Holiday planning 2016

Tulsa World Supplement, Sunday, November 6, 2016

Holiday

Planning & Entertaining Fabulous

Feasts Natural Tablescapes Picking your

Tree Win a Trip of a Lifetime

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HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

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DON’T EVER CHANGE, PUMPKIN PIE! Food is steeped in the expectations of tradition. Here’s why Thanksgiving is the most iconic food moment of the year.

Although most family holidays have an ingrained tradition, Thanksgiving takes the pie (pumpkin, of course) for being the one least likely to change.

Even as families grow and the holiday hosting duties switch, what remains are the traditions, and none more so than those found on the table.

Whether it’s Mom’s apple pie, Grandma’s mashed potatoes or Aunt Karen’s fresh-baked rolls, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without these “must-haves” at the annual feast.

Even in an age of expanding palates and culinary wonders, when it comes to Thanksgiving, we sit down and plate up an array of the most basic foods — turkey, potatoes, stuffing and pie.

What differs is how we serve them. Regionally there are dis-

tinctive dishes, and every family has its own way of preparing the meal. But regardless of how or where the dinner is cooked, the traditional Thanksgiving meal defines our holiday.

All in the family “Without mashed potatoes and gravy, it’s not Thanksgiving,” says Jill Houk, a professional chef and author of “The Complete Soda Making Book” (Adams Media, 2014). Houk has been making her family’s gravy since she was 12 years old. “It never varies,” she says.

Similarly, her sister makes the mashed potatoes, and has been for the past 20 years. Houk also makes the homemade cranberry sauce while her mom makes the turkey.

See Traditions page 4

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s Find more ideas in these upcoming Holiday sections: Holiday Gift Guide — Sunday, November 20 Holiday Book — Sunday, December 4 Holiday Countdown — Sunday, December 11

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TRADITIONS Continued from page 2

“From our standpoint, those are absolute staples,” she says.

At cookbook author Diane Morgan’s house, “the world will fall apart” if she doesn’t make her son’s favorite pie.

“If you have these strong elements within a family, those will carry forward, especially if the generations continue to cook,” she says. “Either that, or I’ll get him home for a lot of Thanksgivings.”

Morgan, author of “The New Thanksgiving Table” (Chronicle Books, 2008) and “Salmon: Everything You Need to Know” (Chronicle Books, 2016), says that the anticipation of those familiar tastes drives the desire for them.

“It’s only once a year you eat these foods,” she says. “We don’t think about stuffing in January.”

So comforting are those tastes that even the most creative of chefs returns to his roots for Thanksgiving. Dishes such as “black truffle explosion, romaine, parmesan” helped Grant Achatz, chef and owner of trendsetting Alinea restaurant in Chicago, win recognition as the country’s outstanding chef in 2008.

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“When I cook at home for myself or for my family at holiday times it is always straightforward fare,” Achatz says. “For Thanksgiving, the typical roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and cranberry jelly are what we eat.”

Achatz feels that “gathering for a holiday meal has a different purpose than dining out.” The focus, he says, is on gathering with family and comfort.

“Eating Aunt Betty’s pumpkin pie every year leads to a feeling of tradition. It simply makes people feel good, and who doesn’t like that?”

Traditions start at ome Eating local may be a trend at the moment, but at one time it was the only way to eat. Many Thanksgiving traditions are based on the foods that were available during that time of year in any particular area.

In her book due out this fall, Morgan focused on regional recipes. “We all talk about local, and what really started the traditions were the local foods,” she says.

In the Midwest, for example, Morgan says parsnips, potatoes and green beans — vegetables that are staples of the farm table meal — appear in many of

the recipes. In Minnesota, wild rice is locally grown and therefore an ingredient in the dressing. Shrimp, creamed gravy and biscuits are likely to be on a table in the South.

So does Kirti Pant, corporate chef for Tiffin.com, Philadelphia, who roasts a turkey for Thanksgiving that has been marinated in traditional Indian flavors.

“This was an occasion we wanted to celebrate in an American way, but we wanted to keep the flavors authentic Indian,” he says. “It’s always great to be so far away and still be able to enjoy the same authentic flavors that you grew up with.”

Best deal in town The flavors and foods of youth have another advantage — they’re cheaper.

