GUIDE TO PARTIES, DINING
SHOPPING
a blank slate media/litmor publications special section • december 7, 2018
34 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018
How to make holiday guests feel comfortable patio furniture or ask guests to bring beach or camping chairs so no one has to stand while eating. If you are hosting a party at home for the big game, purchase some folding chairs and consider moving armchairs or office chairs from around the house into the room where everyone will be watching the game. If you are throwing a formal dinner party and are worried your existing dining room table can’t accommodate all of your guests, consider purchasing a new table that features extensions you can remove or install depending on the size of your party.
Food
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birthday party. Breaking your supply needs down into categories can make it easier to guarantee you get everything you need to throw a successful and fun party.
osting a holiday party is no small task. Hosts must tend to a slew or responsibilities when inviting friends and family to their homes, and one of the biggest is stocking up on party supplies.
Furniture
The supplies necessary for hosting a party depend on the type of party hosts are throwing. For example, the supplies necessary for a formal dinner with friends will differ from those needed for a child’s
Depending on the size of your guest list, you may need to buy some extra furniture so everyone has a place to sit during the festivities. When throwing a backyard barbecue, stock up on extra
No matter which type of party you will be hosting, guests will expect to be fed. Plan a menu that suits the type of party you are throwing, offering kid-friendly fare like pizza and macaroni and cheese when hosting children’s birthday parties and a more sophisticated menu when inviting professional colleagues over for dinner. Asks guests if they have any specific allergies or dietary restrictions, and do your best to cater to those needs. If hosting a less formal affair like a game watch, have snacks on hand when guests arrive and then order some pizzas once everyone has arrived. This allows everyone to pitch in and ensures hosts aren’t missing any of the action while preparing food.
Beverages Beverages also must be offered when hosting a party. Offer juice, water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks to your guests regardless of which type of party you’re hosting. If hosting an adult-only or more formal affair, have some alcoholic beverages on hand but be careful that guests don’t have too much to drink. Prepare tea and coffee after the meal to help guests digest their meals and relax.
Servingware If your guest list is small, chances are you won’t need to buy extra plates, utensils or glasses. But you likely will need to stock up on servingware when hosting larger soirées. Purchase reusable items so you won’t have to stock up come your next party. Reusable items also reduce the carbon footprint of your party, which can be considerable when using disposable servingware.
Miscellaneous In the days leading up to the party, be sure to stock up on miscellaneous items like paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue, and hand soap for the restrooms. Make sure extra rolls of toilet paper are left in a visible spot in the restroom, and keep paper towels alongside any buffet-style offerings so guests can quickly address any spills.
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News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE
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36 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018
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arties are highly anticipated events come the holiday season. Office parties, gatherings with friends and family celebrations are just some examples of the many soirees that dot the social schedules of millions of people between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Office parties might be governed by certain organizational protocols, but parties with friends and families come with no such rules. That said, holiday hosts might want to keep their guests’ expectations in mind when planning their get-togethers. While there’s always room to try something new, the following are some must-have items when hosting holiday parties.
1. Holiday foods and beverages It goes without saying that holiday hosts will be expected to provide food for their guests. But certain foods, such as gingerbread cookies, can put everyone in the holiday spirit. And don’t forget that staple of the holiday beverage menu: eggnog. Eggnog can be made with and/or without alcohol so everyone can enjoy this beloved holiday beverage.
2. Decorations Decking the halls is a holiday tradition, and hosts should make an effort to string some holiday decorations before welcoming guests into their homes. A Christmas tree might be the most ubiquitous decorative item come the
holidays, so hosts can make their tree the centerpiece of their decor. Hang some mistletoe around the house, which also can be adorned with season-specific plants like holly and poinsettias. If kids are attending the party, a kid-friendly decoration station can even be set up to ensure the youngsters have fun and stay busy during the festivities.
3. Music Christmas music can go a long way toward getting everyone in the holiday spirit. Utilize iTunes or music streaming services such as Amazon Prime Music or Pandora to ensure that the holiday hits keep coming throughout the party.
