Your Home Magazine | Vol. 3 | Iss. 5 | Holly Pascarella

YOUR HOME MAGAZINE®

+

l u f i t Beau uterie c r a h C s d r a o B

small celebrations

holiday inspiration cocktail corner

Compliments of

HOLLY PASCARE LLA

RE ALTOR®

941.225.3218 | pascarellagroup@gmail.com

contents

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 5

16

44

6 4 digital dish Inspiration online and on social media

5 make a difference Helping our community through donating time or money this season

6 coastal cool Cool, modern design without compromising comfort in this new home

16 board meeting Charcuterie board tips to make your next gathering a success

20 bring out the bubbly Sparkling wines and champagne suggestions

22 top picks

40 small parties, big fun How to host a small gathering this year

44 celebratory sips Festive drinks for the season

Dazzling dishes for any dinner party

24 happy, healthy holidays Keeping healthy during the holidays

30 great design for downsized living Tour this beautiful and thoughtfullydesigned condo

48 party on: questions to ask your caterer Make your holiday party a breeze by hiring a caterer

50 11 home features that help you sell faster Helpful hints for selling your home

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Digital Dish

YOUR HOME

WHAT'S HAPPENING ON WWW.YHMAGAZINE.COM, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND BEYOND

MAGAZINE®

F U RN ITUREP ICK

P UB LI SHER

CYLINDER COFFEE TABLE

Channing Spano A R T D I RECTO R

Tarra Wood

The Maddux Modern Ombré Iron Cylinder Coffee Table from Kathy Kuo makes a bold statement in your living room. Available in antique gold or silver, so it can fit in with any palette. $520; kathykuo.com.

P RESI D ENT

Tony Spano CO N TR I B U T I NG WRI T ERS

Kitt Walsh Oliver Nash

W I S H L I ST

hanging rattan bench Inspired by Scandinavian design from the 1960s, Serena & Lily created this scooped-seat bench for two. We love this complemented with pillows and cushions which is great way to add softness, while displaying your style. In the winter, add a basket of cozy throws nearby and you’ve got all the makings of a relaxing evening. A heavy-duty loop and rope ensures that it's sturdy and secure. Available at serenaandlily.com for $998.

LET US FEATURE YOUR HOME PRODUCTS AND SERVICES We are always on the lookout for new and innovative products and services that our readers would enjoy knowing about for their fine homes. Give us a call at 239.235.3170 or email at info@yhmagazine.com to discuss how effective content marketing can be for your company.

Your Home Magazine® is sent to you courtesy of the real estate professional(s) that specialize in your neighborhood. If you’d like to change your mailing preferences, please email us at info@yhmagazine.com.

FAVO RITETREND

VELVET PILLOWS The Luxe Square pillow features soft, puffy stitched channels of rich velvet and add a layer of sophistication to your sofa or bed. Solid cotton on the back offers contrasting texture.

CB2 pillows include a pillow insert in your choice of feather down or down alternative. $49.95 each and available at cb2.com.

connect with us yhmagazine |

@yhmagazineinc |

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@yourhomemagazine | www.yhmagazine.com

Your Home Magazine® is published by Your Home Magazine, Inc © Copyright 2020. All right reserved. All prices, specs, and financing rates & terms are subject to change without notice. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Advertisers in Your Home Magazine should not be considered referred or endorsed by Your Home Magazine or any other advertiser. If your home is currently listed, this is not an offer to sell your home.

M A KE A

DIFFERENCE Traditionally, this is the time of year where we feel led to give back to our community. This year has been a hard one for many people and many organizations are in need of extra help as the year closes. We’ve compiled a list of organizations helping those in need. While they are national organizations, they impact your local community as well as the world, so if you feel led to give either time or money this holiday season, we hope this list helps.

CHILDREN

PETS

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES

AMERICAN HUMANE

Ronald McDonald House programs, located near top children’s hospitals, allow parents and families to stay close to their hospitalized child without incurring hotel and food costs. rmhc.org

Founded in 1877, their mission is to ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of animals; to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and humans. americanhumane.org

COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL

ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE

Compassion International is a child sponsorship and humanitarian aid organization that aims to positively impact long-term development of children living in poverty. compassion.com

Since 1951, the Animal Welfare Institute has been dedicated to reducing animal suffering everywhere: in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild. awionline.org

DISASTER RELIEF

HOMELESS/HUNGER

OPERATION USA

NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS

Operation USA delivers aid around the globe. They focus on disaster relief and reconstruction, as well as educating underserved communities. opusa.org

The Alliance was founded in 1983 by a group of concerned citizens.

