Roanoke Valley HOME Magazine Holiday/Winter 2015 by James River Media

HOME R O A N O K E

DESIGN

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IMPROVE

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VA L L E Y

GARDEN

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LIVE

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

festive tables, local wines & heartfelt greeting cards

WINTER WARMTH

COZY TEXTURES

NEW YEAR PROJECTS

KITCHEN REMODEL IDEAS EXTERIOR PAINT CHOICES

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2015, vol. 8, No. 5

HUNDREDS OF

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Samples. Choices. Answers.

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DESIGN

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IMPROVE

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VA L L E Y

GARDEN

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Volume 8 Issue 5 PUBLISHER

Julie Pierce EDITOR IN CHIEF

Meridith Ingram ROANOKE EDITOR

Rory Rhodes ART DIRECTOR

Trisha Roth CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

IMAGE COURTESY OF PHILLIP BARRETT, JR.

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West Willow Publishing Group, LLC (434) 386-5667 westwillowpublishing.com Copyright 2015 by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

n editor ’ s note “This year will be different.” How many of us make this vow as we approach the holiday season? “Simplify!” we coach ourselves; “Less stress, more fun!” we say. This is all good self-talk to prevent getting whipped up into a holiday frenzy. This issue of HOME will help you make good on your own feelgood mantras during what can be a busy season for all of us, regardless of your traditions, plans and expectations. Entertaining at home? Our feature on designing a tablescape showcasing the work of local floral designers will inspire you to set a dazzling table with just a few special touches, and without breaking the bank. You’re also invited to take a look at one local couple’s dazzling holiday decorations to perhaps give you some new ideas for your own home. Learn all about the best of Virginia wines, so you can shop, sip and serve local libations. We also offer make-ahead holiday meal advice, and we hope our article about holiday cards inspires you to create a special greeting card this year (notice we didn’t say “perfect,” or “completely-on-time”). If a kitchen update is on your wish list for Santa, our feature on what to expect from this major renovation will be invaluable as you make your plans. Articles on warming up your decor by layering textures, incorporating large potted trees and jazzing up your exterior color combos are sure to help you beat any winter blues.

Make your list, check it twice, and most of all, enjoy your home and everyone in it this holiday season. Learn all about the steps involved in remodeling the hub of the home—a space that sees a lot of action this time of year! Thanks for reading!

—MERIDITH INGRAM, EDITOR in chief meridith@westwillowpublishing.com

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contents Ro a n o ke Va ll ey h o m e H o li d ay / W int e r 2 0 15

features VIRG I N I A W I N E

Sip and serve the area’s best offerings By R o ry R h o d e s

R elaxing Retreat at Sinkland Farms

At home with Susan Sink By R O RY R HODES

64 12

THE G R E AT K I T C H E N R E M O D E L

All you need to know about this major project By N o e l l e M i l a m

FLOR A L TA B L E S C A P E S

Local pros showcase talents, offer tips to create a beautiful holiday table By M e r i d i t h In g r a m , R o ry R h o d e s an d H e at h e r E. Tow e Cover tablescape by George’s Flowers Photography by Kevin Hurley LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HOME Magazine

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Ro a n o ke Va ll ey h o m e H o li d ay / W int e r 2 0 15

departments 34

DESIGN

IMPROVE

GARDEN

LIVE

29 D E C OrationS T H AT DAZZLE How one local couple decks their halls

17 EXTERIOR CO L O R COMBOS Punch up your exterior with a new color scheme

34 WINTER CHORES Put your flowerbeds to bed

24 SEASON’S GREETINGS Tips for creating easy, memorable holiday cards

By R O RY R HODES

By C h r i sty R i p p e l

20 W I N TER’S COZY T E X T URES Add warmth and interest to your interiors

55 COOKWARE C A R E Tips for stocking, caring for cookware and bakeware By K ath e r i n e F u lg h u m

38 H O L I D AYS , REIMAGINED Tips and recipes for a party-ready season

By R ac h e l B ean lan d

Knopf

By Lu cy C o o k

60 TA B L ES THAT T R A NSFORM Multitasking tables are beautiful and functional

73 GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUT S Winter maintenance for worry-free spring

81 AROUND TOWN Local home and garden events in our area

By Lau r e l F e i n man

By M itz i B i b le

By B ec ky Calve rt

58 S TAT E M E N T P L A N T S Large indoor houseplants and potted trees beat winter blues

By M egan Hall

By C har lotte A.F. Far ley

55 38 20 S pecial I nterest 8 2 Index of advertisers 10

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Florals A FEAST OF

TABLESCAPE IDEAS TO MAKE THE SEASON MERRIER

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

Who says Christmas trees get to have all the fun? Adorning your dining table is another way to celebrate the season and welcome your guests, using flowers, greens, candles, ornaments—even produce—and all the other trappings of the season. Your very own yard, kitchen and even your bookshelves and countertops may already hold most of what you need to design a beautiful table, perhaps supplemented with blooms from your local florist. Here, we asked three floral designers to share with us tablescapes of their own creation that we could recreate in our own homes, using elements we may already have or can easily find outside. Whether you are setting the table for one family gathering, a big party, or just because you love flowers as much as we do at HOME, you’re sure to be inspired by these seasonal looks. r vhomemaga zine .com

Casual Chic To kick off the holiday season, look no further than the pumpkin patch or farmers market to create a rustic-butchic arrangement like the one imagined here by the talented creative team at Bloom by Doyle’s in Lynchburg. Designed by Karen Edwards, the arrangement features elements in a muted color palette, full of soft neutrals that can skew toward the oranges and browns of Thanksgiving or the richer greens and deeper reds of Christmas. An Irish linen white tablecloth and Juliska china on bronzed chargers are in perfect keeping with the air of sweet simplicity. Channeling a casual familygathering vibe when she designed this arrangement, Edwards says, “We wanted to create something for a more relaxed feel—not too formal.” This type of arrangement could translate just as well to an intimate gathering in the eat-in kitchen or as the anchor to a casual buffet. The base of this arrangement—a wooden box—was constructed by Bloom’s Chrissy Cangialosi from of a wooden pallet that she then whitewashed, to create a base that is not only versatile in looks but also intentionally long and low. “In this example, we wanted to use something low so that guests could make eye contact without a big object in their way,” explains Debbie Miller, owner of Bloom. Edwards says she was inspired by the “go vintage/ use what’s available” trend to complete this look. She 14

started with a focal point—in this case, locally sourced pumpkins ranging from a soft white to a silvery greenish gray—and built around it with flowers and other natural items to showcase them. Though hydrangeas are not in season at the moment, you may have dried some earlier in the season, or can get them from the florist if it’s your favorite, she says. Pinecones, oak leaves, hydrangea leaves and china berries round out the arrangement—all items that can easily be found in the yard (or something like them). Berries are used in each place setting, tied with burlap ribbon around each napkin for a pop of color and delight, and to tie in to the main arrangement. Edwards also suggests creating satellite arrangements that carry the theme further— repeating one of the items from the arrangement as a single element in a smaller container. Miller says to look around your home for vessels to hold your floral arrangements; you may have exactly what you need on a bookshelf or countertop, something you look at every day and can reimagine as a base for a bit of holiday cheer. If you want to recreate the look at home, Miller says that floral foam and chicken wire will do wonders for the at-home florist to keep things fresh and in place. She also says that staffers at Bloom are happy to coach drop-ins on the art of floral design. By Meridith Ingram Photography by KG Thienemann R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

Southern Elegance For Kerry McCarty of George’s Flowers in South Roanoke, nothing says “holidays” like Southern tradition. McCarty, a Southern gentleman himself, has been doing floral design for 50 years, and has a horticultural degree from Virginia Tech. Experience has taught him that an eye-catching table arrangement is one which combines a mix of refined and rustic pieces, and he firmly believes that floral arrangements do not have to be expensive. He tells his clients that it’s better to enjoy a modest posy every month than a grand display once or twice a year. That philosophy, along with his Southern roots, was the inspiration behind McCarty’s holiday tablescape featured here, which is designed to be easily reproduced using existing elements from your home. For the floral arrangement ingredients, McCarty begins outside. “The South has a long tradition of using garden greens to decorate for the holidays,” he says. Collect evergreens from your garden to use as the base for the display. Here, McCarty uses white pine, juniper, yew, magnolia, Leyland cypress and ivy for the greens. A contrast of shapes and textures is important, and tucking in a few pinecones enhances that holiday feel.

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Sprigs of seasonal berries add a pop of color; McCarty suggests hypericum, holly, or viburnum berries if you have them. Here is where a few key pieces from your florist will add a “wow” factor to your garden greens. In this design, McCarty chose a color scheme of pink, red, green and coral to complement his china. Coral-colored Amsterdam roses, clusters of miniature green hydrangeas, and sprays of purple wax flower bring the arrangement to life. All of these blooms are usually available at the florist, and using just a few is cost-effective. A trio of pomegranates from the market completes the look. McCarty used a “very Southern” Chinese Rose Medallion vegetable dish to hold the arrangement. The dish’s pastel colors complement the dinner china, and its low shape won’t obstruct dinner conversation. A basket or silver bowl would also work nicely. To create this look, McCarty gives this advice: purchase some floral foam (he notes that it’s actually cheaper to buy it at a florist than the craft store), then “condition” your cut greens and flowers by placing them in water overnight so that they are well hydrated. Then, take your block of floral foam and float it in a bowl of water until

soaked (it won’t take long). Begin the arrangement by creating a low, oval shape with the greenery, and build in a variety of textures. Trailing ivy over the edges creates an attractive effect. Once you have your shape, tuck in the flowers and pomegranates, and add what Kerry calls “a little shine” to your piece with a few simple gold Christmas ornaments. Unusual candlesticks provide rustic contrast. Here, McCarty used birch logs from the craft store and sawed them to his desired length, then placed the candles inside small terra cotta pots lined with moss. Pink Japanese teacups are filled with faux sugared fruits for a little extra glimmer, but you could also use gold or silver Jordan almonds, ribbon candy, or even peppermints. For the table, McCarty prefers the warmth of a wood table to a tablecloth. Herend “Fruits & Flowers” dinner plates are flanked by monogrammed, hemstitched linen napkins. Antique silverware and crystal goblets provide holiday luster. This classic Southern setting, with its magnolias, hydrangeas, and antique tableware, has an elegant look that can be achieved with only a few florist touches. McCarty says, “I want people to understand that they can do a holiday table without spending hundreds of dollars, by using what they already have.” By Rory Rhodes Photography by Kevin Hurley

A Vibrantly Festive Room

When designing a floral tablescape, Lucia Evans-Morse and Gregory Britt, owners of Tourterelle Floral Design in Charlottesville, emphasize customizing to both the client and the event itself. Evans-Morse and Britt collectively have 60 years of experience in the wedding and event industries, and together have formed a partnership that enables them to create enchanting floral artistry and unforgettable celebrations. Evans-Morse says, “When we design a tablescape, we first think of the event and then who will be sitting at the table. Then we look to the client to see what they have available to use from their personal collection. The season always plays a role in the table design because we love to use what is available and on hand.” Here, the tablescape they’ve designed would surely highlight any holiday gathering with friends and family around the table, bringing energy and festivity to any occasion. It pulls together elements from both the garden and the home’s interior, using magnificent dahlias and the art collection featured in the dining room for a show of color. The setting is Keelona Farm in Southern Albemarle County, EvansMorse’s home, which has been in her 16

family for generations. The dining room, pictured here, showcases an eclectic mix of sporting art, an antique carousel horse and vibrant contemporary paintings. The china is from EvansMorse’s own collection from the John Kluge Carriage Museum, featuring his “Carriage Museum” monogram and carriage motif. Using the exceptional dining room and farm as inspiration, Evans-Morse says, “It made sense to scour the farm itself for flowers, fruits and foliage. Jasmine vine, magnolia, chestnuts, camellia, viburnum, pokeberries and vegetables were truly locally sourced!” Dahlias from Tourterelle offer the finishing touches of seasonal exuberance. A table runner and matching placemats add softness to the table. Feathered ball ornaments and lichen wreaths add further interest, and playful fox ornaments at each place setting add a touch of whimsy. A spray of glossy magnolia leaves on the sideboard echoes the leaves in the main arrangement, and two smaller but similarly engaging arrangements tie the mantel to the overall scheme of the room. You can recreate this look by using items that appeal to your senses—your favorite flowers, greens and berries in varying colors, shapes, sizes and textures.

