Photo: Zachary Dailey
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That’s a Wrap!
Wrapping ideas that are outside of the box
It’s what’s inside the gifts that matters most, but it’s a bonus if the gifts under your tree double as holiday décor. It’s easy to match wrapping paper to your color scheme, and adding more of a personal touch turns out to be just as simple. Look at the textures, fabrics and feel of your holiday scene to guide you on your creative gift-wrapping journey.
Not only does shaking up your wrapping game let you flex your creativity, but it also has an environmental impact. Not all wrapping paper is recyclable, although plain regular and glossy paper often is. If it has foil, metallic flakes, plastic coating or glitter, it usually isn’t. Plastic tape can’t be recycled, but paper tape often can. Many alternative wrapping ideas showcase recycled, reusable and low-impact materials, which is just a bonus to the unique personal touch you took the time to add.
Personalize the Paper
Wrapping paper is affordable, lightweight and easy to use, which is what makes it so popular. Picking a different type of paper means you can choose it specifically for each person you’re giving a gift to.
If your husband is a huge sports fan, wrap his gifts
in the sports section from his favorite magazine. Extra points for you if you have articles about his favorite teams on the front of his packages! If your gift to someone is a kitchen gadget, wrap it in the food or recipe section of the magazine. Kids might enjoy the funny papers for their gifts – it might even be the first time they’ve ever seen comics from a newspaper.
For a music lover, wrap gifts in sheet music, especially pages showcasing their favorite songs. Travel enthusiasts appreciate packages wrapped in paper maps, particularly ones showing places they want to go or places you’ve gone together. Use pages out of old books for an avid reader, or try coloring book pages for children – this has the added bonus of being interactive, since they can color the pages later.
Get Krafty
Kraft paper is a thick, natural brown paper often used for shipping and crafting. Because of its versatility and strength, it makes an ideal wrapping paper medium. If you don’t have access to a roll of kraft paper, butcher paper is thinner, but will also work.
Think of kraft paper as the blank canvas of wrapping paper. If you can visualize it, you can put it on kraft paper. For example, dip a pencil eraser in white paint or a stamp pad and dab polka dots onto the paper for a quick and easy design. Instead of white, pick colors that match your holiday décor.
Paint designs on the paper using holiday stencils, or hand stamp your design. Christmas trees with straight edges keep it simple, or opt for more elaborate designs of snowflakes or holly. You can even cut out small, old-school snowflakes from folded white paper and glue them onto the kraft paper.
Get the kids involved by coming up with short holiday sayings such “No Peeking,” “It’s Coal,” or movie quotes like “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Use stick-on letters to spell the phrases onto the kraft paper after wrapping the gifts. Kids love a splatter painting activity as well, so let them pick their colors and make their own splatter designs.
Add some dimension by gluing small pompoms onto the kraft paper or creating a holiday design with washi tape.
Fabric Feel
Soften the look of your gifts by wrapping them in fabric instead of paper. This can be scraps of fabric around your home or pieces that match your tree skirt and stockings for a cohesive look.
Using fabric as a gift wrap isn’t new – furoshiki, for example, is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used for generations. It’s typically made of cotton or other pliable fabric. To wrap in the furoshiki style, place the gift in the center, bring all four corners together and tie them in a knot on the top of the package. Because this wrapping style is elegant in its simplicity, it works with items of odd shapes including bottles and sports equipment. The fabric is
sustainable and reusable as well.
If your box is square and the fabric is square or rectangular, one tip is to place the gift diagonally in the center of the cloth. Pull two opposite corners into the center, and either tuck the corners around the edge of the box, or tie them in a knot on the top. Pull the other two corners in and tie a second knot to finish the look. If some pieces of the fabric won’t stay where you want them, use a bit of double-sided tape to secure them.
In some cases, the fabric can be part of the gift. Wrap a stocking stuffer or pair of gloves in a scarf for some added winter fun. A button-down shirt becomes wrapping paper when you slide a gift box inside the shirt, tuck the top and bottom edges, then wrap the sleeves around to the front to tie like a bow.
Tie It with a Bow – Or Not
Many people stick the already-made, selfadhesive bows on packages, or they wrap ribbon around and tie a simple shoestring bow on the front. While these methods are tried and true, they don’t give the gifts a unique, personal feel. Nor do they lend themselves to certain types of wrapping, such
as using fabric.
Once you’ve decided on how to wrap your gifts, add creative accessories to top off the design. If you have extra ribbon lying around, lay several pieces vertically on top of the wrapped gift, then lay the same number horizontally. Pick up every other vertical ribbon and weave the horizontal ribbon underneath to make a basket-weave pattern. Cover the entire top with the weave pattern, or just do a corner. Mix and match ribbon colors and widths for visual interest. This weave design works with yarn as well as ribbon, so grab whatever you have on hand. If yarn is your preference, add a festive touch by wrapping yarn around the gift and tying a solid knot in the front. Leave about 2 inches of the yarn ends to create a fringe effect. Use 10 to 20 pieces of yarn, depending on how much of the gift you’d like to cover. Add impact by sliding colored beads onto the yarn before you tie it, or along the loose fringe pieces.
Make Your Own Dried Orange Slices
Dried orange slices make fun and festive decorations for your house and your presents, and they work well in homemade stovetop potpourri (add cranberries, cinnamon sticks and rosemary in a glass jar with a bright ribbon to make a memorable gift). Use orange slices tied to gifts to add a touch of nature, or string them on some twine for an adorable and fragrant garland.
Step 1: Thinly slice your oranges.
Step 2: Lay the slices between two tea towels.
