Home for the Holidays 2022

paradise. Even though the turkey and side dishes are the crowning achievements on Thanksgiving, hungry guests will need something to tide them over until the pièce de résistance is ready. In such situations, bite-sized appetizers that are tasty yet not too filling can fit the bill.

Charcuterie boards and tasting menus continue to be all the rage. In addition to a platter of fruit slices, figs, aged cheeses and crostini, treat guests to “Mini Cheese Ball Bites,” which offer various textures and flavors in bite-sized morsels. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of Spectacular Spreads: 50 Amazing Food Spreads for Any Occasion (Rock Point) by Meagan Brown.

Mini Cheese Ball Bites

Makes 12 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened

shredded sharp cheddar cheese

tablespoons drained, chopped pimentos

In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cheddar, pimentos, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Place the crushed pecans and chives in a small bowl. Set aside.

Roll the cheese mixture into twelve 1-inch balls. Evenly coat each ball with the pecanchive mixture. Press a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball just before serving. Serve at room temperature or chilled. (Metro)

Phoebe’s Garden is getting ready to offer festive floral arrangements as the holidays approach. Items like poinsettias, cornucopia arrangements, wreaths, and kissing balls can be found today at Phoebe’s. Phoebe’s Garden grows their own flowers and utilizes flowers from local farmers.

Phoebe’s also features gift items from local artisans. Gifts such as handmade jewelry, soaps, ornaments, candles, and holiday décor are available in-store. Phoebe’s European-garden style offers a fresh take on floral arrangements that are one of a kind and unique. So if you’re looking for a Thanksgiving centerpiece or a Christmas wreath to deck your halls this holiday season, Phoebe’s Garden doors are open and ready for your holiday needs. For more information, visit https://phoebesgarden.us/.

Christmas in the Country: Put magic into your Christmas by visiting Brightly’s Farm Market! Santa Claus will be at the farm on Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call for reservations to book your family’s time to visit with Santa in his very own cozy room. While here shop our huge inventory of unique gifts items for everyone from Amish made furniture, clocks and candles! Also offering a unique line of baby and childrens gifts and carrying the Melissa and Doug line of childrens items. Visit the Brightly Farms Wine Tasting room for a wide selection of 20 varieties of Hunt Country Wines, New York’s finest cheeses, and other unique food items. Custom made wine gift baskets are also available. Fresh cut and locally grown Christmas trees and wreaths also available! 10-50% off all Christmas decor on Friday, November 25. Make your Christmas brighter by visiting Brightly’s Farm Market, located at the intersection of Rt. 18 and Drake Road in Hamlin. Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 585-636-4337 for your Santa reservation.

We’re so thrilled to be the first boutique of our style open on the westside of town! PFLUTTER (P is silent) is sister owned and operated. The boutique offers trendy clothing for women, kids & baby, home goods, permanent jewelry, and gift items. We curate items from other small, women-owned businesses across the U.S. and we even make some of the items in the shop as well. We provide other services onsite, such as curated gift boxes, personal shopping, private parties/events, and permanent jewelry. We hope you enjoy the shop just as much as we do this holiday season! And thank you for Shopping Small First this Holiday Season. offers complete eye care for the entire family. Their professional staff including owner, optician Keith Oetinger, Dr. Cary A. Kazdan and Dr. Peter Micca are now accepting new patients. Located at 24 West Avenue, in Spencerport, Spencerport Optical has a large selection of fashion eyewear, contact lenses and sunglasses. Complete eye examinations are available including screening for glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts and many other diseases. Your eyeglass prescriptions can be filled and most medical plans are accepted. Call 352-1960 to schedule your appointment today. Visit

Eight easy holiday centerpiece ideas

The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year.

The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention, with a Christmas tree or menorah taking a prominent position in the front window. Garlands, candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, attention also should be given to the dining table – which can benefit from a festive centerpiece.

Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun, creative pursuit and become a family tradition. Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table.

•Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to venture into a forest or park that is rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs. Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.

•Holiday thanks: Cut many strips of paper roughly six inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they’re thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table. Later in the evening, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.

•Magical forest: Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti.

