In Our Community

Fun & Frugal Christmas

It's the best time of the year!

By Jennifer Dumke

What if you and your entire family could experience all the holidays had to offer and you didn’t have worry about pinching pennies as you navigate a daunting todo list? Sounds like a true holiday to me. If this sounds like you and you’re looking for fun things to do as a family around the holiday season without breaking the bank, here’s a wide range of ideas to keep Christmas fresh, fun, and within budget.

HOLIDAY BAKE-OFF

Most families have food traditions for holiday gatherings and if ever there was a time to showcase culinary talents, it’s Christmas. But here’s a twist. Instead of spending endless hours making frosting noses or pretzel antlers, why not get the entire family involved and kick it up a notch by having a holiday bake-off. This is where is gets fun and frugal. Make sure you plan the little bake-offs in time for work parties, small gatherings or the big day itself! After all, no matter how many or how old your guests are, no one can resist homemade goodies.

OH CHRISTMAS TREE

Holiday decorating trends are ever changing and who has the time and money to keep up. Go for a classic Christmas and decorate on budget with homemade tablescapes and accents. If you really think about it, we bring live trees into the home all the time. Why not look to the outdoors for other crafty items? Pine cones, clusters of evergreen sprigs and even plain branches and sticks can all be made into something festive and fun. Decorate the perfect branch and simply spray paint it gold or silver and hang small crystals from the ends. For a more dramatic effect, add lights. No need to worry about size. For smaller trees, select battery powered LED lights are a good choice.

TRIMMINGS WITH EASE

Holiday decorating really has no rules. A simple nativity set or small table tree can be enough. Stop being intimidated by perfectly coordinated Christmas décor and take things into your own hands… literally. Current style trends could never be more in your favor for going hand-made with tree trimmings. It’s economical and can be a lot of fun for the entire family. Felt, glue gun, a little glitter and a lot of imagination and your tree will fill up fast! You can also go outside with your projects and involve the neighborhood. n

Q&A: Prairie Cocoa & Confections

Q&A: Sanaa's Gourmet Mediterranean

This exquisitely lovely luscious dessert and beverage experience – is made available by the team of Courtney Weeldreyer and Keyes Clemmer. The East Coast meets the Midwest for a sweet venture.

Q: PCC Specialty? A: “The only non-alcoholic “Bar” and “Dessert Bar” in Sioux Falls.” An upscale boutique specializing in sweet couture emphasizing edible art. Desserts are produced using quality ingredients in small batches. Gourmet cocoas “Mocktails” are exclusive to PCC.

Q: Why 8th & RR? A: “Love being part of downtown, and that most of the businesses at 8th & RR are women owned. The East Bank is the heart of the “artisan” community. Our motto Eat More Art fits perfectly. Surrounded by successful women, the feeling of mutual respect and support cannot be found anywhere else in Sioux Falls.

Q: Inspiration? A: “Create an environment loved by all ages. Whimsical, sophisticated, a place to prolong a date you wished would never end.” Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean has inspired gourmet eating at 8th & RR Center for 18 years! Owner Sanaa Abourezk, is a Gourmet Chef, Restauranteur, Author and Blogger who is PASSIONATE about cooking, recipes, and fighting child hunger worldwide Tidbits about Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean:

Q: About your business? A: “We make Mediterranean Food and Bakery Items from scratch with fresh ingredients EVERY morning.”

Q: Particular Specialties? A: “We are known for our salads and FATAYERS – baked stuffed pita. We make them with regular flour and also gluten free flour.”

Q: Inspiration? A: “I wanted to offer fresh, healthy and gourmet meals for any budget.”

Q: Why 8th & RR? A: “I loved the old building, the location, the history and a lot of parking spaces.”

PRAIRIE COCOA & CONFECTIONS A dessert boutique specializing in sweet couture with an emphasis on “Edible Art,” holiday gifts & catering, custom gourmet Cocoa’s and hand-crafted Mocktails; “cocktails” with no consequences.

8th & Railroad Center | Eastbank Downtown Sioux Falls | 605.777.3445 Dessert Bar Hours: Thurs 11am-8pm • Fri & Sat 11am-9pm Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:30am-3:00pm Friday 10:30am-4:00pm | Saturday 11:00am-2:00pm 605.275.2516 | 401 E 8th St #100, Sioux Falls