quilter makes enough blocks to exchange with all the others and 12 quilts eventually were made — one by each textile artist involved. “Within the quilting world there are lots of opportunities to share with each other,” she said. “I have quilting friends and they are wonderful people — people I never would have known without our shared love for this.” Another of Tresa’s log cabin-patterned, hand-quilted examples is so detailed, some colorful pieces are a mere one square centimeter. Tresa said she likes to explore her fabric addiction with both new and vintage cloth, as well as her own interpretations of time-honored shapes and patterns. “I try to put a newer spin or look to it, but stay within the traditional vein,” she said. Tresa said another aspect of quilting that keeps her involved is the gift-giving element. For example, not only has Tresa made and given quilts to family and friends, she is involved with the Little Traverse Bay Quilters Guild and its pediatric quilts program at Petoskey’s hospital. Many children in the local hospital receive a free quilt from the charitable group, she said. Tresa said anyone even remotely interested in fabric arts should give it a try. They should go to a quilt shop and maybe even enroll in lessons. “Take a class because you’ll learn what’s in the inside of quilts. You learn to do this from the inside out,” she said. “Follow your heart and if this speaks to you, pick up a needle and get going. Time is a-wasting.” Tresa and her husband, Skip Keys, recently made Petoskey their year-round home after selling their house in Ohio. She belongs to several quilting guilds and organizations, and is well-known in both regional quilt shops and sewing circles. Tresa can be reached by sending email messages to ckeys@live.com. HL

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drostlandscape.com HOMelife 25

BON APPETIzers By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss

osting a great holiday party begins by wowing your guests with amazing hors d’oeuvres, appetizers that tantalize the taste buds and set a high-class tone from the start of the event. Five well-regarded local chefs and food experts each created a bite-sized treat as examples of ideal appetizers to serve at Christmas or New Year’s parties. The recommended hors d’oeuvres range from relatively simple do-it-yourselfers to more complicated culinary nibbles, from cream cheese and salami to shrimp, or salmon and caviar, and from beef tips to duck with truffles.

Grey GaBLeS inn reStaurant, CHarLeVoiX sweet Potato Biscuits with HoneyGlazed Duck Breast, Braised red Cabbage and trufﬂe Dijon Chef Darren Romano, from Grey Gables Inn Restaurant, said this is a recipe that can be done at home, or ordered from his restaurant’s catering department. The recipe’s truﬄes came from Burgundy, France, the final flavor in this two-bite hors d’oeuvre. The dish is assembled on a sliced sweet potato biscuit, topped with one tablespoon of the braised red cabbage, followed by two 26

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slices of the honey-glazed duck breast. Add sea salt to preferred taste, then spread a dollop of Dijon on top and garnish with several slices of truffle. “I chose duck because it’s not common, is a nice holiday bird and the truffle pairs well with it,” Romano said. The first bite of his appetizer comes with delightful sweetness from the cabbage and biscuit, combined with the savory duck. Then the Dijon pops with flavor and truffle taste wraps up the experience.

SWeet Potato BiSCuitS (makes 8) 1 large sweet potato (12 oz.) peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Place the cubed sweet potato in a medium microwave safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Vent the plastic and microwave 6 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Mash until smooth and let cool to room temperature. 3. Whisk the heavy cream and vanilla together with the sweet potatoes. Whisk together all the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl. Stir the sweet potato mixture into the flour mixture until a dough forms, about 30 seconds. 4. Place dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth, another 30 seconds. Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch-thick rectangle. 5. Cut the biscuits with a floured 2 1/2inch biscuit cutter and place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 14-16 minutes, turning the pan halfway through baking time, until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Honey-GLazed duCk BreaSt

2 5-6-ounce skin-on duck breasts 2 tablespoons chili-infused honey Kosher salt and cracked black pepper Vegetable oil 1. To make chili-infused honey, warm 1 cup of honey in a small saucepan on medium-low heat. Add two sliced Thai red chilies with seeds and steep in the warm honey for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a small container and let honey cool. Discard chilies. 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Score 1/4-