•Freshly cut: Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl.

•Glass baubles: Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.

•Birch wood: The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood.

•Fruit and vegetables: If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen.

Lemons, artichokes, pears, or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby’s breath.

•Cornucopia: The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery, or even painted gourds or miniature pumpkins.

Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining table when they decorate. Festive centerpieces can be handmade without much effort on the part of hosts. (Metro)

The Brockport Merchants Association encourages you to visit downtown Brockport for your holiday shopping. Enjoy the delightful atmosphere and selection of goods, services, and restaurants. Support Black Friday, November 25, and Small Business Saturday, November 26. What a great time to enjoy the historic atmosphere of Brockport and support local, small businesses.

Jeff and Lora Partyka at Partyka Farms will welcome shoppers and invite their customers and friends to an Open House on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – stop in and browse through the Christmas shop filled to the brim with gift items and home decorating accents including quilted tree skirts, ornaments, scarves, enamel ware, pictures and a large variety of stockings for filling. Schwenk Wines will be on site Saturday, December 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a Brewery Beer Tasting on Sunday, December 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a famous homemade Partyka donut, check out the alpaca products, fresh cut Christmas trees and wreaths, bulk food items, River Rat cheeses, homegrown apples and cider. Partyka Farms is located at 1420 County Line Road, Kendall. Phone 585-659-9131.

Looking for a fresh new look in your holiday decorations? Shop with ease for holiday decorations, gifts, specialty items to please any gardener, whether expert or novice, or choose a collection of Yankee Candles for a hostess gift or create your own assortment of scents for yourself or for giving at Sara’s Garden Center, 389 East Avenue, Brockport. Want an opulent look this year? Want a natural feel to your decor? Sara’s can help with any style. Florist quality wreaths and real trees on display around the shop make picking the perfect ones much easier. There’s free baling and free tree drilling offered to make transport and set up much easier. Stop at Sara’s for ornaments, lights, centerpieces and indoor holiday plants such as Poinsettias, Christmas cactus and potted live evergreen trees. See their ad for more holiday items. Sara’s is now open seasonal hours. Call 637-4745 or visit sarasgardencenter.com or Facebook for details.

We have teapots! A lovely selection for you including tea cozies, tea cups, loose and bagged tea and more! We sell only the finest teas! Exclusively at The Red Bird in Brockport. And don’t forget to reserve your Afternoon Tea! The Red Bird Café • Bakery • Gifts, 25 Main Street, Brockport, 637-3340. Like us on Facebook and visit online at redbirdcafeandgiftshop.com.

Prefer American made products? Come Shop at American Accents. Shown here is a unique black steel cutting of a wolf (21”x32”) mounted on a repurposed real wood backing. Come see all of our American Artisan originals throughout the store. American Accents is located at 5319 Ridge Rd. West, Spencerport. Open Thurs.Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

– Sarah & John Bonczyk, Owners of Lift Bridge Book Shop 45 Main Street, Brockport, NY 14420 (p) 585-637-2260 Holiday Hours Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.-4 p.m. liftbridgebooks.com #liftbridgebookshop @liftbridgebooks

This year Lift Bridge Book Shop is celebrating our 50 year anniversary! Thank you to our staff, friends, family and patrons for all you have done to help us get here. Without your kindness and support this would not be possible. A special thank you to the original owners, Pat & Archie Kutz. Not only are they our mentors but they are also one of our biggest advocates. As always, don’t forget to shop small. Support your local community! From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

The Glue Factory, 3252 Union Street in North Chili, is a shopper’s delight! There are thousands of gift ideas for everyone you want to remember this holiday. There’s plenty of parking and a friendly staff anxious to help with selections. The Glue Factory is open regular hours Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Stop in to Hilton Family Pharmacy, located at 32 Main St., Hilton, and enjoy a cup of coffee at The Coffee Corner while browsing through the wide array of specialty products in their gift shop. Items include Jim Shore and Willow Tree collectibles, Yankee Candles, Estes Rockets, Ty Beanie Boos, Finger Lakes Coffee, mylar and

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Pharmacy is open Monday

Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit www.hiltonfamilypharmacy.com.