Holiday 2 Entertaining

ENTERTAINING

Hol iday

November 2009 November

Northwest Indiana Celebrates Enter to Win a $3000 Dream Vacation Get the Best Local Black Friday Bargains Things to Do, Places to Go for the Holidays

Treat Your Family and Friends

VOTED #1 CATERER BEST OF THE REGION From casual party to full dinner, you can

H E A DQUARTERS

simplify your holiday entertaining with Strack & VanTil catering.

Relax and enjoy this holiday season, leave the preparation to us!

Party Pleasers

Crowd Pleasing Holiday Party Ideas!

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Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

CROWN POINT • 10851 Broadway • 200 Franciscan Dr. EAST CHICAGO • 4725 Indianapolis Blvd

Round Party Sub Junior King’s Hawaiian Sandwiches

16 inch

$19.99

HAMMOND • 115 Sibley St. Van Til’s • 2635 169th St.

16 inch

$19.99

HIGHLAND • 9632 Cline

Fresh Vegetable Tray Taco Fiesta Platter Fresh Fruit & Dip

16 inch

$19.99

HOBART • 7760 East 37th Ave

16 inch

$29.99

MERRILLVILLE • 7201 Taft St.

16 inch

$39.99

Top 6 Meat & Cheese Certified Angus Beef Hormel’s Best Ham & Turkey Platter

16 inch

$39.99

MUNSTER • 12 Ridge Rd.

16 inch

$45.99

16 inch

$45.99

Deluxe Shrimp Plattter Butter Cookie Tray

16 inch

$49.99

2 lb.

$14.99

SCHERERVILLE • US Routes 30 & 41 ST. JOHN • 9825 Wicker Avenue WHITING • 1836 Calumet Ave. CHICAGO • 2627 N. Elston Ave PLAINFIELD • 2300 IL Rt. 59

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

3

Solve your Shopping Dilemma with a Gift Sensation!

Bring the joy of flight to someone on your holiday list!

Gift Certificates for:

Flight Instruction, Aircraft Rental, Scenic Flights, or a

Hands On First Flight Lesson for only $65.

Call DonnAir Aviation where the most experienced instructors train and the only school at Porter County Airport with a Master/Gold Seal Instructor.

(1 of 11 in the state)

DonnAir Aviation…

Where Dreams Take Flight!

Give a gift that will last a lifetime!

• Flight School • Scenic Flights • Rentals

www.DonnAirAviation.com Porter County Airport • Valparaiso

• 219-548-8866 (Adjacent to Indiana Aviation Museum)

B O O K Y O U R P A R T I E S T O D A Y

index of advertisers Absolute Chiropractic Clinic........................34 Allen Landscape Centre...............................27 Almira’s Pastry & Wedding Cake...................9 Arthur Murray..............................................32 Au Naturel....................................................46 Baums Natural Foods...................................30 Berey Brothers.............................................38 Blythes Athletic............................................47 Branya’s Bakery............................................38 Brown Tire Co. . ...........................................37 Brumms Bloomin Barn ................................23 Bunch Jewelers...........................................42 Cartronix . ......................................................5 Cedar Electric ..............................................45 Cedar Lake Florist .......................................36 The Center For Visual & Performing Arts.....14 Chesterton Feed & Garden ........................20 China Doll Tattoo & Piercing . .....................45 Ciao Bella Ristorante ..................................10 The Cinnamon Tree .....................................46 Cover-Rite Carpeting . .................................35 Culver Restaurant ......................................37 Dave’s Camera Mart ..................................34 Deschamps Eye Care .................................21 Dixon’s Florist . ..........................................49 Donnair Aviation .........................................4 Dyer Family Dentistry . ...............................13 Eagle AirCraft...............................................31 Engstrom Jewelers .....................................22 The Evelyn Bay Coffee Company ................46 The Estate ...................................................51 Fair Oaks Dairy Farm....................................49 Firestone Truck/Tire Center..........................35 The Flower Cart . .........................................24 Fran’s Hallmark.............................................32 Golf Usa ......................................................49 Grange Insurance ........................................14 Gus Bock Ace Hardware................................6 Hammond National Co.................................41 Harley Davidson...........................................49 Healing Sanctuary........................................40 Hessville Plumbing.......................................34 HGS Music...................................................51 Highland Jewelers ..........................53

Highland Kiddie Shop ........................36 Hightower Transportation ......................40 Johnson Cleaning Service .....................22 Kelsey’s Steak House . ......................52 Kouts Christmas Open House ..................20 La Quesadilla Mexican Grill . ....................45 Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets..............18 Louise’s Hallmark ............................56 Lovings Heating & Cooling .....................31 MAL Midwest Air Link.................................31 M And M Car Care Center Inc ..................28 Malinich Jewelers ..........................55 Maria’s Hallmark . ...........................4 Mary & Martha Home Accents . ..............10 Merrillville Jewelers . .........................38 More Fun Sportcards Store . ...................27 Mrs Dornberg’s 24 Carrot Cuisine................22 Nason’s Appliances . ...................................41 Oil Express ..................................................20 Painted Penguin .........................................45 Paramount Painting . ..................................41 Pet Supplies Plus ........................................17 Pieces ..........................................................40 Princess Café .............................................36 Ringo’s Golf Center .....................................20 Ron’s Automotive ........................................51 Salisbury Tree Farm ....................................46 Sawgrass Market . .....................................32 Schererville Family Dentistry ......................14 Shirley’s Merle Norman ..............................34 Service Doctor Remodeling & Design ........22 Service Doctor Carpet Cleaning . ................30 Smiles by Dr. D . ..........................................47 Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating . ................47 St. John Liquors ..........................................41 Strack & Van Til ............................................2 Teibel’s Restaurant . ...................................13 Terpstras Sales .............................52 Theo’s Steak And Seafood . ........................51 U-Cook Entertaining & Culinary Experience....42 Valparaiso Vacuum Co.................................40 Valpo ElKs Lodge #500 . ................................4 Whiting Robertsdale Chamber .....................3

B I RT H DAY S • H O L I DAY S • M E E T I N G S RETIREMENTS • WEDDINGS Contact Sue to book your party today!

Accommodating parties up to 200 Private halls with personal packages

Lodge #500

SMOKING AND NON-SMOKING ROOMS

157 Jefferson St. • Valparaiso • 219.242.5421 4

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

LED Clock Scoreboard Shows time, Date & Temperature

While supplies last.

MARIA’S

Munster 836-5025

Crown Point 661-0420

Schererville 322-5503

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

5

5 or more 7 $ f o e s a h c r any pu rk bos.ots. o w e in r e lv o on W with any other discounts or offer Expires 12/23/09.

Not valid effield Ave. ation, 1150 Sh s Bock’s Dyer loc

Valid only at Gu

Wolverine work boots available at Dyer location ONLY.

6

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Toast Holidays to the

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year. ❋ There’ll be much mistletoeing ❋ And hearts will be glowing, ❋ When loved ones are near. ❋ It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

T

he U.S. Department of Transportation research reveals that travel around the winter holidays increases by 23 percent over normal times of the year. This means that Uncle Frank, Cousin Claire, and friends galore are on their way over and you better get ready! Entertaining

by Heather Augustyn : Times Correspondent

family and friends during the winter holidays is part of what makes these snowy days so wonderful. Sharing stories about the past year, laughing as the kids play and perform, and enjoying delicious food is a tradition kept for hundreds, even thousands of years. Whether you plan to head out of town, or you plan to open the doors to the merry mob, chances are you will play host to a gathering sometime in the coming days, so here are a few ideas and tips for how to make it great.

One way to entertain while keeping

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

stress at a minimum is to plan a simple gathering. This can be done either by keeping the numbers small to begin with, such as an intimate tea party or a brunch or breakfast for three or four friends, or by prepping for larger numbers ahead of time. If you know that you will play host to a festive group this year, meaning a number large enough that a sit-down dinner would require considerable coordination, prepare foods ahead of time to warm in the oven and serve the food in a buffet style setting. This makes it easy

to handle and you will have more time to enjoy the meal, and the company. Or set up different stations where appetizers or drinks, such as egg nog, are set up to encourage guests to serve themselves and mingle throughout the house, since most gatherings take place, inevitably, in the kitchen.

If you do have a sit-down dinner on the menu, dazzle your guests this year with some creative presentation skills.

Stores are full of beautiful holiday dishes continued on page 8

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

7

continued from page 7 and glassware, so take advantage of this beauty by utilizing them in your meal.

Think outside the box, though, and take one of those great glasses or goblets and serve a little ceviche or shrimp with a sprig of cilantro.

K

The Times Robert Wray |

eep table presentations simple and elegant as well by combining a solid-color table cloth with a centerpiece that draws attention. Gail Dixon, owner of Dixon’s Florist in Munster says, “A long and low centerpiece of evergreen, even touched up with burgundy

they are no longer attractive, they can be removed and the greenery remains.

Popular now are glass cubes that hold a whole arrangement. They come in red, green, and are tighter in design instead of spread out so they allow for more room on the table. [And you can] use a mixture of greenery, flowers, ribbon, and make a beautiful look. If you’re having a sit-down dinner, and space is an issue, it’s nice to have greenery lay across the length of the table with a few berries or small candles arranged in and it’s not in anyone’s eyes and is very elegant.”

Don’t forget to accent around the home as well. “There are several ways you

Red berries are very natural, and if you mix in some flowers when they are no longer attractive, they can be removed and the greenery remains.

Gail Dixon Dixon’s Florist Owner

roses with loops of green ribbon, is traditional, and Christmas greens are virtually indestructible. They can last from December 1st until mid January as long as there’s water in the container.

It’s also nice to use mixed greenery with several kinds of pine for different kinds of scents. Red berries are very natural, and if you mix in some flowers when

8

”

create a holiday mood, not only visually from flowers, but also the scent of holiday greens and anywhere in the home is a great place for the scent. It can be an accent around a lamp, in the bathroom, the fireplace mantle, and it gives a subtle scent around the house. Poinsettias are a simple touch and last forever. We have poinsettia trees that are five feet tall and

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

look like a topiary with the poinsettias on the top and also at the base for a double effect. We display them in imported baskets and dress with beautiful ribbon that swirls and it’s a beautiful piece. To put a little color in a room choose a pixie poinsettia that can be tucked into existing decorations, and since they’re potted and can be watered, you can use them all season. If you have containers at home that are just sitting around or maybe are sentimental, it’s nice to just go to the florist and fill that container with flowers to put together your own piece,” says Dixon.

Painting pinecones with a silver or gold spray and placing in on a simple dish is another nice idea. Dawn Johnson, owner of Mary & Martha’s Home Accents in Highland says, “Light stems that can be added to existing bouquets, or can be popped into a vase for an instant wow.

They’re different too, and you won’t see them everywhere.”