They are committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. endhomelessness.org

WORLD VISION

THE HUNGER PROJECT

World Vision trains and mobilizes community-based volunteers in major response and recovery activities and collects, manages, and organizes goods for distribution to affected communities. worldvision.org

This organization works to end hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies in countries throughout the world. thp.org

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C O A S TA L

COOL

By Kitt Walsh | Photography by Shajib Paul of Naples Archmedia THANKS TO AN EXTRAORDINARILY successful career in fashion design and merchandising, Dorothy and Bob Mulholland have lived in some of the most spectacular locales in the United States and have built a dream home in each one. From a weathered gray shake-shingled home in Nantucket to a Tuscan villa and winery in Napa Valley, the couple has been inspired by the indigenous features of local architecture and created custom homes wherever they moved.

Now they have turned their artists’ eyes to Naples and have joined the renaissance underway at Pelican Bay, a locale well known for its private pristine beaches. Their firm, Big Ranch, LLC, teamed up with builder Tom Andrea of Three Palms Construction to design the perfect home for the way life is lived today.

“I have designed many homes over the years, but now I have used my experience to create a dream home for someone else,” says Dorothy Mulholland. “I wanted the space to be comfortable and in no way intimidating.

The greatest compliment is when someone visits the home and the first thing they say is, ‘I could live here right now.’”

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Laurie Bellico of John R Wood Properties was instrumental in helping the trio find the perfect site for Mulholland’s vision – a quiet corner

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cul de sac in Pelican Bay, one of Naples’ most desirable communities. After the teardown of the existing structure, the construction of the new home became a labor of love for Andrea and the Mulholland’s. Bellico has been delighted to be with the team every step of the way. “It’s a simple but stunning home,” says Bellico, “and attention has been paid to the smallest details.”

The single-story home boasts 4,443 square feet under air, with four bedrooms plus den and four-and-a-half baths, but there is nothing sprawling about it. The home is a manageable size yet there is a private space for every family member. Guest rooms are all en suite and set apart from the master suite. Each room, filled with natural colors, textures and finishes, is delineated by its unique ceilings.

Builder/Partner Andrea showed off his own creative side by designing the show-stopping ceilings using high-end woods like mahogany, southern yellow pine and cypress, installed by hand by his team of artisans. “Visitors take notice of the superior craftsmanship and beautiful custom woodwork throughout the home,” says Bellico. “Everyone is in awe of the detail.”

All rooms have a fabulous view of the gorgeous pool and lanai and many open directly onto it. Other rooms may be sealed off with tall sliding glass pocketing doors. Lending to a true

indoor/outdoor lifestyle, the outdoor space is an extension of the home—the summer kitchen, fireplace, and dramatic wood ceiling overlooking the pool patio has created a spectacular living area perfect for a neighborhood barbecue or watching a favorite game. The central core of the home draws everyone to come together to share a meal or a laugh.

Not only is the house lovely, it is incredibly functional. An ELAN G Home Automation

COASTAL VIBE

One’s eye is drawn upwards above the tile roofline of this new singlestory home in Naples’ Pelican Bay. Landscaper Renfroe Jackson worked closely with the owner and builder to choose mature Sylvester palms and light them for dramatic effect. Double glass paned mahogany doors with a transom provide a central focus on the front exterior, which was designed purposely asymmetrical for added curb appeal. A two-car garage anchors one end and a single-car garage with golf cart storage the other, allowing for a generous side yard, perfect for pets.

System controls the security system, the Lutron lighting, state-of-the art sound system, patio screens, hurricane shutters, cameras, water sensor alarms, and the Pentair pool control system. “The home is also wired for fiber internet,” says Mulholland, “capable of handling the highest of speeds. We’ve created a dedicated office space, so important today since so many of us are now working at home.”

A 12 by 16 foot laundry space can be used as

a craft room or yoga studio to help decompress from modern life’s stresses. Bellico loves the ‘she shed’ aka laundry/craft room which Dottie envisioned. “It is an ideal place for a Peloton or for an artist to paint with fabulous light. The windows are spectacular.”

Andrea’s electrical engineering experience came in handy with the design of the interior and exterior lighting. To dramatic effect, he up-lit the Sylvester palms and other native

tropical plants chosen by Mulholland, an inveterate gardener. Her green thumb, exquisite taste, and encyclopedic knowledge of plants was key to the creation of the home’s lush landscaping.

All in all, the Mulhollands and Andrea have put their heart and soul into this project and formed a lifelong friendship along the way.

Their collaboration has produced a spectacular home in Pelican Bay, truly a Naples paradise.

