Holiday gift guide 2024
Holiday pies: Melting Pot Pizza serves up taste of home for those near and far
By Laura Ruby
The Northern Virginia Daily
FRONT ROYAL — For many locals, Melting Pot Pizza is the taste of home.
After 52 years in business, the restaurant on West 14th Street has developed a loyal following.
“We see some customers three or four times a week, which is amazing. It’s a fun place to hang out,” said owner and general manager Elliott Bachelor.
For many local families, it is the place for celebrating the end of the soccer season, an impromptu family reunion or an informal holiday party, Bachelor said, adding that the Melting Pot is often the first stop for former Front Royal residents who return home over the holiday season to visit family.
“We are very, very busy around the holidays,” Bachelor said. “The day before and after Thanksgiving are two of the busiest days here. Everyone is in town visiting family. School is out. People are home on military leave. This is their first stop. They usually stop here before they even go home. It really is funny.”
And, for those who can’t make it into the 14th Street location, the eatery ships its frozen pizzas across the country — perhaps
Rich Cooley/Daily
the ideal gift for those missing the taste of home.
Kristie Henry Felt grew up in Front Royal and moved to the Houston area in 2012.
“We really miss Melting Pot pizza. There is nothing like it,” Felt said recently by phone, adding that she has frozen Melting Pot pizzas shipped to her Texas home at least twice a year. “We order 10 at a time and have them shipped to Houston.
Ten
fit nicely in the box.”
Felt said the thin-crust pizza brings back good memories of spending time at the restaurant and eating there with family and friends.
“Every other year, we visit back home. On those visits, we pretty much eat at Melting Pot every day,” Felt said, adding that in the past they have taken some partially cooked and frozen pies on the trip home with them.
“They’re hard to travel with for two days like that so it’s better to have them ship it the correct way.”
Bachelor said that Melting Pot fully cooks pizzas for shipment, but doesn’t take them off the baking pan so that the crust does not crisp. Once they’re cool, the pizza is shrink wrapped and frozen.
Elliott Bachelor, general manager/owner of Melting Pot Pizza in Front Royal, holds one of the restaurant’s all the way pizza pies while Bobbie Rose Santellano, manager, pulls a pizza out of the oven. Bachelor is maintaining the Front Royal hotspot that his late father started years ago.
“So that when you finish cooking it, the crust hasn’t dried out so it still has that fresh dough feeling to it even though everything on top has been cooked,” Bachelor said. “They turn out great.”
Bachelor said that to purchase frozen pizzas, customers should contact Diana Settle at the Postal Business Center on North Royal Avenue. Settle handles the entire process, taking the pizza order, payment and arranging shipment. She said that pizzas are shipped overnight.
Bachelor said orders are accepted Monday through Thursday as the restaurant is too busy over the weekends to process pizzas for shipment.
He said that shipping cross country has slowed since COVID as costs have risen, but Melting Pot does sell many frozen and partially cooked pizzas to area residents who like to take them home or on vacation.
The restaurant also sells gift cards for local customers. They are not available online, Bachelor said.
After talking about her love for Melting Pot, Felt added, “Now I really want to come visit and eat some pizza.”
Rich Cooley/Daily
Hunter Tobin, left, and Kendall Ramey, right, work in the Melting Pot kitchen assembling pizzas.
Rich Cooley/Daily Emily Kingrea adds mozzarella cheese to the sauced pizza crusts.
New, handmade or vintage, Christmas ornaments make great gifts
By Ashley Miller
The Northern Virginia Daily
STRASBURG — For many people at the holiday season, giving Christmas ornaments is a beloved tradition. Available in all shapes and sizes, styles and colors, ornaments sometimes carry stories passed down through generations.
“Over the years I’ve actually steered people toward gifting an ornament because it’s a thoughtful gift, especially if it’s a cool vintage ornament in a nice price range,” said Susan “Sue” Haynes, owner of Clementine Vintage in downtown Strasburg.
