Central Virginia Holiday Issue 2016

HOME C E N T R A L V I R G I N I A

DESIGN

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IMPROVE

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GARDEN

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comfort and joy A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

WINTER WARM-UPS

NEW YEAR, NEW STYLES

GIFTS GALORE FESTIVE TABLES

DECK YOUR PORCH RADIANT FLOOR HEAT

BEDROOM UPDATES EXPOSED BRICK WALLS HOLIDAY/WINTER 2016, VOL. 10, NO. 5

RAILINGS

COLUMNS

FENCING

ARBORS

SCREEN PORCHES

DECKING

SMILE AS A FAMILY Actual patient, Zaida and her sister

Your smile is your best asset At Central Virginia Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping

people of all ages achieve a beautiful smile with the best care in a warm, relaxing atmosphere. State-of-the-art-technology and the latest techniques ensure that each member of your family receives exceptional care.

Dr. Eric Baugher | Dr. Jennifer Claiborne

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Our office strives to bring our patients state-of-the-art technology to provide the latest advancements in oral health.

Over 30 Years Combined Periodontal Experience!

Happy Holidays FROM PERIODONTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES!

SHERMAN O. SMOCK, D.D.S. RYAN C. ANDERSON, D.D.S.

SERVICES INCLUDE

Specialty Techniques to Save Teeth | Implant Placement | Low Dosage Digital X-Rays | Gum Recession Treatment Sleep Apnea Appliances | Oral Cancer Screenings Regular and Advanced Cleanings | Biopsies

New Patients Welcome, No Referral Necessary 525 Leesville Rd | Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.455.2444 | periodontalhealthassociates.com |

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PUBLISHER

Julie Pierce EDITOR IN CHIEF

Meridith Ingram ART DIRECTOR

Edwana Coleman GRAPHIC ARTIST

(434) 444-3888

Daniele Mason

IMPROVE

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5

1471 James View Drive $650,000

Daniele proudly represents The Villas at

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VIRGINIA

Daniele Daniele supports The Lynchburg Humane Society

Khristina Helmich CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cynthia BeMent Mitzi Bible Charlotte A.F. Farley Jerry Hale Megan Hall Meridith Ingram Katherine Fulghum Knopf Sloane Lucas Janet A. Martin Noelle Milam Marissa Hermanson Rory Rhodes Christy Rippel Jessie Thompson PHOTOGRAPHER

KG Thienemann OPERATIONS MANAGER

Satisfying Every Budget & Style

Colleen Miller ADVERTISING SALES

Liz Houhoulis Janet Lampman Julie Pierce SUBSCRIPTIONS

Central Virginia HOME is published five times annually

by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Central Virginia HOME 2003 Graves Mill Road, Suite B Forest, VA 24551 For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@cvhomemagazine.com.

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Central Virginia HOME at info@cvhomemagazine.com.

COUNTERTOPS CABINETRY CLOSETS (540) 719-0128

www.CabinetGallerySML.com

WESTLAKE TOWNE CENTER

66 Builders Pride Drive | Hardy, Virginia 24101 8

West Willow Publishing Group, LLC (434) 386-5667 westwillowpublishing.com Copyright 2016 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.

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

"I can state with complete confidence that this house could not have been built without a design and build firm like Custom Structures.

Everything about this house is custom.

Without an architect that respects the builder and a builder that respects the architect, this house could never have been realized. Everyone who has ever built a home, warned us not to put this kind of stress on our marriage! And although there were difficult times, I always trusted Custom Structures and its outstanding people to do what was best and what was right. I never once felt like they took a short cut or an easy route. “ - N. Hardison

n EDITOR’S NOTE How we experience the holiday season as adults is a little different from how we experienced it as children. Back then, for me, holidays meant time off school (hooray!), loads of food and presents (gluttony and surprises!), and the best part: cousin time (wheeee!).

What’s funny is that those things are still part of my adult holiday experience, minus some of the childlike joy. Time off school is a beautiful thing, but it means the kids are home (a lot); loads of presents and food means loads of shopping and chopping; and cousin time means traveling, or cleaning up to make things company-ready. For the past few years, though, with age and wisdom (ahem), I’ve been determined to bring back some of the childhood holiday delight by focusing on the fun. These are the times that matter; this is the stuff of life.

We hope this issue of HOME inspires you to do the same.

Our feature on Christmas collections will give you great tips on collecting, curating and creating meaningful vignettes with those special pieces that adorn your home this time of year, as well as some new ideas for displaying and even photographing them. In fact, our piece on the Peery family’s beautiful Boonsboro home will show you ways they have done this very thing with style. When you’re planning your holiday meals, we encourage you to think more than menu. Around the table is where memories are made, and with our fun new recipes and ideas we hope you’ll create some new traditions from around the globe.

And don’t stress about all the holiday trappings: Simple touches go a long way. Our article on dinner napkins illustrates how to change the look and feel of your dinner table, and our article on the elegant amaryllis shows you how this cheerful bloom is the perfect gift, centerpiece, or quick winter pick-me-up.

When the last strand of tinsel is swept away and you turn to 2017, we provide a few inspiring articles to help with resolutions that top many lists: “get in shape” and “be more organized.” Our article on refreshing your master bedroom can help you redesign this retreat into a room you want to wake up in, leaving you with more energy to seize your days. For a done-in-a-day, instant gratification organizing project, get your toolbox in order to tackle any to-do list. And our article on speed cleaning that helps you prepare for all that holiday cousin time? We hope these tips can help you stay tidy and organized all year long.

Thanks for reading!

—MERIDITH INGRAM, EDITOR IN CHIEF meridith@westwillowpublishing.com

for your year-round

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

The Nadine Blakely Real Estate Team

Nadine Blakely REALTOR,® ASP, CLHMS, SRES email: nadineblakely@remax.net

(434) 444-2226

Stuart Blakely REALTOR®

email: stuartblakely@remax.net

(434) 401-9214

www.NadineBlakelyHomes.com

OCTOBER is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month We give from every closing to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and many other charities.

CHOOSE A REALTOR who CHOOSES to GIVE BACK! Nadine Blakely, REALTOR® is the #1 Agent in the Lynchburg area * and #1 in the State of Virginia for RE/MAX. Need to SELL? Planning to RELOCATE? Want to BUY?

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1st Olympic, REALTORS® nt Recognized in Elite Nation al Survey Nadine Blakely Ranked Amon

Lynchburg Age

Nadine Blakely, REALTOR,® Has Received A National Ranking Among All Real Estate Company Brands

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u on your congratulate yo ly al d” on rs pe to “The Thousan I want REAL Trends 16 20 e th ur in yo ranking testament to e evement is a tanding servic list! This achi c and the outs hi et k or w le incredib rs. yers and selle you provide bu t! ur achievemen ce again on yo on ns io at ul at Congr

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Dave Liniger O, RE/MAX CE Co-Founder Chairman and

* Based on info

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Lynchburg Ass

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LTORS ® MLS for

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the period Jan.

1, 2015 through

Dec. 31, 2015

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

contents C e nt r a l V irg ini a H O M E H o li d ay / W int e r 2 0 1 6

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features MASTER BEDROOM REBOOT

Make your master a room to wake up in

BY C H R I STY R I P P E L

HOME T EC H N OL OG Y U P G RA DES

From major appliances to handy gadgets, technology can make home life more efficient

BY M E GA N HA L L

HOME F OR T H E H OL I DAY S

Christmas decor reflects generations of family life in this Boonsboro home

BY C H A R LOTTE A .F. FA R L EY

YOUR H OL I DAY T REA SU RES

How to collect and showcase memorable holiday decor

BY CYNT H IA B E M E N T

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HOME Magazine

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C e nt r a l V irg ini a H O M E H o li d ay / W int e r 2 0 1 6

departments 66

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DESIGN

IMPROVE

GARDEN

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30 B R I C KS , EX POS ED Interior brick walls offer timeless, versatile look

47 COMPANY’ S COMI N G! Speed cleaning tips for when guests are on their way

36 F ROM BU L B T O BL OOM The elegant amaryllis brings life to winter interiors

24 H A P P Y H O UR Up your cocktail game with a stocked bar

BY M ITZ I B I B LE

BY K ATH E R I N E F U LG H U M

BY C HAR LOTTE A.F. FAR LEY

66 TA B L ES C APE T IPS New napkins refresh your holiday table

BY N O E LLE M I LAM

KNOPF

74 COMFOR T UN DERFOOT Radiant heat flooring is a toasty option

71 DEC K Y OU R P ORC H How to add flair to winter container gardens

BY JAN ET A. MARTI N

BY R O RY R H O D ES

84 TOOLBOX TUN E- U P Ensure your toolbox is stocked for the job

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BY J E R RY HALE

BY S LOAN E LU CAS

50 C U L I N A RY C O R N E R Embrace your heritage with family holiday meals and traditions

BY MAR I S SA H E R MAN S O N

79 DESI G N F O R A C A U SE Central Virginia Design House 2016 benefits YWCA

BY J ES S I E TH O M PS O N

94 EDI T OR’ S P I C K S : BEST BOOK S Great titles for giving, receiving

BY M E R I D ITH I N G R AM

97 A ROU N D T O W N Local events in our area SP EC I A L I N T EREST 9 8 Index of advertisers

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

Timing is everything.

Making award-winning wine takes time.

Roger Furrow, owner of Hickory Hill Vineyards in Moneta, is grateful for the gift of time. Five years ago, Roger went into cardiac arrest after a routine stress test at Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center in Moneta.

Chad Hoyt, MD, and Laura Bollard, RN, sprang into action, performing CPR to save his life. Within minutes, Centra ONE landed and they were flown to Centra Lynchburg General Hospital where cardiologists discovered three blockages and Roger underwent a triple bypass heart surgery.

The winemaker treasures every day on the family vineyard. Each grape harvested builds upon a craft requiring patience and time. Roger credits his cardiologist, surgeon and nurses for giving him more of the latter.

Roger Furrow Owner, Hickory Hill Vineyards

Offering cardiology services in the Smith Mountain Lake area at: 1039 Mayberry Crossing Drive Suite C, Moneta Providers in Moneta: Chad Hoyt, MD Chris Lewis, MD Tom Meyer, MD Samuel Omotoye, MD Jesse Naples, PA-C To schedule an appointment, call

540.297.7840 Now accepting new patients Pictured above (L to R): Chad Hoyt, MD, Roger Furrow, Laura Bollard, RN

StroobantsCardiovascular.com | Bedford | Danville | Farmville | Gretna | Lynchburg | Moneta

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RISE & SHINE MASTER YOUR BEDROOM TO WAKE UP REFRESHED

BY CH R IS T Y R I P P EL

IF YOUR MORNING ALARM MAKES YOU GROAN AND REPEATEDLY HIT SNOOZE, A FEW TWEAKS TO YOUR ENVIRONMENT MIGHT MAKE MORNINGS A BIT LESS PAINFUL. IF YOU’VE MASTERED THE RESTFUL MASTER BEDROOM RETREAT, COULD IT BE THAT YOU HAVE MADE THINGS A LITTLE TOO RELAXING? HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO HELP YOUR FEET HIT THE FLOOR WITH MORE ENTHUSIASM.

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S O U T H E R N P SR OO UV TI H S IE OR NN S c o m p a n y P R O V I S I O N S c

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Interior Design · Fabrics · Gifts

2704 LANGHORNE ROAD – LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA, 24501 Monday – Friday 10-6 Saturday 10 -5 Sunday 1-5

Interior Design · Fabrics · Gifts (434) 845-2704

2704 LANGHORNE ROAD – LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA, 24501 Monday – Friday 10-6 Saturday 10 -5 Sunday 1-5

(434) 845-2704

Use color and the sun to your advantage

Looking for a new home for the holidays?

JANE BLICKENSTAFF: 434.660.3773 (cell) jane@janeblickenstaff.net • janeblickenstaff.net KATE BLICKENSTAFF: 434.258.1400 (cell) kateblick@gmail.com • blickenstaffandcompanyrealtors.com 1 8

While pale neutrals might help you drift off to sleep, they aren’t ideal for helping you feel energized when you open your eyes. Adding some vibrant color to your bedroom can make a difference—and you don’t necessarily have to change your entire palette. If you don’t want to paint the room, consider adding pillows, art work or an accent piece in a bright color like coral, yellow or emerald green in an area you’ll see when you open your eyes.

If your room doesn’t get a lot of natural morning sunlight, consider breaking out the paint brush and painting the room a soft yellow to mimic natural light. Make sure to paint a large sample board first and leave it against your wall for a day or two to be sure you’ve chosen a pleasing buttery shade and not an electric yellow.

If you are lucky enough to get the bright morning sun streaming through your windows, you can use it to help you awaken by installing motorized blinds and shades, which can be Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

While pale neutrals might help you drift off to sleep, they aren’t ideal for helping you feel energized when you open your eyes. Adding some vibrant color to your bedroom can make a difference—and you don’t necessarily have to change your entire palette. programmed to open and close at a certain time of day. Depending on the time of year, you’ll sometimes have to rise when it is still dark, but when the times coincide, this is a much more natural way to wake up than to the buzz of an alarm. Motorized shades can also be operated remotely so you can adjust them with the push of a button on your bedside table.

When you do get up, do your feet hit a cold, hard floor or a scratchy rug? Treat your sense of touch with a soft rug at the bedside—a sheepskin, a plush wool—anything that feels soft and comfortable to the touch will do the trick. And once you cross the floor to grab your robe, keep in mind that the color of the robe you reach for can also help you feel ready to face the day. Ditch your old white robe and invest in brightly colored one to help you kick off your morning routine.

Set up your bedroom like a luxury hotel

Think of the nicest hotel you’ve ever stayed in, and why you enjoyed it. It was clean, free of clutter and had a few extra touches that made waking up a bit more pleasant, right? Think about how you can incorporate a hotel’s charms into your own space. For example, you probably had a cup of tea or coffee in your room before heading down to the lobby. Why not install a small coffee bar in your bedroom? All it takes is a small piece of furniture, a few mugs and an available outlet to plug in your coffeemaker.