Buying locally and seasonally available foods makes economic sense, ecological sense and culinary sense.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the menu may be simple, but it’s filled with items that are not only delicious, but meaningful and responsible as well. Besides, as Achatz says, “How often do you get to eat roast turkey and stuffing?”

By Dana Carman, CTW Features

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Refreshing the Classics While tradition is key to preparing the perfect holiday meal, perhaps this is the year to spice up a classic dish with a subtle twist that won’t offend the purists in the family. Try these ideas to bring new, exciting flair to the standard Thanksgiving table.

Pumpkin pie There’s something about that freshbaked pumpkin pie aroma that makes the dish Thanksgiving’s official dessert. But even this traditional crowd pleaser gets a tasty makeover in Robin Miller’s holiday preparations. She kneads crushed hazelnuts into the crust , a trick See Traditions page 6

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the same for turkey. As an example, these could include a honey-mustard topping, a soy/sesame/wasabi mix and a mayonnaise/pesto combination.

that works even with store-bought crusts.

As a colorful contrast, she also adds white chocolate shavings over the top. Give store-bought pies a custom treatment by mixing up a couple varieties of flavored whipped cream. Miller, author of “Robin Takes 5 for Busy Families” (Andrews McMeel, 2013) and former host of her own Food Network show, suggests a dash of chocolate syrup for the kids and a shot of Grand Marnier or other flavored liqueur for the grown-ups.

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Turkey Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without old Tom on the table, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same preparation year after year. For added flavor, Miller rubs fresh oregano, thyme and rosemary over the bird before roasting and lets the sprigs add flavor to the pan juices. Similarly, Chef Michael Schulson, owner and executive chef of Izakaya in Atlantic City, New Jersey, mixes fresh herbs with soft butter and rubs the blended ingredients under the skin. For an even richer taste, Miller makes her gravy with rehydrated porcini mushrooms and uses the mushroom liquid.

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Ham For many families, ham is a Christmas tradition, either on its own or as an added treat next to roast turkey. Miller suggests whipping up different sauces to pass with the pork; Schulson suggests

Cranberries A decade or so ago, American cooks discovered that fresh cranberry sauce was a flavorful and easy-to-make alternative to the canned alternative (though many have come to miss that wonderful “thwack” sound of jellied cranberries leaving their container). Miller takes the basic fresh-cranberry recipe to yet another level by creating a relish using shallots, apple vinegar and parsley. She has also created a cranberry salsa by combining chopped cranberries with lime juice, cumin and cilantro. Miller has even found use for jellied cranberries – mix them with red wine vinegar and olive oil. “It makes an awesome vinaigrette,” she says.

Mashed Potatoes Miller says celery root – also known as celeriac – gives everyday mashed potatoes “a phenomenal, very rich celery flavor” and buttermilk adds a flavorful “twang.” Schulson likes to turn up the heat on his mashed potatoes with a dash of wasabi. “Think of it as similar to horseradish, which is a natural pair with a rich brisket or succulent filet,” he says. For a more colorful table, turn your masher to today’s rainbow-colored spuds, such as purple Peruvian varieties, perfect for what Schulson calls a kid-friendly batch of “blue goo” mashed potatoes.

By Chuck Ross, CTW Features

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Look Natural Craft the Perfect Holiday Tablescape

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You’re planning the perfect holiday dinner. Guests have been invited, the menu is prepared — with allergies and dietary preferences accounted for — and decorating is last on the list. There’s a lot of care and attention that goes into holiday decorations, but it’s easy to overlook one important space when setting up for the season: the dining room table. This is the area that will set the mood not only for dinner but also for the rest of the evening.

“The dining room table is the heart of holiday entertaining, so don’t underestimate its importance in your decorating plans,” says Stephen Brown, author of “Glitterville’s Handmade Christmas” (Andrews McMeel, 2014).

Since this is where guests will enjoy the most memorable aspect of the party, See Table page 8

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a festive tablescape will be the perfect complement to dinner. Follow these experts’ tips to compose a beautiful display that will leave a lasting impression.

Use natural elements Bringing the great

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outdoors inside will make for a stunning tablescape that won’t break the bank.

Natural materials provide a neutral base that has the flexibility to be taken in different directions.