WILD CAUGHT SMOKED SALMON AND CAVIAR CANAPÉS PaGe 28

inch diamonds on the duck skin, being careful not to cut through the flesh. Season the duck generously on both sides with salt and pepper. 3. Place 1 tablespoon of oil into a medium oven-safe sauté pan. Place the duck breast skin side down into the cold pan and turn heat to medium. Cook for 10-15 minutes, checking often to see how the skin is browning. When the skin is golden brown and crispy, flip it over in the pan. Brush or spoon 1 tablespoon of honey on each duck breast and place pan in the oven for 5 more minutes to cook to medium-rare (125-degree internal temperature). 4. Allow the duck to rest in a warm place for 15 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to get 8 pieces per breast.

BraiSed red CaBBaGe

1 medium head red cabbage 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 cup dried cherries 1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add cabbage and toss to wilt, then add the remaining ingredients. 2. Cover and cook until all the liquid is evaporated and the cabbage is tender.

WHite truffLe diJon MuStard

1/2 cup Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons white truffle oil Whisk together until well combined.

MORE RECIPES  HOMElife 27

Bon Appeti-zers Continued from page 27

Toski Sands Market, Petoskey Lake Street Market, Boyne City The Groupie, a take on the menu’s widely acclaimed Aronoff Group sandwich Liz Glass and Chris Meyer, co-owners of Lake Street Market in Boyne City, recommend a relatively simple appetizer that’s rich with flavors, designed to delight the taste buds. The Groupie is a take on the store’s well-known and oft-eaten Aronoff Group sandwich, made with Molinari sopressata salami, rich cream cheese, fresh grape tomatoes, red onion and either a house-made Asiago and green onion or an everything bagel. “It’s just good. We’re mostly concerned with whether food tastes good or not,” Meyer said. “Our bagels are absurdly popular. It’s a take on a fairly classic recipe.” The one-bite appetizer is rich with the cream cheese, spicy from the salami and sweet with the grape tomatoes and red onions. Beyond all that, the fresh bagel is soft and flavorful, too. Meyer said this tasty appetizer can be made at home with items purchased at 28

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Lake Street Market, or can be ordered from the shop ready for a party. Cream cheese Bagels, either everything or Asiago cheese with green onions Grape tomatoes Red onion Sliced Molinari sopressata salami 1. Whip the cream cheese until it’s fluffy and place inside a pastry bag with a star tip to pipe the cream cheese into place. 2. Slice bagels into bite-sized, wedge pieces. Place the bagel pieces on their sides and spread a dollop of cream cheese on the bread. 3. Take a slice of salami and twist it together to create a cone shape, then pipe the cream cheese into the cone. Place the filled salami cones on top of the cream cheese dollops on the bagel pieces. 4. Slice grape tomatoes into thin pieces. Place a piece of tomato on the open end of the cream cheese-filled salami cone. 5. Garnish with small slices of red onion.

Deck the Layers: Wild Caught Smoked Salmon and Caviar Canapés This stunning hors d’oeuvre both looks and tastes festive for the holidays. Store owner Sue McGlaughlin recommends this appetizer as a visually appealing holiday starter that follows up with rich and tasty flavors that pop and linger. This strictly is a do-it-yourselfer, made with ingredients that can be purchased at the fine foods shop that stays abundantly busy through the holiday season. But it’s a convenient dish that can be prepared the day before a party. “You just touch up by topping with the caviar and a fresh dill sprig prior to serving,” McGlaughlin said. It’s a stacked hors d’oeuvre, a layer-bylayer delight of flavors that blend to create a zingy and creamy dish, designed to be sliced and served like a tiny Bundt cake. The rich cream cheese melds with the lemon and salmon for a traditional combination, while the salty, red-colored and small-egg caviar tops off the eye-catching and flavorful treat with a vodka finish.