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SCENTS TO HELP YOU WAKE UP (From Sleep.org, a resource from the National Sleep Foundation) Just as certain scents like lavender can help you drift off to sleep, other aromas can be just what you need to feel alert and awake: CITRUS: Lemons, oranges and grapefruits aren’t just delicious and nutritious—the smell of the fruits can boost your body’s production of serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel happy. They also reduce levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine, so you’ll wake up but still feel calm.

Lemon might be the most powerful of the citrus smells—it’s been shown that smelling it can increase mental stimulation. Since these scents come from everyday foods, you could try eating a grapefruit each morning or squeezing some lemon or orange juice into a smoothie.

PEPPERMINT: It’s probably no surprise that this refreshing scent will make you feel alert, focused and stimulated. In fact, peppermint also helps you perform better on tasks that require sustained attention.

Peppermint tea is especially soothing and aromatic.

ROSEMARY: The smell of this common herb will get your brain revved up and working again, giving you more mental and physical energy.

Another bonus: Rosemary can help you perform tasks better and faster, so keep sniffing it throughout the day if you’re at work. At breakfast, sprinkle some rosemary onto your turkey sausage and eggs.

EUCALYPTUS: This woodsy scent will definitely help wake you up, and it can also improve your empathy if you combine it with menthol and camphor. Another bonus: If you’re stuffed up due to congestion, breathing in this scent may also help clear up your nasal passages. That’s not bad for a simple plant that’s best known as koalas’ favorite snack!

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To punch up your coffee bar style, add a small vase of flowers (a chance to work in those bright yellows, corals and greens) and a pretty tray or vintage wooden crate to hold your coffee mugs.

Set the autotimer to brew at the time you want to wake up every day—the smell of fresh coffee will put a smile on your face and a spring in your morning step. If one of you is a coffee drinker but the other likes tea, consider a single-serving model with pods for different flavored coffees, teas and hot chocolate.

After you took the first sip of coffee in your hotel room, you likely read the paper that was slid under your door early that morning. If you enjoy catching up on the day’s news, local papers and many national papers offer free or paid subscriptions to electronic editions, so you can browse on your phone, tablet or computer. Consider carving out daily time to sit with your coffee and read the news for a less hectic start to the day. If you have the space, add a designated spot to read and sip—a comfortable chair, a plush throw, a small side table and a lamp are all you need to create the coziest reading spot in the house.

After you finished that cup of coffee, you probably strolled into the hotel bath, stocked with soaps and miniature toiletries.

Everyone loves the soaps and lotions at a luxury hotel, and they Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

often smell heavenly. Invest in some soap, lotion, essential oils and candles in energizing scents, instead of (or in addition to) ones that lull you into dreamland at night. Look for products that contain peppermint, citrus, rosemary or eucalyptus—which have been credited with doing everything from reducing stress levels to helping you feel alert, focused and stimulated. Why not light a candle before you step into the shower, so you’re greeted with an energizing scent when you come out?

Organize and plan for an easier morning

Organizing, decluttering and downsizing our belongings has never been more in vogue. For example, in the international bestselling book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, author Marie Kondo contends that tidying up will transform your life. In a nutshell, she advises to put your hands on everything you own, ask yourself if it brings you joy, and if not, thank it for its service and donate it. Second, take what remains and put every item in a place where it is visible, accessible and easy to grab and put back in its place. While this concept may seem extreme, most people can agree they feel more relaxed, less stressed and more optimistic when their living spaces are tidy—and while it may not transform your entire life, a tidy bedroom might transform your morning.

When you wake, do you see an open laptop on a desk, or a pile of unfolded clothes? Opening your eyes to unfinished tasks, a reminder of work deadlines and visual clutter is mentally draining. Banish work to another area of the house, and if you can, fold laundry elsewhere. The most restorative bedrooms are only for sleeping and relaxing, and not for completing our

c vhomemaga zine .com 21

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laundry list of tasks (including the laundry). If you don’t have a designated laundry room, find another spot in the house for the drying rack of clothes and laundry baskets. In short, don’t use your room as the household dumping ground.

Once the clutter has been banished, designing better mornings is often about streamlining. Can you pick out your clothes the night before, and hang them on the back of the door?

How about investing in a standing valet to hold your clothes, shoes and accessories in your bedroom or bathroom for the next day so you aren’t rifling through your closet? Often the dread in waking up is the long list of tasks that have to be accomplished before you make your way out the door. Delegate to other family members when reasonable (Can your oldest child walk the dog? Pack his own lunch?) and check off other items the night before, so you can hit the pillow knowing you won’t have a crazy morning.

While life outside your bedroom door might sometimes move at an overwhelming clip, you can design a more morning-friendly bedroom that kicks off your day in the right direction.

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

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n LIVE COCKTAIL HOUR

the art of the cocktail

CREATE A BASIC HOME BAR FOR ALL OCCASIONS

BY S LOA N E LU C AS

Upscale entertaining at home continues to be a welcome trend. We page through magazines for creative table decor inspiration, gather multi-course meal ideas and maybe choose a signature cocktail for the evening—which can tie it all together and make it even more festive.

That’s wonderful for bigger events. But what about enjoying a cocktail on a weeknight with some take-out? Or turning a spur-of-the-moment gathering of neighbors into a casual happy hour? Too often our evening drinks default to wine or beer—both excellent options, but not nearly as fun as whipping up Monday night Manhattans or some random Rob Roys.

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

TIME TO UNLEASH YOUR INNER MIXOLOGIST. THERE’S NO REASON TO WAIT FOR AN EVENING OUT TO ENJOY A FAVORITE FANCY CREATION. BUYING SOME BASIC INGREDIENTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR A HOME BAR CAN BE FUN, AND BECOMING YOUR OWN BARTENDER IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE YOU GET THE EXACT COCKTAIL YOU WANT, JUST THE WAY YOU WANT IT. c vhomemaga zine .com 25

Even with the resurgence of classic drinks—spurred in part by glamorous 1960s-era TV hits like “Mad Men”—cocktail culture still seems mostly confined to bars or restaurants.

Why don’t more people enjoy cocktails at home? Maybe seeing a plethora of liquors and mixers and fancy bar tools when you are out on the town seems intimidating. How could you ever afford, or even find, all those different bottles and shakers and thingamajigs? Or, even worse, what if you buy all of that and you just can’t shake and stir as well as your local bartender?

Time to unleash your inner mixologist. There’s no reason to wait for an evening out to enjoy a favorite fancy creation. Buying some basic ingredients and equipment for a home bar can be fun, and becoming your own bartender is the best way to ensure you get the exact cocktail you want, just the way you want it.

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Getting Started

Restaurants and bars always have way more liquid options than are necessary for a basic home bar. They have to cater to thousands of people a week. You are catering to you, so just buy what you want.

Having said that, all bars will have some basic alcohols that form the basis for many classic cocktails—which you should have on hand for yourself, but also for guests, and significant others, of course. For your home bar, you will want to invest in Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

good quality “top shelf” brands, so that whatever you make at home will be the best of the best.

Buy one excellent-quality bottle each of the following: a gin, a vodka, a rum, and a bourbon with a high rye content.

Bourbon is technically a specialized whiskey. The benefit of a good bourbon is that you can use it for both bourbon and whiskey drinks, while not all whiskey can sub in for bourbon. (Also, if you choose a bourbon with a high rye content, you can sometimes slip it into cocktails that call for rye and save yourself buying an extra bottle.)

Now, if you have a favorite drink that you always order at a local bar, of course, make sure to buy that base alcohol for your new home bar—such as a true rye, 100 percent agave tequila, or specialty liqueurs such as Cointreau or Kahlua.

You may also want to stock a few bottles of bubbly, such as a Spanish cava, Italian prosecco, French champagne or a nice California sparkling wine. Some classic cocktails call for champagne and any of those should do the trick.

You will also need some basic additions, such as sweet and dry vermouth,

Angostura bitters, and grenadine. If you personally favor cocktails with other specific ingredients, buy those as well.

While many of these will last a long time, for space issues you may want to buy smaller bottles, if possible.

Other ingredients, like simple syrup and mixers, you can make much better on your own. Simple syrup, used to sweeten drinks, is just sugar water. To make it, measure equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan and heat on medium until dissolved. Chill and put in an empty bottle in the fridge. Another option is agave syrup. It has a somewhat neutral flavor and keeps at room temperature without crystallizing.

You’ll also need cans or bottles of club soda, tonic water, ginger ale, orange juice and tomato juice. Some other flavorings may already be in your cabinet—like Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and grated horseradish.

In keeping with aiming for high quality cocktails, don’t buy packaged sour mix, Bloody Mary mix or other standard mixers. Instead make your own with lemon or lime juice and individual ingredients. They will taste better, have

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TOP 10 TIPS FOR TOASTS

Whether you’re being called to honor newlyweds at a black tie wedding, or saying a few words at a casual gathering of friends or co-workers, some basic guidelines will help you make the most of your toast.

❶

Give your audience some context as to why you’re giving the toast. If you are the host, welcome everyone. Or if you are the designated speaker at a corporate event, set the scene on behalf of your company. Are you there to honor a person or couple? If so, what is your relationship to the guest/s of honor? How did you meet? How long have you known them?

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Personalize the toast by sharing meaningful memories. They could be funny or touching. If the event is more corporate, share some memories of the past year. If you are there for a personal connection, share a story that illustrates something about the guest of honor.

❸ ❹ ❺ ❻

Personal stories are good, but in limited number. At the end of the day, not everyone will relate. Pick the best tale or two.

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Keep it short—two to three minutes tops. No one likes a rambler in the middle of an event. Add to the fun. Don’t slow it down.

As you tell your stories or anecdotes, remember, this is not about you. This is about the other person, or the event.

Keep it classy. Don’t mistake embarrassing for funny. Everyone loves a laugh, but not at anyone’s expense. Be amusing, but respectful.

If there is a moment in time that applies to the event, highlight that. The first time your best friend told you about meeting her future husband, the day a co-worker was hired at the job from which they are being promoted. Like any story, key moments keep people interested.

Pretend you’re headed to Carnegie Hall—and practice, practice, practice. If you have been asked to do the honors, don’t wing it.

Take the time to rehearse so your hard work shows. If you tend to get nervous and forget your speeches, bring notecards.

❾ ❿

As an addendum to practicing, do a run-through with a mutual friend or co-worker and get their feedback. They will be able to tell you if you’re veering into tacky territory or running long.

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Always wrap up your speech by including all of the guests in a group toast, with everyone raising their glasses.

less artificial ingredients, and have fewer calories than storebought, pre-made mixes. To that end, plan on having a bowl of fresh lemons, limes and oranges on hand.

In addition to your basic citrus trifecta, you should have basic garnishes available, such as celery, plain pitted green olives (without the red pimento insert), cocktail onions, maraschino cherries, and fresh mint leaves (which also double as a main ingredient in some classic cocktails).

Shaken or Stirred?

Now for your equipment. You’ll need something to shake AND stir, for maximum mixology. Buy a good shaker, new.

Secondhand shakers—especially vintage ones—look great, and you may want them just to make your bar area look swanky. But a firm seal is critical for mixing, and secondhand mixers are often banged up and not suitable for a heavy shake. Invest in a good new metal shaker, or a clear plastic shaker that has a tight rubber seal.

Metal shakers are easier to care for, since you can usually put them in the dishwasher, but the plastic ones are often worth the hand washing because they are sometimes easier to manage, with their tight seal and the fact that you don’t chill your hands while shaking the drink—an unfortunate if humorous sideeffect of the traditional metal shaker.

You’ll need a true jigger with actual measures (i.e. keep that shot glass you bought on Spring break a decade ago in the cabinet). A strainer, muddler, a zester and a tall thin bar spoon should round out your collection.

Next, make sure you have some basic glassware. You’ll need: traditional V-shaped martini glasses; rounded coupe glasses Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

(which were used for sparkling wine before flute glasses became the norm); tall, thin highballs or coolers; and lower, squat old fashioneds. You probably already have some of these glasses—or close enough to those shapes that you can use them. Also, have at least one nice glass pitcher for a larger batch of any given cocktail, and an insulated ice bucket.

Once you have your go-to basic bottles of booze and bar equipment, and have mastered the art of mixing up some classics, you may want to take it a step further and actually set up a bar area in your home. This can be a dedicated space in your kitchen, a rolling cart, or a small credenza you convert into a devoted mixing space. If you really want to make your home bar a showcase, upgrade your glasses and pitchers to either fancy modern purchases that match, or scout antique stores or thrift stores for vintage midcentury modern barware for some original flare. You certainly don’t need swizzle sticks, but if you find some fun ones that match your decor, buy them.

Your guests will love the added touch.

If you are looking to entertain with your new bar setup, another helpful item is an actual bar guide. Yes, you can look up every recipe you want on the Internet. But you don’t want to step away from your guests to check your smartphone for that ratio of gin to vermouth. Buy a nicely bound cocktail recipe book and have it handy. They often also contain the history of drinks and can be a nice conversation piece while your guests are waiting for their made-to-order concoctions. Or use it as a “menu” for guests to choose cocktails they’ve never tried before.

Whether you just want to treat yourself to a weeknight pre-dinner cocktail or impress your friends with your newly found mixology skills, all you need to build your home bar are some basic alcohols and ingredients, and a few bar tools and easy-to-find glassware. You’ll soon be on your way to perfecting the art of the cocktail in the comfort of your own home. No tipping required.

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n DESIGN EXPOSED BRICK WALLS

SHOW IT OFF how to make exposed brick walls work for you

BY CH A R LOT T E A . F. FA R L E Y

When my husband and I first saw the house we now live in, we were thrilled that it not only met the criteria for what we needed (a larger kitchen, room for a baby grand piano, a nice yard for our boys) and what we wanted (a screened-in porch), but that it came with a bonus: a room with an exposed brick wall. We wanted a home with character, and an exposed brick wall is made-from-scratch icing on the cake.

