Holiday Planning 2017

Tulsa World Supplement, Sunday, November 5, 2017

Holiday

Planning & Entertaining Plan your Perfect Meal Deck the

HALLS Holiday

Events Win a Trip of a Lifetime

tulsaworld.com/holidays

HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

2 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

Take care of your holiday shopping, and

win your dream vacation!

Back to basics for holiday meals Think about family favorites, but be practical as you formulate your menu.

To prepare for Thanksgiving, Karla Brewer is signing up for a crash course covering the basics of preparing the meal. Never mind that she’s already taken this class a dozen times.

“It’s the kick-off to the holiday season. That’s when the holidays start for me,” says Brewer, in the Chicago area.

Whether you’re a novice, or like Brewer have a few roast turkeys in your culinary repertoire, getting into the Thanksgiving spirit can be easier when you get back to basics.

Don’t think you have to search out the hottest food trend (avocado toast is over). That’s not necessary or expected.

Instead concentrate on what’s important — providing a meal

that nurtures your guests and fits your comfort level, say cooking experts.

Think about the foods that are connected with sentiment and nostalgia, says Shelley Young, founder, CEO of the Chopping Block, a Chicago recreational cooking school that offers the Thanksgiving class Brewer enjoys.

This could mean including Uncle Joe’s sweet potatoes or Aunt Sue’s favorite green beans with bacon in the menu.

If you can’t remember the family favorites, ask. But be practical as you formulate your menu.

“When it comes to a busy day and you have guests, pick the things you know you do well and are comfortable with,” says SuSee FOOD page 7

Holiday Planning & Entertaining was produced

by Tulsa World’s Advertising Department.

For more information, call 918-581-8529.

s Find more ideas in these upcoming Holiday sections: Holiday Gift Guide — Sunday, November 19 Holiday Book — Sunday, December 3 Holiday Countdown — Sunday, December 10

Enter to win the trip of a lifetime each time you visit one of the participating advertisers. Look for the entry forms at participating stores Nov. 5 through Dec. 24.

The winner’s name will be drawn in January.

Entries from every store will be gathered together, and one lucky reader will win a $3,000 travel voucher to take the trip of his or her dreams sponsored by Tulsa World Media Company.

Enter for a chance to win a $3,000 vacation simply by visiting one of these participating retailers: AAA Oklahoma Action Arms Affair of the Heart Bella’s House Cascia Hall Celebrity Attractions Grigsby’s Carpet, Tile & Hardwood Kiddlestix Toy Store LaFortune Park

Metro Shoe Warehouse Bedford Camera & Video Oklahoma Spine & Brain Institute Snow’s Furniture Southern Agriculture Star Jewelers Tatermash Oilcloth Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Tulsa Ballet

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Must be 18 and a U.S. resident living in the Tulsa World Circulation area. Contest starts Nov. 5, 2017 and ends Dec. 24, 2017.

For official rules and a complete list of participating businesses and their locations, see tulsaworld.com/holidays. Sponsored by Tulsa World, 315 S. Boulder Ave., Tulsa, OK 74103.

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

All About the Garland Tips and tricks to incorporate and care for fresh garlands throughout the home There is nothing that says the holidays are here more than fresh garland.

“Not only does it look beautiful but smells wonderful,” says Christine Mango, a holiday decorating expert from Calabasas, California, who has decorated the homes of Sylvester Stallone and Gene Simmons. “Garland can last up to two weeks if cared for properly.”

There are several types of fresh garlands from which to choose.

“The most popular is white pine,” says Peter Bieneman, general manager of Green Fields Nursery in Baltimore, Maryland. “It is thin and good for around columns, staircases and entrances.”

Bieneman also suggests boxwood garland, which dries out very quickly. “It turns a glossy green that people use to make boxwood topiary trees and stick boxwood into floral bases. The minuses of it are also that it dries out quickly and shatters when it’s dry. Most people just hang it and don’t disturb it.”

Finally, he suggests cedar garland.

“It is a thicker, larger roping that lays beautiful on a mantel and lasts a long time,” he says. “It also has a very beautiful, wonderful smell.”

When it comes to decorating with garland, Mango says that less is more.

“Twinkle lights and holiday bows are all that are needed,” she says. “Doubling up the garland for your fireplace mantle adds fullness and enough to drape and place on top of the mantel. Pillar candles placed on top of the mantel are a great addition to a mantelpiece.”

If you want to use fresh garlands for the holidays, Mango suggests these tips to care for whatever type you choose: Soak it: “Toss your garland in a large bucket, the kids’ wagon, the kitchen sink or your bathtub and soak in lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes, giving garland its last big drink (including garland wreaths),” she says. “Once you have hung your garland, spray with water once a day (make sure twinkle lights are off and unplugged if woven throughout). There are also coating sprays available that help seal in the water.”

