Parties, Dining & Shopping
a blank slate media/ litmor publications special section november 16, 2018
38 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 16, 2018
4 tips to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season F amilies big and small typically celebrate the holiday season together. For some, celebrating the holidays with family requires traveling, while others stay put and welcome family and friends into their homes.
At some point during the holiday season, celebrants who host family and friends will no doubt prepare a homecooked meal for their loved ones. Cooking for a crowd can seem like a daunting task, especially for first-time hosts. However, there are various ways for hosts to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season.
1. Prepare a familiar dish. Hosts may agonize over their holiday menus, and some may feel compelled to prepare a family specialty or the same dishes their parents or grandparents prepared for holiday dinners when they were children. But holiday hosts can make things easy
on themselves by choosing dishes they’ve made in the past, regardless of their place in family history. Chances are the ingredients for hosts’ own specialties are already in the pantry, saving a potentially time-consuming trip to the grocery store. And thanks to the familiarity factor, hosts’ own specialties likely won’t require as much time to prepare.
2. Share some cooking duties. Another way to simplify cooking for a crowd is to invite guests to bring along a side dish or dessert. Guests who live nearby can make something in advance of the big meal, while hosts can hand over their kitchens to overnight guests who express a willingness to contribute their own homecooked dish to the party. Sharing the cooking duties gives hosts more time to connect with friends and family and serves as a great way to plan the menu in advance.
3. Only make what guests are likely to eat. Hosts also should not feel pressured to cook more food than is necessary. Holiday meals have a tendency to be lavish, but hosts don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing food that will likely end up as leftovers or trash. Get a final headcount in the days before everyone comes over and adjust your recipes accordingly.
4. Start early. If the big is on Christmas Day, that does not mean hosts have to start cooking while everyone unwraps their presents. Hosts who are uncertain about what to cook can look for meals that can be prepared in advance so come the big day all they need to do is turn on the oven and let meals cook while the family spends time together. Hosts can employ various strategies to simplify the process of cooking for a crowd this holiday season.
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News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 16, 2018 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
Tis-the season @ Harbor Links
Whether you are looking to host a small intimate affair or a large gala, Harbor Links is the perfect setting to have your next Holiday Party. Choose the perfect menu for your holiday celebration
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• Sit down menus • Buffet menus • Cocktail style menus • Light fair of hors d' oeuvres and desserts • Full open bar packages • Beer and wine packages • Wine packages • Cash bar
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40 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 16, 2018
Flowers Say It All…
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Holiday party must-haves P
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.
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
2. Decorations
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.
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
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, November 16, 2018 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
The 29th Annual Long Island festi of treval es
Thanksgiving Weekend Friday, Saturday & Sunday • November 23, 24 & 25 • 10am to 5pm
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Admission: $15 Adults • $10 Children Children 2 and under are free. • Paid admission for children includes Cookie Decorating Activity. Admission includes: Entrance to the Festival & Cradle of Aviation Museum • Exciting NEW Museum Exhibits • Gingerbread Village • Spectacular display of one-of-a-kind Designer Trees • Continuous Live Entertainment • Vendor Marketplace • Dept. 56 • Santa’s Gift Shop • and, of course, Santa! Advance tickets can be purchased at www.cradleofaviation.org www.cpnassau.org • www.facebook.com/cpnassauFestivalofTrees Proceeds benefit Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc. and the Cradle of Aviation Museum. • Call for information 516-378-2000 x648.