4. Games Games can be a great way to keep guests occupied during the party. From a safety perspective, games that engage guests might prevent them from overindulging in alcohol at a time of year when the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says drunk driving incidents are at their highest. Games in which participants can win holiday-themed prizes might be especially enjoyable for players. Holiday parties are highly anticipated parts of the holiday season. Hosts can take their parties to the next level by incorporating certain must-have items into the festivities.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE
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Homecooked Goodness Made Fresh Daily!
Appetizers
Party Favorites - served as a 3 Ft.Hero or
Chicken Entrées
Sandwich Platter…your choice
Cold Antipasta Platter fresh mozzarella, asiago, provolone, pepperoni, Chicken Parmigiana hand breaded chicken cutlet with marinara sauce roasted red peppers, sweet sopressata, sundried tomatoes, marinated artichokes & mixed olives
$50/$95
and topped with mozzarella
$45/$85 Chicken Francese dipped in flour and egg and sauteed in Sliced Tomatoes,Roasted Red Peppers, Fresh white wine, lemon and butter $50/$95 $45/$85 Chicken Marsala tender chicken sauteed in marsala wine Mozzarella & Basil $50/$95 Boneless Buffalo Chicken Strips breaded boneless chicken strips and fresh mushrooms lightly coated with our signature buffalo sauce and served Chicken Picatta tender chicken with capers in a lemon $45/$85
with a side of blue cheese dressing
Boneless Asian Sweet Ginger Chicken Strips breaded boneless chicken strips lightly coated with our bold & sweet ginger sauce
Chicken Scarpariella tender chunks of boneless white chicken $50/$95
sauteed in a brown sauce w/mushrooms, onions, potatoes & sausage
$45/$85
Chicken Toscano chicken breast topped with prosciutto, spinach
$45/$85
Chicken Sorrentino boneless chicken topped with eggplant
Buffalo Wings fried chicken wings tossed in a hot &
$50/$95
and melted mozzarella, served with a tasty brown sauce
tangy buffalo sauce served with blue cheese
Asian Sesame Wings
$50/$95
prosciutto & melted mozzarella, sauteed in a light tomato sauce
$45/$85
fried chicken wings in our bold & sweet ginger sauce
Grilled Vegetables yellow squash, carrots, zucchini and broccoli lightly coated with olive oil & seasonings then grilled to perfection
$45/$85
Shrimp Cocktail Platter delicious jumbo wild shrimp
House Garden Salad with shredded carrots, cucumbers & tomatoes in our house balsamic vinegarette Capresse Salad with romaine, fresh mozzarella, and sundried tomatoes in a balsamic vinegarette
$60/$115
fresh mushrooms
$30/$55
Veal Toscano tender veal topped with prosciutto, spinach &
$60/$115
and a hint of lemon melted mozzarella served in a tasty brown sauce
$35/$65
(Add Chicken $45-$85)
Gorgonzola Salad romaine, crumbled gorgonzola, walnuts, and
Pasta Entrées Fussilli Primavera Cavatelli with broccoli & sundried tomatoes Rigatoni Filetto Di Pomodoro Penne Paolo sauteed fresh broccoli & chicken w/marinara sauce Rigatoni ala Creo rigatoni, broccoli rabe, sausage &
$40/$75 $40/$75 $40/$75 $45/$85
sundried tomatoes sauteed in garlic & oil
$45/$85 $45/$85
Tortellini w/Peas & Prosciutto Alfredo Lobster Ravioli in a cream sauce with dijon mustard and
$50/$95 $50/$95
Pasta Al Forno
mozzarella sauteed in a light tomato sauce
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Rabe grilled chicken with sauteed
$60/$115
Other Entrées
Eggplant breaded fried eggplant with fire roasted red peppers & asiago $55.50
cheese topped with our homemade balsamic vinaigrette
Cold Pasta Salads Cold Cheese Raviolette Salad bite size cheese ravioli, roasted red peppers, onions, spinach & sundried tomatoes $40/$75 gently tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing Tri-Color Cheese Tortellini Salad Tri-color cheese tortellini, pepperoni, diced red onion, black olives, artichoke hearts and $40/$75 fresh mozzarella tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing celery, peppers, tomatoes, red onion grated parmesan cheese with a $40/$75 red wine vinaigrette dressing Italian Cheese Pasta Salad Corkscrew pasta with grilled chicken, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red peppers, red onion, $50/$95 and feta cheese in an Italian vinaigrette dressing
Kids Favorites
Chicken Fingers tender juicy fried chicken strips served with a side of $40/$75
honey mustard dressing
Macaroni & Cheese cavatappi pasta in our own delicious $45/$75
delicious creamy four cheese blend
$40/$75
in homemade marinara sauce
Crispy Seasoned French Fries