To begin, consider the location and build your design from there. Incorporate dishes and linens, and keep in mind that your furniture and artwork can play a key role in the feel of the completed look. Use vases and dishes you already have to draw your personality into the design. You can even include seasonal bounty like Evans-Morse and Britt did here, piling clusters of apples, grapes, artichokes and even root vegetables around the base of the arrangement to add further interest. Placing a loose dahlia or two (or whatever flower you feature in your arrangement) among this cluster ties the arrangement above to this lovely free-form vignette below it. You can certainly achieve a variety of looks with your holiday florals using what you have around your home, and supplementing with a little help from your local florist. Thoughtful tablescapes lend not only beauty and interest to an occasion, but show your guests that you are delighted by their presence in your home. By Heather E. Towe Photography by Melody Robbins

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n IMPROVE EXTERIOR PAINT

Ever stood in a paint store with a handful of paint chips, wondering how to choose what works best? Choosing paint colors for your home can be overwhelming, especially if you want to update your entire exterior scheme. If you’ve put off a change because you don’t know where to start, there are steps you can take to make the process easier. Follow them and you’ll increase the chance that you’ll stand in front of your new gleaming exterior and say, “I love it!” Consider Your Surroundings

COLOR Me Happy How to choose exterior paint colors for your home By Ch r is t y R i p p el r vhomemaga zine .com

If you are in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association and/or restrictive covenants, find out if you are bound by any rules for exterior colors. If you are free to make your own choices, take notice of the homes around you. You want to blend, but avoid looking the same. For example, suppose the house next door with similar architecture is white with black shutters. Even if you covet that look, you’ll want to go for a variation that sets you apart, like a light gray house with deep gray shutters. After you’ve looked at your neighbors’ homes, turn to your own yard. For color inspiration, think about the elements of your landscaping that you love. Do you have a bed of sunny daffodils that bloom every spring, or holly bushes with beautiful red berries lining your walk? Make note of these as possible color cues for your shutters and/or front door—which, as the gateway to your home, can be an expression of your taste and personality. The other important consideration before you visit the paint store is to think about the fixed elements of your house— things that won’t change, like the roof, or existing stone or brick that won’t be painted. Most roofs are neutral grays or browns, but some steal the spotlight, like a red metal or green shingle —and will narrow color choices for the rest of the house. Are your windows vinyl (meaning they can’t be painted)? Do you have white storm windows? If so, choose a paint color that matches the vinyl or metal of your windows to use for trim to blend these elements with the rest of the house. If you have wood windows that can be painted, you can opt for a different window trim color. While you’re standing outside, snap a picture of the front of your house to take with you to the paint store. It can help you in conveying the style of your home and the changes you want to make to a professional at the store. Be a Color Insider

Paint companies like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams sell fan decks—which are a must-have staple for designers to help them narrow down and choose paint colors. Purchase one at the store or online for about $25—a worthy investment if you are shelling out the dollars to repaint your exterior. If you are looking for a trim color that will blend seamlessly with your existing stone or brick, put the fan deck up against the house to color match a shade in your brick or stone. You may think your brick is just one color, like red, but it often has shades of grays and browns, and one of those would be a perfect trim complement. 17

consultant what some of their favorites are, because they are usually thrilled to help and their advice is free of charge. Once you’ve narrowed down some color choices, invest in some sample quarts and some large pieces of white poster board. Paint the boards (covering all of the white) and hang them up outside on your house. Make sure you look at them at different times of day, and if you like what you see, you’ve arrived at color nirvana. DIY Update

If the body of your house is painted, here’s a designer trick for choosing trim paint: ask the paint store to add 10 percent of your house color to Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White—a fail-safe way to match the undertones. If you have a favorite paint brand, any paint store can color match Pure White. In addition to a fan deck, the color wheel can be your best friend in choosing paint schemes that work. Color combinations based on the color wheel are monochromatic (several shades of a single color); analogous (colors found side by side on the wheel); contrasting (three colors spaced evenly apart on the wheel); and complementary (two hues opposite each other). Pull up a wheel online and use it with your paint fan deck to see what inspires you! If you decide you like a type of scheme (like monochromatic) but are lost when it comes to actual colors, ask the paint store

A cheaper and faster way to bring flair to your exterior, especially if your house paint and trim are in good shape, is to paint your front door a new hue. The sheen is up to you; go full-on highgloss or understated matte. If your house and trim colors are neutral, you’ve got more leeway in choosing a front door shade and can change it when the mood strikes. Decide on the statement you want to make and then get some sample boards ready before you commit. Are you a stickler for tradition? Deep green, red or black are all great tried and true choices. Does something bold and playful suit you? How about trendy turquoise, regal purple or even an interesting orange? If you’ve followed these steps but are still knitting your brow in angst, consider calling in seasoned color experts. Many interior designers and decorators can help with a relatively inexpensive paint consult; many offer this as an affordable a la carte service. They may also be able to suggest and coordinate the painting contractors who will hopefully get you one step closer to “I love it!”

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RHOADES RESTORATION 18

Roanoke

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

COLOR CHEAT SHEET

YOUR FRONT DOOR Southern-inspired: Dark green is a traditional Southern color that looks great on brick houses with white trim. Try: Farrow & Ball Carriage Green Regal and unusual: Think deep purple that doesn’t read too grape. Try: Sherwin-Williams Majestic Purple Bright and cheerful: On the turquoise trend: Benjamin Moore Venezuelan Sea Yellow without the shock value: Pratt & Lambert Beeswax A pleasing green: Valspar Sassy Green

WHOLE-HOUSE SCHEMES

Harmonious color combo for stone facade or a slate roof: House body: Sherwin-Williams Relaxed Khaki Trim and shutters: Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki

A twist on the black and white traditional look: House body: Benjamin Moore Sandy Hook Gray Trim and shutters: Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal Front door: Benjamin Moore Moroccan Red r vhomemaga zine .com

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n DESIGN DECORATE WITH TEXTURE

WARM UP YOUR SPACE When Outside’s Frightful, Make Inside Delightful By R ach el B e a n l a n d

To me, the rewards of winter—holidays, mugs of hot cocoa, a roaring fire—have never seemed worth the downsides of the season. The days are dark, parkas aren’t flattering, and no matter how many pairs of fingerless gloves I knit, my hands are always cold. I’d love to be the type of person who embraces all four seasons, but by early December of each year, I’m usually daydreaming about spring. But there’s hope for those of us who aren’t seasonally inclined. Winter can be the perfect time to decorate, and I’m not just talking about decking the halls. Think beyond red and green and make changes that inspire you to embrace winter’s dark nights and cold mornings. If you focus on creating a warm, well-lit home that encourages conversation, cuddling and catnaps, you may decide winter’s not quite so bad after all. 2 0

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

Create Space for Conversation

Take a good look at your furniture placement as you approach the winter months. Does the arrangement of your sofa, armchairs and occasional chairs facilitate conversation? If not, it’s time to reconfigure your space. Resist the urge to position your furniture along the walls of your room; instead, create clustered seating arrangements that lend themselves to tête-à-têtes. Placing two chairs opposite a sofa can create a nice sense of balance. Or try positioning two sofas across from each other. The key is to create a sense of intimacy when friends and family sit down to talk. Designers recommend taking a tape measure to your furniture arrangements; ideally, in a grouping, no piece of furniture should be more than eight feet away from any other. If you’ve done your job right, you should be able to get away with only one coffee table in a grouping, but that doesn’t mean skimping on end tables and nesting tables. Confirm that no chair or sofa is more than 18 inches away from a solid surface. On a cold winter night, a cup of hot tea should always be within an easy arm’s reach. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, embrace it. People are prone to put the flat-screen television at the center of their seating arrangements, but particularly in the wintertime, it’s worth resisting the urge. The cold weather provides the perfect excuse to focus on the hearth. For living rooms that are long enough, consider breaking the room into zones. Think about the indoor activities your family enjoys. Is there a surface for your kids to do jigsaw puzzles? What about a well-lit nook where you can curl up with a book? Creating these special spaces doesn’t necessarily mean buying all new furniture. Try rearranging what you have and borrowing from other rooms when you need to. The goal is to come up with an arrangement that maximizes the great indoors. Let in the Light

One of the most prescribed treatments for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder is light. Doctors recommend people get at least 30 minutes of it a day. Sunlight helps boost the production of melatonin, which can in turn improve people’s moods. There are lots of ways to improve indoor lighting in the winter months. Some are simple to execute but often overlooked. For starters, open your blinds every day. Trim the trees and shrubs that have grown in front of your windows during the summer months. And turn on the lamps you’ve already got. One of the biggest lighting mistakes people make is relying on a single light source—like a ceiling-mounted fixture—to do the work of four or five lamps. Overhead lighting casts a harsh hue when compared to a lamp’s soft glow, and using multiple lamps in a room allows you to ratchet the ambience up or down as occasion demands. Ideally, you want a mix of table lamps and floor lamps. Select a variety of styles and colors for an eclectic look. Even after you’ve stocked up on lamps, there are still more ways to infuse your home with light. Mirrors reflect the light you’ve already got and multiply its effects. Get creative about where and how you use them. Designers particularly love using mirrors to lighten up entryways, which can often be dark spaces. Candles are a great way to introduce a little mood lighting on dark winter nights. Pillar candles come in a variety of heights and diameters and can look pretty clustered on a tray or plate. If your fireplace isn’t functional and a gas insert isn’t an option, consider creating an arrangement of candles in your empty firebox. Positioning a mirror at the back of the firebox, behind the candles, will double their impact. When selecting candles, avoid fragrances that might smell overpowering to guests. And veer toward white candles, as opposed to ones in traditional holiday colors like red or green. You’ll be far less likely to grow tired of them by mid-January. r vhomemaga zine .com

Another fun way to make your home feel warm, festive and full of light is to introduce a few metallic accents. It’s not hard to find accessories in gold, silver, bronze or nickel, and if you can’t find something you like, there’s always metallic spray paint. For about eight dollars a can, you can makeover a beloved but slightly tired objet d’art or give a thrift store find a new lease on life. Gone are the old rules about never mixing gold and silver; these days, the two frequently find themselves in the same room together. Just remember not to get carried away; the key to decorating with metallic accessories is to do so in small doses. Think About Texture

Touch is the first sense humans acquire and has a powerful effect on our physical and emotional wellbeing. Studies have shown that people who regularly touch others have lower blood pressure and heart rates and healthier immune systems. Touch stimulates the production of oxytocin, which makes you happier, and it activates nerves and hormones that reduce stress. It’s no wonder that, in the cold, dark winter months, we look for ways to introduce more texture—or touch—into our homes. To give your home a layered look, don’t overlook a single surface. Floors, windows, upholstery and even walls are fair game. Start with finding a throw blanket that looks as good as it feels. The best throws are so soft they could be mistaken for a long hug. You’ll find throws in cashmere, chenille, wool, cotton—even faux fur. Don’t be afraid to choose something that stands out from the rest of your decor. The beauty of decorating with throws, pillows and other accessories is that everything can be swapped out from season to season. While you’re shopping for throws, it won’t hurt to keep your eye out for an authentic sheepskin as well. Sheepskins are versatile; they can be draped across a sofa or chair or placed directly on the floor, either alone or layered on

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top of another rug. While a sheepskin is not a substitute for a warm throw on a cold night, it does feel luxurious to cuddle up against or sink your toes into, and can add a new dimension to your decor. Buying throw pillows is one of the fastest and easiest ways to introduce texture into a living room. If you normally go light on throw pillows, winter can be a good time to up the ante, creating a sofa that screams, “Cuddle up!” Choosing down or down-blend inserts will further boost your sofa’s cozy factor. Look for throw pillows in velvet, cable knits and faux furs, and don’t be afraid to mix up your colors and textures. Faux fur has come a long way in the last couple of years; in fact, it’s getting so good that it’s hard to tell the difference between real fur and its man-made counterpart. If you’re shopping for a faux-fur throw pillow or blanket, look for fur that feels smooth to the touch and retains its shape. Rub your hand along the material—the fibers should bounce back into place. Think about swapping out your curtains as well. Not everyone’s got the storage space or inclination to change out their curtains with the seasons, but opting for heavy curtains in the wintertime can reduce drafts. Velvet drapes, in particular, look and feel luxurious and can even be hung directly overtop your summertime sheers. If your home has a lot of exposed wood flooring, winter is the right time to assess whether you’re using enough rugs. Not only will you introduce more texture when you add more rugs, but you’ll also keep your toes warmer and save on your energy bills. To add interest to your space, try layering multiple rugs on top of each other. For the best success, choose a bottom rug that’s at least 12 to 18 inches larger on all sides than the top rug. Also, look for rugs with different textures— think about layering a wool rug on top of a sisal or jute rug, for instance. A faux animal hide looks particularly striking on top of a rectangular area rug because the hide’s irregular shape provides a nice contrast to the boxier rug beneath. It’s easy to spend the winter months bemoaning the fact that you’re not outdoors. But make these simple changes to your home and you may discover you’ve stopped counting down the days to spring. r vhomemaga zine .com

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n LIVE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

The Holiday Card Dash Tips and tricks for making this a stress-free task BY M eg a n H a l l

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

There are few tasks I take more seriously than my annual holiday card. Each year, as soon as the first chill hits the air, I begin to dream of lavish showpieces with die-cut snowflakes, embossed lettering and professional photos of my family in matching outfits. However, each year like clockwork, Thanksgiving is long gone before I realize that pinning ideas to my ever-growing “Holiday Cards” board on Pinterest does not make it so. Thus begins my annual mad card dash. If you are one of the sainted few capable of mailing cards the first week of December, thank you for having your life together so the rest of us can display cards before Christmas Eve. To my sympathizers, I urge you to remember two things about holiday cards: first, this should be a gesture aimed at connecting with friends and family on a personal level. Second, it shouldn’t break the bank or be filled with stress. Regardless of your delivery timeframe, I hope you’ll enjoy these tips to keep your card-sending fun and stress free. Make a Plan

From budget to mailing lists, holiday cards require a fair amount of planning, so start as early as possible. (Or, if you’re like me, scramble clumsily at the last minute!) If you take a little time to settle these few items, the rest of the work is fun. Set a budget and stick to it! This is the most important step. Holiday cards have received a bad reputation for being expensive, but they are only as costly as you allow them to be. If you have a tight budget, watch for deals from online retailers—hello, 50 percent off and free shipping! Also, with the ever-increasing cost of postage, consider sending local cards only and hand-delivering each one. It could become your new favorite tradition! Develop a mailing list and be realistic about it. This is perhaps the hardest part of the process, at least for me. I grew up in a home where everyone was considered a dear friend. That means I have a gift for justifying why people should make the cut. My internal dialogue sounds something like this: “Oh, I can’t forget the sweet lady at the doctor’s office. She went out of her way to get me an appointment when I missed mine. And I can’t believe I almost forgot the handyman who came to fix the faucet three months ago. It would be so tacky not to include him.” Your list can become a dark rabbit hole, so remember to keep it personal. When in doubt, start with close family and friends. After that, let your budget determine the rest. Eliminate work and stress! Unlike previous generations, we have the luxury of online sites like Shutterfly and Minted. Many sites allow you to upload a spreadsheet of names and addresses so they can handle mailing, or if you prefer, they will preprint the address on an envelope and ship everything to you for final touches. Preprinted addresses might not be as personal as handwritten, but if you suffer from poor penmanship as I do, the postman will thank you and your recipients will forgive you. r vhomemaga zine .com

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Now comes the fun part: making it pretty! Holiday cards come in every shape and size. The possibilities are virtually endless so here’s some food for thought when designing your dream card. Glossy versus Matte: The Great Debate. Though many folks are partial to glossy photo cards, matte and recycled paper have become popular options in recent years. I recommend browsing and touching cards you’ve already received and see what you prefer. Glossy papers tend to be on the lessexpensive end of the paper spectrum, so budget may ultimately determine your choice. Use photos. Or don’t. Photo cards are becoming more popular, but with that option comes great responsibility. ■ D on’t use blurry or unflattering photos. Remember that this card could be preserved for years to come, so don’t use a photo of anyone else that you wouldn’t use of yourself.