Don’t forget the holiday spirit and give a little gift to each of your guests when they leave. These gifts don’t have to be big, but they will make a big impact by showing that you care. A holiday ornament, a candle, some Jordan almonds or other candies wrapped in a festive fabric and tied off with a gold tassel, or a frame for holding one of the many photos snapped over the holiday is a great way to say “thank you,” says Dawn Johnson, “To give them a little gift when they live it’s a great idea. Tiny ornaments are wonderful, like small glass ornaments, or we have serve wear by Nora Fleming which are cream colored and have holes. They feature changeable accent pieces, like a Santa, or a Christmas tree, or a pumpkin, a New Year’s Eve hat, a flag, a watermelon, so they can use them all year long. And they’re only $12 each so they’re great to give to guests.”

Celebrating friends and family is what makes the holidays such a fun, warm time. Get ready to entertain both small and large groups by keeping things simple and spend time where it really counts— with each other.

Traditional Holiday Egg Nog Ingredients 12 eggs, separated 4½ cups white sugar 1 (750 milliliter) bottle bourbon ½ (750 milliliter) bottle dark rum 1½ quarts whipping cream 2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk) 1½ cups brandy 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg, for garnish Directions Beat eggs and sugar together in a very large bowl until thick and light-colored.

Stir in bourbon and rum, mixing until sugar has dissolved. Let stand about 1 hour. Meanwhile, whip egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Stir whipping cream and half and half into the egg yolk mixture until thoroughly blended.

Slowly stir in brandy. Fold in egg whites, blending evenly. Cover and refrigerate two hours before serving. May be stored in the refrigerator up to one week.

Serve in small cups or glasses dusted with a pinch of nutmeg.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Almira’s Famous

Christmas Cookie Trays ys Available in 1-5 lb. packages

PERFECT FOR GIFTS AND PARTIES

Almira’s Double Layer 8”

German e Chocolate or Carrot Cake

A Almira’s 7” Double Layer D ayer

Almira’s 8”” Almira

Atomic C Cake k

Christmas hi Cakes

11

$

9

$ 99

Almira’s Homemade

Almira’s

Buttercrust Rolls

Rye Bread Plain or with Seeds

1

1 dozen pack

$ 99

1 dozen pack

3

2/$ 00

5

2/$

½

Almira’s

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

7

$ 49 Almira’s

Potato Rolls

PASTRY &WEDDING CAKE SHOP

99

DOZEN ONLY $1.39 SPECIALS good from November 26 through December 2, 2009

Making Birth Birthday hday and Wedding Cakes for Over 50 Years

EAST CHICAGO Inside Strack & VanTil 4725 Indianapolis Blvd.

WHITING Inside Strack & VanTil 1836 Calumet Ave.

HAMMOND Inside VanTil’s 2635 169th St.

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

9

Ciao Bella

Let Cater your Holiday Parties!

Book your Catered Event Now and receive

10% OFF

Party must be booked by 12/24/09

• Award winning (Gourmet Magazine) Authentic Italian Restaurant • Extensive Wine List Gift Certificates Available for Holiday Gift Giving Book your holiday parties now!

Semi-Private up to 20 guests.

Monday-Thursday: 11am - 10pm | Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm | Sunday: 10am-10pm 1514 U.S. 41, Schererville, IN 46375 | 219.322.6800

Y O U R D E S T I N AT I O N F O R E XQU I S I T E H O L I D AY D É C O R & G I F T S

Beginning Thanksgiving Weekend!

20

$

Gift Certificate

with every $100 purchase See store for details. Must have coupon.

Offer valid until December 24, 2009.

Featured Item

Purchase any Nora Fleming serving piece and receive a Nora Fleming N accent

FREE

Serving pieces with interchangeable accents that take you from the Holidays to spring, summer and fall!

See store for details. Offer valid until November 29, 2009. Must have coupon.

P O R T E D E L’ E A U P L A Z A 2044 45th STREET HIGHLAND, IN 219.924.3820

LADIES, YOU CAN LOOK 10LBS. LIGHTER IN THOSE HOLIDAY OUTFITS WITH SPANX!

M-F 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. | SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. | SUNDAY 11 A.M. - 5 P.M. | www.maryandmarthaonline.com 10

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Shop the Region Travel the World

$3000 Dream Vacation

Visit the advertisers in our holiday sections and you can win a $3000 dream vacation!

Or win gift certificates from more than 60 participating retailers ranging from $50 to $200! Just shop and win.

Each time you visit one of our participating advertisers you can enter to win a FREE Gift Certificate. Look for the entry forms at your favorite participating store.

If you are the winner at a participating location your name will be entered in our Grand Prize Drawing for a $3,000 Dream Vacation. No purchase necessary. See any participating store for details.

Participating Advertisers ALLEN LANDSCAPING ALMIRA’S PASTRY APPLE DENTISTRY ARTHUR MURRAY BAUM’S NATURAL FOODS BEREY BROTHERS BLYTHES SPORT SHOP BRANYA’S BAKERY BROWN TIRE BRUMM’S BLOOMIN’ BARN BUNCH JEWELERS CARTRONIX CEDAR ELECTRIC

CENTER FOR VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CHELSEA PROPERTY CHINA DOLL CIAO BELLA RISTORANTE COVERRITE CULVER’S DESCHAMP’S DIXON’S FLORIST DON AIR AVIATION DYER FAMILY DENTISRTY EAGLE AIRCRAFT ENGSTROM JEWELERS

FAIR OAKS DAIRY FIRESTONE FRAN’S HALLMARK FREDDYS STEAKHOUSE GIL DRUGS GOLF USA GUS BOCK HARDWARE HARLEY DAVIDSON HIGHLAND JEWELER’S HONEY BAKED HAM AND CAFÉ HOTEL FURNITURE JOHNSON CLEANING

KELSEY’S STEAKHOUSE LA QUESADILLA LOUISE’S HALLMARK LOVINGS HEATING & COOLING M &M CARE CENTER MALINICH JEWLERS MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE MERRILLVILLE JEWELERS MRS. DORNBERG’S 24 CARROT CUISINE NASON’S PAINTED PENGUIN PALLADIUM HOMES

PARAMOUNT PAINTING PET SUPPLIES PLUS PRINCESS CAFÉ RONS AUTOMOTIVE SAMUELSON’S INSURANCE SAW GROSS MARKETPLACE SCHERERVILLE FAMILY DENTISTRY SEATTLE SUTTON SERVICE DOCTOR SMILES BY DOCTOR D SPORTSCARD STORE STRACK and VAN TILS

TEIBEL’S TERPSTRA SALES THE CAMERA EXPERTS THE ESTATE THE FLOWER CART THEO’S STEAK & SEAFOOD TIGER LILY UPS STORES VALPARAISO ELKS WHITING CHAMBER

Watch for upcoming holiday sections in The Times every Wednesday through December 16 A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

11

Secrets to

Get the best of

I

The Thanksgiving Day paper is not only packed with coupons offering Black Friday discounts. Check out our contest for your chance to win $100 to spend with the advertiser of your choice.

black Friday

n an image reminiscent of marathoners lining up at the start of the race, each year stores across the country play host to scores of shoppers the day after Thanksgiving. Many of those shoppers arrive long before a store even opens, finding themselves elbow-to-elbow with similar deal seekers.

Known as Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving appears to be bulletproof. Even last year, when the much-maligned national economy had already started to struggle mightily, shoppers spent more than $10 billion on Black Friday. This year could prove difficult to forecast, as the economy has recovered somewhat, though many families continue to struggle through layoffs.

Adding to that difficulty are the differing points of view with respect to Black Friday. For every success story of a plasma TV purchased for 50 percent off, there seem to be a dozen or so more stories about the individual who waits outside a store in the cold, only to find a popular item is sold out by the time he or she gets indoors. In other words, predicting the success of Black Friday for retailers is just as difficult as predicting the success of Black Friday for individuals: sometimes both get what they want, sometimes neither does.

But as 2008 can attest, shoppers are still going to hit

the stores this Black Friday, and they’re probably going to do so in droves. For those braving the mayhem that often characterizes Black Friday, consider the following survival tips. ❋ Do your research. Perhaps no items are more steeply marked down in price come Black Friday than big ticket electronics, most notably plasma, LCD or DLP televisions. Unfortunately, not all such appliances are equal. Getting a good price is not necessarily the same thing as getting a good deal. This is where research needs to play a role. Research big ticket items, including televisions. Retailer Web sites often have customer ratings sections where customers can rate specific appliances. If ratings are consistently poor or commenters routinely cite problems, then steer clear of those items, no matter how low the price might be. ❋ Get up early. Some deals are exactly what they seem. While it can be difficult to get out of bed in the middle of the night to go holiday shopping, it will be easy to go back to sleep when arriving home with exactly what you wanted and knowing you got the best deal possible. Many stores open at 4 or 5 a.m. on Black Friday. While waking up that early seems like a tall order, particularly after eating so much turkey the day before, there’s no law against napping on Black Friday, and if

Black Friday Bargains PET SUPPLIES PLUS - 20% STOREWIDE 12-3 P.M. ONLY DYER ❋ 946 Joliet Street

VALPARAISO ❋ 2410 LaPorte Ave.

Baums Natural Foods Double Stamp Day on our Frequent Buyer Cards One Day Only - Friday, Nov. 27th Get TWO stamps for every $25 you spend! (regular exemptions apply)

All three locations, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Munster ❋ 45 St./Fran-Lin Pkwy.

St. John ❋ 9486 Wicker Ave. Merrillville ❋ Rt. 30/Merrillville Rd. 12

Buy The Times newspaper for Black Friday Savings and you could win $100.

Cartronix

Black Friday ONLY

Free Bluetooth Headset with Activation of New Line of Service $12.99 without activation of New Line

(Model Wep210 or Wep220, $39.99 Value.

One per customer. Limited quantities. Offer valid 11/27/09)

Portage ❋ 6441 US Hwy 6 Merrillville❋ Southlake Mall Schererville ❋ US 30 & US 41 Valparaiso ❋ 2912 N. Calumet

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

Harley Davidson of Valparaiso 20% OFF STOREWIDE

Friday, Saturday and Sunday ONLY (Excludes bikes & labor. See sales associate for details)

Valparaiso ❋ 1151 US Hwy 30

Highland Jewelers Free Watch Battery!

While Supplies Last on Black Friday

Highland ❋ 2839 Highway Ave.

you get what you came for, you could be back in bed in a couple of hours. ❋ Don’t stress out.

Black Friday isn’t easy for anyone (just ask the nation’s retail employees). Chances are, even the most veteran Black Friday shopper is going to feel stressed out at one point or another. If the stress becomes too much, simply go home. This year figures to have lots of good deals throughout the holiday season, as retailers plan on families spending less thanks to the economy. That means the deals on Black Friday, while they might be the best of the season, probably won’t be significantly better than something you might find a few weeks later.

