Holiday Gift Guide 2019, 2

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Keep safety in mind when decorating for the holidays

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

S2 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

Keep safety in mind when decorating for the holidays

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• Do not overload outlets.

Plan displays according to the number and location of available outlets.

• Never exceed the maximum number of light strands that can be attached together.

• Use lights and products that have been tested for safety. Certification marks like UL, ETL and CSA are from nationally recognized laboratories.

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• LED lights should be used whenever possible. Such lights consume less energy and run cooler than other bulbs.

• The ESFI says candles start almost 50 percent of all decoration fires.

Minimize the risk by using candles only when they can be monitored. Artificial candles can be used in place of real candles.

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• Place Christmas trees at least three feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces and heaters.

• Use decorations that are non-combustible or made

from flame-resistant materials.

• Pay attention to the age recommendations of decorations to see if they can be used in homes with young children. Some items, however common, are choking or strangulation hazards.

• Avoid putting small, “mouth-sized” decorations near the ground or on lower limbs of trees, where young children can easily reach them.

• Exercise caution when hanging decorations at high heights. Make sure the ladder is secured and have a spotter who can hold the ladder and pass items up safely.

• Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs. • Exercise caution when decorating near power lines that extend to the house.

• Keep hung stockings far away from open flames so they do not catch any errant embers.

These are just a few suggestions for decorating a safely for the holiday season.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

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Embrace delectable holiday scents in seasonal decor

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Use a real Christmas tree.

An easy way to create a pine-like scent indoors is to select a real Christmas tree.

Ask the tree farm which varieties are the most fragrant.

If a fresh tree is not possible, fill a decorative basket with pine cones and evergreen boughs for that woodsy appeal.

Create a seasonal scented simmer.

Take to the stove to make a homemade air infusion from ingredients in and around the house. Simmer pine branches, citrus peels, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and whatever else can be placed in a pot or slow cooker with water. The scents will permeate the house for hours if enough water is added to the mixture.

Make holiday sachets.

Some of the same ingredients for the holiday simmer can be dried and sewn into sachets. Add ribbon and hang on real or artificial trees. Or tuck the pouches into various areas around the house.

Experiment with scented candles.

Natural food stores and other retailers may sell essential oils, which can be diluted and sprayed on surfaces or into the air. Exercise caution around upholstery, or test for staining before use.

Spend more time in the kitchen.

Add delicious scents to the home by way of freshly baked goods or holiday meals. Nothing beats the smell of cookies right out of the oven, and the scents can linger for hours.

Make beeswax ornaments.

Add scented oils to melted beeswax and pour into molds. Hang these creations as ornaments on trees or in other areas of the home.

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Craft some “gingerbread” ornaments.

A mixture of cinnamon, applesauce and glue can be used to make ornaments or gift tags that resemble gingerbread cookies, and these ornaments have more staying power than actual cookies.

Design a pretty pomander.

Stud an orange with cloves.

Cut off the top of the orange and hollow out a place for a small tea light. The warmth of the flame will produce more scent.

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Scented candles can be found at various stores during the holiday season.

Select among popular holiday aromas like pine, cinnamon, apples, and Christmas cookie varieties.

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S6 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

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Christmas trees are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether they are personal trees nestled in the corner of a living room for families to enjoy or towering evergreens serving as the focal point of a town square, Christmas trees are a wonder to behold.

Many people have fond memories of time spent around the Christmas tree sharing gifts and family traditions. Live trees and their pine-like aroma can be especially nostalgic trees to include in holiday plans. The National Christmas Tree Association says that approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. While freshly cut trees can be particularly beautiful and aromatic additions to the season, they require a bit more work than artificial trees in order to remain beautiful and thrive throughout the holiday season.

• Think about the room in which the tree will be located. Leave at least 6

inches between the tip of the tree and the ceiling, accounting for the height of the tree stand as well.

• If needle retention

is a goal, the Scotch pine variety has the best needle retention and a high survival rate, lending to its popularity, offers Precision Tree and Landscape. Douglas fir and balsam fir are other durable trees.