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■ D on’t be scared of creative photos. Why not organize a themed photo of your loved ones dressed as superheroes or your furry, four-legged children situated by their stockings with care? Sites like Pinterest are chock full of ideas to get the whole family involved! ■ U se collages with caution. We’ve all felt the pain of narrowing down a year’s worth of photos; however, try to keep your selection between 3-5 images and ensure they are large enough to not require a magnifying glass! ■ I f you don’t have time to take a photo, or if you don’t want to, there is no shame in sending a card without a photo; include a handwritten note instead for a personal touch. Preserve the joy. After you receive a holiday card, what should you do with it? I love creating displays or keepsakes so the cards can have a longer shelf life. Here are a few of my favorite ideas: ■ B ind them into a book. Simply punch a hole in the top corner of each card, or two holes evenly spaced down the side, and then connect them using an o-ring or ribbon. This cute treat can be placed on a coffee table for guests and your family to enjoy all season long. ■ D isplay them around the house. Whether you use a wall, door, staircase, refrigerator, or any other available surface, holiday ribbon is a great way to keep your cards organized. Cut a piece of ribbon to the appropriate length (like the length of the door) and secure using poster tape or a small tack. Then use clothespins to clip each card to the ribbon. Bonus points if you decorate the clothespins to be holiday-themed! reate a display board. To transition a large photo frame ■ C (think 11x17) into a quick display board, remove the glass and replace the backing with chicken wire or corkboard. Voila—you have a board that can be used throughout the year! Now that you’re armed with these tips and tricks, remember to enjoy creating and sending your stress-free, display-worthy, notbudget-busting holiday cards!

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

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n DESIGN A HOLIDAY HOME

Distinctive Holiday Decor New Home Inspires Novel Look

By R o ry R h o d es P h ot o g r a p hy by Kev in H u r l ey

Decorating for the holidays is not just about putting up twinkle lights or Santas or Nativity scenes; it’s about creating a feeling. When we unpack our decorations or bring home a new item to display, we know we’ll be evoking a mood, and saying something about what the season means to us. Our tastes may change slightly from season to season, but many of us gravitate toward a favorite theme that includes treasured items we’ve had for years, freshened up with recent finds. For one Salem couple, moving to a new home inspired a fresh holiday collection. r vhomemaga zine .com

hen Judy and Bob Goodwin moved to their Salem home five years ago, they had a vision for what they wanted to do right from the very beginning. “We were peeking through the windows before we moved in, planning the layout,” says Judy with a laugh. The house, with its 25-foot ceilings, presented a few decorating challenges, and the Goodwins were eager to get started. Rather than repeat the look of their previous home in the Hollins area (which had a smaller footprint) Bob and Judy, two retired teachers, quickly got organized and came up with a plan to outfit their home. “We were on a mission,” says Judy, adding, “It didn’t take us long.” They chose a gold and green color scheme, and worked with Kathy Spark of Accents on Windows to make it happen. To keep their vision in sync with their budget, Spark selected a few statement elements, such as a custom upholstered camelback sofa from the former Roanoke shop The French Thistle and embroidered silk goblet-pleat curtains for the living room, helping them round out their decor with more affordable items. The Goodwins use this same game plan for their holiday decor. Self-professed “bargain hunters,” Bob and Judy enjoy visiting a variety of shops throughout the region, from The Sleeping Bee and Green Front Furniture in Farmville, to Steger Creek and The Second Yard in Roanoke. They know what they like, and combine that vision with a touch of professional panache for their personal holiday style. Their current holiday decor was spurred on by the fact that, around the time of their move, some of their Christmas stuff was stolen from the old location. “Angels, ironically,” says Bob. They 3 0

decided to start fresh and build upon the gold and green theme of their new home. The couple, who have two cats, chose a whimsical theme featuring various insects, birds, and woodland creatures, though, as luck would have it, no cats (they’re still looking). A splash of pizzazz was provided by Randall Neely of Joran’s Interiors, who enhances the holiday ambiance for some of Roanoke’s most stylish homes. A Graceful Garland

The Goodwins’ front door opens onto the living room, where a staircase ascends to the second level. At the base of the stairs, an umbrella stand is filled with a substantial silk floral arrangement by Neely, featuring hydrangeas and magnolias in shades of pale green and off-white, with subtle silver and gold accents. The bannister, which extends along a landing that overlooks the room, is anchored with a large gold-robed porcelain angel, and draped with a custom garland that Judy and Bob created from various pieces. The foundation of the garland is delicate faux greenery. Judy says she initially used a fuller garland, but replaced it with this airier version because, “I wanted it to swag nicely.” She embellished the garland with a variety of objects, including bows, poinsettias and birds, in shades of white, gold and bronze. At each peak of the swag is a focal accent. Some accents feature a spray of golden foliage with a dangling crystal pendant, while others have charming creatures such as a fox, squirrel, and owl, made from natural materials, perched atop gilded pine boughs and berries. Bob says the various animals were gathered “whenever and wherever we see them, throughout the year.” Judy says the trick to making it all work is to wrap a R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

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decorative pick around the arrangement to help hold the other decor in place, and that their official garland technique is, “Run down the steps, look up, then run back up the steps!” They say it’s also “a great cardio workout!” A Welcoming Wreath

The focal point of the garland is a large wreath, which hangs on the bannister over the center of the living room. Its generous size is thanks to Bob, who says, “I wanted the biggest one I could find, which turned out to be a pre-lit wreath from Lowe’s.” The Goodwins took the wreath to Neely and told him what they had in mind. He wired it with a grouping of cream silk poinsettias, topped with a luxurious custom bow made from a variety of wired golden ribbon. At this point, many of us would have happily hung our creation as-is. But Judy added some more of her signature touches, including pinecones, birds, and the wreath’s most delightful and unexpected feature, a trio composed of a raccoon, a bird on its nest, and a squirrel, who look down upon the living room below. r vhomemaga zine .com

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THE GARLAND, WREATH, AND CHRISTMAS TREE, ALONG WITH OTHER SEASONAL TOUCHES THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE, BRING A VIBRANT HOLIDAY AMBIANCE TO BOB AND JUDY’S HOME. UNIFYING WITH COLOR, AND REPEATING THE HOME’S PALETTE IN THE DECORATIONS, ADDS A CUSTOM FEEL. A Twinkling Tree

The pièce de résistance, the Goodwins’ Christmas tree, occupies an unusual spot. Instead of standing in front of a window or near the fireplace, Bob and Judy placed it at the confluence of several spaces, in a corridor between the living room, dining room and kitchen. From this location, the tree can be seen from many angles, and the success of this arrangement is due to the tree’s tall, narrow shape, which perfectly fits the available space. The white flocked tree is pre-lit, and was purchased from The Sleeping Bee. It is lavishly decorated in gold, silver, bronze, and white, with pale green accents. Traditional globe and pendantshaped ornaments are complemented by fluffy white swans, jeweled green beetles and owls, silver and crystal dragonflies, delicate pearl and gold ants, and glittering butterflies. Champagne-colored poinsettia blossoms are nestled between branches. While most of these ornaments were bought in recent years from various local stores, other elements have a longer history, such as the Hummel ornaments from the 1970s. Judy also gave new glitz to some older pieces by covering them in gold glitter. Crystal teardrops and an antique crystal garland reflect the light and add holiday shimmer. 3 2

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When decorating the tree, Judy says, “I work from the inside out.” She actually begins with the garland, adding a crystal teardrop at each peak of the strand to provide extra sparkle, then places the ornaments last. Glass icicles and a golden tree topper complete the glistening snowy effect. Bob and Judy begin decorating their home in November, and say it takes them a couple of days to complete the process. They take photos so they can remember what they’ve done, though Bob admits, “We vary it every year.” After the holidays are over, ornaments are individually wrapped to preserve them for next season. The garland, wreath and Christmas tree, along with other seasonal touches throughout the house, bring a vibrant holiday ambiance to Bob and Judy’s home. Unifying with color, and repeating the home’s palette in the decorations, adds a custom feel. Sophisticated floral accents, lush bird and insect ornaments, and playful woodland animals all express Bob and Judy’s festive spirit. They have created a look that is entirely their own, while conjuring a timeless holiday mood. Perhaps the Goodwins’ festive vision can inspire some fresh thoughts in our own decor, and give us ideas for new motifs to be on the lookout for, both this season and throughout the year!

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n GARDEN GARDEN CHORES

The Long Winter's Nap

Putting Your Flower Beds to Bed By B eck y C a lv e r t

The grand finale of the gardening season is upon us. Now is the time to prepare your yard for its long winter’s nap, if you haven’t already— prepping it for the coming spring. A little bit of work now will mean happier beds come next April. Just like spring, when beds slowly come to life, they slowly go dormant in the fall, so putting your beds to bed is a process that happens over time, not just in one day.

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Some perennials hold up beautifully over the winter—sedum, pinks (otherwise known as dianthus), and ornamental grasses either hold their green or at least remain showy enough to warrant you leaving them until spring. Perennials such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans might not look as pleasing, but provide seed for birds throughout the winter and are worth leaving until spring. Some perennials however, require cutting back in the fall, particularly those that grow mildew (like bee balm) or just look so unsightly you wonder why you planted them in the first place (day lilies, columbine, peonies). Resist the urge to prune any of your bushes though; the act of pruning stimulates new growth. And when that happens in the late fall, as the plant is trying to go dormant, it can lead to confusion for the plant and can kill it—or at the very least, will result in no blooms the following spring. With early spring-blooming woody plants, it is best to prune them just after blooming to ensure new growth and a happy plant. A good rule of thumb to follow is, “if it’s yellow or brown, cut it down; if it’s green, leave it alone.” Now is a fantastic time to clean up around plants that show disease, but don’t throw their leaves into the compost bin. You’ll want to bag them and dispose of them otherwise to keep them from infecting other plants, as well as from continuing to infect the initial plant. It’s also a good time to mulch around the roots of plants to help protect them from the coming bitter-cold weather; sometime between the first frost and before it gets too cold is best (mid-November is a great time in our area for this task—so get on it!). While spring is thought of as the time to plant, fall is also a great time for that activity. Spring-blooming bulbs need a period of cold dormancy in order to bloom come spring. To keep squirrels from digging up and feasting on your bulbs, outwit them by planting the bulbs in large groups. Flood the soil surface with water, then cover the area with leaves and some shrubby branches. Planting pansies in the fall gives you fall color; mulch them after the ground freezes to protect the roots from the freeze-and-thaw cycle of winter and they will bloom again in early spring! Many trees and shrubs do well when planted in the fall—the weather is cool, but the soil is still fairly warm, allowing the roots to establish themselves before the depths of winter. Just remember to keep them watered until they go into dormancy for the season. Fall is also a good time to split early spring-blooming perennials, such as iris or hosta, creating a happier bed for them to winter in. r vhomemaga zine .com

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This is also a great time of year to prep that new bed you’ve been considering adding. Cover your selected area with thick newspapers and mulch. Come spring, you’ll have an area ready to be amended with little effort! Now is also a great time to get your soil tested; labs aren’t as busy, so you’ll get your results quicker, giving you the time to amend soil now and giving it time over the winter to settle. If you’ve been considering starting a compost bin, this is a good time to get started. Those falling leaves from your shade trees can be placed in the bin and will be ready to use in next summer’s garden. If a compost bin isn’t your thing, you can still place leaves in plastic bags, setting them aside for the winter, where they will break down and become next spring and summer’s organic matter to be added to your beds. In yet another use for nature’s gold (also known as those falling leaves), considering mowing them over with your lawn mower and allowing them to sit on your lawn. Keeping the leaves whole can create dead spots, but the act of making them smaller by mowing over them helps speed the process of them breaking down and becoming organic matter, saving you the time and expense of fertilizing—one more thing knocked off your gardening to-do list! If you have a vegetable garden you’ll want to pull your plants. Some greens, like collards and kale, as well as root vegetables like carrots and parsnips will hold up well—even taste better in the frosty weather—but you’ll want to pull tomatoes, squash and other warm-weather vegetables. While it might be a bit late this year, if we haven’t had too heavy of a frost yet, there is still a small window for planting a cover crop such as rye or clover that you can till into the garden come spring to help put nutrients back into the soil. Herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme, lavender and parsley generally can handle cold weather, but be sure to mulch around their base to protect the roots. Rosemary, however, does not like temperatures below about 15 degrees Fahrenheit, so if the temperatures take a deep plunge, you will want to take more extreme measures with your plant. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

Pull in flowerpots that can’t take a freeze, like terra cotta and plastic. Give all your pots a good cleaning before putting away for the season, so that come spring, they are ready for fresh plantings. Consider also your garden tools. Before putting them away for the year, give them a good cleaning. Scrub the dirt, debris and rust off your tools, oiling the metal to keep rust and corrosion at bay. This is a good time to sharpen blades of power tools, such as lawn mowers and weed whackers, changing air filters and spark plugs while draining their gas tanks. For hand tools, sand down any rough spots on the wooden handles and give them a coat of linseed oil to help them last. All this work putting your beds to bed will pay off in dividends come next spring. Adding mulch protects your plants against some of the harshness of winter while amending your soil now gives it time for the improvements to take hold. Removing this year’s debris, while removing insect egg cases and disease spores also makes for a tidy view all winter. In my case, this may be the only time my garden looks so orderly.