Since no two brick walls are the same, exposed brick provides a room with plenty of personality, style and charm.

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

Unlike some other hard materials (such as concrete), exposed brick can bring a sense of warmth and history to a room. You’ll find exposed brick in historic homes, especially properties from the turn of the last century; back then, leaving bricks exposed in the interior was a way to save money on finishing the walls. Other places that exposed brick walls turn up include ranch homes from the 1960s and 70s as well as loftstyle apartments and condominiums.

In addition, any modern home that has a brick exterior may also have some of that same exposed brick on the inside, if the owners have purposely left the brick exposed or if they have added a room along the line.

If you want to include some exposed brick in your home, don’t worry, you don’t have to sell your house for this to happen! You have options. If you already have a brick exterior and you were planning to add a room on, simply add on and leave one wall all brick.

Foregoing the full-on add-on route, you (or your licensed contractor) can simply expose the brick from behind the plaster walls or the drywall. Bear in mind the age and condition of your home if you choose to do this since you might remove insulation or uncover lead paint, among other things. A licensed contractor with experience in rehabbing older properties would be a tremendous asset in this circumstance. You might prefer to avoid the kind of dusty mess that comes with exposing your brick and choose instead to have a brick and mortar wall installed with thin bricks, or even install more budget-friendly, DIY-friendly brick veneer.

An exposed brick wall can be a home’s personal little black dress that can be dressed up or down. It pairs well with every style of decor: rustic, modern, industrial, cottage, farmhouse, traditional, Victorian, eclectic—there’s no limit to how you can decorate with exposed brick.

Whatever your preference, bear in mind that brick may indeed work well as a blank canvas, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a neutral backdrop. All brick contains color and texture, two design components that you need to consider when styling the space.

The biggest choice you need to make is how you wish to feature the brick: should it be a standout showstopper, or should it play a quiet supporting role in your space? The answer will guide you to c vhomemaga zine .com 31

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how to dress the other walls. For instance, you’ll help the brick blend in if you paint the non-brick walls in a color that closely matches the mortar (usually a shade of gray, taupe or cream). Likewise, a paint color that contrasts with the color of your brick will work wonders for highlighting your exposed brick. For instance, if you have an orange undertone in the brick, walls and furnishings in shades of blue will both balance and draw the eye in.

Always consider the color of your brick in your furnishings, but also know that you have the option to change its color. Now, I’m not talking about painting your brick—brick is a porous material and removing paint from brick is an enormously difficult task. In other words, there’s no going back to the authentic color. Just like wood stain, brick stains specially formulated for application on brick surfaces are now on the market. This is the perfect solution for homeowners who like their brick well enough, but just wish it could be a different color or shade.

Whatever you choose, keep in mind that the brick already contributes color and texture, so keep your palette to a minimum. To balance brick’s roughness, Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

use soft, smooth and inviting textures in your fabric choices for things like pillows, throws, rugs and draperies. Another way to strike a balance involves adding sconces, track lighting or recessed lighting above the brick; this provides light, warmth and shadows, their interplay creating visual softness.

You can also create visual space in a brick-heavy room by hanging mirrors or art on the brick. It seems treacherous, but it’s not as treacherous as you might think. There are two tricks for hanging heavier items from brick walls successfully: be sure about the location of where you want to hang something since the hole will be permanent, and be sure to use a masonry drill bit and drill a hole directly into the mortar so you don’t damage the brick. Only drill deep enough to make room for the wall anchor in case there is any electrical wiring or plumbing behind the brick wall. Insert the wall anchor and screw a picture hook into the anchor (you can find special screws for this at your local hardware store). Make sure that the anchor and screw you use can adequately handle the weight of the object you are hanging!

If this feels like a daunting task, you can always try brick clips that hook onto the brick. Again, check the weight limits of the clip against the item you wish to hang on it.

These days, my family spends the most time in that room with the “bonus” exposed brick wall, and it’s not a big surprise: we enjoy being together in warm, comfortable places, and brick lends this sense of cozy appeal to any space.

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Unusual windows often add character and distinctiveness to a home.

However, they can be a challenge for designing window treatments.

KATHY POTTS, OWNER OF DECORATING DEN INTERIORS, FOREST, shows us four examples: a room with many windows, adding fashion without obstructing the view, complementing beautifully shaped windows, and using motorization for a 17-foot tall window.

after

KATHY POTTS

434-525-2700

kathypotts@decoratingden.com kathypotts.decoratingden.com

❶

SOMETIMES WITH SO MANY WINDOWS, YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN A FISH BOWL. This is how the homeowner felt about her bedroom windows that are open to a courtyard. The difficulty in this situation was to add on to what was already existing and make it look like it wasn’t an afterthought. Austrian Shades out of a sheer fabric were added to keep in style with the room. The sheers still allow light to shine through; however, the beautiful billowing sheers provide privacy.

34

before Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

before

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after

❸ ❹

THE ISSUE FOR THIS WINDOW WAS TO CREATE AN UPDATED LOOK WITH OUT OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW. These windows and walls were not spaced evenly.

The challenge was to create a visual effect with the panels so it appears everything is even. Using sheers allows light and the view from outside to be seen. The medallions which are used to hang the panels help distract from the non-symmetrical walls and windows. Adding trim is always a finishing touch.

THESE WESTERN-FACING WINDOWS LET IN A LOT OF SUNLIGHT IN THE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING HOURS DURING SUMMER. The homeowner needed light control along with an updated look. Roman shades in the lower windows allow light in the morning and light control in the afternoon when pulled down. The faux iron inserts in the segment windows have a sheer behind them to allow some light but to block the harsh afternoon rays. Stationary panels on just one side allow more light to come in these narrow windows while dressing them up.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A 17-FOOT WINDOW? YOU TREAT IT AS ONE. The sun would shine through the top windows causing undue brightness not to mention excessive heat during certain times of the day, causing the homeowners to want to avoid the room. The difficulty in this situation was the high ceiling and having the ability to control the light. Motorized cellular shades were used to fix this issue, which still allow some light to come through but help with light control and some heat reduction.

The wall of windows was then treated as a whole. Panels, swags and jabots frame the beautiful outside view.

after

before

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before

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n GARDEN ALL ABOUT AMARYLLIS

amaryllis THE ELEGANT

a perfect holiday gift

BY K AT H ER I N E F U LG H U M K N O P F

If you’re looking for the perfect gift—for friends, colleagues, neighbors or yourself— add an amaryllis to your shopping list this year. An amaryllis adds instant grace and elegance to your home, and is truly a delightful gift that keeps on giving. It’s the perfect winter houseplant that bestows old-world charm and color to your home. Even better, once the bulb blooms, the glorious flowers last a long time, and it is easy to make these bulbs re-bloom year after year.

O

riginating in the tropical climate of South America, amaryllis blooms boast beautiful colors—from cool white to vibrant pink and orange. They are perfect for decorations during the winter holidays in shades of salmon and red.

For a more unusual look, try ones that offer striped flowers in hues of pinks and reds with white stripes (just like a candy cane!).

A Gift for the Holidays…and Beyond

Amaryllis bulbs are easy to grow. You can start them yourself or purchase them already potted and ready to bloom. Potted amaryllis bulbs are a popular item at local garden and home shops this time of year. If they are just starting to bud, bring them home or deliver them to friends just in time for their spectacular show. These beautiful flowers with their vibrant green stems are easy gifts as the show is all in the flowers—just add a bow or purchase a cute gift bag, and delivery is easy. Your friends and neighbors will love this instant, long-lasting decoration. A row of them on your dining table is a centerpiece that requires little care throughout the holiday season. They can also add a bright spot to the dark winter days in the new year.

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Plant Your Own

If you want to plant your own bulbs, know that they will flower seven to ten weeks after planting. If you start with the bare bulb, put it in water for a few hours; slightly warm water alerts the roots to start growth. While your bulb is soaking, find a beautiful container that accents your home. If you are not ready to plant your bulbs when you bring them home, store them in a cool place where the temperature is between 40 and 50 degrees.

Select dry, firm bulbs; these are signs of a healthy amaryllis.

Larger amaryllis bulbs cost more because they will produce more flowers. You can choose these or purchase smaller ones and enjoy watching them grow each year.

Once you choose your pot, fill the bottom half with good potting soil. Place the amaryllis bulb in the pot and add soil until most of the bulb is covered. Press down the soil so the bulb is firmly held in place. Gently water the bulb and find a sunny, warm spot for it. Amaryllis plants prefer direct sunlight with a consistent temperature of 68 to 70 degrees. Until the stem starts to peep out of the bulb, your amaryllis doesn’t need much water.

Once the stem appears, water when the soil feels dry. The fun of an amaryllis is that the plant grows quickly once it starts.

Dramatic clusters of large blooms will reward your few minutes of planting time.

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

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Let’s Make It Pretty

Amaryllis bulbs are fun to accessorize; it is easy to personalize them for your home decor. There are lots of ways to showcase your beautiful blooming bulb.

Monochrome: Find a glossy white ceramic planter and add a white amaryllis. The fresh green shoots and the white play off each other for a calm, elegant look. Or try a silver polished planter for a formal look.

Rustic: There is nothing more beautiful than a simple clay pot containing an amaryllis bulb. The light green stalks give rise to a pop of color at the top. If you are lucky, there will be two or three flowers from one bulb.

Contemporary: Use a tall glass cylinder vase to steal the show. Place a few pebbles in the bottom, add soil and the bulb half way to the top. Leave room for the stem to grow and have the glass sides support its heavy top.

How Shall We Dress It?

Gift bags are a great way to give plants a lift. Choose one made of plastic made especially for plants; their ribbon handles make carrying easy.

Find a metal stake to add whimsy to your gift as well as support the heavy stem and flowers. Amaryllis stems grow from Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

12 to 24 inches tall depending upon the age and size of the bulb, so they can use some support.

Garden shops offer many designs and materials from bamboo to metal. Some stakes are topped with fun ornaments—birds, ladybugs and frogs.

Plain red or green bamboo stakes are good choices. Some come formed into a lattice shape that will support the larger, heavier bulbs with several stalks and flowers.

Bows can be raffia to coordinate with clay pots or wired ribbon for a more classic china pot. This is the fun of amaryllis bulbs. They look great in many different types of pots and offer chances to embellish, so your gift is unique and specific to each person who receives it.

Let’s Do It Again

Re-blooming is easy. Once your amaryllis flowers droop, cut them from the stem. You don’t want your bulb to go to seed, so cut the flowers before they fall off. When the stem changes color and sags, cut it back to the top of the bulb. When you cut the stem at the top of the bulb, it may ooze liquid. That is normal; it shows that your bulb was watered and is healthy. Keep your bulb in a sunny spot and it will grow leaves. These leaves absorb sunlight and produce the nutrients that will go back in the bulb and allow it to re-bloom. Keep the soil

moist and use an organic, liquid fertilizer once a month.

During the summer, your amaryllis bulb can be outdoors. Some gardeners even plant them in the garden during their leaf phase. In a container outside, you need to make sure it stays well watered. Inside, it needs little care; just keep the soil slightly moist. Come late September, your bulb needs to come inside.

Amaryllis cannot survive frosts, so it is time to set it aside. Like all of us, amaryllis bulbs need their rest—two to three months—in order to bloom again.

Place your amaryllis in a cool dark place for the next few months. What a great decoration to have waiting in the wings! Each year can lead to a new look. You can change the appearance by using a different pot. Use a larger pot each year and replant it so the bulb will continue to grow and produce more flowers each time it blooms. Just get some fresh potting soil so the nutrients are good. You’ll want to keep your amaryllis bulb and use it again because, like all good things (think wine and cheese!), it gets better with age. The bulb grows larger each year; the larger the bulb, the bigger the flower, so each year you get more show. What a great tradition to start! Add an amaryllis bulb to your holiday decorations and watch it grow.

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HOME TECHNO-UPGRADES

next-generation living champions efficiency

BY M EG A N H A L L

I have always considered myself to be something of a technophile, embracing each new gadget as a conduit of knowledge and organization that culminates in a really snazzy design. But it appears I may be wrong. You see, as I began my holiday shopping and drafted my technology wish list for the new year, I quickly realized that I have not even

f

scratched the surface!

or instance, I’ve been keeping mental notes about how many eggs I have when I could have snagged a WiFienabled egg tray that uses a smartphone app to share the quantity and freshness of the product in my fridge. I’ve also been sacrificing precious space in my purse for an umbrella, just in case of rain, when I could have invested in an umbrella that checks the weather for me and alerts me on days I’ll need it. Most importantly, all these years I’ve been whisking cream and sugar into my morning brew by hand when I could have just purchased a self-stirring coffee mug. How have I survived without these products?

While these particular gizmos may not drastically improve my life, the good news is that the market is packed with items that are designed to do just that. From energy-efficient control systems to interactive appliances, the options are limitless. If you want to learn how to make your home and life more efficient and perhaps more comfortable by harnessing the power of technology, follow along as I share my newly gleaned insights.

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Luxurious Lifestyle

The world forever changed when Apple introduced Siri, our chipper, knowledgeable, handheld guide. Now, my friends, voice assistants have emerged from our phones and earned a rightful place in our homes and our hearts. The most widely acclaimed of these, the Amazon Echo, is a nearly 10-inch tall, slender, black cylinder that can perch on any counter or tabletop. Other options include Google Home, ivee, Cubic, Athom Homey, Mycroft and more. Regardless of brand, these ever-present attendants can add items to a grocery list, set a timer, play your favorite tunes, and even answer your burning questions like, “What is Bob Saget’s middle name?”

With your important queries out of the way, you can focus on bigger issues such as an inventory of your household goods.

Luckily, technology is ready to save the day once again. With the flip of a switch, or, more accurately, the push of an Amazon Dash button, your favorite items—laundry detergent, paper towels, pasta, batteries and beyond—will automatically re-order.