onions and green and red peppers
$45/$85
Herb Roasted Potatoes bite size roasted red and white
$45/$85
Broccoli Rabe Sauté broccoli rabe sauteed with
Eggplant Rollatini eggplant stuffed with whole milk ricotta
potatoes with herbs
Eggplant Parmigiana thin layers of eggplant, marinara sauce $45/$85
garlic and olive oil
$25/$45 $35/$65
Vegetable Medley Sauté fresh broccoli, cauliflower, yellow squash, zucchini and carrots sauteed with garlic and olive oil
Seafood
$50/$95 $25/$45
Vegetables
Sausage & Peppers oven roasted sausage with caramelized
grated romano cheese, topped with fresh mozzarella
$55.50
with bacon & american cheese served with thousand island dressing
Bacon Mac & Cheese bacon mixed with cavatappi pasta in our own
Meatballs Marinara large meatballs
then baked in a marinara sauce
$55.50
broccoli rabe, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic vinaigrette
Chicken Cutlet & Bacon breaded chicken cutlet topped
creamy four cheese blend
$35/$65
Peas, Mushrooms & Artichokes sauteed onions, peas, sliced
Shrimp Parmigiana hand breaded shrimp with homemade marinara and topped with mozzarella
$40/$75 $45/$85 $40/$75 $45/$85 $45/$85 $45/$85 $40/$75 $40/$75
$60/$115
Veal Sorrentino tender veal topped with eggplant, prosciutto & melted
$35/$65
dried cranberries in a balsamic vinaigrette
Baked Ziti Baked Ziti ala Bolognese Baked Cheese Lasagna Baked Meat Lasagna Baked Vegetable Lasagna Baked Spinach Lasagna Manicotti w/Marinara Sauce Stuffed Shells w/Vodka Sauce
in marsala wine and
Veal Picatta Tender veal with capers in a white wine sauce
breaded chicken cutlets with fire roasted red peppers, & fresh mozzarella topped with our homemade balsamic vinaigrette $55.50
Garden Vegetable Salad Fusilli pasta with carrots, $60/$115
butter and white wine sauce
$30/$55
Caesar Salad romaine, fresh parmesan, seasoned croutons &
chopped shrimp
$60/$115
and mozzarella
Veal Marsala tender veal sauteed
Salads
Rigatoni ala Vodka w/shrimp
Veal Entrées Veal Parmigiana hand breaded veal cutlet with homemade marinara Veal Francese tender braised veal cooked in a lemon,
$50/$95
cooked until tender served with our zesty cocktail sauce
creamy caesar dressing
$50/$95
butter and white wine sauce
Chicken Cutlet, Roasted Peppers & Mozzarella
$60/$115
mushrooms & artichoke hearts w/garlic and olive oil
$40/$65
Shrimp Francese dipped in flour and egg and sauteed in white wine, lemon and butter
$60/$115
Shrimp Oreganata jumbo dippped in flour shrimp baked with a combination fresh breadcrumbs, garlic, butter and seasonings
$60/$115
Shrimp & Calamari Fra Diavolo Shrimp and calamari over linguine in a spicy marinara sauce
$65/$125
Trays Serve Approx. Half (8-10) Full (15-20)
Our Specialty Store is filled with a daily variety of: Fresh Pastas, Specialty Ravioli, Manicotti, Stuffed Shells, Tortellini & Delicious Prepared Foods
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38 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018
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W
ith so much to do, it can be easy for people celebrating the holiday season to forget about the environment. But no matter how hectic the holiday season can be, there are always some simple opportunities to make it more ecofriendly. Create an eco-friendly party theme. Many holiday parties have themes. For example, “ugly sweater parties” have become so popular that many clothing manufacturers now intentionally produce colorful sweaters that might otherwise draw the ire of fashionistas. Hosts planning to throw an ugly sweater party can easily transform such festivities into something more eco-friendly by encouraging guests to purchase their sweaters from thrift stores. A Christmas tree planting party is another eco-friendly party theme that can benefit the planet and revitalize local forests at a time of year when they might be depleted due to the demand for natural Christmas trees. Serve locally sourced foods. Food is often front and center during the holiday season. Whether hosting family and friends at home, dining out or catering an office party, patronize businesses that sell only locally sourced foods. Locally sourced foods are much more eco-friendly than foods that must be shipped from afar