Step 3: Set the slices on a metal drying rack for 24 hours.
Step 4: Place the drying rack with the oranges into the oven and bake them at 200 degrees for two to three hours.
Other Ideas
Make a photo the star of the design. Tape a few layers of tissue paper around a gift, then find your favorite picture of the gift recipient. Write your name on the back of the photo,
and secure it to the gift with some raffia or twine. There’s no question who the gift is to – just match up every gift with the person in the attached photo. Another idea is to use ornaments as gift tags. Pick ones that reflect the recipients, either by their hobbies or initials. Attach the ornaments to the wrapped gifts so they get two gifts in one – the wrapped gift as well as a keepsake ornament to display on their tree for years to come.
For a younger crowd, create animal characters with the wrapped boxes. Choose a solid color of paper, or stick with neutral kraft paper. Use construction paper to add ears, feet, arms or antlers. Grab some markers to add eyes and a mouth.
For Rudolph, glue on a small red pompom for his nose. WGW
Including a fresh element brings a natural touch to your wrapping skills. Tuck small items such as cinnamon sticks, pine twigs, rosemary sprigs, dried orange slices or pinecones into the ribbon or yarn, or secure them with neutral twine. Depending on what you choose, you might end up with a delightful fragrance as well as a seasonal look.
For a cute look the kids can help create, use cupcake liners to create a festive bow of sorts. Glue a handful of mini cupcake liners – usually six or seven – on a small cardboard circle. Fluff the edges for an instant bow.
For a younger crowd, create animal characters with the wrapped boxes.
Pink
Pizzazz
Pink is the new green this holiday season
Who needs a white Christmas when you can have a pink one?
While not a traditional holiday color, pink has become so popular the last few years that there’s a name for it: Pinkmas. The trend spiked last year following the hit movie “Barbie,” and it continues to grow in popularity this year.
Pink trees – as in fully pink, with pink trunks, branches and needles – take the credit for getting the trend off the ground, but it hasn’t stopped there. Items meeting nearly every holiday need exist in pink this year: sweaters, socks, hats, pillows, ornaments, garland and bristle brush trees, to name a few.
The non-holiday color took off during the pandemic, when many people looked for creative ways to express and entertain themselves. This included hanging holiday lights during the summer and exploring exotic colors in their decorations – in this case, lots of pink. For decades, Barbie has released its collectible holiday doll. Hallmark offers Barbie Christmas ornaments, which they’ve released since 1993. So it’s a natural evolution for Barbie lovers also add a pink tree to their holiday mix.
Setting the Mood
When you think pink, it’s not just about the color. Pink creates emotion. Pink evokes feelings of
happiness, warmth, excitement and joy, all wrapped into a festive package. It’s also synonymous with kindness, love and affection, which makes it a natural fit with the Christmas spirit.
Pink tends to have a calming effect. When you get bombarded day in and day out with bright ads and constant meetings that could have been emails, coming home to the gentle hues of pink lets you breathe and take a moment to just relax.
Making Pink Pop
While most people think of a lighter pink when it comes to Christmas decorations – nothing brighter than a Barbie pink – going bolder makes your decorations pop with statement intensity. Mix the pinks to keep it from feeling overwhelming, or try shaking it up by picking different finishes, such as matte, metallic and shiny.
Mix in other colors to add some spice to your pink. Magenta tones down the pink a bit, while jewel tones like sapphire or deep purple make the pink stand out. Vintage ornaments work surprisingly well with a pink theme, as many already sport fuchsia stripes or solid jewel tones in the shapes of bells, ovals and teardrops.
Silver and gold decorations also mix well with pink, as do beige, tan or off-white neutrals.
Poinsettias and anthurium plants even come in pink, so don’t miss an opportunity to bring nature into your holiday décor.
Purposeful Pink Repurposing
When you want to jump on the pink train but don’t have, well, a pink train to drive around the base of your Christmas tree, a little paint, glue and glitter help you create your candy-coated wonderland without breaking the bank.
Solid-color nutcrackers continue to top the list of repurposed decorations. Use your old nutcrackers, or grab some from the dollar store. Pull off any hair, including beards, and paint them pink using spray paint or acrylic paint. Mix the shades a bit to add a dramatic flair to your nutcracker collection.
Painting works with other decorations as well, including ornaments, tree toppers, solid tabletop trees and door hangers. Add pink flair to neutral fabric decorations, like pillowcases or stockings, by dipping them in pink dye. If you don’t have pink dye, water down some pink acrylic paint and soak the fabric in the mixture overnight.
Popular this year are old books painted to match your décor. Hit the thrift store to find hardback
books of similar sizes. Remove the paper cover, and paint the hardcovers with pink – they can all be the same color, or darken the paint slightly for each book so they create an ombre effect when stacked on top of each other as decorations. Stacked books add an interesting texture to your décor by themselves, or you can add more flair by stamping words on the spine, such as “Joy” or “Merry.” Stacked books also work well as risers for other decorations, making an ideal way to add height to your nutcracker collection, for example.
For a simple way to repurpose old vases and glassware, mix a few tablespoons of Mod Podge and a few drops of pink acrylic paint. Swirl the mixture around the inside of the vase or glass until it’s completely coated, then turn it upside down on cardboard or wax paper to allow all the excess to drip away. Let it dry overnight for a translucent effect. This works with equal parts school glue and water mixed with a few drops of red food coloring as well. For a deeper color, bake the glass in the oven at 175 degrees for 10 minutes after letting the excess mixture drip out of the glass.
