Roanoke Valley HOME Holiday/Winter 2014

HOME R O A N O K E

DESIGN

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IMPROVE

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GARDEN

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SWEET Traditions the best for your guests

comforts of home holiday décor scents of the season

home

at with the Copelands INTERACTIVE CONTENT INSIDE

HOLIDAY/WINTER 2014, vol. 7, No. 2

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n P U B L I S H E R ’ s no t e It is with much excitement and gratitude that we bring you this issue of Roanoke Valley HOME magazine.

And we have some exciting news: this issue starts a new publishing cycle for us as we begin producing HOME five times a year instead of just four. Though we all tend to organize ourselves around the four seasons in Virginia, here at HOME we’ve decided to pay more attention to the rhythms of our busy lives rather than merely following the calendar. This means we’re not only providing more ideas and inspiration with an additional issue each year, but we’ll also be able to deliver it in a more timely manner, at the optimal time each season.

Take this issue, for example. We’re rolling it out nice and early to provide you with more ideas than ever before on how you can add sparkle and cheer to your holiday season. I hope our exciting content motivates you to make this time of year about thankfulness, celebration and productivity so you’ll be sure to enjoy your home. Then in February, we’ll bring you our Early Spring edition just as spring fever kicks in and you’re looking for inspiration and motivation to tackle those projects on your New Year’s to-do list.

Our Spring issue will come out in April when the new scents of the season are starting to bloom and you’re looking for fresh perspectives to complement your home. Whether summer is a time for you to catch up or just enjoy the lazy days, HOME’s

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Summer issue will inspire you to take on those outdoor projects, and provide simple, fun ideas about how to make the most of it in the ways you love most. In September, the Fall issue will arrive just as life settles back into a more “normal” routine and you are spending more time at home. If this is the time for you to start thinking about reinventing your space, all you need to do is read through the pages of HOME for the latest on how to keep your home fresh and new.

We plan to cover it all over the course of next year—each of our five issues will be packed with the latest and greatest in home and garden, and will also showcase some of the area’s finest homes. In short, we’ll bring you all the best t he Roanoke Valley has to offer. And no matter what time of year it is, our advertisers are especially great resources for up-to-date ideas and solutions for all the spaces in and around your home. I’m so proud to call them partners.

As for this past year, we’ve worked hard, made new friends, and have had so much fun producing a magazine that has been enjoyable for our readers and effective for our advertisers. We continue to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback and are so thankful for the dedication of our advertisers and our readers.

My wish for you, our valued advertisers and readers, is all the happiness this season can bring, and that 2015 will bring you more joy and fulfillment than ever before.

Until next year,

— JULIE PIERCE, PUBLISHER julie@westwillowpublishing.com

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HOME R O A N O K E

DESIGN

Little Flower Girl Bronze 22"

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Volume 7 Issue 2 PUBLISHER

Julie Pierce MANAGING EDITOR

Laurel Feinman EDITOR

Meridith Ingram ART DIRECTOR

Trisha Roth CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Betty Branch Sculpture Studio & Gallery Open House December 5-16, 2014 2:00-6:00pm 123 Norfolk Ave. SW, Roanoke 540-344-4994 • BettyBranch.com

Mitzi Bible Becky Calvert Lucy Cook Phoebe Dinsmore Heather B Hayes Patricia C Held Meridith Ingram Alyssa Mercadante Noelle Milam Rory Rhodes GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Tiffany Allen Edwana Coleman Helga Kaszewski PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Beth Moore PHOTOGRAPHERS

Better Sofas

Better Wood

Allegra Helms David Hungate KG Thienemann ADVERTISING SALES

Lyn Marie Figel Liz Houhoulis Janet Lampman Julie Pierce Anne Marie Poore SUBSCRIPTIONS

Roanoke Valley HOME is published quarterly

by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 with your name, address and telephone number to: Roanoke Valley HOME 3831 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@rvhomemagazine.com.

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Roanoke Valley HOME at info@rvhomemagazine.com.

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/betterwood 540-266-7420 4917 Grandin Road SW Roanoke,Virginia 24018 www.betterwoodroanoke.com

West Willow Publishing Group, LLC (434) 386-5667 westwillowpublishing.com Copyright 2014 by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

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n edi t or ’ s no t e From Thanksgiving and Christmas all the way to the dawn of a new year, at the heart of this happy season are the people that make everything so special. In that spirit, this edition of HOME celebrates family traditions. Perhaps you’ll even gain some fresh ideas to add to your own!

There’s a lot of focus on food, family and fun in this edition of HOME—as no other time of year seems to bring all three of those ingredients together quite so beautifully. We have recipes and party ideas, tips for comfortably hosting overnight guests, and even a few clever shortcuts and helpers you can employ to help keep your Joy from turning into “Oy!” In fact, several articles in this edition of HOME are presented with a “stress less” point of view because it’s so easy to get caught in the frenzy of trying to “make everything perfect,” isn’t it?

Remembering that you, personally, don’t have to do it all is the key to keeping your sanity during all times, but especially during the busy holiday season. Our article about working with caterers will reassure you that help is just a phone call away, because these party experts offer services ranging from handling all aspects of your dinner party, to dropping off a few side dishes before the guests arrive. When you work with a caterer to host an at-home party, the experience truly can be customized to your needs.

Speaking of the importance of knowing one’s limitations… anyone who has ever found themselves tangled in a jumble of electrical cords while attempting to string twinkle lights in the bushes (and then been woefully short on the number of strands needed to complete the job) will surely enjoy learning what’s involved with hiring a professional to help them with this task.

It’s easier than you think!

In every edition, we strive to present you with articles that are both “pretty” and “practical” so that HOME will be the best local resource and guidebook for homeowners. Though some of our stories may be dreamy, we hope they’re never out of reach— thanks to the expertise of those retailers and craftsmen who are our advertisers. It is such a thrill for us when we hear that we’ve helped make a connection between a satisfied homeowner and one of our advertisers. We love to hear these success stories!

Please continue to share them with us.

Warmest wishes and much happiness for your holiday traditions,

—LAUREL FEINMAN, managing EDITOR laurel@westwillowpublishing.com

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

contents Ro a n o ke Va ll ey h o m e H o li d ay / W int e r 2 0 14

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features The Comf or t s of Home

Setting up a guest room they’ll dream about

BY N OE L LE M I L A M

Caterers T O T H E R E S C U E

Hire an ally in home entertaining

BY H e at h e r B Haye s

DIY-S AV V Y C O U P L E R E N O VAT E S I N SOUT H W E ST R O A N O K E

At home with The Copelands

BY Pat ri c ia C H e l d

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HOME Magazine r vhomemaga zine .com

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Ro a n o ke Va ll ey h o m e H o li d ay / W int e r 2 0 14

departments 77

24

55

38 DESIGN

IMPROVE

GARDEN

LIVE

70 C hris tmas Tree S How to choose just the right one

35 The After - par ty Don’t cry over spilled merlot (and other helpful tips)

24 A L L I S B R I G HT Hire a pro to hang your outdoor holiday lights

BY M e ri d ith I n g ram

BY R O RY R HODES

BY M ITZ I B I B LE

20 M aking G ood Scen ts Adding fragrance to your home

77 D E C ORATIVE C oncre te A pretty and practical choice for hard surface floors

38 B eauty in Simplici ty No-fuss holiday decorating ideas

60 Our Feat hered Friends Make your yard a birdfriendly haven this winter

55 G i f t s from the K i tchen Handmade by you

BY N OE LLE M I LAM

By B EC KY CALVE RT

By Lu cy C o o k

By P h o e b e Din s m o r e

BY H eath e r B Hayes

65 H ouse Par t y Make gingerbread house building a fun holiday event

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BY Alys sa M e r cadante

80 Edit or ’ s P icks Gifts for pets and pet lovers

70 S pecial I nterest 8 2 Resource gallery 8 2 Index of advertisers 10

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 1 4

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The Best for Your Guests

Thoughtful Touches Make Visitors Feel Welcome

By N o ell e Mila m

The arrival of the holiday season often brings other kinds of arrivals, namely your family and friends, who travel over the rivers and through the woods to spend time with you. Though they come bringing holiday cheer, they may arrive at your doorstep feeling weary. As a good host, you want them to be able to refresh after their travel and feel as comfortable in your home as they would at a fivestar hotel—perhaps even more so. Inviting guests into your home is a gesture of love, conveying that you are grateful for the time, trouble, and expense they took to get to you. So before they arrive, run the scenario in your mind. Ask yourself, what is the best for your guests?

Holiday guests are usually staying for at least one night, so the first thing to consider is the space you will use as a bedroom. Some people are fortunate to have a room dedicated as a “guest room,” but these days, many people use that space as a home office, playroom or craft space, often with a sofa bed or futon that can be pressed into service for guests. Those without a dedicated guest room will need to consider alternatives ahead of time. Even the most unfussy overnight guests will expect to sleep somewhere: A basement recreation room with an air mattress? The living room sofa bed? One of the children’s rooms? Wherever you decide to accommodate your guests, you will want to keep a few things in mind to ensure they have restful sleep, adequate privacy, a place to put their things, and that they leave with a sense that you thoughtfully provided for their comfort; that they were, in a word, welcomed. With some preparation and planning ahead, you will indeed be providing the best for your guests. r vhomemaga zine .com

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Restful Sleep

We all usually clean up for guests, but the room or area where your guests will sleep is worth some extra elbow grease.

Smudges and fingerprints on the wall, dust bunnies under the furniture, pet hair clinging to upholstery…these are things that we might live with in our day-to-day family life, but they are an embarrassment that can be avoided in your guests’ area. Besides removing many common allergens, only a deep clean provides that gratification of showing your guests to their room where they can draw in a deep breath of its fresh, clean atmosphere.

Depending on your guests, a mildly scented candle is also a nice touch.

The building block of restful sleep is, of course the bed itself. Regardless of whether you have a bed to offer, or one of the many temporary alternatives, the best advice is to try a night there yourself. Make mental notes about the experience. How is the mattress? Do you notice excess humidity (often a problem 14

in basements) or chilly drafts? Too much light? Too much noise? This will allow you to take stock of your situation. It may be that you can revive a tired or too-thin mattress with a memory foam, down (or other material) filled mattress topper. These can be put over a too-thin sofabed mattress, and could make a big difference in comfort for your guests— and they also make the sofa bed sheets fit better! Once you know the mattress is as comfortable as you can make it, you can address drafts, invest in a dehumidifier, or look into window treatments that will darken the room more effectively. Noise is a tricky issue, as we noticed years ago when we slept on a friends’ basement sofa bed and awoke, startled, to what sounded like a herd of zebras running overhead.

It turned out to be just the normal foot traffic of a busy family morning in the kitchen directly over our heads. In some cases this could be muted by a throw rug or perhaps the simple request for the children to keep the volume down on

the TV. Another option, if you are concerned about noise disturbing your visitors’ rest, is a white noise machine or a small fan whose gentle whir screens out many sounds.

To dress the bed, start with quality sheets that fit the mattress well; invest in the best you can afford. Many people choose to dedicate a set of guest sheets and other linens that come out only when someone is visiting. This is an excellent idea; however, even if the sheets were washed and put away last time you had guests, consider washing them again if they have been sitting for more than a month. After a time, sheets lose their clean scent; washing will refresh the fibers and make the bed smell good.

Ironing the sheets is an optional but elegant touch. Nothing equals the feel of ironed sheets. If you don’t have time, just iron the pillowcases. My grandmother’s trick was to pull the pillowcases wet from the washer and put them in the freezer for an hour or so. Then she’d pass an R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

iron over them. She maintained that the pillowcases were so crisp and soft that no one noticed the sheets weren’t ironed!

Keep bed linens simple and layered.