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n LIVE CULINARY CORNER

Food Ready At the

Preparation and versatility are your best holiday friends By Lu cy Co o k

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

here’s a book that I’ve heard a lot about lately; it’s about changing your life by discarding any possession that doesn’t make you feel joy. Evidently, people experience great peace by throwing away their clutter. I haven’t read the book myself (I don’t know if I’m ready to make that move!), but I’m thinking about writing my own book with the assertion that having the right food and drinks in your pantry and freezer during the holidays will make you feel great peace—and give you the urge to invite everyone over! As the holidays approach, I think of getting prepared in the kitchen. I stock up on a favorite red and white wine, and make sure I have some beer in the pantry and nice cocktail napkins. My brother-in-law drinks martinis, so I make sure I’ve got good olives. Last year, we had fun creating a signature cocktail for the holidays, and served it through the season. Ours was spicy ginger ale with a splash of fresh lime juice, pomegranate juice and vodka, but you could make up one of your own. We made sure to have the ingredients on hand, so that we were ready to make one for whoever stopped by—or if we decided to indulge at home. In my holiday prep, I look through the pantry and make sure that I have lots of crackers, toasts and chips in stock. Each of those things lasts for more than a month unopened, so you’re safe to stock up. I usually pick up some local jams or chutney at the farmers market and seasonal festivals; they also make a nice addition to my cheese platter. I find that I can usually find a pretty good fall sale on whole nuts—pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts—and I put a few bags away to use in cookies, or to toast with spices or just sea salt for cocktails. For the freezer, I feel unprepared without frozen shrimp. I buy the largest peeled, deveined, individually frozen kind. They can be defrosted in cold running water in 10 minutes, and cooked in three or four more. I spice up some bottled cocktail sauce by adding more horseradish and fresh lemon juice, and a party is born! Your favorite cookie dough is usually safe in the freezer for a month; scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. After it’s completely frozen put the balls into a zip-lock bag. The dough for cheese crackers can be rolled, wrapped and frozen in logs, to be sliced and baked in batches later. Your favorite hot dip (crab, artichoke and spinach, or the Bacon and Gruyere recipe I’m including here) can usually be made ahead and frozen until needed (although you may need to substitute cream cheese for the mayonnaise if your original recipe has it, as mayo tends to get greasy after freezing). Thawed dips can be baked in a casserole, or spooned into phyllo cups and baked as smaller appetizers. I’ve also included a recipe for individual Beef Wellington—an update of a fancy restaurant staple from the “Mad Men” era. These packages of filet mignon, spinach and mushrooms will hold in your freezer for a few weeks—and make you look like a genius! Happy holidays and happy cooking!

Bacon and Gruyere Dip (makes about 2 cups) Great served with toasts or crackers, or as a filling for mini phyllo cups. 2 tablespoons butter 2 Vidalia onions, sliced about ¼ inch thick 2 tablespoons dry sherry 8 ounces cream cheese ¼ cup mayonnaise Salt and pepper 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt the butter. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often until brown and soft, about 10-15 minutes. Add sherry and cook another minute. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients to the pan and stir to combine. Place in a small casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes, until brown and bubbly. Can be frozen and baked after thawing. r vhomemaga zine .com

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Individual Beef Wellingtons (makes six) The original recipe for Beef Wellington is a large portion of tenderloin with chopped mushrooms and pate wrapped in puff pastry. By making these as individual portions, some of the problems with cooking the meat well are resolved, and I’ve substituted spinach for pate as an update. Although the instructions look long, they are just detailed and not difficult. This recipe is definitely worth the effort—AND it is a do-ahead! 6 5-6 ounce portions of beef tenderloin (filet mignon) 1 pound fresh spinach, picked through and stems removed 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound domestic or wild mushrooms (or a mixture), cleaned and chopped

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2 eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash) Season filets generously with salt and pepper. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron if you have it!). When the oil is almost smoking hot, add two filets and sear for two minutes on each side. Set the meat aside on a rack to cool, and repeat for the remainder of steaks. (Don’t worry; the meat will get cooked more thoroughly in the last step!) Make an ice bath by putting ice and water in a large bowl. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a clean skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Working in two or three batches (depending on the size of your skillet), sauté the spinach until just wilted. Immediately put the spinach in the water bath to cool, then drain, squeezing well so that no moisture remains. Fluff, then set aside on a dry paper towel to absorb any additional moisture. Wipe out the skillet and melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté the onions, stirring constantly until browned and limp. Salt and pepper to taste. Put on a paper towel on a plate and set aside to cool. Wipe out the skillet again; melt another 3 tablespoons butter. Add the garlic, mushrooms and thyme and cook, stirring until browned and soft and all liquid has cooked off, about 10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in a colander over a bowl to cool and drain.

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One at a time and working quickly, roll out the puff pastry sheets until they are ¼ inch thick. Using a dinner plate as a guide, cut a 10-inch circle out of each sheet. You may cut decorations out of the scraps for the tops of the Wellingtons; leaves or strips look nice. Layer the circles between plastic wrap and store in the freezer until you’re ready. At this point you should have everything (filets, spinach, mushrooms and onions) cooked, thoroughly cooled, and as dry as possible. (Squeeze the spinach one more time to make sure!) Portion the spinach, mushrooms and onions into six piles. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

On a lightly floured board, place a frozen round of puff pastry. Spread with Â˝ a portion of spinach, one portion of onions, one portion of mushrooms. Top with the seared filet and the remainder of spinach. Carefully bring up the sides of the pastry, stretching and overlapping, using clean kitchen scissors to cut off the bulky corners of dough that form. Carefully smooth out the pastry, pinching and sealing each seam (if you have trouble sealing a seam, use the egg wash as glue). Flip the pastry over so that the seams are on the bottom, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Brush with the egg and water mixture; decorate as desired with pastry scraps. Brush again with the egg mixture and place the pan in the freezer. Repeat the stacking and packaging process with the other five steaks, placing each on the sheet tray in the freezer as you finish. After they have been in the freezer for at least an hour, wrap them individually with plastic wrap and return to the freezer. Keeps for 2 weeks in the freezer; for best results, they need to be frozen at least 8 hours before cooking. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to cook them: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, keeping the Wellingtons in the freezer. Make another egg wash, this time using 2 egg yolks and 2 tablespoons water. Lightly butter a rimmed baking pan. Brush the frozen Wellingtons with another coat of egg wash, then place them on the pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 400, then reduce the heat to 350 and bake for about another 35 minutes, until the center of the beef reads 110 degrees with an instant-read thermometer. Serve immediately and accept all compliments!

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HOME ON THE GRANGE

Relaxing Retreat on a Busy Family Farm

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

By R o ry R h o d es P h ot o g r a p hy by S e a n S h a nn o n

Sinkland Farms in Christiansburg is a popular autumn destination for many Roanokers. For over 20 years the farm has hosted an annual Pumpkin Festival, and what was once a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch with a few family-friendly activities has grown into an event attracting over 30,000 guests, with live music, a local art showcase, regional wine tastings, dance performances and craft demonstrations. The woman behind this success story is Susan Sink, owner of Sinkland Farms. Under her savvy guidance, a once-struggling family farm has become a thriving event venue that hosts weddings and other celebrations, while still operating a pumpkin and beef farm. Susanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motivation has always been family, and nowhere is the importance of family more evident than in her home. r vhomemaga zine .com

Susan Sink’s home sits just off to the side of Sinkland Farms’ main barns. The original 60-year-old Cape Cod is centered between two more recent extensions. Its brick exterior is accented with beige clapboard, white trim, and two columned porches, so that the original is seamlessly blended with the new. Both the front porch and the side entrance off the driveway are festooned with Christmas greenery, including wreaths from the local farmer’s market. The side entrance leads to a spacious kitchen and dining area, which Susan says was originally a garage with a breezeway connecting to the house. In the mid 1990s, the cramped galley kitchen became an adjacent butler’s pantry, and the garage was converted into an open concept space. Its white vaulted ceiling is supported by hand-hewn wooden beams that were put together the old-fashioned way, using wooden dowels instead of nails. Susan’s late husband, Henry, helped hew the beams, and the family, including their three children, all selected fieldstones from the property for the stone surround which frames the cooktop. The kitchen features cherry cabinets, and granite countertops from Premier Stone Fabrication in Salem. An unusual kitchen island, topped with the same granite, curves through the space and is lined with several leather and iron stools which evoke the farmstead feeling. The floor is a ceramic stone from Valley Tile in Salem, in shades of warm grays and browns. “That was a practical choice!” says Susan, given their farm lifestyle. Several ceramic roosters and a collection of family photographs are further reminders that this stylish space is also a farm family kitchen.

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Under the guidance of Susan Sink, a oncestruggling family farm has become a thriving event venue that hosts weddings and other celebrations, while still operating a pumpkin and beef farm. Susan’s motivation has always been family, and nowhere is the importance of family more evident than in her home. The dining table is wormy chestnut with a cherry stain that complements the kitchen cabinets. Susan says she chose warm wood tones over white because, “I wanted the inside of our home to match the environment of the farm.” The table is surrounded by French country armchairs from Present Thyme, and their antique white finish is playfully offset by tan cowhide upholstery that Susan found in North Carolina. The table is set for the holidays, with red accents that complement the nearby Christmas tree, one of several in Susan’s home that she enjoys decorating. The tree is set in a bay window that overlooks the farm, and is adorned with poinsettias, berries and pinecones, and looped with garlands of twine. Next to the tree is a large oil painting of a rooster by Roanoke artist Jamie Nervo. On the opposite wall is a collection of canvases featuring farm scenes from local artists, reflecting Susan’s love of farm life and further linking her decor to the land. An archway leads to the butler’s pantry, part of a long corridor connecting the rest of house. The walls are painted a striking paprika color, with a glossy wood stain “combed” over the top to give the color extra depth. The wood stain was also applied to the white cabinetry for an antique effect. The paprika paint continues into a reading nook, where an inviting chaise longue nestles into a light-filled bay window with a view of the rolling countryside. The cozy retreat is completed by built-in bookshelves, a dainty crystal chandelier, and a cowhide rug on the wood floor. The light blue ceiling is a nod to the “haint blue” of traditional southern porches, and Susan’s Alabama roots. r vhomemaga zine .com

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A second archway leads to the living room, also painted paprika and blue. The decor here is more feminine, with a French Provincial feel evident in a floral embroidered armchair, and a corner armoire filled with colorful Majolica pottery. The wall colors are picked up by a ruffled sofa covered in a pale blue and red floral print, which rests on a large Oriental rug in muted complementary tones. A glass-topped gold coffee table sits between the sofa and the fireplace. The white mantel is draped with a lush garland of Christmas greens accented with candles and Christmas decor. Above it hangs a large canvas by Greg Osterhaus, depicting a barn beneath a blue sky with rolling white clouds. Another Christmas tree stands in front of the window, this one lavishly decorated with pale green pears and silk ribbon. Off the living room is the entryway, with the home’s official front door and stairs to the second level. The walls here feature a striking sepia-toned mural painted by Roanoke artist Vera Silcox. The bucolic scene—billowy trees dotting pastures with barns and various farm animals—is modeled on Sinkland Farms itself, and the style was inspired by the motifs in the black demilune cabinet that sits before it. On the other side of the living room, a third archway leads to an elegant powder room with an aged brass and crystal chandelier, and shimmery walls painted in a charming vine and bird design by Roanoke artist Kim Bell. The corridor ends at the master suite, which was added to the house in 2006. The bedroom, a mix of glam and rustic charm, features the same soaring ceiling and beams from the kitchen, as well as a fireplace constructed from the fieldstone that also surrounds the kitchen stove. The chimney holds an especially poignant memento from Susan’s husband, who built it. A heart-shaped stone that Henry found on the farm is embedded in the center of the chimney, which he completed just the day before he passed away in an accident. This “heartstone” is a loving reminder to Susan of all that they built together, and what she has worked so tirelessly to preserve. 4 8

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Susan Sink’s love for the “sport of shopping” results in a charming, eclectic decor that mixes old with new, high end with bargain finds. She credits designer Vera Silcox for helping find key pieces in her home.

The chimney holds an especially poignant memento from Susan’s husband, who built it. A heart-shaped stone that Henry found on the farm is embedded in the center of the chimney, which he completed just the day before he passed away in an accident. This “heartstone” is a loving reminder to Susan of all that they built together, and what she has worked so tirelessly to preserve.