Limit lights: “Only plug in twinkle lights when the family and friends are around to enjoy the decor,” she says. “The lights dry out the garland.”

By Lisa Iannucci, CTW Features

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 3

4 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017

HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

Something for everyon CASCIA CHRISTMAS WALK his year marks the 35th annual Cascia Christmas Walk, which includes a tour of four homes in Midtown that have been decorated for the holidays plus the Christmas Boutique. This holiday shop features almost 60 vendors selling special and unique gifts, clothing, jewelry, food and décor. Food, drinks and desserts also will be available in the school’s Cascia Café.

As an added treat this year, an Art Walk exhibit will be displayed in the Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center featuring local artists and Cascia Hall alumni. Younger visitors also can enjoy a brunch with Santa.

The event begins at the Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center, 25th Street and South Utica Avenue.

Transportation will be provided from there to the houses: 3828 S. Wheeling Ave., 2929 S. Utica Ave., 2744 S. Victor Ave. and 4401 S. Zunis Ave. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Tickets for the Santa Brunch cost $15. .

They can be purchased online or at the Upper or Middle schools. Proceeds benefit the STEM and tuition assistance programs.

T AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART here are craft shows, and then there’s An Affair of the Heart. This show sets up shop twice annually at the River Spirit Expo at the fairgrounds for • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. three-day weekends and draws 25,000 Nov. 17-18 and visitors each time. They keep coming 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. back to view the high-quality selecNov. 19 tions available from the 500 vendors • River Spirit Expo, who work 900 booths at the show.

4145 E. 21st St. These vendors hail from all over the • heartoftulsa.com nation, and dozens more are turned away each year who apply to be included in An Affair of the Heart.

An Affair of the Heart, which began in 1985 in Oklahoma City, provides shoppers with a fantastic selection of unique gifts for friends and loved ones. The offerings include jewelry, handbags, furniture, clothing, gourmet foods and items you won’t find anywhere else.

Admission costs $8, which allows you to visit all three days of the show. Children ages 12 and younger get in free.

T

• Dec. 3 • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Starts at Cascia Hall, 2520 S. Yorktown Ave. • casciahall.com

RUDOLF: THE MUSICAL • Nov. 26 • 2 and 5 p.m.

• Tulsa PAC, 110 E. Second St. • celebrityattractions.com

udolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the animated holiday television classic that has delighted audiences for several generations now comes to the live stage and will be making a one-day stop in Tulsa with two performances.

This adaptation transforms the original script into a musical with all the songs made famous by the late Burl Ives and a lot more to tell the adventures of Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster. And, of course, it explains how Rudolph saved Christmas one very snowy year.

Celebrity Attractions is bringing this production to town during its five-week tour of the East Coast and Midwest, from Bangor, Maine, to Clearwater, Florida, and Amarillo, Texas.

The show is recommended for ages 4 and older, and a ticket is required for each child and adult. Tickets cost $20 to $60 depending on seating.

R

HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 5

ne’s holiday pleasure CHRISTKINDLMARKT obody knows Christmas traditions quite like the Germans. For 325 years, communities all over the European nation have set up Christmas markets during December to celebrate the season by selling crafts and holiday food at these “Christkindlmarkts.”

Local residents can experience this celebration right here in Oklahoma, thanks to the German-American Society of Tulsa (GAST). This cultural organization will host its 19th annual Christkindlmarkt on Dec. 1-3 at the GAST Center, 2301 E. 15th St. Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages with special activities for children, including puppet shows. The authentic market will feature German food and hot spiced Gluhwein, crafts by dozens of local artists and live music. Visitors can purchase imported Nutcrackers, ornaments and beer steins.

N

• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 • GAST Center, 2301 E. 15th St. • gastulsa.org

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET • Dec. 9 to 23 • Tulsa PAC, 110 E. Second St. • tulsaballet.org

LIGHT TOURS BY LIMO ooking for a fun holiday party idea without all the preparation and cleanup afterward?

Consider a magical evening of viewing Christmas light displays from the comfort of a chauffeured limousine service.

The standard Christmas Light Tour lasts two hours, and these stretch limos can accommodate up to 14 passengers. That means you can comfortably seat friends, family members or co-workers on a memorable journey where everyone gets a spectacular view of these extravagant displays. You can even be picked up or dropped off a restaurant to make the evening complete. Water, soft drinks, glassware and ice are provided inside your limo, and you canbring your own libations.

Tours can be scheduled nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, but reservations fill up quickly. All you need to do is call or go online to reserve your “Christmas carriage,” then decide on your invite list. These chauffeurs know the best routes in town to see the biggest and best light displays, but they’re always open to your special requests.