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ENTERTAINING CENTRAL

The spacious dining room, which serves as a bridge to the outdoors, is shown here with the long wooden table and linen chairs flanked by an Asian chest and console, providing elegant buffet surfaces for memorable dinner parties. Underneath is a hand-loomed slubby carpet, and overhead the parchment-shaded chandelier hangs from the cypress tray ceiling. Pocketing triple doors open directly onto the outdoor living space, where guests may adjourn for dessert and brandy under the stars.

HOME HUB

Understated elegance reigns in this beautiful kitchen. Set on top of stained maple cabinets, the island adds a dramatic dash of bead lighting shining up through the quartzite Cristol countertop.

The perimeter cabinets have a vanilla finish with pewter glaze fronts. Counters are Pompeii quartz and the subway tile backsplash is vanilla with a crackle finish. Appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, Wolf gas range with six burners and integrated griddle, Wolf convection steam oven and wall oven, Wolf microwave drawer, and twin Bosch dishwashers, Just behind the kitchen wall is a butler’s pantry with an 86-bottle integrated wine cooler and a walk-in pantry.

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GREAT LIVING

Beneath a star-shaped tray box beam ceiling of Harbor Whitewashed cypress, the great room is worthy of its name. The seven-inch plank Euro oak flooring seen here is found throughout the home. A buff linen seating group includes tufted button hassocks. The glass coffee table reflects the natural light flooding through the room’s pocketing doors leading to the outdoor living area.

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OWNER’S RETREAT

Tone-on-tone natural materials define the sophisticated master bedroom. Under a 13-foot tall vaulted tray ceiling of whitewashed yellow southern pine, an upholstered bed, dressed in organic cotton linens and footed by a teak and ivory covered footstool, sits atop a wool and silk Berber blend rug. A retro chest with diamond patterned doors sits underneath a hidden large screen television. The distressed oak chest serves as a nightstand, which hosts geometric ceramic lamps. A seating area strategically placed in front of the east-facing windows makes catching sunrise a lovely start to the day, and the adjacent French door leads to the pool for a morning swim.

SQUEAKY CLEAN

The egg-shaped Signature soaking tub from Ferguson has a Grohe stand-alone chrome faucet and a lovely garden courtyard view through an oversized window. An underlit freefloating vanity, with handless touch drawers, hosts double sinks set into a marble counter.

The mirror, from Electric Mirror, has inset LED ‘pure’ lights that dispel shadows, an internal anti-fogger and built-in USB ports. The room features his and hers water closets and a glassed-in doorless double shower with rain showerheads, hand-held sprayers, and a built-in seat. Floor to ceiling tile lines the shower, split up the middle by a course of wavy ceramic tiles. The shower floor is made up of a mosaic of onyx eggs, echoing the shape of the tub.

Underfoot in the rest of the bathroom is fossil limestone.

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WORK LIFE

Working from home is a pleasure in this elegant office, here set with simple iron and wood shelves, a matching desk and high-backed canvas chair, atop a nubby oatmeal rug. Behind the large art print, the office is wired for a 75-inch TV and the entire room benefits from lightning fast internet. While gathering his or her thoughts, the occupant can look out over the front palms and garden plantings through tall 400 Series Anderson transom windows.

NATURAL LIGHT

Beneath a dramatic tray, splayed and beam cypress ceiling stained in Sawyer Brown, the den is visible as soon as visitors approach the front door of the home. Twelve-foot high by ten-foot wide glass pocketing doors reveal the waterfall feature just beyond. Matching doors at the opposite end of the room seal it off from the rest of the house for entertaining. Here the room is set for a day or night of play. An oversized sofa and coffee table face a blond wood credenza, perfect for hiding the audio equipment connected to the 65-inch screen television. Behind the couch, a foosball table invites friendly competition and a wall mirror reflects the greenery just outside the doors.

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AL FRESCO

The home’s limestone block flooring was chosen to complement the fossilized limestone linear electric fireplace surround. Oversized openings flank the fireplace and sport remote control screens and exterior Bahama hurricane shutters, as do the two windows on either side of the stainless steel range hood. The outdoor kitchen boasts a 36-inch Wolf gas grill, Sub-zero refrigerator, bar sink and Kashmir Gold granite countertop set on louvered cypress cabinetry. A simple grouping of stone, iron and ivory Sunbrella fabric provides comfortable seating and a Norwegian bleach wood dining table hosts seating for six. The room’s crowning glory is another stunning vaulted yellow pine tray ceiling crafted by Three Palms Construction talented artisans.

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SUNNY DAYS

A fossilized limestone deck surrounds the elongated ‘T-shaped’ pool and spa, created by Classic Pools. Silver Pearl Pebble Tec tiles line the pool and azure glass mosaic tile delineate the water line.