3/4 pound cream cheese, room temperature Zest from 1/2 a lemon Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1 teaspoon capers, chopped 1 1/2 tablespoons chives, chopped Pinch of dill weed Dash of cayenne Dash of cracked pepper 8 slices of cocktail-size dark pumpernickel bread 6 ounces Ducktrap Wild Sockeye Smoked Salmon 2 ounce jar of Romanoff vodka lump fish caviar Sprigs of fresh dill 1. Whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest and juice, capers, chives, dill weed, cayenne and cracked pepper and stir until incorporated. Set to the side. 2. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the slices of bread and top each with salmon. Add a second layer of cheese and top with a second layer of salmon. Put a final layer of cheese on the top. 3. Refrigerate covered for several hours or overnight. Place toothpicks in the appetizer to keep plastic wrap from touching the cheese. 4. Top each appetizer with the caviar. Using a sharp serrated knife to cut the appetizers in half and use the knife to trim the outer edges for a clean look. Continue to keep chilled until ready to serve. 5. Garnish with a fresh sprig of dill just prior to serving.

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Substitutions: 1. Toski Sands house-made basil pesto cheese spread for cream cheese mixture 2. Any thinly sliced smoked salmon for the Ducktrap Wild Sockeye Salmon 3. Red salmon caviar for the Romanoff Vodka Lump fish Caviar 4. A second slice of pumpernickel bread can be used to top the appetizer, if your guests don’t care for caviar.

More recipes  HOMelife 29

Bon Appeti-zers Continued from page 29

gredients, made as light or dense as preferred. 3. Place a generous lump of crab mixture on each shrimp using a common teaspoon. Fold the tail over the crab mixture and spread or fan the tail into the mixture to create a fancy-looking presentation. 4. Place in the oven and broil for 12 minutes or until they are golden brown. 5. Place the shrimp on a large serving dish and drizzle with warm lemon and butter. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley.

Stafford’s Pier Restaurant, Bonus: Use the leftover crab stuffing mixture the next morning to make Harbor Springs little patties. Cook them in a little olive Maryland Lump Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

This appetizer is a crowd-pleasing shellfish delight that lures the nostrils when brought into a room. Britt Beaumont, executive chef at Stafford’s Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs, said this recipe is not complicated, but is instead a simple and achievable do-ityourselfer. “It’s easy. It looks like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours, but you haven’t,” he said. The two-bite appetizer has a solid shrimp texture, with a bite from the pepper and sweetness from the crab meat. It’s intended to bring your guests back for more than one serving. 12 peeled and deveined tail-on shrimp, butterflied 1 16-ounce can Phillips lump crab meat 2 eggs 1/2 cup oyster crackers crushed by hand 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 red pepper diced very small Bunch of chives sliced thin Dash of Tabasco Dash of fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper 1. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and lay the shrimp down with the butterflied side down and the tail pointing upwards. 2. Combine the crab with all the other in30

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oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a couple of soft-cooked eggs to impress your breakfast guests.

local Roquefort cheese, which lingers with rich flavors and strong aromas. “Flavor is the most important thing, but a lot of thought is put into texture and presentation,” said Christopher Dettmer, culinary director at American Spoon Foods company in Petoskey. Both bites of this hearty hors d’oeuvre present the distinctive star anise flavor — reminiscent of black licorice — combined with the sweet and sour apple components, savory pan-roasted onion and the creamy blue cheese, all atop the pan-grilled slices of pumpernickel bread. It’s a tasteful bonanza sure to make your guests look twice at the flavorful dish. Ingredients for this self-prepared dish are available at American Spoon Foods and any local grocery or butcher shop.

Glazed Beef Short Ribs

3 pounds beef short ribs 2 carrots, peeled and chopped in 1-inch pieces 1 turnip, peeled and chopped in large pieces 1 onion, halved 3 garlic cloves 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 1/2 cups ruby port 4 star anise pods 3 quarts beef stock, lowsodium if store-bought 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

American Spoon Foods, Petoskey Glazed Beef Rib Tartine with Apples and Onions This may be the fanciest open-faced, miniature sandwich ever conceived. This glazed beef tartine comes packed with powerful star anise spice flavors, combined with sweet apple conserve, pan-roasted onion and tart pickled apples. The big surprise that perfectly melds all the flavors together is a

1. Add the oil to a large pot and heat to medium-high. Add the ribs and brown on all sides. Remove the ribs and add the carrot and turnip, then cook until the vegetables caramelize. 2. Add the onion, garlic and tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the port. Reduce the wine by half and add the stock and ribs. Bring stock to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until ribs are tender, about two hours. 3. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside. Strain the liquid into a clean pot and

reduce by three-quarters, then set aside. While the stock is reducing, pick the ribs into bite-sized pieces and discard any bone or gristle. Set aside.