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A dinner dance for Dads, Grandpas and the little girl in their life. The 23rd
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An enchanted gala for girls aged 4-12 and their Dad or Grandpa. Guests enjoy an elegant evening of dinner and dancing, a performance of the Nutcracker performed by Leggz Ltd. Dance Studio of Rockville Centre, a Magic show, a corsage and gift for each young lady and other fun surprises Sponsored by
To purchase tickets, please call 516-378-2000 x 651
Cost is $175 per couple ($100 each adult/$75 each child) All Proceeds Benefit the Cerebral Palsy Association of www.cpnassau.org
assau County
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42 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 16, 2018
RSVP
RSVPetiquette for any gathering
I
t’s exciting to be invited to a party any time during the year, but the rate of invites seems to increase come the holiday season. According to party planning resource Punchbowl, holiday party invitations reach their peak in mid- to late-November, but continue to be sent through December. The first Monday in December is the day when the most online holiday party invitations are sent. Hosting a party involves a lot of coordination. Party hosts rely on an accurate head count in order to plan accordingly. This is only achieved if invitations reach their intended recipients, and invited guests respond in a timely manner. Anyone who has ever hosted a party understands the feeling of having to wait for everyone to RSVP. And in an era of immediate digital gratification, party host patience may be lacking. Failure to RSVP is a failure of party etiquette, and hosts may feel as though their efforts are not appreciated if guests fail to RSVP on time. To avoid a manners mishap — and even worse, miss the party altogether — practice this RSVP etiquette for each and every event.
Avoid laziness RSVP is an abbreviation for the French phrase “respondez s’il vous plait.” This means to “please respond.” Until roughly 50 years ago, RSVP was not commonly included on invitations because it was implied that guests would do the right thing and respond of their own accord to the hospitality extended. Everyone is guilty from time to time of getting a little forgetful.
But when hosts are counting on your response to plan their events, it pays to make responding a priority, and doing so within 24 hours is best.
Recognize the RSVP’s importance to the host Put yourself in the place of the host. He or she is counting on receiving responses to invitations. Failure to respond in a timely manner adds additional work to the party host. This person has to track you down. Or he or she may misinterpret a lack of response as lack of interest.
Regrets only? Only if the invitation states that Some people think they don’t have to respond unless they’re not coming to the party. The fact is, unless the invitation specifically says to RSVP for “regrets only,” assume that you have to respond one way or another.
Rescinding your response It is improper etiquette to agree to attend a party only to cancel at the last minute if a better invitation comes along. Unless it is an emergency situation or someone is sick, canceling an RSVP without a good reason is rude.
Etiquette for hosts Send invites out several weeks in advance so people can check their schedules. As the date approaches, it is fine to reach out to guests who didn’t RSVP. Be polite and ask nicely if that person will be able to join you.
Set your sing-a-long party apart hristmas carols became part of holiday celebrations roughly 200 years ago. Initially gaining popularity in England before becoming holiday traditions in the Americas, carols are part and parcel of modern holiday celebrations.
C
Provide bound carol books
One popular holiday party theme is a sing-a-long. Although door-to-door caroling has long been a holiday staple, celebrants can enjoy staying in and singing as well. To make your sing-a-long party unique, include some of these ideas in the celebration.
Book live accompaniment
Rent or borrow karaoke equipment Increase the performance factor by securing a karaoke machine. Many are preprogrammed with holiday standards. Various karaoke services exist online as well. For a small fee you can sign up for an account and access lyrics and music that can be streamed over a computer or any device with an internet connection.
Pair picture-drawing with singing Combine singing sessions with a game of “guess the picture.” Guests select a holiday title out of a basket and then have to draw their interpretation so others can guess what song is being drawn. Afterward, everyone joins in to sing the tune.
Give each guest a custom-designed book of Christmas carols, complete with sheet music or just lyrics that they can use to follow along while joining in singing. Afterwards, this book can be a take-home present and memento. Singing along to live music can be a treat. Find someone who is proficient on the piano, guitar or another musical instrument who will come and guide the musical interludes. Guests will gather around and offer their own voices. If the goal is to hire an accompanyist, note that the holiday season can be a busy time for performers, so book early.
Highlight a singing virtuoso Chances are there is someone in your group of friends or family who is adept at singing. Ask this person if he or she would be willing to perform a special solo.
Set the mood Dim overhead lights and sing by candlelight or by the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree. Guests may feel less inhibited if they aren’t on full display. Holiday songs are intertwined with the magic of Christmastime. A sing-a-long party can be the ideal way to gather friends and family.
News Times Newspapers, Friday, November 16, 2018 • HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING
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Gifts that pamper and rejuvenate Facials, aromatherapy, candles, and comfortable bed linens are gifts that can pamper and relax.