The pool includes a sun shelf for warm day enjoyment, a spa for cool evening soaks and lighted bubblers are added for interest. Dramatic lighting can also change colors according to the homeowner’s mood.

This pool deck is accessible from the master bedroom via French doors, and the den and the great room via glass pocketing doors, allowing the entire back of the home to be open to enjoy the famous Naples climate.

The home is available for sale, unfurnished, at $5,495,000.

It is also available furnished.

Price for furnishing, staged

by Meredith Baer Home is available by request.

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Board Meeting SHOW-STOPPING CHARCUTERIE

G

reat gatherings start with great food and nothing says “festive” like a well-curated charcuterie board. This elegant and beautiful arrangement of meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, and bread can be as small as a cutting board or as large as an entire table. The wonderful thing about charcuterie boards is their versatility. By using in season fruits and vegetables, you can ensure that there will be plenty of options at the grocery store, and then add special touches to make it holiday-appropriate.

To start, pick the board or platter. There is no right size here—choose based on party size and your space limitations. You can also make a grazing table by covering a part or all of a table or counter in parchment paper and then layering the ingredients for a really stunning effect. For date nights or small parties, an

attractive cutting board is plenty of space to create your appetizer. You can use a wooden cutting board, a piece of slate or pizza stone, a serving tray, or a large platter.

Now that you have the surface selected, it’s time to decide what to serve. As you purchase your items, think about the visual impact. Make sure you choose items that will add a variety of colors to the board. Meats and cheeses tend to fall in the same color spectrum, so incorporate colors like red (strawberries, cherries, tomatoes), green (grapes, apple slices, herb garnish), and orange (carrots, peppers, dried apricot slices) to make a beautiful board.

Once you have a rainbow of colors to choose from, make sure you spread the colors around to create more variety.

Also consider textures as you arrange your board. As with color, variety is important. Rough, smooth, shiny, matte, soft, crunchy, etc.—your board should include it all.

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QUICK TIPS When setting up the board, think of the four S’s: sweet, savory, salty, spicy. Keeping this in mind will help you create a delicious set up for your family and friends.

SWEET

fruit, fresh and dried, or jams, spreads, and jellies

SAVORY cheese and meat

SALTY nuts and olives

DIPS AND SPREADS

SPICY

pepper jack cheese or a spicy pepper jelly

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With your ingredients, it’s time to build the board. It should include a variety of jams, preserves, mustards, or dips such as fig spread, pepper jelly, honey, or pesto. You can also add soft cheese spreads. There are plenty of great store bought options that help you save time. Make sure you have a combination of sweet, spicy, and savory. Adding spreads to your board means you will need bowls. Not only do they add a little visual interest, bowls can help you create the “floorplan” for your board. They provide a surface to lean crackers or fruit against and create the aisles for your cheeses and meats. They can also hold other items like nuts or sweeter treats that you don’t want touching savory ones.

MEAT AND CHEESE

Now that you have a general layout for your board, it’s time to add the meats and cheeses.

Cubes, slices, wedges, spreads—use a variety.

Brie, blue cheese, cheddar, manchego, smoked gouda, burrata, and goat cheese are popular, but you can use any of your favorites. The key is picking a variety of flavors and textures. For smaller boards, pick 2-4 cheese options and for a large setup 4-6 is a good number. For the meat portion of your board, salami, prosciutto, soppressata, and pepperoni are usual favorites for a reason. They are tasty, you don’t have to worry about them sitting out for the duration of your party, and they pair well with basically any cheese. They are also a delicious contrast to the sweeter jams and spreads.

CRACKERS AND BREAD

There is something so satisfying about making your own charcuterie combo, so make sure you add at least a couple bread or cracker options for you and your guests. The theme of these boards is variation, so pick something crunchy like a water cracker, buttery cracker, or wheat biscuit and then something soft like a French bread, a sourdough, or a brown bread. People can dip and layer to their heart’s content.

FRUIT, VEGGIES, AND GARNISH

To finish your board and fill in gaps, fresh and/ or dried fruit is the way to go. When possible, use fruits that are in season locally to ensure freshness, but grapes and berries are an obvious choice as they pair so well with cheese. Apple slices can also be used and pair particularly well with brie and cheddar. Dried fruits are easy and accessible year-round and larger varieties like dates, apricots, and plums look particularly attractive on your board. You can also use vegetables that can be dipped into softer cheese spreads, and olives should be either nestled in the board or put in their own bowls. Next, place garnishes like rosemary, basil, thyme, or even edible flowers, and you have a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing party favorite.