Melissa Fenlon, cofounder and editor at the DIY and lifestyle blog Alice & Lois, recommends a woodsy look. To achieve this, find pieces of reclaimed wood at flea markets, thrift stores or

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salvage yards to use as a base.

“Then begin to layer your natural textures on top of the wood — start with eucalyptus, then begin to add pomegranates, air plants and, if you want more color, go for kumquats, too,” Fenlon says.

Another possibility is to create an earthy feel as Shannon Smith, a Washington, D.C.-based interior decorator, likes to do. “I

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always start with a garland of greenery — magnolia branches, eucalyptus, pine boughs, etc. — and I like to run the garland down the center of the table,” she says. “It adds a natural element that is so classic and fresh.”

To determine which approach you’ll take, put together an inventory of materials you have immediate access to — maybe gourds from your garden or twigs and leaves from the backyard — as well as other items from around your home that you can repurpose.

Develop a color palette based on what you have, and then pick out complementary pieces at a local florist, craft store or in the produce section of the supermarket.

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Preserve all pieces Organic materials do decompose, so it’s vital to take the right steps to preserve them. First, you’ll See Table page 9

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Consider creating an earthy feel when decorating your dining space for the holidays. Start with a garland of greenery for a natural element that gives the space a fresh feel. Add decorative ornaments that are complementary to your color scheme.

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TABLE Continued from page 7

want to get rid of any ants and other critters that you may find on your items.

Smith recommends baking twigs and pinecones and submerging delicate items, such as leaves, in a vinegar bath.

Once everything is cleaned well, you can employ a few different methods to help with preservation.

If you want to display sliced-open fruit, it’s surprisingly easy to pull off. “Brush them completely with a light coating of egg whites to seal all of the exposed edges and prevent the air from getting in,” Brown explains. “Then sprinkle with superfine sugar.” His secondary method is to dip each piece in paraffin wax, which will add a nice

sheen as well.

Painting is another preservation technique that adds a deeper layer of interest to natural décor. It could be as simple as white-painted pumpkins offset by gold-dusted twigs and pinecones.

Try applying it to other elements as well. Smith suggests creating place cards by spray painting leaves, and then using a paint pen to write guests’ names on them.

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Add festive flair As beautiful as natural elements are, they often can be drab on their own and need contrast to create a lively display that’s fit for the holidays.

“The key to successfully decorating with natural materials is knowing when to add some sparkle and shine,” Brown says. “Add the

luster of a few silvered baubles, glass glitter or anything that reflects some light, and the natural materials become magically sophisticated!”

You can create even more interest throughout your tablescape by playing with height.

Smith recommends using tall candlesticks and taper candles of varying colors and sizes, as they won’t be too intrusive in cross-table conversation.

When your tablescape is completed, select a few bold elements — something colorful or a standout item — to weave into the other decorations around your home. Keep it simple, though, so that your dining room table can be the star of the party.

By Tara Shubbuck, CTW Features

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HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

Start the day with something special.

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Surprise your family, friends or fellow employees with something special to start either their workday or their day of. Stop by Esperance Bakery in downtown Jenks for fresh-baked croissants, scones or jelly rolls in a variety of lavors. Change up your morning routine for breakfast and truly celebrate the season in a special way.

Lunch is on the house.

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Give your dedicated employees a special treat.

Instead of asking them to whip up a casserole at home to share the next day at the office holiday party, show them how much you care by catering an office lunch where all they have to do is come and enjoy a delicious meal they didn’t have to purchase or prepare. Call ahead a few days in advance to Naples Flatbread. Order a Panini or wrap with soup or salad for each employee or several types of flatbread. Naples has lots of great options. You’re guaranteed to boost morale around the workplace with this move.

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Work as a team.

You work alongside your colleagues every day, and it’s especially nice to relax while celebrating the holidays. Creating the best ofice holiday party takes everybody working together, and that often means bringing something delicious to share. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that every person you work with will actually like the taste of Grandma’s family recipe for calico salad with diced jalapenos. Save yourself the time and hassle. Pick up a party tray at Queenie’s in Utica Square. Choose from a sinfully delicious dessert tray or a vegetable tray with hummus and other healthy snacks.

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Make that dinner party fun!