If you have an old pink sweater, cut the arm off, and make a slice through a small foam wreath ring. Slide the sweater arm over the foam ring starting where you cut through the ring, and push the
sweater fabric all the way around the ring. For larger foam rings, use both sweater arms. Hide any seams by hot gluing some pink silk poinsettia flowers or holly leaves with pink berries over the area.
Fabrics Matter
Opting to dive into Pinkmas means paying attention to how texture plays into the mood you’re trying to create. Mixing shades of pink and different fabrics helps you create the feel you’re working toward.
For a soft, cozier feel, stick with a light blush pink in felt or velvet, giving your décor more of an oldworld feel. Continue this softer look by wrapping gauze ribbon around the tree like a garland. This has an added benefit of letting the lights on the tree twinkle through. Adding stockings made of pink sweater fabric by the fireplace enhances the comfy, welcoming look.
Satin ribbon, especially with the deeper pinks, makes more of a statement in your home. The shininess of the ribbon brings to mind the sparkle of icicles and the way snow glistens. Mix this ribbon with metallic fabrics, either on ribbons, table napkins or pillows, to keep the winter wonderland atmosphere intact, or line your tree with a white faux fur tree skirt.
Other Ways to Incorporate Color
To make the pink truly pop, incorporate variations of the color in places outside your typical decorations. Opt for light pink wrapping paper on your gifts, jazzed up with bright pink bows. Mix that with gifts covered in hot pink wrapping paper with metallic ribbon. Use small versions of these wrapped presents – empty, of course – in unconventional areas like your mantel or dining table centerpiece. Swap out the hangers on your tree ornaments with thin pink ribbon. Match this to the ribbon adorning your tree, or mix up the fabrics and colors for a more eclectic, dramatic look.
As you plan your holiday feast, bring pink into the mix. Use pink icing on your cookies, and look for drink recipes that match the color scheme – a punch made from ginger ale and pink sherbet is always a hit.
Make gingerbread houses as a fun group activity, opting for pink, white and mint green icing and candies as the decorations. When you finish the evening with tasty s’mores, offer pink marshmallows to make your theme complete. WGW
Cops, Kids and Christmas Shopping Program Creates
Positive Interaction with Children and Law Enforcement
The Carrollton Tony Jackson Garrett Lodge #35 of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is an organization that consists of full-time employed and retired members of local and state law enforcement. The lodge also consists of associate members who support the FOP's mission.
The FOP is the world's largest organization of sworn law enforcement personnel, with more than 330,000 members in more than 2,200 lodges. The Tony Jackson Garrett Lodge #35 was chartered on April 24, 1975, and was named for a Carrollton police officer who was killed in the line of duty.
The FOP is very active with helping local special needs children and adults, underprivileged children and children who have been affected by crimes – either as victims or witnesses. The lodge also supports FOP members, members of public safety, the Special Olympics, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), as well as numerous other local groups and civic organizations.
Cops, Kids and Christmas
This year's "Cops, Kids and Christmas" event will be held in December for special needs children, kids who have been affected by crimes and the underprivileged.
On the day of the event, the kids meet the officers they will be shopping with in Carrollton. Santa Claus drops in, listens to the children's Christmas wishes and takes photos with them. After time with Santa, the kids climb into police cars with the officers and are encouraged to play with the patrol car P.A. system, lights and sirens on the way to shop.
Once the cops and kids arrive at the store, breakfast is provided for the children. After breakfast, the children go with their police officer partner to shop for their gifts. They are given, on average, $200 to $250 for Christmas shopping and are encouraged to purchase whatever they would like within the budget.
Wednesday Night BINGO
Another fun and exciting way you can support the FOP's charitable programs is to attend its weekly BINGO night every Wednesday at Amvets Post 99, located at 816 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton.
Compete each week for a chance to win up to $1,500 during the electronic and paper BINGO, participate in a 50/50 raffle with several prizes and enjoy refreshments at the concession stand. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the first ball is called at 7 p.m.
All proceeds from BINGO go directly to the FOP and their charitable programs.
Chris Cromer Memorial Golf Tournament
This annual tournament is in memory of Cpl. Chris Cromer who died of cancer in 2000. This event will benefit the charity efforts of the FOP while keeping an officer's heritage alive.
The annual golf tournament is scheduled for Nov. 11, 2024. Lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. Compete for trophies for first, second and third place, closest to the pin and the longest drive. Registrations and sponsorships are still available.
Anyone who donates $400 or more to the FOP through the end of 2024 will receive two tickets to the FOP Sponsor Appreciation Dinner, an annual event for law enforcement and the community on Jan. 25, 2025, at Mt. Holly Church in Carrollton.
Kids and Christmas
Contact: Eddie LeBlanc – 770.318.5618
Eddie@cmbrentals.com or eleblanc@carrollton-ga.gov
"Some of the kids select items they need, such as clothing or personal items," says Lt. Dan Keever, first vice president of the FOP. "Some of them purchase gifts for their siblings and parents. It touches your heart to see these children – some of whom have so little – think about others before thinking of themselves."
Lt. Keever says this event means so much more than just a nice thing the FOP does for the community. "Cops, Kids and Christmas" gives children positive interaction with law enforcement and helps to plant the seed that the children can count on the police when they need them.
Donations of any amount and gift cards to Walmart are gratefully accepted. To help kids in Carroll County receive Christmas gifts through this program, call Eddie LeBlanc at 770.318.5618 or you can mail your donation to Barry Carroll Foundation F.O.P. Lodge 35, Inc., P.O. Box 1949, Carrollton, Ga., 30112.
If you make a $100 donation to the Cops, Kids and Christmas program, the FOP will match $100.