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y l bb Bu BRING OUT THE

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B O H IG A S R E SE RVA C AVA B RU T Citrusy, mineral-laden, and bright, this is a wonderful bubbly option that pairs well with appetizers, shellfish, and

Tis the season for celebration

and the sound of a popping cork signals the start of a fun and memorable evening. Champagne and sparkling wine can be enjoyed by the glass or as a part of a fun cocktail and the history of this beverage is fascinating.

Recorded as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome, the cause of the bubbles in certain wines and not others was not understood. As with most things in the ancient world, the sparkle was attributed to phases of the moon or good and evil spirits.

In the Middle Ages, still wine from the Champagne province in France was said to have a light sparkle, but this was considered to be a defect and dangerous at the time. Dom Pérignon, a monk and cellar master at the Benedictine abbey in Hautvillers, is thought to be the father of our modern Dom Pérignon Champagne. He was originally told by his superiors at the abbey to get rid of the bubbles since the pressure in the bottles was causing them to burst in the cellar. Later, when deliberate sparkling wine production increased, cellar workers would wear a heavy iron mask that resembled that of a modern day baseball catcher to prevent injury from spontaneously bursting bottles. The disturbance caused by one bottle could cause a chain reaction and it became routine for cellars to lose 20–90% of their bottles due to instability. The mysterious circumstance surrounding the then unknown process of fermentation and carbon dioxide caused some to call the sparkling creations “The Devil’s Wine.”

The British were the first to see the sparkle as a desirable trait and tried to understand why some wines produced bubbles. Thanks to England’s advanced glassmaking techniques, international trade, and a change in temperature between Britain and France, it was discovered that sugar caused the fermentation process and produced the bubbles that the English loved. In 1662, scientist Christopher Merret presented a paper detailing how the presence of sugar in a wine led to it eventually sparkling and that by adding sugar to a wine before bottling it, nearly any wine could be made to sparkle. This discovery has led to the idea that British merchants were producing “sparkling Champagne” before the French Champenois were deliberately making it.

Today, all Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines are Champagne. While used interchangeably in day to day life, that specific badge is reserved for wines from the Champagne region of France. In fact, it is illegal to label any product Champagne unless it came from that province and is produced under a specific set of rules. While Champagne comes with a level of prestige, there are fabulous sparkling wines on the market you should try as well.

We did our research and found some wonderful varieties to serve at your holiday parties or to enjoy at family gatherings. However you celebrate the season, we say cheers!

lean fish. It has a pale yellow color and constant, small bubbles. It’s fruity aroma leans heavily toward acidic apple and pear and has shades of citrus peel and white flowers. In the background, some spicy notes of cinnamon are delightful. $18; vivino.com

S C H R A M SB E R G BLANC DE BLANCS This Blanc de Blancs has bright and fresh aromas of green apple, apricot, and orange blossom. You will also taste hints of honey and lemon zest while peaches, pear, and bright pineapple flavors carry vibrant length on the palate. While this wine can be enjoyed by itself, it is also perfect with fresh oysters and other shellfish, crab cakes, ceviche, and grilled sea bass. It is also delicious with lemon chicken, Thai curries and a variety of cheeses. $37.99; wine.com

CA DEL B OSCO CUVEE PRESTIGE ROSÉ A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, this wine is a beautiful pale pink color with delicate and vibrant aromas of forest berry and cassis. Flavors of cherry blossom, ripe raspberry and white cherry fruit expand on the palate of this vibrant rosé that is accented by blood orange granita and grated ginger notes. Full-bodied and very intense, but finishes with a quiet reserve. The wine's texture is lean and firm, and the soft effervescence serves to keep the palate clean. $54; craftcurd.com

GH MUMM GRAND CORDON CHAMPAGNE Toast and dried fruit notes mix in this very harmonious dry Champagne, which is full of flavor. Dried apricot, candied orange peel, nuts, and smoke flavors are elegant and lightweight. The rich, toasty note lingers on the vibrant finish. Aromas of fresh fruit like peaches and apricots with tropical notes of lychee and pineapple bursts onto the palate, followed by subtle, rich bubbles. $44.99; wine.com

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TOP PICKS

GIEN LES DÉPAREILLÉES VINTAGEINSPIRED FRENCH DINNERWARE $36-$58; food52.com

delightful dinnerware From quick dinners at home to full blown holiday parties, dinnerware is the foundation of your meal. While many might automatically think of their grandmother’s china (and there’s nothing wrong with those beautiful, vintage pieces) if you are looking for a more updated way to add a little flair to your dinner table then take a look at our top picks. Unique, contemporary, elegant, eclectic—there’s a plate for everyone, so pull up a chair.