How many dinner parties do you think you’ll be invited to during the ive weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve? Better yet, what if you’re the host?

Chances are those party menus will look and taste the same. Here’s how to avoid that: think festive, think iesta. Go Mexican!

Ricardo’s in midtown can do all the cooking for you. All you need to do is put it on the table and watch your guests ill their plates with enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, tamales and more. They’ll leave at night’s end saying your party was “muy bueno.” All you have to do to clean up is take out the trash.

Meat and greet.

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The culinary centerpiece of most family gatherings for Thanksgiving or Christmas is a turkey or ham. Get this part right, and the rest of the meal comes together with tried-andtrue side-dish recipes handed down from one generation to another. You can guarantee success by ordering a honey-kissed ham or a smoked whole turkey from The Hamlet. With two locations in south Tulsa and a third in Owasso, The Hamlet’s meats are carefully seasoned and fully cooked, making them a cinch to serve. Call ahead to reserve a ham or turkey that its the size of your gathering. You will be so glad you took this option. You might never go back to preparing your bird yourself.

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Anytime, anywhere.

Nothing deines holiday eats and treats quite like the iconic frosted sugar cookie. Stamping out dough in holiday shapes, such as angels, reindeer and snowmen, has become an art form in American culinary culture. We’re fortunate in the Tulsa area to have some master artists among us, including the staf at CookieDoodle in Jenks. They take cookies to a whole new level. Order a dozen or two of these and send them to school for your child’s classroom party before winter break. Or leave two of these on a plate for Santa on Christmas Eve, and see what happens to your stocking the next morning.

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HOLIDAYS Festive gatherings, large and small, are what make the holidays extra special. While some parties take place at special venues, many involve welcoming your friends and extended family members into your home. Now is the time to scan your abode for anything that needs your attention so you will be able to relax and enjoy the festivities with your loved ones. Here are a few ideas that may help you get your home in shape:

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1 Have you noticed that your carpeting is looking worn? Don’t let that snatch your joy away this holiday season. Check with Flooring Plus, which has a variety of budgetfriendly options. You can find the best product for your needs. From budget-friendly options to luxurious high-end selections, you will find styles and colors to match virtually any decor. As you make your selection, you can get input on the best padding for your individual needs.

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Gathering around the dining table for holiday meals builds memories we cherish for the rest of our lives. Sunshine Furniture has a wide selection of dining sets, such as this transitional dining set in the Abington dining room collection. The rustic, weathered charcoal finish over pine solid wood is accented by aged iron metal hardware and latte color faux leather upholstered seats on the handsome slat back dining chairs that perfectly complement the modern version of a farm table with tapered block legs.

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3 Your guests will be looking forward to all the delicious food you have planned, but don’t forget to dress up your dining room or living space with an elegant area rug from Grigsby’s Carpet, Tile and Rug Gallery. Styles range from Turkish, Oriental and natural to modern versions that are geometric, traditional, transitional, contemporary, country and Native American. Pick your pattern: floral, solid, stripe, plaid, seasonal or holiday.

Noshing is paramount when friends and family get together for the holidays, so now is the time to check what you may be lacking in cooking and serving supplies. You can find whatever you need at Restaurant Equipment & Supply. For instance, this 8-quart chafing dish with dome cover will keep food hot for hours at a time on your buffet line or table.

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Perhaps you’ve dreamed of converting your wood-burning fireplace to gas logs. Jack Wills can help you with all the information you’ll need to get the details right. For more than 30 years, Jack Wills has have been creating the most beautiful and realistic gas logs available. The vented gas log line includes popular radiant heat sets and many fresh cut and charred styles.

ad 100302507-01 Before Thanksgiving kicks off the string of celebrations, why not hire Chore Rescue to do the housecleaning for you. It’s one way you can relieve yourself of some of the tasks you have on your list to get ready for the festivities. Cleaning and organizing your fridge is just one of the many chores they can do for you. They will also clean up after holiday parties. Give them a call for Christmas tree clean up, too.

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Anatomy of the perfectly trimmed

TREE

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Sure, icicle lights can brighten your front path and a handsome door wreath is a surefire smile provoker.

But no holiday home decorating is complete without the right Christmas tree — one that’s lovingly adorned, entrancingly illuminated and ready to greet guests as they enter your abode.