A $400 sponsorship includes dinner, a meet and greet with singer Megan Danielle, attendance at her concert performance and small business name on the sponsorship banner. General admission tickets to the concert are $30. VIP tickets are $50, which include VIP seating, a meet and greet with Megan and a photo.
Megan Danielle auditioned for American Idol, placing second in 2023. Megan’s first official single post American Idol, “Dream Girl” was released in 2023.
Megan recently signed with Sony/Provident Music (Brandon Lake, Zach Williams, CAIN, Matthew West, Seph Schlueter, Casting Crowns). Her first single with Sony/ Provident, “When I Found You” (written with Jason Ingram and Ethan Hulse) is slated for a November 2024 release with more singles to follow in early 2025.
For more information about the FOP and its charitable programs, call Eddie LeBlanc at 770.318.5618 or email Eddie@cmbrentals.com or eleblanc@carrollton-ga.gov.
The Barry Carroll Foundation F.O.P. Lodge 35, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), and all donations are tax deductible. Follow the FOP at www.facebook.com/carrolltonfop.
DECEMBER 7 - JANUARY 12
This winter, glide into a wonderland of fun at Carrollton on Ice, our new covered outdoor ice rink! Skate, twirl and laugh with your family and friends beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, whatever the weather. Warm up with a hot cocoa or snack from a food truck every Friday and Saturday. Carrollton on Ice is located at the Polar Pavilion at East Carrollton Park behind the baseball fields. Admission is $10 and includes skate rental. Create altogether unforgettable memories and enjoy the magic of the season with us!For more information, visit carrolltonga.com/iceskate
GIFTS TO GO OVER Mutts
Creative gifts for your furry friends
If anyone should be at the top of your “nice” list, it’s your pets. After all, they give you the gift of love and loyalty all year. According to USA Today, 81% of pet owners buy gifts for their furry friends, with the highest number of their respondents saying they spend up to $75 on pet gifts.
It’s best to unwrap your pet’s gift for her, or don’t bother wrapping it at all. She’s unlikely to understand the difference between her gifts and everyone else’s, so if you let her unwrap one, she might go after the rest with the best of intentions.
Holiday Hounds
Dog parents have it pretty easy. Most dogs have something they can’t get enough of, and they are always appreciative. You don’t really have to be that creative to make them excited and happy. For the dog who has everything, did you know you can buy doggie cologne? That might be more of a gift for the dog parents’ noses, but it’s definitely outside the box. Treats top the list of more traditional gift ideas. This could be your pup’s favorite treat, or a bag of gourmet treats. If you like to cook,
make a healthy treat at home for your fur baby, such as one that includes banana, peanut butter and oats. Use a bone-shaped silicone mold, or just pour the batter into the bottom third of a muffin tin.
But do pets know it’s Christmas, and do they care if they receive gifts? While pets don’t understand what a holiday is, they certainly know when their routine is disrupted. If you have a houseful of relatives, if you’re cooking all day or if you’re packing for a trip to stay with family, your pets are going to notice. They also see the tree, and they are probably enthralled with the festive wrapping paper on the gifts and tasty-looking stockings by the fireplace.
Including your pets in your holiday gift-giving helps them feel included and gives them a nice distraction amid the chaos of the holidays. Plus, giving your fur babies gifts is as much for you as it is them – they may not know what gift-giving is, but seeing them happy and having fun makes you happy, so it turns out to be a win-win.
If your dog enjoys toys, the options are nearly endless. From soft plushies to tennis balls to durable chew toys, there’s something for every pup. Highenergy dogs might enjoy balls that release treats as the dog rolls them, or puzzles with treats hidden inside. Instead of a regular squeaky toy, give yourself a treat by buying your dog an ultrasonic squeaky toy – the dog can hear the squeak, but humans can’t. A lick mat helps keep your pup busy – these inexpensive items have suction cups that stick to the floor, and you spread peanut butter or another of her favorite spreads on the top of the lick mat for instant distraction.
For more relaxed dogs, look at blankets or beds as gift ideas. It sounds like a simple gift, but there’s too many choices to count. Think about your dog’s age, needs and preferences when choosing a bed. Older dogs might like an orthopedic bed, but
younger ones might love memory foam. The bed might look like a couch or a big fluffy ball they can hop in the middle of. Some pet beds are heated, while others offer cooling features.
If your little princess enjoys dressing up, by all means, buy her some clothes! This can be as simple as a bandana, or as elaborate as a true princess ballgown, complete with puppy shoes and a tiara. Make her feel like part of the family by getting her Christmas pajamas to match yours.
For dogs who love car rides, look into travel accessories. Seat covers help keep your car clean and not covered in dog hair, so your pup can get her face in the wind more often. Other accessories include seat belt harnesses or portable hydration systems, like squeeze bottles with built-in water bowls on top.
When it comes time to primp, you’ve got your dog covered with beauty items. Buy her a new brush to keep her coat fresh and flowing, or find a fancy shampoo made just for her. Grooming gloves combine petting with brushing, which makes it a gift for you as well.
For more high-maintenance pups, look into pet spa days complete with bath, blow dry, hair cut and nail trim – and possibly nail polish to make sure she’s ready for all the holiday parties.
Christmas Kitties
Many of the gifts for cats mirror those for dogs. Cats love to play, and they are always eager for a new, challenging toy. This could be a fish that dangles from a stick so you can play with her, or one that has batteries and moves on its own so she can pounce to her heart’s content.
Satisfy your kitty’s need to sharpen her claws with a new scratching post, or invest in an upgraded cat tree for her to climb on and snooze in. Speaking of snoozing – she can enjoy a quick cat nap in a cozy nook bed that’s fluffy and has a built-in cover.