CANVAS HOME DAUVILLE DINNER PLATES, SET OF 4 $140; bloomingdales.com

BERNARDAUD SOLEIL LEVANT DINNERWARE $54-95; bloomingdales.com

AVIGNON GREY DINNER PLATES WITH PEARL TRIM, SET OF 4 $64; arhaus.com

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1948 FIVE-PIECE DINNER SET $148; jonathanadler.com

SWIRL DINNERWARE $9.95 - $51.80; cb2.com

KANTO MATTE GLAZE DINNERWARE IN DUSK $14.50-$58; westelm.com

BRUSHED CHARGERS, SET OF 4 $25; surlatable.com

REACTIVE GLAZE DINNER PLATE, SET OF 4 $42-$50; westelm.com YOU R HOME MAG AZ INE® | 23

HAPPY, HEALTHY HOLIDAYS

BY OLIVER NASH

This is an exciting, fun, and delicious time of year. It’s also filled with overindulgence, stress, and this year, a flu season that could be particularly tough. Some doctors and researchers feel that flu season is exacerbated by too much sugar, too much stress, and too little sleep which could contribute to the rise in cases right around this time of year. Staying healthy is an important part of the holidays so you can enjoy your time with family and friends and prepare to tackle a new year. Here are some tips to help you feel your best during this season.

STAY HYDR ATED

Water, water, water. Keeping yourself well-hydrated throughout the year is always important, but it will help you as you experience the busyness of the holidays. Water regulates body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, prevents infections, delivers nutrients to cells, and keeps organs functioning properly. It also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood. While the old standby has been to drink eight cups a day, experts now recommend women drink 11 and men 16 per day. Stay away from anything that’s been sweetened, but if you want to jazz up your water, add some sliced citrus or cucumbers, herbs like basil and mint, or berries. This adds a little taste to your hydration while also providing some visual appeal. This is a great way to serve water at a party.

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LIMIT SUGAR Cookies, cakes, pies, oh my! There is no shortage of beautiful and delicious treats available during this season; however, limiting the amount of sugar you eat can help you stay healthy. Sugar has a bad reputation for a good reason. For many people, sugar can lead to unstable blood sugar, causing mood swings, fatigue, and headaches. Studies have shown that sugar can interfere with the way your body fights disease, as sugar feeds on bacteria and yeast, which can grow infections and slow your body’s healing processes. A sugary diet can also increase stress as our bodies release fight-or-flight hormones when our blood sugar is low.

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Stress hormones compensate for the crash after a sweet treat by raising your blood sugar which can lead to anxiousness, irritability, and even shakiness. Sugar has also been linked to low intake of essential nutrients, especially vitamins A, C, B-12, and calcium. While it is hard to avoid sugar all together (who really wants to do that during the holidays?), many artificial sweeteners come with their own set of problems, so be cognisant of your sugar consumption. Remember, sugar is often in the drinks we consume, so watch out for those sneaky ways sugar can enter your diet.

KEEP EXERCISING

Gym time usually dips for most people during the holiday season, but in Florida we have the advantage of beautiful weather during this time of year. Get outside to walk, bike, or swim.

Experts suggest you take 7,500-10,000 steps per day and thanks to the many parks and trails found locally, you and your family can reach that goal together. Make sure you are getting sun and fresh air, as both can help your body fight disease. Outdoor time will also help you manage your mental health and stress levels and can be linked to a good night’s sleep, keeping your body in tune with natural cycles.

SLEEP WELL

It’s no secret that most people aren’t getting enough sleep or the right kind of sleep. The holidays can worsen those issues, so try to protect your sleep time as much as possible in order to stay healthy. Sleep can boost your immune system, help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your mood and heart health, and reduce inflammation—all important during this busy time! Try to exit parties at a reasonable hour, plan your own parties earlier in the evening, and put an end time on the invitations.

While those Hallmark Channel movie marathons are tempting, make sure you turn off the TV and head to bed.

Set yourself up for a successful sleeping experience. Comfortable sheets, a cozy duvet, light blocking curtains, and even the right level of sound in the room will all help you optimize your sleeping hours, helping you stay healthy.

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DRINK R ESPONSIBLY

As we touched on before, sugar can sneak in through drinks. Alcohol can also lead to a weakened immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick, something we all want to avoid, especially now. Around this time of year, doctors see a spike in erratic heartbeats, or “holiday heart syndrome,” especially in people who don’t usually drink and then indulge too heavily. Over-drinking can also lead to a horrible hangover...and who wants that on Christmas morning? Again, as with sugar, no one really wants to avoid all those fun cocktails and good wines, so just be smart about your consumption.