In fact, more than 99 million homes — comprising 77 percent of all American households — displayed a Christmas tree in 2015, according to a survey conducted by Nielsen for the American Christmas Tree Association.

But with so many styles and options available today, it’s easy for homeowners in the market for a new Christmas tree or accompanying decor to get overwhelmed. Relax, say the experts: whether you choose a freshly cut fir with all the trimmings or a synthetic sapling, you won’t be a sap if you plan carefully.

First, remember that the tree you select “should represent your unique style and reflect your family’s holiday traditions, which sets the tone for all your festive entertaining,” says Emily Hull-Martin, home fashion director for Bloomingdale’s in New York City. “Think about making your tree the focal point for the room.”

Second, give thought to practical matters by scouting locations and taking measurements.

“Figure out where the tree will go, and consider available space, ceiling height, and if there are electrical outlets nearby,” suggests Alena Capra, owner of Alena Capra Designs, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based interior design firm.

Next comes perhaps the biggest decision of all: real or artificial? Both types have their pros and cons.

“If you love the smell of fresh pine or fir and don’t mind watering and cleaning up dead needles, nothing beats a real tree for creating a festive holiday mood,” Hull-Martin notes.

Kurt Heckman, a Frederick, Maryland homeowner, is a firm believer in a bona fide Douglas fir.

“As a tradition, we cut our own tree on the weekend after Thanksgiving at a cut-your-own-tree farm in the area,” Heckman says. “But we need to keep it watered and be careful when the tree is in the house, as many homes are lost every year to fires that start from a dry Christmas tree.”

Mark Chisholm, an arborist with Aspen Tree Expert Company in Jackson, See Tree page 15

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TREE Continued from page 14

New Jersey, says real trees have to be picked carefully.

“I recommend choosing one with some empty spaces or there won’t be much room for ornaments,” says Chisholm, who suggests buying an uncut tree (with its root ball intact) you can keep alive, and later replant, by planting it indoors within a container. “Also, be sure the first foot of the trunk is straight, or you’ll have a hard time getting it to stand correctly at home.”

For these and other reasons, most Americans opt for an artificial vs. real tree (81 percent vs. 19 percent), with an estimated 11.5 million artificial units purchased last year that will be displayed for an average of 11 years, per the aforementioned poll. Artificials come in many sizes, shapes, colors and varieties, including unlit, pre-lit with LED or mini bulbs, pre-flocked with fake snow, alternative-colored (like white, blue, pink, tinsel, or metallic), slim/narrow (for tight spaces) and even upside-down.

“Pre-lit artificial trees are easy to put up, easy to take down and the lights are already on it. The branches and shape are perfect, and the decorations go on easy,” Capra says.

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When it comes to lighting a real or imitation tree, “it should have at least 750 bulbs, which equates to 100 lights per foot,” says Thomas Harman, CEO of Redwood City, Colorado-based artificial tree manufacturer Balsam Hill, who recommends LED lights for greater efficiency and a 90 percent longer lifespan than traditional bulbs.

“Multi-colored lights help create a youthful look, especially if you’re going with colorful ornaments. If you’ve chosen more monochromatic ornaments or metallic, go with clear lights,” says Hull-Martin, who advises matching the color of your light cords to your tree’s color.

If you’re aiming for an elegant tree with harmonizing colors, ornament kits are worth exploring, Harman says.

“I also like to consider the décor of the room when deciding on ornaments,” Capra says.

As for the tree topper, whether it’s an angel, star, ribbon or bow, there’s no wrong answer.

“You need to think more about ceiling height and the weight of the topper, as a lot of the stars and angels they make are somewhat heavy,” Capra says.

“I personally prefer bow tops for color and because they don’t weigh down the tree top.”

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By Erik J. Martin, CTW Features

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Whether you choose a live or artificial Christmas tree and store-bought or homemade decorations, a large part of the fun is decorating it together as a family.

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Sit back, relax and let yourself be entertained

Will the next few weeks be a season of hustle and bustle or one of comfort and joy?

If you’re hoping for the latter, you will need to plan ahead.

5 ways to enjoy the holidays at home and away without the stress 1. Update your television.