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

Measuring only a few inches long, this handy button is emblazoned with the brand you wish to order, and you can purchase the button on, you guessed it, Amazon. Once the button arrives at your home, remove the sticky back and place it on the wall near your stock of the product. If you have little ones with eager fingers running around the house, have no fear. You’ll receive an order confirmation request before your merchandise ships.

These days, lighting embodies true luxury. Specialty lamps, like the Wake-up Light from Philips, soothe your body as you rise from your slumber, slowly brightening the light over the course of 20 to 40 minutes prior to the alarm you set on the device. What’s more, smart light bulbs, such as the BeOn LED version, learn your lighting use patterns as you turn lights on and off in your home; you can also input preferences via an app. A comforting safety precaution, you can use the provided key fob to select “home” or “away.” The away setting notifies the BeOn light to mimic your typical lighting actions. For instance, if someone rings the doorbell when you’re not home, the lights

will automatically illuminate bulbs to simulate your progress from a far room toward the front door. Additionally, your lights will shine for up to five hours during a power outage. Who says luxury can’t also be safe?

Safety First

The latest advances in home safety and security extend far beyond smart lighting. Have you ever heard the doorbell ring and wish you could see who it was before you approached the door? Now you can. Products such as the SkyBell HD WiFi Video Doorbell stream real-time video of your visitors to your smartphone. Many of these items also integrate with voice assistants like those used in Amazon Echo, allowing you to verbally respond to your guest. Additionally, new in 2016, video doorbells are beginning to partner with systems like Nest— featuring security cameras, thermostats, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and more—which enables you to control your full suite of automated systems from one app.

c vhomemaga zine .com 41

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Sometimes threats are silent. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, such as the version from Nest, now have a longer life expectancy—upward of a decade!—and test themselves nearly 400 times a day. More importantly, instead of the frightening chirp to which we’ve grown accustomed, a soothing human voice will alert you to the location and nature of the issue. You can also silence the alarm from your smartphone, meaning no more time spent fanning the smoke detector when you accidentally burn the popcorn! When paired with an associated smart thermostat, your home will also automatically shut off your furnace in the event of a fire or a carbon monoxide leak, preventing a much larger issue!

When considering any products like these, it’s a good idea to visit your local hardware store or contact your energy provider or HVAC company. They can answer questions and perhaps recommend other options. Nothing beats a face-to-face conversation when discussing home safety!

Energy Efficiency

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While energy-efficient systems may not be the flashiest piece of technology, everyone can appreciate lower utility bills, especially during the chilly winter months. From thermostats to smartplugs, there is no shortage of ways to make your home more efficient.

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

Many smart thermostats, such as the lauded Nest, have made their way onto the market. Just as the smart light bulbs learn patterns, so do these products, resulting in 10 to 15 percent energy savings. For instance, if you turn down the heat before bed each night and then crank it up each morning, your thermostat takes note and begins to make these changes automatically. It can also alert you in the event of a problem, such as low temperatures that could cause a pipe to burst.

For other early alerts, consider the addition of a leak detection system, such as Wally, Fibaro Flood Sensor, or Utilitech Water Leak Detector. While each system utilizes different technology—Bluetooth, Z-wave, copper wires and others—these items are designed to alert homeowners to developing leaks that could lead to mold as well as major water emergencies. Again, local hardware stores usually have trained experts ready to help you choose the best option for your home.

Despite their small size, smartplugs pack a mighty punch. Products such as Zuli and Wemo allow you to use your smartphone to control any appliance plugged into that outlet. Even more

impressive, you can set preferences for the appliance dictating when you would like it turned on and off. The associated app also keeps a record of your energy use and, more importantly, your cost savings!

Appliances

It wouldn’t be a discussion about home technology without mention of appliances.

From kitchen scales to refrigerators, the world will never be the same with these innovative ideas.

Smart refrigerators are the way of the future. Options such as the Samsung Family Hub require only an open mind and an Ethernet connection. With these two items, your family will refrigerate like never before. A WiFi-enabled touchscreen makes it easy to manage grocery lists, coordinate your family’s schedule, and leave reminders (or a honey-do list!).

That’s not all. Many of these smart fridges feature built-in interior cameras that snap photos of the shelves each time the door closes and then transmit the images to your smartphone so you can access them at any time. Say goodbye to those moments of panic in the dairy section when you can’t remember the status of your milk supply.

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If recipe measurements seem like a foreign language, products such as the Drop kitchen scale empower you to master any recipe. This wireless scale and recipe app helps any home cook craft delicious concoctions with any amount of ingredients. For instance, if you select a delectable cookie to bake and then realize you don’t have enough flour, simply place the ingredient on the wireless scale and then let the app recalculate the amount needed of the other items. The app also features step-by-step instructions and swift video tutorials to walk you through even the most complicated culinary delights.

Life also got a little smoother in the laundry room. Products like the LG Styler Clothing Care System create a steamy chamber for your wrinkled items. Resembling a tall, narrow closet, this no-plumbing-required minimalist item features a vibrating hanger, pants press, an aroma kit, and a sanitizer, making it the perfect accessory to your laundry routine.

Fun and Frivolous

One of my favorite new products is a smart piggy bank, like the Porkfolio by Quirky. These ingenious, and adorable, devices sync with an app to keep track of your balances and financial goals.

What better way to teach young ones about fiscal responsibility?

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention just one more item that’s top of my shopping list: a WiFi-enabled grilling thermometer such as Tappecue. Grill masters, rejoice! With WiFi probes and a complementary app, you can relax with friends while your meat securely cooks. When it reaches the appropriate temperature, you’ll receive an alert on your phone. Easy!

Though I may have been a Luddite before—unbeknownst to me—after a holiday season of research, I now feel well-versed in all aspects of home technology. From energy efficient gadgets to luxurious lighting, I have my priority purchases mapped out.

The rapid progression of technology can spark hesitation.

However, I encourage you to delve into a little research and consult local experts in your area. Make your own wish list of smart items and then weigh the pros and cons. Will that purchase lower your energy costs? Will it increase the resale value of your home? Will it make it easier to get ready for work in the morning? Will it help your children finally learn who Bob Saget is? These are not questions to be lightly considered.

Though if you find yourself in a true conundrum, I feel confident there is a technological advance on its way to help you!

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

n IMPROVE HOUSECLEANING TIPS

TIPS TO TIDY YOUR HOME WHEN COMPANY’S COMING SOON

BY M I T Z I B I B L E

y

Some of the best gatherings around the holidays are spur-of-moment, when friends or family call a day before—or even an hour before—and want to stop by for a visit.

But is your house ready? Have a speedy plan and you can happily open your doors and bring on the fun.

ou see that friend in the grocery store, the one you’ve been trying to meet up with for months, and you realize you both have the night free. Or cousins from a few states away are in town and you know you may not get to see them if you don’t plan something quick.

Even for the strictest organizers among us who cringe at the thought of not having time to make a to-do list (not to mention bake that fabulous dessert recipe they’ve been dying to try), last-minute get-togethers will inevitably pop up over the holidays.

In my family, we often repeat a phrase from one of our favorite comedians when describing the chaos that ensues after finding

out company is headed over: “the flight of the bumblebee.” That’s when everyone is buzzing about; Mom and Dad are barking orders, kids are moving items from room to room (there’s always at least one clash of bodies in the hallway), vacuums and brooms go into fast motion, and everything sitting on the floor that isn’t furniture gets shoved into closets (or, yes, I’ll admit it, under and behind that furniture).

Keeping a house clean enough every day just in case guests come over isn’t possible for all of us. At my house, we call the normal state of affairs “lived in.” But when Mom starts tidying up at full speed, one of the kids will immediately ask: “So, who’s coming over?”

c v h o m e m a g a z i n e . c o m 47

Adopt these strategies to take the sting out of those frantic bumblebee moments.

First Things First

It might be overwhelming when you first think about the possibility of entertaining guests—especially if it’s at the end of the week and your regular cleaning day hasn’t happened yet (if you’re like us, Saturday mornings are catch-up days). But it might seem overwhelming simply because you’re thinking about your WHOLE house. Think only about the rooms your guests will be using. Bedroom doors can be shut, as well as the doors to your den, basement, and any bathrooms that you won’t be using for guests.

Then start at the front door and work your way around the house using the same route your guests will likely take. Clear the entryway; make sure you have ample space in the closet or on the coat rack for winter gear, then head to the living room, then the kitchen and dining room (if you’re hosting them for a meal), then the bathroom. Take care of each room separately, but don’t let yourself get bogged down with any certain task. (This is not the time to clear off the top of the refrigerator or wash a window.) If you ARE one of those cringing organizers and prefer a technical approach, take into consideration the time you have and divide that by the essential rooms you’re cleaning. If, for example, you determine you can spend 15 minutes per room, set a timer so you won’t get distracted. If you’re really short on time, don’t bother pulling out a box of cleaning products. Grab an all-purpose cleaner and a washcloth and take it room to room.

Get a clean view inside & out!

Again, consider the major areas, especially the two T’s: you’ll want to wipe down all the tabletops, and, of course, the toilet.

One of the mistakes we all make is not leaving enough time to tidy up our own selves. Some fast cleaning can lead to sweat and frazzled hair for sure. Calculate the time it will take to scrub yourself up, too.

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The Basket

If you know anything at all about housekeeping, you know the domestic arts gurus say “the basket” is the way to go. “The basket” can be a laundry basket or any container that is easy to Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

move around the house. In the spirit of the childhood game of “which one doesn’t belong,” pick up anything that shouldn’t be out: toys, clothes and papers (ugh, that ever-growing pile of papers). Then stash the basket behind one of those closed doors. You can do all the sorting and distributing later.

One of the best coffee tables you can buy is a chest, for just this reason. Keep it empty at all times, except for when guests come over, then it can quickly become a perfect hiding place. (By the way, the oven is a great stashing place for dirty dishes, too—just make sure you remember they are in there).

Enter Here

Sometimes we become so focused on our interior that we don’t think about what our guests see when they pull up in the driveway. Send someone out to make sure the driveway is clear of water hoses, bikes, kids’ toys or fallen branches. Then peruse the walkway and porch and give them a quick sweep.

Make sure you have your vehicles situated in the right place so your guests can park easily.

Phone A Friend

Depending on how much lead time you have, consider checking with any of the number of friendly housecleaning businesses in the area who may be able to work you in. You might have to pay a bit more for a “special occasion” cleaning, but it may be worth it, especially if you have to work all day or have back-to-back holiday parties to attend. These services could be a lifesaver.

Leave It Bee

While you’re stressing about dusting your house, you might just need to dust off your pride. Odds are, if your guests are special enough folks to invite over in a jiffy, they won’t mind your “lived in” look.

Stop the buzzing about, light a candle, flit around with an air freshener for a few minutes, and look forward to a great time. After all, family and friends are what make the holidays. Take advantage of the extra time to spend with the swarm of people you love.

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n LIVE CULINARY CORNER

holiday heritage

embrace your roots in the kitchen and around the dinner table this holiday season

BY M A R IS S A H ER M A NS O N

With the arrival of the holiday season, we comfort ourselves with the dishes that remind us of home—the green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, sugar cookies cut into yuletide shapes, babka, rugelach, pies galore. Passed down from generation to generation, these are the nostalgic foods that fill us with gratitude, and that truly make the holiday season so joyful.

Growing up, my family embraced our Scandinavian roots during the holidays. For Thanksgiving dinner my mom always whipped up her Minnesota wild rice and mushroom side dish, which paired oh-so-perfectly with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy.

(As a kid, I’d mush it all together in a big savory pile, which didn’t look terribly appetizing, now that I’m looking back.) And, come December, my dad’s Swedish colleague would make a giant pot of glögg, and send him home with a bottle of the warm, spiced elixir for us to enjoy in the evenings.

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This year, I’m adding a new Scandinavian food tradition to the mix—lefse-making. Decades ago, my Nana Sue would make the Norwegian flatbread with leftover potatoes from Sunday dinner. When she and her sister-in-law would make a batch, it was always a special treat, she tells me. I’m excited to welcome back the tradition of lefse-making this holiday season, as Nana Sue, my mom and I will make it together for the first time at Thanksgiving. After all, what are the holidays without the food that brings us together as a family?

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

Swedish Glögg (Recipe courtesy of Stephanie Karol) 3 to 4 bottles of beer 4 oranges, plus juice 1 tablespoon of cardamom seeds 10+ cloves 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks 2 cups of raisins 3 to 4 liters of port wine (not tawny) or cabernet (or combination of both) 2/3 cup of sugar Aquavit (or vodka), to taste Cheesecloth Pour the beer into a large pot. Squeeze the oranges, adding their juice and rinds to the beer. Tie the spices (cloves and cardamom seeds) in a cheesecloth and add them into the beer, along with the cinnamon sticks and raisins. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 90 minutes. You don’t want to liquid to cook away, so check the pot every 20 minutes or so, and add a little more beer or water to the pot. Remove the orange rinds after 90 minutes. Add the wine and sugar, letting the liquid simmer (not boil) covered for at least 2 hours.

Taste the liquid and add more sugar, if needed. Remove the cinnamon sticks and let the glögg stand overnight (with the spices tied in cheesecloth).

The next day, remove the cheesecloth and raisins.

Heat up (not boil) the glögg and taste. Add Aquavit (or vodka) according to your taste.

TO SERVE: Add a few blanched almonds and raisins in the bottom of a small mug. Pour warm glögg over and serve.

Wild Rice and Mushrooms (Serves 12)

Swedish Glögg

In Sweden, this warm mulled beverage is made in December and January, and is served at holiday parties and in restaurants.

This glögg recipe was given to me from a Swedish family friend.

Passed down to her from five generations of Swedes, the recipe serves more as guidelines than precise ingredients and instructions.

You may want to tinker with the amount of spices, sugar and alcohol you incorporate, as it suits your personal taste.

As they do in Sweden, serve a mug of glögg to guests as a welcome beverage when they visit you during the holidays.

This memorable beverage will wow friends and family with its subtle sweetness and notes of warm spices.