• If possible, buy a freshly cut tree from a reputable nursery or tree farm, advises The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many pre-cut trees sold elsewhere were likely cut weeks before and may not be fresh.

• Cut the bottom of the tree trunk before bringing it home to facilitate the uptake of fresh water daily.

Trees can absorb as much as a gallon of water in a day, so make sure the tree gets fresh water every day.

• Keep trees away from as many heat sources as possible and away from direct sunlight to prolong longevity.

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Farms in Connecticut, to make a Christmas tree last longer, boil a gallon of water and then dissolve one cup of sugar in the water.

Allow to cool. After freshly cutting the trunk, pour in the warm sugar water.

Continue to add fresh, cool, plain water to the tree stand afterward.

Once needles begin to fall off with frequency, the tree is reaching its prime.

Remove it so it does not become a fire hazard.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019 | S7

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Prepare the fireplace for holiday decorating the fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once per year.

Even though it may be picturesque, do not place wrapped packages or gift boxes near the fireplace, as they tend to be highly combustible. Keep presents and other flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace.

Do not be tempted to dispose of wrapping paper, boxes or even a Christmas tree in the fireplace.

Wrapping paper contains additives that make it burn at high temperatures. A Christmas tree hasn’t been properly seasoned and could be a fire hazard and potentially contribute to excessive smoke and creosote.

Fireplaces are often a focal point of holiday decorating and entertaining.

Homeowners who want to incorporate their fireplaces into their holiday decor must emphasize safety when doing so.

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Keep decorations that kids will be tempted to touch away from the fireplace so kids do not hang out near the heat and open flames.

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jolly holiday season can be made even more merry with a roaring fire. Homeowners often build holiday tableaus around the fireplace to serve as festive backdrops. The mantle and the fireplace itself also may be a prime spot to dedicate to decorating this time of year.

Even though Christmas tree fires are rare, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, when they do occur they’re likely to be serious.

That is why trees and other flammable decorations need to be kept clear of gas and wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. In addition, many other guidelines should be heeded to ensure fireplaces and holiday decor safely coexist this season.

Read labels on decorative items carefully before decorating. Be sure to only select items that are flame-resistant or retardent. Cherished collectibles and other items should always be kept far away from open flames and heat.

It pays to have a fireplace inspected and cleaned for use prior to operation, advises Doherty Insurance Agency. Rely on a trained chimney sweep, and have

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

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Holiday hosting

in small spaces

G

atherings of family and friends are a big part of the holiday season. Hosting such gatherings can be a great way to show loved ones how much you appreciate them, and hosting also saves hosts the trouble of traveling during one of the most hectic travel seasons of the year.

When hosting a large crowd at home, space can be a difficult hurdle to clear. However, a few helpful strategies can help space-starved hosts pull off a holiday soiree where everyone is comfortable.

Pare down the menu.

Holiday feasts don’t have to resemble medieval banquets with excessive amounts of food and drink.

Hosts with small kitchens and tiny dining quarters can pare down the menu, limiting offerings to just a single entree and a few simple side dishes, so everyone feels comfortable at the table and has ample room to eat. A small menu also gives hosts more time to spend with their loved ones during the festivities.

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When planning the drinks menu, avoid offering cocktails, which take time to prepare and often require guests to visit the kitchen for refrigerated ingredients. Limit drinks to wine, beer, water, and soft drinks,

storing cold beverages in a cooler kept outside on a front or back porch or in an area outside the kitchen so cooks can work without interruption.

Move some furniture.

If your main living space is small, consider moving some bulky furniture into a bedroom or office where guests won’t be spending time. Then make better use of the open living space by placing folding chairs or other accommodations to ensure there’s ample seating for everyone. A single recliner can only be enjoyed by one person, but removing it from a room may create enough space for as many as three folding chairs.

Go small on decorations.

If you know you’ll be hosting in advance of the holiday season, decorate with guests in mind. That might mean skipping a six-foot Christmas tree in favor of one that takes up less space. Avoid leaving any fragile decorations out, as adults or overexcited kids may knock them over as they try to navigate a cramped space.