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Now’s the perfect time to invest in that at-home entertainment system of yours. It used to be known simply as a “television,” but it can do so much more nowadays. If you thought Blu-Ray and High Definition were cutting-edge technology, then you’re a few years behind the curve.

We’re now living in the “4K” era of video clarity. The staff at Video Revolution in south Tulsa make it their business to stay on top of all things audio or video, and they can help you select the perfect flat or curved screen television to meet your lifestyle, whether you want to be the ultimate armchair quarterback when the football games are live, catch all those holiday flicks that air nonstop this time of year or take the ultimate gamer challenges.

Here’s another option: Invest in some awesome speakers to turn your existing TV into a surround-sound experience at home or pipe music throughout your house with the simple touch of a phone app. So many possibilities await, but don’t wait until the holidays are past to start enjoying them.

You can be the real armchair quarterback this season by upgrading your TV to a larger screen that offers the kind of picture quality that you have never seen before.

CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World file photo

2. Cozy up with a great read.

Maybe you’d prefer to unplug for awhile. It’s easy to escape with a book in hand, curled up on the sofa with the fireplace all aglow this time of year. Gardner’s Used Books and Music is the ideal destination to discover a hidden literary treasure. What began as a simple project by one man to unload some used titles 15 years ago has morphed into what’s believed to be the largest used bookstore in all of Oklahoma.

In addition to paperbacks and hardbacks in various categories, Gardner’s also carries selections of used videos, DVDs, games and CDs/records — all at amazingly affordable prices.

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3. Light up your life.

Illuminating homes and businesses with holiday lights in extravagant ways has become an American obsession, and Tulsa is no exception. It’s fun to spend an evening or two after dark, cruising through the best neighborhood displays with your family or friends in tow.

Better yet, consider booking a reservation at VIP Limousine, and let them do all the driving. Christmas light tours have become one of the most popular reasons for leasing a limo, outside of weddings and proms. Drivers know where all the best light displays are in the area, and they will customize any tour to include the destinations you like best.

Pick an evening when you and your friends or loved ones can comfortably fill a luxurious limo, but don’t wait. Many nights have been booked for months.

4. Browse and buy.

Shopping can be relaxing — depending on where and how it’s being done. And it certainly can be entertaining this time of year.

All of that can be accomplished at this year’s An Affair of the Heart show Nov. 18 to 20 at River Spirit Expo at Expo Square.

The twice-yearly event in Tulsa offers the region’s largest collection of handmade, boutique and gourmet items for sale.

Last year’s show was the largest in the event’s 20-year history. It drew more than 500 exhibitors and 26,000 shoppers.

Relax and enjoy your shopping experience. You don’t come here with a wish list of must-have items because every-

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Rent a limousine like this one to view Christmas lights around town. thing’s so unique that nobody would know to ask for it. Simply browse and see which gift ideas catch your eye. You still have five weeks before Christmas.

5. Stage something special.

Tulsa is home to many cultural treasures, and they really come to life this time of year at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. This downtown venue is where skilled professionals perform live plays, music and dance all centered around the holidays.

You would have to show up twice a week at the PAC this month and next just to see everything that’s scheduled.

Several of the highlights include: • Theater productions of “Elf the Musical” and “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” by touring Broadway casts as well as the annual telling of “A Christmas Carol” by local actors, • “The Nutcracker” performed by professional dancers from the Tulsa Ballet along with more than 100 local children, • A “Home for the Holidays” concert by the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by local singers.

“Cirque Dreams Holidaze” is a new Cirque du Soleil show, Broadway musical and family Christmas spectacular all in one. The touring group will perform shows Nov. 29-30 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, where you will find many great holiday events.

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Let the pros hang your holiday lights!

8 reasons to hire a local professional to decorate your home this year

Almost everyone can agree that it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit, especially when you pass by a home festively festooned with sparkling lights, colorful décor and eye-catching props peppered across the porch, lawn or roof. But the truth is that Yuletide exterior decorating done right can be downright difficult. If it could talk, that twinkling evergreen tree you admire would tell of many tweaked backs; those striking blue LEDs dangling from the neighbor’s eaves could warn you about the frayed cord waiting to deliver a shock; and that sleigh-and-reindeer set atop the garage across the street would share a cautionary tale about their owner nearly slipping off the roof.