“I feel like it’s almost like you’ve curated a specific present for someone, especially if you know that person is really going to resonate with that ornament.”
Haynes looks forward to transforming her shop at 148 E. King St. for the holiday season, especially when it comes time to unwrap her assortment of holiday ornaments — some she’s been collecting since the previous Christmas.
“The first year or two I was open, I was looking for ornaments that I could sell for under $5, so customers could load up,” she explained. “And then I realized that people could get those at places like Hobby
Lobby. So, now I try to put a bit more thought in what I get.”
In the first few weeks of November, Haynes will shift her sales floor from Halloween to Christmas, welcoming displays of new, handmade and vintage ornaments.
“I’ve recently ordered from a company I hadn’t before,” she said. Some of the newer ornaments will be made of resin or enamel and will hold specific meanings, which Haynes said is important to those who gift ornaments.
“There’s nothing like bringing out an ornament each year, putting it on the tree and thinking about the person who gifted it to you,” Haynes said.
Cardinals and angels will be among this year’s ornament collection. Cardinals, Haynes explained, are a thoughtful gift to give to someone who has lost a loved one.
“It’s more than just our state bird,” she said. “So many people love cardinals because it’s generally a sweet reminder that their loved one is looking out for them.”
Similarly with angels or in Haynes’s case — hummingbirds, a reminder of her father.
When she’s seeking ornaments
Newer ornaments, such as this “A Very Merry Christmas,” cutout were popular in 2023.
to sell, Haynes keeps an eye out for those that are sparkly and shiny, noting that not everyone needs an emotional connection to an ornament hanging on their tree.
“Sometimes they just want something pretty,” she said.
Tea ball ornaments will return this Christmas season, handmade by Haynes herself.
“I did some last year, and they
Ashley Miller/Daily
did so well I find myself always picking up old tea balls and putting crystals on them. Who doesn’t know someone who likes tea?”
Vintage ornaments such as Santa or Frosty might make an appearance, said Haynes, who’s been adding to her vintage collection over the past year. Haynes said she’s sourced more vintage wooden handpainted ornaments, adding that they’re mostly made of particle board.
“I guess everyone had a kit and would paint an ornament together,” she said.
Haynes said she likes to offer a wide variety, in a reasonable price range. “A few years ago, I had a beautiful crystal ornament that was around $20, and I had so many people getting them because they were part of a gift exchange and had to shop within a budget.”
There will also be some tiny toy soldiers, which Haynes said could make for a great gift tag on a present.
“It gives your present a little something extra special,” she said.
Not all giftable ornaments have to be hung on a tree. Haynes said ornaments make great home decor, but she mostly appreciates the tradition building and sentiment they each bring.
“When I gift an ornament, I want it to resonate with me or the person that I gave it to,” Haynes said, acknowledging that she’s always gifting ornaments to her children and grandchildren. She even takes a black Sharpie and writes, in small letters, the year the ornament was given.
Clementine Vintage is located at 174 E King St. and is open Wednesday through Saturday noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Add seasonal bazaars to your list of holiday shopping locations
There is no shortage of options to find every item on your holiday shopping list. Shopping malls, online retailers and mom and pop stores along Main Street can be great spots to grab holiday deals, but shoppers also can find great gifts at holiday fairs and bazaars.
Holiday bazaars often pop up during the holiday season and mimic international marketplaces. They may be hosted by cities or towns, schools or places of worship. Sometimes they are fundraising opportunities, with nonprofit organizations charging a stallor table-renting fee for bazaar participants. Holiday fairs and bazaars often bring together an array of different retailers, many of whom are small businesses selling interesting wares.
Shoppers should take advantage of every opportunity to visit these holiday bazaars because they will only be around for a short time. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of bazaar shopping for the holidays.
· PATRONIZE SMALL BUSINESSES. Holiday bazaars often bring together small businesses that may not normally have storefronts. This allows shoppers to meet the individuals behind businesses they already patronize or
discover new firms they were previously unacquainted with.