Since I was a little girl, this side dish has been served at every holiday meal. It’s important to use actual longgrain wild rice, most of which is grown in Minnesota’s lake and river paddies. You can usually find it in the bulk section at the grocery store, or you can order it online through sites like lundsandbyerlys.com. This nutrient-dense rice is chock-full of all sorts of vitamins and antioxidants—and it’s gluten-free and low-calorie, to boot! If you are sick of the traditional side dish staples, mix it up this year and add this versatile side, which pairs well with turkey and gamey meats.

1 cup of long-grain wild rice 4 tablespoons of butter 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, chopped 1 medium vidalia onion, chopped 4 cups of beef broth In a deep pot with lid, sauté the onions and mushrooms in butter for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and the mushrooms have softened.

Add the wild rice and broth, and bring to a boil while covered. Turn down heat to a simmer for approximately 60 to 90 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

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Norwegian Lefse (Yields 36 small or 18 large) Lefse is a traditional Scandinavian flatbread that is made from potato dough. If serving with dinner, spread butter on the lefse.

Or, as a dessert snack, sprinkle it with brown sugar or serve with jam, peanut butter or chocolate hazelnut spread. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicate and tasty flatbread, a fun alternative to a ho-hum dinner roll.

4 cups of boiled potatoes 1/4 cup of heavy cream 1/2 cup of unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2–2 1/2 cups of flour (plus more flour for dusting surface and rolling pin Mix the cooked potatoes, cream, unsalted butter and salt together in a bowl, kneading the mixture so there are no lumps. Cover and chill overnight in the refrigerator.

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The next day, combine the potato mixture with flour, adding a 1/2 cup of flour at a time and kneading it into the potato mixture. (If the dough feels too sticky to work with, add more flour.) Form dough into golf ball-sized balls for small lefse (yields 36) or larger balls (yields 18), depending on your preference. Dust your surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll dough ball into flour, and using the palm of your hand to press it down on the counter into a disk. Using the rolling pin, roll out the dough into nice, thin circles.

Heat non-stick griddle or frying pan to medium-high, and fry lefse 45 seconds to 1 minute on each side, until it bubbles and browns.

(There’s no need to grease the frying pan; you can add some cooking spray to keep the pan slick, if it gets grubby from flour and dough as you move through the process.) When finished “baking” your lefse, layer each flatbread in a clean dish towel to keep them warm and moist.

STORAGE: Lefse is best eaten fresh, but you can store it in your refrigerator and freezer for eating at a later date. To refrigerate, layer in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for a few days. To freeze, fold the lefse in quarters and wrap in plastic wrap.

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

Heartfelt Trimmings Throughout Home & Hearth A BOONSBORO CHRISTMAS

BY CH A R LOT T E A . F. FA R L E Y P h ot o gr a p hy by KG T hi e n e m a nn

ALONG THE WINDING ROAD TO VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL LIES THE CHARMING HOME OF DORIS AND JIM PEERY. Though visible from the road, the classic white Colonial sits beyond a white fence, and is lush with gardens and patios that make you feel like you’ve entered a peaceful, secluded space, away from the busyness of the world.

An elegant lamppost, dressed in an evergreen garland and red bow, greets you as you walk the brick pathway leading to the entrance. A classic wreath of greenery outfits the white Chippendale door, framed by a giant swag that houses colorful balls, sprays of gold and hot pink, and large candy canes strewn throughout. “My daughter-in-law helped me put that together,” Doris Peery explains.

This joy-filled and whimsical adornment sets the stage for the rest of the Peerys’ cheerful holiday decor. c vhomemaga zine .com 57

The Peerys’ foyer is home to the traditional family Christmas tree—the first tree of many. This tree holds all of their children’s and grandchildren’s trinkets, lovingly handcrafted over the years.

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It’s no surprise that even the first signs of the holidays have a story behind them, for in the Peery home, each bit of Christmas contains memories and family history.

The Peerys have lived at 1020 VES Road for nearly 30 years, and raised their three children here. Jim is a dentist with a thriving practice in Lynchburg and Doris is a realtor with John Stewart Walker. The Peerys have three sons: Jonathan, who now lives in the Annapolis, Maryland area with his wife Carrie and their three boys; James, who practices dentistry alongside his father in Lynchburg; and son Hadyn, who lives with his wife and daughter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The happy yellow walls of the foyer warm visitors who delight at the parade of Santas perched upon the leopard-printed steps of the staircase, whose railing shines in greenery and gold. These are the first of many St. Nicks waiting to welcome guests.

The Peerys’ foyer is also home to the traditional family Christmas tree—the first tree of many. This tree holds all of their children’s and grandchildren’s trinkets, lovingly handcrafted over the years. “I just have to have their ornaments on the tree, and they still want colored lights on it to this day,” Doris explains.

Branches hold construction-paper Rudolphs, stitched stockings, angels created from cardboard and school pictures, and plenty of baubles to fill out the spaces.

Doris and Jim maintain their family tradition of purchasing a real tree each year, and have learned a hard lesson about real trees along the way. “Never trust a tree stand, and never have the tree untethered. We tether ours twice now,” Doris says. She says that a few years ago, she caught sight of the tree falling over, and dove in front of it as it was crashing down—an effort to save her ornaments. Sadly, many of the ornaments broke during that crash. “The tree stand claims to be infallible. Try again. It was a heartbreaker, just a real heartbreaker.

I don’t like my memories to be lost,” she laments.

To the right of the foyer is a den with wallpaper in a classic toile design.

Printed in pink, blue and green on a cream background, it ties together the rest of the room’s furnishings, which include comfortable sofas, a television, and oil paintings depicting floral still-lifes and family portraits. Doris’ collection of Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

The wire tree stays up in the kitchen all year as Doris changes it out for the season.

Santas continues on an end table. The collection started with a Santa that came from her mother. “My mother taught school, and a student gave her a Santa during her first year of teaching, and it was always in our home,” she says.

The den leads into the kitchen, a decidedly sunny room with yellow tone-on-tone stripes and large windows dressed in small green wreaths overlooking the backyard, adorned with Roman shades in blue and yellow toile. The kitchen has its own special holiday treatments, including an oversized pedestal apothecary jar filled with holiday treats for the grandchildren and a small wire tree featuring bells that were turned into snowmen, wooden soldiers, and you guessed it—more Santas. The tree stays up all year as Doris changes it out for the season. “I do birds in the winter, pirates for spring, and a beach tree for the summer,” she says.

Stepping out of the kitchen leads to the former family room, which the Peerys recently transformed into a dining room.

“Now it’s just the two of us, and we didn’t need all that space [in the family room.] And there are enough leaves to the table to comfortably seat 12,” she says. Since Doris and Jim love to host family dinners and throw parties during the holiday season, they needed more room for entertaining. With that in mind, the Peerys repurposed the space, calling on the talents of Allan Howerton from Custom Crafters Construction, who specializes in older homes. Howerton custom-made the black mirrored glass doors for the room’s entrance and closets that serve as hidden storage, which were specially designed for the space.

You wouldn’t even notice the shelving units as closets from their clever and stylish design. “This is my favorite closet in the whole house!” Doris exclaims.

c vhomemaga zine .com 59

The new dining room explores the home’s blue and yellow color scheme, painted a fresh deep-sea blue with touches of golden buttercream. Soft yellow drapes and gold-framed mirrors contribute to the palette. Beneath one such mirror on the far end of the room, surrounded by heralding angels, dwells a miniature tree made of gumdrops that’s entirely edible. “My husband puts that together for the children; he does it every year,” Doris confesses (after all, Jim is a dentist!). Clearly, the Peery family knows and understands that holiday decorations and treats are sweet treasures.

At Christmastime, Doris always keeps a row of white poinsettias in a pristine silver planter in front of the fireplace, and a mantel garland of decorative angels dangles above the flowers. Doris has a love for angels, and her assortment spans the globe. She says that some are from France, Italy, and Bequia 6 0

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

Doris has a love for angels, and her assortment spans the globe. She says that some are from France, Italy, and Bequia in the West Indies, along with others that are gifts from friends.

in the West Indies, along with others that are gifts from friends.

Doris places these special cherubs on a tabletop tree, while a host of six flying angels suspended from the chandelier floats above a forest of handmade trees that serve as both the table’s centerpiece and holiday focal point. Made of Styrofoam cones, glass ornaments and glass garlands, Doris’ silver trees dot the landscape of the table, the buffet and the mantelpiece. Doris’ friend Cindy Warren made the first two for their Garden Club Christmas parties, and Doris fell in love with the look and began making them herself. When not in use, she stores them upright in special dry-cleaning bags in a temperature-controlled room.

A quick walk back through the kitchen, den and foyer leads into a lively living room, where pale buttercream walls and matching drapes provide the perfect backdrop for the room’s furnishings. An eclectic mix, the Oriental rug, marble-top coffee table, and floral seating come together beautifully. The white built-in bookcases that house novels, pictures and ginger jars flank windows that highlight more of Doris’ handmade glass trees. Unlike the dining room trees, these appear in fun colors

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

like lime green, turquoise and hot pink. The showstopper of the room, however, is Doris’ oneof-a-kind mannequin tree.

Doris saw a picture of a mannequin tree in a magazine several years ago, and decided she wanted to make one. “A friend and I bought the mannequin for Garden Day several years ago,” she says, noting that the mannequin was also used in the Giles’ home on Peakland Place for Garden Day in April 2016. “My friend and co-owner, Kay Van Allen, named her Gloriosa. Turning her into a Christmas tree was a community effort,” says Doris. She built a base of chicken wire to hold a “skirt” of Christmas tree branches and trimmings, and purchased an inexpensive tree and took it to Virginia Garden Supply “to cut the branches that were too thick for regular wire cutters.” Doris constructed the bodice from peacock feathers that she obtained from a friend of a friend’s peacock farm, and found ornaments at Big Lots in peacock blue. “I saw them and it looked like they were just designed to go on my tree,” she says. Her daughter-in-law helped her with the “tree’s” hair and makeup, and together they placed the final additions: a blonde wig tied into a chignon, hotglued dollar store earrings and a necklace.

While Gloriosa and hot pink trees command attention, other subtle touches of Christmas appear throughout the room. Doris seeks out

While Gloriosa and hot pink trees command attention, other subtle touches of Christmas appear throughout the living room.

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miniature creches from her travels, and nativities from France, Italy and Guatemala find holiday homes everywhere from side tables to the ledge of a hutch, and otherwise quiet corners of the living room.

To the left of the living room and two steps down lies a sunroom. The white clapboard hints at the space’s original use as an outdoor porch. Years ago, the Peerys enlisted the help of Howerton to close the space in. The large windowpanes offer spectacular views into Doris’ gardens; during a particularly warm Christmas season, you can see the camellia blossoms open right before your eyes. A small boxwood tree dressed in star-shaped lights hints at the boxwoods outdoors.

On Christmas morning, the family gathers here to open presents by the memory tree, which Doris outfits in Waterford crystal, glass beaded garlands, and special Christmas lights 64

that look like candelabra. “We received a Waterford ornament as a wedding present, and Jim had a silver disk engraved with the year placed on it after the wedding—we’ve done that since.

They all have a silver charm, so every one reminds you of what happened that year. The crystals serve as mementos of family trips, starting new jobs, graduations, and new babies.

Christmas is tucked into every corner of the house. From their holiday decor to their overhaul of the side porch and the dining room, the Peerys designed their home with purpose and meaning, with family in mind. While Doris’s Christmastime displays are beautiful works of art, it’s clear that what is on display isn’t out for the sake of looks or trend; on the contrary, these displays are reminders of family, which are, as Doris puts it, “the most special things.”

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

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n DESIGN TABLESCAPES

a gracious table NAPKINS SET THE TONE, STEAL THE SCENE

T

BY N O EL L E M I L A M

here was a time, in our grandparents’ or perhaps even our great-grandparents’ day, when a bride was given several sets of table linens at her wedding, and later might hope to inherit heirloom family sets over subsequent years. Through the generations, homes of yesteryear could amass quite a collection.

There were entire pieces of furniture (or even rooms!) created just to store linens and many, many instructions on how they should be used, cared for, and stored. In those days, no hostess would consider entertaining without a properly dressed table, and to past generations, laying a gracious table included layers of table linens: tablecloths, runners, placemats…and always drifts of napkins in various sizes, from tiny cocktail squares to pillowcase-sized dinner napkins, and everything in between.

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

The modern hostess—or host, for that matter— knows that many of those old rules and requirements are both cumbersome and too laborintensive for modern entertaining. Elaborate, towering centerpieces are often replaced with more conversation-friendly designs that enable dinner guests to see each other across a table, silverware requirements are often far more modest, and many-course, sit-down meals are often abandoned for more casual buffet-style dining. One thing, however, that has endured from the tables through the years is that cloth napkins remain an important—and necessary—component of a gracious tablescape, particularly when entertaining, at the holidays and year round.

Cloth napkins are more elegant and sustainable than their inexpensive paper cousins, but there is a time and a place for both. In general, very large or very messy affairs (think barbecue rib cook-offs) are better suited to disposable napkins. But cloth napkins do not have to be synonymous with the stiff formality of a state dinner. The fabric and design of your napkins can have a big influence on the tone of the meal.

If you are lucky enough to have been given or inherited sets of napkins, rejoice! These are the perfect start to your family’s napkin collection.

Vintage linen is often made with longer (higher quality) fibers than the linen of today, so you might have heirlooms that you can enjoy now and pass along to the next generation. If you are purchasing your own napkin sets, look for those made of linen or cotton. Of these two, linen is the stronger and the most absorbent. Linen, and woven linen damask, its upscale cousin, both display a classic crispness and “sheen” when ironed, instantly dressing up any table. Cotton is also a good choice, especially for everyday or casual napkins. It is less formal and softer to the touch, and, if whisked out of a warm dryer immediately, might not even need ironing.

Avoid polyester fabric napkins. Though inexpensive, and easy to care for (no ironing required), they may look inexpensive and feel even worse.