Cats tend to like running water, so instead of constantly turning on the kitchen sink, buy her a personal water fountain. These plug in and have a basin at the bottom to catch the water that is constantly recycled, allowing your kitty to drink water that’s on the move all day.
Keep your friendly feline occupied for hours by buying her a window bird feeder. Some install in the ground outside a window or attach directly to the outside of the window itself so she can see the birds up close and personal as they drop by for a snack. For longer lasting gifts, look for dog- or cat-centered advent calendars or annual subscription boxes that send customized toys and treats all year. WGW
December 3 - 6 4:00-8:00 p.m. nightly
Join us for four nights of festivities as the University of West Georgia hosts the third annual Winter West Wonderland – open to everyone!
Activities include:
• Holiday light displays
• Holiday arts & crafts market*
• Photos with Santa and Wolfie*
• Food trucks nightly*
• Holiday theatre and music performances*
• Do-it-yourself holiday crafts*
• Cookie decorating and more family-friendly activities*
Learn more online at westga.edu/winter
*Additional costs may apply
Giftable crafts for under $15
What do you give the person who already has everything?
A homemade craft, of course! Crafting has been shown to positively impact mood and reduce stress. The act of making a keepsake either for you to cherish or to share with people you love helps you find your zen as you create something beautiful and memorable. It used to be that buying all the materials for crafting a project was so prohibitively expensive that it simply made more sense to buy an item already made. But what fun is that? Thankfully, discount stores and dollar stores found a way to offer crafting supplies at a reasonable price. The joy that is crafting now is accessible for any budget, with supplies starting as low as $1. Now you can create something beautiful and giftable to update your personal holiday décor and check off everyone on your Christmas list for less than $15 each.
Add more ribbon around the center line if
For more of a topiary look, turn a third, smaller bowl upside down, and glue the ornament on top. Drill a hole through that bowl as well, threading the lights through before you start the project so you can hide the controller in the bottom bowl.
Twine Star Tree Topper
A homemade tree topper brings a rustic, country feel to your tree, matching well with burlap ribbon and wooden ornaments. First, you need a frame in the shape of a star. This could be three wire clothes hangers that you paint bronze or brown and overlap into a star shape, or chopsticks you hot glue together, or, easiest yet, a pre-made star-shaped tree topper from a discount or dollar store – it’s fine for the frame to be a solid shape.
Oversized Ornaments
These giant ornaments work indoors or out –they are ideal for a front porchscape. Buy two large plastic bowls, either patterned clear or colors, like red and green. Drill a hole in the bottom of one –you can use the heated end of a glue gun as well. Thread some twinkle lights through the hole, with the controller outside. Turn the bowl over and run hot glue around the rim. Place the second bowl on top and line up the rims to glue them together. Add a bow and greenery at the top, and possibly a large wooden napkin ring painted silver. You can also use a clean tuna can painted silver and glued on upside down on the top to mimic the top of an ornament.
Hot glue the end of the twine to the back of one of the star points. Start wrapping the twine around the frame. Depending on the look you want, wrap the twine close together, or space it out so you can see through the twine. Continue to glue the twine in place along the back periodically to ensure it stays in place. Let it dry, and it’s ready to serve as the pièce de résistance to finish the look of your tree design.
To make the star truly shine, wind some holiday lights through the twine strands before you use it to top your tree.
Wine Glass Candleholders
You might already have wine glasses at home, but if not, most dollar stores carry several styles starting around $1.25 each. Mix and match styles and heights to create a winter candle showpiece, ideal for a mantle or table centerpiece.
For a quick and easy design, fill the wine glasses with tiny ornaments. Place them upside down, and use the base to hold a tealight or pillar candle. Putting the glasses upside down on a mirror instead of directly on the table doubles the visual interest. For another simple upsidedown wine glass look, cut round pieces of cardboard to fit the tops of the wine glasses. Glue tiny bottle brush trees or holiday characters to the cardboard. Pour fake snow into the wine glasses until they are about 1/3 full. If you don’t have fake snow, sugar or salt will work. Place the cardboard with the winter scenes into the wine glasses – they will be upside down. Glue the cardboard in place, and trim out the edge with some ribbon. Turn the glasses over and place pillar candles on top. This creates your own personal yuletide diorama. (Try this inside inexpensive salt shakers of different styles as well for a whimsical touch to your table décor.)
As an alternative, keep the glasses upright and add some fake snow. Toss in a small handful of tiny
pinecones or ornaments, then lay a battery-powered votive candle on top of the snow and decorations for a quick and easy yuletide look.
Snowy Vases
Whether it’s mason jars, vases, bottles or drinking glasses, glass containers lend themselves easily to a snowy makeover. When they are dry, fill these with pine branches, feathers, flowers, lights or ornaments to match your décor. Mix and match sizes, shapes and heights for the most enticing display.
Several options exist to give your vases and other glass containers that snowy feel. The first way is to brush Mod Podge, or a mixture of half school glue and half water, all over the exterior of the vase. Sprinkle Epsom salt over the Mod Podge, and let it dry. This method is ideal when you want to put lights inside the vase – the salt creates the snowy effect, but it’s not complete coverage, so lights can twinkle between the salt grains.
Another snowy option is to paint the container with white acrylic paint, then let it dry. Brush on Mod Podge, and sprinkle it with iridescent glitter. This results in more complete coverage.
Finally, pour white paint into a paper bowl and add baking soda to it. Mix it well, then paint it on the vase for a textured look. This method includes texture but no shimmer, so feel free to glam it up with lighted branches or glitter-covered faux poinsettia blooms.