Pickled Apple 3 Honeycrisp apples, cut into small wedges 1 cup vinegar 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons sugar Pinch of salt 1. Place all ingredients but the apples into a small sauce pot and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat once the liquid boils. 2. Add the apple slices and refrigerate.

Cipollini Onions

10 cipollini onions, papery husks removed and cut into thin wedges 1 tablespoon of oil 2 teaspoons salt 1. Toss the onion wedges in salt. 2. Add the oil to a sauté pan and place the onions in the pan, cut side down. Cook over medium heat until the onions are golden brown, then flip and continue cooking until golden, about 6 minutes in total. 3. Remove from heat and reserve.

Assembly 1. Heat a large sauté pan over mediumhigh heat and add olive oil, then the pumpernickel bread. Fry the bread on both sides until crispy. 2. Remove the bread and add the short rib pieces to the pan. Sauté until crispy and then add the reduced stock. Cook until the stock is reduced to a sticky glaze, coating the ribs. Remove from heat. 3. Place a teaspoon of American Spoon Foods’ Honeycrisp Conserve on the bread, then add two pieces of the glazed short rib and two pieces of the blue cheese. 4. Top with pickled apple and sautéed onions. Garnish with watercress and serve. HL HOMelife 31

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Widing Custom Homes was established Wager Builders Inc., have been in Maymaking of 1976houses and has overseen the GREEN for more building some of with Northern Michigan’s thanof20 years the use of most insulation exquisite custom homes. Custom and infrared scans. The homeright builder Roger Widing’s insulation will savepersonal money philosophy hishome business is that “Each home is built thesummer, same by keeping for your warm in the winter and coolwith in the dedication and pride as costs. if it were my also ownreduce home.” damage The foundation reducing yearly energy It can causedofby any successful business is its reputation. Widing Custom Homes hasdust, extreme weather conditions. It can reduce noise pollution and spent reputation on quality pride,Wager which Builders is evident makingyears yourbuilding home aaquiet and clean placeand to relax. in every aspect of eco-friendly the fine homes theyof build. From the initial planning Inc. features two types insulation: Nu-Wool Premium phase, to material selection, to completion, Widing looks forward to the Cellulose Insulation and Demilec Spray Foam Insulation. A proud satisfaction helping customers build the perfect home for their family. member ofofthe Little Traverse Association of Home Builders. (231) www.widingcustomhomes.com Carl D.933-6680. Wager, 341 Alcan Drive, Petoskey. (231) 838-0220

JPR Builders is a leading contractor in Northern Michigan, constantly striving to bring effective and efficient building practices to your project. We provide unsurpassed attention-to-detail, creative problem solving and workable solutions to all your building needs. We work closely with area designers and architects to maintain the highest standard in designs and function. Jim Russell brings with him 22 years of industry experience, building and remodeling homes in Northern Michigan, Park City, Utah, and Livingston, Mont., since 1989. Our motto is “envision, create, enjoy.” Visit our website, www.jprbuilders.com, to learn more about us. (231) 838-0494.

Wager Builders Inc., have HOME beenlife 31 making houses GREEN for more than 20 years with the use of insulation and infrared scans. The right insulation will save money by keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing yearly energy costs. It can also reduce damage caused by extreme weather conditions. It can reduce noise pollution and dust, making your home a quiet and clean place to relax. Wager Builders Inc. features two eco-friendly types of insulation: Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation and Demilec Spray Foam Insulation. A proud member of the Little Traverse Association of Home Builders. petoskeynews.com • local news you can't get anywhere else Carl D. Wager, 341 Alcan Drive, Petoskey. (231) 838-0220

ReidFurnitureCo.

