Guide to Holiday Planning, Dining & Shopping by The Island 360

Guide to Holiday Planning, Dining & Shopping a blank slate media special section November 28, 2014

28 guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping • News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014

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ith so much on our plates between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the holiday season can be hectic. Fortunately, there are many ways to save time and make the holiday season more manageable. • If you don’t have plastic clips to hang lights around windows and to the eaves of your home, inexpensive clothespins will work just as well. If you’re concerned about the color of the wooden clips, paint them holiday hues before stringing the lights. • Put a bath mat, rug-side down and rubber-side up, beneath your Christmas tree stand. This allows you to spin the tree as you hang lights and ornaments without damaging the floor underneath. It also makes it simple to undress the tree once the season is over. Use a tree skirt to hide the mat. • Squeeze artificial tree portions into concrete form tubes. First wrap the tree portions in twine and then slip them into the concrete sleeves. Each tube can be stowed in attic or garage rafters, freeing up precious space. • Use empty squirt bottles to make baking and cooking easier. Pancake

and cookie batters can be squirted from the containers for less mess. • Store one or two strings of lights in a plastic shopping bag to keep the strands from getting tangled. Hang the bags from a hook in a garage or stack them in a storage bin. • Use plastic zip ties to attach garland and lights to bannisters. They’re easy to assemble and will not damage the bannisters. • A paper towel holder can be screwed to the wall in a craft room to neatly hold spools of ribbon. Simply pull the length you need from the spool and cut for easy decorating. • Mount a tree stand to a piece of wood with screws or glue. This prevents spills from reaching the floor while stabilizing the tree. • Old maps make interesting gift wrap and are a nice change of pace from commercially produced paper or newsprint. • Wrap duct tape or another type of sticky tape around your hand. Pat over fallen pine needles that accumulate around the tree. In hard-to-reach areas, wrap the tape around a broom or a floor sweeper. • When traveling for the holidays, use a brightly colored suitcase or flashy tape to make your suitcase stand out from others at the airport. • Place hardened brown sugar in a baking dish, cover it with a moist paper towel and either microwave it on high for 20 second intervals or place it in a 300 F oven for five minutes. This will soften the sugar, making it easier to use the sugar to prepare your favorite holiday cookie recipes. • Save plastic bread ties, which can be used to make tags for the wires on certain devices. Such ties also can be used to organize decorating components and to keep your place on a roll of tape. • Measure the inside of your picture window and construct a wooden frame to its dimensions. Staple holiday lights to the frame and then easily slip the frame in and out of place each year. • Hang a live wreath or some boughs of evergreen in your home to give it that fresh pine scent if you have an artificial tree. • Color-code storage containers so you can easily find holiday decorations in the attic or basement. • Pack for a holiday excursion using a collapsible clothing storage hanger for closets. Fold clothes on each fabric shelf and then collapse it into your suitcase. When you get to your destination, unfold and hang it in a closet so all of your clothes will be at the ready. Make the holidays even more enjoyable with a variety of timesavers and clever tips.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping

30 guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping • News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014

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oliday office parties are highly anticipated events at many companies. Some businesses prefer to go for broke with regard to their holiday parties, hosting lavish affairs for employees and clients alike. Other companies opt for more low-key events attended only by employees and their significant others. Those tasked with planning holiday office parties often must make a host of decisions, all in an effort to ensure everyone has a good time. That can be a tall task for party planners who work for companies that boast a diverse staff and/ or clientele. But the following tips can help those tasked with laying out a holiday office party plan an event that’s festive and enjoyable for everyone.

Start early. The longer you wait to begin planning the party, the less options you will have at your disposal when you do start to plan. For example, if you wait too long before you start planning, restaurants or banquet halls may already be booked solid on Fridays and Saturdays, the most common nights that holiday office parties are held. So start your planning as early as possible, consulting with the person in charge with regard to the resources you will have at your disposal before you begin your research.