Maybe limit drinking to social gatherings and then set drink limits for yourself while you’re there. Consider cocktails on the rocks since melting ice dilutes the drink and use soda water as a mixer to help you cut calories. Since the metabolization of alcohol can cause you to wake up frequently in the middle of the night, allow time for the alcohol levels in your body to drop before going to sleep.

R EDUCE STR ESS

Easier said than done! With family in town and friends hosting nonstop parties for you or the kids, this time of year can fly by with an endless list of to-dos. While it can be hard to say “no” during this season, it might be the best thing you can do for yourself or your family. No to being over busy. No to nonstop shopping. No to some of the gatherings you’ve been invited to.

No to family members who may not understand the things you’ve chosen to prioritize. While this can feel difficult, you will appreciate the freedom you will have both mentally and on your calendar. And if you can’t say no, go treat yourself to a massage!

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DON’T OVER (OR UNDER) EAT

While the idea that you are going to gain a bunch of holiday pounds is blown out of proportion (in fact the average person only gains about a pound between Thanksgiving and the New Year), keeping some level of normalcy in your diet is important. That puffy feeling most attribute to extra pounds is more likely inflammation and water weight, so don’t overdo it when it comes to those appetizers and entrees. It can be tempting to avoid the perceived extra holiday weight by skipping meals but, unless you’re implementing a timecontrolled intermittent fasting routine, skipping lunch to have more of the spinach dip isn’t going to give you the results you want. Arriving at a party with an empty stomach means you’re more likely to get a quicker buzz which means more munching. Eat normally and then have a game plan for the special meals. Skip the things you don’t really love and go straight to holiday favorites you can’t get all year long.

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GREAT DESIGN FOR DOWNSIZED LIVING

By Channing Spano | Photography by Rick Bethem

T

he idea that small spaces can’t be filled with beautiful design is simply false as this lovely condo so aptly demonstrates. Smaller than their original home, this new residence represents a change in lifestyle for the new owners and one that many Florida residents are familiar with. “These clients decided they needed to make the move to a smaller space,” says Diana Hall, Principal of Diana Hall Design. “Their previous home was 7,000 square feet, so moving into this 1,700 square foot unit brought challenges as well as a renewed sense of freedom as they took stock of what was important and let go of things cluttering their mental and physical space.” While smaller, the design is no less impactful. Hall, along with Senior Designer Elizabeth Manchego, created a space that flows seamlessly from room to room which helps the new owners take advantage of every square inch. “We think of this whole home as a little jewelry box,” says Hall. “Elizabeth and I wanted this to feel special, so we focused on the backgrounds by adding depth, texture, and interest to the walls through custom-designed moldings in geometric patterns as well as unique wall coverings and serene paint choices.” The result is a condo that feels spacious and bright, giving the owners a place to enjoy the important things in life—family, friends, and the freedom from clutter.

Large Living

A smaller space doesn’t mean meager design. “We wanted to create a space that made the owners feel as at home, as they did in their larger residence, so that meant clever and elevated design choices that didn’t take away from the square footage of the living areas,” says Hall. In the living room, floating shelves have been mounted to save space while creating a focal point. “The room couldn’t support a built-in as it would block too much of the floor, but we needed shelving. The solution was to build these modern floating shelves, frame them, and add a mica wallcovering behind for texture and dimension,” says Manchego. The shelves create the perfect nesting spot for the Vanguard media stand and a home for accents which continue the theme of turquoise, aqua, and white. Their slim profile adds substance to the room, making it appear larger. The curved sofa is also a spacesaving element. “The lines of the sofa open up the walkway between the kitchen and the living area,” says Hall. “We were able to tuck the round Vanguard end tables into the space the curves of the sofa create, opening up more of the floor which keeps the room open.”

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Large Living

While smaller than their previous kitchen, this new space offers plenty of storage, workspace, customized details, and is adjacent to the living room to maximize entertainment options. “The backsplash and the stainless steel hood are really beautiful and they add just the right amount of visual impact,” says Hall. Hexagon marble tiles in a range of grey tones with various striations complement the contemporary cabinets and the crisp, white quartz countertops. The kitchen features plenty of storage space thanks to the many drawers, a design choice that enhances the custom feel of the room. From this angle, the space-saving genius of the curved couch from Sherrill is even more evident.

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Chance to Chat

The chat area is a comfortable arrangement of custom taupe leather armchairs and is a signature of Hall’s design philosophy, “I have found that situating a seating area in a circle facilitates conversation, especially among men, and can function as a reading area, a space for guests to talk, or a board game center for kids and adults.” Above, a chrome and glass sculptural piece adds sparkle and helps to tie together the seating area and dining room just beyond.