· SHOP UNIQUE WARES. Holiday bazaars may showcase items not easily found elsewhere, from handcrafted jewelry to unique soaps to custom woodworking items.
· DEVELOP NEW RELATIONSHIPS. Shopping at holiday bazaars enables you to meet and interact with new people. This can expand your social circles and may even expand your professional network.
· ENJOY THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. Shopping away from the bustle of larger, busier retail stores gives you a break from the harried shopping experience many experience during the holiday season. Rather, holiday fairs and bazaars typically are less crowded and engage at a slower pace. Plus, they may have a more homespun decorating design that can have you feeling like you’re shopping in a Christmas village.
· TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FOOD VENDORS. Food vendors likely will be mixed within the offerings of the holiday bazaar. That gives you opportunity to take the day off from cooking and enjoy some savory and sweet bites while grabbing gifts.
LOCAL HOLIDAY BAZAARS
November 23-24
• Kris Kringle Market: More than 100 vendors are expected at historic Belle Grove Plantation near Middletown on Nov. 23-24 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Come get in the seasonal spirit and enjoy holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and businesses. There also will be food and warm beverages for sale, as well as “Storytime with Santa.” Belle Grove is located at 336 Belle Grove Road.
November 30-December 1
• Shenandoah Potters Guild 28th annual Holiday Pottery Show & Sale: On display, and available for purchase, will be hundreds of unique works created by many members of the guild, ranging from functional pottery to art pieces. This is a highly anticipated holiday tradition in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and the perfect place to shop for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. The event is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in the War Memorial Building in Jim Barnett Park, 1001 E. Cork St., Winchester. For more information: https://shenandoahpottersguild258631015. wordpress.com
December 6, 7, 8
• Winchester Winter Village: Be transported to a cozy European-style holiday market in historic Old Town Winchester this Christmas. A village of food and crafts vendors will be at the heart of the Loudoun Street Mall, and many shops will be decked out for the holidays and offering specials for shoppers. Building on last year’s tremendously popular event, the 2024 Winchester Winter Village will offer a redesigned and improved village of holiday vendors, expanded live music and caroling, and even more festive holiday lights and decorations. The event begins on Friday, Dec. 6, with a Santa Crawl to benefit the nonprofit Froggy’s Closet. Purchase a ticket to participate and visit local restaurants, breweries, and bars for live music, raffle prizes, and discounted holiday drinks and food specials. Then on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, stroll the Loudoun Street Mall for live caroling and music, demonstrative vendors, artisan craft vendors, and a Kinder Village with Santa, the Grinch, and children’s activities. You can grab a warm serving of Gluhwein, a traditional hot mulled spiced red wine, from a participating restaurant and carry it with you as you shop. Several restaurants will also offer Kinderpunsch, a warm spiced cider just for kids. This is an open-air market and free to attend. For more information, go to https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/winchester-winter-village/.
(For more information about local holiday bazaars, a list was published in The Winchester Star on Oct. 4: https://www.winchesterstar.com/ winchester_star/2024-fall-and-holiday-bazaars/article_9b6cf41b-0ecc5fc9-a3ed-d950edb92f54.html)
Come see us for your Holiday Shopping and see why we were voted Best Pet Store!
We have gifts for the pet lovers! Shop our health supplements for cats & dogs. We carry the best pet foods as well as top of the line collars, leashes, harnesses & toys. Big selection of pet coats, sweaters, holiday outfits and accessories!
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Homeward Bound Foster & Placement • Spay & Neuter Transport Fix-A-Pit • Operation Catsnip (TNR: Trap, Neuter, Return)
Please give generously to help the animals in Shenandoah County
Donations are tax-deductible
Mail check to: Humane Society of Shenandoah County PO Box 173, Woodstock, VA 22664
Donate online (via paypal) www.hsscva.org
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Marketing plans are key for small businesses ahead of a tough holiday shopping season
By Mae Anderson The Associated Press
NEW YORK — The holidays are the busiest time of year for many small retailers and other businesses.