L

• Nightly Nov. 26 to Dec. 31 • Kristal Limousine: 918-261-5066 or kristallimo.com • VIP Limousine: 918-492-5984 or viplimo.net

he Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition for thousands of Tulsans who may have first seen it as children, and now they are taking their grandchildren to enjoy its magical sights and sounds. Tulsa Ballet has staged the production annually for almost all of its 60 years, spanning at least three generations of audience members.

The ballet is set in 1920s France, and is based on a young girl’s dream after attending a Christmas party.

While the ballet is performed by professional dancers in the Tulsa Ballet company, the production also features more than 100 local children to help stage the battle scenes. The show will delight all ages.

Tickets start at $25.

T

HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

6 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

HOME for the HOLIDAYS Get your house ready for all the festivities Dress up your holiday table with an oilcloth runner, placemats silverware mats and napkins — all personalized at a reasonable price from Tatermash Oilcloth. Choose from a variety of styles. You can even bring in your own napkins for custom embroidery. Tatermash also has decals for bottles and glasses. Put your own special flair on your table dressing this season.

Celebrating with friends and family make the holidays extra special. There is nothing as special as time spent together, and now is the time to get your home ready for the happy gatherings. Here are three ideas from local businesses to get you started:

2

1

3

Don’t let an uncomfortable mattress mess with your holiday happiness or that of your guests.

Check with Snow’s Furniture, which has quality mattresses as well as an adjustable foundation for better sleep quality. Serta iComfort mattresses offer memory foam layers that help keep you cool and reduce tossing and turning. Don’t sacrifice your health during this peak season of celebrations. Plan now to have your best rest.

If you want a little something to spruce up for the holidays, consider doing an accent wall. The shiplap look is popular and can be achieved even without that original product being used in your home. Grigsby’s

Carpet, Tile & Hardwood has laminate that can be installed on the wall and also a product called Wall Plank.

It’s a great way to refresh your home and make your holidays a little extra special!

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

Write two shopping lists, one for ingredients you can pick up well ahead of time and a second for those things you’ll purchase a few days before Thanksgiving, Continued from page 2 Young says.

You can buy the turkey, cranberries, butter and any sana Holloway, co-owner and chef instructor, Portland’s frozen vegetables in advance if you have the freezer Culinary Workshop, Portland, Oregon.

Maybe you’ll decide to ask a friend to bring her prized space.

In addition, replenish pantry items such as flour, cornpumpkin pie rather than making it yourself. Give yourself and your guests a break from those foods you think meal, sugar, dried herbs, spices, vinegar and oil.

Your second list includes perishables you’ll want to you “should” serve. stock closer to Thanksgiving, such as milk, eggs, veg“I think I should focus on nutrition, but every time etables and fruits. those foods aren’t touched,” the same approach Holloway says.

Don’t forget to thaw the turkey! toUse food preparation. Start You can cross appetizers some dishes weeks before off the menu as well. Your To thaw a frozen turkey allow one day (about and freeze them while makguests can build their appe24 hours) for each 4 to 5 pounds of turkey ing others close to or on tites waiting for the meal and in the refrigerator at 40 degrees, according Thanksgiving Day. you have more important to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food For example, cut up things to cook.

Safety and Inspection Service. For instance, a bread for stuffing and As Young says, “It’s unnec12-16 pound bird requires three to four days. freeze that. essary work and effort.”

“Pull it out [of the freezer] By planning your menu and toast right before making the stuffing,” Young says. in advance, you can set a stress-free pace for shopping Freeze baked muffins if desired. To serve, thaw at and cooking. First take a kitchen inventory of the equiproom temperature and reheat in the oven for 5 to 10 ment and ingredients you’ll need. Even if you’ve hosted decades of Thanksgiving meals, you may be surprised at minutes while the turkey is resting.

Early during Thanksgiving week make the cranberry what’s missing from the cupboards. sauce.

The baking soda you intend for the biscuits may be “Cranberry sauce can be done three or four days two years old or maybe you lent your roasting pan to a ahead and tastes even more delicious if you do it in neighbor who hasn’t returned it. Your guest headcount advance,” Holloway says. may require more dishes that you can buy or borrow.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017 7

FOOD

A beautifully decorated table sets the mood.

Go over the menu again and see what else you can do the day before, including trimming the ends off green beans, making salad dressing and baking sweet potatoes for mashed sweet potato casserole.

The night before Thanksgiving, pull out the pots and pans you’ll need and note the food that goes into each.

“I have notes for everything,” Brewer says.

“Post-it notes and a glass of wine and your music,” she says, sharing her Thanksgiving secret for success.

By Bev Bennett, CTW Features

8 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2017

HOLIDAY PLANNING & ENTERTAINING

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT