Roanoke Valley HOME Magazine 2023 Nov/Dec/Jan by James River Media

HOME R OA N O K E VA L L E Y

design ✦ improve ✦ garden ✦ live HOT STUFF

what’s trending in fireplaces

DIY GIFTING

share homemade treats & crafts

DECK THE HALLS using evergreens in your seasonal décor

Holiday traditions

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2023

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LinDor Arts H O L I D AY A R T S A L E NOVEMBER 20-DECEMBER 31, 2023

November at LinDor Arts means helping both established and new clients shop for just the right piece of art for the holiday! Beginning November 20 and running through December 31, 2023, LinDor’s Holiday Art Sale promises to make your holiday shopping easy and unique with art 15% off (sorry, a few exclusions). Too much art … never! Exquisite and inspiring collections sure to please—you may find something for everyone on your list (don’t forget yourself!). Art makes the best gift. Whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, framing or all of the above, LinDor Arts is where the art is! So, make your list, check it twice and take advantage of 15% off.

CONTENTS Roanoke Valley HOME Holiday/Winter 2023

43 PHOTO: KATHRYN FELDMANN

WHEN DESIGNERS DECORATE Tips from local experts BY ALYSSA MERCADANTE

WHAT’S HOT? Now trending in fireplaces BY MITZI BIBLE

COLLECTING JOY Home filled with holiday keepsakes BY KATHERINE FULGHUM KNOPF

67 FACEBOOK: HOMEmagazineVA INSTAGRAM: @HOMEmagazineVA

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS Making your Christmas dreams come true BY ASHLEY BLAIR SMITH

Cover photo: Kathryn Feldmann r vhomemagazine.com

H O L I DAY/ W I N T E R 2023

DESIGN

33 OUTDOOR SPACES

Made for all seasons BY KATE ERICSSON

75 NEW CAT OR DOG?

Get pet ready!

BY MARGIE LIPPARD

IMPROVE 29 HOT STUFF!

Detoxing with home saunas BY CHRISTINA MOORE

64 KEEP THE LIGHTS ON Generators 101 BY SLOANE LUCAS

79 GET ORGANIZED

Closet clean outs & holiday storage BY KATHERINE FULGHUM KNOPF

GARDEN

20 HELLEBORES

A winter beauty

75 72

BY BECKY CALVERT

38 FOREST FINDS

Holiday greenery BY LAUREL FEINMAN

48 PRIVACY HEDGES

Fencing goes green

BY MARTHA S. COFFEY

LIVE

52 9 x 13 CASSEROLES

Cozy foods for the holidays BY SARAH NICHOLAS

72 MAKE IT YOUR$ELF

Creating tasty gifts BY GINNY SMITH

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA 12

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

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EDITOR'S note “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…” even though a well-known OTC allergy medication has been proclaiming it for months, in my opinion, the holiday season is indeed the most wonderful time of the year! I don’t know about you, but 2023 is flying by. Let’s take a beat and be intentional, embracing these final weeks of the year. This issue of Roanoke Valley HOME elevates holiday decorating with ideas and tips from local design professionals. Outside, we up the wattage with great lighting and outdoor décor to make your home’s exterior the merriest and brightest in the neighborhood. Holiday greenery is often the easiest and most economical way to embellish your space; read about what you might find growing in your own backyard. Our showcase home for holiday 2023 is more accurately a “show-collection.” Vintage ornaments collected over a span of seven decades as well as whimsical and traditional arrangements and vignettes will imbue a sense of wonder that is truly enchanting. Kerry McCarty, renowned Roanoke Valley floral designer and horticulture aficionado, recently retired, shares his collections and floral design expertise and has us reminiscing about Christmases of yesteryear. Thinking about a year-round outdoor space? A space where people can gather no matter the season might be just the upgrade your home needs. Find out what can be done with hardscape and landscape improvements to make your outdoor living area epic and multi-season ready.

Fall

Food is a big part of this season. Family and friends gather, and most likely a meal is on the agenda. Why be prepping and cooking when you’d much rather be visiting and toasting? Feed a crowd with flavorful, make-ahead 9 x 13 casseroles, perfect for breakfasts or dinners. Mmmm, tastes like more! This year, gift friends and neighbors with easy, homemade gifts such as granola, snack mix or herb-infused mayonnaise. Making these gifts yourself is more economical and healthier, plus HOME has even included gift labels you can download. Wishing you and yours a wonderful, magical holiday season. As always, thank you for reading. Anne Marie Poore | annemarie@jamesrivermedia.com

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HOME ROANOKE VALLEY

Can’t decide on that special gift? Visit us to create memories and keepsakes for one-of-a-kind gifts

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 5 PUBLISHER Trish Roth

EDITOR Donna Dunn ART DIRECTOR Kira Rider LOCAL EDITOR Anne Marie Poore

With Picture Frame Warehouse’s Design Services and ‘Visualization’ software, see your design before it’s put together.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mitzi Bible Becky Calvert Martha S. Coffey Kate Ericsson Laurel Feinman Katherine Fulghum Knopf Margie Lippard Sloane Lucas Alyssa Mercadante Christina Moore Sarah Nicholas Ashley Blair Smith Ginny Smith PHOTOGRAPHER Kathryn Feldmann

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Roanoke Valley HOME is published five times annually by James River Media, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Roanoke Valley HOME 109B Tradewynd Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502 For advertising information please call (434) 845-5463 or email SALES@jamesrivermedia.com To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Roanoke Valley HOME at HOME@jamesrivermedia.com

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Copyright 2023 by James River Media, 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 James River Media, 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, James River Media, 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, James River Media, 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.

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READERS’ FAVORITES AWARDS 2023

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Hellebores

GARDEN early bloomers

The star of the winter garden

BY B EC K Y C A LV E R T

he list of recommendations in favor of hellebores is long. These shadeloving evergreen perennials bloom in winter and are available in an array of colors that deepen over the duration of their blooming period, which can last up to 10 weeks or more. Hellebores are low maintenance, unappealing to deer and other critters that like to nibble on your garden plants, and are susceptible to few pests and diseases. They are sometimes described as “the perfect plant,” so it’s little wonder they are so popular among gardeners.

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Choose your favorite When it comes to hellebores you have several options:

n Among the varieties of hellebores, there is the Christmas Rose, a white hellebore that is an early bloomer (sometimes described as a late fall bloomer) because it happens to open in December.

n Then there is the light green, Januaryblooming, Stinking Hellebore. Despite its unfortunate name, the stinking hellebore only gives off its aroma when the foliage is cut or crushed.

n Lastly, there is the Lenten Rose, the most popular of all the hellebores. They begin blooming as early as February, with their blossoms staying attractive until May and sometimes even in June, as the rest of your garden comes to life around them.

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The anatomy of a hellebore The colorful portion of hellebores are actually the sepal. On other flowers, the sepals are green and leaflike, protecting the petals from just underneath. On hellebores, the petals are actually very small structures that surround the stamens, so it’s really the sepals that provide the color we so appreciate. And those colors come in shades of white, yellows, greens, pinks and purples that range from pastels to dark-as-night almost black. There is a great deal of variety to the sepals – they can be a single or double layer, with or without picotee edges (that are a different color from the rest of the flower) and/or veining. The centers can be a contrasting darker color or spotted or have an anemone flower. They tend to face downward, making them great to plant on sloped areas, although some newer cultivars face upwards. Lenten roses can be started from seed, but no two derived from a seed strain are the same. The best way to ensure you are getting the hellebore you really desire is to buy it while in bloom.

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How to plant Hellebores can be planted in the fall through the spring. They like well drained, slightly acidic soil. Similar to peonies, hellebores don’t like to be planted too deeply or mulched too heavily. They should be given about 15 inches of space around them. Hellebores will spread, albeit slowly. They are the sort of plant that sleeps, creeps and then leaps, meaning, the first year, it focuses on establishing roots; the second year, they get a little bigger; and then the third year, they will start to take off. This slowness factors into their price, as they tend to run from $15 and up for a single plant. As they begin to flower, they will start producing small seedlings around the main plant. These seedlings can be moved, either into pots or into their own spots, where they will slowly grow into larger hellebores, taking about three years (sometimes longer) to begin blooming. Larger hellebores can be split in both spring or fall. However, hellebores dislike being moved, so cooler fall days seem to be a better time

to rearrange them. They prefer shaded areas, but not too densely shaded – some morning sun or dappled afternoon sunlight suits them well. The thick, waxy leaves of hellebores will start turning brown and wilted just

as new growth appears in winter. This is a great time to trim them back to the base of the stalk, which gives more air and light to the flowers. Their leaves can cause mild irritation (they contain some toxins, so do keep them away from children and pets), so you’ll want to wear gloves when cutting back. Once they are finished blooming, you can remove the stems as well. Beyond that, hellebores need little maintenance. They will take a light fertilizing in fall, but it’s not necessary. Hellebores can handle droughts, bouncing back with just a little watering. Even when flattened by ice and snow, hellebores will pop right back up with the first warm rays of sunshine. They grow marvelously in wooded gardens where they contrast with ferns and coral bells. With all these fabulous attributes, it’s easy to see why they are so beloved among gardeners. Although undoubtably, the biggest reason why gardeners love them so is that they are the harbingers of what’s to come: the first signs of life in the garden for the new year. They are the star of winter and rightfully so. ✦

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READERS’ READERS’ FAVORITES FAVORITES AWARDS AWARDS2022 2023

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

decorating A natural approach to holiday

Local designers share tips, tricks & latest trends

BY A LYS S A M E R C A DA N T E

t’s the most magical time of the year, as we prepare for the holiday season and all the festivities that come along with it. While there is no right or wrong way to deck the halls and express your style, below are some tips from design experts in our area. Plus, discover the latest trends, which, take us back to the basics!

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Trending Now Designers in our area say the trends for this holiday season will heavily feature organic and natural materials that focus on bringing the outside in. Colors like cream, beige, browns and gray will remain in the spotlight. Materials such as yarn, burlap, wood and paper will be prevalent. What’s great about natural materials and neutral colors is you can somehow incorporate the trend into whatever holiday décor you may already have and love. A natural and neutral base gives way to countless options. Add pops of bright colors for a fun look, or golds, silvers and glitter for a glam effect. The neutral category also blends well with other popular styles such as Scandinavian and farmhouse. Earthy tones and woodland vibes remain one of the top trends for this season. And, believe it or not, mushrooms seem to have jumped ship from autumn to winter and are everywhere! Think rustic, whimsical and magical. We’re talking fun and cute fungi in psychedelic colors, glittered, pink and in every material from velvet to wood to glass.

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Unique Gifts & Home Decor

Minimal effort, maximum effect For some, decorating for the holidays can be overwhelming. If you find yourself in this position with limited time, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go over the top. Lisa Sloboda, interior designer at TXTUR in Downtown Roanoke, believes less is more when it comes to décor. “I love fresh greenery, clean lines and wood,” Sloboda says. “Our style here [at TXTUR] is mid-century modern and very minimalist. Simple can really be beautiful.”

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n The tree. The obvious piece of décor that will make the most impact is the tree. If you’re looking to just do a few things here and there, you can put much more time and focus into decorating your tree, making it more of a work of art. Start with stringing lights, then layer in some textural elements with picks or stems. Next, add your garland or ribbon, if you choose. Finally, finish with ornaments. Ditch the traditional tree skirt and add a natural, woven basket or tree collar instead. These ways of adding various depths, textures and colors are sure to create a focal point for your room. n The table. Another important space to be sure to decorate is the kitchen or dining room table. The holidays are all about loved ones gathering, so it’s likely when your table is in the most use. Make an impact here with a festive centerpiece or table setting. n The entry. The outside of your home is also worth paying attention to, as it’s what people see first. This doesn’t mean you have to hang lights from the roof or around every tree. Focus on the entryway and invest in beautiful garland and a wreath to frame out the front of your home. Add a festive doormat and your home will be instantly inviting.

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TODAY AND LET US AMAZE YOU 27

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

On a budget If you’re on a budget, there are countless DIY projects on social media platforms. Paper decorations are the ultimate home crafters dream, as well as one of the hottest trends. Think paper snowflakes and chains and garland made out of book pages, newspaper or brown Kraft paper bags. A quick search on Pinterest or TikTok will provide an abundance of ideas. Get the whole family involved and embrace the homemade feel. Using fresh garland is the more affordable – and aromatic – way to go; just remember you can’t put it up too early, as it won’t last forever. Natural foliage is also, once again, a top trend for this season. In addition to greenery, be prepared to see plenty of pampas grass and dried fruits and flowers in festive displays. See our article on using greenery on page 38. When purchasing new décor, get the most bang for your buck by drifting toward seasonal versus holiday items. Trees, snowflakes and wood tones give a nod to the whole season and will make your house feel cozy and festive all winter long. The best time to buy is after the holidays when most stores have big clearance sales. Thrifting can also be fun, so be sure to check out estate sales in the area. 28

Tight on space If space is an issue, pencil trees are perfect. A flocked tree is also a smart option, as it doesn’t require as much decorating and minimizes storage space needs. Garland is a great way to decorate a smaller space as it packs a punch with minimal effort. It doesn’t take up a lot of surface area and can be placed on any type of existing handrail, mantle or table. Take advantage of vertical space. Hang ornaments and pendants from the ceiling above a table and add twinkle lights for some dimension. Lean into the neutral

trend and keep things bright, as lighter colors help a room to feel more spacious. Sloboda believes that any space, even the smallest ones, can be made beautiful for the holidays. “Do not feel limited with a small space,” she says. “It can shine just as much as a mansion. Set a small tree on a table, wrap some pretty greenery and twinkle lights around a chandelier and add some candles. It’s all about keeping things to scale and layering simple but beautiful elements. It doesn’t take much to create that warm ambiance to set yourself, and others around you, at peace.” ✦

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IMPROVE revitalize your home

healthy

HEAT

The blissful benefits of adding a sauna BY C H R I S T I N A M O O R E

magine … after a tiresome day, you step into your bathroom, and in addition to the usual shower or bath, you enter a world of warmth, relaxation and rejuvenation. Welcome to the world of home saunas! These cozy spaces of tranquility have been used for centuries for their health and wellness benefits.

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How does a sauna work? At its core, a sauna is a room or enclosed space designed to reach high temperatures, typically between 150° and 195°F. This is achieved by heating a special sauna stove or heater, which, in turn, warms up the air inside the sauna. The heat produced is usually dry, but there are also steam saunas that produce a more humid environment. Saunas work on the principle of inducing a controlled hyperthermia, an increase in body temperature. When you step into a sauna, your body starts to sweat as a natural response to the heat, which helps regulate your body temperature and flush out toxins through your skin. This process not only cleanses your body but also relaxes your muscles and relieves stress. In addition to the dry heat, some saunas are Finnishstyle, which use rocks that can be splashed with water to create steam and can enhance the benefits of the sauna. 30

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

What are the benefits of saunas?

The allure of saunas extends far beyond just relaxation and comfort. n Stress relief. Saunas offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life – creating a warm, soothing environment that can help reduce stress and boost mental health. n Muscle relaxation. The heat in a sauna helps relieve muscle tension, making it an excellent post-workout recovery tool to help eliminate the discomfort of sore muscles and joint pain. A sauna may also be helpful for alleviating chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. n Improved circulation. The increased heat in a sauna causes your blood vessels to dilate, which enhances blood flow and contributes toward better cardiovascular health. n Detoxification. Sweating in a sauna helps your body eliminate toxins and impurities through your skin. n Skin health. Regular sauna sessions can improve the condition of your

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skin and work toward gaining a glowing complexion by promoting circulation and opening pores. n Better sleep. Sauna sessions can promote relaxation, making it easier for you to fall asleep and enjoy a deeper, more restful slumber. n Weight loss. While saunas are not a magic solution, they can aid in temporary water weight reduction through sweating. It’s important to

combine sauna use with a healthy lifestyle for lasting weight management. n Respiratory benefits. Steam saunas can be helpful for individuals with respiratory issues, as the humid environment can ease congestion and improve breathing. Please note that this is not medical advice. It is always best to talk to your doctor before starting any new health practice.

Adding a sauna in a bathroom Integrating a sauna into your bathroom renovation can transform this functional space into a wellness sanctuary. Here are a few key considerations: n Space. Assess your bathroom’s available space. Saunas come in various sizes, from compact one-person units to larger models for multiple users. n Ventilation. Proper ventilation is crucial to ensure the moisture generated in the sauna doesn’t damage your bathroom, so discuss this element with your contractor. n Power supply. Saunas require a dedicated power source due to the high temperatures they reach. Make sure your electrical system can handle the load, and consult a licensed electrician if necessary. n Materials. Choose sauna materials that complement your bathroom’s aesthetics and ensure they are moisture-resistant to withstand the humid environment. n Safety. Install safety features such as a timer and temperature control to regulate your sauna sessions. Proper insulation and fireproofing are also essential for safety. Remember that consulting with professionals and adhering to building codes and safety regulations are essential when incorporating a sauna into your bathroom renovation project. Options to consider When it comes to home saunas, you have an assortment of options to choose from depending on your preferences and available space: n Traditional Finnish sauna. This is the classic dry-heat sauna with wooden benches and a stove. Itʼs an excellent choice for those who prefer high temperatures and dry heat. n Infrared sauna. These saunas use infrared heaters to heat your body directly, rather than the surrounding air. They operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas and are well-suited for those who canʼt tolerate extreme heat. n Steam sauna. These saunas generate moist heat by pouring water onto hot stones, creating steam. They provide a more humid environment and can be gentler on the respiratory system. n Portable sauna. If you have limited space or want a cost-effective option, portable saunas are available. They are easy to set up and can be stored when not in use. n Custom-built sauna. For a truly personalized experience, consider a custom-built sauna that matches your bathroomʼs design and size requirements. Adding a home sauna to your bathroom can bring an array of physical and mental health benefits, whether youʼre seeking relaxation, pain relief, detoxification or improved sleep. With planning, you can seamlessly incorporate a sauna into your bathroom renovation project, transforming it into a space that promotes well-being and rejuvenation. Help make your home a relaxing respite from the stressors of life! ✦ 32

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DESIGN outdoor living

Under the winter sky DESIGNING AN OUTDOOR SPACE FOR YEAR-ROUND USE

BY K AT E E R I C S S O N

andemic pups, bread baking and TikTok dances are just a few of the ways we entertained ourselves during Covid-19, but if there is one trend that is still going strong, it is the importance of having a functional outdoor living space. While heat lamps were about as hard to find during the pandemic as toilet paper, outdoor living spaces have evolved into multi-functional havens and continue to dominate in the building and home design industries. According to leading real estate website Zillow, a functional outdoor space is the most sought-after amenity among today’s homebuyers.