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Choose the type of event. Holiday parties do not often change in style from year to year, so this decision may already be made for you. For instance, if last year’s holiday party was an informal affair for employees only, then this year’s event is likely to follow the same formula. But confirm such details with your superiors. You may have more or less room in the party budget this year, so confirm the type of party your bosses intend to throw before you begin contacting vendors. Choose a date and time for the party. Every employee should be able to attend the holiday party, so try to choose a date and time that is agreeable to everyone. The chances of 100 percent attendance are slim, but you can still

aim for a date and time that works for as many people as possible. If staff members include overnight workers, consult with management to determine if those employees can get the night off to attend the party. Such a gesture will be appreciated by the overnight shift, and it makes it possible for more employees to join in the festivities.

Make and share your schedule for the night. Even the most extravagant holiday office parties tend to be somewhat loose events, but it’s still important to create a schedule so guests know when and where to be at various points throughout the party. In addition to what time the party starts, the schedule should include information about when cocktail hour begins, when food will be served and when any special announcements, if any, will be made. The schedule will ensure that no guest feels like he or she missed any important events that unfold during the party.

Don’t forget entertainment. Entertainment can make a holiday office party that much more memorable. Large parties may require the services of a professional deejay or live band, while small parties may survive with a portable music player playing holiday music or popular party fare. In addition to music, think up some games to keep guests engaged throughout the night. Give prizes, such as an extra day off or gift cards, to employees so they have something to look forward to if they win the games. Arrange for transportation. If you plan to serve alcohol during the party, then arrange to have transportation available after the party for anyone who may need a ride home. It’s fair to assume that some employees may party a little too much, so make sure the night does not take a tragic turn by letting everyone know there is transportation available if they need it. Planning a holiday office party can be challenging and fun. Establishing a party plan can ensure everyone has a festive and safe night.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014 • guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping

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32 guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping • News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014

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he holiday season is about more than just rushing to stores to stock up on presents. Socializing and hosting friends and family members to catch up on a year’s worth of news also makes this time of year so special. Before friends and family arrive, holiday hosts must take steps to prepare their homes for their guests. The following home prep plan can make relatively easy work of tidying up the house and ensuring it is inviting to guests.

Start with the entrance

Hosting can motivate homeowners to finish certain home improvement projects that enhance the appearance of their homes. Tidy up your home’s entryway to make it more welcoming. Be sure the front door and walkways are well lit. Remove obstructions and trim back bushes and other plant life. Festive decorations can brighten up the space. Don’t forget a welcome mat to reinforce to guests that they truly are welcome at your home.

Quick cleaning

Sometimes the joy of hosting can be overshadowed by the task of preparing for your guests. Although a thorough cleaning of the home is great if you have the time, it may not be necessary. Go from room to room identifying spaces that are in need of a thorough cleaning. Spend time in the kitchen clearing clutter from the counters and make sure the dining space is clean and the table is presentable. A table runner and a centerpiece of festive flowers can brighten up the space instantly. Fluff cushions on sofas and give floors or carpets a quick vacuuming. Always be sure the bathrooms are clean and fresh, with laundered hand towels at the ready. Children’s bedrooms and other areas of the house may not require such a critical eye. Simply keep doors closed

in off-limits rooms.

Create a guest sanctuary

Overnight guests should have a designated space they can use as a retreat. If you do not have a guest room, consider having children bunk with one another and designating one of the kids’ rooms for your guests. Fresh linens, an alarm clock, a television, and Internet access are nice touches. A guest room also can be set up in a den or office with a pull-out sofa bed. Provide access to a nearby bathroom so guests can enjoy some privacy. Hosting children is easier than hosting adults because they won’t require the same level of privacy and space. An extra mattress tucked under the bed in your child’s room can be an impromptu place for kids to retire.

Stock up on supplies

Purchase extra travel-sized toiletries at the drug store so your guests’ needs are covered in case they forget something. Store them in a zip-top bag and let guests know where these items are kept. Purchase a guest set of towels, sheets and pillowcases. Keep these in an air-tight storage bag or bin, so when guests arrive, they will have their own set of linens. Launder these linens after use.