Size is another consideration. The common size for dinner napkins is between 22 inches square and 24 inches square. Luncheon napkins are slightly smaller—18 inches square up to 20 inches square, and cocktail napkins, the tiny squares meant to sit under drinks to absorb condensation, are usually 6 inches square. To start a napkin collection, or to augment an existing one, it is not necessary to choose separate luncheon and dinner napkins, however. No one will be measuring, and you can creatively fold napkins to approximate the same size. Consider purchasing a minimum of 8, but 12 is better; having a few extras in case one of your napkins gets stained, torn or lost is always a good idea.

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napkins in white or ivory. The reasoning is that these are always elegant and are appropriate on a very formal table, but can also be at home on a less formal table—and they will match everything. However, today’s creative hostesses often throw the whole matching idea out of the window, preferring to mix up colors and patterns of napkins to create a more festive, fun and informal tablescape. Bold colors and whimsical patterns in coordinating colors personalize a table and set the scene for a relaxed event, so chose colors you like and that look nice with your other table decor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Try stripes with florals, or a bold pattern with a similar one in a smaller repeat or scale, to add dimension and personality to your table.

Speaking of personalization, there are practically limitless ways to personalize napkins. Since they don’t require lots of yardage, the napkins themselves can be made yourself, DIY-style, or purchased and then personalized. Embroidery, stenciling and hemstitching are time-honored methods of napkin embellishment. Delicately stitched patterns or monograms elevate the plain Jane napkin to a scene grabber.

Remember, though, as you personalize, that you will likely fold these napkins in some way, so keep that in mind when choosing where and how to embroider or monogram. The Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

most common placement is in the bottom left corner, so that when folded, the monogram will show right-side up. For cocktail napkins, embellishments go in the center.

Whether you choose to embellish your napkins or not, you still have many ways of personalizing, dressing up and displaying this hard-working accessory. Folded napkins at each setting become a canvas of sorts for a little tableau of creativity at each seat. A fancy napkin fold—such as the Christmas tree or snowflake for a holiday meal—is one way to dress up the setting. Another way is with add-ons like themed napkin rings (burlap and dried flowers at Thanksgiving, or jingle bells in December) and/or placecards or menus tucked into the napkin’s folds (the tuxedo jacket fold with a menu tucked inside would be darling at New Year’s.)

Whether you choose the timeless elegance of starched linen, the nostalgia of heirloom linen, the informal whimsy of mix-and-match cotton patterns, or anything in between, there are napkins to complement your own taste and style—and endless ways to dress them up or down to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere at your table this season. Beautiful napkins are an easy and inexpensive way to personalize your own gracious table at the holidays and beyond.

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n GARDEN WINTER CONTAINERS

deck the porch

SOURCE YOUR GARDEN FOR WINTER PATIO & PORCH DECOR

BY R O RY R H O D ES

When the first frost hits and there’s a sustained chill in the air, those festive fall ornamentals you planted will sing their swan songs and fizzle. Even relatively cold-hardy pansies, mums and ornamental kale will give up the ghost once temperatures and sunlight fade into the winter season. Christmas wreaths and holiday lights can temporarily perk up your porch, but what can you do to help keep your home’s exterior looking cheerful until spring? No, we are not suggesting you leave up your Christmas decorations until Easter. Instead, look to Mother Nature for the answer and put those empty garden containers to work.

In the garden, the approach of winter mostly means keeping things tidy—raking leaves, removing dead foliage, putting down a layer of mulch. Hopefully there are a few evergreens in your landscape, which often take a backseat to showier plants during the growing season, but provide welcome greenery during the cold months. If you have your garden tucked away for winter and a few year-round specimens within view, you’re doing well.

You can head inside for a cup of tea by the fire with a sense of satisfaction… until you get to that bare front porch, or gaze out at that empty-looking deck! Tidy, yes. Welcoming? Maybe not so much. But there’s an easy way to add a little extra appeal to the

quiet months, using potted evergreens and items from around your garden.

First, take stock of the containers you have to work with. Do you have window boxes on your back deck or—très charming— beneath your front windows? These are great spots for adding seasonal accents. How about some pots or urns? A combination of several different containers will provide the most visual interest; for example, a pair of urns flanking your front door, along with a good-sized ornamental pot on the porch or entry steps, will provide plenty to work with. Choose containers that are mediumsized or larger for better impact, and check that the pot is in

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good condition, free of chips and cracks (unless you’re going for shabby chic). Don’t forget to look in your garden shed for pots you may have stored which offer decorative finishes or unusual shapes; uncommon features stand out more during the winter months when foliage is scarce. Once you’ve got a good selection of containers, make sure you’re starting with a clean slate. Remove any faded or frost-mangled seasonal plants, wash away dust so that everything looks fresh, and fill with potting soil if needed.

A simple way to provide year-round interest in a pot or urn is to plant a compact evergreen, such as a dwarf spruce, Sky Pencil holly, or English boxwood, in the center of your container, and vary the surrounding items with the season. If you want your evergreen to have a better chance of surviving the entire winter, make sure it’s in a sheltered spot (a porch that receives some low winter sun is the perfect place) and try to use a pot on the larger side so that the roots have more soil protection from freezing temperatures. Potted boxwood can generally survive winters in our area, and its compact growth habit and ease of pruning make it a great choice for this project. Window boxes are usually small and shallow enough that evergreens aren’t necessary, but you can use small English boxwoods if desired.

Once you’ve got your centerpiece, it’s time to add the trimmings. English ivy, either dark green or variegated, is often invasive in the garden, but in a container is a hardy companion that will trail nicely. For spring, summer and fall, small annuals from the garden center tuck nicely around the edges, and for winter, you can achieve the same effect by arranging cuttings from your garden to fill in the bare spots. Look for a variety of shapes and textures. Lush magnolia leaves are a Southern classic; holly, boxwood, yew, fir and spruce provide chunky texture; white pine, cypress, cedar and arborvitae drape nicely and lighten arrangements with their feathery, delicate habits.

Don’t forget to think outside the boxwood (groan)—camellia, euonymus, cherry laurel, aucuba, hardy rosemary, nandina— anything green is worth consideration.

Speaking of nandina, plants with berries offer a festive pop of color. Additional species such as holly, cotoneaster, winterberry, red chokeberry, and cranberry bush viburnum can all produce late fall and winter berries. Bittersweet and pyracantha have Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

bright autumn berries that can last into winter, depending on the weather.

If you’re a fan of the Colonial Williamsburg “della Robbia” wreaths and swags that adorn many historic houses during the holiday season, you can incorporate some of the subtler natural elements—such as apples, nuts, seed pods, grasses, and pinecones—into your arrangements for a look that can make it safely past the Santa and reindeer zone. If you can find it, the Osage orange tree (also known as hedge apple) bears bumpy limegreen fruit which look marvelous and last for quite a while. Even textural elements such as twigs and small branches (dogwood branches have a pleasingly lacy, open structure) can be used for height and variety.

When you have your selection of natural materials, simply tuck them into pots, urns and window boxes as desired. (Moisten the soil a bit first, if it’s very dry.) To help cuttings last a bit longer, snip stems at a 45-degree angle and give them a last drink of water, just like you would with cut flowers. If the container you’re using doesn’t have any sort of evergreen centerpiece, consider using some larger pieces in the middle and placing smaller bits at the edges. You can usually just tuck stems directly into the soil, but if that’s not working, try placing some chicken wire or sturdy mesh on top of the soil to help hold things in place. Finish the look by filling any bare spots with pinecones, smooth river stones, or moss, which can be bought at craft stores and also helps the soil retain moisture.

That’s all there is to it! Cold air will preserve the clippings for some time, but if you want to extend it a bit further, try an anti-desiccant such as Wilt-Pruf, a protective pine oil coating designed to keep leaves on live plants from drying out which also works well on cuttings.

Using evergreen clippings to “spruce up” (pardon the pun) your garden containers can help keep your porch and deck looking merry past the holidays and well into the new year.

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n IMPROVE RADIANT HEAT

RADIANT FLOOR HEATING

the end of the search for toasty toes

BY JA N E T A . M A R T I N

STONE AGE MAN'S FLOORING WAS DIRT. His toes touched cold in the morning; his body shivered at night.

His descendants heated dirt flooring with fire. Archeological digs in Asia and the Aleutian Islands of Alaska reveal evidence from 5000 BC of smoke blown along stone-covered trenches under dwellings. In 1000 BC Koreans created the ondol, drawing smoke from a wood fire to heat and to cook. By 500 BC, the Greeks and Romans had fashioned the hypocaust, underfloor heating for public baths and villas. Fires were stoked to channel heated water through stone-covered subterranean spaces, warming the stones (and rooms) above.

Centuries rolled by. The longing for warmth endured. Flooring changed—straw, stone, brick or wood—but the problem remained: Cold feet at daybreak and cold bodies at night.

Inventors around the globe tried to solve the problem. So did some Americans. In 1741 Benjamin Franklin constructed the Franklin stove. In 1937 Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed a home with underfloor heating. In 1947, Abraham Levitt built mass-produced homes heated with copper pipes embedded in concrete for returning World War II GIs. Alas, corrosion between the substances caused widespread system failure.

Cold floors seemed unsolvable.

Eventually, however, decades of experimentation resulted in material breakthroughs like polyethylene tubing and computer sensing technology. Today, throughout the world, underfoot heating is commonplace. Known as radiant floor heating, this 21st-century warmth is affordable, efficient and easily installed, promising comfort in homes and commercial buildings. The heat is even, floor to ceiling; it's quiet, without clanking radiator pipes 74

or the sound of forced air; it adapts to old and remodeled heating systems.

“People love it! Pets love it!” says David Moseley with Terrell E. Moseley, Inc., in Lynchburg. “You are using the floor as a heating medium, and a warm floor radiates heat to your entire home!”

Moseley calls radiant floor heat “one of the nicest and finest types of heating systems” available, one that is “very, very comfortable.”

As more and more new homes acquire underfloor heating systems, and older and remodeled homes combine them with traditional gas, radiator, fuel or electric heat, HOME wished to know more. So we asked…

What is radiant floor heating?

A radiant floor heating system may be electric or hydronic.

Electrical systems are most often used in “spot areas,” according to Moseley—specifically kitchens, bathrooms and foyers. The systems come as kits with electric wire embedded in mesh resembling a mat, which is installed in a lightweight concrete slab Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

on top of a subfloor or previously poured slab, followed by floor covering. An electrician hooks the system to the power source in the home. These systems are used outside as well, for “snowmelt” sidewalks, access ramps and entrances to public buildings.

Triggered by a sensor, outside surface heat repels frozen matter before it accumulates.

Hydronic radiant systems pump heated water through tubing laid in a pattern above or underneath a subfloor to accommodate larger areas, even the entire house. These systems contain two primary components: half-inch polyethylene tubing placed beneath the floor in a zig-zag pattern, and a heating source—a water heater or a boiler. The system can work with any hot water heat source including oil, natural gas and propane. Heat rises, so a heated floor radiates heat upward and outward in a room.

How is it installed?

The tubing can be put in concrete flooring, in a finished basement or a “slab on grade” home without a basement. It can go on top of

plywood, later covered by a flooring chosen by the homeowner, or “stapled up” under the subfloor. All systems become “invisible” to the homeowner’s dwelling space. In hydronic systems, water heated by a boiler (installed like a furnace in a mechanical room) circulates through the tubes and warms the floor and the home interior. Radiant floor heating also may be added effectively to an original structure, creating compatible new rooms and new areas.

How fuel efficient is radiant heat?

Compared to forced air, radiant heat offers sophisticated advantages. Experts agree that one of the primary advantages is even heat. Such a system eliminates cold spots and cold blasts of air from registers, maintaining a quiet system of consistent heat.

Because of these qualities as well as cost efficiencies, underfloor systems are widely adopted in Nordic, Asian and European communities.

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse in Merrifield, Virginia, maintains that radiant floor heating can

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generate savings with lower thermostat temperatures, because the entire floor surface radiates about the same heat as the human body. Radiant floors operate between 85 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to other heating systems’ range of 130 to 160 degrees, resulting in fuel savings of 15 to 20 percent over forced air systems. Another bonus is that if electric power goes out, the baseboard heat stops working, or the furnace shuts down, radiant floors, having absorbed heat, will radiate warmth for up to 20 hours afterward.

What floor coverings are compatible?

Manufacturers and installers recommend that homebuilders talk with their contractors about floor coverings.

Installers recommend tile, slate or travertine—that is, any kind of natural Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

stone or ceramic. Moseley says that most hardwood flooring options work, that radiant floor heating does not create an expansion effect in the floor, or dry out and crack with the seasons because the water temperature in tubing is generally around 100 degrees: lukewarm, not hot. However, he cautions that wall-to-wall carpeting is not a good choice, since carpeting and its padding insulate heat, thereby inhibiting warm air from entering the room.

What about costs?

Overall radiant heat is recognized as an affordable and efficient operation. The principal expense comes at the time of installation. And, homeowners should realize that, as appealing as radiant heat is, it is not air conditioning, which is a separate expense. When budgeting for a professionally installed radiant heating system, Moseley advises customers to estimate $12 to $15 per square foot for whole-house hydronic radiant heat, and $8 to $10 per square foot for electric radiant heating in spot areas like a bathroom, kitchen or sun porch. Costs vary depending upon materials, room size, floor covering and labor.

So it seems the age-old problem of cold floors in the morning and cold bones at night may be solved, or at least today we have better options. Moseley laughs, “Going back to cave man days, they figured out ways to stay warm or heat rocks or something.

I guess you could argue that's one form of radiant heat.”

Which makes one wonder, if confronted with modern radiant floor heating, what would a Stone Age person think? Surely he’d wink, or grin, or grunt, as if to say, “Sure beats dirt.”