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Expertise & Exceptional Services We are deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us this year. Your loyalty and support drive us to continually improve our services and we look forward to serving you with excellence in the coming year. May this season be filled with love, happiness, robust health, and abundant success. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Chris Bishop and the Davis Heating Cooling Plumbing and Electric Employees

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Creating outdoor living spaces From simply covering a deck or screening in an existing porch to building an elaborate outdoor dining and entertaining oasis, creating outdoor living spaces can enhance the value of your home up to 20 percent, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects. Such spaces speak to quiet staycations as well as lively parties and family gatherings and can be as varied as the seasons. When consulting with clients, the first place Mike Bryant of Construction Marketing starts is function. He and his team ask what clients want to use it for and what activities will happen there. Maybe it is curling up with a book on a cozy sofa, entertaining large parties with an outdoor kitchen and bar or just gathering around a fire pit with friends for quiet conversation. Existing decks and patios can be transformed into yearround spaces, but Bryant notes that code requirements have changed significantly in the past five years and building new structures to stricter code is the best way to go. This is particularly so with decks. Bill Garren of Green Acres landscaping also worries about water. “It’s a terrible thing to have water knock you out of a house you’ve invested in.” Projects that are piecemeal often pose problems, and when designing outdoor living spaces, his company makes sure water hits a correctly sloping roof and falls through proper downspouts and gutters. He believes that a roof can dramatically change a space. “It protects from the blistering sun or light drizzle and helps blend the indoor and outdoor to make spaces more inviting,” says Garren. They can be stained or painted. Roofing can be as simple as a canvas rollout and elaborate as a roof that is tiled, covered in beadboard or corrugated metal.

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Keeping it cozy Heating sources are essential for outdoor living spaces. Bryant likes infrared gas heaters. “They are safe and keep things comfortable above 50°F. They heat the object [floor, furniture, person] and not the air and can add a month or so of use to an outdoor space,” says Bryant. Fire tables add ambience and warmth and can be jazzed up as beautiful vessels with elements such as fire glass or stone, but they must be winterized and covered unless they are under a roof. Luxury projects are limitless, but outdoor kitchens and bars need to be winterized. You need a cutoff to water sources and icemaker lines when the weather drops to freezing. It’s important to buy outdoor-rated appliances and weatherproof furniture. Woods with a high oil content such as teak hold up well. Other options include polyethylene wicker and aluminum. Stay away from bare metals and materials such as wrought iron as they will rust. Sunbrella® is an excellent fabric for cushions. Invest in high-quality furniture and grill covers to protect from mold, mildew and rust. Whatever weather comes this winter, being proactive with your outdoor spaces will allow you to enjoy them longer — possibly even year-round!

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n Purchase a dedicated four-person card table for board games, puzzles or cards

n Create a dedicated reading nook with a place for storing books and magazines

n Add a daybed swing for al fresco napping n Provide a stocked coffee bar for morning reading n Fill a wicker basket with throws and blankets n Set up a Bluetooth® sound system n Add Edison or twinkle lights n Install water features like bubbling fountains or a plunge pool

n Hang bamboo wind chimes n Fill up planters with winter themes using holly, pine, berries, pinecones and magnolia leaves in December and hardy blooms in late winter like violas, pansies, primrose and decorative kale. ✦

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Hardy 37

GARDEN decking the halls

Beyond

THE TREE

Seasonal decorating with evergreen cuttings

BY L AU R E L F E I N M A N

ooking for an economical and eco-friendly way to deck your halls for the holiday season? Bundle up and take a nature walk with a pair of snippers — or head to a garden center or Christmas tree stand to forage for evergreens. To beautifully decorate from November until the New Year rings in, you just need a bit of greenery and some creativity.

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How lovely are thy branches First, hunt for aromatic cedar and juniper: the artists among the greens. Their lovely branches will cascade effortlessly over cachepots and mantels, infusing an air of rustic elegance. Then, seek out elegant silver-toned pine boughs with their symphony of textures from sturdy stems, delicate needles and resilient pinecones. And letʼs not overlook spruce and fir — the stalwarts that stand strong to support ornaments and serve as the foundation for large porch pot arrangements. Next, seek out boxwood; its dense, vivid green foliage will provide a stunning visual element to any arrangement. And, finally, donʼt forget the magnolia leaves. This versatile canvas can remain natural or receive a metallic makeover with a splash of spray paint. Interestingly, sprigs of holly — the outdoor greenery most often associated with holiday decorating — only last about a week. Yet, there is no need for worry — just a bit of snipping and swapping will ensure your display remains a masterpiece.

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n Snip greenery in the early morning or the late afternoon when the plantʼs moisture levels are high. n Use sharp pruning shears or scissors and make clean cuts to minimize damage to the host plant. n Trim stems on the diagonal to maximize water absorption, and place cut greenery in lukewarm water. n Add a packet or two of floral preservatives to the water if you like. Many experts say cut foliage will benefit from soaking for several hours before you begin arranging. n For prolonged freshness, avoid direct sunlight, radiators and heating vents, as these elements can diminish the green’s vitality. n A periodic misting routine can preserve their color and fragrance, although exercise caution if your arrangements grace wooden surfaces. n Anti-desiccant sprays like Wilt-Stop® can be your allies to create a protective shield around leaves and stems, ensuring they retain moisture even in adverse weather. While these tips can help prolong the life of cut greenery, wilting, browning and shedding over time is expected. Swap out the tired sections with fresh greens when this natural process unfolds, and your décor will continue to shine. Now, letʼs talk about safety. All cut greenery is flammable and can be a fire hazard. Opt for flameless candles and battery-powered fairy lights to add that festive glow.

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Naturally festive Hereʼs the magical part of embracing greenery this holiday season: once youʼve established a verdant evergreen foundation, you become the master of adaptation for each subsequent celebration. Thanksgiving? Bring in the pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves and a sprinkle of fairy lights for warmth. As December approaches, bid farewell to pinecones and invite berries, ornaments and ribbons to give your décor a seasonal update. Interested in a touch of sparkle and whimsy? Take a cue from The Official Guide to Christmas in the South: If You Canʼt Fry It, Spray Paint It Gold (yes, itʼs an actual book!). Head outdoors, lay down some protective newspaper and let loose with a can of spray paint. Silver or white, with a dash of glitter – the choice is

yours. Hold the can about a foot away, and give your ensemble a fresh look, ready for the spotlight. Even that forlorn pumpkin or autumnʼs chrysanthemum can bask in new-found glory with a bit of craft store magic! Donʼt let the festive spirit dwindle when the stockings have been tucked away and the wrapping paper finds its way to the bin. Scatter origami snowflakes and crystalline stars throughout your arrangements to brighten those winter days. Remember, choosing decorations that can be easily adapted and mixed to suit the changing holidays is key. This way, you can create an inviting atmosphere throughout the entire season. This year, work smarter, not harder, and let evergreen cuttings be the foundation of your holiday decorations. ✦

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Hearth

& Soul

Today's fireplaces center on style and efficiency

BY M I T ZI B I B L E

ozying up to a toasty fire while the cold wind whirls around outside is the essence of the holiday season. Even if you rely on a central heating system, it’s hard to feel at home without a fireplace. If you’re planning to build in the new year, house hunting or kicking off a wish list of upgrades, local professionals can help you choose the right hot spot for your family.