Use painter’s tape to mark off sections of the vase, if desired. This creates clean lines and helps you keep sections of the glass clear. You might want to only paint the bottom half of the container with your snowy option of choice, for example, leaving the top section clear, or tape off several sections of the glass for a striped effect.
Duster and Mop Head Ideas
Your local dollar store typically carries white, fluffy dusters attached to handles. Grab these when you see them! They lend themselves to multiple holiday crafts throughout the year (think Christmas and Easter, especially), many complete for less than $5.
Tree: Hold the duster upside down, and start
giving it a haircut of sorts to create a tree shape. Trim the tip to a point, then trim all the way to the base near the handle at an angle, leaving the bottom end full and fluffy. Spin it to make it as fluffy as possible, then remove the duster from the handle. If desired, wrap some twinkle lights around the duster. Place the end into some floral foam for an instant winter wonderland. Wrap the floral foam in ribbon or wrapping paper to add a festive touch. Alternatively, drill a small hole into a wood round to fit the end of the duster, so the wood round serves as the base.
Wreath: This usually takes three to four dusters or fluffy duster mop heads. Pull the duster off the handle (or use one of the refills), and cut down the middle on one side. Remove the duster from the handle and put it face down. Place a wire or cardboard wreath form on top of the duster. Fold the edges around the form and hot glue them into place. Continue with the remaining dusters until the wreath form is completely covered for a quick and easy fluffy, snowy wreath. Add embellishments if desired, like tiny bottle brush trees, ornaments, faux holly or bows.
Snowman: Similar to the wreath, grab two sizes of embroidery hoops or other thin circle forms. Cut
open one side of the dusters or mops so they lay flat, then glue them around each circle form – kind of like making two small wreaths. Connect the two forms, one on top of the other, using florist wire. Glue on embellishments like a ribbon with a bow for a scarf and a black top hat made out of gluedtogether stacking blocks or cardboard cut into a hat shape and painted black.
Other Shapes: The fluffiness of the dusters make them very forgiving when you want to cover an item completely to give it a snowy holiday makeover. Check out options at discount stores, such as solid tin star shapes, round wooden door hangers or plastic snowmen. Hot glue the dusters to the front of your desired shapes, then flip them over and trim off the excess. Glue on ribbon, ornaments or greenery for an instant holiday touch.
Gnome: This is the quickest and easiest gnome craft ever! Grab a dollar store string mop and remove the handle. Depending on the look you want, leave the mop strings as they are, or unwind them for a fuller appearance.
Place the mop head over a foam cone so it covers all sides – you can use a vase or block of wood instead if you prefer. Place a Santa hat on the top of the mop head, covering about 1/3 of the way down. If the hat doesn’t stand up enough, fill it with a small foam cone or stuffing such as cotton balls or polyfill. Add some hot glue to hold it in place on the mop head. Glue on a nose of some sort – this can be a wooden ball, a pompom or even an ornament to match your tree. Wind some lights around the base –these will peek through the beard at night to enhance your holiday ambiance. WGW
Holiday Fare Chef Rose
Holiday traditions don’t get any more memorable than the food you eat and the people you make the food with.
For me, the holidays always mean good food and happy times in the kitchen with my mother.
This year, I've shared a delicious appetizer, entrée, dessert and holiday cocktail with you.
The pesto and ricotta dip is bright and festive – perfect for any holiday party. My vibrant Grinchgreen martini with a maraschino cherry heart is a playful and charming holiday drink. The holiday ham has a sweet and zesty combination that is perfect for any meal. In this holiday twist, the classic palmier
transforms into an elegant petit four sec, perfect for adding a touch of French flair to any festive dessert spread.
Happy Holidays! – Chef Rose
Pesto and Ricotta Dip
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Crackers or bread, for serving
Preparation
In a medium bowl, whip ricotta cheese with a whisk until smooth and fluffy.
Season with salt and pepper.
Stir the grated Parmesan into the cheese.
Transfer the whipped ricotta to a shallow serving bowl and spread evenly.
Using the back of a spoon, make a spiral-shaped indentation in the top of the ricotta.
Pesto and Ricotta Dip
Chef Rose photo by Zachary Dailey Recipe photos by Andrew Agresta
With
Fill the indentation with the basil pesto.
Drizzle olive oil over the top. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and basil leavers.
Serve with crackers or a variety of vegetables.
Serves 6 to 8.
Grinch Martini
Ingredients
1.5 oz Midori
1 oz vodka
1 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 teaspoon edible shimmer
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Preparation
Shake Midori, vodka, lemon juice, edible shimmer and simple syrup with ice.
Strain into a chilled martini glass. Add a maraschino cherry for garnish.
Serves 1.
Holiday
Ham
Ingredients
Preparation
If ham is not already sliced, score a diamond-shaped pattern with a sharp knife.
1 (8 to 10 pound) fully cooked ham – spiral sliced or unsliced
1 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh grated
ginger
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider
vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground
cinnamon
Whole cloves (optional)
Fresh ginger slices and dried apricots for garnish
Place a whole clove in each intersection of the diamond pattern (optional).
Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan, flat side down.
In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, honey, grated ginger, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ground cloves and cinnamon.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is well-combined and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Brush a generous amount of glaze over the ham, coating evenly.
Roast the ham for about 1.5 to 2 hours (10 to 12 minutes per pound) basting every 20 minutes with the juices that drip as well as some of the additional glaze.
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, increase the
Grinch Martini
oven temperature to 425º F to caramelize the glaze.