Holiday hosting can be fun, even in small spaces. A few simple tricks can make even the smallest spaces accommodating.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019 | S9

Information to include on holiday party invitations T

echnology has changed nearly every facet of everyday life, and that includes holiday hosting. Whereas hosts once had to worry about getting invitations stamped, sealed and sent out on time, e-invitations, often referred to as “evites,” have simplified the invitation process immensely.

Hosts can still send invitations the old-fashioned way, but they also can now use preexisting templates to design holiday invitations in minutes and send them out to all of their guests.

While the way invitations are sent has changed immensely, the information to include on the invites has stayed the same. If it’s been awhile since you sent a holiday invitation, this refresher course on what to include on your invites can ensure guests know all they need to know about your holiday party.

Date and time: The

date and time of the party should be clearly stated on the invitation. The holiday season is one of the busiest social seasons of the year, with family gatherings and office parties dotting December schedules. Leave nothing to the imagination on your invitation and clearly indicate the day of your party and what time it begins.

Location: It might seem

Degree of formality:

Guests will want to know if the party is formal or casual, so let them know via the invitation. If no dress code information is included, guests will likely assume the affair is casual.

Menu: If you plan to serve

a meal, include information about the menu on the invitation and request that guests with specific food allergies inform you or bring their own food to the party.

Theme: Holiday parties

sometimes have themes.

So if you want everyone to dress up as a favorite holiday movie character or if you want to throw a Santa-themed soiree, make sure to include such information on the invitation.

Accommodations: The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that, each year, hundreds of people die in drunk driving crashes during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. If you plan to serve alcohol, let guests know on the invitation and let them know you will arrange for safe transportation home, if necessary. Ridesharing apps have made it easier than ever to get home safely, but hosts should still keep the phone numbers of local taxi companies on hand and make sure guests rooms are ready to accommodate guests who get a little too festive.

Party invitations have changed dramatically over the last couple of decades.

But they still serve as a guests’ primary source of party information.

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here are many different ways to decorate homes and businesses for the holidays. Tall evergreen trees are among the most visible symbols of the holiday season. However, wreaths hung on doors, windows or fences also are ubiquitous this time of year.

Wreaths adorn homes primarily during the holidays of Easter and Christmas.

Wreaths have also been worn around the head or neck in ceremonial events around the globe for centuries. It is believed the first wreaths date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Members of the Greco-Roman society were known to hand-make ring-shaped items using fresh tree leaves, small fruits, flowers, and twigs.

Oftentimes these headdresses symbolized a person’s social status. Others suggest wreaths evolved to become a Christian symbol of immortality.

One of the easiest ways to make a wreath is to design it around a circular floral foam form. Gather supplies to make the wreath. For traditional wreaths, supplies will include sprigs of evergreen (real or artificial), ribbon, floral wire, bows, and artificial berries. Working around the foam form, arrange the boughs of evergreen, using the floral wire to wrap or pin into the foam itself. Keep

the layers coming until you get the desired coverage.

Embellish with a ribbon or place a bow.

The blog A Piece of Rainbow says that creating a wreath jig is an easy way to make a wreath. Cut a dollar-store laundry basket bottom from the top ring to make a template, on which you can place wreath-making materials so they keep their circular form. Use floral wire or natural jute string to tie the materials together.

Experiment with fresh evergreen, twigs, holly branches, or whatever materials you choose.

Thick card stock also can serve as the wreath template. Attach artificial flowers or leaves, spray snow, ornaments, or other items to the card stock ring with a firm adhesive.

Many craft stores sell wreath forms made of natural vines that have been strung in a ring. These can be decorated in their entirety or left a little sparse to let the natural twine show through.

Wreaths may seem like complicated creations. But a little imagination and the right materials is all it takes to create a homemade wreath.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019 | S13

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How to simplify holiday hosting

Choose the right menu.

The right menu can go a long way toward making hosting easier on the day of the party. Various factors, such as food allergies and the size of the guest list, must be considered when planning a holiday menu.