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Fuel factor Wood or gas? It’s a never-ending debate in the fireplace industry, but no matter who you talk to, innovations have greatly improved efficiency on both sides. To some homeowners, it’s about tradition: The hearty, smoky smell and crackling sounds of a wood fire awaken the senses. “There’s something about an open, roaring fire in the fireplace that people will always be drawn to,” says Ben Briscoe, vice president of Black Goose Chimney Service. Although his company sells, installs and services wood and gas fireplace options all year long, he says many of their customers prefer the self-sufficiency of solid fuel: “There’s always the fear of a power outage, and they want to be the one warm house on the block.” Today’s models have come a long way from our grandmother’s old-timey wood stove, he says. A heavily regulated part of the heating industry, manufacturers of freestanding wood stoves and wood-burning fireplace inserts (a completely sealed unit placed into an existing fireplace structure) have made big strides in bringing cleaner-burning models and striking designs to market. It used to be that the larger the stove, the more heat. But smaller units are now holding a consistent burn for 12+ hours with a full load of wood, and many models can stretch that to 18-22 hours. “It means you’re burning a lot less wood for a lot more heat — and there’s no heat quite like wood heat.” Today’s models are also adding a ton of character along with the comfort. There’s something mesmerizing about gazing at flames, and you can do that even better now with stoves and inserts that feature clear, ceramic glass panes on the loading door and a specially engineered “air wash” system that forces air over the inside of the glass to keep it from blackening with soot. There’s even a modern design that features glass on three sides. R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

Wood-burning fireplace inserts come in an array of finish accents, from ornate nickel and brass to enamel. For a luxurious look, Black Goose offers a glossy, chestnut brown-enameled insert, one of Briscoe’s personal favorites. “Not only are these products utilitarian, with all the heat you need and more, but they are very attractive to look at,” he adds. “When you install something like that, the perfect setting is a large grand area that needs a new focal point — you want people to walk in and take notice.” Mark Silverstein, owner of Dixie Products, which carries both gas and wood-burning fireplace options, says the fireplace industry today is “primarily driven by gas,” and customers who want its quick convenience. “You can walk up, flip a switch or pick up a remote, turn it on and within seconds or minutes it’s hot.” He says many people are opting for gas logs, with more realistic designs than ever before.

“Gas logs have come so far. The initial vent-free products came out 25-28 years ago and the changes in especially the last five years, the improvements and visual appearance, are amazing. The new flame patterns are at times breathtaking. Many of the newer gas units literally make it look like fire is coming out of the log itself.” If you’re allergic to wood burning, or sensitive to the ventfree (or “ventless”) gas logs that can affect the air quality, a direct vent gas fireplace is a sworn favorite. “It’s like having a furnace in your wall,” Silverstein says. “Direct vent” refers to a system where air is pulled in from outside the home and the exhaust — all the byproducts of combustion — are directly routed out of the home. Silverstein says he’s seeing more customers opt for these highly efficient fireplaces, which are fully gasketed and sealed units that feature attractive glass fronts and often run on thermostatic controls with a remote.

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No chimney? No problem! Installing a direct vent gas fireplace is an alternative if you don’t have a chimney but want an efficient heating appliance along with the ambiance of a large, traditional fireplace. Vents can be easily routed through an exterior wall and aren’t greatly affected by drafts and air pressure changes, so the heat isn’t escaping like it does through a traditional fireplace chimney. A single double-walled pipe can both pull in air from the outside and expel exhaust outside as the unit radiates heat right into your room. Ventless gas logs can also be installed without a fireplace, but have some safety restrictions. If you want to pile on the charm, another option is to go electric. There’s no mess or maintenance; you’re essentially running a fancy light show and a supplemental heater. Electric fireplaces are generally much cheaper, and many are safe to the touch, so there’s no worry with young, curious hands. Silverstein says electric fireplaces are the newest kids on the block, with so many attractive options, including built-in and linear (long, rectangular) styles. Dixie sells models with multiple flame color themes and up to 14 ember bed colors you can select by remote. No construction or installation is required; you can hang them directly on a wall like a piece of art. Electric fireplaces are good for zone heating (but rarely intended as a primary heating source) and can really make a statement in your home décor. Toasty trends Modern fireplaces are keeping up with the minimalistic, sleek trend in home design today, quite literally flipping the traditional kind on its side. Contrary to the usual 30x30 fireplace opening, a linear design is anywhere from 36 to 84 inches wide and about 15 or 18 inches tall. “Even though we’re in a traditional market, we get a lot of demand for that contemporary look,” Silverstein says. You can find a linear design in all types (direct vent, ventless and electric). Another design that has retained its popularity is the “peninsula” or “see-through” fireplace, where you can walk around the entire unit in the same room or view one side from your living room and the other from outside on your patio. Homeowners are also embracing modern features, from adding a bed of river stones or crushed glass to getting creative with fronts and liners. Birch gas logs are trending (“far and away the prettiest out there,” Silverstein says), and many people are changing up the look just by adding glowing embers throughout the burner. Many of the newer direct vent fireplace remote systems are capable of only powering on the lights, so you can enjoy the flame effect without heat in the warmer months too. “You can adjust the lights inside, so it becomes just an illuminated fireplace — spotlight it — with lighting under the logs, so you have just the appearance of a fire without using any gas.” 46

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Making the switch Sometimes our families’ needs change. Wood may have been your choice when you moved in but maybe you’re considering switching to gas for convenience. Silverstein is seeing a tremendous amount of conversion projects. “If they have an existing brick fireplace or existing factory-built (prefab), a lot of times customers will try to install an insert (wood burning or gas) or they purchase a set of gas logs. If you have gas in the home, that already makes it a little bit easier. You can run a line to it and connect either set of logs or an insert.” He says many people choose the log approach, which is less expensive, however if you don’t have gas or lines aren’t run in your neighborhood, the alternative is a propane tank. Back to wood If you fall in the camp where you miss the authentic wood fireplace you grew up with and your new home has a gas unit that you just don’t feel comfortable using, there is an option to revert back to wood.

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At Black Goose, Briscoe says he’s actually seeing a lot of people convert back to wood, especially with how efficient wood-burning stoves have become today. His company deals heavily in restoration of older fireplaces to burn wood. The process begins with a thorough Level 2 inspection (which he suggests for every new home inspection) and continues with annual maintenance. “The chimney is always the most neglected portion of the home … Unless you have it regularly maintained, there’s

a 99% chance you have something that needs checked.” If you want the best of both worlds, some of the country’s most high-end fireplace models are just coming onto the scene with the option for the homeowner to convert from wood to gas and vice versa themselves — whenever they want. On a cold winter day, a fire always beckons. As you explore the diverse range of fireplace options available today, you may just warm up to one that is the perfect fit for your family. ✦

GARDEN growing plants to form hedges

PRIVACY MATTERS Using plants as screens

BY M A R T H A S . CO F F E Y

hether home is a city apartment or townhouse, a suburban house or farmhouse in the country, most of us crave a space with some degree of privacy. Fortunately, erecting a fence or wall is not the only way to create a retreat. Screening out prying eyes and hiding unlovely sights can be accomplished with strategically placed plants, both inside and out.

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Inside out While potted plants work wonders as sight barriers and dividers inside open concept apartments and on patios, hedges are the most popular screens for outside spaces. Shrubs are the leaders in effective screens, but other plants such as trees, vines and ornamental grasses may also be used. One of the major advantages that growing various plants to form hedges has over building fences is that plants are likely to attract birds and bees and will change with the seasons, adding greater landscape interest. The Spruce, a leading online source about all kinds of plants, cautions growers of hedges to do their homework before planting. Important considerations include the following: n Property size (a larger yard = taller hedges) n Hardiness zone (Zone 7 for Central and Southwest Virginia) n Amount of sun n Type of soil (soiltest.vt.edu) n Relative need for full screening With the above information in mind, shopping for plants can begin in earnest. Remember to factor into your selection of plants the time it will take to maintain them; some require more care than others. Annual or semi-annual pruning is key to shaping shrubbery into hedges, especially fast-growing varieties that can quickly get out of hand. Be sure to prune for height as well as width and overall shape, and consider personal aesthetics. Some homeowners prefer the look of a tight, dense, sculpted hedge, whereas others lean toward a looser, airier and more naturally shaped screen. Let these specially curated cultivars turn your property into a private oasis of calm.

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Fast-growing shrubs If you need to quickly screen your property, the Chinese fringe flower is an evergreen shrub which grows at the rate of 2 feet annually, has delicate, perfumed blooms and is deer resistant. It likes acidic soil and grows well in full sun to partial shade. Another fast-growing shrub prized for its color is the Diablo cultivar of the Common Ninebark. This deer resistant shrub with burgundy leaves may reach its full height of 8 to 10 feet in only one year, tolerates clay soil and grows well in full sun to partial shade. An olfactory treasure that blooms in springtime, the Common Lilac grows abut 2 feet per year in loamy soil and full sun to partial shade, reaches a mature height of 8-15 feet and has the added benefit of being deer resistant, an important attribute even in suburban locales.

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COMMON LILAC R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

YEW

SPOTTED LAUREL

Shade-tolerant shrubs There are several shrubs that grow especially well in Virginia’s mostly moderate climate. One of the most popular is the Yew, which will thrive no matter how sunlight-deprived, and it can, surprisingly, also tolerate full sun. This hardy shrub grows only a foot per year but may reach an eventual height of 4 to 60 feet, depending on variety. This makes the shrub particularly wellsuited for homeowners who expect to stay in their homes for a lifetime. The fact that all parts of this shrub are toxic means they are highly deer resistant, as well. The green glossy leaves of the Spotted Laurel make it look as if it has been splattered with yellow paint, earning it the nickname of the gold dust plant. This shrub produces bright red berries in the wintertime and grows to 6-10 feet in height and 5-9 feet in width. The larger Rhododendron evergreen shrub is prized for its vivid violet clusters of flowers in spring, summer and fall, plus it has a mature size of 2-20 feet in height and 3-15 feet in width.