Place several (four for a double or a queen) pillows on the bed. It’s a good idea to provide different types of pillows so that guests can choose their preference: fluffy, thin, firm, synthetic…you get the idea. If possible, avoid down (use a down alternative instead) to avoid aggravating allergies. Add a quilt, coverlet or duvet, and maybe a decorative pillow or two, and you have assembled a clean, comfortable place to sleep. It’s a good idea to place extra blankets in an obvious place so that your visitor doesn’t have to choose between shivering or rummaging through your linen closet in the middle of the night.

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and shower needs to a different bathroom, do so. This goes for sleeping areas as well as bathrooms. If your guests will sleep in what is usually a common area of your home (a living room sofa bed or a futon in the basement playroom, for example), give some thought to how to offer the most privacy possible. This could mean relocating the Xbox out of the basement, or finding a decorative screen to designate the guest’s sleeping area. Warn family members ahead of time that the area is off limits while your guest is sleeping.

A Place for Their Things

Generally you can expect your guests, especially those in town for the holidays, to arrive with stuff—often a lot of it. Good hosts will plan ahead for the space needs of their guests. If there will be several guests, or if quarters will be particularly tight, it might be thoughtful to warn your visitors ahead of time. Still, as you take stock of your guest space, think about providing room for them to spread out and unpack. A folding luggage rack or bench for a suitcase or bag is a welcome addition, especially on short visits when people don’t really unpack. Clear some space in the closet for hanging items, and provide a few quality hangers of various types.

Do the best you can to clear the furniture surfaces in the room. This is particularly important in home offices that double as guest rooms. You certainly do not want your visitor have to search for space for her bag amidst the detritus of bills and permission slips on your desk. Take some time to put things away. Besides, an uncluttered room feels calming for everyone.

Clear surfaces in the bathroom as well, and provide hooks or benches for their towels or robes.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

Provide a light at the right height for reading in bed, and plenty of clear space, as the night table is often the bearer of your guests’ most important things: wallets, jewelry, medications, cell phones and the like.

Finally, if there is not already a small table next to the bed, find something that can be used as a night table. This is often the most important space of all. Provide a light at the right height for reading in bed, and plenty of clear space, as the night table is often the bearer of your guests’ most important things: wallets, jewelry, medications, cell phones and the like. Small decorative trays work nicely in this area as well.

Little Touches That Say “Welcome”

P h ot o c o ur t e s y of Cur t a ins , B lin ds a n d B at h

r vhomemaga zine .com

After you do the heavy lifting of preparing a space for your guest, then you can focus on the details that will take your guest’s experience to the next level. Consider some of your own experiences as a guest, either in a gracious home or even in a nice hotel.

What details did you especially appreciate?

What amenities would you like to have had?

Incorporate these into your own space.

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P h ot o c o ur t e s y of Cur t a ins , B lin ds a n d B at h

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Having a mirror available in the room is always appreciated, especially when bathrooms are full. A full-length mirror would be an added bonus. Nowadays, a universal charger or charging cube for electronics is also thoughtful, as those chargers are often the first thing guests forget to bring. While you’re at it, be sure there is an obvious wall plug available.

No one wants guests crawling under the bed to plug in their cell phones! Another thoughtful touch if you have wifi in your home is to provide the password (perhaps leave it on a small card) so that guests can access wifi from their devices. Other items to consider including would be a nightlight or two, a fan, a wastebasket, and a collection of clothing-care items (a small sewing kit, a lint roller, a mini steamer) in a basket in the closet.

In the bath, keep a small basket or tray containing sample sizes of necessities that your guests may have forgotten, or in this age of stringent TSA guidelines, been unable to bring along: shampoo and conditioners, a shower cap, lotion, a disposable razor, toothpaste, sunscreen, Tylenol and hairspray. Provide your guests with bath linens that are fluffy and clean. Like your bed linens, consider a set of towels that are earmarked for guests only, whether you choose to monogram these or simply choose a separate pattern or color from your everyday towels. Distinctive “guest towels” are easier to keep out of the normal family rotation and are less likely to have been unwittingly used to dry the dog or wipe off muddy golf shoes.

In the shower, remove excess bottles and old bars of soap. Place a new bar of soap in the shower soap dish, and provide a plush bathmat. Place a luxury soap and lotion at the sink along with fresh hand towels. Above all, be sure everything is as clean and uncluttered as possible, and that there is an ample supply of toilet paper.

Having guests is a both a joy and a compliment to you and your family.

Remind yourself to keep the perspective that ultimately, these people are visiting you because they love you and want to spend time with you—not simply because of the amenities you will offer.

Fortunately there is no five-star rating system for houseguests! But if you spend a little time preparing for guests’ arrival, you’ll be able to sit back and relax and enjoy your time together. After all, that is what hosting guests is all about. r vhomemaga zine .com

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n LIVE HOME FRAGRANCE

USING GOOD SCENTS Incorporating fragrance into your home’s design

BY P h o eb e Dins m o r e

When planning all the thoughtful details that put your personal stamp on your home, almost all of the attention is focused upon how it looks—creating a visual experience. But what about that oft-overlooked but unmistakably powerful sensory pleasure: our sense of smell? A fragrance can instantly elicit a flood of memories, influence moods and even affect stress levels, because the olfactory bulb is part of our brain’s limbic system—an area so closely associated with memory and feelings that it’s sometimes called the “emotional brain.”

If you’ve ever walked into a place for the first time in many years and immediately recognized it because of its smell, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

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You, too, can use the sense of smell to create an atmosphere that puts the “you” into “your home.”

A beautifully fragranced home not only makes you feel good, but it will also influence how your guests feel when they enter your home. Choosing a signature scent (or combining several to create a group of favorites) is a highly personal process.

Through your selections, you can express your individuality and personal preferences, thereby sharing what brings you pleasure and evoking lasting memories with those closest to you.

Playing Favorites

The base aromas you choose for your personal perfume will likely be the same ones you’ll enjoy when fragrancing your home.

People tend to know whether or not they favor “floral” or “citrus” (or if they have strong feelings for or against patchouli). Use your already-familiar preferences as the starting point when thinking about your home’s signature scent, and know that throughout the year, your preferences may change. Do you have a “wintertime” perfume and a “summertime” perfume? Or do you wear the same signature scent, year-round?

While modern science works to validate claims that aromas can energize, calm, rejuvenate and purify the body and mind, why not just enjoy them for the sake of pleasure? Although attempting to define what smells “good” may be subjective—a matter of personal preference—most of us will agree that certain scents will evoke typical responses. Several scents are said to lift moods and clarify thoughts, nearly immediately. Cinnamon is said to offer a revitalizing second wind to the weary. The aroma of fresh-cut grass evokes summery thoughts and reminds us of nature. Ginger is a spice well known for its ability to soothe an upset tummy and perhaps its zesty kick can also stimulate and improve your mood. Mint and pine, scents that are especially abundant at this time of year, purportedly help cleanse, ease tension and promote an overall sense of wellbeing—that’s why they are such popular ingredients in everything from aromatherapy balms to cleaning products.

Feeling lonesome or homesick? Vanilla provides a soothing, sedating feeling that can help you feel connected to family and friends. Of course, the ultimate mood shifter is the herb lavender, which can take you from an agitated state to a relaxed state with just one whiff. If you’re feeling irritable, the sweet smell of a rose or jasmine can help release stress and maybe even turn your mind towards romance. That’s why they are such popular ingredients in women’s perfumes.

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Choose Scents That Make Sense

Whatever your favorite scents, it’s also worth noting that they should also complement your décor. For example, coconut wouldn’t make sense in a mountain lodge, just as a swimsuit would look silly with snowshoes. Just as different design styles can evoke different feelings in a room, so can different essences.

Spend some time thinking about the overall impression you want to create for your home with fragrance, because a pleasantly scented home indicates that positive energy is freely flowing through it—like feng shui for your nose.

If you have a lot of dark wood and earth tones in your décor, choose earthy scents, like spices or musk. A contemporary home that’s sleek and uncluttered would be complemented by fragrance with light, fresh notes that evoke the outdoors, like white tea or fresh-cut grass.

Fragrance should also benefit the activity that takes place in that area. For example, lavender or chamomile is great in the bedroom or bath where relaxing occurs, but perhaps you’ll also want to incorporate some energizing citrus or peppermint body wash for those times of day when you need a pick-me-up. Florals might clash with food aromas in the kitchen and dining room and, by that same token, food smells, like spices or vanilla, might be off-putting in a bedroom.

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If you’ve ever accidentally gone overboard on perfume, you know that there’s a difference between a pleasantly scented room and one that makes your guests’ eyes water. Mothers have told daughters for generations to lightly dab perfume behind their ears so that a gentleman has to lean in to notice it. So, how do you create that sensual appeal for your home that whispers to your guests instead of shouts?

The most popular ways to scent a room are with candles, reed diffusers and sprays. A high-quality candle can fragrance up to 800 square feet, but a reed diffuser typically only fragrances a 3-foot radius. Reed diffusers work continuously, as opposed to candles which only work when they are lit. On an aesthetic level, candles are beautiful—until they melt and their shape can become distorted. The appearance of reed diffusers, on the other hand, doesn’t change over time. Many reed diffusers serve as a spa-like and elegant adornment to a room, compared to the more casual look of jarred candles.

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Sprays are conveniently packaged and flameless, but keep in mind that you’re essentially launching tiny droplets of scented liquid (and possibly chemical particles) into the air for you to inhale. Additionally, sprays are a temporary solution, as you only get the benefit of the spray when you use it and for a short time after.

Other tools in your “scentsory” toolbox might include fresh flowers, bowls of fruit, scented sachets, drawer liners, potpourri, and even the soaps you choose for the powder room. All of these have their place and will add a subtle, albeit fleeting, effect in a well-scented home.

Of course, none of this is important if your home isn’t clean to begin with, or if it is swimming in heavily scented cleaning products. Cleaning is one of the best ways to make your house smell nice. White vinegar and water can clean almost anything, even though initially the mixture doesn’t smell “good.” Its piquant odor soon dissipates, so don’t let this natural home cleanser’s initial impression turn you off from using it.

A home doesn’t feel “homey” if it feels sterile.

Fragrance can be that third dimension that gives your home its special character, elevating what you’ve worked so hard to create visually to the next level by adding an extra layer of sensory delight. Choose fragrances to suit your personal style and apply them with a gentle hand.

Make your guests want to lean in and linger in order to capture the essence of your home.

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n GARDEN HOLIDAY LIGHTING

Light the

Illuminate your outdoor space with help from the pros

By Mi t zi B ibl e

2 4

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

O u t d o o r L i ght in g by CLC I n c o r p o r at e d

Night

O u t d o o r L i ght in g by CLC I n c o r p o r at e d

Lots of plastic containers (or tubs as we like to call them), stacked high, filled with outdoor Christmas decorations, are sitting in the basement or storage shed or attic, all ready for you…but are you ready for them?

The biggest chore many of us tackle every year is decorating our home’s exterior for the holidays. Headaches often ensue when we drag items out of their yearlong hiding places (never in quite the order that we need them), climb rickety ladders to reach rooflines, dodge overgrown shrubbery, and attempt to untangle lights that may just decide for themselves not to get in the holiday spirit this year. Don’t look down—a whole day could go by and you may not have anything to show for it.

More and more homeowners are hiring professionals to do the job because having it done on time, safely, and tastefully means a holly, jolly Christmas for all. r vhomemaga zine .com

Landscape companies, who spend a good part of the year enhancing the home’s surroundings, are a natural fit for this work as the cold weather begins to set in.

Robert Brannan, co-owner of Roanoke Landscapes, says that his company takes care of every aspect of the job, from consultation and design, to installation, take-down, and storage of materials.

“It takes a lot of load off the client— they only need to flip a switch,” Brannan says.