before they land on your dinner table, and such foods tend to taste fresh as well. If serving at home, use reusable dishware and cutlery instead of paper plates and plastic utensils. Reuse decorations year after year. Decorations need not be discarded once the holiday season ends. Come the new year, inspect holiday decorations and store those that made it through the season unscathed. Doing so benefits the planet and will save you the trouble of shopping for new decorations next holiday season. Get rid of your old holiday lights. Still using the same Christmas lights you used in 1995? Such lights are likely incandescent bulbs that are considerably less efficient than today’s LED Christmas lights. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that LED lights consume 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. In addition, the OEERE says that LED holiday lights are easier to install and that as many as 25 strings of lights can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. An eco-friendly holiday season is easier to realize than many holiday celebrants may know.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE
Visit our Main Office on Saturday, December 15th for some Holiday cheer!
Santa Visits Maspeth 9AM - 2PM Goliard Carolers 11AM - 1PM 56-18 69th Street Maspeth, NY 11378 Enter into our FREE Holiday Stocking Raffle... Maspeth Federal Savings Holiday Stocking Raffle Entry Ticket First Name: ______________________________ Last Name:_____________________________ Phone #: _______________________________ E-Mail: ________________________________ Address: _______________________________ City: _____________ State: _____ Zip: ________ Are you a customer? ____ Yes ____ No | Branch: ___________________ Drop off your entry ticket by December 15th or visit one of our branches to complete your entry. No deposit necessary. Limit one entry per person. You do not have to be present to win. Drawing will be held at each branch on Monday, December 17th at 2PM. Winners will be notified by phone or e-mail.
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40 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018
Workplace
G
gifting etiquette
ift giving in the workplace can be challenging territory to navigate. And as anyone who has received an inappropriate gift or something that really wasn’t useful can attest, he or she probably doesn’t want to face a situation in which a gift leads to office gossip. According to a poll conducted by Harris, around half of workers plan to gift at least one business associate around the holidays but are confused about what to give. Too often it’s up to workers to navigate these etiquette minefields on their own, but the following tips can help the process go smoothly.
Keep it impersonal. Impersonal doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to grab anything off the shelf.
But the gift should not be something that would offend tastes or sentiments. Avoid clothing, perfume, jewelry, or accessories. Lotions and other scented items are also ill-advised. Skip your boss. Etiquette experts say that gifts should flow downward not upward in the realm of employment ranking. That means it’s best to stick with gifting colleagues who are on the same level as you. Buying a gift for the boss may look like you’re simply trying to score brownie points instead of offering a meaningful gift. Give group gifts. Rather than gifting individuals, it can be safer to give a group gift from which many can benefit. This can include coffee and pastries from a nearby bakery,
or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up the office environment. Keep prices modest. Office giving is not about illustrating who can afford the most expensive gift. Remember, some people will not be able to reciprocate, and they shouldn’t feel uncomfortable
for being on the receiving end of a lavish gift. Follow the rules. Gift exchanges should be cleared with supervisors or human resources professionals. It pays to check if there are rules in place for gifting others. Avoid cash gifts. Giving cash or checks is not a good
idea. Money should only come by way of bonuses from higher-ups. If you’re stuck on what to give, a gift card to a store that a coworker visits is acceptable. Gifting at work is complicated, and certain etiquette should be followed so no lines are crossed.
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News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE
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42 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018
5 reasons it’s smart to use credit when
holiday shopping he average American shopper will spend around $975 on holiday gifts, according to past spending trends and estimates from the American Research Group and the National Retail Federation. Although shoppers
T
have various payment options at their disposal, the use of credit cards remains a popular and financially savvy way to handle purchases, albeit when done correctly.