Consequently, it’s no surprise that many homeowners hire professionals to do the decorating dirty work outdoors and prevent problems.

Count Mike and Lucy Peak, Laguna

Hills, California, among the converted.

Instead of hauling out the ladder, lights and extension cords, they enlist the expertise of a local holiday decorating service.

“They hang icicle lights from the rooflines, wrap our two large trees in white mini lights, install garland around the front and garage gates and front door, hang lights across our fence and place small trees covered in mini lights by the front door. Plus, we have a lighted Santa and reindeer on the front lawn and a snow scene with white trees, reindeer and elves on the other side of the front lawn,” says Lucy Peak. “We always draw a crowd in the neighborhood to see our display.”

Missy Henriksen, vice president of Public Affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals, says Santa See Lights page 19

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LIGHTS Continued from page 19

and Rudolph belong on the roof — but inexperienced novices don’t.

“Most everyone knows someone who has fallen from a rickety ladder while hanging lights, slipped off a roof, or exceeded their electrical experience trying to install extra power sources,” Henriksen says. “Professionals offer the know-how that can turn homeowners’ visions into reality — creating magical, festive displays that enhance a home’s appearance for the holidays.”

Still insist on being a decorating doit-yourselfer? Here are eight compelling reasons to reconsider:

1. Safety: Every time you have to climb up to attach lights and props, string cords together and plug them in, and deal with cold, icy weather, you’re risking injury. “Professionals also have the right experience, tools and equipment to make sure everything is installed safely,” Henriksen says.

2. Convenience: “People don’t like untangling lights, blowing dust off garland, and messing with non-working lights. All those hassles are eliminated when you hire a pro,” says Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor, a holiday decorating service provider based in Irving, Texas. Additionally, Jamee Fouts, owner of The Grounds Guys, a New Lenox, Illinois-based exterior maintenance company, says, “you don’t have to purchase, store and maintain the lighting.”

3. Time savings: Experts can typically adorn your exterior in a fraction of the time it would take you. “A professional will be able to know which electrical circuits can handle the amount of lights you want to install, how many lights are needed to light up your property, how to place items to stay up in extreme weather, and how to size things properly,” which are all tasks that, in the hands of an inexperienced homeowner, can require trial, error and extra time, says Isabelle Kaminsky, owner of For All Seasons in Lake Forest, California.

4. Finer design: “Professional decorators know what types of lights to use — incandescent, LED, clear, multi-colored, mini, etc. — and have a good sense of what will look good on a particular home or building,” Kaminsky says.

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5. A better-equipped display: “Many professional decorators will not install lights you own, as most require the installation of products they provide so they can have confidence in the quality and safety of the materials used,” Henriksen says. The result is a better-looking display. Also, many services offer hightech options such as animated lights and programmed controllers to create amazing synchronized light-and-music shows right on your front lawn.

6. A built-in backup plan: “Using a service-based company gives you a resource to handle the issue if your lights go out once installed — you don’t have to try to repair the issue yourself,” Fouts says.

7. Round trip peace of mind: Skilled installers don’t just put up — they take down in a timely manner, too, saving you the aggravation and preventing you from procrastinating this dreaded chore.

8. Household harmony: Spouses and kids can disagree on how to best deck the halls outdoors. You may find that entrusting an outside expert with this responsibility can relieve families of the pressure.

“I’ve heard many stories from clients that holiday decorating can often lead to family fights,” says Carole Aine Langrall, owner of A Garden of Earthly Delights, a Baltimore, Marylandheadquartered company that handles holiday floral decorating duties.

Prices for professional exterior decorating start at a few hundred dollars, while the national average cost for a typical-sized home featuring ample holiday lighting is between $1,200 and $1,500, according to Fouts.

“One client, who owns a large estate home and had us put three custom Santas in golfing poses on his rooftop, spends up to $40,000 each year for his seasonal decorating,” Fouts says.

Henriksen recommends getting bids from multiple companies and vetting each carefully; ask what type of lighting will be used, what happens if equipment is damaged or stops working, if they have proper insurance (including worker’s compensation and liability insurance), and if they can provide references to satisfied homeowners you can contact.

By Erik J. Martin, CTW Features

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