In some cases, his company becomes “a relief service,” he says, as some clients are simply unable to do the work themselves because of age or disability.

But most clients know how laborintensive it is and their schedules at this time of year just won’t allow it. “Most of them are people who just don’t have time, and are reluctant to pull everything out every year, so it just gets stuck in the basement,” he says.

As a distributor for Brite Ideas Decorating, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of specialized, outdoor holiday lighting, Roanoke Landscapes can provide a variety of light strands for rooflines, eaves, windows, doors, or columns, as well as lighted stand-up yard displays, tree wraps (individual branches, not just trunks), and lighted fresh greenery, like wreaths and garlands.

Some homeowners don’t know where to start when it comes to outdoor holiday decorating. (Then, of course, there are those who don’t know where to stop!)

While we can be lured by the pictures on the boxes in retail stores, many of us don’t know how to combine the products for an elegant display. When hiring a professional, ask if they will first visit your home and help you plan your design. Brannan says his designers help determine how to highlight your home’s features for the holidays—there’s no going overboard.

“We set everything to our customers’ tastes, and try to balance upper and lower areas,” he says.

Brannan says that another convenience factor is that while the customer owns the products, his company stores them and maintains them. No more carving out a spot in a storage shed and no more replacing bulbs or making repairs; the company takes care of all maintenance, too. The cost for the first year is typically higher due to purchasing all the materials up front—a minimum 25

P h ot o s c o ur t e s y of Ro a n o ke L a n dsc a p e s

of $1,500 for the first installation, with most jobs ranging up to $5,000 for larger businesses, according to Brannan. Set-up for subsequent years would cost about 60 percent of that, Brannan says.

Installation can begin as soon as the client would like. Brannan says that many clients try to time it with special events they may be hosting. Some of his projects start as early as the end of October. Takedown is timely as well—no more waiting to see if you will be the last house in the neighborhood with Christmas lights as it gets closer and closer to Valentine’s Day. As the lighting industry continues to introduce more technology, the options have varied as well. Brannan says that about half of his holiday lighting clients have chosen LED lights for the longer life span. They come in single color, multicolored, or clear. LED rope lights are particularly popular, with flashing and scrolling options. Although they will be more costly at start-up, they pay off in the long run, Brannan says.

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Some of the most popular products are what Brite Ideas calls “linkables”— rope lights with dangling shapes like snowflakes, candy canes, stockings, stars, swags and bows installed along the rooflines. Just adding a full strand of stars or snowflakes in a warm classic white, or even blue, can make a home look ready for a winter wonderland.

Another popular option is a product called a “starburst”—a cluster of lights that can be hung in trees, on houses, or planted in the ground for a more contemporary look.

For even more fun, choose from a number of larger-than-life yard displays: candy canes, snowmen, elves, toy soldiers, a complete manger scene, or even Santa teeing off. And if you have children, animated rooftop or yard displays may be a must. Options include Santa arriving in his sleigh, traipsing across the roof, and heading down the chimney, or an elf jumping on top of gifts to hang a star on a Christmas tree. Even the yard displays

and animations can be done in a tasteful way to help passers-by share in your holiday spirit.

While hiring a professional can take the headaches away, it can also take out all the guesswork. Installers will take into account your home’s electric capacities, testing your outlets, using the appropriate adapters and cords, as well keeping cords safely tucked away in the yard and at the side of homes. They can set up specialized digital timers, too, so the work is basically hands-free for the homeowner.

If outdoor decorating is at the top of your Christmas to-do list, but often makes its way to the bottom, hiring someone to take care of the chore could free up more time to get to those tasks that make the holiday what it should be—a meaningful, stress-free, “bright” time for your family.

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CATERING BEGINS AT HOME

Want to throw a party?

Make it easy by hiring a caterer.

By H e at h er B Hay es

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R o a n o ke Va m e H l i d a y / Wnti ni ct el er e2r C 0 1 4at e r in g P lhl eotyohporov i d e do by Cha

Some people seem to have a genetic predisposition for throwing parties.

You know the type: The neighbor who can pull together an impromptu “my son decided to come home a few days early from college” celebration for 25 of his closest friends, or the executive’s wife who can put on an intimate, five-course dinner for eight without breaking a sweat.

Then there are the rest of us. We love the idea of having groups of friends, family and coworkers over to our homes for good conversation and a great meal—until we start contemplating all the planning, decorating, shopping and cooking involved. Who has the time?

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a natural entertainer to successfully entertain at home. You just might need a little help from a caterer. These experienced, talented professionals can assist you with any and everything party-related, from planning and cooking to decorating and cleaning—but it’s not an allor-nothing deal. They offer varying levels of support so you can stay within your budget—and still completely enjoy the personal, memorable experience that comes with hosting a celebration or dinner party in your own home.

And if you think that hiring a caterer is only for the untalented and the ultra-busy, think again.

There’s a good chance that the neighbor who makes party-hosting look like a snap uses a caterer from time to time and may even have their number on speed dial.

“It’s very generous to bring friends and colleagues into your home for a party, but most people are so busy that they need help with the food and other details, and they know that if they hire a professional, it’s going to get done right,” explains Victoria Longley, chef and owner of Chanticleer Catering in Roanoke. “Then they can just relax and enjoy being a host or a hostess.”

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Right Party, Right Caterer

Before you head next door to ask for the name of your neighbor’s caterer, keep in mind that not all catering firms are alike. They can have different specialties, different pricing models and different approaches to service.

Most caterers are willing to work with you to create customized appetizers, entrees, side dishes or desserts, while some prefer that you order off of a set catering menu. Some specialize in a certain style of cooking, and many are willing to prepare food items and even personal recipes brought to them by the client. Some caterers will send a full team, including chef, bartender and wait staff, and work out of your kitchen, while others will prepare the food at their own facilities and just drop off food trays at your home just before the party starts. And some will come into your home ahead of time to assist you with party setup and decorating.

As a result, before you start asking for referrals and calling caterers, it’s important to take time to think about what kind of party you want and who you plan to invite. Will it be a sit-down dinner for a few friends? An upscale backyard barbecue for 100?

A birthday, graduation or anniversary party? A bridal shower and luncheon? Perhaps you’d like to have your work colleagues over for a casual, buffet-style meal or you might want to invite your neighbors for a wine-tasting event and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Maybe you’d like to have a big Super Bowl party and were planning to make your own famous Texas chili, but you’d like a caterer to supply some appetizers, side dishes and dessert.

The options are endless, but your decisions on party theme, menu and services will impact the price, the amount of planning involved and the caterer’s workload and approach to your event.

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Most critically, you need to have a budget. “You’ve got to decide what you want to spend before we can start talking about menus,” says Charlie Hamill, owner of the Rock and Roll Diner Food Truck in Roanoke, which offers both full-service, on-site, customized catering, as well as drive-up service. “We can do just about anything you want, but if you have a pretty low budget, you’re going to have some great options, but we’re probably not going to be talking about filet mignon or shrimp and grits.”

Even if you’ve got a pretty good idea of what you want to spend and how you want your party to go, there’s a good chance you’ll be at a loss on what type of food—and how much variety—to serve. Don’t worry. Caterers are great at making suggestions, so at this point, make an appointment to consult with one or several caterers to learn about your options. Most will go over some pretty standard questions to figure out what foods will work. In what direction are you leaning? Casual or formal? Sit-down or buffet? Chicken, beef, seafood or vegetarian?

Italian, American or French? If it’s a 50th birthday party for your husband, what are his favorite foods? Do any of your guests have allergies or intolerances to any foods, such as nuts or gluten?

“Very often people don’t have a clue about what they want and so they really need to have a caterer help them through all of that,” Longley explains. “And so we’ll go through a series of questions about what the event is for, who is coming, their taste preferences and so forth, and then start coming up with ideas and recommendations for the menu.”

Unlike some caterers who have a catering menu to start from, Chanticleer customizes everything. “I really cook seasonally, so I shop the local markets for the freshest ingredients,” Longley says.

As an example, in the fall, she often serves roasted vegetable side R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

dishes and squash soup sippers, platters of different meats and cheeses, salads with arugula, micro-greens and figs and pears, and desserts that rely on fresh apples and pumpkins. “There’s no set anything. We can work to meet anyone’s needs, preferences and budget.”

If you’d rather make your selections from an established catering menu, you’ll realize a couple of key benefits. You can sample the food ahead of time, the prices are already set and the recipes included usually represent what the caterer does especially well. For instance, many people hire the Rock and Roll Diner Food Truck to pull up next to the home for various informal events, like luncheons and bridal showers, because “it’s easy, it’s a fun experience, and the host can control their costs,” says Hamill. Clients often decide to offer a choice of three entrees, such as his famous Key West fish tacos, authentic cheesesteak or chicken salad BLT, and a choice of several side items, a non-alcoholic drink and a dessert. Hamill adds that people can wait for their orders at the truck, or his team can deliver them tableside, or wherever the party is taking place.

Personnel at both Chanticleer and the Rock and Roll Diner encourage clients to bring their own ideas when planning a catered event, whether it’s a recipe that’s been in your family for 100 years or something that grabbed your attention while reading your favorite magazine.

“We’re not confined to any one style,” says Hamill. “We’ve done pasta dishes, chicken dishes, vegetarian dishes. Really, just about anything the client wants, we can do.”

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Once the menu is finalized, you’ll need to work with the caterer to determine other key details that can help ensure a successful and smooth-running party.

First, the beverage question. Are you planning to serve alcoholic drinks, and if so, what kind: beer and wine, specialty drinks, liquor and mixers, or some combination thereof? Most caterers have an ABC license and can help supply the hard liquor while you provide the wine or beer (or vice versa). Or if you just want to serve wine and beer, you can aid your budget by buying it yourself—and, if you ask, your caterer may help you develop a shopping list. r vhomemaga zine .com

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No matter who’s doing the supplying, it’s a good idea to consider paying the caterer to staff a bartender at your party, especially if you’re planning an evening affair with more than 20 guests. “It’s really a practical and classy thing to do because then you don’t have to worry about it and, again, you can focus on your guests,” says Longley, adding that an on-site bartender avoids bottlenecking and sticky spill disasters at the drink table, and keeps the host from having to be bothered with the need to restock drinks, ice and glasses.

For larger or more formal parties, the caterer, as part of the quoted cost, will generally supply at least one server (and sometimes more) to set out food, keep the party area clean of empty glasses, plates and crumpled napkins or serve hors d’oeuvres. However, if you’re having a smaller shindig, you can still request an on-site server. It’s an additional cost, but it can be money well spent if you’d rather spend your time completely focused on your guests and party activities.

Another issue to contemplate: What kind of table service do you want? If it’s a small, formal dinner party, you can ask your caterer to serve your guests using your own family china and platters. “We do have people who bring us their serving dishes ahead of time and we serve our creations on them,” Longley says.

“And I recommend it, because this is the time to use and show off those lovely things that have been part of your family or that someone gave to you as a wedding gift.”

Of course, if you are concerned about damage to those lovely things, many caterers serve the food using their own upscale dinnerware, though this may or may not involve an additional fee. If it’s a less formal celebration, the caterer can serve using any variety of pretty or plain plates, glasses and serving ware, or you can opt for disposable items to make clean up fast and simple.

Setting the Stage

One of the big issues with a house party is making sure that you can easily accommodate your guests and ensure that they can move around easily and feel comfortable. To do this effectively, caterers will, for an extra fee or as part of the negotiated price, come in ahead of the big day and help you map out the flow of your party. This will help you determine the best spots for your serving table, appetizer stations and bar or drink area, and whether or not to bring in extra seating.

Some caterers offer other pre-party service offerings. Longley’s staff is often hired to clean and prep the house beforehand, and they frequently create floral centerpieces from backyard gardens and supply other decorative touches. And in the case of the Rock and Roll Diner, a caterer can even provide the entertainment.