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One of the most striking elements of the master bedroom is an oversized wrought-iron chandelier suspended over the center of the room. The windows are hung with salmon-colored raw silk drapes that complement the luxurious bedding piled on top of a leather sleigh bed. An Oriental rug warms the oak floors, and a pair of tan floral wingback chairs flanks the fireplace. An armoire topped with an iron steer sculpture sits next to a fun leopard-print salon chair with a distressed gold finish. Susan’s bedroom is an eclectic mix of uptown and down-home elements from a variety of sources. An avid lover of what she calls “the sport of shopping,” she says, “I like to mix and match antiques with the new. I let myself buy one fabulous piece per year, and I’ll mix that in with something from TJ Maxx or a yard sale.” She credits Silcox, who’s also an interior designer, for suggesting and finding many of the key pieces in her home.

If the master bedroom looks like an elegant country retreat, the master bathroom is pure European spa. Decorated in shades of cream and white, the room has a lofty tray ceiling that features a delicate chandelier. The floor is diagonal marble tile, and in the center of the space, a cream-colored upholstered armchair rests on a luxurious round wool rug. In the corner, a large oval tub with stone tilework sits beneath a pair of windows, and a larger arched window is hung with off-white drapes. A white custom vanity runs the length of one wall and features double sinks, beveled granite counters from Precision Granite, and plenty of concealed storage. This bathroom is definitely a tranquil oasis. Further proof of Susan’s delightfully eclectic decorating taste can be found in the basement level. In fact, you’ll see it as soon as you open the door to the downstairs. The walls of the stairwell are covered in a warm brown texture that is reminiscent of leather, but was actually created using Kroger bags! A talented team of faux finishers covered the walls of the family room at the foot of the stairwell in a faux treatment using shredded, crinkled craft paper that was applied to the walls with wallpaper paste and stained to give it the look of glossed leather. Susan explains, “When they got to the stairwell, they ran out of craft paper, so they used brown paper grocery bags!” You’d never know it. This area of Susan’s house, with its neutral palette and natural textures, is especially cozy and welcoming. A leather sofa is topped with throw pillows in luxuriant reds and animal prints. There’s another of Susan’s Christmas trees down here, charmingly arrayed in a Sinkland Farms theme, complete with glass pumpkin-, tractorand corn-shaped ornaments. The tree is wrapped with burlap garlands and draped with tinsel-like raffia. The bookshelves and adjacent bar area are repurposed material, combining barn wood from the farm with cupboards from the home’s original kitchen. Susan laughs as she says, “I really got my money’s worth from those cabinets!” The family room, more than anywhere in the house, calls to mind the Sink family’s legacy. The ornaments and fresh pumpkins at the base of the tree are a reminder of this farm’s big attraction, the pumpkin patch. It actually began as what Susan calls a “mortgage lifter,” a way to prop up the struggling farm when agriculture prices bottomed out in the early 80s, shortly after Susan and Henry Sink, fresh out of college, purchased the 125 acres. The resulting success of the Pumpkin Festival spurred Susan to expand into the event business several years ago. What was once a resting barn for dairy cows has been transformed into a private event venue that showcases her distinctive decorating style. 5 0

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The barn pavilion, where parties and receptions are held, is situated along a gravel drive which runs between Susan’s home and the main entrance to the pumpkin patch. From the front, the barn’s low profile, yellow clapboard exterior and hunter green doors are charming. Large flagstones are scattered in the grass before the barn doors, which slide back to reveal the interior. It’s an unexpected surprise. What appears from the outside to be a small, quaint barn is actually an expansive space that can hold over 250 people. The barn rafters are strung with strand upon strand of twinkle lights and swags of white fabric, for a magical effect. Above the center of the space is a striking glass chandelier. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that Susan had designed by Brian Williams of Artistic Metals in Roanoke, and its wroughtiron frame is hung with bottles that Susan gathered. She says, “I collected dozens of them, any kind I could find—medicine bottles, soda bottles, quart jars, mason jars …!” A wooden landing with a double staircase leads down to the area below, decorated in winter holiday style. Rows of tables are topped with various centerpieces featuring red tartan, burlap, candles, silver accessories, white pumpkins and seasonal greens. At the far end of the barn, a raised stage has a cluster of live Christmas trees with more twinkle lights, and there are plenty of patio heaters to keep away the winter chill. r vhomemaga zine .com

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The dairy barn, which was recently renovated, retains its rustic charm with the original barn wood and corrugated tin panels, troughs which are now used for beverage coolers, and other repurposed farm implements. The gents and ladies restrooms are similarly outfitted with Susan’s signature chic-country style. A custom hayrack chandelier (also designed by Williams) in the men’s room is set over custom concrete sinks, atop a base made from recycled farm fence boards. The ladies’ powder room— this time with a white Williams chandelier made from a plow part—is done in tones of cream with flowing drapes, and has a similar spa feel to Susan’s own master bath. The entire venue has a fairytale appeal that has made it a hit for weddings and other celebrations. For Susan—who also works for American Farmland Trust, helping other farm families manage resources and practices to help them stay on their land—adding private events to her working farm and popular pumpkin patch has been an act of devotion and determination to the land that she loves, and the home she built with Henry. At the end of the day, her home is both an elegant retreat, and an ode to the family and farm that has made it all worthwhile. r vhomemaga zine .com

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n IMPROVE KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Kitchenware Care Stocking and maintaining a cook’s cache By K at h er i n e F u lg h u m K n o p f

My grandmothers cooked beautiful meals in simple kitchens; white Formica countertops, stainless steel sinks and electriceye stoves provided the setting. Their pine cabinets held a basic collection of pots and other tools they used to pull off unforgettable Sunday dinners and holiday meals with ease. It all starts with those essential pans; knowing what you need and how to keep them clean calms the cook and makes any kitchen charming.

A well-kept kitchen doesn’t have to be fancy, nor do the pots in it. Consider how you like to cook and what you tend to make. If you cook in certain pans frequently, then it is nice to splurge (maybe your birthday or Christmas?) and get a few expensive pots. Baking sheets, cake pans, and cupcake tins can be simple, but used for many years. You might try the restaurant supply stores for some heavy-duty ones if you tend to bake often. Your local kitchen shops carry the latest designs and provide wonderful inspiration, while hardware stores are good spots to pick up cast-iron skillets, and thrift shops are a treasure trove for vintage bakeware pieces. The basics to stock every kitchen consist of a good skillet (either cast iron, heavy stainless steel or aluminum), a Dutch oven (mine got bigger as our family grew), two or three saucepans, a double boiler, two cookie sheets, two nine-inch cake pans, and a cupcake pan for baking. Once our kids started school, I bought two more cupcake pans so that I could bake an entire batch of cupcakes in about 20 minutes. (Remember to use r vhomemaga zine .com

cupcake liners or you will be cleaning oil and cake crumbs out of those tins forever.) When choosing pots and pans, remember that thick pots heat evenly and cook food slower so it doesn’t burn. That is why cast iron, aluminum or steel (sometimes with copper coating) or solid copper pieces are used by professional chefs. Steel pans and cast-iron skillets are good because they can go from stovetop to oven. They are ovenproof as long as they do not have plastic knobs or handles. This helps limit the number of pans you need for a well-equipped kitchen. Too many pots and pans make it harder to keep your kitchen efficient and organized. Having a lot of pans often creates a big pile of dirty dishes that need handwashing at the end of the meal. In order to limit this, think of your lifestyle and how you cook and entertain. It is wise to buy a few expensive pieces of cookware for everyday use, and save on those pans or odd pieces that you use only once a year. 55

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Another essential aspect of good cookware is keeping it clean and well maintained. It isn’t hard; you just need to know a few tricks. Baking soda works well to scrub off burned spots of food left on pans that are made of steel, aluminum or copper. Make a paste with a little water, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and scrub. Enamel pots do well with this mixture to clean off brown stains left by cooking. For non-stick skillets and pans, use a degreasing agent like Dawn dish detergent to clean off leftover food. Cast-iron pieces need rinsing with very hot water (do not use soap) until the food residue washes away. Keep them in good shape by rubbing a teaspoon of oil on them and wiping dry with a paper towel. Special cleaners for enamel and copper pots are sold in home goods stores. Hand-washing and drying your pots and pans is the best way to ensure they last a lifetime and keep sparkling. When cooking oil or baking spray builds up on cookie sheets or cake pans, set them on the counter and sprinkle layers of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda until it covers this burnt-oil residue. Let them sit for a few hours and try scrubbing a spot. If they come clean easily, then scrub them clean and dry them with a cotton dishtowel. If some baked-on oil remains, put on another batch of this natural cleaner and leave it overnight. Your pans will look brand new. Once your kitchen pans are clean, and you’ve taken stock of what you have and what you need, it is time to make a list of pieces you would like to add to your collection. Which pots do you want to make cooking more efficient and fun? If you have the essential pieces, what might you like to try—such as a wok or a special grill pan? Do you have a family recipe you would like R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

to make a tradition in your home? Castiron Dutch ovens and skillets are a great investment. You can purchase cast iron with an enamel-coated interior for easier upkeep. They literally last forever and are the best for cooking almost anything. A Dutch oven roasts the crispest whole chicken or duck and can be used to make soups, stews and casseroles. An iron skillet is great for cornbread, rustic breads, and pies as well as making pancakes and eggs on the stove top. Baking in an iron skillet yields the crispest crust. Breads and pies benefit from the slow, hot heat. SautĂŠing spinach, roasting vegetables, and baking meats in cast-iron produces meals rich in flavor and gives the food the benefit of added iron. A well-kept kitchen is a happy place for family and friends to gather. If it is stocked with the basics and a few items that make it your own, it will always be the heart of your home. Investing in the right cookware and keeping it in great shape makes it an inviting place to be. Take stock of yours today! The holidays are upon us and you will be eager to make those special meals if everything is in order.

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Yucca Cane

YEAR-ROUND GREENS BEAT WINTER BLUES By Ch a r lot t e A . F. Fa r l e y

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You don’t need a garden to have a garden?” Well, you don’t even need a garden to surround yourself with colorful, verdant plant life—and don’t let the winter fool you into thinking that you need to wait until spring to see green leaves on the trees. Bringing large plants and potted trees indoors not only boosts spirits after the holiday hullabaloo passes, but also helps fill corners, create focal points, and make bold design statements. Oversized plants add strong lines, color and weight to a room. You can select a jumbo-sized plant or potted tree to place in a room that needs something dramatic, or you can set a pair of trees together on either side of a window to create a sense of 5 8

balance. If you happen to keep other houseplants in your home, consider the dynamics of nature when arranging your indoor plants: group plants of various sizes together, and add height and focus by placing a large plant in the center of your arrangement. However you choose to enhance your personal aesthetic, keep in mind that the plants’ containers can also play a role in reflecting your style. The best chance for success with indoor houseplants is starting with the healthiest specimens possible. Start by heading to your local independent nursery to look for trees and plants with even coloring on the leaves. Inspect the plant to make sure there aren’t any signs of pests or fungus. The nursery staff can let you know if the houseplant is poisonous to pets or people (always ask about this, especially if you have pets at home or young children around). Even if the nursery or gardening center doesn’t have what you’re looking for, ask if they can special order a specific plant for you. When purchasing the plant, discuss proper caretaking with the nursery staff. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

Favorite Plants and Potted Trees

When heading to the nursery to add green to your home, look for a few common varieties to get you started in your search. Costs for these popular species vary depending upon the size; you can purchase a small but dramatic starter plant (something about two feet tall would certainly qualify as “large” for your indoor space) for as little as $20; the largest and boldest of indoor trees can run upwards of several hundred dollars.

Janet Cr aig

Yucca Cane: At six feet tall, the straight vertical lines of the yucca cane (Y. elephantine) are a perfect fit for modern spaces. The plant requires lots of light, so place it by a bright window. Keep the soil moist, but due to its desert heritage, the plant doesn’t require humidity. Janet Cr aig: During this season of stuffy air and stuffy noses, consider bringing

home a Janet Craig (dracaena deremensis). Known for its air purification, the plant can grow up to ten feet tall and spread three feet wide, so make sure you have the space for it! You can choose to grow this as a potted plant on an end table or as a tall indoor tree. Janet Craigs can live for decades if you nurture them by keeping the soil evenly moist and misting with warm water.

FIDDLELEAF FIG

Snake Pl ant: If you like the idea of hosting an air purifying plant in your home, consider a snake plant. Commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue thanks to the sharp leaves of the white snake plant (sansevieria trifasciata), the plant can grow up to four feet tall and can withstand drier conditions (don’t overwater). The slender, long leaves bring a sense of elegance to your decor. Rubber Tree Pl ant: An old-time classic that pairs perfectly with traditional

decor and contemporary designs alike, the rubber tree plant (ficus elastica) is yet another houseplant renowned for its air-purifying abilities. It can reach beyond eight feet tall; with its oversized shiny leaves, the tree makes a dramatic statement. This is a great plant for bringing home in the winter since it doesn’t require as much light as other plants. If you have a window dressed with sheer curtains, place the plant nearby so it receives the proper amount of light. The plant exudes a milky sap that can irritate sensitive skin, so be sure to wear gloves when handling and pruning this plant.

MEYER LEMON TREE

Fiddleleaf fig: Another member of the ficus family, the fiddleleaf fig (ficus lyrata) equally dislikes direct, bright light, which is helpful on winter’s short, dark days. Its strong emerald leaves require frequent watering and pruning since it can grow more than 15 feet tall. A tip: keep the plant moist but not soggy. Meyer Lemon Tree: Adding a splash of summer to your winter becomes a reality when you grow a Meyer lemon tree or a semi-dwarf lemon tree indoors. You’ll want to purchase one that’s two to three years old if you want fruit from the tree (and of course you want fresh citrus in the winter months!). This tree requires a lot of light, water, humidity, and a good drainage system.