CEDAR LAKE FLORIST & Gifts 25% STOREWIDE Cedar Lake 8600 ❋ Lake Shore Dr. St. John Wine & Spirits FREE wine tastings for Holiday shoppers Black Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Receive 15% off any wines purchased during the tasting!

St. John ❋ 231 Parrish

Louise’s Hallmark Receive our exclusive Holiday Tote FREE with a Vera Bradley purchase of $100 or more.

Friday November 27th only.

(while supplies last, one per customer)

40% off Judith Jack Marcasite Jewelry St. John ❋ 9533 South Wicker (Rt. 41) A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

DYER FAMILY DENTISTRY

Community Stimulus Package!

24-Month INTEREST FREE payment plans

This Package will save you and your family more money than your dental insurance allows annually.

If you have Dental Problems...Dyer family Dentistry has the Solution! • Extend these offers to Your Family & Friends! www.DyerFamilyDentistry.com • facebook search “Dyer Family Dentistry” and become our fan! Complimentary Second Opinions Welcome!

Exam and Panorex X-Ray and four Bite Wings W g Bite

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$

$257 in value

250 200 500 2- -1 200

$

$

OFF

*With this ad. Not valid with any other offer One coupon per patient • Offer expires 12/26/09.

OFF

Every Crown Root Canals

Dental Implants

for New and Existing Patients of Dyer Family Dentistry

for New and Existing Patients of Dyer Family Dentistry

*With this ad. Not valid with any other offer One coupon per patient • Offer expires 12/26/09.

*With this ad. Not valid with any other offer One coupon per patient • Offer expires 12/26/09.

and almost 100% covered for New and Existing Patients by insurance. of Dyer Family Dentistry

NEW PATIENTS ONLY

OFF $

*With this ad. Not valid with any other offer One coupon per patient • Offer expires 12/26/09.

We are Open the Day after Thanksgiving!

$

FOR

Teeth Whitening Special

1h hour whitening hit i FFor $3 399 99 (Reg. $599 per ZOOM!)

for New and Existing Patients of Dyyeerr FFamily amilyy Dentistry am amil Denttissttrry De Dyer *With this ad. Not valid with any other offer One coupon per patient • Offer expires 12/26/09.

OFF

Porcelain Veneers & LLumineers umineers for New and Existing Patients of Dyer y Familyy Dentistryy

*With this ad. Not valid with any other offer One coupon per patient • Offer expires 12/26/09.

Emergencies seen & treated same day • We Submit to all Insurances • New Patients are always welcome • We warranty our dental work.

890 RICHARD ROAD DYER, IN One block S. of US 30 & E. of Calumet Ave. • CALL 219•227•4509 Today for Appointment Mon. & Tues. 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wed. & Thurs. 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

TEIBEL’S RESTAURANT WANTS TO CATER YOUR HOME OR OFFICE PARTIES! Check out Your Personal Menu for Carry Outs and Catering.

We Offer Luncheons, Dinners, Chicken Ala Carte, Specialty Items, Hot & Cold Hors D’Oeuvres.

Prefer To Party At Our Place?

Teibel’s has three rooms available for groups numbering from 40 to 400.

FOR MORE INFO OR TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CALL (219) 865-2000.

U.S. 30 & 41 • Schererville, IN • www.teibels.com

For Every $100 In Gift Cards Purchased Receive $ 20 In Holiday Dollars (Valid Jan. 4 – Apr. 30, 2010).

Must present coupon at time of Gift Card Purchase.

20% OFF Your Entire Purchase With This Coupon.

(Valid Monday thru Thursday). DINE IN ONLY.

Not Valid With Any Other Offer.

Expires 12/23/09.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

13

Holiday Buffet Dinner

& Theatre

Stroll past the display of beautiful holiday trees and enjoy the scrumptious cuisine of The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Complete the evening with tickets to Theatre at the Center’s heartwarming production of The Christmas Schooner.

Holiday Buffet - 5-9 pm . Buffet Dinner* . Children under  *gratuity not included bar service provided

. Buffet & Theatre Ticket

at the Theatre at the Center

Thursday, December 10, 2009 - or : pm Buffet : pm Performance

Friday, December 18, 2009 : pm Buffet : pm Performance

. Children under 

Switch & Save for the Holidays THINK

CALL: 219-762-3702 Toll Free: 877-762-3702 SAMUELSON INSURANCE AGENCY “Insuring Business and Family Needs Since 1926”

6730 Central Ave. P.O. Box 26, Portage, IN w w w. s a m u e l s o n a g e n c y. c o m

For Groups of + Call -- For Buffet Only Call --

Perfect for Office Parties, Social Organizations & Families!

Call the Box Office at -- to make your Dinner & Theatre Reservations Today!

An Independent Agent Representing:

New Year’s Eve

DINNER

COSMETIC • PREVENTATIVE • RESTORATIVE

EMERGENCIES TREATED TODAY!!

14

December 31, 2009, 6-9 pm Cocktails: 6 – 7 pm Dinner: 7:15 pm $50 per Person Includes: t Two-hour open bar t Four-course gourmet dinner t All gratuities and taxes

Call or E-mail for your next appointment today.

219.322.3232

scherervilledent@sbcuc.net

Exam, X-ray & Cleaning $

59

$288 Value *with this ad. New patients only.

One coupon per patient. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 12/26/09.

www.scherervillefamilydentistry.com Open early & late for your convenience

Monday - Thursday 7am - 9pm • Friday 8am - 5pm

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

1 0 4 0 RIDGE ROAD MUNSTER, IN 4 6 3 2 1

PHONE

219.836.1950 FAX 219.836.1967 WEBSITE W W W. C V P A . O R G

“Very Funny Magic” show by Dennis DeBondt, featuring his lightning quick wit, humor and magical talents Preferred Featuring Piano Music by Walter Lisak The William J. Bachman Gallery will be open for viewing “The Elvis Tribute Show: A Diamond Jubiliee”

Tickets must be purchased in advance at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts or by phone, --.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

holiday

list

F i n d th e s e g r e at g i ft i d e a s c l o s e t o h o m e

Kelsey’s Steak House

2300 US Highway 30 Valparaiso, IN, 219.465.4022 www.kelseyssteakhouse.com ________________________________

Give the gift of good taste with a gift certificate from Kelsey’s Steak House, home of some of the the best steak’s in the region. Available in various denominations.

Flower Cart

145 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton, IN, 219.926.8615 ______________________________________________________

Mark Roberts Fairies are unique and charming life-like characters that can be enjoyed from one generation to the next. Each piece exudes individuality and personality resulting from hand-painting and fabrication by skilled artisans. All pieces are wired to allow for a magical and fanciful pose. Each is a numbered limited edition which comes with an official registration form.

Branya’s Bakery

9159 Wicker Avenue St. John, IN, 219.558.8712 branyasbakery.com ________________________________

Treats and goodies are “made from scratch” at Branya’s Bakery. The best ingredients are used to make wonderful baked goods for dessert or breakfast, $3-$12.

Mary and Martha Home Accents Ciao Bella Ristorante

1514 US 41 Schererville, IN 219.322.6800 ______________________________

Port de’Leau Plaza, 2044 45th Street Highland, IN, 219.924.3820 www.maryandmarthaonline.com ________________________________

Nora Fleming serving pieces. Serving pieces with interchangeable accents that take you from the holidays to spring, summer and fall, $12-45.

Give the gift of good taste this holiday season with a gift certificate from Ciao Bella. Award winning authentic Italian Restaurant featuring an extensive wine list.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

15

holiday

list

Absolute Chiropractic

9161 Wicker Avenue (US41) St. John, IN, 219.365.4777 __________________________

Relax and give the gift of relaxation this holiday season with a gift certificate for a massage performed by a licensed massage therapist.

Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn

2540 45th Avenue, Highland, IN 219.924.1000, www.paradeofgifts.com ___________________________________

Kissing Krystals.TM Recreate the charming Victorian tradition of hanging a Kissing ball in your home this Christmas.Use as mistletoe! $19.99.

Fair Oaks Farm

Edible Arrangements

501 Silhavy Road Suite B-100 Valparaiso, IN 219.531.4300 www.ediblearrangements.com __________________________

The Starry Sleighride® is a delicious fruit bouquet overflowing with delicious fresh fruit in a keepsake sleigh container accompanied by a holiday balloon. The Starry Sleighride® is the perfect gift for the holidays. $100.00

856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 877.536.1194 www.fofarms.com _________________________

“Best of the best.” Features five of our most loved and award-winning cheeses, a premium summer sausage, and gourmet crackers. 8oz Smoked Gouda, 8oz Gouda, 8oz Sweet Swiss, 8oz Emmentaler, 8oz Pepper Havarti, Summer Sausage, and Gourmet Crackers, $45.95.

Allen Landscape Center

2539 45th Street, Highland, IN 219.924.6076, www.allenlandscape.com _________________________

Dave’s Camera Mart

227 Ridge Rd., Munster, IN, 219.836.0100 www.davescameramart.com ___________________________

Allen’s traditioinal yule log. Created with bundles of burch, fragrant evergreen boughs, pine cones and holiday ribbon. Make this the focal point of your fireplace hearth or the holiday centerpiece. Each log inclues the story of the yule log. From $18.95.

Cannon PowerShot A480. Four fun colors: red, blue, silver and black. 10.0 mega pixels, 3.3X optical zoom, includes 26B SD card. $119.95

16

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

NOVEMBER 27th BETWEEN 12:00 - 3:00 P.M. ONLY

20% OFF

No coupons necessary. No other offers or discounts can be applied. 20% discount on in-stock items only. Valid between 12:00 - 3:00pm November 27th.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

17

AFTER-THANKSGIVING SALE: NOV 27-29

START ON FRIDAY

SAVE THROUGH SUNDAY 12

MIDNIGHT MADNESS KICK-OFF AFTER THANKSGIVING Special Sales All Weekend One Destination 120 Stores Extended Hours Each Day FRI Midnight-10pm, SAT 8am-10pm, SUN 9am-8pm

Visit PREMIUMOUTLETS.COM for a sneak peek of sales.

Gift Cards available. See Information Center for details.

MICHIGAN CITY, IN • I-94, EXIT 34B OR 80/90 TOLL ROAD, EXIT 39 TO 6TH & WABASH • (219) 879-6506

18

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Making

Time

Kathy Ireland’s holidays are far from photo-shoot perfect – homemade décor and cheesy Christmas music make her household merry for family and guests

By Chuck Ross : CTW Features

K

athy Ireland spent years as a red-carpet regular during her career as a fashion model and film actress. But during the holiday season, this highly successful businesswoman turns her own spotlight on her family, and she urges other moms – and dads – to do the same.