Hamill is a long-time musician. “A lot of times, I’ll spend the first half of the party in the kitchen doing my chef thing, then I’ll make a quick change and come back in for the second half with my guitar,” he says, noting that he is also happy to recommend and help book other bands and musicians for his catering clients.

Although most caterers do much of their prep work and cooking before they arrive at your home, they’ll still need use of your kitchen to stage, finalize and warm the various food items. The good news is that you probably won’t need to supply anything, except, perhaps, your microwave, stovetop and oven.

“We generally have everything we need and are pretty much ready to go when we arrive, though we might need to do some finishing and heating or, if it’s an upscale barbecue, we might R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

set up a grilling station and do the actual cooking onsite,” says Longley. “But we’re so used to taking things all over the countryside and into different homes that we’re always prepared for anything.”

The one thing you will need to do is to clear your kitchen countertops of any paperwork, appliances or other clutter and make sure all surfaces and cooking areas are clean and disinfected so the cater has plenty of room to lay out supplies and work without impediment.

SIDE DISH

Party Down

need without breaking the bank. Among the possibilities: Supply your own beer and wine. Have the caterer cook and prepare your food for drop-off or for you to pick up right before the party, saving you on the cost of on-site service. Prioritize your spending by asking the caterer to create very simple, inexpensive appetizers, such as a tray of interesting crackers and cheeses, and use the bulk of your budget for a couple of sophisticated entrée items.

Or divide up the food preparation so the caterer is providing only the most work-intensive or interesting items. As an example, you could prepare a large but simple meat dish, such as a Virginia ham or roast beef, and then let the caterer supply the appetizers, side dishes and dessert.

On the day of your big party, everything is set up, the house looks beautiful, the staff is set and your guests are starting to arrive.

So what do caterers advise you to do now? Relax.

Mingle with your guests. Let go and let the caterers do their job. “Don’t be an uptight host, because there’s nothing worse,” says Longley. “The thing to always keep in mind is that people are going to enjoy your party no matter what, because, first of all, they’re not the ones cooking, and it and they’re getting a chance to come out, see new people and have a fun evening. No matter what you’re offering, they’re going to like it. So be a relaxed host and enjoy your party.”

And isn’t that exactly what you’re paying for?

Make the most of your catering experience with these additional hints: Pl an ahead Caterers’ schedules fill up fast, especially during prime party seasons like Christmas and Saturday evenings in June. Once you know when you want to have your party, get yourself penciled into their calendar, even if you’re still working out the details.

Curb your costs You can get the party support you

Party and learn Having a top chef working in your kitchen is a great opportunity for you and your guests to watch a professional at work, ask questions and learn a new cooking style.

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n IMPROVE CLEANING TIPS

Party Fouls

How to Clean Up the Most Common Party Messes

By R o ry R h o d es

I will never forget the time I was invited to a Bunco party at a swanky home on a golf course. As I sat down at a card table draped in a vintage white tablecloth, my knee bumped the table leg and sent a long-stemmed wine glass arcing towards the hostess, who was wearing a white peasant blouse. Mortified, I stammered apologies while the woman, whom I’d only just met, mopped up the spill with a rag. Gulp. I spent the rest of the evening guiltily eyeing the purple blotches and trying to roll the dice without touching the card table.

The holiday season is upon us, and for many that means hosting dinner and cocktail parties, open houses and family gatherings. Spills happen, so here’s how to keep the good times rolling in the event of a party foul.

Red Wine

Let’s start with my faux pas. The gold standard is Wine Away (I used to work at a winery, and we always kept this on hand).

Biodegradable and non-toxic, it’s safe for use around kids and pets. Gently soak up excess wine with a cloth—don’t rub—then spray the cleaner, wait several minutes, and blot until lifted.

Repeated applications may be necessary. If possible, use hot soapy water to remove any lingering discoloration, and most importantly, treat the stain before it dries! Wine Away also claims it removes coffee, ink, pet stains and blood, in case your party gets really interesting.

Don’t have Wine Away? Dilute the stain with water and blot: I suspect this is why using club soda or white wine on spills is advised—they’re primarily diluting the red liquid. You can also use a mixture of equal parts Dawn dishwashing liquid, widely touted as a gentle but effective stain and oil remover, and hydrogen peroxide. Blot up excess wine, pour on this mixture and let it soak, then wash. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent, so be sure to check your item’s care instructions before attempting clean up.

Candle Wax

Freeze the wax with an ice cube wrapped in a sandwich bag, then scrape it off. Place the stained area between layers of paper towels, and use your iron on a low setting to transfer the remaining wax onto the towels. For any remaining stain, treat with stain remover and launder as usual. If the wax is on upholstery, carpet, or anything nonwashable, you may have to finish up with a dry cleaning solvent, such as Woolite’s Dry Cleaner’s Secret or Dryel.

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Lipstick

If you find lipstick on your napkins, use a squirt of Dawn dishwashing liquid to break up the grease, then launder as usual. Check the napkins before putting them in the dryer to make sure that the stain is gone; if color remains, try soaking in white vinegar. Another stain removal method is to place the napkin on top of a paper towel. Take another towel dampened with rubbing alcohol and press it to the stain. Read the care label first to make sure the fabric is safe for this method. The stain will transfer to the towel beneath. A good tip for party cleanup is to soak all napkins in a mix of Dawn dish detergent and water before laundering.

Mustard

Tomato-Based Stains

Mustard’s zesty flavor comes in part from turmeric, a yellow spice whose stain is difficult to remove. The key with mustard is—don’t wait! Without alarming your guests, scoop up whatever mustard you can, and dilute the remaining stain with water. If you can, pour the water over the underside of the item, because it will push the stain out the top of the fabric rather than through the layers. Next, apply some laundry or dishwashing soap and rub the fabric under running water, then apply laundry stain remover. Launder in cool water and check the stain before putting it in the dryer. If mustard lands on a dry clean-only item or upholstery, use dry cleaning solvent and blot. If the item is sturdy enough, try tamping the solvent into the fabric lightly with a bristle brush to help loosen the stain.

Ketchup and pasta sauce respond well to lemon juice, as long as your fabric can handle it. Apply the juice with a sponge, and finish with a cloth dampened with cool water, then blot to dry. You can also follow the mustard method by running water through the back of the fabric and gently scrubbing with dish liquid and a bristle brush. If you can still see the stain on a light-colored fabric, try sponging with a mild bleaching agent such as distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Soak in cold water before laundering.

Broken Glass or Ornaments

Use dampened paper towels or newspaper to safely lift up small shattered pieces. A piece of soft bread will also work. Dispose of carefully in trash, so pets or children can’t get to it. When sweeping up, sprinkle salt over the area to help catch little pieces and make clean up easier.

Gravy and Salad Dressing

Scoop up as much as you can with a spoon or dull knife, and use cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the rest. Vacuum the absorbent after 10 to 15 minutes. From there, pretreat washable items with stain remover; use dry cleaning solvent for nonwashables.

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The acid in lemons makes the citrus a great cleaning agent.

Spots on Silver

Chipped or Cloudy Crystal

If a crystal glass or bowl gets chipped, it can be repaired. In a pinch, if it’s a very small chip roughening the rim of a glass, you can smooth it with a nail file, though it may still be visible. A better idea is to take the item to a crystal repair service or a quality jeweler, which will file the rim down evenly, but know that it might end up slightly shorter than your other glasses. Small cracks can also be filled with a sealing compound. If the stem breaks off a glass, it may not be able to be properly repaired, as the clear acrylic glue used probably won’t hold long-term. However, a crystal repairer can turn a cherished item such as a goblet into something decorative, like a Christmas ornament or votive holder.

To make cloudy crystal sparkle again, soak it in warm white vinegar, which will remove hard water build-up. You can also wipe crystal with acetone nail polish remover. If these methods don’t help, it may be that the crystal has become etched.

Soft water is often the culprit. Unfortunately, this is permanent.

Silver will react with various substances, including salt, vinegar, olives, fruit juice, cut flowers, and sulphur-producing foods such as onion and eggs. If these items come into contact with silver, they can produce black spots that polish will not remove, so before putting your items away, make sure you wash gently using your favorite method, avoiding any lemonscented dish detergents. Never wash silver with stainless steel because, if they touch, an electrolytic reaction will cause spots.

Likewise, rubber will corrode silver, so stay away from rubber gloves. Rinse with warm water, dry thoroughly, and buff gently with a soft cloth. Prevent reactions and slow tarnishing by making sure silver is not stored near rubber, newspaper ink (silver was once wrapped in newspaper and rubber bands—a double whammy!) salt, chamois leather, or stainless steel.

EMERGENCY PARTY-FOUL KIT Keep a bucket or bin stashed in the pantry filled with these useful clean-up items: Clean rags and sponges Dawn dishwashing liquid Laundry stain remover Wine Away Dry cleaning solvent Cornstarch or talcum powder White vinegar Hydrogen peroxide Rubbing alcohol Spray bottle with water or allpurpose cleaning solution Dustpan and brush

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n IMPROVE NO-FUSS DECORATING

ALL-SEASON ARRANGEMENTS

Decking the Halls Has Never Been Easier

By N o ell e Mila m

The arrival of holiday season means quick transitions. Swiftly we move from fall to winter, and from Thanksgiving to Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s.

There are overnight guests, family gatherings, parties and events that make this time of year so special, but accompanying those is the stress of so much to do in so little time. Holiday decorations, so ubiquitous this time of year, can be one more stressful demand on your time. Streamlining is key, so consider creating or obtaining a few base arrangements that you can update minimally throughout November, December, and January to bring a beautiful, natural sense of holiday cheer—from the time the autumn leaves change color all the way through the time when the Christmas tree is down and the carols have stopped playing.

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Using this strategy, you can dress up a few simple bases— think potted mini-fir tree, boxwood topiaries, or a wreath made of dried vines—with cuttings from your yard and other adornments you can swap in and out in a varying wardrobe of cheerful holiday themes. With this approach, holiday decorating time is whittled down, and because you don’t have to take down the bases, they are fresh, easy, inexpensive, and unique to your home. Pots and urns are obvious choices, whether they hold living houseplants, or are filled with florist’s foam that can be watered to keep a base arrangement of dense evergreens fresh.

Placed on sideboards in the dining room, or as centerpieces on tables and fireplace mantels, such base arrangements provide a green, and often fragrant, backdrop for your own embellishments.

Other suggestions for bases include wreaths, garlands and swags. These can be constructed of dried vines, ornamental grasses, or you can weave them together yourself using evergreen branches and florist’s wire. Even for the committed, though, live garlands, boughs, and swags are challenging to keep fresh, and will start drying out and dropping needles within a few weeks.

Consider purchasing artificial versions to augment with fresh cuttings from your yard. Once arranged along your mantel, over doors, or down your staircase, they can be embellished with fresh greens or sprigs of berries from your own cuttings. Simply anchor embellishments with florist’s wire or twist ties. This is also a great way to use the lower branches you cut from your Christmas tree to spread that wonderful smell to other areas of your home. Splurge on quality, realistic garlands if you are going faux, as you will use them year after year. r vhomemaga zine .com

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Once you have purchased or prepared a few base arrangements, you are ready to embellish them for the season.

The first layer you apply will be the most permanent and should stay put throughout the life of your arrangement. As you progress with each layer, use lighter and airier greens, keeping in mind that these less hearty clippings may need to be replaced more often.

The best greens for indoor use (and longest lived) are evergreens—specifically pine, fir and cedar. Cut these the day before you plan to decorate. Remember: you are effectively pruning your outdoor evergreens as you make these cuttings.

Keep the plant’s health and structural integrity in mind as you snip. Trim, then crush the stem with a hammer to facilitate maximum water absorption. Submerge the cuttings overnight in a bucket or pail. If they are very large, the bathtub works beautifully. You can expect to get several weeks of sweet-smelling life out of these fresh greens as long as you keep them away from heat sources or direct sunlight, and mist them with water a couple of times a week.