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

n DESIGN DESIGN HOUSE 2016

DESIGN HOUSE a blueprint for community building

BY J ES S I E T H O M P S O N

THE STUNNING GOTHIC REVIVAL HOME AT 1418 HARRISON STREET IS THE PERFECT VENUE TO HIGHLIGHT LYNCHBURG’S REFINED PAST— AND HELP PLAN FOR ITS FUTURE. Selected as the Central Virginia Design House for 2016, the property has been transformed into a showcase that features the work of local designers and contractors, provides space for high-end vendors, and offers a plethora of workshops.

The house, which was built in the 1850s, opens November 12, and remains open through December 4 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with special events on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. All proceeds from the venue—operated solely by volunteers—will directly support the Central Virginia YWCA programs and local community. c vhomemaga zine .com 79

“In so many ways, the YWCA is about transforming lives and providing a safe haven to rebuild those lives,” says Caroline Hudson, Executive Director of the YWCA. “Transforming a home in this way through the Design House event is the perfect metaphor for what we do day in and day out.”

The YWCA serves the city of Lynchburg, but also Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Halifax, Nelson and Pittsylvania counties. It operates two shelters, a women’s residence, a 24/7 sexual assault response program, a teenfocused program to grow strong leaders called YWLead, and the Racial Justice Program. Those programs are constantly facing funding challenges; one way the YWCA has helped offset costs is by opening Church Street Bridal Shop and Church Street Bridal, Too. Bridal designers and shops all over the country donate new and sample bridal gowns, formal dresses, veils and shoes, which the YWCA sells at deeply discounted prices. (One of the largest donors is Kleinfeld Bridal, featured on Bravo’s “Say Yes to the Dress” series.)

Even so, there are potential gaps. The Design House meets this need.

“We are excited to share this exciting opportunity,” says Hudson, “and are grateful to the sponsors, designers, vendors, 8 0

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

contractors, landscapers and volunteers who share our passion for the mission of the YWCA and who are willing to showcase that in such a tangible way.”

The project has garnered attention from some of the region’s most prestigious designers, including Troy Deacon of High Cotton, who heads up the Design House Steering Committee.

One of his first orders of business was to establish the structural integrity of the house. To that end, Deacon hired Wyatt Gunter of R ‘n’ R Restorations and Repairs. Gunter worked for months as the initial project—fixing an issue with the roof—turned into a dozen. This is not unusual, Gunter says, in homes of a certain age. While each individual project wouldn’t necessarily be a major project, working under the gun with historic materials provided unique challenges. Gunter says that in many cases he could salvage materials, or repurpose found items.

While his efforts started with the exterior of the home— (referred to as “The Kean House” in Lynchburg: An Architectural History by S. Allen Chambers Jr.; RGF Kean was the husband of Thomas Jefferson’s great granddaughter)—Gunter also did many smaller projects throughout the 4,500 square-foot home, like creating matching trims for interior doors.

Homeowner and foster parent Sterling Wilder couldn’t be more pleased. “I went to the Design House last year, and to see what each of those designers did was impressive. To be the homeowner this time, I have great expectations, and it feels like Christmas,” he says.

Wilder, a newly-elected Lynchburg city council member, is widely recognized as an outstanding citizen and mentor to underprivileged youth and families. In his role as the executive

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director of a nonprofit called Jubilee Family Development Center, he is constantly looking for ways to further its mission—in essence, to help stabilize and strengthen families. So when he learned that 100 percent of the proceeds from the Design House would support the Central Virginia YWCA, another local nonprofit geared toward strengthening families, he was hooked.

“The YWCA provides such vital services; their projects are so paramount to our community. I feel it’s a great blessing to be a part of that,” says Wilder, “and to be part of such a great community, one that has heart and integrity.”

To help make sure everything that needed to be done could get done in a timely fashion, Wilder temporarily moved out, and let the designers move in.

Each room of the house was offered to a local designer who has transformed the space, from top to bottom, showcasing his or her own unique design style and techniques. Designers assemble their teams of vendors, suppliers and contractors, many of whom provide their work and products pro bono.

Visitors entering the house will see a stunning foyer, pulled together by Elizabeth Harrington of Studio H Home. Of note is the wainscoting, refreshed with a creamy white paint applied Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

by Red Door Painting, the company hired to refresh both the interiors and exterior of the home.

From there, a formal living room showcases the work of Moyanne Harding of Interiors by Moyanne; its adjacent bathroom has been reinvigorated by Mahone and Sons Decorating Center, who also refreshed an upstairs bath. A downstairs office highlights the designs of Curtains, Blinds and Bath.

Also downstairs is a brand-new kitchen designed and installed by Chris Hargis of Pinnacle Cabinetry, and a dining room designed by Deacon that features a gorgeous crystal chandelier. Bri Precious of Studio 11, LLC transformed the mother-in-law suite.

The home’s upstairs features a master bedroom designed by Kelly Mortemousque of Fresh Interiors, a women’s closet and dressing room designed by Renee Wood of Gladiola, newly refreshed bathrooms with fixtures from Ferguson, a mid-century modern family room designed by Betsy Burton of Burton Design, LLC, a large seminar room, and, in a sunroom, a gift shop stocked by The Farm Basket, which continues down the back stairs and into a large laundry room. Outside, Scott MacLeod’s Lynchburg Landscapes beautified the patio area, and installed landscape beds and lighting.

Best of all, if visitors love what they see, almost everything in the home will be for sale.

“It’s a labor of love,” says Deacon. “This project has brought together the community, since the proceeds benefit the YWCA and the house project benefits someone who has given so much to his community. It is a win-win for everyone.”

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n IMPROVE: TOOL TIPS

TOOLBOX BASICS KEEP THESE TOOLS ON HAND TO BE YOUR OWN HANDYMAN

BY J ER RY H A L E

T

hese days, the word “tools” often brings to mind a click-on choice on your computer screen that offers “Spelling and Grammar,” “Word Count” or “Track Changes”—hardly the old-fashioned pliers, screwdriver or adjustable wrench that word used to bring to mind. But household repairs that can be accomplished by computer command are still fairly rare (unless you are using the internet to find a favorably-rated home-repair person). No, to accomplish that fix of faucet or hinge or drawer track, old-fashioned hand tools still fill the bill. So having a properly stocked toolbox stashed in the workshop or utility closet continues to be a useful homemaintenance strategy. And besides, hand tools rarely crash!

But what fix-it tools and equipment should you have at the ready? Start with a sturdy plastic tool or tackle box—the older metal ones tend to scratch or dent anything they touch—with a latch that won’t give way when weight-stressed.

Be sure it includes a small flashlight or, better yet, a “wearable” LED headlamp for directing light into a dim work area hands-free.

Now add basic tools. Pack flat-blade and Phillips-head screwdrivers of at least two and preferably three to four sizes. (As with all tools, avoid the inexpensive “tool bin” screwdrivers. They rarely work as promised, provide little leverage and may damage screw heads due to poor fit). A pair of work gloves will protect your hands from dings; the garden variety with blue rubberized palms and fingers are supple and give good gripping power.

But just in case, stash a few Band-aids, a sealed wet-wipe pouch and some antiseptic first-aid cream in a small plastic bag to save a trip to the medicine cabinet if a small cut or scrape does happen.

8 4

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

An assortment of wood screws, metal screws, bolts, nuts and washers should be included, ideally kept sorted in a compartmented clear plastic box.

Take a moment, perhaps while watching TV, to mate each bolt with a properly fitting nut and a couple of washers. Then when you need a threaded fastener, you’re sure to have all the necessary parts.

Pliers, both regular and needle-nose, plus a wire cutter, are essential. So is a tape measure. Add an adjustable wrench—maybe two sizes—plus a mid-sized “Vise Grip” (the trade name for locking pliers). Also useful: gripping pliers, the kind with several different hinge holes that change the width of the bite.

Include a roll of electrical tape plus some heavy-duty duct tape (also known as duck tape)—the “Gorilla” brand gets rave reviews. If you are comfortable with electrical work, a wire stripper/crimper will come in handy. Safety tip: ALWAYS make sure the breaker for the circuit you are working on is snapped to “OFF” position; an inexpensive circuit tester is great to have in your toolbox, or you can test outlets with a lamp or other plug-in device to make sure no juice is flowing.

A roll of masking or painters’ tape can be useful for temporarily holding things together, acting as a substitute for another pair of hands as you work on your project. Also a few zip ties, a roll of light wire, and several twist ties are great to have on hand.

In the wrench department, a small socket set plus some open-end wrenches and a mid-sized adjustable wrench will be useful. Tip: If you choose to save space and/or weight by leaving the wrenches in the workshop, a one-inch wad of soft clay or putty, stored airtight (an old pill bottle works great), allows you to take a quick impression of a bolt head and return from your workshop with one or two properly sized wrenches, rather than a handful of possible fits.

A small spray can of WD-40 or other penetrating oil will have myriad uses; a couple squares of sandpaper, a putty knife and an old toothbrush will be helpful when a surface needs to be cleaned of rust or accumulated crud.

An electric drill will also come in handy.

Small cordless models will fit into medium-sized toolboxes, letting you leave your heavy-duty drill/ driver in the workshop to be retrieved for bigger jobs. Drill batteries get anemic when not used for a long time, so remember to periodically recharge your cordless tools to keep them ready for use.

With this equipment in a tool box, you’ll be ready for most quick-fix projects. Gift idea: You might want to rummage through your favorite fix-it person’s toolbox, compare what you find to these suggestions, and see what tool-related stocking stuffers might be appropriate for this holiday season! c vhomemaga zine .com 85

christmas, collected COLLECT, CURATE & CREATE YOUR MOST CHERISHED HOLIDAY SEASON TO DATE

BY CY N T H I A B EM EN T

H

oliday decorating can be a cherished event and a challenge, all rolled into one. Unpacking box upon nondescript box of collections you haven’t seen in a year can prove taxing on the memory of where and how you arranged them last year, while those same decorations present themselves as little time capsules, each eager to trigger a warm holiday moment from celebrations past. Whether you're a seasonal decorating veteran or decorating for the holidays in your first home, we’ve got your guide for beginning, refreshing, rearranging, storing and even photographing your collections. Here, enjoy our tips for a fresh take on the holiday sights in your home.

Collect what you love.

If you’re just starting on your Christmas collecting path, it can be overwhelming to consider what to actually collect. To make the process of collecting more self-expressive, consider both traditional and outside-the-box ideas. Nutcrackers often come in primary colors that provide a punch to any traditional holiday decor and are made in a wide variety of sizes, from life-sized versions to greet guests in the foyer to tiny soldiers to line up on a fireplace mantel or along a stairwell ledge. Contemporary productions of snowmen, lighted villages and angels may also come to mind, but unique collections can also come from some less-obvious cues that can make the thrill of the hunt that much more fun when you’re just starting, or starting a new collection.

Dog lover? A collection of ceramic holiday dog figurines or tiny snow globes with puppies in Santa hats may take 8 6

some detective work to find, but will produce a charming and meaningful collection you can cherish for years. A collection of antique children’s Christmas books or books you loved as a child can be displayed on almost any shelf or stacked among other collectibles and mixed with naturals to bring a vintage, nostalgic feel to your decor. Even antique sleds or ice skates can be grouped on a wall or balanced on wooden crates to create yesteryear holiday charm. Ceramic or antique bells, creamers, plates and other serving pieces that might not necessarily say “Christmas” in color or pattern can also easily be grouped together with a little ribbon, tinsel or a gilded pinecone or two into a stunning and festive display on a buffet or in a hutch.

Love to sail or spend time on the water? A collection of wooden boats, nestled among a string of twinkling white lights, can easily say “holiday” with a nautical flare.

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

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Displaying: Steer clear of clutter.

Going all-out should be more of a feeling than a manifestation in your home; you don't want to trip visiting merrymakers or Santa when he comes down the chimney to deliver the motherlode on Christmas morn. In short: it’s all about the edit. One trusty rule to follow when curating your collections is to group like items together, and practice restraint by creating negative space, with nothing in it—which gives the eyes and the floor space a breather—around each grouping. Take a treasured collection of snowmen or tiny snow globes and sprinkle odd-numbered groups around the living room—on side tables, shelves, even as a focal point when accented by a natural element such as pine boughs or sprigs of holly on the coffee table. Display a group of metallic ornaments atop glass taper and pillar candle holders for instant candlelight-like glow without the fire hazard. A group of soft ornaments in primary colors can be displayed on a small tree in a playroom or its own corner of the dining room or foyer for children or grandchildren to enjoy without the risk of breakage.

Or try placing a large tree branch (real or faux) in a large pitcher on your dining table and suspending a collection of vintage or color-themed ornaments from its branches.

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

Not putting up a tree this year? Bring a fresh pine garland or two home and drape them on stair railings and mantels, then deck them out with your tree’s collections of ornaments. For instant, portable holiday decor, purchase a large glass-paned wooden or metal lantern and place pinecones, real pine sprigs and an LED candle inside to create lovely sparkle and scent for a fireplace hearth, mantel, entryway, stairway or tabletop. Also try consecutively placing several smaller lanterns on stair risers to light up the night and put everyone in a holiday mood.

Keep function in mind, too. A treasured collection of your grandmother's crystal stemware creates a stunning centerpiece when grouped together on a mirrored or rich wooden tray on the dining table while staying within arms' reach of guests who are eager to imbibe your festive drink offerings. A collection of antique holiday hand towels may best be displayed on a small shelf in the bathroom or kitchen, hung on a tiny portable towel rack (assuming they are to be admired and not used by guests).

For a new twist, brainstorm ways to display your collections in different ways this year for an instant freshen-up of your holiday themes.

One way to add instant drama is to take them to new heights—literally. Take a collection of

villages that normally lights up your sideboard to new heights on a shelf or mantel, hang small sunburst mirrors in metallic finishes in windows to bounce light around the room, and select a few unique ornaments to suspend from your entryway chandelier on fishing line for a floating, unexpected aerial holiday display.

Play shutterbug.

Taking the time to photograph your collections can serve triple-duty: Not only do images serve as great future reference for how you displayed your collections this year, but shutter-bugging your decor will also give you a catalog of your entire holiday inventory in case of future loss or damage. On the brighter side, taking the time to photograph your collections can be a wonderful exercise in brainstorming new groupings and in producing keepsakes in the images themselves.