Stock up on food

Ask guests which foods and beverages they prefer and try to have some on hand. Use your spare time to prepare some meals and freeze them. This way if someone drops by unexpectedly, you can simply defrost a meal and have it ready in no time. Keep a tin of cookies and tea bags ready for those who pop in for a snack and conversation. With the holiday season in full swing, holiday hosts must ready their homes for overnight guests.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014 • guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping

How to gift the people who aren’t family

ome the holiday season, many people find it’s not just family and friends on their shopping lists. Coworkers and acquaintances often land on such lists as well, and it’s not always easy deciding what to get those people who aren’t close friends or family members.

Boss

Gifting the boss is a sensitive subject and should be dictated by company protocol. If you are the only employee to buy your boss a gift, it may seem like you are trying to curry favor. However, if everyone else is gifting and you fail to offer a gift, you may be caught off guard. Some business etiquette experts say that it is customary for bosses to give gifts to employees but not the reverse. However, employees who are especially close with their bosses or who work closely with them each day may want to offer a small token of appreciation. When selecting gifts for bosses, do not give anything too personal, such as clothing, perfume or jewelry. Food or gift cards are a safer bet. Experts say a gift in the range of $10 to $25 is adequate. Chipping in for a gift with other employees may be the best course of action so you don’t inspire resentment among coworkers.

Babysitter or nanny

Caregivers play important roles in the lives of children. Once you have found a sitter or nanny who you trust, you want to ensure you keep that person content. If you regularly use a nanny or sitter, money is always a great gift. For a full-time nanny, one week to one month’s pay is adequate. For a regular sitter, consider a gift equal to two nights’ pay.

Coach or club leader

Children today are involved in many different activities, and chances are parents’ schedules are filled with sports games and practices. A small gift of $10 to $20 can show your appreciation to a coach or club leader. This is another instance when it might be nice to pool your resources with fellow parents to purchase one large gift.

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Mail carrier

If your mail is delivered by the same mail carrier week after week, you may want to spread some holiday joy. Mail carriers have an extra workload during the holidays, when they are tasked with delivering packages and greeting cards in addition to more routine mail. Civil servants may be forbidden from receiving cash. In such instances, a gift card makes a great gift.

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Trash collector

Hauling garbage is neither an easy nor glamorous job. Many garbage collectors appreciate a tip for their hard work. Take notice of who collects the trash from your home. If it is the same people each week, take the time to personally deliver an envelope with a small tip of around $20.

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If you are a regular for frequent treatments and color in a salon, show the stylist you appreciate his or her work with a cash gift. If you want to give a wrapped present, avoid tools of the trade or anything that is too personal. Stylists are on their feet much of the day, so a gift for a massage appointment or pedicure may be just what they need. “The Sharyn Word Art™” Custom 18kt Gold and Diamond Enhancer featuring hand sculpted names and dates of her family.

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34 guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping • News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014

Holiday gift ideas for the new parent in your life

any parents fondly recall their first holiday season as a mom and dad. While youngsters may not remember much about their first Thanksgiving dinner with family or where their first Christmas present was placed under the tree, parents tend to cherish such memories, making their first holidays with children in tow very memorable. Loved ones of new parents can take steps to make this holiday season even more special. The following are some gift ideas for holiday shoppers who want to make this season even more memorable for the proud new parents in their lives. Photo album: Today’s new parents have more pictures and video of their bundles of joy than any previous generation of moms and dads, as smartphones, tablets and other devices have made taking pictures much easier than in years past. But family members also have more access to such photos than ever before, making it easy to put

together a special photo album of the new parents and their new child. Pull pictures from the parents’ social media accounts or make an album of the numerous photos you have no doubt received since your loved ones became parents. Parents likely don’t have time to make such albums, so your efforts will almost certainly be appreciated. Camcorder: Many smartphones are capable of taking video, but such devices are not ideal for shooting longer home videos new parents will want to watch for years to come. An HD camcorder with sufficient internal flash memory can allow new parents to take longer, higher quality videos with superior audio to those that are shot on smartphones. Such a camcorder may be costly for those shopping on a strict budget, but it’s a gift new parents are sure to love and utilize for years to come. Nursery sound system: New moms and dads are no doubt anxiously anticipating the day when the newest