The next layer is all about creating visual interest, so consider a frillier, lighter specimen like arborvitae, holly or cedar. Ivy also works well, but doesn’t stay fresh as long and will need a constant water source. Variegated greens are especially eyecatching for this layer. Use your eye as a guide; if this layer looks too heavy against the base, then switch to something even lighter: chamaecyparis (false cypress) or mistletoe, or any other lacy green. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You may be discovering a new favorite, and if it fails and goes limp in a day, just remove it and try again.

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The final layer is the “fun layer,” the layer you can adapt your base arrangement to the themes of each holiday. For Thanksgiving, consider embellishments such as nuts, ornamental grasses, pinecones, tiny gourds or pumpkins, and perhaps even the most beautiful of your autumn leaves preserved in glycerin.

As Christmas approaches, remove any drooping or brittle greens, and replenish them with fresh cuttings. Remove the fall-themed decorations and replace them with cranberries, winter berry, pyracantha, and pomegranates. Magnolia leaves are another traditional favorite. Face them up for glossy green accents, or down for velvety brown ones. If you wish to add lights, be sure they are the cooler-burning LED lights, or they could cook your arrangement and pose a fire threat. For that same reason, don’t put candles in or near these living decorations or place them too near a fireplace.

In January, as the last of the wrapping paper has been gathered up, the houseguests have departed, and the Christmas tree has been bundled away, your arrangements don’t have to be taken down. Keep the post-holiday blues away by refreshing your base arrangements one more time. This time, focus on an entirely different theme or palette from the usual holiday reds. In keeping with the natural theme, think of dried flowers, interesting seedpods, lemons or limes, maybe even a pineapple.

If you are especially green-thumbed, perhaps you could incorporate some forced blossoms such as quince or bulbs such as paperwhites, which will fill the house with a heavenly aroma very different from the December aromas of cinnamon and spruce. How could the cheerful colors of citrus and the beauty of dried flowers not elicit a smile and the realization that spring sunshine is not far off, even in January?

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A LABOR OF

Love

BY Pat ri cia C H el d P h ot o g r a p hy by D av i d H u n g at e

Stiff historic-district renovation restrictions, a shoestring budget and a baby on the way did not thwart Amanda and Aaron Copeland’s plans to renovate their first home in downtown Roanoke. Today their Old Southwest home, decorated for the holidays in keeping with this area’s traditions, is another gem in this historic neighborhood.

With a mix of structures dating from the 1880s to the 1930s, Old Southwest was originally developed for the well-to-do merchants of Roanoke. It remained a fashionable neighborhood through the end of World War II, and then the area began to deteriorate. With the revitalization of Roanoke, Old Southwest once again is enjoying a renaissance. While sections of the neighborhood are still in disrepair, families are moving into the area and taking on the task of renovating and revitalizing.

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Both Aaron and Amanda were not strangers to the region. Aaron grew up in nearby Claytor Lake and Amanda was originally from Radford. Aaron was involved locally in a long-term project with the family business, Copeland Excavation and Construction, and since her then-future husband was so rooted to the area, Amanda settled into an apartment in Old Southwest Roanoke.

Prior to their marriage, Aaron purchased a 1930s-era brick duplex in Old Southwest. “It was pretty rough inside,” says Amanda. “In fact, I did not want to live in this house.” But its location and price compelled Aaron to purchase it.

“We both loved the neighborhood,” says Amanda.

Since 1985, the neighborhood has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Old Southwest, Inc. is the non-profit organization that represents this historic area, with members meeting regularly at the Alexander-Gish House—the oldest standing structure in the neighborhood. The organization’s Architectural Review Board oversees residents’ renovation plans and must approve exterior changes or alterations of homes in the district to ensure the area maintains historical integrity. For 4 4

example, since the Copeland house was designed originally as a duplex, the organization’s guidelines dictate that the two entrance doors in the front and two in the back had to remain.

Prior to marrying, the couple began the arduous process of renovation.

Their first tasks made the home livable: removing overgrown bushes that were encroaching on the roof, yanking out old shag carpeting, sanding and refinishing the floors, and painting. Then they moved into the first floor apartment and rented out the top floor.

This was five years ago. Everything in the home—like the kitchen and bath— was original and loaded with character, but very old. “It was exactly what we needed at the time,” says Amanda. It was an ideal size for the young couple.

But when they found out that Amanda was expecting their first child, they were forced to make a decision: either find a bigger home or remodel. “We could not find anything in our price range that had everything we wanted, so we decided to remodel this house,” explains Amanda.

The 32-acre Highland Park is across the street, and the historic Alexander-Gish House and Highland Elementary are both nearby. With a park to play in and good

neighborhood schools in this charming historic district, the soon-to-be-family’s most important needs were met.

They finished remodeling just in the nick of time, one month before their son Graham was born. “We lived upstairs while the downstairs was being remodeled,” says Amanda. The couple acted as the general contractors.

“Whatever we could not do, we hired subcontractors to do. But we tried to do a lot of the work ourselves. My husband is really handy and I don’t mind getting my hands dirty,” says Amanda. She was familiar with renovation projects, having lived through one when her parents purchased and remodeled their family home, but admitted that it was hard and challenging work.

“We were on an extremely tight budget,” explains Amanda. The couple hopes to someday sell this house, so they wanted to make sure they were making the right decisions and putting profitable equity back into the home.

The rooms throughout the home are simply furnished. In the living room, a cozy couch and conveniently placed sideboard make spending time with Graham comfortable and fun; life revolves around him right now, and his toys and R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

books, lined up along bookshelves, are part of the décor by necessity.

And just in time for the holidays, the room is decorated with a contemporary white tree, bedecked with golden ornaments and peacock feathers. This tree is a yearly tradition in the Copeland household. According to Amanda, she wanted the tree to embrace an Alice in Wonderland theme. When she discovered an old frame at a tag sale, she brought home her find, spray painted it gold, and added it to her tree. Without a fireplace mantel, the windowsill nearby doubles as the perfect place to hang their Christmas stockings.

“We made a lot of what you see in here,” says Amanda. Her father built the dining room table using a metal base and wooden planks for the tabletop. Around the table are slipcovered chairs featuring a family monogram on their backs. While the Copelands’ budget didn’t allow for a houseful of custom window treatments, Aaron and Amanda put their creative vision to work and built their own fabriccovered cornice boards, and Amanda made all the no-sew window treatments and several pillows throughout the home.

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Aaron Copeland took down three walls and added two beams to support the structure of the new open floor plan for the living room, dining room and kitchen.

Amanda and Aaron made all the window treatments and the chair covers were monogrammed locally at Willow Grove Gifts. Amanda’s father made the dining table as their housewarming gift and she says it is one of their most treasured belongings.

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Amanda describes her style as contemporary, but she also favors an eclectic twist and has an affinity for art. She grew up with a talented aunt who spent time working with her on art projects and teaching her how to paint. “We did art projects all of the time,” says Amanda. Several of Amanda’s own paintings hang in the house, including an abstract in the dining area.

The downstairs entry foyer is the most dramatic room in the house. In keeping with the rules of the historic district, both entry doors of the once-duplex home remain in place. Each features beveled glass panes; while one serves as their door, the other, at the foot of the stairs, functions as a floor-length window.

The couple exposed the staircase to the upstairs unit by removing a wall. Amanda wanted a view of the railing from the foyer, and for the holiday season she has decorated it with lights and garland. A large circular table with a floor-length tablecloth is the foyer’s focus. Amanda found this material at The Second Yard, and knowing that it would be perfect for this room, she had them make it into a tablecloth. A glass jar, assorted collectibles and coffee table books cover the table yearround, and for the holidays, the jar is filled with colorful holiday ornaments and wand-like metallic tapers.

Amanda chose to create an accent wall by wallpapering it with paper featuring a silver interlocking design on white.

Professionals hung the wallpaper, since matching seams is not for the inexperienced. As an accent piece, an antique upright piano is painted turquoise to match the tablecloth and is decorated with giant-sized metallic holiday ornaments.

According to Amanda, the previous holiday season was their first year decorating their newly remodeled home. “It was exciting and lots of fun,” she notes. The entire decorating process took about three days and it was a family project. While Aaron helped set up all of the electric connections and hung the garlands and outdoor lights, Amanda decorated the trees. The 4 8

parents are looking forward to a time when their son Graham can help continue this tradition of decorating for the holidays.

To create a large kitchen, the couple knocked down walls, connecting a small kitchen and an eating nook. Stools line the counter to serve as a place to snack or enjoy a light meal.

Amanda found them on Craigslist, and after a quick clean up, paint job and new cushions, they are fine additions to their kitchen. A savvy shopper, Amanda knows how to find a deal.

“We did our whole kitchen through Ikea,” says Amanda, referring to the furniture supply company known for inexpensive stock with contemporary lines. “I love that look, and also wanted to think about the resale value. Ikea was the only company that fit into our budget,” she notes.

The couple travelled to Charlotte where Ikea has a large store and warehouse. They designed the kitchen with help from Ikea, using the company’s computer program and their own kitchen measurements. “We ordered our cabinets, hardware and all of our countertops including the granite and butcher block,” she explains. They brought their cabinets home that very day, and once they were mounted, Ikea delivered the countertops and the Copelands had them installed professionally.

Amanda describes coming home with boxes and boxes.

“Everything comes in a box filled with a million pieces. All of the directions are pictures and no words. My husband and I, my mom and dad, and my husband’s mom worked four straight weekends, putting all of these cabinets together.” Then they hired a professional to do the installation. Though Amanda recalls the process as “nerve-wracking,” the Copelands have appreciated the do-it-yourself savings.

A small covered porch adjoining a large open deck is conveniently located just off the kitchen. Here the family can grill and picnic. Amanda points out that the porch was falling apart when they purchased their home, and they rebuilt it to R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

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As a welcome gesture to both sides of the family, Amanda had pillows monogrammed with her mother’s and her mother-in-law’s initials. The bedroom furniture, which she painted peach, was hers as a child. conform to historic-district guidelines. A small back yard is nicely organized with a privacy fence along one border concealed with climbing roses. A small magnolia and crape myrtles dot the tiny yard, and a gated vegetable garden keeps the family in summer veggies.

An in-law suite on the first floor is an ideal place for overnight visitors.

As a welcome gesture to both sides of the family, Amanda had pillows monogrammed with her mother’s and her mother-in-law’s initials. The bedroom furniture, which she painted peach, was hers as a child.

An upstairs foyer doubles as office space for Amanda and a play area for Graham. It adjoins the master bedroom suite and nursery.

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The cozy bedroom is decorated in white with subtle touches of crimson in the window treatment and the monogrammed pillow on the bed.

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The nursery holds a special place in Amanda’s heart. There was a big rush to complete this room in case the baby came early.

Amanda hired professionals to paint, using an alternating blueand-white-striped ceiling border on grey walls. “Before he was born I would go in there and just sit—it was kind of like my oasis. When the rest of the house was a disaster, I could go in and escape,” says Amanda.

Perhaps the biggest change in the house was the bedroom master suite, according to Amanda. Once the floors were stripped and refinished, the couple installed a laundry, an enormous bath and a walk-in closet. The laundry area is conveniently tucked into one corner, and the walk-in closet doubles as Graham’s play area when Amanda is getting ready for work in the morning. The cozy bedroom is decorated in white with subtle touches of crimson in the window treatment and the monogrammed pillow on the bed.