Try catching silhouettes of family members, friends, even pets admiring your collections, and catch some close-ups of ornaments and collections in front of twinkling lights, then print and jot a “happy new year” wish and mail them off to start someone’s year on a happy note. Printed images of your collections can also become their own collections; try mounting several images in frames of a similar color, style or size to create a gallery wall in a stairwell or

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hallway next holiday season that pays homage to the merriment of this year. Some of your images may just make great holiday cards next year, as well. Tips for getting the best shots: Get close. By all means, photograph the tree, the house from the street and the entire dining tablescape from a distance, but do get in close to highlight specific items and groupings. If using a smart phone, tap the subject of your frame so that the camera’s lens uses it as the focus point for both sharpness and correct exposure for your lighting conditions.

Steady, steady. Keep your camera as still as you can. When possible, mount on a tripod, prop on a solid surface, or steady your hand on a surface or close to your body to prevent blurry images resulting from camera shake.

Light it up. You might think that extra lights take away from your holiday ones and may compete with them in photos, but in reality, because holiday lights are often photographed at night, they can tend to be the only things that show up in a photo of an otherwise dark room. More lighting means more glow and will help your camera attain focus. Try photographing with the tree in the background while you focus on your subject in the foreground for a beautiful blur of orbs (often referred to as “bokeh”) coming from its twinkling lights. This may take a bit of practice, but keep shooting and you’ll master it.

Shoot outside at dusk, not dark. When photographing your home from the outside, don’t wait until it’s pitch black, or you’ll

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

COLLECT WHAT YOU LOVE Lynchburg resident Donna Forehand is an avid collector of Christmas decor. Here, she shares her extensive Christmas collections with HOME. Donna has been building her Byers’ Choice Christmas Carolers collection for over 20 years, with over 100 figures adorning her living and dining rooms. This collection began with a gift; one year, employees of her husband, James B Forehand, Jr., gave her three as a thank you for hosting the company Christmas party. They have given her one every year since. About 10 years ago, she also started collecting colorful nutcrackers, primarily because her grandchildren love them, she says. She loves to bring these collections out every year, fondly recalling memories of holidays past while enjoying the current season with family and friends.

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see plenty of lights but no house in your images. Photograph outdoors while it’s still light but when lights are visible, and you’ll get a pleasing composition that showcases not only the twinkle but your home and landscape as well. Try including a glimpse of sky in your shots—though it may look dull to your eye, chances are the camera will pick it up as a rich blue hue.

Tip: Don’t just capture your favorite few (this goes for ornaments and people)—take a shot of each ornament and grouping in your entire home (include a couple of exterior shots).

When you’re done, attach images of collections you store together to the top or front of their storage containers to make life easier next year at holiday time.

Speaking of storage: Invest in next year.

When the holidays are over, nothing brings the promise of a new year to a screeching halt faster than the frustration of where to put all the stuff. Do yourself a favor and invest in a few smart storage items for your collections before you have to take them down, and you’ll ensure that your next holiday season is a putup and take-down breeze. First, wrap all string lights securely to avoid tangling and breakage; consider investing in a reel with its own storage bag to make the process of winding, unwinding and storing lights a painless one.

Ornament chests, tubs and bags with dividers for each one are also a good option (made even better when you refer to your archived photographs of each one). Look for stackable versions with configurable dividers to accommodate large or oddly shaped ornaments and collectibles. If shelf or under-bed storage is tight, consider hanging a shoe organizer in a closet and tuck small collectibles or ornaments wrapped in tissue paper inside. Voila!

Instant collectible organizer that can be found in almost any home or grocery store.

Don’t forget the workhorses: Group ornament hangers, zip ties, adhesives, suction cups and extension cords into a multicompartment case (and go ahead and restock lost items for next year) so you’ll be ready to get your collections out and up in a flash next holiday season.

With a little creative thinking, you’ll come up with the “what” and “why” of your most meaningful holiday collection decorating yet, and if you add in some pre-planning, your “how” will be the easiest part of your holiday season, this year and for years to come.

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Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

HP: 34 November 12 - December 4

BEFORE

Thursday | Friday | Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm

Sunday

12:00pm to 4:00pm Closed to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays Special events scheduled on these days: 11/15 - Paint and Sip 11/20 - Mother-Daughter Tea 11/30 - Fashion Show and Luncheon

Admission Price $20 one-time | $35 multi-visit 2016 Designers Elizabeth Harrington, Studio H Home Moyanne Harding, Interiors By Moyanne Mady Greer and Ashley Hilbish, Curtains, Blinds & Bath Chris Hargis, Pinnacle Cabinetry Kelly Mortemousque, Fresh Interiors Renee Wood, Gladiola Lifestyle Boutique Christa Shive, Mahone & Sons Decorating Center Betsy Burton, Burton Designs Bri Precious, Studio Eleven Troy Deacon, High Cotton Scott MacLeod, Lynchburg Landscapes

1418 Harrison Street, 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:

HOME DESIGN

■

IMPROVE

■

GARDEN

Elizabeth and Michael Doucette

Detailed information & tickets at:

lynchburgdesignhouse.com

Stay updated on our events! Find us on

On-site boutique and Christmas shop sponsored by:

Transforming a home to build better lives

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■

LIVE

n LIVE A GOOD BOOK

editor’s picks: best in books HOT TITLES FOR GREAT GIFTING

BY M E R I D ITH I N G R AM

Here at HOME, books are among our favorite gifts to give and receive, at the holidays and all year long. (We especially love the coffee table book; glossy hardbacks with slick pages, beautiful photos and informative content are practical and pretty—which, to us, meets the criteria for great gifting.) This holiday season, check out some recent favorite titles for decor enthusiasts, avid cooks and intrepid gardeners—and everyone in between— on your shopping list. Or treat yourself!

A House by the Sea

by Bunny Williams Does someone on your gift list need a vacation? (Or, do you?) Open the pages of this book and step inside the luxury Caribbean retreat of renowned designer and Virginia native Bunny Williams. Readers are invited to explore her home, La Colina, inside and out—from breezy, luxurious interiors to lush tropical gardens and outdoor rooms. Each chapter features an essay written by a Williams’ friend who has visited the property. Eye candy and a delightful read.

Christmas at Designers’ Homes Across America

by Katherine McMillan and Patricia McMillan Designers help clients deck their halls at the holidays—but what about their own homes? Here, they’ll show you. Be inspired by nearly 250 pages full of photographs and ideas from noted designers’ homes across the country (including the king of vintage tree ornaments Christopher Radko himself).

Learn their decorating strategies while gleaning insider holiday decor survival tips—from preserving trees, to caring for ornaments, to incorporating unusual color schemes and centerpieces. Get an insider’s look at some of their rituals and traditions, too.

Color at Home: A Young House Love Coloring Book

by Sherry and John Petersik Richmond-based bloggers and bestselling authors Sherry and John Petersik are at it again following the success of their first two home improvement books.

This time, partnering with illustrator Joan Borawski, the DIY darlings have created a way for you to play house: In this charming coloring book for all ages, you can design a new sofa, experiment with color schemes, try a new pattern on a pillow—or just color your way to a state of calm. For a complete gift for a decor lover of any age, throw in a pack of new crayons or artist’s colored pencils.

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It’s the Little Things: Creating Big Moments in Your Home Through the Stylish Small Stuff

by Susannah Salk As a petite hardcover, this gem of a book will look beautiful resting on an end table—as part of the very kind of vignette author Susannah Salk is urging us to create. She believes homeowners should incorporate things that they love and have meaning in their lives into their everyday interiors. Divided into five sections—Surfaces, Walls, Mantels, Little Moments and Big Moments—this book is sure to inspire you to style your home as a personal reflection at every turn.

How to Celebrate Everything: Recipes and Rituals for Birthdays, Holidays, Family Dinners, and Every Day In Between

by Jenny Rosenstrach From the bestselling author of Dinner: A Love Story (and the popular blog by the same name) comes Rosenstrach’s latest work—part cookbook, part ode to family traditions and rituals. In a charming compilation of recipes, anecdotes and photographs, the author provides ideas and inspiration for reveling in family life—including celebrating everything from traditional holidays to unique family rituals like “The Sleepover Breakfast” and “Miracle Mashed Potatoes.”

Grandbaby Cakes: Modern Recipes, Vintage Charm, Soulful Memories

by Jocelyn Delk Adams For the bakers in your life, this collection of down-home desserts comes packaged in a hardcover cookbook dripping with vintage charm.

Baker-blogger Jocelyn Delk Adams (her blog is grandbaby-cakes.com) has adapted recipes from her grandmother, affectionately known as “Big Mama,” for new generations. Her recipes, tips, techniques and mouthwatering photos will inspire bakers of all abilities, and perhaps, as she says on her blog, “not feel guilty about enjoying dessert.”

The Forest Feast: Simple Vegetarian Recipes from My Cabin in the Woods

by Erin Gleeson Wholesome ingredients, simple and delicious vegetarian recipes, vibrant photographs, and whimsical illustrations and hand-lettering make this cookbook a multifaceted delight that’s equally at home on the kitchen counter as on the coffee table. Even if those on your shopping list are carnivores, there’s much to feast on in this cookbook.

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The Flower Chef: A Modern Guide to Do-ItYourself Floral Arrangements

by Carly Cylinder Floral design beginners and aficionados alike will enjoy this how-to design book. Breathtaking photographs, helpful general tips and easy-to-follow directions put over 80 stunning floral arrangements within reach for beginners; even seasoned professionals might take a tip or two.

Julia Reed's South: Spirited Entertaining and High-Style Fun All Year Long

by Julia Reed Julia Reed—widely regarded author, journalist, columnist and humorist— is also known as the consummate Southern hostess. In her latest book, she shares a down-to-earth guide to throwing an unforgettable party.

Whether it’s a formal dinner, holiday cocktails or a hunt breakfast, Reed provides—in her signature fun-loving style—easy-to-follow recipes, ideas for invitations, tablescapes and floral arrangements, and, best of all, advice on creating a mood.

Plant: Exploring the Botanical World

by Phaidon Editors Go ahead, judge this book by its cover. Part botany lesson, part art history lesson, it contains a carefully curated collection of botanically themed images, including the work of noted artists, photographers, scientists and botanical illustrators, as well as rare and previously unpublished images. Photographers, gardeners, artists and armchair botanists—or anyone with a love of nature, really—will appreciate this visually stunning survey of the world of plants.

Gardenista: The Definitive Guide to Stylish Outdoor Spaces

by Michelle Slatalla Not only will readers admire visual tours of enviable gardens around the world, they will also appreciate planting guides for a variety of climates, ideas for do-it-yourself projects, advice from landscape professionals, and in-depth looks at unique outdoor structures like yoga studios and chicken coops. This book is a gift that certainly qualifies as both practical and pretty.

Central Virginia HOME Holiday/ Winter 2016

n LIVE AROUND TOWN Holiday Hoopla Friday, November 11, 5pm–8pm

Make a night of it in Downtown Lynchburg! Retail shops and restaurants will be open late, offering holiday specials and activities all evening.

Downtown is the perfect place to find unique gifts for the special people in your life. Grab some friends, hop on the trolley, and join the hoopla!

Wreaths Across America

The public is invited to participate in this year’s area Wreaths Across America ceremony, during which evergreen wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves in Old City Cemetery. For the eighth year, this event will take place at noon on Saturday, December 17, in front of the Chapel. The cemetery has over 2,300 veterans from every major American conflict interred on its grounds. The ceremony’s sponsors, the Blue Ridge and James River Chapters of Daughters of the American Revolution, will place a wreath at approximately 1,000 graves. Attendees of the event are also invited to participate.

Established in 1806, Old City Cemetery is now Lynchburg’s most visited historic site.

It is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The gates are open daily, dawn to dusk. For more information, please visit www.gravegarden.org.

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n INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Access Advisors, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Alpaca by Jaca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Bank of the James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Blanchette Orthodontics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Blickenstaff & Company Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bowen Jewelry Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Centra Medical Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Centra Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Central Virginia Design House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Central Virginia Orthodontics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics of Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . 89 Cindy Bryant (Mary Kay). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 CLC Incorporated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Cornerstone Cabinets & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Coulson Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Custom Structures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Daniele Mason, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Davidson & Garrard, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Decorating Den Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Embrace Home Loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Estates & Consignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Farm Basket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 91 Favored Flavors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Fink’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 First Bank & Trust, Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Flint Property Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Givens Books & Little Dickens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Gladiola Girls Lifestyle Boutique. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Head and Neck Surgery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 High Cotton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Interiors by Moyanne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Isabella’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 James River Day School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 James T. Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Judy Frantz, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Karen Hall, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Kevin S. Midkiff, DDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 LandTech Landscapes & Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Lauren Bell, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Liberty Christian Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Lola’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Lou’s Auto Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Lynchburg City Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Lynchburg Dental Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Lynchburg Retail Merchant Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Mable Hamlette-Franklin, Mary Kay Cosmetics. . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Member One Federal Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Nadine Blakely, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 National Pools of Roanoke, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Offsite Office Essentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Paisley Gifts & Stationery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Periodontal Health Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Perry Pools and Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Persian Rugs & More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Piedmont Floors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Pink Ladies Cleaning Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Pinnacle Cabinetry & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 PIP Printing and Marketing Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Precision Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Reclaimed at Smith Mountain Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Reddy Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Reliance Title & Settlements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Riley Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 RMA Christmas Parade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 S&S Window Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Select Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Serendipity Treasure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Simply Clean by Stacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Southern Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Southern Landscape Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Southern Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Spectrum Stone Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Star City Striders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Taqueria Tradicional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Terrell E Moseley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Art Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 The Cabinet Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 The Corner at Rivermont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 The Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 The Vinyl Porch Rail Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vaughn Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Virginia Garden Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Virginia Neurospine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Watts Petroleum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Wellington Builders, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Willis Landscaping, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Wired up Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

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9 8

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