additions to their households sleep through the night. Help speed up the arrival of that glorious night with a nursery sound system that provides soothing sounds to create a perfect sleeping environment for newly born boys and girls. The results may not arrive overnight, but parents may soon find their lovable youngster is spending more of the wee hours of the morning sleeping and less time waking up mom and dad. Spa treatment: Not every gift you buy for the new parents in your life needs to focus on helping them cherish their first holiday season as parents. New parents tend to

experience lots of exhaustion in their first few months on the job, but a spa treatment can be just the relaxing break they need from catering to their bundle of joys’ every need. Moms may prefer the full spa treatment, while dads may simply want a massage and some relaxing time in the steam room. Book a treatment for both mom and dad so they can spend some time relaxing during this hectic time of year. New parents often cherish their first holiday season as moms and dads, and the right holiday gift can make that first holiday season even better.

News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014 • guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping

Create an energy-efficient home for the holidays

‘T

is the season to be festive, and that usually means stringing up hundreds of twinkling lights to create a welcoming glow on dark winter nights. Some people view the holiday season as their chance to go all out with regard to decorating their homes with an abundance of lights, inflatable lawn ornaments and maybe even some mechanical figures. While these decorations certainly may be symbols of the season, it’s easy to forget just how much energy and resources they consume. A typical strand of lights uses around 300 watts of electricity. Multiply those figures by the dozens of strings of lights people use and it’s easy to see how quickly energy usage can add up. In addition to lights, lit candles, animated dolls, wreaths, trees, and scores of imported ornaments contribute to the energy consumption per household. Even so, environmentally conscious individuals need not skip the holiday décor and entertaining. Fortunately, there are various ways to be energy efficient with holiday décor this season. Switch to LED lights. LED lights consume a fraction of the energy traditional incandescent bulbs do. While a standard string of 50 lights consumes 300 watts, LED sets only consume four watts. This not only saves energy, but also considerable amounts of money over the course of the holiday season. Use fiber-optic decorations. Fiber optic items are lit by one light. The illumination carries through the fiber optic cables to the entire decoration. Use a power strip and timer. Plug decorations into a power strip (be sure to follow the recommended power load for safety) and hook everything up to a timer so lights are not on when no one can see them.

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Check light strands. Always inspect lights for frayed wires and any damage. Frayed lights are less efficient and pose a considerable safety risk. Enhance decorations. Use mirrors and reflective ornaments to give the appearance of more lights without actually adding more.

Turn off ambient lighting. Christmas tree lights or the lights framing a picture window should be sufficient to light up a room. Keep lamps and overhead lighting off while the tree is lit to save money and energy.

Lower the thermostat. When entertaining, turn the thermostat down a few degrees. Having extra people in your home will raise the temperature. Similarly, heat generated by the oven and other cooking appliances can warm up a home. Don’t waste energy by keeping the heat turned on high. Invest in rechargeable batteries. According to Energy Quest, 40 percent of all batteries are purchased during the holiday season. To power those many gifts and devices, use rechargeable batteries which can be used again and again.

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Change your cooking practices. Smaller appliances use less energy. Put those toaster ovens, slow cookers and electric fryers to good use. Only use the oven if you are cooking a large meal.

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Wait until the dishwasher is full. Pack in the dishes from holiday meals, and only run the dishwasher when it is full. Reuse items whenever possible. Many items around the house can be put to good use as decorations, holiday servers or gifts. Take inventory of what you have before you go out and purchase new decorations.

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36 guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping • News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014

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Great gifts for film fans

ome people can’t wait to get their hands dirty in the kitchen and try out a new recipe, and some people are movie buffs who can’t seem to get enough of their favorite films. For the latter, a holiday gift that plays to their passion for the big screen can make the season that much more special. The following are a handful of gift ideas that are sure to leave your loved one starstruck this holiday season. Vintage movie poster: Many film fans adorn the walls of their homes with movie posters, so a vintage movie poster from your friend or family member’s favorite film makes a great gift. Go the extra mile and have the poster custom framed so it’s ready to be hanged on the wall the moment your loved one opens his or her gift. Surround sound system: This gift will require a considerable financial commitment, but no home theater system is complete without a state-of-the-art surround sound system. Surround sound systems give movie buffs the full movie theater experience from the comforts of home. If a surround sound system will bust your budget, consider splitting the cost with family members who are also looking to indulge this particular film fan’s passion.