Watch closely to avoid burning.
Remove the ham and allow to rest 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh ginger slices and dried apricots. Serves 10 to 12.
Cinnamon Orange Palmiers
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Zest of one orange
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Optional: a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an extra holiday touch
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400º F.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Maintain the pastry's rectangle shape. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon,
nutmeg and orange zest. Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice (optional). Lightly brush the surface of the puff pastry with the melted butter.
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon, sugar and orange zest mixture over the puff pastry.
Press down gently with your hands to stick the sugar to the dough.
To shape the palmiers, start by folding the two longest sides of the pastry inward so they meet in the center.
Fold each side again toward the center so the folds meet once more. Finally, fold one half over the other, as if you're closing a book.
Use a sharp knife to slice the pastry into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
Place the slices cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy, festive appearance.
Makes 20 to 24 palmiers. WGW
Cinnamon Orange Palmiers
Holiday Ham
Holiday of Adventure
Travel destinations bring life to your seasonal spirit
While there is no place like home for the holidays, a few places could be even better. You may need to warm up during “the most wonderful time of the year” by curling up on a beach, or you might be craving the peace of a snow-covered mountain. Whether you’re creating a new Christmas travel tradition or looking for a onetime yuletide getaway, many destinations can fulfill your dreams of sand, snow or storybook Christmas villages.
New York City
There’s a reason so many holiday movies showcase New York. The entire city fills with magical merriment, starting with the quintessential tree at Rockefeller Center – but don’t discount the smaller, but just as dazzling, tree at Washington Square Park. The Big Apple offers ice skating, and the famous Rockettes performing their timeless Christmas Spectacular. Find a holiday movie walking tour to revisit classic films based in New York. Even a simple stroll through Times Square fills you with holiday spirit as you check out the decked out storefronts.
Check out New York’s variety of German-style Christmas markets, as well as the traditional animated window displays at Macy’s Herald Square. Even Grand Central Station gets a festive makeover, complete with twinkling lights and workers in festive attire.
Asheville, N.C.
A short drive from West Georgia you’ll find serious holiday spirit in the mountains. The Biltmore House started its holiday tradition when it first opened its doors in 1895 on Christmas Eve. It continues to dazzle guests every year with a spectacular display of decorations showcasing more than 100 decorated Christmas trees, 25,000 ornaments, 10,000 holiday lights throughout the property and 1,200 poinsettias. This might be worth going twice, so you can see the beauty of the decorations during the day and the spirited light displays at night.
If you stay on-site at the Biltmore hotel properties,
hang around for the four-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners.
Take a walk through the local shops in downtown Asheville to find unique, handmade gifts for the last-minute people on your list, taste some seasonal offerings from the local breweries, or check out the North Carolina Arboretum to enjoy a mile-long Winter Lights experience.
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
If skiing is your thing, Jackson Hole is your place. This idyllic ski destination sits in the snow-covered Teton Mountains. For the holidays, local resorts add special activities such as ice skating, caroling (to enjoy and participate in, if desired) and skiing with Santa. A local Christmas tree lighting brings out residents and travelers like.
Head downtown to see the famous elk antler arches decked out for the holidays as they frame Town Square. Hop on a snowmobile or grab some skis to go find Granite Hot Springs Pool – unwind in the natural hot springs' rejuvenating waters before escaping back into the snowy countryside.
Also in Jackson Hole, find elk-viewing sleigh rides, experience dog sledding and participate in Christmas dinner theater.
Florida Keys
While other beaches might be closer, their holidays don’t compare with the Keys. Find good cheer from Key Largo to Key West, and the entire 125-mile island chain. Far enough south to stay pleasantly warm – usually shorts weather – the Keys offer an ideal holiday destination for those seeking sand instead of snow.
Although it’s typically warm, the water can be cold, so take advantage of a wet suit if you want to snorkel though the remarkable Key West reefs. Get out in the pleasant weather and bike through the holiday-studded historic district, and take in the amazing views from the Key West Lighthouse.
Find your holiday spirit at lighted boat parades and a tree lighting at the iconic Lobster Trap Tree at
the Key West Historic Seaport. Walk through artisan markets, or hop on a trolley for a holiday-themed evening of culinary stops. Find outdoor Christmas concerts, sing-a-longs and decorated home tours.
Helen, Ga.
Our own local Bavarian winter wonderland, Helen packs a big Christmas punch. With a downtown strip spanning 2 square miles, find a traditional German holiday market, unique gift offerings (including from the year-round Christmas Shoppe), horse-drawn carriage rides and uplifting holiday parades. Enjoy authentic German cuisine, then ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster after dark to catch a bird’s-eye view of the town’s twinkling light display.
Dahlonega, Ga.
Decked out like a real-life snow globe, you could possibly enjoy a true white Christmas in Dahlonega – but if there’s no snow (it is Georgia, after all), this mountain town still knows how to bring on the holiday spirit. From thousands of glittering lights to scenic horse-drawn carriage rides to decked-out local wineries. The town’s Old-Fashioned Christmas festival runs the month of December and showcases a tree lighting, parades and downtown activities including sip-and-shop events.
Other Driving Destinations
Highlands, N.C.: Check out this charming small town in the Appalachian Mountains with a quaint downtown, holiday activities and wintry hiking trails.
Washington, D.C.: Visit the National Christmas Tree and tour the annual decorations at the White House, or hear a choral concert at the National Cathedral. Even the National Zoo gets in the spirit with lights and animal-themed holiday decorations, and there’s a holiday boat parade.