DAPHNE

FIREPOWER NANDINA

Shrubs with special attributes A smaller, flowering evergreen shrub that requires minimal maintenance is the Daphne. This plant typically grows into a rounded shape, making pruning an easy job. It blooms in spring, thrives in full sun or partial shade and is deer resistant. Rather than stay evergreen, the Firepower Nandina changes color as the months pass, going from green to bright red and never dropping all its leaves. The more petite varieties make good low hedge plants and are adaptable from full sun to full shade and may easily be pruned into various shapes. Prized for its slow growth and limited size, the Wintercreeper of the Euonymus family has vibrant bluegreen leaves with serrated white edges and grows in a round shape. Its best feature is its tolerance of drought, heat or cold. With the selection of just-right plants, a private retreat can be yours. ✦

It’s Time to Start Planning Your Next Project! If you are thinking about a kitchen redo, fabulous outdoor living space or getting your main suite on the main floor, now is the time to start planning your next home project. Residential construction has been extremely busy and getting started now is the perfect way to get your project on schedule for Spring. At Building Specialists, we have the team to get the ball rolling with design and pricing, plus put your thoughts and dreams on paper and into construction. We have 48 years in the industry and hundreds of happy homeowners. Call us for a free consultation to discuss how together, we can get you ready for exciting home improvements for Spring!

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LIVE holiday eats

Casseroles for the holidays

9 x 13 STARS TO MAKE THE SEASON MERRY

BY S A R A H N I C H O L A S P h oto s by J a m e s R ive r M e d i a

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

’T

is the season of gathering and enjoying cozy, hearty and often decadent meals with family and loved ones. It’s undoubtedly my favorite time of year to be in the kitchen! It can be the season of feeding more people than you are used to, and while we love that, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming parade of fussy recipes. May I suggest the ease and deliciousness of a casserole to make those holiday spirits and tummies bright?! These three recipes are great for a crowd and make amazing leftovers. They can be made ahead or frozen. I adore these recipes because they go any direction you like! If you need breakfast, lunch or a dinnertime meal, go for it. Happy Holidays to all and to all a good casserole! r vhomemagazine.com

Brie and Sausage Bread Pudding 4 eggs 3 ½ cups whipping cream + more if needed* 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme, minced ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground

½ teaspoon kosher salt 6 cups sourdough, dried & cubed 1 ½ cups sausage, cooked & crumbled 5 ounces brie, cut into ½-inch pieces ⅓ cup scallions, snipped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat the inside of 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, garlic, salt and pepper and thyme. Gently stir in bread cubes, sausage, brie and scallions. Pour into the casserole dish. “Smush” the pudding a little to make sure there is enough moisture. If it's not wet, add more cream or milk. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes until set and golden brown! *Half & half or whole milk may be used as a substitute. 53

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Panettone Casserole 1 loaf panettone 1 cup butter (halved) 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ground 3 Tablespoons sage, finely chopped or dried (halved) ½ cup golden raisins

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½ cup dried sour cherries, chopped ½ cup dried apricots, chopped Boiling water 1 ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped 1 cup celery, finely chopped 1 cup carrots, finely chopped 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the panettone into 1-inch squares, and set aside. Melt half the butter in a saucepan (be careful not to burn, but brown until it reaches a nutty aroma). Remove from the heat, and add salt, pepper, nutmeg and half the sage. Pour over the panettone and toss together. Spread out on baking sheets, and bake for about 10 minutes. Set aside in a large bowl. While that is baking, place the dried fruit in a bowl, and add boiling water to cover the fruit. Set aside to plump and soften. Once softened and plump, drain the water. Heat the remaining butter in a saucepan, and add onion, celery and carrot. Cook over medium heat until softened. Stir in the fruit and remaining sage. Pour over panettone, and add the broth to moisten. Pour into a 9 x 13 casserole dish, and bake until golden brown, about 40 minutes. R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

Pumpkin Mac & Cheese 1 pound “twisty” pasta (cooked al dente) 6 Tablespoons salted butter + more to grease 2 teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 pound sharp cheddar, grated + more for topping

4 ounces Pecorino Romano, grated 1 ½ cups whipping cream* 1 ¼ cups pumpkin puree 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs ½ cup pepitas, raw

Preheat the oven to 475°F. Grease a 9 x 13 casserole pan and set aside. In the same pot you cooked your pasta in, brown your butter over medium heat. It will turn golden and get foamy and should smell nutty. Turn the heat down to low, and add the pasta. Toss with the butter. Add the salt, pepper, three-quarters of the cheddar, Pecorino and cream. Stir until you have a creamy sauce. Mix in the pumpkin puree and nutmeg. Turn off the heat, and transfer to the casserole dish. Sprinkle cheddar, panko and the pepitas seeds over the top and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the panko is toasted!

*Half & half or whole milk may be used as a substitute. ✦

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The art of

Collecting

Treasures imbue the holidays with sparkle BY K AT H E R I N E F U LG H U M K N O P F P h oto s by K a th r y n Fe l d m a n n

simple mouse brings to mind a dear friend. A Christmas village hearkens back to childhood. Kerry McCarty can tell a story about each of his beloved decorations, and with a masterful eye, he thoughtfully arranges them throughout this home during the holiday season. Some of his treasures are priceless simply because of the loved ones who shared them. The mouse, for instance, was made by a friend who started one of Kerry’s collections. The felt and beaded creature was made from a pattern that circulated in a woman’s magazine in the 1970s. Likewise, handmade ornaments hold a special place in Kerry’s decorations, reminding him of the people who made them and the history they represent. Many decorations came from family members who knew Kerry would care for them once they became part of his collection.

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Decorating with themes Kerry excels at bringing together different decorations through themes and vignettes. “I started collecting when I finished college and had regular employment,” Kerry explains. It is an adventure that he began in the 1970s, and each year when he unpacks his holiday collections, his home becomes a winter wonderland. Entering the living room, your eyes take in a carefully curated series of holiday vignettes. There is the Christmas village on the mantle and special groupings throughout the house, many with unexpected details. Kerry doesn’t always set the same vignettes in the same place each year. Collections and décor evolve — a continuous mixture of old pieces with a few new trinkets and fresh greenery infused. That twist keeps his home energetic and inviting. Kerry shares, “I am a visual person. I like eclectic — everything from vintage to pinecone ornaments. My mother always made a Christmas village under the Christmas tree. As long as I can remember, the church, a small cottage and some of the carolers were under our tree each year. There is a hilarious picture of me and my brother as young children sitting in front of the Christmas tree with the Christmas Village beside me. Those decorations have been here as long as I have.”

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Kerry spent 56 years in floral design, primarily at Greenway Court and George’s Flowers, and his creations add to his home’s beauty. Growing up, Kerry was mentored by his maternal grandmother who grew lovely roses and kept large planters full of flowers on her porch. In high school, Kerry was encouraged by a neighbor, Mrs. Garnet Hargis, who enjoyed gardening. She taught him the art of flower arranging and “indulged” him: “Mrs. Hargis always let me do what I wanted, and she nurtured me.” After college, Kerry went to work for Dorn’s, an interior design studio with a flower shop in the back. It was there he learned to buy quality goods, and he started collecting. Kerry believes in encouraging others to collect. Each year he gives his goddaughter an ornament for Christmas and selects one to add to his collection.

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The beloved tree Kerry’s tree glitters with a wide array of ornaments that dazzle the senses. Vibrant tinsel ornaments mesmerize; the sparkles from white lights hitting the metallic colors announce it is celebration time. Three ornaments are true tinsel, a rare vintage find. Kerry’s favorite tinsel ornament is one he refers to as “the white hairy eyeball.” “Real tinsel ornaments are a big deal,” Kerry explains. This wire tinsel snowball is a rare antique that he looks forward to hanging on the tree each year. Glass ornaments in many shapes and colors create an illusion that challenges the eyes to search for the customary and the unique. The traditional ones like the shimmering brown pinecone, the ice cream cone and the many vintage painted glass balls recall traditional Christmas decorations. Others like the Strawberry Man, the gardening tools and the gardener’s shed encourage a closer look. What else does the tree behold? Friends give Kerry ornaments that remind them of his style. One friend gifts Kerry an antique ornament each year. Kerry adds curios to his collection when he sees one that catches his eye. Some of his most special holiday décor was passed down from his family.