Bringing cheer and chic design, a large indoor houseplant or potted tree can stay up year round and add height, color and vibrancy to any room of the house.

BEYOND THE POINSETTIA: OTHER FAVORITE HOLIDAY PLANTS Whether you are giving a hostess gift or just want some live greenery to brighten up your home at the holidays, here are a few widely available, inexpensive plants that say “holiday” in a beautiful way. Paperwhite narcissi. With white flowers and a strong fragrance, this indoor plant loves winter: It enjoys cooler indoor temperatures and indirect light. Christmas cactus. Schlumbergera isn’t actually a true cactus—it actually enjoys semi-shade, and doesn’t tolerate dry soil. r vhomemaga zine .com

Hippeastrum. More commonly known as amaryllis, these

are a traditional holiday plant. Look for the Red Lion variety, which produces a strong red flower, or the Star-of-Holland variation with red and white markings. Norfolk Pine. The original Charlie Brown tree is perfect for decorating with sweet, small ornaments as a tabletop tree. Rosemary. Fragrant and edible, this aromatic was part of the Nativity story, having served as a place for baby Jesus’ clothes to dry. Heliconia Humiilis. “Dwarf Jamaicans” produce dramatic red bracts and white blossoms with green tips. 59

n DESIGN TABLES THAT TRANSFORM

FLAT, FUNCTIONAL, FABULOUS! Shape-shifting tables are essential for home entertaining BY L au r el F ei n m a n

Our home furnishings provide not only utility, but they can also enhance the best use of space in our homes. So it’s no surprise that homeowners through the ages have appreciated smart design and versatility in their furnishings. Though seemingly the stuff of science fiction, shape-shifting transformable tables have been around for hundreds of years—and they’re still desirable today in our modern age of multitasking. In fact, a foldable, extendable or expandable table might be just the thing to help take some of the hassles out of hosting this holiday season.

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

Fold

When out on the campaign, 18th- and 19th-century military officers traveled with ingenious portable furniture characterized by their clever hardware mechanisms that allowed the furniture to be quickly assembled or dismantled for easy transport. These sturdy pieces were often made of mahogany or teak—dense, weather-resistant woods that were also resistant to moisture and insects—and featured brass handles, locks and angled pieces to protect their corners. Something about a campaign table evokes the feeling of high-class camping or going on safari (can you remember the ruggedly romantic Robert Redford-meets-Ralph Lauren tent decor in the movie “Out of Africa?”). Any table specially made to break down or fold for portability can be described as a “campaign table,” but nowadays, we tend think of a portable serving tray that comes with a stand. In appearance, a tray table looks like a single unit, but the tray removes, freeing it up for other purposes such as transporting beverages to guests. You can find tray tables in different sizes and heights, and they are most often round or rectangular, on either a tripod-style base or a crisscrossed X-shaped frame with a hinge in the middle. Sometimes called a “butler’s tray table,” tray tables can be handsomely used as a bedside table, a small desk or even as a bar caddy. A pair by the sofa comes in handy for an occasional informal dinner. By the front door, a tray table provides a convenient perch for keys, cell phones and mail. The pieces can be stowed out of the way into a corner or closet when not in use. r vhomemaga zine .com

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Other types of folding tables, with legs that fold up against the tabletop, are useful to have in the home entertainer’s arsenal, too. The best things these types of tables have going for them is that they tend to be lightweight, making it easy to keep one (or several!) stashed in a closet until called to duty. Card tables, folding banquet tables and personal TV trays are all examples of folding tables that can fulfill a quick need for extra seating during a big family dinner or game night. Extend

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Drop-leaf tables (sometimes called a “Pembroke” table after the Earl of Pembroke, a late 17th-century amateur architect) feature one or two hinged leaves supported by articulated legs, arms or brackets. When the table has a leg that swings out from the center to support a leaf, it’s called a “gate leg” table. Often, carvings or decorative turned-wood motifs highlight the undercarriage mechanics of a gate-leg table. If your current furniture arrangement feels like it’s missing something, a multi-functional drop-leaf or gate-leg table might be the item you need. Its leggy, architectural form commands attention, wherever it is. It’s up to you to decide if you prefer the look of your table in the “leaf down” or “leaf up” position. Leaves down, the tabletop is narrower and can pass for a console, neatly tucking in behind the sofa or filling a need in any narrow space. Or, when the table is in the leaf-up position, you can pull up a side chair and use it as a handsome writing desk. Stacks of art books or a collection of silver picture frames can be showcased in the living room. In the bedroom, it can serve as a vanity or bedside table. Then, when needed, of course it can be used as an additional dining table at your next big family dinner. Some drop leaf and gate leg tables have handy drawers in their center section, offering a place to store tabletop dining essentials (or TV remotes, when used in the family room). Tilt

Originally used for teatime, a tilt-top table creates a particular subcategory of the “extendable” sort of table. The top of a tilt-top table is hinged on a central pedestal and can be kept in a spacesaving vertical position when not in use, and then transformed R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

to a horizontal surface as needed. When placed against the wall in its upright position, a tilt-top table takes up almost no space at all. The tabletops of tilt-top tables often feature elaborate scrollwork edges and inlaid patterns and become a decorative focal point when displayed in “vertical mode.” Expand

Many dining tables are built so homeowners can have a customizable “one-size-fits-all” option to suit family gatherings large or small. An expandable table spreads apart so “leaves” (segments) can be inserted into it, extending the table from a smaller size to a long, banquet-length dining table. Where and how to store unused table leaves is something you’ll need to consider. Ideally, store extra table leaves near the table (or in the same environment as the table) to ensure that the leaf will not warp, swell or contract differently from the table. So, be aware that any moisture/temperature differential in a basement or attic could take its toll on a wood table leaf and prevent it from inserting back into the table correctly next time you need it. Store leaves lying flat, not propped on end, to protect the integrity of the wood and prevent warping. Some folks hide unused table leaves under a nearby sofa or guest bed, wrapped in a soft protective covering. Some tables are designed to include a hiding place to store the leaves, eliminating this problem altogether. Having versatile, expandable furniture can be the difference between feeling cramped versus comfortable in your home any time of year, but during the holidays especially. One transforming table can serve so many different needs in your home that you may just decide you need several.

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THE KITCHEN REMODEL Tips for managing this major overhaul By N o el l e M i l a m

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

When we purchased our 100-year-old farmhouse several years ago, the seller, a lovely elderly woman who had lived there for over 60 years, was excited for us to see the kitchen. “It has a renovated kitchen!” she gushed, proudly showing us into the home’s interior and into the kitchen where she’d cooked her family’s meals for decades. My husband and I eagerly looked around the corner to glimpse this treasure, and paused. The kitchen had indeed been renovated…in 1960. We did our best to nod approvingly at the 50-year-old painted pine cabinets, nonexistent counter space, and ancient appliances, while simultaneously making mental note: The kitchen needs work. The house was perfect for us in every other way, and the kitchen was outdated but usable. We went ahead with the purchase, knowing full well that renovations were in our future. If you are considering a kitchen renovation, one valuable piece of advice from seasoned homeowners is to live with it for a while, as this gives you and your family a chance to really experience what works about the space, and what you’d like to change. Most people dreaming of kitchen renovations have lived in their kitchens for a significant amount of time, and this gives them an intimacy with the space that is invaluable. Some questions you might consider: Is your kitchen meeting the needs of your family, both in space and function? More counters? More storage? More light? Perhaps, as we were, you are happy with the basic footprint, but your cabinetry and appliances are desperate for some updating. If the time has come to consider a kitchen renovation in your home, there are some excellent local resources to guide you through every step of the process. Before you race into that first gorgeous showroom and start salivating over countertops and appliances, there are some things you should think about first to streamline the process and make it more efficient and enjoyable for everyone involved. r vhomemaga zine .com

Think about your personal style and how you use your kitchen currently. Are you relaxed or more formal? Are you attracted to sleek modern lines, or more rustic finishes? When you cook, are you more of a warmerupper or do you love to cook from scratch? Is cooking a family affair, or a solo operation?

C a r t e r 's C a b in et S h o p

GET READY: Identify Your Kitchen’s Purpose

The first thing to decide is your vision for your project. Any designer or contractor you use will ask you this, and it will save time and confusion if you have thought about it ahead of time. What is the main purpose for the renovation and what do you see as its scope? Do you like the existing layout, but feel it needs some updating, or will attaining your goals require a down-to-the studs operation or changing structural things about the home itself? There is a world of difference between, “I hate the countertops and wish for something brighter,” and, “I want to relocate the kitchen to the new addition on the back of the house.” It is important to be honest with yourself and prospective contractors about your goals. Lee Ann Carter, owner of Carter’s Cabinet Shop in Roanoke, recommends keeping idea books, either online or the old-fashioned way with clippings and photos, of kitchens you love. These are helpful in identifying your style as well as some of the features that are important to you. Think about your personal style and how you use your kitchen currently. Are you relaxed or more formal? Are you attracted to sleek modern lines, or more rustic finishes? When you cook, are you more of a warmer-upper or do you love to cook from scratch? Is cooking a family affair, or a solo operation? Perhaps you will want a kitchen that will complement your entertaining style. We all know that guests will eventually congregate in the kitchen, so think about how that aspect will affect your goals for the space. 6 6

Other things to take into account are storage needs and organization. What would you like to be visible and what would you rather have hidden (or at least camouflaged)? Perhaps you feel there are ways to make your space work more efficiently from a work-flow perspective. Do you have specific storage needs? For example, an avid baker might need dedicated storage for the mixer, a surface for rolling out dough, and storage for various baking pans and trays. Perhaps there are collections you’d like to feature in your redesigned kitchen: antique plates, pottery or cookbooks. GET SET: Set Your Budget

Let’s be real. Kitchens are expensive. Per square foot, they are easily the most expensive room in your home, and materials and appliances run a very wide range of quality and price depending on the size of your job. There are big box stores and there are custom hand-made cabinetry artisans, and there is everything in between at price points that seem wildly discrepant. So how do you approach this? An excellent rule of thumb is to decide first what you can afford, then go and see what your budget will buy. Sheri Howard, a kitchen and bath specialist at The Cabinet Gallery in Hardy, advises, “Knowing your budget helps us to guide you.” She explains that once designers know your budget, they will then work within that to fulfill what you want and need from your kitchen renovation. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

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At Carter’s Cabinet Shop, Lee Ann Carter has seen people come in afraid or unable to discuss their budget, for a variety of reasons. She cautions prospective clients that this is not the wisest way to go. Reputable designers are not trying to spend every last cent you have, but rather to make the money you have designated for your project go as far as it can. She has found that having a showroom with displays helps clients visualize and price the size and scope of their job by showing them actual kitchens installed right in the showroom. Be clear about your budget, and what it is meant to cover, Carter advises. “We have been in business long enough to know what type of cabinetry to look at that should keep clients within budget,” she says. GO! Shop Around Find the Right Contractor

Contractor or designer, or both? These individuals have different jobs. A kitchen designer will guide you through the layout and selection of your cabinetry, counters and appliances. Often they can also assist with other design tasks such as choosing wall paint or lighting. They are the creative force behind the project helping you to pull the whole thing together and insuring that this investment is one that is both beautiful and functional. The contractor, on the other hand, is more of your on-site builder. Contractors will oversee demolition and removal of the old kitchen (and other related projects such as removing walls), and will be responsible for following the detailed kitchen design and installing it in your home. They also oversee the subcontractors, such as plumbers or electricians, who will be needed to complete your job. Many kitchen renovation businesses combine these services, for a more efficient and seamless renovation. At Cabinetry with TLC for example, another Roanoke-based kitchen and bath business, owner Terri Langford explains how her business handles projects from “conception to completion.” Like Carter’s Cabinet Shop or The Cabinet Gallery, Langford has a staff that includes design service and trusted contractors and subcontractors. It is also possible to hire your designer or contractor individually; this may work for you if you already have a good relationship with an industry professional. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

Teams of designers, contractors and subcontractors will carefully cultivate their relationships with clients, acknowledging the critical importance of referrals and recommendations in this business. Langford says, “Many of our clients become friends, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!” People who are happy with a job tend to tell their friends, so the best way to find a great designer and/or contractor is to ask for referrals from friends and neighbors who have renovated kitchens and are not only happy with the result, but are also pleased with how the entire process was handled. Howard suggests that prospective customers consider also those referrals from repeat customers. “Repeat business is important,” she explains, “because it shows that customers are happy with their completed project enough to come back when they are ready for another project to begin.” It’s true that many companies have beautiful websites and even showrooms where you can see the workmanship and design firsthand, and all of that is important—but there is no substitute for a good referral from someone you trust. Make a list of local contractors and kitchen designers whose work you admire and set up meetings; think of these meetings as a chance for you to evaluate each other. You and your contractor will work very closely over the course of your project, and you need to feel comfortable with each other and able to deliver on your sides of the partnership. Specific things to discuss include your goals and expectations; your budget and their billing policies

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(what you can afford, and when you’ll be asked to pay); timeline to completion; and how all of this will be documented. An open and honest discussion with prospective designer/contractors will ensure that you choose the right person for your job, and avoid uncomfortable issues later on. Once you’ve found a good match, you’ll sign a contract, and be ready to begin. What can you expect? There are several steps to the renovation process and usually several weeks (or months) before you’ll be happily cooking in your new space. Beautiful kitchens don’t happen overnight. One of the first steps is a thorough and meticulous measurement of your kitchen to ensure that everything will fit properly. These measurements will determine the size of cabinets, countertops and appliances you’ll order and will often also include a survey of existing electrical, gas and plumbing features so that subcontractors can be advised if things will need to be moved, upgraded or otherwise altered. To make the process move more smoothly, it’s a good idea to know what appliances you plan to order ahead of time. Keep in mind that some appliances (like dishwashers) are standard size, but others, like some ranges and built-in 7 0

refrigerators, are quite a bit larger and will need extra space. These measurements, too, will need to be carefully documented to be sure that everything fits perfectly in your new kitchen. Once you have measurements, it is time to work on design and make your cabinet and countertop selections. This is the fun part! Using what they know about your goals and budget, your designer will provide you with renderings (drawings) of the design so that you can see how your new kitchen will look. They will also guide you through the process of selecting other various components of your kitchen, including lighting, flooring and hardware, so that everything will blend together harmoniously and meet your goals for the space. Working together, this design phase can take a single meeting or it can go on for several weeks, depending on how many revisions you need to make. A good designer will guide clients through the process, as long as it takes, to get a design just right. “We really listen to you,” says Langford, “then we use our knowledge and experience to help you achieve your goals.” It is this type of personalized attention and individualized design that lure Roanoke Valley residents away from one-size-fits all kitchens and through the doors of such locally owned businesses.