As hosts scour cookbooks for the right foods, look for recipes that don’t require everything to be done on the day of the party. Prep work tends to take as much, if not more, time as cooking the foods. So look for recipes that allow you to do most, if not all, of that prep work in the days leading up to the party.

Clean the common areas.

Guests likely won’t be spending time in every room of your house during the party. So when it comes time to clean, focus on the common areas where guests will be. Living rooms, dining areas and restrooms should garner the bulk of your attention when cleaning. If guests might be wandering outdoors, make sure leaves and dirt have been cleaned

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Plan a playlist in advance.

Expect to be busy on the day of the party, even if the party is catered or all the food prep was done long before the first guest arrived. Because you will be busy welcoming guests, you likely won’t have time to set the musical tone for the party, so do so in advance of the big day. If you want to stick to holiday music, many streaming apps offer various stations that play holiday music exclusively.

Simply choose a station you like and then begin playing music when the first guest arrives.

Make a list of supplies and check it twice.

About two weeks before the party, sit down and make a thorough list of everything you expect to need. Include food, beverages, dining needs (i.e., plates and silverware), and entertainment. A couple of weeks before the party, purchase items that won’t spoil, such as beverages like water, soda, wine, and beer and extra utensils if necessary. Doing so saves time during your grocery store trip the week of the party.

Holiday hosts can take several steps in the days leading up to their parties to make hosting easier once guests arrive.

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s the day of their holiday parties draws near, hosts can take several steps to make the day of the party easier, allowing them to spend more time with their family and friends.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

S14 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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and exchange gifts is never a good idea. Give guests the option to participate ask them to indicate if they will or wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t when they RSVP.

he holiday season provides plenty of opportunities to socialize. Holiday celebrations are sometimes akin to family reunions, but friends also tend to celebrate together in December. Such celebrations sometimes include different groups of friends, and that may require hosts to do a little extra to break the ice so everyone relaxes and has a good time.

Secret Santa gift exchanges can make for a great ice breaker, even if guests are buying gifts for people they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. If you plan to make Secret Santa part of your holiday party this year, consider these tips to ensure it goes off smoothly.

Figure out a budget that works for everyone. There are plenty of gifts to be had for $20 and under. Gag gifts or â&#x20AC;&#x153;dollar storeâ&#x20AC;? gift themes can ensure no one goes overboard in terms of dollar value.

Start planning early.

Enlist a digital helper.

Hosts likely know everyone coming to their party, so they should take the lead and organize the Secret Santa exchange. Let guests know as early as possible, even including the information in the party invitations, so they have time to shop.

Make it optional.

Forcing people to mingle

Set a reasonable gift limit.

Consider a wish list.

Asking participants to fill out wish lists ensures that their Secret Santa buddy will have an idea where to start shopping.

Technology can make organizing Secret Santa exchanges even easier. Elfster is an online gift exchange app that can help hosts effectively organize their Secret Santa parties.

Fun is key to Secret Santa exchanges, so make sure to keep things lighthearted when planning the party and exchanging gifts.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019 | S15

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BC and ended in AD 668.

The Japanese tradition of furoshiki, which can be traced back to the 17th century and possibly as far back as AD 710, involves using a traditional wrapping cloth to transport certain items, including gifts. As for the gift wrap familiar to today’s holiday celebrants, that traces its origins to the early 1900s. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis® notes that Eli Hyman and Morris Silverman founded the first gift wrap company in the United States in 1903.

Unfortunately for gift givers back then, adhesive tape had not yet been invented in 1903, and wouldn’t be for another 27 years.

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he holiday season is rife with tradition.

One of the most recognizable traditions involves wrapping gifts. While the wrapping paper many gift givers use today is a relatively recent phenomenon, the tradition of wrapping gifts is centuries old, with some historians even suggesting it dates back to ancient times.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis® notes that many ancient cultures celebrated various holidays that included exchanging gifts, adding that it’s very likely that, even in ancient times, gifts were wrapped to surprise their eventual recipients.

Bojagi is a traditional Korean wrapping cloth that might have begun being used some time during the Three Kingdoms of Korea period, which began in 57

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