1. Build your credit history. Creditors look at how individuals use credit cards when determining credit scores. One of the biggest components of a credit scoring model is payment history, or the pattern of using credit and paying it back on time. Making repeated purchases on credit cards and then paying the bill when it is due can result in a spike in
credit score and help consumers build a healthy credit history. The key is to make payments in full and on time.
2. Credit is safer than carrying cash. Stores are very busy during the holiday rush, and consumers are easily distracted. Carrying around large sums of cash for purchases can put you at risk for theft or losing the money along the way. There’s little chance of having lost or stolen cash returned, but a credit card can be cancelled and replaced. Plus, financial institutions have security protocols in place to freeze accounts and erase purchases that were made under fraudulent scenarios.
3. Track your purchases. Credit card companies track all purchases and will itemize shopping excursions on cardholders’ statements.
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This can make it much easier to keep track of your spending. In addition, some stores do not require receipts for purchases made with credit cards.
4. Earn reward points while spending. Competition in the credit card world is stiff, and many financial institutions are trying to entice customers with special deals for signing up and using their cards. Some credit cards give cash back. Others accrue points based on spending on particular categories, such as dining or travel. Rewards can be redeemed in various ways and can be a big bonus of using credit over cash.
5. Cards may come with warranties. Credit cards can provide built-in warranties on purchases made on the card, such as replacement coverage for an electronic device or cancellation insurance on a trip. What’s more, if you have a dispute with a merchant or aren’t happy with something you bought, you can often request a chargeback through the credit card company. Credit cards have many advantages, but it’s imperative that consumers pay their balances in full and on time.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE
How to time
holiday shopping right he holiday season begins at the end of November and stretches into the first week of January. But this five-week stretch may not necessarily be the best time for everyone to shop.
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Harvard Business Review says that the retail industry has been turned on its head in recent years, and shoppers and retailers may want to rethink their approaches to the holiday shopping season. Consumers are no longer interested in retailers dictating their shopping schedules, and some people have grown accustomed to buying products when they want them — especially when price is of no concern. Even budget-conscious shoppers have changed their habits, says the shopping advisor RetailNext. Many holiday shoppers are delaying their shopping until January to take advantage of post-season sales. Holiday shopping need not wait until after the holiday season, either. A 2017 RetailMeNot survey found that 45 percent of U.S. consumers said they planned to start shopping before November 1. One-quarter of the survey respondents said they planned to start shopping before October, and 12 percent started shopping for the holidays in the summer. So when should consumers do their holiday shopping? It all depends on what fits a person’s individual needs.
Shop sales, not schedules. If budget is a big concern, shoppers should grab items that are on sale whenever they are available. That can mean shopping at any time of the year. People can try making a master shopping list early in the year and saving it on their mobile phones. While shopping throughout the year, items from the list can be purchased and stored until the holidays. Shop your strengths. Those who get a thrill from tackling their entire shopping list in one haul can still do that. Shopping in this manner can help shoppers focus on the task at hand and reduce the likelihood of wasting time. But keep in mind that, according to a survey conducted by Business Wire, 65 percent of holiday shoppers scramble to complete their purchases in the last two weeks before Christmas, so shoppers who delay may be stuck in long lines at the mall. Embrace in-store pickup. Many retailers are merging their online and brick-and-mortar operations. Shoppers have the convenience of pricecomparison and online shopping, with the physical enjoyment of going out to the store to complete their purchases. In-store pickup often enables shoppers to avoid hefty shipping fees, as instore pickup is free. Plus, scoping out items online — and ensuring they’re in stock — saves the hassle of making a trip in vain. Shoppers can look beyond the conventional holiday season to get the best prices and deals that fit their shopping needs.
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44 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018
Get to know favorite wines for
A
glass of wine makes a nice accompaniment to a meal or something to enjoy and sip while conversing with friends in social situations. Many people have a favorite style of wine, and some even have a favorite vineyard. In addition, the popularity of wine makes it a versatile gift for the holidays or something to bring along to a holiday party as a hostess present.