Ireland, who got her start as a model at 17, now helms a fashion and homefurnishings licensing company that earned $1.4 billion in revenues in 2008. Her name is on everything from athletic socks to ceramic floor tile, and the company recently announced a partnership with High Point, N.C.-based Vaughan Furniture to create a 230-piece collection. Her new book, “Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity”

(Howard Books, 2009), was released in April.

As a lifelong Santa Barbara, Calif., resident, Ireland says she’s never seen a white Christmas. That’s because, despite all her work-related travel over the years, she’s always made a point to be home for the holiday. Although the snow may have been missing, she says her childhood holidays were filled with their own special rites.

“The tradition was getting the artificial tree out of the box,” Ireland jokes. But then came the decorating and cookie-baking that everyone enjoys this time of year, “And my mom always made a wonderful Christmas dinner.”

Today, Ireland is one of those Christmas fans whose decorations go up even

before Thanksgiving, though her husband – an emergency room doctor and commercial fisherman – may grumble a bit at the holiday music she needs to get in the mood. Festive florals, ornaments, tinsel, lights and a porcelain nativity scene are all part of the yearly plans. “It’s fun to Christmas-ify our house; I love it,” she says. “I love the lights and I love the

Schultz Floral Gives Back

T

he holidays are all about sharing and love, and what better way to show we care about our community than through the support of charitable organizations and events. Sandie Sims, owner of Schultz Floral Shop in Valparaiso, says getting involved during the holidays, and all year long, is what makes the community, of which they have been a part for over 40 years, so wonderful. “We do food pantry drives so people have a place to

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

food. I like Christmas music on all the time – I drive the family nuts.”

However, while one might expect the residence of a home-furnishings designer to be picture perfect for the holidays – especially when the rooms often form the backdrop for promotional photo shoots – it instead features a homemade appeal, thanks to the role her kids play in the decorating process. Over the continued on page 20

drop off and give them a 25 percent discount as incentive. We do animal rescues so people can bring a pet item or a blanket and we donate to local rescue groups. We do an elder tree, which is like the angel trees for kids, but we work with Golden Living Center and Banta to get names of elderly who don’t have family and people can pick a name off the tree to get names for them. Some of these ladies just want some costume jewelry or snack cakes, and how sweet is that? We thought, what about the older people? A lot of times they don’t get anything. Our thought is we just want to give back. It’s the time of year a lot of people do their giving and it’s just a little of what we can do. We want to do it all year long too,” says Sims.

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

19

continued from page 19 years, she’s let them call many of the decorating shots, which she sees as a way to empower the kids’ own creative impulses. “They get to pick out the tree and decorate it,” she says, noting that the trees now come fresh from a tree farm instead of a box. “Our trees are a little hodgepodge, and usually a little heavy on the bottom,” since those are the easiest branches for little arms to reach.

“I just want everyone to feel welcome,” she says of this low-key approach, “and not have it so precious that you can’t live in it.” While the decorations are a key ingredient in Ireland’s Christmas celebrations, the family downplays other material aspects of the holiday. Charitable donations to favorite causes replace gifts to many adult family members and friends. And the savvy business manager also sees a valuable teaching moment for her children when planning her gifts to them. Ireland tries to model the financial prudence she learned from her British father, who, she says, called credit card debt the “never-never plan, because you’ll never,

never pay it off.”

“You’ve got to have a clear budget, and you can let the kids know what Santa’s budget is,” she says. “Santa has to live in this economy, too.”

Spirituality also is a big part of the family’s celebration. With a beach just a

It takes time to make time to prepare for such traditions, Ireland says, and that requires deliberate effort. In fact, she maintains her calendar 18 months in advance. Her work as the CEO and chief

“It’s fun to Christmas-ify our .” house; I loKavthyeIreit land

short walk away, Ireland and her husband often gather their kids there to watch the sun rise Christmas morning. They read aloud the story of Jesus’ birth as a way to help ground the day’s festivities with an appreciation for their original meaning.

designer take second billing to such family milestones.

“The work has to work around the kids’ schedules, and Christmas is a big part of that,” she says. “I’ve never missed a Christmas – I have always felt you have to put boundaries up.”

Practical strategies, like planning ahead,

form the basis for Ireland’s new book, a continuation of her effort to find solutions for families, especially busy mothers. She carries that motto through to the design of all the varied products now carrying her name. She and her designers have outlined eight distinct themes tying floor tile to curtains to upholstery, so an active mom can spend less time making choices.

“We’ve saved her time and taken the stress out of selection,” Ireland says of her new Vaughan Furniture line. This marketing approach was inspired by personal experience, not business-school finesse. And its current success is based on an appreciation of the challenges she’s faced while juggling dual careers as executive and mom.

“In reality, I began working on it 15 years ago, when I became a mom,” she says. “I quickly understood that moms were under-served in many ways. I know that moms everywhere feel that push and that pull. I believe we can have it all, just not all at once.”

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Saturday, December 5th - 8:30am to 4:30pm Sunday, December 6th - 10:00am to 4:30pm 37 Participants in Kouts and the surrounding area of homes and churches will open their doors for shopping for handmade crafts and Christmas treats.

Participating area restaurants will also be open for lunch.

Maps will be available at the gas station located on the corner of State Rd. 49 and State Rd. 8, ten miles south of Valparaiso Financial Support from the Porter County 219-766-3791 • www.kouts.org Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission

20

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

8510 Broadway | Merrillville, IN 46410 | www.deschampseyecare.com

Over 25 Years Service & Experience A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

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In-House Jewelry Design & Repair

3 Lincolnway • Valparaiso • (219) 464-4040 820 Lincolnway • LaPorte • (219) 369-6580

One Coupon Per Person Per Visit. Cannot Be Combined With Any Other Offer. Offer Ends 12-31-09

Monday - Thursday 9-6 • Friday 9-7 • Saturday 9-4 *Jewelry purchased between 11/27/09-12/24/09 will have the purchase price refunded, if 4” of new snow falls in Porter County (as determined by Weather Watch) in the 24 hours of 1/1/10. Insured by Commerce and Industry Insurance Company. See store for further details. *Purchases from Valparaiso qualify for snowfall in Porter County. *Purchases from LaPorte qualify for snowfall in LaPorte County.

22

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A week of Individual meals for under $40

12 MONTHS

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We Gladly Accept All Major Credit Cards.

2130 45TH ST. • HIGHLAND 219-922-4534 WWW.MRSDORNBERGS.COM

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

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2540 45th St. • Highland • (219) 924-1000 www.BrummsFlowers.com

Hours Now thru Christmas Mon.-Fri. 8:30-7:00 • Sat. 8:30-6:00 • Sun. 10:00-5:00

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

23

E

xperience Holidays in Flower Cart style. Visit our two-story Christmas Shoppe featuring a dazzling Wonderland . We have a wide variety chocolates and new fudge line. Some of the Christmas themes include: Believe, Christmas at Grandma’s House, White Christmas, and Safari Christmas!

OPEN LATE 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon.-Tue. 8:30a.m. - 6:30p.m.

Wed.- Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

145 S. Calumet Rd. Chesterton 219-926-8615 See thousands of unique ornaments, collector santas, giftware, greeting cards, fudge and fine chocolates, Pipka santas, Mark Roberts fairies, Ne’Qwa ornaments, Margaret Cobane ornaments all perfect for holiday giving.

24

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Special Sips:

M cktails for the H lidays

Holiday teas: Herbal and flavored teas make a great base for non-alcohol party drinks

Spread good cheer to all guests with non-alcohol, juice- and tea-based drinks

A

good party host continually circles the room, revs up conversations teetering on awkward silences and manages pesky behindthe-scenes operations. He or she has to uphold the no-guest-left-behind policy.

Still, the most attentive host can easily leave guests feeling out of place when non-alcoholic beverages aren’t provided.

“There’s a good chance that there’s going to be somebody [at your party] that doesn’t want to drink for some reason,” says Elizabeth Scott, professional chef and author of “Zero-proof Cocktails: Alcohol-free Beverages for Every Occasion” (Ten Speed Press, 2009).

“Normally, what happens to those people is that they end up in the corner with their diet soda.”

Scott has witnessed an increasing trend among food professionals to acknowledge health restrictions and varying preferences of consumers. “I think as a society, maybe we’re becoming a little more health conscious,” she says.

Mocktails let party-attendees who are avoiding alcohol or just counting calories around the holidays know that you intend to put everyone in a festive mood.

Consider these garnishes and low-octane ingredients as you stock up on holiday spirits this season.

Tea Time Both tea and wine have a substance called tannin, which causes puckering when tasted. “When you’re looking to make a wine substitute, starting with a tea is a great idea,” Scott says. Peter Hewitt, owner of Concord, Mass.-based Tea Forté, created Tea Cocktail Infusions in three flavors for cocktails, but the company markets mocktail recipes, too. One of Tea Forté’s bubbly drink ideas for the holidays is the Virgin Sunrise Mocktail made with a lavender citrus tea infuser and seltzer water. When the tea bag is dropped into the glass, flavor fills the glass in a purple cloud. “The purple flows out – it’s just absolutely beautiful,” Hewitt says.

Twist and Shout Cocktail Infusions boast great garnishes, but a quick-and-easy addition may be a fruit skewer. “Fruit is always great … it adds interest and color,” Scott says. She also recommends garnishing drinks with their more unusual ingredients for an exotic twist. You can also use citrus fruit peels for decoration. Take a zester or a channel knife and peel around the outside of the fruit for a signature coil of color.

Oldies but Goodies Sparkling white grape juice and apple ciders are old favorites for alcohol substitutes mainly because they’re carbonated and flavorful. Scott suggests a Shampagne Cocktail made with sparkling

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Image courtesy Tea Forté

By Taniesha Robinson : CTW Features

Stay Warm, Drink Up white grape juice and blood orange bitters as a bubbly alcohol-alternative to ensure that all guests receive a celebratory drink.

In addition to creating an all-inclusive, festive mood at your holiday party, providing mocktails at your holiday party saves money on the bar tab and lowers the risk of inebriated guests. Light-alcohol mixes are recommended for Tea Forté’s tea cocktails – “It’s not about the alcohol,” Hewitt says. “It’s about the flavor.”

Delectable flavors and eye-catching garnishes for mocktails and cocktails help everyone feel welcome, and Scott says it ultimately “makes the party more of a success.” You’ll fill non-drinkers with cheer when you take the time out to consider their taste buds around the holidays.

T

is the season for keeping warm with a toasty drink, like hot chocolate or hot tea, or any number of ways to drink in the holiday! Brittany Rice, morning manager at Evelyn Bay Coffee Company in Valparaiso says they are ready for the chilly weather. “We carry hot teas by Octavia which are all organic, whole leaf tea.

Popular is the red winter mint. It’s so good and it’s a rooibos tea which comes from the leaf of the rooibos plant. The flavor is sweet vanilla with a touch of chocolate mine, and it’s also very rich in antioxidants, and it’s a healthy alternative to dessert.