Alexandria, Va.: You might as well stop here if you’re in Washington, D.C., as it’s just outside the city and sports a traditional American Christmas home to carolers, hand bell choirs and the holiday fun found at Mount Vernon, including the Colonial Christmas experience.
Charleston, S.C.: Stroll through the Festival of Lights, or take a tour of the city’s mansions in their Christmas glory.
Andalusia, Ala.: Every December, this becomes Candyland, complete with incredible playhouses –Candyland Cottages – snow tubing and train rides.
Nashville, Tenn.: Whether you love rock n’ roll or country music, Nashville offers something for you at the holidays, including A Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland, a stunning light display and tons of holiday musical performances.
Franklin, Tenn.: This town hosts an annual twoday Dickens of a Christmas festival with hundreds of performers and artisans creating Charles Dickens stories in real life.
Williamsburg, Va.: The self-proclaimed Best Christmas Town in America, Colonial Williamsburg offers traditional caroling by torchlight, historic homes with candles in the windows and gun-salute displays, as well as nearby Busch Gardens’ display of more than 10 million lights.
Thomasville, Ga.: Tucked away in South Georgia, step into a small-town Christmas where the cobblestone streets and shops get a holiday makeover. Enjoy the annual Victoria Christmas event, parades and seasonal movies at the Ritz Amphitheater.
Branson, Mo.: Known as American’s Christmas Tree City, you’ll find more than 1,000 Christmas trees on display as well as drive-through light events, parades, celebrations at Silver Dollar City and a holiday festival. WGW
Cathye Dowda Cota
Salvation Army Angel Tree Spreads Christmas Cheer to Families in Need
The Salvation Army believes every child deserves to have gifts under the tree for Christmas. It’s an unfortunate reality that some families simply don’t have the financial means to make that happen, which leads to additional emotional stress for the parents and children alike.
The Salvation Army provides gifts for over 1 million children and senior adults nationwide, thanks to the kindness and generosity of individuals, churches and businesses who donate time, money and gifts. All donations stay in your local community to help your neighbors have a joyful holiday.
The organization’s Angel Tree program identifies children and some senior adults who might not have gifts this year and gives you an opportunity to anonymously adopt an Angel. Find your nearby Angel Tree location, and pick someone to provide gifts for. You’ll receive a first name and a wish list of items for your Angel.
If you’d like to help without purchasing gifts, donate your time instead. The Salvation Army uses volunteers to distribute the Angel Tree gifts as well as food for holiday meals to the families participating in the
For more information on the Angel Tree program, contact your nearest Salvation Army location.
Salvation Army Locations Near You
Carrollton Service Center 115 Lake Carroll Blvd, Carrollton, Ga. 770-830-0120
Newnan Service Center 670 Jefferson Street Ext., Newnan, Ga. 770-251-8181
LaGrange Service Center 202-204 Church St., LaGrange, Ga. 706-443-5119
Anniston Corps 15 W. 4th St., Anniston, Ala. 256-236-5643
Don’t Hesitate to Elevate
Adding easy holiday spirit to your existing wardrobe
While ugly Christmas sweaters have their place, there are easier ways to add a fashionable holiday punch to your outfits, often using items you already have in your closet. Strategically mixing colors, patterns and accessories helps you elevate your ensembles to remain stylish while getting in the spirit of the season.
Shoes. For the easiest holiday pop that works with nearly any outfit, opt for bright red shoes. These could be red heels with your little black party dress, or red Converse All Stars with your jeans.
If you really want to scream “cold weather” with your shoes, opt for a stylish pair of chunky boots. Whether black, brown or neutral, pair them with long, fluffy socks to instantly upgrade your outfit and give it that winter twist.
For a festive feel, add sparkly shoes – think glitter, rhinestones or sequins, or just go with something metallic. Silver and gold are the most obvious choices, but copper, bedazzled black and rose gold are trending this year.
Jewelry. While gaudy holiday jewelry abounds, sticking to something classic elevates your outfit to elegance without screaming “Christmas.” Consider simple pearl earrings – their round shape reminds people of ornaments, and the color matches the snow. A benefit of pearls is that you can wear them year-round to work, school, church or a night out. You can keep that trend throughout your jewelry selection by adding pearl-adorned necklaces, bracelets and rings.
emeralds. Neutrals also bring in the holiday spirit if you use cozy fabrics that give off fireside vibes.
Bow jewelry is popular this year in necklaces, earrings and bracelets. This can be a simple gold chain with a classy bow pendant, or large, red bow earrings with long bead strands as statement pieces. Layered chains enable you to have a plain gold necklace or two paired with one with a bow design or pendant.
For a classic look, stick with something like a gold hoop earring, but look for one that adds that pop of holiday cheer – think white pearls or red and green beads.
Remember to use your hair as an accessory piece to complement your outfit. Keep it playful with sparkling headbands, rhinestone barrettes or pearl
Belts and More. Belts and purses pull your outfit together and make it feel thoughtful and complete. These simple pieces put the final touch on your look to keep you on trend and fashion forward. Nothing says “holiday” more than sparkle, and this is a good place to add a touch of sparkle or some metallics without going overboard.
If a sweater you wear all winter has a burgundy stripe, pair it with a neutral skirt and tuck it into a wide burgundy belt in the front. Add a matching handbag – crossbody and quilted bags are still the top choices for casual looks this year – to bring your look together.
Another easy way to instantly upgrade to holiday level is to add a scarf with a festive pattern, such as a red and black buffalo check or a tartan plaid in your choice of holiday colors. This is another place where metallics and shimmery fabrics work well to add holiday joy to a solid base layer and to help you sparkle just as bright as your Christmas lights. WGW
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