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Family traditions “Christmas was a big deal for my mother. A lot of what I have was hers and some of it was my grandmother’s.” Kerry even has the candles his mother bought as a newlywed to decorate her first home during the holidays. Each year, she carefully packed and stored them in the basement so they would not melt. In the dining room, a “wedding set” of 12 glass ornaments from the 1940s hangs on a German feather tree Kerry purchased to display them. This set of ornaments was purchased by his mother for their first Christmas tree. According to tradition, each ornament signifies something 62

necessary for a happy life together — the house represents shelter and protection; the pinecone represents motherhood and fruitfulness. The first year Kerry had his own apartment, he decorated the Christmas tree himself in a brown and gold theme. “That really dates me,” Kerry notes. The tree was covered in ornate brown angels, gold balls and dried baby’s breath. Although his taste changed over the years, one of those brown angels presides on top of his tree every year. That angel heralds the history of his collecting — a tribute to the Christmas he decorated his first tree. R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

Tips on collecting for the holidays n Unify a collection with a color, a certain type of ornament (like tinsel or wood), or a theme, such as nutcrackers. This type of collecting provides friends and family with easy gift ideas. n Look for good quality pieces. If a piece of furniture or décor has “good bones” it will last and evolve over time. You will always enjoy using it — even relocating it to another room when rearranging or moving to another home. n Keep an eye out everywhere you shop — from antique shops to thrift shops to boutiques. Decide what style and pieces you like. Research and learn the history if these are old pieces or patterns. n Use filler to focus attention. When you start a collection and only have a few items, fill in with inexpensive pieces that allow the unique ornaments to shine. Using gold balls or red ribbons on a tree or mantle vignette makes the décor look full and complete. Greenery is a good filler when you have a few special pieces to highlight. ✦

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IMPROVE winter-proofing warmth

Powering Up

BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES WITH A HOME GENERATOR

BY S LOA N E LU C A S

inter is coming. That means fun-filled snow days – but also ice storms, sleet and the possibilities of power outages. One way to secure your home and have peace of mind is to invest in a generator, so you’ll have power even if the rest of the block is dark. The time to investigate purchasing and installing a generator is before the emergency. Unless you have significant experience installing a generator yourself, hire a professional. Some high stakes errors could lead to burns, shocks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators are available in different sizes, depending on the power needed, and there are different types of generators to choose from. They can run on gasoline, propane, diesel, natural gas or solar energy. Noise levels can range from 50-100 decibels. Let’s explore your options.

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Portable generators Portable generators can be set up in an open space and are meant to support a few appliances. Power can be delivered via extension cord, or you can have a transfer switch installed, which allow some parts of your overall electrical system to function. There are also portable “inverter” generators that can be cranked up or down depending on how much power you need. Portables will run for about 8 to 10 hours before they need refueling and can be a little more elaborate, with exhaust systems that help keep the noise level down. And finally, there are also solar generators, which are much lighter and quieter. Whole-house generator When most people think of home generators, they are usually thinking of larger “whole house” generators, also called standby generators. The downside to these units? They are expensive, permanent and large. The upside? They give your home significant auxiliary power. What is a transfer switch? Transfer switches safely connect your generator to a circuit panel via a cable and allow you to switch between grid power and generator power.

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They are hard-wired and are usually connected to a large reserve of fuel, like a gas tank or a propane gas line. They also require professional installation by experts with knowledge of local building codes and familiarity with the necessary testing and inspections. These turn on when the power cuts off and flip back off when your primary power returns — which would also help when you are away. If the power cuts out in a storm while you are out of town, a whole-house generator will kick in on its own, saving your food from spoiling and keeping security systems active. If you are home and require the use of any medical devices, these can literally be lifesavers. Additionally, if you have a well pump, a generator can keep your water flowing when the electricity is out. The size of the generator you need depends on what percentage of your home you want powered. The whole house or maybe a few key areas like your kitchen? A licensed professional can advise on what you need, although you can estimate how much wattage you use by checking the labeling on specific appliances, or just look at the daily average on your electric bill. Getting the biggest unit possible might waste a lot of gas and money providing more power than you use. On the flip side, you wouldn’t want to get the smallest unit, only to find it doesn’t meet your needs. Cost & installation Work with an expert to get a solid estimate on a wholehouse generator based on what you want powered, factoring in the additional cost to have it installed. Prices can range from as low as $1,500 up to $12,000 depending on size, brand, etc. Portables can cost as much as $2,500 or as little as a few hundred dollars. When choosing a generator, look for brands and models that hold a UL, Intertek ETL or CSA rating. If you live in an older home, you may also need to consult an electrician on the wiring. Generators need to be installed outside, well away from doors and windows, and with clearance above and on the sides to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never bring portable generators inside for that same reason. To be extra safe, if buying a portable, choose one with a safety shutoff that detects unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. Ongoing care & use Once installed, follow all manufacturer instructions for use. You also need to maintain your generator in between uses, so budget a few hundred dollars a year for servicing. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for routine care, including turning it on at regular intervals. And definitely leave repairs to the professionals. If you are getting a portable unit, you can visit the website of the Portable Generator Manufacturersʼ Association at pgmaonline.com to learn more. To find out more information on standby units, you can visit the Electrical Safety Foundation website at esfi.org. Stay safe, do your homework now and plan for installation long before the first snowflake hits the ground. ✦

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

Light up the holidays

Making your Hallmark – or Griswold – Christmas dreams come true BY A S H L E Y B L A I R S M I T H

rowing up one of my family’s favorite holiday movies to watch was National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My dad always got a kick out of seeing the main character, Clark Griswold, and all of his mishaps installing lights — falling off his ladder, bulbs blowing and power shortages. While it’s fun to sit back and laugh at this Christmas light escapade, it’s probably not something you want to deal with in your own life. Whether you love bright and tacky or classy and cohesive, lighting up the holidays doesn’t have to be so hard.

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Hiring a pro? WHERE TO START

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So, what does it look like to hire a professional to help with your outdoor lighting? Who do you call to take on such a task? Local companies that specialize in caring for the exterior of your home, such as power washers and landscapers, can actually be amazing resources for decorating for the holidays. Roanoke Landscapes is a local start-to-finish outdoor living company that offers services for holiday lighting and decorations in the Roanoke and Salem areas. Randy Brannan, owner of Roanoke Landscapes, says that he and his team have been doing professional holiday light installation for 20 years and were one of the first companies in the Roanoke Valley to do so on a commercial level. As a distributor for Brite Ideas Decorating, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of specialized outdoor holiday lighting, Roanoke Landscapes has the access and ability to provide a myriad of customizable light displays for eaves, gutters, rooflines, windows, doors and trees. Unlike other companies that lease out holiday lights to clients, Roanoke Landscapes’ clients are actually purchasing the lights. “They own the material, and we provide the installation and storage,” Brannan said. This allows clients the flexibility of either having Brannan and his team install the lights or the homeowner doing so.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROANOKE LANDSCAPES 68

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WHAT’S THE PROCESS WHEN WORKING WITH A PRO?

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROANOKE LANDSCAPES

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When working with a professional, you’ll begin with a few key choices: white (warm or cool) or colored lights? Whimsical or classic? What design fits with your home and style? Just lights or also greenery and other decorations? Often, professionals will show you designs and pictures of homes they’ve decorated in the past to help with decision making. A popular option is to hire professionals to put lights in trees or to wrap the trunks. Mini lights work best for this and can also be used on shrubs. C9 LED lights are typically used on the roofs and gutters, as these lights are brighter and make the whole house glow for everyone around to see. Pros can also hang lit greenery and wreaths for an elegant display. Overall, Brannan says that two of the most appealing aspects of hiring a professional are convenience of installation and not dealing with the hassle of pulling lights out of storage each year. Hiring a pro saves you the time and stress of untangling lights and allows you to spend that precious time with the ones you love.

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DIY decorating For some homeowners, putting up lights and decorations themselves brings joy and unleashes creativity. You might take a do-it-yourself approach because you love it — or it better fits your budget. Here are six tips to make the job more doable! n Measure twice, buy once. Decide where you want to install lights and measure to be sure you buy enough to cover the space. n Draw a diagram. Make a map for yourself so you have a plan for where the lights will go and how they will connect to your electrical outlets. HGTV advises buying lights with 6-inch spacing for a “fuller look.” Using that spacing, you can then calculate the materials needed with this equation: distance/6 = number of lights needed. n Put them to the test. Before hanging any lights, plug them in and be sure all the lights come on.

Happy Holidays! FROM ALL OF US AT

n Hold tight. Use clips to install along the gutter line or zip ties to hold lights in place on branches. n Stay safe. When installing the lights (which often requires a ladder), always have a helper nearby. Also consider placing a GFCI stake in the ground as your power source. Pay attention to connection limits and only buy outdoor-grade lights. If you’re not sure about your electrical capabilities, consult an electrician or lighting pro. n Be tech-savvy. Use a smart plug to control the lights from your phone. Or use a traditional timer at the power source so the lights come on automatically. Whether you hire a pro or go DIY, light up the holidays this season — Hallmark or Griswold style! You’ll be making the neighborhood a bit merrier for all.

jamesrivermedia.com

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Local locations for lights Roanoke is not lacking in shimmering holiday lights. Whether it’s commercial displays or humble homes aglow, check out these light displays across the Roanoke Valley area and beyond.

n Grandin Court — There is a street in Grandin Court that shines bright for the holiday season where you’ll find an array of chicken wire spheres hanging festively from trees, as well as other beautiful holiday lighting and decor.

n Illuminights in Roanoke — Explore Park’s Winter Walk of Lights runs from Nov. 18 through December (closed some dates) starting at 5 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event and can be purchased online (www.roanokecountyparks. com/545/Illuminights) or over the phone at 540-387-6078.

n Fashions for Evergreens at Hotel Roanoke — runs from November to December daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

n Roanoke Star — Catch the Roanoke Star shining a dazzling light across the Roanoke Valley every night during the holiday season. Free to the public.

n Delta Dental Dickens of a Christmas — The event takes place on the first three Friday nights in December. During night 1, the Christmas tree lighting takes place on Salem Avenue in the Plaza behind the Market Building. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m., and the lighting of the tree takes place at approximately 6:20 p.m.