S
tress can be bad for the body, contributing to depression, anxiety, hypertension, and even obesity. Unfortunately, more than half of working adults and 47 percent of all Americans say they are concerned with the amount of stress in their lives, according to a survey from the American Psychological Association. Canadians, too, are feeling stressed. The North American research company Ipsos found that stress affects 76 percent of the Canadian population.
relax and rejuvenate might be the ideal fit for those who need a little rest and relaxation.
holders or a nice tray on which candles of various heights can be placed.
Aromatherapy: Studies have shown that aromatherapy, or breathing in certain scents, can trigger reactions in the brain and affect emotions, mood and memory. Specific essential oils can help relieve stress, induce relaxation and even promote better sleep. Scents such as lavender, lemon or yuzu, bergamot, ylang ylang, and jasmine can promote relaxation in many people.
Plush robe: Sometimes lounging around the house is all that’s necessary to create a soothing atmosphere. A plush robe that is luxurious and comfortable will help that someone special unwind after a long day or after sleeping in on the weekend.
Reducing stress can be especially important during the holiday season, which, thanks in part to its hectic nature, tends to produce extra feelings of stress. Gifts that pamper,
Candles: The combination of subtle, low flickering light and relaxing aromas can make candles soothing gifts. Put together an entire gift package with decorative candle
Home aquarium: Stress can melt away watching underwater life flick and flitter through the aquarium. Combined with soothing bubbles and the gentle hum and splash of the filter, it is easy to see how having a fish tank in the home can alleviate stress. Make sure the gift recipient
is able to care for the fish and select low-maintenance species. Bed linens: Treat someone special to the gift of added relaxation in the bedroom. Buying bed linens is often a chore and an expense that people put off. Pima cotton, silk, satin, or sateen sheets can be cool, comfortable and soothing. Facial treatment: A massage session can be relaxing, but so can a facial. There’s something serene about having a professional apply products and rub areas of the face and temples. Stress will slip away in an instant. Pampering gifts can help ease anxiety, tame stress and help anyone feel more relaxed and happy.
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
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. Natural gifts Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-
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. 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.
44 HOLIDAY PARTIES, DINING & SHOPPING • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, November 16, 2018
Festive tree-trimming tips and techniques P
eople have visited forests to select their Christmas trees for centuries. While tree sellers conveniently stationed in store parking lots and artificial trees displayed in various retailers have led fewer people to venture into the wilderness, the Christmas tree is still an important component of holiday celebrations. Long before the spread of Christianity, evergreen plants and trees held special meaning for people during the winter. Boughs and garlands were hung in homes and over doors and windows to repel evil spirits and illnesses. On the winter solstice, the greenery would represent that spring would once again arrive and banish winter’s dreariness. Germans who decorated trees inside of their homes are credited with starting Christian Christmas tree traditions during the 16th century. Early Americans were late to adopt Christmas trees because early Puritan settlers thought the tradition — as well as carols and other concepts — were Pagan influences. It took the popularity of England’s Queen Victoria and her German Prince Albert appearing around a decorated Christmas tree to eventually win over much of Europe, Canada and the United States. Trees are very popular today. According to StatisticsBrain, 10 million artificial trees are sold in the United States each year, while 34.5 million real tress are sold annually. Such trees require decorating, and the following secrets and tips can help celebrants do just that.
Prune the tree first. Be sure to shape the tree as desired, since natural trees will have branches sticking out. Wear gardening gloves to avoid being covered in sap.
Christmas trees, decorate with natural ingredients, such as berries and pinecones. Also, use apples, nuts and marzipan candies.
Position trees away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents or radiators, which can cause the tree to dry out prematurely and become a fire risk.
To free up more space for presents, place a narrow tree stand inside of a waterproof planting container. Place the tree inside. This will provide a more streamlined look that’s neater than a tree skirt.
For added safety, anchor a tree to a wall or ceiling, so it will not tumble over onto children or curious pets. In homage of the first German
The more lights the better, especially on dense trees. For a whimsical approach, match the tree decor to home
decor and the color of furniture. Make handcrafted ornaments with the whole family. Hang the most delicate pieces toward the top where they won’t be disturbed. Step back and enjoy your handiwork, which will also give you a chance to find any blank spots that need filling in. Tree trimming is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season, and there are no rules other than safety guidelines when it comes to decorating.