Dependable Merchandise and Distinguished Service | Celebrating 84 Years of Quality www.ReidIndeed.com | 347-2942 | 307 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey

Wager Builders Inc.

Capturing news, events and special moments in time for the people of Northern Michigan.

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Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

‘tis better to

GIVE

G • I •F •T G •U • I •D •E

veryone knows someone who is impossible to shop for, no matter how much brainstorming is done before the holiday arrives. When in doubt about what to give to that specific someone, try taking the advice of area retailers who are experienced at niche shopping for family and friends. Northwest Lower Michigan boasts some of the most unique, curious and delightful shops and businesses. Why not seek out the delights waiting to be found in these corner stores, main street shops and foodie havens? This year, HomeLife advertisers offered some spectacular suggestions for Christmas gift-giving, from fancy scarves to lighted floral arrangements, from handy kitchen tools to unique fine art pieces, and from shiny jewelry to coffee table books. Visit these retailers to learn more about these recommended gifts, and maybe even find more treasurers to delight your holiday guests.

231.347.01

67 231.347.77

231.348.33

One Card Three Venues All Individual · Each Equally Remarkable Receive an e xtra $20 g ift card for e ver y $100 card purchase by 12/24/12. For par tie s over $500, receive a 10% g ift cer tificate toward your ne xt e vent. City Park Grill 432 E. Lake St., Petoskey (231) 347-0101

Roast & Toast 309 E. Lake St., Petoskey (231) 347-7767

Palette Bistro 321 Bay St., Petoskey (231) 348-3321

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Custom-designed bling Handcrafted & custom-designed jewelry available in sterling or gold for your loved ones this holiday season. Baker Metal Works 310 Howard Street, Petoskey, (231) 348-7034

Wrap in style $29.00 Gorgeous scarves with silver beads — a one-of-a-kind agate. Many beautiful colors available. Check out all the unique clothing for ladies and babies. The Birds Nest 112 Water Street, Boyne City (231) 758-3500 blog: Boynegirl.tumblr.com

Turquoise This beautiful Boulder Turquoise is set in sterling silver and is American Indian hand-made. Visit our gallery ... you’ll find something for everyone. Indian Hills Gallery 1581 Harbor-Petoskey Road Petoskey (231) 347-3789 Find us on Facebook.

One size fits all Give the gift of Stafford’s for the holidays. Stafford’s gift cards can be used at any Stafford’s location for dining, lodging and gift shop purchases. Visit any Stafford’s establishment, choose a denomination and your Christmas shopping is done! 800-737-1899 • staffords.com

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Sparkle & shine

She will love this 18-kt yellow diamond and hematite necklace that features a double halo of white and black

Jewelry unlike any other

diamonds. This magnificent pendant is displayed on

These original pieces are designed and crafted

an 18-inch yellow gold and black spinel necklace.

by Todd Warner and Link Wachler.

Hoganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelers

They range in price from $79.00 - $2900. Stop in and see

311 West Main Street, Gaylord

all of the one-of-a-kind pieces in this unique studio.

(989) 732-4444 www.hogansjewelers.com

Todd Warner Studios

Celebrating 55 years in downtown Gaylord.

405 Bridge Street, Charlevoix (231) 675-0596 www.toddwarnerstudios.com Email us to order direct: todd@toddwarnerstudios.com

Put a (pretty) lid on it Map out your holidays Relief maps for any lake. Made in Harbor Springs. Nautical gifts for the entire family. By The Bay

The most intriguing new product of the year by Charles Viancin. These silicone lids suction tightly to any smooth surface and do away with the need for messy plastic wrap. Oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Isabellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Copper Pot Gaylord (989) 731-9700

172 East Main Street, Harbor Springs (231) 526-3964 bythebay.com HOMelife 35

Sweet treats Enjoy an assortment of our handmade chocolates, or some of Bruce’s Gourmet Caramel Corn or Chocolate Haus Chips. All of our products are made in our Gaylord store. We have individual candies, gift baskets, fudge, caramel apples, and whatever else your sweet tooth desires. Visit one of our stores in Gaylord, Boyne City or Sault Sainte Marie, or place your order by calling (855) 732-1077 . www.alpinechocolathaus.com