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When your design is finalized, you are ready to order; this is also something your designer or contractor will likely walk you through. Your cabinets will be ordered, often along with your appliances, though in some cases you’ll order the appliances yourself. When you place your orders, you’ll probably be asked to pay a percentage of your estimated total job cost, generally in the neighborhood of 50 percent, with most of the balance being due upon delivery and inspection. After all the flurry of planning and ordering, you can expect a lull of a few weeks. Most custom cabinetry takes anywhere from three to 10 weeks to fabricate and ship. You should expect to have a detailed calendar outlining the schedule of all orders and work to be done, and if you aren’t offered one, ask for it. Customers are usually given this schedule at the time of order, and designers are careful to keep everyone in the loop about updates to weekly and daily schedules. As Howard says, “Communication is the key to making each project run on schedule.” Regardless of the timing of your cabinet delivery, this lull is the perfect time for you to make some plans of your own. You’ll need to carefully pack up your existing kitchen. It’s a great time to winnow out all those items you no longer R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

use. It’s also the time for you to plan how you are going to manage meals if you will be living in the home while renovations are happening—especially if you have a family. Where will you eat? Where will you store food? How will you cook it? It’s a good idea to keep a refrigerator somewhere, even if it needs to live in the garage or dining room during renovations. Particularly if you have children, it’s hard to eat every single meal out, so this will require some extra thought and a lot of flexibility on your part (and theirs). So, can you put a coffee maker in your master bath? Sure. Have milk crates stocked with cereal bars and Pop Tarts next to your TV? Why not? Eat on disposables and make it up to Mother Nature after the renovation so you don’t have to wash dishes in your laundry sink? Absolutely. This is a process that usually takes weeks, not days, so planning ahead will minimize stress on your family. Finally you get the call: Your cabinets are ready! Things rapidly move from the planning stage to action. Experts stress that constant communication with clients is key and timing is important. You can expect a steady stream of installers and craftsmen to be pouring through your home in numbers that can be dizzying. You can expect regular calls, texts and emails from your designer or contractor to ensure you are up to date with all aspects of the project’s schedule, including appointments with subcontractors such as flooring installers, electricians or plumbers. Demolition, or the removing of the old kitchen fixtures, takes a surprisingly short amount of time, often only a day or two, and the new cabinets are brought in and installed. Countertop installers come after cabinet installation to make a template for your countertops. They take this template and over the course of a couple of weeks cut, hone, and create your counter to your

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specifications. Meanwhile, your appliances are unpacked, inspected and installed, and little by little, your kitchen begins to take its finished shape. Finally, with subcontractors’ work complete and appliances, cabinets and countertops installed, you and your team turn your focus to the final steps—the finishing touches of hardware, backsplash and painting. These final details really make your project complete and also mean that you can start using your new kitchen! The sense of accomplishment is huge for everyone involved. “Renovation is such a personal experience,” says Carter. “The kitchen is the hub and the single-most important room in the home.” It is fulfilling for everyone to experience the transformation. Though it has many steps, the process of renovating a kitchen can have profound effects on the way a family lives in their home. No one goes into a kitchen renovation expecting it to be easy or effortless, but with good communication, planning and patience, and most of all, a good team, you can transform this room, the beating heart of most homes, into a space that will be a joy to cook in, to eat in, and to gather in for many years to come.

SHOP SMART FOR NEW APPLIANCES New appliances can make a world of difference in your kitchen. Here are some tips for selecting new appliances: ■ B uy

local, not online! If you are tempted to order appliances online for convenience, remember that returns, as well as addressing any damages or problems with an appliance, can be a lot easier with a local business. Local businesses can also provide easier access to service calls.

■ S peak

to the sales staff to be certain that they are knowledgeable and factory-trained about the appliances they carry.

■ D uring

a renovation, make sure your appliance company will communicate with and forward all product information and specifications to the cabinetmakers and contractors involved with the project.

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an appliance showroom to see appliances in a kitchen-cabinet setting. This helps you visualize not only how everything will look once installed, but also give you an idea of how you will use the appliances within your space. Jeff Janney, Vinton Appliance Center R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

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With the winter season upon us, our to-do lists turn into everything-about-the-holidays lists: shopping, decorating, meal planning, scheduling family trips. Unfortunately, home maintenance slumps further down the list, and some of our most crucial tasks get sidelined altogether, like cleaning and repairing gutters and downspouts. When there’s so much merry fun and frolic to plan, who wants to think about the muck that’s been hiding overhead for months? But when that muck can end up costing you more money when the springtime rains come, there is no better time than now—when the leaves have stopped falling and before the harsh winter weather hits—to move the task to the very top of your list. Rain Pains

It’s easy to put our gutters “out of sight, out of mind” when we can’t see what they have collected above from our comfortable vantage point on the ground. But the reality is that a heavy rain or one large snowstorm and a quick thawing can spell havoc for a home with clogged gutters and downspouts. It only takes a couple of inches of rain on the roof of an average-sized home to produce several thousand gallons of runoff. Water weighs about 8 pounds a gallon, so that’s a lot of stress on a drainage system that isn’t functioning properly. r vhomemaga zine .com

Just as our doctors will often talk to us upfront about the severe consequences that we will face if we ignore their advice (to motivate us to change our habits, of course), roof and gutter experts will tell us what will happen if we neglect our gutters: damage amounting to thousands of dollars in roof repairs and more still to repair a foundation. When rainwater stands in gutters, any surface it stays in contact with will start to rot and break off, including the roof sheeting, roofing boards, and the fascia to which the gutters attach. Many a roof repair has been made due to clogged gutters—damage that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. Excessive rainwater in gutters can also hurt your landscaping, as water overflows and pools in flowerbeds along the side of the home. Your shrubs and plants may not be thanking you come spring for having endured a soggier winter. The more water that can be drained away from the home by clean gutters and downspouts, the less chance you’ll have to be visited by pesky insects, like termites, which are drawn to moisture. Proper drainage lessens the likelihood of dealing with mold and mildew on your walls, too. Full gutters and clogged downspouts mean they could meet their own demise: the heavier they are, the more likely they are to fall away from the house. If your gutters seem to be pulling away from your home or sagging, they may simply need new spikes (nails) in new holes or new bracket hangers. 73

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But then there’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare: a cracked, shifted or sunken foundation caused by poor drainage. These repairs require a professional and are costly, not to mention the headaches that come from sopping up floors and personal items inside. Generally, biannual checkups are recommended, no matter what type of gutter system you have. If your home is in an especially wooded area, and with pine trees, up to four times a year may be recommended. Many experts will suggest the fall and the spring, but if all of your trees are done shedding their leaves, it makes sense to do a thorough check now to prevent a springtime catastrophe. Assess the Situation

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A gutter system is not too complex for a homeowner to understand; it’s not like trying to take a stab at plumbing or electrical work. Suit up in rain gear during a downpour, go outside, and survey your gutters and downspouts to see if water is flowing properly away from the house. Watch for any leaks or aberrant waterfalls resulting from a clogged area; a common place for clogs is the elbow at the top of a downspout. If you don’t have a seamless gutter system on your house, check your gutters for holes or cracks at the seals where caulk is. Also make sure water is exiting onto splash blocks and is not creating a pool or a stream that heads back toward your home. (Most experts will recommend using drain extensions at least 5 feet from the home to be extra sure the water is flowing far away from the foundation.) When the weather has been dry for a couple days, and if you feel comfortable rising to the occasion on a ladder, clean your gutters with gloves and a short-handled trowel, not forgetting to also check if the spikes and hangers are still firmly attached. (The muck makes great compost and mulch in a garden, by the way.) Once you are done, run the water hose (handy attachments are available that peek up and over into your gutters), or put your pressure washer hose into your gutters and test the system to flush out any other debris. (Be sure to follow directions for your pressure washer to use the appropriate attachments and pressure level.) High Time for Help

While some people do prefer to climb a ladder and take care of cleaning the gutters themselves, the risk of injury and the lack of time have many of us seeking professional help. There are many businesses in the area that offer multiple services, from installing, cleaning, repairing, and adding the latest gutter guard, to designing a full system on new homes or older homes in need of an update. There are also contractors who specialize in exteriors that offer gutter repairs and installation. If it is your first time hiring a professional for the job, make sure it is a licensed company with worker’s compensation and liability insurance. R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

han attention to detail, dependability, and maintenance,

Your neighbor or best friend might be one of the most helpful people you have ever known, but when it comes to jobs with a safety risk involved, leave it to a professional. Hiring a contractor business has some advantages. While they are up to date on building codes and recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency, they can inspect your entire system, whether the gutters have the correct pitch toward the downspout (1/4 inch for every 10 feet recommended), the proper locations of downspouts (every 5 feet, some guidelines say), and the grade of your land. And while they are inspecting the gutters, they may spot structural damage that needs your attention. If it’s time to start thinking about a new roof, they can guide you in making that decision and in choosing new gutters. Hiring a full-service gutter specialty company has its advantages, too. Besides being able to show you the latest products on the market, including a range of guards that require less regular cleanings, they will clean and flush your systems on schedule and can make a repair or replacement as needed. Cleaning costs will vary depending on the size of your home, how many feet of gutter, and what type of roof you have. The task of keeping your gutters free and clear cannot be neglected if you want to prevent water damage, so make it a priority. Don’t worry; your holiday errands will all get done, or we wouldn’t call this the most wonderful time of the year.

ence.

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With Seven Oaks it’s more than attention to detail, dependability, and maintenance. It’s our attitude. And it makes a difference. Call us today to schedule your consultation

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Wines Virginia

What to Sip and Serve This Holiday Season

By R o ry R h o d es

Virginia has a storied wine history dating back to Thomas Jefferson, who called wine â&#x20AC;&#x153;a necessary of life.â&#x20AC;? He and an Italian viticulturist planted the first vines around Monticello in 1774. While harsh winters, various grape diseases, and a little thing called the American Revolution prevented this initial crop from coming to fruition, he remained a staunch proponent of growing local wines and educating the palate, and is known as Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first wine connoisseur. Over two centuries later, Virginia boasts a thriving wine industry that has garnered increasing attention and accolades. 7 6

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Autumn is a busy season in the wine world. At the vineyards, grape varietals are harvested and fermented, then aged in either oak or stainless steel until ready for the bottle and cellar. At wine shops, cooler weather means a shift for many customers from the frosty beers of summer to both red and white wines. The holiday season, filled with entertaining and special meals, is an especially popular time to share a bottle of wine with friends and family. Not to mention, it’s hard to go wrong with this classic hostess gift. When selecting a bottle of wine for a meal or gift, many of us gravitate toward wines from Europe, California or Australia. But with the rise of the “locavore” movement, which includes locally sourced meat, dairy and produce, people are also looking to purchase and consume regional wine and beer, and discover some new tastes along the way. Microbreweries in our area have gotten a fair bit of attention lately, but have you heard about Virginia wineries? With over 230 wineries and growing, Virginia ranks fifth in number of wineries by state, behind California, Washington, Oregon and New York. The different growing regions, with their varying soils, elevation and weather, produce a wide range of flavors, making it possible to find something to please any palate. In recent years, high-profile Virginia winemakers like Gabriele Rausse and Michael Shaps—who both helped establish some of the state’s top vineyards and now produce their own labels—have been the subject of industry buzz. At the same time, it’s become a bit of a pastime among oenophiles to sniff out “dark horse” wineries, whose small productions can produce hidden gems. Recent advances in viticulture and winemaking technology have begun to transform growing, harvesting and fermenting techniques, and industry watchers have pegged Virginia as one of the world’s emerging wine regions. What that news in mind, why not try a Virginia wine this holiday season? A good way to

choose one is to begin with the occasion. There are a variety of wines which pair well with holiday meals, including the opening act, Thanksgiving. In France, the grape harvest is celebrated every November with the release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a young red wine. The timing of its release, along with its fruity, light-bodied quality, means it is frequently served at Thanksgiving tables, where its easy-drinking qualities pair well with a variety of fall flavors. Pinot Noir, another delicate red, which grows especially well in Oregon, is served for this same reason. In Virginia, there are several red varietals that grow well and produce a light-to-medium bodied red wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. At King Family Vineyards in Crozet, James King says they intentionally make their reds slightly lower in alcohol (around 13 percent versus 14 percent or more) so that they can be enjoyed either by themselves or with food. He describes their Cabernet Franc as having “notes of strawberry and raspberry, with a spicy, peppery finish” and advises pairing it with turkey, pork or lamb. Lovingston Winery, located midway between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, is one of the state’s smallest vineyards, yet their focus on distribution means their wines are available throughout our region. Manager Stephanie Wright likes their Pinotage, a South African grape bred from crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault, for the Thanksgiving meal. Though the name may be unfamiliar to some, she advises keeping an open mind when it comes to varietals, saying, “Yes, we’ve got a climate that’s conducive to specific Bordeaux grapes, but there are things out there which are opinion-changing.” She says that in their microclimate, Pinotage expresses mostly its Pinot Noir side, resulting in a wine that is “fruit driven, with soft tannin.” Wright says Pinotage pairs beautifully with fall foods such as fowl and butternut squash, due to its “cranberry and dried cherry nose and palate.”