A white tile bath features a double sink vanity. The sinks and countertops are composed of glass tinted a soft mint green. Amanda had admired that exact sink at a friend’s home; however, hers was a single unit and Amanda wanted a double unit. When she discovered how expensive double sinks were, she turned to eBay, another of her trusted sources. She found the precise vanity she wanted for a very good price. While eBay was a great resource, Amanda also notes that Ferguson Kitchen Bath and Lighting Gallery was a huge support in helping design the space and provide the other appliances that outfit this dream bath.

Despite a time crunch, budget restraints and architectural restrictions, Amanda and Aaron have successfully created a comfortable home for their family. “I have great memories of doing this whole house. It was a team effort and I could not have done it without my husband,” says Amanda. “It could have been overwhelming otherwise. It was definitely a labor of love.” r vhomemaga zine .com

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n LIVE GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN

Gifts from the Kitchen NEW TAKES ON HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

By Lu cy Co o k

Picture the scene: December 20-something in the afternoon, your doorbell rings. You rush to the door expecting a uniformed delivery person, bringing that last, most important gift you ordered for your spouse. But no! Outside is your neighbor, clutching another beautiful bounty of her homemade specialty, and you, again, are unprepared…

This year, vow to be prepared with a beautiful homemade gift of your own. It’s easier than you think!

Gifts from your kitchen—now, and any time of the year, really—demonstrate your thoughtfulness and planning, are generally affordable, and are usually very welcome. If you’ve ever been a teacher, you know the coffee mugs tend to stack up. I love getting little bags of goodies from friends; I can save them for myself, or share when other guests drop by. Reflecting on gifts I’ve loved over the years, the ones that come to mind fall into at least one of three categories: personal, immediately usable or beautifully packaged.

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Personal Gifts

The fun part of a homemade gift from the kitchen is that you’re sharing part of your family—an old family recipe or personal favorite. It’s fun, too, to see what others eat and choose to share during the holidays, and to get a glimpse of another family’s traditions. Are you known for your spaghetti sauce or barbecue rub? Does your family have a signature cookie or holiday treat that everyone loves? Give the people what they want: if everyone looks at you and thinks of your delicious ginger snaps or fabulous brownies, that’s what you should make. If you’ve made almond toffee for the past 10 years (and gotten compliments on it!), by all means, stick to what you are good at, and what you’re known for.

Immediately Usable

During the holidays, we all feel pressed for time, and nothing is better than an extra hand to help. A homemade coffee cake or a couple dozen frozen hors d’oeuvres would really fit the bill for someone who has a house full of guests. A container of soup or a pan of chicken enchiladas or lasagna would be the perfect gift for a busy family. Such dishes could be used right away, or frozen for the coming weeks.

Beautifully Packaged

Half the fun of making and receiving the gift is the packing. There are endless possibilities both at local craft stores and online. Consider the item you intend to package. Is it fragile?

Would it be best stored in the fridge or freezer; would it go stale sitting on the counter? Will you be mailing the item, or hand delivering? Each of these questions dictates a different kind of basic packaging.

Take a trip to the craft store and hardware store to look at your packaging options. The best packages are gifts in themselves—a sturdy box or bowl that can be reused is a great container.

There are endless ways to jazz up your packaging as well. Picture a plain cellophane bag or an aluminum pan wrapped with personalized ribbon (imprinted with holiday greetings and your name) to dress it up. Or consider creating custom labels; you can easily design your own using sticky labels available at the office supply store—which could include cooking instructions or recipe suggestions.

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Ready to start cooking? Don’t forget to be realistic. Figure out how many gifts you’ll need, then add two or three extra gifts for good luck—there’s always someone unexpected who shows up with a package—and you could take extra gifts to any holiday parties to which you may be invited. Figure out the cost of the recipe, and whether it will be affordable; sometimes holiday ingredients like nuts can be expensive. Next, make one batch of your gift—to make sure it’s good, and to see how long it will take. Test the packaging, and make any necessary adjustments.

Keep the recipe and a list of recipients in your holiday file so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel next year. It may also be a good idea to keep a list of gifts you received from friends to help remind you who you need to add to your list next year.

I’ve included some recipes that I’ve enjoyed that make nice gifts, if you don’t already have one in mind. Happy Holidays and Happy Cooking!

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Grainy Mustard (makes 2 cups) This would look great in a jar with a nice label. Everyone knows what to do with mustard, but you could add a recipe for a salad dressing made with the mustard for a nice addition to your gift. ¼ cup mustard seeds 1 cup Coleman’s mustard powder

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4 tablespoons honey ¼ cup champagne vinegar 1 cup white wine Place the mustard seeds in a heavy zip-lock plastic bag and pound them 4 to 5 times with the bottom of a skillet to smash some of the seeds. In a medium bowl, combine the seeds, mustard powder, honey and vinegar. Stir until combined. Add the wine and stir. Put into a non-reactive jar (glass) and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using. Mustard keeps, refrigerated, for one year—if it lasts that long! r vhomemaga zine .com

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Mushroom Puffs (makes 36) These yummy hors d’oeuvres can be kept in the freezer up to three months. Just pop a few on a baking tray and reheat for a last-minute treat. Alternately, just make the filling and serve with toasted French bread rounds.

1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons butter 1 pound mushrooms, chopped 1 8-ounce package cream cheese 1 package frozen puff pastry

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Sauté garlic in butter. Add mushrooms and cook over medium-high heat, until all the liquid has been absorbed. Cool slightly. Combine cream cheese and mushrooms in a food processor or mixer and blend completely.

(At this point, you could refrigerate the mixture and serve with toasted French bread rounds.) To continue with making the appetizer, cut a sheet of puff pastry into 1½-inch squares. Press a square into each cavity of a mini muffin tin. Fill with a rounded teaspoon of the mushroom mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes until lightly browned. Serve, or cool then remove from pan and freeze for up to three months.

Five-Spice Pecans (makes 2 cups) These are great as a snack, or crumbled as an addition to a salad or on top of a bowl of ice cream.

Butter (for greasing baking sheet) 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder ½ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons water 2 cups pecan halves Butter a foil-lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 350. In a heavy saucepan, bring the sugar, spices and water to a boil, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 240 degrees (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans.

Pour the nut mixture onto the greased foil and bake in the oven for 10 minutes, until toasted and fragrant. Let cool, then break up into small pieces. Store in an airtight container for two weeks, or in your freezer for up to six months.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

Simple Truffles I learned early that the attraction to truffles is the taste and quality of the chocolate, so don’t skimp on this ingredient. Instead of the lengthy process of scooping and rolling the truffles into balls, try cutting them into decorative shapes (squares, rectangles, or small hearts or other cookie-cutter shapes). It looks attractive and saves lots of time! ½ cup heavy cream 1 pound bittersweet chocolate, chopped (use the best that you can find, like Lindt, Callebaut or other high-quality chocolate) 6 ounces (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter ½ cup sifted cocoa powder Line an 8x8 square pan with plastic wrap.

Combine cream, chocolate and butter in a double boiler, and simmer over warm water until smooth and melted. Pour into the pan and chill. Use plastic wrap to lift out of the pan. Cut into desired shapes and dust with cocoa powder. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two months. Allow truffles to come to room temperature before serving.

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59

n GARDEN BIRD FEEDERS

Winter Garden, Bird Sanctuary

By B ecky Calv er t

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With all their twittering and fluttering about, birds add movement, sound and color to our landscape. The winter garden, while lacking the lushness the more hospitable growing seasons offer, can still be a sanctuary for birds. The harsh weather of the season is difficult for our feathered friends, making shelter, food and water harder to find. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make the garden a year-round bird haven—ways that are beneficial to our landscape as well.

H

osting a variety of plantings in your yard is a good place to start. Diversity in plants provides a blend of colors, textures, shapes and sizes to the landscape that attract birds. Evergreens and shrubs provide ideal spots for birds to shelter themselves from predators and the elements during the colder months. American hollies, bayberries and junipers, as well as deciduous trees like the native dogwood and flowering crabapple, provide birds a great food source with their winter berries. Plant species native to the area will not only thrive in our growing conditions, but they also attract native birds that recognize them as food sources.

When we prepare to entertain guests in our homes, we often put our best foot forward by straightening up the little messes of everyday life. Nature, however, is not as impressed with neatness. Little messes left in our yards welcome not just birds, but the bugs and larvae they feed on. Leave some of autumn’s fallen leaves in small piles in flowerbeds, and around trees, bushes and fences. The benefits of leaving this leaf litter reach far beyond creating a habitat for the insects that birds feast on. This litter helps control erosion and assist with water retention, while adding nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. The bugs that depend on this food source often work to spread these nutrients throughout the garden. Instead of deadheading the spent zinnias and coneflowers of last summer’s flowerbeds, leave them until spring. Leave some leaf litter among their stalks to create a winter smorgasbord of seeds and bugs as well as a naturally enriched plot come next spring.

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Birds are also attracted to small brush piles. A small pile, tucked away in a corner of the yard, is a sanctuary from predators and harsh weather. These piles offer shelter as well as materials for nest building. In warmer months, these piles can be covered with climbing vines such as morning glory or hyacinth bean, also providing nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Shelter can also be provided in the form of a birdhouse or nesting box you purchase at the garden center or hardware store.

Providing a food source in a bird feeder is another way to attract birds to your winter garden. Feeders can be hung in any number of spots to attract a wider variety of birds. Some birds will feel comfortable coming to a feeder attached to a window, while others might prefer one hanging from a tree branch.

Try to provide a secure spot, near shelter, and avoid hanging the feeder on low branches where small predators like cats may lurk. Wherever you choose to place a feeder, it is important to maintain the food supply, as birds will seek it out on a regular basis, especially in the harshest of weather. To deter other creatures such as squirrels from feasting at your buffet, consider mounting your feeder on a pole with a squirrel baffle (a device used to destabilize the climbing surface), or surround your feeders with a wire mesh through which squirrels are unable to chew.

In order to keep warm, birds need to eat seeds higher in fat and protein. Beware of cheaper mixes containing grain and cracked corn contents, which act as filler. Cracked corn especially attracts undesirable birds such as starlings, an invasive species. Invasive species—those that have been introduced to the environment—often lack predators or other native controls R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

on their population, and can crowd out native birds, leading to extinction. Sunflower chips, peanuts, thistle and black-oil sunflower seeds are among those highest in fat and protein, and are recommended to attract native birds to your feeders.

Suet cakes are a good option as well, as long as they are 95 percent fat.

With food and shelter options available, the last crucial element to attracting birds to your winter garden is a good water source. Ideally, a few shallow sources of water available for drinking and bathing should be located within 15 feet of shelter. Colder temperatures can mean standing water ices over easily, so small heaters or bubblers can be installed to help prevent this. Solar-powered or temperature-sensitive models are ideal because they do not depend on electricity and require little attention. Birds are more attracted to moving water than still, but any water source will do. A few small perches in and near the water, which can be as simple as small rocks, are much appreciated by birds. As with feeders, any water source offered to birds should be cleaned on a regular basis, ideally about once a week, to avoid spreading disease.

The winter landscape, while more difficult for wildlife to navigate, can still be hospitable to our feathered friends. Thankfully, making your yard a year-round haven for birds is as easy to create and maintain as it is to enjoy.

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n LIVE PARTY IDEA

With Sugar on Top

Host a Gingerbread House-Making Party

By A lys s a M er c a dan t e

Decorating a gingerbread house is a centuries-old holiday tradition.

Edible, sugary creations topped with delectable, colorful candies: what better way to celebrate the season? In our time-crunched world, though, building a house from scratch—even in miniature— may seem daunting for those of us just managing to decorate the homes we live in. However, when it comes to making these masterpieces, there are no rules, and there is no right or wrong way to have fun and enjoy the company of others while taking part in this beloved holiday tradition. Put a twist on your usual cookie exchange and follow these guidelines to help you plan a fun holiday party that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

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P h ot o gr a p hy by KG T hi e n e m a nn

Get Prepped

Constructing gingerbread houses can indeed take a bit of time and skill, so it’s important to consider your guests’ ages when deciding just how much prep work to do before the main event. If adults are participating, you’ll probably want to make and bake the gingerbread dough ahead of time, but perhaps let your guests assemble the pieces themselves.