It’s a big seller during the wintertime. We sell our teas in canisters so you can take them home and serve them. One tin equals 50 servings so they last a long time. We also sell tea pockets and tea pots and have quite a variety of teas such as white, green, black, and oolong. We also serve Jingle Bell Java this season which really gets you in the spirit of Christmas time.”

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

25

Become the

ultimate

cookie

exchange host

C

ookie exchange parties are a holiday tradition that provides a fun-filled reason for friends and family to enjoy each other’s company and fill up their holiday cookie trays. This season, bakers and holiday entertainers can visit www.kissescookies.com to find a one-stop shop for receiving and sharing holiday baking and party planning tips that are sure to sweeten any holiday get-together.

For those looking to create the ultimate cookie exchange, the experts at Hershey’s Kisses Brand Chocolates offer the following tips to turn any holiday party into a sweet success. The iconic chocolate treat also will serve as the party-planning partner for holiday hosts by sponsoring 1,000 cookie exchange par-

26

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

ties nationwide. To apply to host a Hershey’s Kisses Chocolates Cookie Exchange and for recipes and additional party tips visit www.kissescookies.com.

Cookie exchange tips: ❋ When sending out invitations, include a unique cookie recipe for each guest as a suggestion. Also ask your guests to RSVP with the recipe they plan to make so that you can be sure not to double up on a specific type of cookie. You can find a variety of creative recipes at www.kissescookies.com. ❋ Once you have all the RcooSVPs, inform your guests how many cookies they need to bring. One dozen per guest is a good start, but if you’re having a large party, it might be a good idea to reduce this

quantity to only a half-dozen cookies so that guests aren’t overwhelmed with baking. ❋ Encourage your guests to bring copies of their recipe for everyone. Also, ask them to bring along sealable containers for the cookies they’re taking home. Have a few extra containers on hand in case someone forgets. ❋ To give your party added fun, set out gift tags, gift bags, ribbons and pens so that your guests can create gifts for co-workers, neighbors, teachers and friends. ❋ Play holiday music and offer simple refreshments like hot cocoa, warm apple cider, coffee, tea and eggnog to keep the holiday ambiance going.

ARAcontent

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

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Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

27

Who do you trust to repair your vehicle

this Holiday Season?

We Are Offering a $20

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28

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

You Better

Not

P ut

Job loss. Foreclosures. Pay cuts. The events of the past year do not make for cheerful small talk. How to party like it’s 2009.

By Margaret Littman : CTW Features

A

ny seasoned holiday partygoer has a wellcrafted toast, conversation starter and escape plan in place before he or she rings the doorbell.

But the current economic climate calls for the addition of some rarer skills to the partygoer’s tool kit: discretion and tact.

A party is no time to inquire about – or divulge – financial setbacks and personal difficulties. Etiquette experts say that in recessionary times, taking care to avoid those landmines is essential to helping create some holiday cheer – and should serve you well both at the party and after.

It’s time to brush up on the new rules of engagement for recession-era holiday partygoing.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Beware the opening line For anyone out of work, the prospect of hearing “And what do you do?” throughout an evening’s festivities is enough make a few hours of résumé rewriting look like fun. Don’t let insecurities about being unemployed wreck a pleasant evening, says Diane Gottsman, a San Antonio etiquette expert and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas. Devise a bulletcontinued on page 30

Pets like Presents Too!

D

on’t forget Fido or Tabby this holiday season. Pets like a little extra love too, especially when they give us so much love all year long!

“We usually have a lot of people who want to take extra care of their pets come in and get them treats the holidays, like extra rawhides or little outfits. We carry a lot of holiday sweaters, jackets, gift baskets, plushy toys and stuffed animals,” says Ryan Sepanski, manager of Pet Supplies Plus in Dyer.

“We carry anything for dogs or smaller, dog and cat toys, snowmen, you name it. Holiday rawhides for dogs that are colored to look like candy canes, tons of holiday fun for your dogs and cats.

People really respond. Especially toward the end of November through December, people treat their pets like they do their children and take care of them around the holidays too,” says Jay Bovy, manager of Pet Supplies Plus in Valparaiso.

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

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continued from page 29 proof response that may nudge the conversation in a new direction: “I was previously in the banking business but am looking forward to new opportunities in teaching,” for example. You’ll be off talking about your new passion, not your old job.

Look on the bright side Before any party, it pays off to spend a few minutes thinking about how to respond to standard party inquiries: How has your year gone? How is work? This is no time to dwell on grim news. You don’t want to be the person talking about your foreclosed-on home at an upbeat party, says Andrea Lyons, a Richmond, Va. event planner and president of All About Presentation. If you find it difficult to find the silver lining in your own cloud, prepare plenty of questions to ask others to take the focus off of you, Lyons advises.

Don’t mix business and pleasure Parties, whether personal or professional, can be a great way to meet people in a relaxed environment.

But that doesn’t mean that they are networking free-for-alls. By all means, meet people, talk about your interests and expertise. But don’t ask for a job or even job-hunting help at the party.

“There is no worse buzz kill at an event where people are drinking, eating, talking about their holiday plans, and someone interjects that he or she is looking for a job, as if he or she expects to get hired on the spot,” Lyons says.

No matter how perfect a match you are, the person you imagine to be your prospective employer doesn’t want to work at a party. Follow up afterward.

“If you do [networking] right, you will leave a favorable impression,” says Kesi Stribling, CEO and chief strategist at Washington, D.C.-based KSG Strategic Consulting. But she also cautions that it is possible to leave a negative impression. If you are employed yet job-seeking, consider getting a personal separate business card to give out for networking purposes. If you give out your current company’s card, you may give a prospective employer the impression that you’re doing personal business on company time.

Mix and mingle Regardless of the economy, a holiday party is only a networking plus if you meet new people, not if you stand in the corner alone next to the cashews.

Stribling suggests you make a deal with yourself before you walk in. Set goals.

If you’re an introvert, start by making a pact to meet 10 percent of the guests.

If you’re an expert mingler, shoot for 50 percent – 75 percent.

Don’t sweat the small stuff If you’ve been laid-off you may be concerned about the costs that come with holiday merriment, but you should not stay home just because you can’t afford an expensive hostess gift. A handwritten (and heartfelt) thank-you note the next day will go just as far as a bottle of wine brought to the party. Don’t fret about not having a new outfit to wear, as long as what you have is clean, pressed and in good shape. Having polished shoes and a good hair cut go further than a new dress, says Lyons. If holiday parties pinch your budget, choose the few that will be most useful in your job search.

Watch your intake Regardless of the economy or the season, the No. 1 rule for holiday parties is to watch your liquor consumption.

And, if you are hoping to make contacts for a new career, the stakes are even higher. You must be alert and quick on your feet: Don’t drink enough to impair your ability to be articulate and charming. To monitor your consumption, suggests Lyons, “drink out of your glass/bottle once every five minutes or so and never when networking and talking with the person in front of you. Think of [the drink] as an accessory like a handbag or a watch.”

If there’s a cash bar, Lyons points out, “The fewer drinks you buy for yourself, the more you can schmooze and buy for someone else.”

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

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Hol id ay Local Things to Do, Places to Go HOLIDAY EVENTS

DEC 5-6 Kouts 30th Christmas Open House, Sat 8:30am-4:30pm, Sun 10am-4:30pm, Kouts.

219.766.3791. www.kouts.org. Handmade crafts and Christmas treats will be available at almost 40 homes, churches and restaurants in Kouts and the surrounding area when they open their doors for holiday shopping. Maps of the participating venues will be available at each location in this annual event.

ONGOING Santa Claus in Crown Point, Sat noon-4pm, Lower Level Courthouse Shops, Crown Point. 219.663.1800. www. crownpointguide.com. Santa Claus will arrive in town on Nov 27 in a Crown Point fire truck and will bring Mrs. Claus and Elie the Elf with him. Children can share their Christmas wishes and take pictures with Santa every Saturday from Thanksgiving through Christmas as well as the Sunday before the holiday.

DEC 5-6 Zooltide, 5-7pm, Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City. 219.873.1425. wpzoosociety.com. The Washington Park Zoological Society will be hosting Zooltide where visitors can see the Washington Park Zoo lit up for the holidays.

Carolers, luminaries and Santa Claus will also be on hand and hot cocoa will be available to help keep visitors warm.

NOV 27-28 Hometown Christmas Celebration, downtown Chesterton.

219.926.5513.www.chestertonchamber.org.

The Duneland community’s official holiday kickoff will begin with the Twilight Christmas Parade and continue with free horse-drawn carriage rides, the chance to meet Santa and more. Kids who visit with Santa will receive a coloring book, candy can and coupon to Applebee’s Bar & Grill. Also, Dec 5: 7th Annual Mistletoe Market.

NOV 28 Santa’s March & Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:30pm, Main Square, Highland. www.highlandparks.org. Santa will parade through downtown Highland and end at the Gazebo at Main Square. There, he will have treat bags for good boys and girls, while the park and businesses will be lit up for the season. Parade applications are available at Town Hall or the Lincoln Center.

NOV 28, DEC 5, DEC 12 Mainstreet Winter Wonderland & Stained Glass Tour, downtown Michigan City. 219.363.1407. www. mcmainstreet.com. Take a tour of historic downtown Michigan City in a horse-drawn wagon, enjoy the Stained Glass Tour, see free holiday movies and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays at these festive Saturdays.

DEC 3, 10, 17 Twilight Thursdays, 5-8pm, Whiting. Stores will have extended hours on Thursdays throughout December to accommodate holiday shoppers and give them the chance to buy raffle tickets to win a Winter Weekend Getaway in Chicago.

Natalie Battaglia | The Times

NOV 27-28 Christmas Walk, 10am-5pm, downtown Lowell. 219.696.2389. www. shoplowellindiana.com. Lowell’s historic downtown shopping and dining district will twinkle with lights during this holiday event, which features crafts, antiques, gourmet food and more. Find refreshments, free gifts with purchase, door prizes, raffles and much more at the shops, while the Christmas walk restaurants feature special holiday menus.

Santa will have a busy weekend in Northwest Indiana as he makes his rounds to various locations, including the Courthouse Shops in Crown Point, and the Hometown Christmas Celebration in Chesterton.

BEGINNING DEC 4 Holly Days, downtown Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. www.popcornfest. org. A live nativity scene, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and a “Cool Yule” Christmas concert highlight this annual holiday event.

Carols will be sung by local Girl Scout Troops and downtown stores will be open for some last minute holiday shopping as well. Dec 10: “Cool Yule” Christmas concert with Chicago jazz singer Spider Saloff.