Underwater Dogs You, and the pet lover in your life, will love this collection of Seth Casteel’s Underwater Dogs. Available in books, calendars and Ruff Life’s EXCLUSIVE framed prints. Food, supplies and gifts for the home ... you’ll find everything for the pet lover at Ruff Life Pet Outfitters. 309 Howard Street, Petoskey (231) 347-1214 info@rufflifepet.com www.rufflifepet.com

Give only the best

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Their faces will light up

To warm their hearts this holiday season, start with their feet.

When they find one of these Nite Ize BugLit LED flashlights in their

The finest quality footwear, outerwear, and accessories

stockings, their faces will shine with delight. Don’t let their cuteness fool you

around, at Robert Frost Fine Footwear.

... these little buggers are a versatile, fun solution to hands-free lighting.

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Petoskey • Traverse City

Bearcub Outfitters

www.frostshoes.com

321 E. Lake Street, Petoskey

(231) 439-2777

(231) 439-9500 bearcuboutfitters.com

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Let’s get things straight Yarn bowl $36.95 Free gift wrapping Sturgeon River Pottery 3031 Charlevoix Avenue, Petoskey (231) 347-0590 www.sturgeonriver.com

Polish Pottery Polish Pottery has arrived! New Patterns - Holiday Pieces. Meyer Ace Hardware 421 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey (231) 347-3978 meyerace.com

Deck the halls Too many treasures to name. Come see. Open 7 days a week. Country Now & Then Up the Lazy River 211 Water Street, Boyne City (231) 582-2355

Stellar arrangements Glenda’s is a little shop that specializes in custom arrangements, centerpieces and wreaths that will make your home sparkle. Give them a call and their friendly staﬀ will create something truly stunning for your holiday party. Shipping available anywhere in the United States. Glenda’s 118 N. Otsego Avenue, Gaylord (989) 731-9700 HOMElife 37

‘Tis the season ... ... to look as lovely as can be ... elegant yet sophisticated ... magical and timeless. Pretty Woman Boutique 314 E. Lake Street, Petoskey (231) 487 0047 Look us up on Facebook

Get framed Frame your favorite memory of life up north in these handcrafted Petoskey Stone picture frames. 5x7 $69.95 • 8x10 $89.95 Sturgeon River Pottery 3031 Charlevoix Avenue, Petoskey (231) 347-0590 sturgeonriver.com

Give the gift of art Give a diﬀerent kind of stone this year. Our gallery of handcrafted items features Petoskey Stone jewelry and gift ware as well as original artwork by regional artists

Klassic by Kurtis

Round Lake Gallery

Handcrafted glass ornaments of distinction.

235 Bridge Street, Charlevoix

Start your family heirloom collection this year.

(231) 675-2117 facebook.com/roundlakegallery

Made in Poland. Meyer Ace Hardware 421 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey (231) 347-3978 meyerace.com

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Have it your way $25-$150 Custom, inscribed, sterling silver and hand-made artisan jewelry, perfect for gift-giving. Pendants, bracelets and more. HANNI Gallery

Collect them all

140 S. Spring Street, Harbor Springs (231) 526-2456 hannigallery.com Open year-round. Call for current hours.

Handmade bells by Todd Warner Todd Warner Studios 405 Bridge Street, Charlevoix (231) 675-0596 www.toddwarnerstudios.com Email us to order direct: todd@toddwarnerstudios.com

Be imPRESSed An original, dome-topped French press coﬀee

Tie one on

maker with contemporary ﬂair. The plunger-

Come on in to The Clothes Post, and we’ll show

revered for its rich, full-bodied character.

you how to tie one on for the holidays!

Don’t forget the coﬀee!

style brewing method results in fresh coﬀee

The Clothes Post

Roast & Toast Cafe

326 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey

309 E. Lake Street, Petoskey

(231) 347-4562 theclothespost.com

(231) 347-7767 HOMElife 39