If working with a younger group, take it a step further and assemble the houses beforehand so guests can spend more time decorating. If little ones are attending, bake a batch of gingerbread cookies for decorating that are easier for tiny hands to manage.

Small graham cracker houses are another option for small children. There are many ways to create a house using graham crackers, but a basic model includes six whole, unbroken sheets of graham crackers—four for the sides 6 6

and roof, and two to cut into gable end pieces (you’ll need a super-sharp knife).

Consider using a hot glue gun to assemble the pieces before guests arrive so that these mini houses are ready for decorating right away—but be sure to instruct these partygoers not to eat the house component because of the glue.

If you have the gumption to make your gingerbread from scratch, it’s important to find the right recipe. Be sure to choose one that will provide you with a sturdy foundation for your cookie home. Do not wait until the last minute to test a new gingerbread recipe in case things go awry. You’ll also need a template for the house, and you can find one easily by doing a simple online search. There are many pretty, printable patterns available that make cutting your baked and cooled gingerbread fun and easy.

Once the pieces are cut, it’s time to assemble. If you’re a purist and want to

go the edible route, royal icing is the gold standard for “mortar,” and most recipes consist of simple on-hand ingredients: egg whites, vanilla and confectioner’s sugar.

Or take the tried-and-true shortcut: use a hot glue gun for quick and easy assembly, again reminding your guests these houses are not for nibbling. If you’re crunched for time or want to focus on decorating, not building, your houses, you can buy premade and/or pre-assembled gingerbread houses at your local craft or grocery store during the holiday season.

You’ll also need to think about how guests will be transporting their creations home once they are finished. Sturdy paper plates are sufficient if crafting small gingerbread houses, but if the finished product will be large and heavy, go with some foil-wrapped cardboard or even cardboard cake rounds that can be found at your local craft store.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

P h ot o gr a p hy by A ll e gr a H e lms

P h ot o gr a p hy by A ll e gr a H e lms

P h ot o gr a p hy by KG T hi e n e m a nn

All the Fixings

With prep work done, it’s time to set up a decorating station. If your builders will be working together around one big table, cover it with butcher paper for a clean, blank palette (and easy clean up!) and provide mounds of sweet accessories down the middle of the table— either in pretty containers (think apothecary jars, cupcake liners, baskets, mason jars and more) or even free-form heaping mounds. Provide a variety of shapes and textures for your guests to inspire creativity, such as sprinkles, marshmallows, pretzels and gumdrops, plus classic gingerbread embellishments like peppermints, candy canes and lollipops. Sticks of gum can be used as rooftop shingles, squares of chocolate for doors, pretzel sticks and pretzel squares as windows, ice cream cones for trees…the possibilities are endless and there is no such thing as too much!

Provide guests with pastry bags or frosting bottles filled with icing to use to affix their embellishments to their holiday homes. You can also make your own pastry bags by snipping a hole in the corner of a ziplock bag, or buy pre-filled tubes of icing. Or set out a few bowls of frosting so guests can spread it on with a knife.

A large, completed gingerbread house amongst all the building supplies makes a perfect centerpiece for this spread. Not only is it a great focal point, it also serves as inspiration for the party guests while they create their own masterpieces.

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P h ot o gr a p hy by KG T hi e n e m a nn 6 8

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

Beyond the Sweets

Since this is a party, be sure to offer guests a few snacks and beverages. Because most will be snacking on supplies while decorating their gingerbread houses, keep the sweets on your party menu to a minimum and add some savory items to the mix. Popcorn, a classic salty snack, is easy to prepare and can even be used as an accessory for the gingerbread houses. Old faithfuls like fruit and veggie trays or cheese and crackers would be welcome nibbles amongst all this sugar and excess of the holiday season. For kids, consider tea sandwiches (cream cheese and cucumber, peanut butter and jelly), cutting them into festive shapes using a gingerbread-man cookie cutter or other holiday motif. Wash down snacks with milk, hot chocolate, or coffee and tea for the adults. Jazz up the kids’ milk with a bit of red or green food coloring for a note of holiday spirit.

At the end of your gingerbread house party, once bellies are full and houses are complete, send your guests home with their colorful creations as well as a keepsake from your time together, like an ornament, cookie cutter or recipe card for your gingerbread. They can use it to make their own gingerbread cookies and houses for years to come.

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Gingerbread House Dough 6 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1 cup dark-brown sugar 4 teaspoons ground ginger 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves 1 teaspoon finely ground black pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 large eggs 1 1/2 cups unsulfured molasses In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.

In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt.

Beat in eggs and molasses.

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master piece

Add flour mixture; mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Divide dough into thirds and wrap in plastic.

Chill for at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes, or using template instructions, if desired. Place dough shapes on ungreased baking sheets; chill until firm, about 15 minutes.

Bake 15 minutes, or until gingerbread is firm in the center, but not dark around the edges.

This recipe adapted from Martha Stewart Living (December 1995) r vhomemaga zine .com

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n DESIGN CHRISTMAS TREES

Tannenbaum!

T I P S F O R H O L I D AY T R E E S

By M e ri d i t h I n g ra m

Forget politics and religion: if you want to stir things up at your next holiday party, bring up the subject of Christmas trees. Everyone’s got an opinion. There’s the staunch “real tree, white lights” set, the smooth-talking “faux’s the way to go” advocates… not to mention other arguables like ornament placement, light stringing techniques, garland versus tinsel (or not). Even within families, there is likely to be a debate over whose way is the right way.

But that’s the beautiful thing about Christmas trees: there is no right or wrong way, not really. It’s the act of putting up the tree that counts, of creating a holiday tableau around which other traditions are centered, literally and figuratively. But traditions can get stale if we don’t evaluate what we’re doing every now and then. This year, when putting up your Christmas tree, keep a few considerations in mind so the chore doesn’t outweigh the cheer. Perhaps a little knowledge and perspective might add a new dash of fun to your tree traditions.

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P h ot o gr a p hy by A ll e gr a H e lms

Real Versus Faux

According to the American Christmas Tree Association, there is no debate on this one: both fresh and artificial trees have their merits, and the group’s recent study showed that neither has a significantly different impact on the environment. So if we take environmental considerations off the table, and know the pros and cons of each (those that have been argued in families and at cocktail parties), you’ll just have to go with what works for your family and your season.

If you’re buying a live tree this year, take the time to examine it for freshness so you can get a good four weeks out of it. If it’s encased in netting as many are at the tree lot, ask an employee to help remove it. Run your hand over the branches; if needles drop, move on to the next tree. Branches should feel supple and pliable. Also, if a tree feels lighter than it should, that’s a sign that the tree may 7 2

be dried out—over half of the weight of a tree is water. Though prices vary, you can expect to pay about $10 per foot for a fresh tree, give or take.

If you’re purchasing an artificial tree, consider it a multi-year investment and buy the best you can afford for the most pleasing results. The price for an artificial tree can range anywhere from two digits (mini and novelty trees) all the way up to four digits, and there are many things to consider: size, color, lights, density of branches and more. You should not be able to see the center pole on a quality artificial tree, and if you choose a prelit tree, make sure it has enough lights to suit your taste.

Securing the Tree

Most of us have “the spot” in our home where we place the tree, year after year.

Maybe it’s displayed in a street-facing window in the formal living room, or

tucked in a corner of the den where the family likes to congregate. Pick the place where you’ll get the most enjoyment out of it. If you’re considering shaking things up this year and relocating the tree—or better yet, adding another to your decorating scheme—be sure to measure your ceiling height so you know your tree will fit, and don’t forget to take into consideration both the height of the tree stand and your tree topper. Make sure you place it near an electrical outlet, but away from air ducts that will dry out a live tree. Keep both real and artificial trees away from fireplaces to avoid a fire hazard. Consider too, giving the tree enough berth so it doesn’t brush against drapes or scratch the paint on the wall.

Don’t be afraid to move the furniture to accommodate your tree—that’s half the fun, having a great excuse to enjoy a new furniture layout for a few weeks of the year.

R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

Wherever you place it, make sure it’s sturdy and level before you begin to decorate it. We all have or have heard the heartbreaking stories of tree collapse and broken heirloom ornaments. Start by assessing your tree stand; make sure it’s designed to hold a tree of the size you come home with. Take another line of defense with this trick: secure your tree to the wall or ceiling with a length of fishing line and a small screw hook. Got toddlers or pets? Here’s another trick: place your tree, not your children, in the play-yard, to avoid curious hands. Also don’t forget to place a small tarp under your fresh tree to avoid discovering water damage on the floor come January.

Trimmings and Trappings

Trimming the tree is supposed to be fun!

But burnt-out lights, garland shortage, and arguing over ornament placement can all spark ire in this process. Consider these tips for stress-free tree trimming.

First, keep strands of lights plugged in as you work; it’s easier to see what you’re doing and you’ll know if all are in good working order. Decorate from the inside out, working from the trunk to the outer

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layers, and from top to bottom. Your taste dictates just how bright you want your tree to be, but a good rule of thumb is to use about 100 lights for about every foot of your tree. But don’t string more than three strands on one electrical circuit to avoid overload.

There are a number of ways to string those lights. The traditional wave pattern—wrapping around the tree maypole-style—is probably the fastest and easiest. Another way is to mentally divide it into three triangular sections, from top to bottom, around the cone of the tree. Starting at the top, weave lights back and forth across that triangle all the way to the bottom of the tree, then repeat this process in the other two triangles.

For the most meticulous of tree trimmers, there’s the branch wrapping method— wrapping each branch for a real glowfrom-within look.

Next comes the garland, if you are so inclined. You’ll need about nine feet of garland per foot of tree. It’s best hung gently swagged—or use it vertically, twisting down from the tree topper.

And Then, the Ornaments

Retailers provide us great inspiration to bedeck our trees with carefully coordinated ornaments. But many of us also have salt dough and clothespin ornaments from seasons past that are among the most cherished. For the best of both worlds, consider one unifying element on your tree—say, simple glass ball ornaments in a color you love—and fill in with your treasures. Or consider incorporating another, smaller tree in a different location and deem that your “decorator tree” to do with what you choose. Think candy-themed ornaments on a mini-tree on the kitchen island, or bold and elegant metallics (glass balls, faux flowers) on a tall, thin tree tucked in the corner of the dining room where you’ll be entertaining.

When trimming the tree, perhaps the best tip of all is to dim the lights, step back and take in the big picture to assess your work in progress. Sometimes you need that perspective to see what areas need work, and what is really beautiful from the right distance. And really, isn’t that great advice for the whole season?

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

Know Your Branches Purchasing a live tree? According to the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association, the top-selling Christmas trees in Virginia are:

Fir (Balsam, Dougl as, Fr aser, Noble):

These varieties are known for long-lasting, blue-green or dark green needles and firm branches that are ideal for heavier ornaments. Fir trees are also a lighter-weight species, making them a bit easier to transport. They also tend to be more fragrant than other varieties.

Pine (Scotch, Virginia and White): Known for

brushy green needles and springy branches, this species isn’t ideal for bulky garlands or heavy ornaments, but demonstrates excellent needle retention and is known to produce fewer reactions for allergy sufferers.

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n DESIGN CONCRETE FLOORING

CONCRETE How to Warm and Brighten Those Cold, Gray Floors

By H e at h er B Hay es

Historically, the only design choice associated with a concrete floor in the home was how best to cover it up: carpet, wood, tile or vinyl? No longer.

Bare concrete has become a popular flooring option as homeowners turn to new decorative concrete materials, techniques and processes to brighten and animate their unfinished basements and other inside spaces.