DEC 4-6, 11-13 Come Home for the Holidays, Whiting. 219.659.0292. This holiday celebration will feature a Christmas parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, train show, decorated home tour and holiday pops concert with the Whiting Park Festival Orchestra & Chorus. Dec 4: Illuminated Christmas Parade; Dec 4-6, 11-13: Hi-Rail Modular Club Christmas Train Show; Dec 5: Breakfast with Mrs. Claus; Dec 5: Arts Alive! Decorated Home Tour; Dec 5-6, 12-13: Santa Pause; Dec 6: Holiday Pops Concert and “Vilija.”

DEC 5 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar, 9am2pm, 1314 S Woodland Ave, Michigan City.

219.871.9138. www.holidaybazaar.org.

Handmade and retail gifts will be available at this holiday market, including international handcrafted eggs, woodworking, jewelry, holiday décor, custom embroidery and more.

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Lunch and snacks will be provided in the café and all shopping is on the first floor of this free event.

DEC 5 Hammond Holiday Parade, 10am, parade starts at Gavit High School, 1670 175th St, Hammond. 219.853.6378. www. gohammond.com. Kick off the holiday season by watching or participating in this fun event that features the Jesse White Tumblers and area high school bands. Call or visit the website for parade route and to register to participate. Nov 20: Entry deadline.

DEC 5 Washington Park Official Holiday Lighting Ceremony, 4-6pm, Washington Park, 6 on the Lake, Michigan City.

219.873.1506. www.michigancityparks.com.

With more than five million bulbs, this holiday tradition is the largest free drive-through light exhibition in the Midwest.

DEC 5-6 Christmas Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes, Sat 4-8pm, Sun 1-5pm, downtown LaPorte. 219.324.5087. visitlaportecounty.com. Beautiful holiday décor, created by area florists and designers, is on elegant display at this tour of private homes in LaPorte’s historic district. The event also includes a carriage ride, musical entertainment and refreshments.

DEC 12 “Porter Express” Christmas Party, 1-3pm, Hawthorne Park Community Center, 500 Ackerman Dr, Porter. townofporter.com.

Santa Claus will be on hand at this festive and fun-filled afternoon that will feature games, prizes, crafts, cookie decorating, refreshments and holiday music.

DEC 13 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, 8am registration, Purdue University Calumet, FRC Building, 2300 173rd St, Hammond.

312.372.2080. www.hammondjinglebellrun. kintera.org. A 5K course will greet runners and walkers young and old at this special holiday event. Participants can tie jingle bells to their shoelaces, wear festive costumes and join in the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis in the true spirit of giving. This year’s race will honor 14-year-old twins Brandie and Brianna Lorenzen, who have been living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis for most of their lives.

DEC 20 Marilyn’s Bakery 21st Annual Cookie Walk, 10am-4pm, 8960 E Ridge Rd, Hobart. 219.962.BAKE. www.marilynsbakery. com. This annual event is the perfect solution for those who have gotten too busy to bake during the holidays. Walk among the platters of homemade cookies available for $12 per pound or take the opportunity to delight in some traditional English toffee for $15 per pound.

JAN 6 Twelfth Night, 6:30pm, 117th & Center Sts, Whiting. This beautiful tradition is filled with song, story and the Christmas tree bonfire as residents are encouraged to start the year out right. The King or Queen of Whiting will be crowned and the winner of the Whiting City Flower Contest will be announced. continued on page 34

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

33

continued from page 33

PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITS AND ARTS

arrangements and commercials from the 1950s and ‘60s.

THROUGH DEC 20 The Christmas Schooner, The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. www.theatreatthecenter.com. Based on the true story of a Michigan shipping captain who braves the deadly winter weather to bring Christmas trees to homesick German American families in turn-of-the-century Chicago, The Christmas Schooner is a truly original holiday musical.

NOV 28 Christmas Craft Show, 2100 Willowcreek Rd, Portage. 219.762.1675.

Christmas décor, handmade wearable art, unique holiday gifts, jewelry and pottery will be available at one of the finest craft shows in the area. Children can visit with Santa and attend a Christmas jewelry class. Admission is free but canned good items for the Portage Food Pantry will be accepted.

Photo Provided

THROUGH JAN 10 A Christmas Story Comes Home, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond. 219.989.7979. www. achristmasstorycomeshome.com. Six animated displays depicting scenes from A Christmas Story will be showcased at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. The scenes, which debuted in the windows of Macy’s in New York City, feature some of the beloved characters and locations of the movie. In addition to viewing the displays, kids can also participate in various events, including the “Mommy’s Little Piggy” eating contest, “Oh Fuuudge!” relay race and have photos taken with Santa atop “Santa’s Mountain” before sliding to the ground just like Ralphie does in the film.

The delightful story, The Christmas Schooner, is a family-friendly musical playing now through December 20 at the Theatre at the Center in Munster.

6pm, Free Artisans Gallery, 624 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.809.0624. Music, art, food and friends combine at the Free Artisans Gallery to create a wonderful atmosphere for some Christmas cheer.

Showcasing Indiana artists in multi-medias, the gallery features paintings, sculpture, stained glass, handmade dolls and wood furniture. Also available for the holidays are

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NOV 27-29, DEC 4-6, 11-13 Fabulous 50s Christmas, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm, Towle Community Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.8780. www.towletheater. org. Honoring the Christmas specials of Perry Como and Andy Williams, Hammond’s own holiday tradition features original vocal

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DEC 2-3 The Nutcracker—Ballet Theatre, 7pm, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. www. starplazatheatre.com. The whole family will enjoy the Indiana Ballet Theatre’s rendition of this holiday classic.

DEC 4-5 A Carol Festival, 7:30pm Fri, 5pm Sat, Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso. 219.464.5162. continued on page 37

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NOV 29 Sing-Along Messiah, 3pm, St. John the Evangelist Church, 10701 Olcott Ave, St. John. 219.836.0525. www.nwisymphony.org.

The Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, along with members of the Northwest Indiana Symphony, once again offer the chance to sing along with Handel’s famous holiday masterpiece. Those who would rather not sing are welcome to enjoy the afternoon performance as well.

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continued from page 34 www.valpo.edu. Classic Christmas carols will ring out to put listeners in the holiday spirit at this seasonal celebration featuring the Valparaiso University Chorale, Women’s and Men’s Choirs, Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber Concert Band.

DEC 4-6, 10-13 Greetings!, Footlight Players, 1705 Franklin St, Michigan City.

219.874.4035. www.footlightplayers.org. This play for all seasons really rings true during the holidays. Telling the story of Andy, who brings his atheist fiancé home to meet his Catholic family on Christmas Eve only to watch them overreact. It takes an ancient, wise and witty spirit to heal the family in the nick of time for a wonderful holiday.

DEC 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 Scrooge, The Musical, The Memorial Opera House, 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. www. memorialoperahouse.com. This performance tells the age-old tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his visit from three ghosts on Christmas Eve, but songs such as “I Hate Christmas” and “Make the Most of This World” put a festive twist on tradition.

DEC 5-6, 12-13 Candy Cane Express, noon5pm, Hesston Steam Museum, 1201 E 1000 N, LaPorte. 219.778.2783. www.hesston.org. The Candy Cane Express will be running the first two weekends of the month, allowing visitors to celebrate an old-time children’s Christmas.

with provided decorating materials.

DEC 10 Holiday Pops, 7:30pm, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville.

219.836.0525. www. nwisymphony.org.

Even Santa joins in on the mix of classic and contemporary holiday music from the Indiana A Northwest Indiana tradition­—the Indiana Ballet Theatre’s version of Symphony the Nutcracker­—will once again be showcased on the stage at the Star Chorus at this Theatre in Merrillville on December 2-3. family favorite tradition featuring Kids can ride the trains and visit with Santa a chorus-led carol sing-along.

Claus. Also, the museum will be running a Toys for Tots drive in which people who DEC 12 Wynonna – A Classic Christmas donate an unwrapped toy to the U.S. Marine Tour, 8pm, Blue Chip Casino, 777 Blue Corps can receive a free train ride.

Chip Dr, Michigan City. 219.879.7711, 888.879.7711. www.bluechipcasino.com.

DEC 6 Christmas Ornament Workshop, Partnering with the Palmetto State quartet to 1:30-2:30pm, Crown Point Community put attendees in the holiday spirit, this concert Art Center, 138 S Main St, Crown Point. will feature popular songs like “Santa Claus 219.663.0200. www.southshoreartsonline. is Coming to Town,” “Winter Wonderland,” org. This one-hour workshop allows children and “White Christmas” as well as some of ages 6-12 to create their own ornaments

Wynonna’s own holiday creations.

DEC 12-13 Holiday Celebration of the Arts, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-5pm Sun, Schoolhouse Shop, 278 E 1500 N, Chesterton.

219.926.1551. www.schoolhouseshop.com.

Media ranges from crafts and custom jewelry to fine art paintings and drawings to metal sculpture and wood turning at this indoor show. Food and music will also be available at this unique holiday experience.

DEC 13 The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show, 4pm, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. www. starplazatheatre.com. The Oak Ridge Boys return for their annual Christmas show. The group that has had such hits as “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue” in their award-winning career will be performing songs off of its five Christmas CDs and mix traditional hits with some contemporary songs.

DEC 31 Damon Williams’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Bash, 8pm, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. www. starplazatheatre.com. For the 11th-straight year, Damon Williams comes to the Star Plaza Theatre to present his Comedy Bash and ring in the New Year. Williams has opened for acts such as Aretha Franklin, R. Kelly and the Temptations. He is considered to be one of the elite and upcoming comedians on the comedy circuit.

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Back to the

Board

As whiz-bang technology continues to expand its appeal, classic board games mount a timeless comeback

T

he Wii might have made virtual reality more fun than real reality, and the iPhone makes entertainment materialize anywhere, but classic board games are more popular for family fun than ever before. Don’t buy a brand new Candy Land or Battleship for one child; get a few games and let everyone unwrap them.

Classic board games are all about bringing family together for inter-person play.

“A game where people sit around a table to play creates an experience that no other plaything really delivers,” says Chris Byrne, a seasoned toy expert who helped develop Pictionary and is known as “the toy guy.” “Even if you’re playing a video game with somebody, you’re side by side. With a board game you’re across the table from them, and you have human interaction

that can change at every step of the game.”

Battling over Boardwalk in Monopoly and correctly guessing the candlestick in Clue make memories kids can’t forget because board games offer a level of human interaction no brand-new electronic gadget can give. People will team up and try to beat or outwit an opponent in Monopoly, but a video game doesn’t offer that flexibility. Board games are so adaptable that people often invent their own versions; get teenagers or college students a classic version of Clue and let them design their own murder mystery. The collaboration, creativity, and face-to-face interaction board games provide is even more important now,

when a 2006 Duke and University of Arizona study found that people have fewer family and friend confidantes than they did two decades ago.

“We all lead such fast-paced lives now,” says Mary Couzin, the executive director of the Chicago Toy and Game Group. “Actually sitting down, relaxing, and playing a board game is like a mini vacation. You’re forgetting everything else that’s going on while you’re just relaxing and talking to each other.”