But the holidays this year could be particularly challenging. Although inflation has retreated, small businesses are still dealing with high costs and consumers have been tightening the purse strings, too.
Stepping up marketing is one way to bolster holiday results. In a survey by email marketing firm Constant Contact, 51% of small business owners said they believe social media marketing and email marketing have the biggest impact on their holiday goals.
Kristen Tarnol owns Emerald Forest Gifts in Studio City, California. The shop has been open for 37 years, so Tarnol has a significant number of returning customers each year. But marketing is still key, she said.
“I have to continue to bring in new clients as well so we’ll use both email and social,” she said. “Also, I plan to try some events this year in the shop to raise everyone’s festive energy.”
The top three things small business owners say they’re
doing to have a successful holiday season are improving their efficiency (35%), offering special promotions or discounts (28%) and creating an end-ofyear marketing strategy (26%). Starting early is key.
“Small businesses are incredibly resilient, but as they head into a holiday season filled with uncertainty, they must get proactive in their marketing to ensure success,” said Sarah Jordan, chief marketing officer at Constant Contact. “The (small businesses) who thrive will be the ones who start their holiday marketing early, streamline their work with automations, and engage customers consistently throughout the season.”
Another quirk of the season: Hanukkah doesn’t start until Dec. 25 this year, so that will stretch out the season. Tarnol of Emerald City Gifts plans to start her marketing Nov. 1, so that means more than two months of holiday marketing.
“Usually, we are recovering between Christmas and New Years, but this year, we will be going, going, going, until after Jan. 2,” she said.
Constant Contact polled owners of more than 1,600 small businesses with 250 employees or less in August in the U.S., U.K., Australia and the United Kingdom.
Gifts for holiday hosts
Millions of people open their homes to relatives and friends each holiday season. Taking on the task of holiday host can be a labor of love, as it involves not only a commitment of time, but also a financial investment. Lending Tree reported that 60 percent of Americans considering hosting holiday gatherings in 2023 expected to spend an average of $556 on their celebrations. Six-figure earners planned to spend even more, indicating they expected to spend $764 on holiday hosting.
Guests benefiting from holiday hosts’ hospitality can offer tokens of their appreciation upon arrival. The following are some great gifts to offer hosts this holiday season.
· BEVERAGE OF CHOICE: A bottle of wine or another spirit can be a great gift for holiday gatherings. Let hosts decide if they want to serve it with the meal or save it to enjoy at a later time.
· CURATED FOOD BASKET: A guest can put together a basket of different foods, including crackers, cheeses, jams, bread sticks, and other items that can be enjoyed as snacks or appetizers.
· HOLIDAY PLANT: A poinsettia or Christmas cactus may be fitting this time of year, and a holiday host can enjoy seeing it grow during the season.
· KITCHEN TOOLS OR SERVING ITEMS: A beautiful olive wood serving platter or cutting board might be appreciated, particularly if guests arrive with it covered in a charcuterie spread.
· SCENTED CANDLE: Hosts can set the mood and add to the ambiance of an entertaining space with lit, scented candles, which make for a great gift. Guests can inquire as to the hosts’ preferred aromas or stick with safe bets like vanilla or cinnamon.
· HOLIDAY ORNAMENT
OR DECORATIVE PIECE: Guests can offer ornaments for the tree or another decorative item for hosts who are repeat entertainers. Dating the decoration or having it engraved can transform it into a memento hosts can relish through the years.
· COMFORT AND CARE
ASSORTMENT: Hosting takes effort, so a box of items to pamper holiday hosts can be a great gift. Fill the box with a loofah, bath bombs, shower gel, moisturizing cream, and massage oil.
Holiday hosts invest time and money into making their homes welcoming spaces to spend the holidays. Guests can treat these hosts with gifts to show how much their efforts and hospitality are appreciated.
CO-PRESENTED
Holiday shopping tips you can’t afford to miss
The festive and fun nature of the holiday season can make it easy to forget the benefits of being frugal. Many people go overboard on holiday spending, making this time of year costly for consumers.