ILLUMINIGHTS IN ROANOKE PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

Lights beyond the Roanoke Valley RICHMOND TACKY LIGHTS TOUR

n Christmas Lights Display at The Elks (Former Elks National Home) in Bedford — Begins in December and runs from 5:30-10 p.m.

n Christmas Light Display at Liberty Lake in Bedford — runs from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, around the clock.

n Celebration of Lights at Riverside Park in Lynchburg — runs from Dec. 1 through Jan. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. (no vehicles on special event nights).

n Richmond Tacky Light Tour — You and your friends can hop on a comfortable, climatecontrolled bus to view the best holiday light display in Richmond and surrounding area. For more information and to book tickets, visit discoverrichmondtours.com/richmond-tackylights-tours/. ✦ PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA r vhomemagazine.com

Note: Events are subject to change, so check for updated details online. 71

LIVE homemade presents

Love Made with

Show your care and creativity with DIY gifts

Scan the code for a printable of these gift tags!

BY G I N N Y S M I T H P h oto s by J a m e s R i ve r M e d i a

andmade gifts are thoughtful, meaningful and say to the receiver, “I spent time on you.” And when the gift is edible? Even better. Take a look at some of these treats you can whip up in no time.

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I made this! GRANOLA

Even though granola is expensive to buy, it’s actually very economical to make and a healthy treat. A large container of oldfashioned rolled oats at most grocery stores is less than $2.50 and makes more than three batches of granola! You can get creative, but start with this simple recipe: mix together two cups of oats, ½ teaspoon salt and two teaspoons of cinnamon and set aside; melt ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup together with ¼ cup coconut oil, then add a half a teaspoon of vanilla; pour over the oats; mix well. Here’s where you get creative. Mix in your choice of shredded coconut, seeds, nuts or dried fruit. Lightly grease a baking sheet and spread your mixture to make a thin layer. Bake it on 300°F for 30 minutes. The granola may be slightly soft, but it will harden as it cools. Be careful not to overcook! Once it’s cool, place your granola in an airtight container that you can decorate for gift giving. SNACK MIX

You can make it as healthy or as yummy as you want! Simply toss your favorite treats into a bowl, mix together, and pour into decorative, airtight containers. Cereal, nuts, raisins and other dried fruit, candies, pretzels, popcorn, marshmallows, crackers … the list is endless. Garlic powder, melted butter or cajun seasoning added can really elevate the mix. So easy to make and so tasty! INFUSED VINEGARS

Infused vinegars elevate your recipes and make wonderful gifts for your foodie friends. Simply pour your vinegar selection into a mason jar and add the herbs. The herbs will start to flavor your vinegar within 24 hours and intensify within a few weeks. Strain the herbs and pour the vinegar into decorative bottles. Add custom labels for a finished touch. Some of the best vinegars to use include apple cider, rice, white, white wine or balsamic. Popular herb combinations: parsley, rosemary and sage; crushed fennel seeds and the zest of lemon, lime and orange; tarragon and garlic. Your homemade vinegar will also make delicious salad dressing. HERB MAYONNAISE

Here’s a unique gift! Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1½ teaspoons thyme, ½ teaspoon parsley and ¾ teaspoon dill. Mix well and place in a jar. Perfect for BLTs, hamburgers or just on a slice of tomato! r vhomemagazine.com

From the kids Trying to teach your children that it is better to give than to receive? Here are a few ideas that will have them anxious to give presents to those they love: PERSONALIZED TEA TOWELS

A few fabric markers and some flour sack tea towels are all it takes to create adorable keepsakes. Older children can write their favorite cookie recipes on the towels. Ambitious parents can even help the kids make the cookies and wrap them in the towels! Younger children can simply draw pictures on the towels, a useful gift that will be treasured. SHARPIE TIE-DYE ART COASTERS

Sharpie® markers are great tools to create keepsakes. Purchase white ceramic tiles and have the children color them — the more color, the better. Spray 91 percent rubbing alcohol on the tiles to create a tie-dye look. When they are happy with their creations, let the tiles dry and then spray them with a fixative. Children will love watching as their gifts are opened! CUPS & PLATES

Children can also draw or write sayings on inexpensive ceramic cups or plates. Parents can then bake their creations on 250ºF for two hours (no need to pre-heat). Leave the pieces in the oven until cooled. The color may dull slightly, but the designs should be permanent. FOR FRIENDS

Kids can also make gifts for their friends! Slime is a popular option and can be made with a few ingredients you likely already have at home. A simple Google search will show you the way! Have the kids mix the ingredients and add food coloring followed by glitter, if desired. Let the creation stiffen in the bowl, knead it until it’s the right consistency, and then place it in a small jar or plastic snow globe for a festive touch. Their friends will love homemade slime! Handmade gifts are as fun to make as they are to receive. So, take time with your children this holiday season to enjoy creating unique gifts for family and friends. ✦

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DESIGN for the dogs — and cats!

Barkitecture

Making pet-friendly homes a breeze

BY M A R G I E L I P PA R D

f you’re welcoming a dog or cat over the holidays, plan for the precious pet’s arrival just as you would a new baby. For many homeowners, pets are like a family member, and their comfort and safety are top design priorities. Thanks to Barkitecture, a surging pet-conscious trend in home design, architects and interior designers worldwide are dreaming up innovative ideas to seamlessly integrate practical pet features into a house’s aesthetic. From performance fabrics and flooring to custom built-in furniture bedding and food stations, you can deftly incorporate your pet’s needs into your home without sacrificing style nor turning it into a kennel.

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PHOTO: MICHAEL PATCH

Safe & stimulating pet spaces As you would for a newborn, create a safe and stimulating space for your new pet. A nook or room boasting comfy bedding, a tidy toy box and fun water and food bowls can be functional and stylish. You can minimize furniture damage from unwanted chewing and clawing by using performance upholstery fabrics in neutral colors like brown, tan and taupe that camouflage scratches and accidents. Removable slipcovers and throw blankets that are machine-washable will protect your furniture and cover unsightly rips until you’re ready to invest in a new piece post the pet chewing phase. Performance furniture upholstery fabrics are plentiful. Crypton® is an almost indestructible synthetic fabric that resists stains, odors and bacteria. Distressed leather is a great upholstery choice since it is easy to clean, dissembles scratches and offers great longevity. If you don’t want to use an animalbased product, pleather is faux leather with many of the same benefits but is less expensive. Denim and ultra-suede, a machine-

washable microfiber, are popular upholstery fabrics because they feel smooth and clean well. Performance flooring best suits your pet, but it doesn’t have to skimp on style. Hardwood floors, laminated and ceramic tile, brick and painted concrete are attractive yet easy to mop and clean. You can minimize slipping and sliding by your four-legged friends with an indoor/outdoor area rug attached to a non-slip adhesive matting. Area rugs come in an array of styles, which can give your room pops of color and pattern. In contrast, carpets trap odors and loose hair. If you have a wall-to-wall carpet, choose a low pile one, and place an area rug on top in high traffic areas. An area rug costs less to clean than the carpet itself. Vacuum at least twice a week, and bathe and groom your pet routinely (including nail trimming), not only for their well-being but also to reduce shedding and scratch marks. The Dyson DC14 Animal upright vacuum, which costs around $550, is great for sweeping animal hair.