And the holidays are one of the only times when the whole family is together with time off to sit down and relax. So how do you choose a classic board game for a gift? “It’s got to be easy to learn, fun and different every time you play,” Byrne says. He says many Parker Brothers and Hasbro games (Monopoly, Clue, Sorry, Connect Four, etc.) are tried-and-true favorites. Candy Land hasn’t lost its appeal because there’s a winner and a loser, which is important to kids. It’s color matching, so it’s easy to play at an early age, and it’s been around for so many years it’s got the nostalgia factor, according to Byrne. Cranium, which

Game on!: When buying for the whole family, choose classic games that are sure to entertain any age of player.

Image courtesy Hasbro

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

came out more recently, has become a classic for the opposite reasons, according to Reyne Rice, a consultant with the Toy Industry Association. It’s not about continued on page 40

Find Monster Bowling at Smarti Pants Toyz

Melissa & Doug

By Genevieve Knapp : CTW Features

Play Up the Holidays-Smart!

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andi Stricker of Smarti Pants Toyz in Highland says traditional games are fun, but keeping things fresh is even more enjoyable. “We don’t carry your mass market games and we’ve always been like that. We carry games made by Ravensburger, maker of great puzzles and games, and we get people coming in specifically for their product. They are thinking games, strategic games. We carry games by iPlay, Blue Orange, Melissa & Doug for younger audiences, and Educational Insights are always very smart games. A lot of younger games are doing very well this year. People know Monopoly and Scrabble and all of the basic games you grew up with, but for us, we go with the younger ages that people are asking for. These are games that start younger, but the whole family can still play, and they have an educational side to them.”

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

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continued from page 39 winning. Instead, it creates an incredible level of interactivity and requires a huge amount of knowledge and creativity. Plus, there is enough gameplay that everyone is good at something, unlike Scrabble where you have to have a huge vocabulary and good spelling skills. New games can become classics too. Mary Couzin said when PICTUREKA!, a picture hunt game played with picture cards, debuted at the 2007 Chicago Toy and Game Fair, it was instantly applauded for its ease of play and universal appeal.

Game sales have boomed so far in 2009, according to Reyne Rice and Mary Couzin. Recession economics mean people are staying home. Rice says the popularity of staycations and daycations in recent years has caused people to turn to board games. Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue have portable dice versions that can be played in about 20 minutes, so people can squeeze in a game on a school night.

Families need in-home entertainment that works for everybody; video games won’t keep grandparents happy, and five people on a TV just means fighting over the remote. Over the holidays when families come together to spend long hours indoors, board games can be a lifesaver.

The economy isn’t the only reason people are picking up the shoe battling for Boardwalk. Last November, Hasbro launched “Family Game Night,” a campaign to encourage people to turn off the TV one night a week and play games. Another game manufacturer called Patch Products began the “Million

Minute Family Challenge.” They ask family and friends nationwide to visit www.millionminute.com and log how many minutes they spent playing games from September through December. And people stepped up to the challenge. Last year, Patch Products participants (a total of 298 groups, clubs, classrooms, libraries and families) played for more than one million minutes.

Classic board games are making a comeback for another reason. Besides teaching vital developmental skills such as how to be a good winner/loser, how to work together, and how to strategize, games can increase IQ and aid literacy, according to Mary Couzin. In 2008, the American Library Association started “Libraries, Literacy, and Gaming,” a program to track the effects of gaming on youth. Now libraries in ten states have begun integrating board games and literacy programs into the library curriculum. Reyne Rice says brain-bending games like Mattel’s Mind Flex are the hottest type to hit the shelves this year.

“Teens, college kids, and older generations all love these brain games,” Rice says. Mind Flex requires players to don a headset and use their brainwave activity to control the movement of small balls. “It’s going to encourage people to play together too; everybody is going to want to try it out to see if they can break everyone else’s concentration.”

Some modern versions of classic games such as THE GAME OF LIFE: Rock Star Edition and G.I. Joe Monopoly can appeal to younger audiences and keep the play and rules older players know and love, according to Reyne Rice. But new versions of classic games simply leverage the popularity of the original game. When people shop for the games they want their family to play, they’re more likely to grab the original, according to Chris Byrne. They know it’ll never go out of style.

Eureka!: Pictureka has been applauded for it’s ease of play and appeal to people of all ages.

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Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

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Spicy GingerPoached Pears Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes Makes: 4 servings 1¼ quarts (5 cups) water 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon crystallized ginger 5 filterbags Tazo® Organic Spicy Ginger Herbal Infusion 2 star anise ¼ fresh lemon 4 pears (2 pounds), peeled, cored

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Holiday Duo

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S

ome things just go together, especially for the holidays — hot cocoa and marshmallows ... turkey and stuffing ... and a fresh new holiday duo, tea and pears.

“Combining flavorful ingredients such as tea and pears in holiday recipes can bring your holiday party a depth of flavors that ranges from crisp and clean to sweet and spicy,” says Kathy Casey, celebrity

chef, mixologist and author of “Sips & Apps.” “Tea and pears are both affordable ingre­dients that add a great flavor combination to dishes and drinks.”

With this duo, elegant holiday entertaining is as simple as stopping by your local grocer.

Several gorgeous varieties of pears are in season throughout the holidays — including the Anjou, Comice, Bosc, Concorde, Starkrimson, and Bartlett. Pears come in a wide range of colors and flavors that easily suit any festive menu. They also make a delicious dessert alternative

to heavy sweets and pastries.

With varieties including black, green, white and oolong, as well as herbal infusions, teas span the flavor spectrum for every taste. From delicate and fruity to bold and spicy, brands such as Tazo offer tea varieties perfect for every occasion. More and more home cooks and chefs are discovering that tea can go beyond the cup and add dynamic flavor to many recipes.

Pears and tea also offer guests the gift of health benefits — one mediumsized pear has 24 percent of the daily

Courtesy of www.kraftfoods.com

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Family Features

Pear Lavender-Mint Spritz Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Makes: Eight 8-ounce servings Anjou Pear Puree 2 pounds ripe green Anjou pears, cored, unpeeled, cut in 3/4-inch chunks 1½ cups water ¼ cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

COMBINE all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer over medium heat 15 minutes until pears are softened and almost all liquid is evaporated. Cool.

PROCESS or blend pears until smooth. Refrigerate puree until cold.

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Courtesy of www.usapears.org

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

43

Artificial vs.

Natural A Pros and Cons of Both Tree Types

s long as Christmas trees have been a part of the holiday season so too, has been the debate over real or man-made trees. Each side has its supporters and detractors, and both real and man-made Christmas trees have their pros and cons.

When deciding whether or not to go to the nearby tree farm or the department store for your holiday tree this season, consider the following factors.

What Will a Natural Tree Cost?

Natural trees can vary in price depending on where you go. Prices can range from less than $20 to more than $50. When making the decision, it’s important to keep in mind that a tree does not last very long, and, therefore, investing too much might not be the best way to spend your money. However, there are options to purchase real trees with the root ball intact, which enables homeowners to plant the tree in their yard after the season.

What Will an Artificial Tree Cost?

Artificial trees will initially have a higher price tag than their natural counterparts. However, they are also more cost-effective because they can be used for several years after their initial purchases. There is also no need to purchase accessories such as tree stands and watering devices with an artificial tree, which are typically necessary with a natural tree.

How Easily Can a Natural Tree Be Moved?

The Christmas tree lot or farm does take steps to make it easier to lift and move the tree, but 44

there’s still the challenge of getting it home.

Many, whether driving a car or SUV, choose to put the tree on the roof of their vehicle, but then worry about the tree blowing off on the highway. Then there’s the issue of getting the tree through the doorway, an especially difficult task for homeowners with older homes, where doorways are often much smaller compared to newer homes.

How Easily Can an Artificial Tree Be Moved?

Clearly, artificial trees are more advantageous when it comes to moving them. Because they’re often boxed, these trees are lightweight and easy to maneuver into the house.

What Does a Natural Tree Look Like?

Supporters feel a natural tree is much more aesthetically appealing. However, those buying late might be stuck with all that’s left, long after the more desirable trees have found a living room in which to spend the season.

What Does an Artificial Tree Look Like?

While some like the real look of a natural tree, others like their holiday tree to be perfect, with none of the warts of a natural tree. Artificial trees, unless poorly produced, have no warts, as they’re man made. Also, an artificial tree guarantees its owners the same look each and every holiday season.

What Is the Environmental Impact of a Natural Tree?

Natural trees are actually much more environmentally friendly than they initially appear. Christmas trees are planted for the express purpose of the holiday season, and

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

large numbers of new trees are planted each year to replenish the stock in an environmentally friendly way. In addition, once the season has ended, many trees are recycled and used as sand and soil erosion barriers.

What Is the Environmental Impact of Artificial Trees?

Artificial trees often come with a host of safety warnings. That’s because they are made from a variety of materials, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and metals, which can put toxins into the air during production. That is why there are lead warning labels on some artificial trees. Artificial tree buyers must be careful erecting artificial trees in homes with small children or pets, as consumption can be toxic. Another thing to consider is that many artificial trees cannot be recycled, so there is no environmentally friendly way of disposing of them when homeowners decide it’s time to replace them.

Metrocreative

Tree Trends

B

ill Salisbury, of Salisbury Pines Tree Farm, whose mother started planting Christmas trees on the family farm in 1947, started his work in 1959 in Hanna. He says that the trees that are popular today are not the same trees of yesteryear. “The number one tree today that people seem to like is Frasier Fir which took over the Scotch Pine about 10-15 years ago. Years ago the tree was in the old movies was a Balsam Fir and the Colorado Spruce. Then the Scotch Pine came along 30 years or so ago. It grew fast, in about seven years, and it was a cheap tree to grow. So it was sold cheaply and it was popular for about 30 years. Then they started growing the Frasier in the Carolinas and they started advertising the tree and it took the market by storm. People like them just under their ceiling, so a seven foot tree or so. With cathedral ceilings now, we do have some customers who want a 15- to 18-foot tree, but not too many.

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45

Are You Dreaming of a

White Christmas?

I

f, like the famed singer Bing Crosby, you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, you might want to move to a handful of cities that seem to be able to provide just that year after year. In a report on the probability of a white Christmas in the United States by meteorologists Neal Lott, Tom Ross and Matthew Sittel of the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), five locations had a perfect track record with respect to providing the white stuff on December 25. The study examined climate normals from 1961 to 1990. Over that period, the cities of Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan, Hibbing and International Falls in Minnesota, and Stampede Pass in Washington, all produced a white Christmas every year. Not surprisingly, those who live further north have a much greater chance of experiencing a white Christmas, but not as much as one might think. For example, films are fond of depicting New York City

as a place that frequently sees a white Christmas.