Streaming subscription: Few people now watch films on DVD, as streaming services have become the go-to means to watching the films of the past and present. Sign your loved one up for subscription to a service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, and he or she will have instant access to thousands of films. Books: If your favorite film aficionado is not just enamored with movies but the behind-the-scenes business of making films, stuff a book or two into his or her stocking. Numerous books have been written about the nuts and bolts of moviemaking, and even more memoirs or tell-alls have shared the Hollywood gossip or insider details that few film fans can resist.

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Outdoor theater screen: For film buffs who miss the glory days of drive-in movie theaters, consider a portable outdoor movie theater screen. Such screens are large enough to entertain the whole family, whether it’s a backyard movie night on a warm summer evening or during a camping trip when film fans can relax under the stars and watch their favorite films. Screens won’t be too useful without a projector, so make sure your loved one already has a projector or suggest a family member purchase the projector and then present both gifts at the same time.

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News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014 • guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping

How to save on hightech gifts Shoppers can employ several strategies to save money on gadgets this holiday season.

adgets are among the most popular gifts come the holiday season. In 2013, CreditDonkey.com surveyed shoppers to determine what they planned to give during the holidays, and electronics were second only to gift cards among the most popular gifts to give. Sixty-three percent of respondents cited their intentions to give electronics, while the survey also found that 76 percent of people planned to request electronics as holiday gifts. Gadgets figure to be popular gifts again this holiday season. Unwrapping the latest tablet or a big-screen television can be exciting, but electronics can be expensive. Those who plan to give their loved ones the latest gadgetry should be happy to learn there are ways to do so that don’t require breaking the bank. Scale back. Oftentimes people are buying more computer or data than they actually need. For example, when buying computers, it’s tempting to go for those that boast the most memory, but that extra memory is only useful to those people who truly need it. A less expensive model that suits your loved one’s genuine needs will make for an impressive and more practical gift.

Determine necessity. Some gadgets are more a desire than a necessity. Decide if a particular device will be an asset to your loved one or just another trendy item that soon will be gathering dust. Look for devices that your loved one will make the most of. If the purchase is not warranted, save your money and look for something else. Consider refurbished items. Don’t shy away from refurbished items, as the discounts can be steep. Refurbished items are often just items that were returned

to the store because they’re not needed or because the item was malfunctioning. Returned items are factory-tested and then repackaged. Opt for refurbished items that carry a manufacturer-backed warranty for greater peace of mind.

Consider open box items. Just because packaging is dented or torn does not mean the merchandise inside is damaged. Purchasing a product that’s not inside a pristine box can sometimes yield a 10 to 15 percent discount at retailers that offer open-box specials. Just verify that all cords, manuals and other accessories are inside the box before leaving the store. Peruse previous generation models. Manufacturers release a new version of their devices seemingly every year. That doesn’t mean last year’s phone, video game console or computer is any less effective than the updated version. Models from previous years likely won’t be much different from the latest models, but they do figure to be considerably less expensive.

Look for coupon codes. When researching products, search for coupon codes for desired electronics and retailers. Web-based retailers may post coupon codes that add up to significant savings. Just ensure that the total cost after taxes and shipping fees are calculated makes the purchase worth your while. Skip the warranty. Extended warranties often cost more money than potential repairs. In addition, after a few year’s time, your loved one may be looking to upgrade his or her gadget anyway, making the extended warranty an unnecessary expense. Gadgets make for popular yet expensive holiday gifts. But holiday shoppers can save money on electronics by employing a few savings strategies.

38 guide to holiday parties, dining & shopping â&#x20AC;˘ News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 28, 2014

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