Pet safety: plants to avoid Before you buy indoor or outdoor plants, consult the ASPCA’s database of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (aspca.org). If you think your pet may have eaten a toxic plant, immediately contact your local veterinarian. The following is a list of some common household plants that are toxic for dogs and cats: n Aloe n Jade Plants n Amaryllis n Lantana n Azalea n Lilies n Chrysanthemum n Oleander n Daffodils n Philodendron n Ferns n Poinsettia n Hyacinth Bulbs n Rhododendron n Hydrangeas n Schefflera n Hosta n Tulip Bulbs

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PHOTO: MICHAEL PATCH

Barkitecture design ideas The Barkitecture design movement has produced innovative and chic features that make pet care a breeze. Consider these handy ideas: n Custom built pet stations in a mudroom or laundry room: a lower cabinet drawer near a spigot converted into a hidden water and food station, which avoids spills and bowl tripping n A repurposed nook with a plush pet bed n A raised walk-in tile shower near an entryway to clean your muddy pooch or kitty after a romp outside n Airtight canisters hidden in a handy spot to house food, leashes and grooming gear n Design-forward pet crates and bedding can double as end tables and TV consoles, among other purposes. These

READERS’ FAVORITES AWARDS 2023

custom-built crates and bedding are often tucked within kitchen island cabinetry or under a foyer stairway. n Handsome pet gates that spare your room doors from scratches and give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is safely ensconced in their dedicated area and not wreaking havoc somewhere else in the house n Attractive pet doors that allow for easy access to fenced outdoor areas Thanks to the Barkitecture kennel design competitions around the world, pet owners can choose from an array of design ideas to elevate their four-legged family member’s lifestyle without compromising their own. Welcoming a dog or cat into your home during the holidays has never been more seamless and satisfying. ✦

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Call 375-6631 today to schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate. Serving Roanoke, Botetourt, Vinton and Salem r vhomemagazine.com

REACH YOUR BEST CUSTOMERS WITH HOME MAGAZINE As you plan your marketing strategy, meet with your James River Media team to reach a wider audience with HOME magazine. Our distribution reaches the clients you need who have disposable income and who want your expertise! Let’s partner to boost your business. And you can experience success like Construction Marketing, Seven Oaks Landscape & Hardscape, Townside Gardens and Virginia Furniture Market.

“We have been working with HOME magazine for over five years now, and they are by far our best print advertising media. When a potential customer calls us about a project, we always ask, ‘How did they hear about us?’ Many times they tell us, ‘We saw your ad in the HOME magazine.’ We are a contractor, so being able to show high-quality photos of our work is very important. HOME magazine does a great job of showing our projects in a very professional and eye-catching fashion. They are great to work with and always do a wonderful job for us!” Mike Bryant | Co-owner Construction Marketing, LLC “We love working with HOME magazine! They help us create beautiful ads that are effective in communicating what our company is capable of doing. The graphic designers are the best in the business, and the sales reps are professional and responsive. Hiring James River Media will extend and improve your marketing reach and supplement your sales department. It is a quality magazine, from the paper to the people. Worth the investment.” Allison Welch | Marketing Manager Seven Oaks Landscape & Hardscape

“Townside Gardens is lucky to have the best customers in Roanoke — customers who understand and appreciate the quality of our products/plants. Alongside our amazing team, HOME magazine has been one of our primary catalysts for many of the relationships Townside has formed over the years. As a small business, we work diligently to utilize our resources, including our advertising budget, in the most efficient way possible. Working with HOME magazine has provided Townside with a direct line of communication to the best clientele in Roanoke. We have seen a significant return on investment as a result of advertising with HOME and thoroughly enjoy working with their team!” Casey Jones & Liz Broughton | Owners Townside Gardens “Our James River Media partnership has been such a benefit since we’ve opened our two newest stores: crafted. and Inspired in Rocky Mount. Many of the fine homes that James River Media reaches are wonderful customers of ours, and we love hearing that they’ve read about us or came in after seeing us in the magazine. HOME is a trusted source for inspiration, offering a plethora of innovative ideas and design trends that lend beautifully to our goal of helping VFM customers love their homes. We are grateful for their commitment to delivering high-quality content that fosters a deep appreciation for home aesthetics.” Susan Childs | Director of Marketing Virginia Furniture Market

READY TO EXPAND YOUR REACH? CONTACT US TODAY! 78

James River Media • (434) 845-5463 • jamesrivermedia.com

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IMPROVE storage solutions

Get Organized! Create systems & storage to declutter your life

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

ome design shows and magazines inspire clean, simple homes that function well. They make it look easy! Real-life organizing takes a bit of thought and creativity, but the results will actually make your life easier. Creating storage systems for clothes, kitchenwares and sports gear saves time looking for lost items and brings a sense of calm to busy households.

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Strategies to declutter Tackling the mess in small increments keeps the job from becoming overwhelming. Start with one closet, such as the coat closet. Pull everything out, and sort it into piles. Create a giveaway box for items that are in good condition but not needed. Ask these two questions: n Do you love it? n Do you use it? If the answer to both is no, then it goes in the giveaway stack. Look at the contents of the piles, then do a little research. Decide what type of storage containers work best with the clothing or gear that needs arranging. Consider the household lifestyle. What items are used daily? These take priority and need to be easily located. Putting it all back reveals what you have and shows what you need. Put like-minded objects such as gloves together in one container. Hang little ones’ jackets on low hooks for easy retrieval. Box up off-season pieces in covered bins that can be pulled out and organized when the season changes. Notice what needs refreshing. Is it time to restring the tennis rackets, replace a worn-out winter jacket or buy new gloves? Good organizing clarifies what you have and what to put on the shopping list. Make the most of your space Closets provide loads of space when they are used to their full potential. Purchasing baskets that fit side by side on the current shelving allows more items to be stored. Use slim hangers to allow more items to be hung horizontally. Layered hangers and shelves better use your vertical space. While the space is empty, dust and wipe down the walls and shelves, and vacuum the floor. Organize items by type. Work or school clothes go in the front, casual clothes next and formal wear in the back. Box costumes and store them in the back. Under-the-bed bins are good for infrequently used items as well as for sweaters and sweatshirts. Fold shirts and stack on shelves sorting by color. Accessories need to go in baskets or on hooks. Hang a piece of pegboard in a blank spot to hold jewelry. Cabinets are wonderful because doors hide everything. Group like items in cabinets according to what happens in that area. Coffee mugs go in the cabinet over the coffee pot. Pots and pans, plates and spices each get their own cabinet near the stove. Store office supplies near the desk. Tuck toiletries and cleaning supplies in bath cabinets. Drawers need organizers to hold items in place. Wooden box dividers offer an easy way to contain silverware, kitchen gadgets and school supplies. Makeup, hair accessories and bathroom items are easier to find if they have their own cubby. Get the family involved. Make a game of it. Sorting and cleaning can be fun. Really! 80

R o a n o ke Va l l e y H O M E H o l i d a y/ W i n t e r 2 0 2 3

Storing holiday décor WHAT CONTAINERS WORK BEST?

Holiday lights and ornaments pile up everywhere once the tree is undecorated. Wrapping each ornament in tissue paper then putting them in boxes is a time-held tradition. A newer trend is ornament storage boxes that contain heavy paper or cloth dividers so each ornament sits in its own spot. There are dozens of these ornament box designs. WHAT SYSTEMS KEEP YOU ORGANIZED?

Holiday lights become a menace if stored in a jumbled heap. An earth friendly DIY is to wrap each strand on a square of cardboard, then stack them in a storage bin. Another idea is to purchase light reels that hold one to two strands of lights. WHEN SHOULD YOU DOWNSIZE THE DÉCOR?

Pulling out all the boxes of ornaments makes it feel like Christmas. Over the years, decorations accumulate and become a chaotic mess. Sorting and storing ornaments by color or material – glass, wood, ceramic — allows for design variations. Use two or three types one year and save the others for another year. This offers variety and the décor feels fresh. When unpacking or storing away decorations each year, consider the decorations that have not been used in years. Save a few special mementos and pass along the rest. It spreads the spirit of giving. ✦

Collector Quality Furniture SINCE 1900

ReidsFurnishings.com r vhomemagazine.com

ADVERTISER index American Moving and Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

N-Hance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Appliance Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

National Pools of Roanoke, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

AR Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Our Lady of the Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Aspire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Patrick Team Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Bass Sod Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Picture Frame Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Better Sofas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Pitman Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Bower Heating & Air Conditioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Potter Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Brandon Oaks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Reid’s Fine Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

British Swim School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Roanoke Glass Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Building Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Roanoke Landscapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

By Design Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association. . . . . . . . . . . 42

Capps Home Building Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Construction Marketing, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Seven Oaks Landscape Hardscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

crafted. by Virginia Furniture Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Skyline Door & Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

CTS&I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Susan Bailey, Long & Foster Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Davenport Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

TBS Construction, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

David Frank Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

The Little Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Davis Heating & Cooling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Virginia Mountain Mortgage (Bank of Botetourt). . . . . . . . .65

Elaine Stephenson Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Whitt Carpet One Floor & Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Elegant Exteriors by TBS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Wood Grains Furniture & Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

F&S Building Innovations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Woods Family Heating & Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Fabulous Finds SML. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: 434-845-5463 | SALES@JAMESRIVERMEDIA.COM

First Bank and Trust, Roanoke and Daleville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fortress Foundation Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Geico. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 George's Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Halifax Fine Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ideal Cabinets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 James River Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 78 Jamison Design LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Jeannine Hanson, Long & Foster Realty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 John Alderson Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Kitchen Tune-up of Roanoke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 LinDor Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Magnolia Decor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Member One Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Mountain City Realty & Auction, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA 82

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WOODS

Left to right: Johnny, Rick, Gary, Bryan, and Zach Woods

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their home. In western Virginia, there are few things held in higher esteem than family and family traditions. People in the area look for quality and value

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Let our family take care of your family! 83

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