“We could in the United States make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good. ”

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– Thomas Jefferson

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White wines are also popular for Thanksgiving dinner, both dry and semi-dry. It’s generally considered preferable to avoid fullbodied, heavily oaked Chardonnays at this meal, since fruitier wines tend to pair better with the dishes being served. That said, not all Chardonnays are produced in the big, bold, California style. Virginia Chardonnays are predominantly made in the lighter European method, aged in gentler French oak or simply stainless steel to express more green apple and citrus notes. Chateau Morrisette, set just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, is one of the oldest and biggest producers in the state, and offers a variety of white wines. Some, like the 2013 Reserve Chardonnay, are available for purchase only at the winery, but many other wines can be found at wine shops locally. Keith Toler, Chateau Morrisette’s director of marketing, says that Thanksgiving is a great meal for their best-selling wine, “Our Dog Blue” (the winery’s logo and wine names were inspired by the owner’s Labrador Retriever). Our Dog Blue is a semi-sweet wine made from a blend of Riesling, Traminette and Vidal Blanc, with melon, apricot and floral notes. White Hall Vineyards, also just outside of Charlottesville in Crozet, debuted a Gewurtztraminer (an off-dry white wine) in October which General Manager Lisa Champ describes as having “a typical rose nose, a floral palate with fruit, and a dry finish.” Champ says it’s a good Thanksgiving wine because typically it complements everything on the table, without overwhelming it. Fruit-forward reds like Pinotage, along with well-balanced, slightly sweet whites, also pair beautifully with other holiday classics such as ham and goose. Both of these meats, with their higher fat content, do well with a fruity or off-dry wine that has just enough acidity to offset the richness of the flesh. Throughout the holiday season, meat dishes such as roast beef and game are likely to be on the menu. King says, “Our Merlot is a medium-bodied red with notes of cherry, which has been aged in French oak for 16 months. It goes very well with delicate beef, venison, quail, rabbit and duck.” For heavier meats such as roasts or rich game, he suggests their Meritage, a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, which is aged for 18 months in oak and has a bit more tannin and structure. They also offer Petit Verdot as a varietal wine. A dry, heavy red, it has notes of black cherry and black currant, a weightier mouth feel, and a longer finish, and is suitable for beef or venison. At White Hall, a Portuguese grape called Touriga Nacional grows well and is generally made into Port, a red, fortified dessert wine. But in certain years, they use Touriga to make a varietal wine, which Champ describes as having “a smoky nose, a fruity palate, and a smooth finish with no ‘burn’ at the end.” She especially recommends pairing it with lamb. Lovingston’s “Rotunda Red,” one of their most popular offerings, is a mediumbodied blend of Merlot, Pinotage and Cabernet Franc that would pair well with most meats. While red wines are a must for a Dickensian roast beef Christmas dinner, white wines go well with other popular holiday meals. Many Italian-Americans enjoy serving “The Feast of the Seven Fishes” on Christmas Eve. For this Southern Italian meal, Wright recommends Lovingston’s Seyval Blanc, a crisp, dry wine with some citrus and mineral flavors. She says, “We leave a bit of CO2 in the bottle so it has just a bit of sparkle. It’s fresh and will wake up your palate.” Another wine that can pair well with seafood is Viognier, a dry white that many consider to be Virginia’s signature wine. Though some winemakers feel that declaration is premature, given the R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

W hi t e H a ll V in eya rds

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difficulty of growing the fickle, low-yield grape, King says, “It doesn’t produce a lot, but what it does produce is very good.” He calls it a “great party wine,” which pairs well with crabcakes, scallops and mussels, as well as charcuterie plates. Viognier is also the primary component of White Hall Winery’s signature “White Hall White,” described by Champ as having a “fruity nose and palate, but a dry finish.” She also suggests Viognier, with its smoky note and long finish, as a white wine option for people who mostly prefer red. Viognier’s versatility and name recognition make it a good choice for cocktail parties. Another adaptable but less-known white is Petit Manseng. Wright and King both say the varietal is taking off in Virginia and that we’ll be seeing a lot more of it in the coming years. (Wright notes it was featured at a recent workshop with industry retailers and sommeliers from across the country.) Petit Manseng typically is made into an off-dry wine that features notes of peach, pineapple and honey. At Lovingston, Wright says they have changed their fermentation technique to produce a Petit Manseng with elements of pear cider and fall spices. This pairs well with cheeses and spicy fare. Chateau Morrisette offers an off-dry white called “Nouveau Chien,” which Toler says is a Petit Manseng base blended with other varietals, that is suggested with crab cakes and oysters. White Hall also has a Petit Manseng, which they recommend with food such as scallops, spicy Thai or Indian, and bleu cheese. No holiday wine list would be complete without mentioning sparkling wines. King Family Vineyards’ sparkling wine is called “Brut,” and is made from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes. Brut is aged for two years in the traditional “sur lie” method, which means the wine rests in the bottle along with the lees (or sediment) that result from the fermentation process, imparting a distinctive flavor. It pairs well with all cheeses, including Brie, chevre, baby Swiss,

Happy Holidays

and a

Prosperous New Year! JOEPATRICKKRAFT YOUR CONNECTION TO ROANOKE REAL ESTATE

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and Gouda. Chateau Morrisette’s “Star Dog” is a sparkling wine also made from Chardonnay with secondary aging in the bottle, and Toler says that it’s made in small batches and has limited availability, but can be ordered online. Last but not least, Virginia wineries offer a selection of dessert wines, both from wine grapes and from other fruits. White Hall’s “Soliterre” is made from Petit Manseng in an “icewine” style, where frozen grapes keep water trapped in ice crystals, allowing only a small amount of concentrated sweet juice to be pressed. Chateau Morrisette’s “Frosty Dog” icewine is made from Vidal Blanc and Traminette, while their “Heritage” is a Port-style fortified wine made from Chaumbourcin. If you find yourself inspired to try some new local wines this season, don’t forget that half the fun is visiting the winery itself! Be sure to check winter hours, especially at smaller establishments, but many vineyards feature weekend tours and tastings. Lovingston Winery, with its low-key facility, offers what may be the only free wine tasting in the state, often with a knowledgeable pourer such as a family member or the winemaker himself. White Hall Vineyards is open year round for tours and tastings, and hosts an annual wine, cheese, and chocolate Valentine’s event that is a sell-out every year. King Family Vineyards boasts a tasting room with leather chairs and a large stone fireplace, along with a patio for live music and food trucks during warmer months. Speaking of food, some wineries offer their own. At Villa Appalaccia in Floyd, during weekends they offer a grazing platter of various breads, cheeses, and olives to complement their Italian-style wines. Chateau Morrisette has its own restaurant, where each dish has a suggested wine pairing, and they also host year-round events, including several during the holiday season. Barboursville Winery, 30 minutes north of Charlottesville, is a stunning estate featuring an upscale restaurant, an historic inn and cottages, and the ruins of a Jefferson-designed historic mansion. Whichever you sip and wherever you visit, you’ll discover something new. With Virginia wines on the rise, the next few years will see more local wines widely available. The holiday season, so steeped in tradition, is the perfect time to introduce a bit of Thomas Jefferson’s locavore philosophy to your table.

THESE LOCAL SHOPS CARRY A SELECTION OF VIRGINIA WINES: BARREL CHEST WINE & BEER 4035 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 206-3475 • www.barrelchestwineandbeer.com

WINE GOURMET 3524 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 400-8466 • www.winegourmetva.com

MR. BILL’S WINE CELLAR 2825-B Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24015 (540) 400-7771 • www.mrbillswinecellar.com

TINNELL’S FINER FOODS 2205 Crystal Spring Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24014 (540) 345-7334 • www.tinnells.com

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 5

n LIVE AROUND TOWN Historic Fincastle Hosts Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace

On Saturday, December 12, head to Botetourt for Historic Fincastle’s Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and includes homes built as far back as the early 19th century, as well as a marketplace of local and regional artists offering seasonal gifts and home decor. Fincastle Baptist Church, at 7330 Roanoke Road, will be selling tour tickets for $15, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. The Marketplace, also in the church building, is free and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.hisfin.org.

Shop for the Holidays at Junior League’s Stocked Market

The Junior League of Roanoke Valley’s annual Stocked Market will be at the Berglund Center on November 13 to 15. Event hours are Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 100 vendors from around the country will be selling unique items and gifts. General admission tickets, which are good for all three days, can be purchased in advance for $10, or at the door for $11 (cash only.) To purchase advance online tickets, and for further information, visit www.jlrv.org. All event proceeds go towards JLRV’s missions within the Roanoke Valley. Find Project Ideas at the Home & Garden Show

The 7th Annual Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show will be held at the Berglund Center on January 8 - 10. The event will feature landscape displays, seminars by master gardeners, and a variety of ideas and solutions for both indoor and outdoor projects, with professionals on hand to answer questions. Additional offerings include gift vendors, a winetasting by Fincastle Vineyards, Angels of Assisi pet adoptions, and children’s activities. Hours are Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will be sold onsite and are $8.50 for adults 17 and above, $6.50 for seniors 65 and above, and free for children 16 and under. Find “Greater Roanoke Home and Garden Show” on Facebook for more information. Old Southwest Presents Holiday Home Tour

Old Southwest’s annual Parlor Tour of Homes is “Always the First Weekend in December!” On Saturday, December 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, December 6, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., tour a selection of historic homes, most of which have not been part of the tour before. Homes will feature stylish renovations, a collection of local art, and holiday decor. Refreshments (and restrooms) will be available at the Alexander-Gish house. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the day of the tour at the entrance to Highland Park, on the corner of Washington Ave and 5th Street. The event is Old Southwest’s only fundraiser, and all money raised goes toward the upkeep of Alexander-Gish house and other neighborhood projects. For more information, visit www.oldsouthwest.org. r vhomemaga zine .com

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n INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

HOME

Ferguson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Opera Roanoke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Garland’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Pella Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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Goldsmith Appraisal Service, LLC . . . . . . . . 40

Perry Pools and Spas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Abingdon Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Groundscapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Potentially Chic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Accents on Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Protect Painters of the Roanoke Valley . . . . . 18

Astonish Antique Restoration. . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Halifax Fine Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Reid’s Fine Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Ayers Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Henri Kessler Furs & Outerwear. . . . . . . . . . 23

Roanoke Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

B P Roy Construction LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

HomeTown Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping . . . . . 11

Better Sofas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Interiors by kris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Seven Oaks Landscape Hardscape . . . . . . . . 75

Black Horse Manor Antiques. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Jeannine Hanson, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Southern Lamp and Shade Showroom . . . . . 62

Bob Riddick Roofing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Jewells Fine Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Spectrum Stone Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Boxley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

JMS Builders/Developers, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . 71

The Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Bush-Flora Shoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Joe Patrick Kraft, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

The Little Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Cabinetry With TLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Kevin Hurley Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

TINK’s Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Callie Dalton, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

LinDor Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Vinton Appliance Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Capps Home Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Magnolia Décor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Viva La Cupcake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Chanticleer Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Member One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Whitt Carpet One Floor & Home. . . . . . . . . 62

Closet Storage Organizers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Mill Mountain Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Wisler Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Decorating Den Interiors –Roanoke . . . . . . . 19

MKB Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Yarid’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Elaine Stephenson Interiors, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . 61

N-Hance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

YWCA Lynchburg Design House 2015. . . . . 83

Embrace Home Loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

National Pools of Roanoke, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 8

F&S Building Innovations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

New to Me Consignment Boutique. . . . . . . . 40

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November 21 - December 13 Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday

10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Closed to the public on Mondays & Tuesdays

Admission Price $20 one-time | $45 multi-visit

2015 Designers Studio H Home; Burton Design, LLC; Beverly McCloskey Designs, LLC; Interiors by Moyanne; Pinnacle Cabinetry; The Silver Thistle; Estates and Consignments; Mahone & Sons Decorating Center; Tera Janelle Design; Decorating Den Interiors; Pastiche Interiors; Circa Studios; Land Tech; CLC Inc.; See Window; Red Door Painting

3128 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg A home tour featuring a collaboration of local designers, contractors, artists and vendors showcasing their interior and landscape design talents to benefit the mission and programs of the YWCA of Central Virginia, including the Domestic Violence Prevention Center.

Presented by:

Detailed information & tickets at:

lynchburgdesignhouse.com Find us on Facebook!

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Transforming a home to build better lives

Make the VISION and DREAMS you have for your home a reality! Are you looking to improve your home? Whether you have been in your home for years or you are purchasing a fixer-upper â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Embrace Home Loans can help! Our Full 203k Renovation Loan offers structural alteration and reconstruction, changes for aesthetic appeal, improved function and modernization, flooring, tiling, carpeting and much, much more! Call us for more details.

Call or stop by your trusted local Roanoke office today! www.embracehomeloans.com

540.375.3190

5044 Keagy Road, Ste. H100 Roanoke, VA 24018 Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS ID#2184 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com) is licensed in VA.