Sales between the beginning of November 2023 and Christmas Eve 2023 climbed 3.1 percent from the year earlier, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse. The National Retail Federation reported in November 2023 that holiday spending was expected to reach between $957 and $966 billion. Trading Economics, a financial market indicator and forecast provider, said personal spending in the United States only rose 0.2 percent in May 2024 from the previous month, which marked the lowest increase since January 2024.
Shoppers who want to spend less and stick to a budget for holiday entertaining and gifting can keep these budgeting tips in mind.
· SET A VALUE TO GIFT RECIPIENTS. It may sound harsh, but certain people on holiday shopping lists may be assigned a higher value than others. For example, you wouldn’t necessarily spend the same amount on a gift for a child’s teacher as you would for a grandmother. Putting a dollar figure next to each name on the shopping list helps you identify your expected spending and where you can cut back, if necessary.
· ESTABLISH YOUR OVERALL BUDGET. Once you have an idea of your potential holiday expenditures, set a firm budget. Avoid the temptation of impulse buys, which can make it easy to go over budget.
· BEGIN SHOPPING EARLY. Start scouring ads and looking for deals prior to Thanksgiving or Black Friday. Keep a running list of gift ideas and when the price is right, purchase those items.
· PRICE CHECK “PERFECT GIFTS.” If you’ve spotted the perfect gift for someone but it’s beyond budget, see if you can find a better price elsewhere, says Better Money Habits. There are apps that allow users to scan barcodes and check items across various retailers. Many stores also have price-match policies that can save shoppers money.
hung up on perceived deep discounts from Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. However, industry experts say there often isn’t a huge difference in markdowns between these promotions and those during other sales. Some retailers even increase prices on goods only to mark them down for Black Friday to make it appear that there is a discount. Only by knowing the average price for items can you know if a sale is legitimate.
· SIGN UP FOR STORE REWARDS. If you don’t want your regular email inbox inundated with offers, set up
a separate email account for in-store and online shopping. Then you can sign up for the rewards programs at checkout. Utilize the coupon codes and advertisements for sales to save money without having your primary email data shared with other marketers.
· TRACK SPENDING CAREFULLY. If you don’t know how much you’re spending, then you cannot possibly stick to a budget. After each purchase, keep a running tally of all holiday spending to see how far you are from the finish line.
· LOOK FOR DEALS ALL OF THE TIME. Many people get
Make holiday crafting a family affair
This time of year is one for dabbling in creative pursuits. Now is a prime opportunity to bond with children over a table full of paint, glue, beads, and other crafty supplies. The crafts made during the holidays often become cherished mementos that will be regarded fondly for years to come. Here are some ideas to inspire holiday creativity.
SNOWMAN FAMILY
Handprint crafts are popular among children. Adults and children can dip their hands into washable white paint and make a handprint stamp on a small canvas, wooden palette or even a terracotta flowerpot. Decorate the white fingerprints with black dots to look like the faces of the snowmen and paint on top hats and scarves. In the years to come, artists can marvel at how small their hand prints once were.
WINE CORK REINDEER
Repurpose wine corks by crafting adorable little reindeer. Two corks make up the head
and the body, and four vertically will comprise the feet. Stick on googly eyes, and add a small red or black bead for the nose. Pipe cleaners can be bent to form the reindeer’s antlers.
FAMILY GARLANDS
This craft also makes use of handprints. Ask all family members to trace their handprints on different colors of construction paper or card stock. Cut out all of the paper hands, punch holes in the tops and then string a ribbon through. Decorate the Christmas tree or a mantle with this garland.
MINI CHRISTMAS TREES
Paint the tips of gathered pine cones with green paint and allow to dry. Add white glitter or paint as “snow.” Glue the pine cones to wine corks that will serve as the tree trunks, and attach a small wooden star to the top of the trees for the finishing touch.