However, according to the aforementioned study, New York has just a 10 percent chance of a white Christmas. To put that into better perspective, the city of Richmond, Virginia, has a 7 percent chance of having a white Christmas. Despite the fact that Richmond is in the southern United States, its chances of having a white Christmas are not all that much different from New York’s. What’s more, Richmond and Seattle share the same probability, despite the fact that Seattle is located in the Pacific Northwest, a region many are quick to associate with wintery weather. Perhaps most surprising was the likelihood of Flagstaff, Arizona, having a white Christmas. With a probability at 56 percent, Flagstaff is one of the best bets a snow afficionado can make if they’re hoping to experience a white Christmas.

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A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Discount off regular prices.

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©2009

1-800-442-DIET www.seattlesutton.com

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

47

Handmade crafts are the ultimate customized holiday decor

H

ere’s another silver lining to the dark economic clouds still on the horizon this holiday season: handmade holiday decorations are not only less costly, they’re perceived as more meaningful as well.

From spending more time with loved ones to an improvement in our overall health, stories abound on the positive side effects of the shaky economy. Increased enthusiasm for handmade items may well be the latest good by-product of troubled economic times.

“Social science experts tell us that tough economic times realign people’s priorities, and we’re certainly seeing that all around us,” says Riddi Kline, vice president, marketing of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, a leading craft supplies retailer. “People are placing greater emphasis not just on cost-savings but on the meaningfulness of a decoration or gift. Nothing is more personal and customizable than something you make yourself. And this year, you can find craft ideas to fit every holiday decorating theme.”

So how do you decide what handmade decorations will enhance your home’s holiday decor? Margaret Skinner, director of customer education of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores offers a few pointers: ❋ Choose craft items that complement your home’s overall theme. For example, if you love clean, contemporary modern lines, make items that mimic that look. Crafts that incorporate reflective surfaces and metallic looks will fit well with contemporary themes. Softer

48

A Country Birdhous

Designed by Connie Glenno

n-Hall

e

Supplies and tools

1 wood birdhouse 1 can Rust-Oleum multicolore d texture spray paint, autumn brown 1 each acrylic paints in dark brown, green and ivory wooden picket fence Deco Art Snow Writer 1 piece, 12 inches by 12 inch es, brown cardstock 1 piece, 10 inches by 4 inch es, Homespun fabric Xyron 510 machine with adh esive cartridge Tacky glue and glue stick 1/2-inch flat paintbrush 1/2-inch detail paintbrush wire cutters, scissors, paper trimmer ruler and sandpaper

Assembly instructions:

fabrics and materials will mesh with a country theme. ❋ Make crafts that will endure and be durable for seasons to come. “You’ll invest your time and a bit of yourself in every item you make,” Skinner says.

“Opt for items that will be easy to care for and that will appeal to your sense of the holidays not just this year, but next year and the year after that as well.” ❋ Give yourself plenty of time and space in which to create. You’re not rushing the season if you start working on your holiday crafts in early November or even late October. You’re just giving yourself plenty of time to accomplish everything you want to do. Also, dedicate a specific area of your home to your crafting and keep all your projects in one

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

place - this way you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. ❋ Get kids involved. When you create crafts with your children, you’re not just making decorations, you’re making memories that will stay with them throughout their lives. Plus, making crafts together will make each item feel that much more meaningful when you use it to decorate your home. ❋ Shop smart when shopping for craft supplies. Jo-Ann Fabrics is a leading seller of supplies for virtually every type of crafting activity. You can find craft ideas and directions to fit every type of holiday decor at www.joann.com.

1. Sand the birdhouse hole openings to remove rough edges.

2. Paint the entire birdhouse with dark brown acrylic paint. When dry, spray with autumn brown multicolored textured paint. When dry, pain t ivory lines with the detail brush.

3. Cut a rectangle of cardstoc k slightly smaller than the bottom of birdhouse. Glu e cardstock to bottom of birdhouse using glue stick.

4. With wire cutters, cut a nine- to 10-picket length from the fence. Dilute green pain t and apply a wash coating over fence. When dry, glue to the front of house, along the front base.

5. Measure the three section s of the roof and cut brown cardstock to fit. Run the card stock through the Xyron machine. Press the sticky side of the cardstock onto the homespun fabric, aligning plai ds and allowing 1/4 inch margin around each piece.

6. Trim around roof panels - keeping the 1/4 inch margin of fabric - and fray the edg es by pulling out threads. Glu e the three panels to the bird house roof, allowing fringe to remain exposed.

7. Decorate the house base, fence, perch, openings and fabric roof with Snow Writer.

ARA Content

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

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A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Dixon’s does Holiday Parties & Corporate events.

Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-6:00 • Sat 10:00-4:00 • Sun 12:00-4:00

919 Ridge Road • Munster Indiana • 219-836-1668 Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

49

“Home Alone” / Image courtesy 20th Century Fox Entertainment

Somebody hit the lights. It’s high time for a little holiday movie mayhem.

By Perry Gattegno : CTW Features

Moviesto the

Rescue!

D

o seasonal festivities have you in a dither?

Grab one of these classic holiday movies and gather the clan.

There’s no better way to lift spirits all around than to laugh yourself to tears.

No matter who stars, how improbable their plight or twisted the plot, the best holiday movies bear tidings of great joy: You can survive the season. After all, they did.

Home Alone (1990): Young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is left behind as his family rushes to make a flight to Paris for their winter vacation.

Mayhem ensues when a couple of bumbling burglars try to break into the

McCallister house, but Kevin’s booby traps prove better than any state-of-theart alarm system.

Takeaway: Holiday travelers, pack well in advance, set a battery-powered alarm clock as backup and leave for the airport early. And count the kids before departure – twice.

Son-In-Law (1993): South Dakota country girl goes to big city, meets crazy California kook. Brings him home for Thanksgiving break to avoid an engagement to her small-town boyfriend. Family conquers xenophobia, falls in love with his crazy antics, sense of fashion and renegade streak. Over Thanksgiving dinner, his chivalry wins out and everyone’s happy.

Takeaway: Sometimes the holidays can bring together people of different continued on page 52

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Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

& Customer Appreciation Day

Saturday, December 5th ° 9am to 5pm

Join us for the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting at 11am!!

Stop in for Hot Cocoa, Apple Cider, Cookies, Treats, and a raffle for a Ron’s Automotive GIFT CERTIFICATE!

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w w w. R o n s A u t o m o t i v e I n d i a n a . c o m

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9144 INDIANAPOLIS BLVD. . HIGHLAND, IN 219-838-8000 theoshighland.com HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11-10 . Friday and Saturday 11-11 . Sunday 12-9 A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

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Select Gemstone & Diamond Jewelry Skagen & Fossil Watches. Sale ends Dec. 5th!

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Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

51

continued from page 50 backgrounds and persuasions, so if that happens to you, be warm and inviting like the Warners. Make sure you have room at the table and plenty of food for any lastminute additions. And wipe that gravy off of baby’s lip. You don’t want those guests to think you boorish.

When Harry Met Sally... (1989): The penultimate moment of this iconic romcom occurs at a New Year’s party when Sally (Meg Ryan) realizes she misses Harry (Billy Crystal) and wants him by her side. Yes, sometimes it gets a little sappy, but it’s a love-me-tender flick that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Takeaway: Surround yourself with those you love and don’t sweat the small stuff. And make sure you know what the specialty is of whatever deli you enter in New York.

former Israeli soldier/special agent who uses a tart style and devout faith to guide him in his private investigative firm.

Damian Claus (Andy Dick) grows tired of his father’s liberal ways, so he kills him and usurps the throne to eliminate Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights.

Takeaway: Perhaps Damian could have made a better effort to educate himself on others’ cultures so he could learn to respect and enjoy their holidays.

The season is much richer with an understanding of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other

festivals. Watching Damian’s struggles might encourage you to enlighten yourself, as well as teaching you the proper pronunciation of “Hanukkah.”

Elf (2003): Will Ferrell stars as Buddy Elf, a Santa stowaway who grows up as the rare 6’3” elf, never suspecting he is actually a human. When he goes to New York to discover his true self, he brings his elfish Christmas spirit with him.

Takeaway: Buddy’s raw adoration for the

The Hebrew Hammer (2003): This Shaft-meets-Austin Powers Jewish blaxploitation parody pits Hanukkah and Kwanzaa versus Christmas in a battle for the right for the holidays to exist.

Mordechai Jefferson Carver (Adam Goldberg) is the Hebrew Hammer, a

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Die Hard (1988): Perhaps the most classic action film of all time, Die Hard’s foil-theterrorist plot makes it easy to forget that a Christmas Eve office party serves as the setting for Bruce Willis’ heroics.

Takeaway: Consruct a bullet-proof invite list. Make sure your guests don’t invite their own friends without running it by you first.

Should unwanted guests arrive and endeavor to take over your home, be diplomatic and welcoming. Holiday party dropins are part of the season. They may even come in handy when it’s time to clean up.

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holiday season will lift any humbug’s mood. After all, it’s not about the tooexpensive gifts or fancy parties. It’s about enjoying the warmth of family and friends. Is there a Scrooge in your life?

Befriend him. Individual tender, loving care and offers for involvement might just do the trick, so ask them to bring a dish to dinner or help you set up your holiday decorations. If you need to put the star on top of the tree, you may want to consider using a stepladder.

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52

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

VALPARAISO

PORTAGE

2300 Morthland Drive • 465-4022

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Tues-Thurs 4-9:30 PM, Fri-Sat 4-10:30 PM, Sun 12-8:30 PM

Tues-Thurs 4-9:30 PM, Fri-Sat 4-10:30 PM, Sun 4-9 PM

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Get Your Tickets Today!

219-548-9137 or mohlive.com See Chicago Jazz Singer

Spider Saloff for just $20!

P R E S E N T S

Spider Saloff in the “Cool Yule Holiday Concert”

The one she will never forget. g

Tickets available:

Call 219-548-9137 or visit mohlive.com.

featuring pianist Dennis Luxion and bassist Jim Cox

Thursday, December 10, 2009 7:30 p.m. at Valparaiso’s Memorial Opera House

Presented by Valparaiso Community Festival and Events and the Memorial Opera House.

2839 Highway Ave. Downtown Highland

(219) 838-2530 www.highlandjeweler.com

The Times can help you get ready for the

Hol id ays Look for our special sections to help you prepare for and enjoy the season

Holiday Gift Guide Publishes Dec. 2

Holiday Favorites Publishes Dec. 9

Region of Giving Publishes Dec. 16

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

53

REINDEER GAMES Hey kids!

)

Here’s a Fun Holiday Coloring Page for You!

m o c . i w

n

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Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Diiamond Sttuds and Beau utiiful Diaamond Jew welrry.

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55

56

Holiday Entertaining [ November 25, 2009 ]

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company