Their choices include acid-staining the concrete, marbling it with warm or vibrant metallic coatings, scoring, sawing and stamping it to achieve all manner of patterns and artistic expression, and smoothing and polishing it to a glossy, mirror-like sheen. r vhomemaga zine .com

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“It’s really the idea of using what you already have, which is not only cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but with the decorative techniques you also get a finished, attractive, uniquelooking floor,” says Richard Taylor, owner of Design Concrete Surfaces in Roanoke, noting that decorative concrete floors are allergy-free, durable, easy to clean and require very little maintenance.

In fact, the trend is becoming so prevalent that it’s not just for current homeowners who want a waterproof but inspired flooring solution in their basements. Decorative concrete is increasingly being used in new home construction.

And this floor choice is not relegated to basements. If your house is built on a slab foundation, decorative concrete is a practical but beautiful choice for kitchens, baths, foyers, living rooms and closed-in porches. And if you have wood subflooring?

It’s still an option, though not an ideal one. Installers can trawl a layer of concrete over wood and jazz it up with decorative processes. However, since wood is pliable, this type of concrete floor is even more prone to crack and not something installers usually recommend.

Colorful Options

For most homeowners, decorative concrete is an affordable way to give new life to old floors—and also create a unique look. And you don’t need to start from scratch or have perfect floors to get amazing results.

Oftentimes, concrete that’s been covered is still in excellent shape and needs no prep work, but if it has been previously painted or has old carpet or wood glue stuck to it, an installer can grind the surface and then start the decorative process. And if the floor has a lot of damage or uneven spots? “We can come back 7 8

and put on a very thin coating of a concrete product, which we call a micro-topping, and essentially refresh the surface,” Taylor explains. “Then it can be stained and sealed as if it were brand new concrete.”

In fact, many homeowners first learn about stained concrete after a basement flood, leak or mold problem forces them to call in a specialist to rip out old carpet or wood. “Once people have been through a leak or a flood, they’re definitely a lot more willing to go back to their concrete floors,” Taylor says. “Wood floors and carpets get wet, musty, grow mold, buckle, have to be torn out. With concrete, there’s no concern with that. If water gets in, you shop-vac it or mop it up and everything’s fine.”

The simplest—and most cost-effective—decorative option is acid-staining, which, at about $3 to $5 per square foot installed, is comparable to the price of average carpet and costs considerably less than wood or tile.

To achieve the look, Taylor’s firm uses a high-grade stain product that deeply penetrates the concrete and chemically changes the color. After letting it dry overnight, they seal the color first with a layer of acrylic sealer or polyurethane (depending on the amount of foot traffic expected), achieving a warm, rich floor that plays up the variegated tones and shades inherent in poured concrete.

The color palette available with stained concrete is limited to warm earth tones, so homeowners who want a brighter, more primary coloring on their floors, including white, will need a metallic epoxy finish. This coloring technique, which generally costs between $5 and $7 per square foot, relies on an epoxy coating mixed with pigment and metal chips. The result? A marbled, semi-transparent appearance with more dimension and depth than a stained floor.

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Floor Art

When combined with professional techniques like sawing, scoring, stamping and engraving, these two coloring processes can help homeowners turn their concrete floors into glossy works of art. The possibilities for an imaginative, conversationsparking floor design are endless: irregular patterns, circular lines, geometric grids, and multi-color motifs. Some homeowners have even fashioned an original design, monogram or family crest in the center of a floor.

You can also go with a more traditional look. Installers can create a faux tiled floor by trawling an overlay of concrete onto existing concrete floors (or even wood subfloors), scoring or stamping the desired pattern and then individually coloring each block with acid-stain or metallic epoxy. These types of techniques can also be used to imitate other popular floor choices like wood, stone, slate, granite and brick.

The benefits? You get the unique appearance, but not the shortcomings of those options. You don’t have to worry about water damage like swelling, buckling and rotting. You don’t have to purchase higher-priced specialty cleaners, as concrete floors can be wiped clean with a mop and soapy water. And the surface is as impervious as a floor can be to scratches and scuffs from toys, pets and high heels.

The one downside to concrete has always been that cracks can and do occur due to shrinkage. However, with decorative concrete techniques, these cracks are no longer an eyesore.

They can certainly be smoothed over with thin layer of concrete and then stained and sealed, but it’s also worth noting that a few cracks can actually add a unique character to this type of flooring. That’s because cracks absorb more pigment than the rest of the floor, which accentuates the color and gives it a natural look.

Finally, homeowners can give their concrete floors a polish by using different diamond abrasive grit to achieve various levels of shine—from a matte finish to a wet look to a gloss so high that you can see your reflection in it. “The concrete gets a shiny look without need for a sealer, and it stays that way,” Taylor explains.

“So the advantage is that you don’t need to maintain or redo the sealer to keep the shine.”

No matter what decorative concrete color, style or finish you choose, you’ll reap all the same benefits: a one-of-a-kind, refined, durable, allergy-friendly and easily maintained floor that your visitors will never recognize as concrete.

Since 1997

PHILLIP MORGAN www.phillipmorgan.com

Phillip Morgan

Estate and Personal Property Liquidations

We are a full service Estate and Downsizing liquidation organization.

Including appraisals partial to full estates, commercial venues and more. Tag Sales, Auctions and custom-tailored sales.

Clients include private individuals, estate attorneys, corporate entities and the United States Department of Justice/Bankruptcy Division. REFERENCES AVAILABLE. In addition to the Roanoke Valley; we have conducted sales in: Virginia Beach, Hot Springs, Norfolk, Lynchburg, Danville, VA; Lewisburg and Bluefield WVA, and High Point, NC. We travel.

We perform a turn-key operation and tailor each sale to meet the needs of the client. References available.

www.phillipmorgan.com • 540-353-1800

Granite countertops made simple • 13 choices for 1 price -- upgraded types of stone available • Templates, Installation, all cut outs and standard edges included • No up-charges • Visit one of our showrooms or contact us today to schedule a consultation • Virginia’s premier natural stone authority • Come see us for all of your natural stone, masonry, and hardscaping needs • Serving Virginia and North Carolina since 2002

VA - 19730 Virgil H Goode Hwy, Rocky Mount | 540-483-2737 NC - 8605 Triad Drive, Greensboro | 336-996-4918

www.marshallstone.com r vhomemaga zine .com

79

n LIVE PET SHOPPING GUIDE

GIFTS FOR P

TS

Give them what they really want!

Buying a gift for your furry best friend shouldn’t be any different than shopping for your other loved ones. Keep in mind what they enjoy doing and if they have any special preferences and shop accordingly. Remember, you’re buying the gift for them, not yourself.

As with people, the best gift you can give your pet is something that’s a special indulgence or something that brings them comfort. We think any of these gifts will set tails wagging and elicit purrs aplenty.

Canterbury Books and Gifts, located inside St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Mountain Avenue entrance, has a few special items for sale this holiday season with your furry best friend in mind.

All profits from the sale of these items will benefit all of St. John’s community outreach programs—such as the Community Youth Program, an after-school program for at-risk youth providing homework help for students in grades four through eight; and the Temporary Relief of Unexpected Emergencies program, a program that helps connect people in need of housing and utility assistance with the appropriate community resources.

For more information, contact Barbara at (540) 491-9914 or by email at bookstore@stjohnsroanoke.org.

These pewter collar tags carry the emblem of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint and protector of animals. The smaller size will fit the collar of a cat or small dog, $2.95. The larger size will complement the collar of a medium-to-large sized pet, $5.95.

Collars and leads are also for sale, $15 and $18.

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These three items are chosen with wellness in mind. The cookbook features a collection of 75 healthy recipes you can prepare for your dog—and the cute “peppermint” tennis ball will surely get his tail wagging for playtime!

After his workout, reward that good dog with a peanut butter dog treat by Harry Barker. Cookbook, $19.99, peppermint tennis ball, $3, peanut butter treats, $11.99.

All items are available at Provisions/rsvp.

Choose your favorite breed or collect all six! These enameled miniature dog boxes by Kubla Craft will delight any dog-lover, with their realistic depictions of our favorite breeds, decorated with Austrian crystals. Each one, standing only two inches tall, is a tiny treasure you can hold in your hand and a lovely reminder of your beloved pet.

Prices start at $30, available at Provision/rsvp.

r vhomemaga zine .com

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3 Day Kitchen & Bath. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Accents on Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Alpaca by Jaca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Astonish Antique Restoration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 B P Roy Construction LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Ballyhack Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Better Sofas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Betty Branch Sculptor Studio & Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Black Dog Salvage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Black Horse Manor Antiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Blown Away Spray Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Bonomo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Boone Graham Thomas Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Boxley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Burger In The Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Bruce Carrington , Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Bush-Flora Shoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Capps Home Building Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Carter’s Cabinet Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Certified Carpet Cleaners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Chanticleer Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Dalton Construction Company, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Embrace Home Loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Frank Hardy Inc., Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Garland’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Glenn, Feldmann, Darby and Goodlatte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Goldsmith Appraisal Service, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Green Designs, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Halifax Fine Furnishings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Interiors by Kris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Jeannine Hanson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 John C. Carter, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 LinDor Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Log Homes by Jack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Magnolia Décor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Marshall Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 N-Hance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 National Pools of Roanoke, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Northwest True Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Now Then and Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Oakey’s Funeral Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Overhead Door Co. of Roanoke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Perry Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Phillip Morgan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Potentially Chic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Potter Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Prescott Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Present Thyme Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Protect Painters of the Roanoke Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Roanoke Catholic School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Roanoke Home and Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Roanoke Landscapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Roanoke Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Scott Avis MKB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Seven Oaks Landscape Hardscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Sinkland Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Southern Lamp and Shade Showroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Smith Mountain Building Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Star City Half Marathon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Brothers That Just Do Gutters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Cabinet Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The Little Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Olde White House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Vinton Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Viva la Cupcake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Vivendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Water By Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Whitt Carpet One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Window and Door Design Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Wisler Plumbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 WSLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 8 2

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n RESOURCE GALLERY Furniture & Architectural Restoration | Touch-up & Repair Artifact Preservation | Refinishing Services

540.769.6070 5205D Starkey Road Roanoke, Virginia 24018 www.AstonishRestoration.com

Preserving the history, beauty, and value of your cherished pieces

A Specialty Publications Company 434-386-5667 www.westwillowpublishing.com

Janet

Anne Marie

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. When you want to reach the most responsive, most affluent, most desirable audience in the Roanoke Valley.

For advertising information contact

Janet Lampman at 540.353.7172 or Anne Marie Poore at 540.520.4309

HOME R O A N O K E

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R o a n o ke Va l l e y h o m e H o l i d a y / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

embrace a different kind of lender Embrace Home Loans is a different kind of mortgage lending company. A company that cares about its customers, both big and small. But, what makes us different is also what makes us great: • • • •

Over a quarter of a century of experience in the industry Over 400 compassionate professionals—and counting Local loan officers and support staff nationwide Online access to loan progress updates

INC 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America

Robin Jewell

Pam Henderson

David Shelor

Carol Potts

Mike Easterly

Alice Faye Crute

Pamela Snead

Sarah Camper

SR. LOAN OFFICER

SR. LOAN OFFICER

SR. LOAN OFFICER

SR. LOAN OFFICER

BRANCH MANAGER

SR. LOAN OFFICER

SR. LOAN OFFICER

ASSISTANT

540.309.5013

540.761.5292

540.250.6002

540.353.8812

540.330.9763

540.761.3782

540.239.4446

540.375.3190

NMLS# 235597

NMLS# 432425

NMLS# 150473

NMLS# 155017

NMLS# 235204

NMLS# 336851

NMLS# 659510

NMLS# 250701

Call today!

540.375.3190 2820 Keagy Road, 2nd Floor, Salem, VA 24153 Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS ID#2184 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com) is licensed in VA.