DECOUPAGE ORNAMENTS
Purchase wooden or plastic
STONE HOUSE FLOORS
ball ornaments. Cover with small scraps of cut fabric or paper dipped in craft glue or Mod Podge®, and attach to the ornament in an overlapping fashion. Remember to add a string from which the ornament can be hung on the tree. Allow to dry completely before use.
PAPER CHAIN ADVENT CALENDAR
Cut strips of paper to make a link for every day of Advent. Advent begins on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and lasts until Christmas. The top link can be any design artists prefer, but those who need a
little inspiration can consider a religious symbol, the face of a reindeer, a snowman, or a Christmas tree. Hang the chain and then children can take turns ripping off a link from the bottom each day as they count down to the holiday.
POPSICLE STICK SNOWFLAKES
Paint four popsicle sticks per snowflake in desired colors. Decorate with glue, pompoms, beads, or other trinkets. Add small looped strings to hang the ornaments.
ANNUAL TRADITIONS!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for classic movies, like Elf, The Polar Express and It’s a Wonderful Life. Check the Alamo website for showtimes and tickets.
GIFT CARDS!
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Gift Cards are the perfect gift or stocking-stuffer for the film lover on your list. Get ready for a blockbuster 2025 featuring new movies like Avatar: Fire and Ash , Snow White and Captain America: Brave New World . Gift cards are available at the theater box office or Alamo website.
Featured Holiday Movies
Make shopping Black Friday/Cyber Monday pay off
Historically, Black Friday has been the busiest day for retailers, but Cyber Monday has increasingly become a go-to holiday shopping opportunity. Now largely known as BFCM, Black Friday Cyber Monday is undoubtably the busiest time of year for retailers. These days can be a make-or-break period for many merchants. According to Drip, an e-commerce customer data aggregator, Cyber Monday was the biggest shopping day in 2023, with shoppers spending $12.4 billion - a 9.6 percent yearover-year increase. The National Retail Federation reported a record 200.4 million shoppers participated in Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in 2023.
As people consider their BFCM shopping plans for 2024, these tips can help them make the most of these unique opportunities.
· BECOME A PRICE CONNOISSEUR. Consumers who would feel right at home calling out correct prices on “The Price is Right” will have an advantage come the
holiday shopping season. By understanding the standard retail price on many items, it is easier to know just how customer-friendly BFCM deals are. Consumers can look at the advertisements in newspapers or online and only shop the best deals to save money.
· PAY ATTENTION TO EARLY BIRD DEALS. BFCM is a great opportunity to save, and many retailers have extended this exclusive price-slashing period to offer “sneak peeks” and “early bird” opportunities that precede Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shoppers can keep an eye out for early BFCM deals to save even more money.
· EXPLORE LOYALTY REWARDS. Shoppers who are part of stores’ rewards programs, whether that entails earning loyalty points or having a store credit card, may be eligible for additional perks. Although one’s email inbox may be overflowing this time of year with promotions, individuals should double-check their accounts to see if they’ve been
given early access to sales or special coupon codes that can bring prices down even further. Some retailers also may utilize digital coupons that need to be “clipped,” which is basically saving them to a loyalty account.
· PLAN THE SHOPPING LIST IN ADVANCE. A complete shopping list at the ready can make it easier to shop for specific items during Black Friday or Cyber Monday hours.
· AVOID IMPULSE BUYING. It may be tempting to grab many different items because the prices seem so good. However, sticking to a list and
only shopping for necessary items is an effective way to avoid overspending.
· DON’T FORGET SMALL BUSINESSES. Be sure to check out the sales at local small businesses during BFCM as well as Small Business Saturday. Shoppers may find that deals at smaller retailers rival those at larger chains.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday present chances to save. Making the most of these shopping opportunities can translate to scoring holiday gifts at the lowest prices possible.
Rappahannock Reconnaissance
By John Paul Strain
By P. Buckley Moss
Snap a great Christmas card photo
Greeting cards are among the first signs that the holiday season has arrived. Mailboxes are filled with cards and email inboxes have new messages popping up each day wishing others well.