Novice wine enthusiasts may be interested in learning more about wine so they can choose their wine selections for gifting and enjoyment more readily. According to the experts at Wine Enthusiast, learning to taste wine and differentiate between flavors is similar to appreciating art or music. Understanding the varietals can simplify the process of selecting wines.
giving
•C Cabernet b Sauvignon: S i Thi This iis a ffullll bodied red grape heavily planted in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet generally has high levels of alcohol and tannins.
d red d that h pairs i very wellll with i h food. f d a dry Chianti, which comes from the Chianti region in Tuscany, is made exclusively with Sangiovese grapes, or at least 80 percent of them and other blends.
• Merlot: The smoothness and mild flavor of this red wine make it a great option for those who need an introduction to red wine. This wine is lower in tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, and it tends to have a more fruity flavor profile as well.• Cabernet Franc: This is a light- to middle-weight wine that features a high acid content and savory flavors.
• Chardonnay: This is a mediumto full-bodied dry white wine. The Chardonnay grape is a white grape from the Burgundy region of France.
• Malbec and Carménère: Similar to Merlot, these grapes originated in France but then made their way to other regions of the world. Malbec is most popular in Argentina, while Carménère is grown in Chile.
• Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a zesty, dry white wine that is particularly associated with Italy even though it originated in France, where it is thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Grigio skins are not green like other white grapes, but have a gray hue, hence the name.
• Zinfandel: Although mostly associated with the rosé wine White Zinfandel, Zinfandel is actually a medium-bodied red wine that originated in Croatia. • Pinot Noir: Soft tannins and high acid give this light-bodied red wine its appeal. The grapes were first widely planted in France but can now be found elsewhere. • Chianti: Chianti is the most famous Italian red wine in North America. It’s
• Sauvignon Blanc: Citrus-driven and often light-bodied, Sauvignon Blanc is another dry white grape planted widely in France. It also is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Reisling: Those who prefer a sweet white wine can opt for Reisling, which can be traced to Germany. It can be a good match for those who appreciate other sweet white wines, such as Moscato or Gewürztraminer. There are many wines to tempt palates. When gifting, the selections mentioned above can tempt foodies and budding sommeliers alike.
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News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE
The benefits of LED
holiday lights M
any people put significant effort into their holiday lights. When a bulb goes out, all that effort can seem like it was for naught. Replacing a single bulb or multiple bulbs can be a lot of work. Fortunately, LED holiday lights provide a more user- and eco-friendly alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the following are some of the attributes that make LED holiday lights a superior alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. Safety: LED lights burn a lot cooler than traditional incandescent lights, reducing the risk of combustion. And because they burn cool, they also reduce the risk of burnt fingers, which may make them more appealing to parents of curious youngsters and people who will be hosting family and friends during the holiday season. Sturdiness: Because they’re made with epoxy lenses and not glass like traditional incandescent bulbs, LED holiday lights are less likely to break. That can be especially beneficial to people with pets who might bump into
the family Christmas tree. Longevity: LED lights are initially more expensive than more traditional lights. However, the OEERE notes that lights bought today may still be in use 40 holiday seasons from now. That longevity makes them well worth the higher initial investment. Ease of installation: LED lights are easily installed, and the OEERE says as many as 25 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. That can ease the nerves of homeowners concerned about the potential hazards of elaborate holiday lighting displays.
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Energy savings: LED lights consume considerably less energy than incandescent lights, saving homeowners money on their energy bills, which can skyrocket in December thanks to interior and exterior holiday lighting displays using incandescent lights. In fact, the OEERE estimates that, by 2027, widespread use of LED lights could save consumers more than $30 billion at today’s electricity prices.
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46 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018
Eco - friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ giving the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list. Locally made products Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community. Music lessons and other gifts of service do not require a great deal of natural resources, making them ideal eco-friendly gifts.
G
iving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has
grown. Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but giftgivers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for
Gifts of service A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources, and recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle. For example, teach a senior member of your
growing kit that enables them to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone.
family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries. Recycled goods When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop.
Antiques New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories. The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.
Natural gifts Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-
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News Times Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018 • HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE
How to gift the people
who aren’t family C
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.
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.
Hairstylist 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.
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48 HOLIDAY GIFT & PARTY GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 7, 2018
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