Many of these greetings feature family photos. Here are some tips for capturing the best family photo possible.
· KEEP CARDS IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND. While the Norman Rockwellesque family tableau or a wintry Christmas scene is a go-to holiday card, any photoworthy moment throughout the year can suffice. Keep a lookout for ideas while vacationing or enjoying time together as a family.
· AVOID BUSY PRINTS. Stick to solid colors when posing for holiday photos; otherwise, recipients’ eyes may not know where to look when viewing the photo. Photo subjects should coordinate, but wardrobes that completely
match can seem contrived.
· PLAN AROUND NAP
TIMES. If photos involve young children, schedule the photo shoot to occur when children are well-rested and fed. Now may be the time to offer kids treats they don’t normally get in an effort to reward patience and happy smiles.
· AVOID RED EYE. Proper lighting can help avoid the occurrence of “red eye” in photographs, which happens when the flash bounces off a wide pupil. Asking subjects to look into bright light before the photo, or utilizing a camera that snaps a small burst of flash before the actual flash, can help alleviate this problem.
· EMBRACE CANDID SHOTS OR MIXUPS. Some of the funniest and most memorable photos are when things didn’t go according to plan. A crying infant or a parent looking away from the lens may not be magazine
worthy, but don’t be so quick to discard those less-than-perfect snaps.
· ZOOM IN TIGHT AND CROPPED. Card recipients want to look at you and not the surroundings. Avoid landscape shots on holiday cards, and be sure to focus on the subjects’ faces as much as possible.
· ANGLE CORRECTLY FOR FLATTERING PHOTOS. Adjust your body posture to look your best. Turn the lower half of your body to the side and then adjust the upper half to move slightly toward the camera to appear more svelte.
Position the camera lens at eye level or above to avoid double chins in photos.
· SHOW OFF YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. You can show friends and family you like to laugh by posing in funny ways or by mimicking pop culture references in your photo cards. Recreate childhood photos of yore, or imitate photos from album covers or movie posters.
Relax and have fun with holiday greeting cards. Plan outfits, watch lighting and catch kids at the right time to create memorable cards.
Open Daily 9 to 5
We will be closing at 4 p.m. December 23rd and Reopen January 2nd
Fresh Apples, Apple Cider, Apple Butter and preserves. Local farm fresh milk, butter, eggs, cheeses, and honey.
Locally raised beef, chicken, pork.
Make your own gift baskets from some of the other items we offer. Such as bulk candy, nuts, dried fruit, spices, teas, coffee, gluten free snacks, soup mixes, wheat bran, pancake mixes, rolled oats, steel cut oats and products made from local artisans.
Gift Certificates make great gifts!
Easy to find on Route 42, 1/2 mile west of I-81, exit 283, Woodstock
Stop by and see us!
24247 Senedo Road, Woodstock, VA 22664
540-459-8645 • www.MoweryOrchard.com • Find us on Facebook or Instagram
The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different.
“Santa’s Whiskers” likely get their name from the coconut on these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
SANTA’S WHISKERS
20 to 24 cookies
11/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the cherries, vanilla,
almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough.
Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on th center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough.
Form the dough into a 12- to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around
the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder.
Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1/4- to 1/2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Winchester Store 115 N Loudoun St Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-0030
Mon-Thur: 10am-7pm Fri-Sat: 10am-8pm Sun: 12pm-5pm
Winchester Store 115 N Loudoun St Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-0030
Mon-Thur: 10am-7pm Fri-Sat: 10am-8pm Sun: 12pm-5pm Front Royal Store 120 E Main St, Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 749-2470 Mon-Thur: 10am-6pm Fri-Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: 12pm-5pm
Winchester Store 115 N Loudoun St Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 667-0030 Mon-Thur: 10am-7pm Fri-Sat: 10am-8pm Sun: 12pm-5pm
Front Royal Store
120 E Main St, Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 749-2470 Mon-Thur: 10am-6pm Fri-Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: 12pm-5pm
10am-6pm Fri-Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: 12pm-5pm