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Excellent Eats

“This dining area was originally designed to be one large eating space, but we felt like that was overwhelm this smaller unit and we knew our clients would benefit from having another seating area when they first enter the home,” says Manchego. J-boxes were moved so two chandeliers could be hung to delineate the spaces and applied molding was added to the wall to create a focal point that links the two seating areas together.

“We always pay attention to the materials we bring in,” says Hall. “In the dining room, we chose a glass top table to help us open the space and the beautiful base that looks like crushed ice is contemporary and adds a little more sparkle.”

The scale of the dining chairs is perfect—not oversized, featuring sleek chrome arms and base, and soft cushions that make them perfect for dinner party seating.

“We chose a banquet for the far side of the table because it allowed us to push the table closer to the wall to maximize floor and visual space as you first enter the home,” explains Manchego. They decided to keep the art in both spaces minimal to draw attention to the beautiful lighting. In the dining room, a Kuzco light features stacked cylinders with crushed glass that mirrors the look of the table base below.

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Works Well

Hall and Manchego were able to create a flexible room that fit the needs of the downsizing owners who refer to this functional flex space as their “loft.” Hall notes, “Originally this room had a door which we removed to create a more open effect making it feel larger.” The Theodore Alexander faux horn and lucite desk is sleek while still providing enough space for home office work. A grey sofa doubles as a pullout bed, giving the owners another guest area. “We added horizontal applied molding to create a more elevated and custom feel and ran the modern artwork from Leftbank in the same direction for cohesion,” Manchego explains. Throughout the home, zebra shades have been used to provide privacy while still letting in the light. Hall says, “When working with small spaces, keeping certain elements, like window treatments, as consistent as possible helps create better flow and keeps the home from feeling disjointed.” To finish the room, the team chose a floating TV console to save space and added glass art above the desk.

Serene Space

The master bedroom features a tranquil palette enhanced by comfortable custom linens from Kravet. Behind the bed, a mushroom-colored headboard and frame with applied molding creates a feature wall that adds a little drama to the room. “We knew we needed to add a little wow to this space but, because the room doesn’t support large furniture or an abundance of art, we decided to add these flat moldings to create a frame for the bed and the custom glass plates,” explains Manchego. Next to the bed, Universal nightstands sport chunky marble tops that complement the light grey-toned white oak drawers and chrome base. Glass lamps from FlowDecor are finished in an iridescent glaze over a honeycomb pattern.

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Visual Variety

“We decided we wanted to punch up the color in this room a little and make a fun wall for the bed to rest on,” Manchego explains. On the wall, SherwinWilliams Aquatint provides a light and cheerful blue-based aqua backdrop for the Wesley Allen bed. Perfect for smaller rooms, this manufacturer offers beds that are both impressive and space saving. On the bed, custom linens from Kravet are the perfect designer touch.

Flanking the bed, nightstands from Universal with cantilevered design appear to be floating which keeps the room airy and open. FlowDecor lamps with a thin profile complete the space.

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SMALL PARTIES, BIG FUN Planning a Gathering in a Changed World

THIS YEAR HAS BROUGHT

about many changes, including how we interact with the people we love. With the holiday season upon us, many will want to find ways to safely gather with their friends and family for this important time of year. More than likely, your parties will look a little different, and, for avid entertainers, that can be a bit of a letdown, but embracing more intimate gatherings with your close circle doesn’t have to be any less fun. In fact, it can help reduce stress, create a relaxed and slower-paced holiday celebration, and can highlight what’s really important in life.

DÉCOR

Your guest list may be short but your decorations can still be fabulous! This is the year to embrace décor, especially if hosting an outdoor event during our lovely winter

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weather. Consider setting a theme for your party and then go all out. A Christmas party could center around a gingerbread house decorating competition or you could elevate the Florida vibe by creating a tropical Christmas for visiting family and friends. This Thanksgiving, embrace the beautiful heirloom gourds available to create a fantastic centerpiece for your table.

Jarrahdale, Porcelain Doll, Moonshine, and Baby Boo are all beautiful pumpkins and gourds that have soft pastel colors perfect for an elegant table.

DRINKS

Fewer people doesn’t mean less cheer. In fact, this might be the year to create a signature cocktail or bring out that really good wine as you toast your smaller gathering. Greet your guests with a drink in hand and offer them their

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own libation. If you’ve chosen a theme, serve your drinks in cups that match, or garnish with food items that tie the drinks to the party. We have some delicious cocktail ideas on page 44 and some sparkling wines and champagnes on page 20 if you need help with drink ideas.

FOOD

Small doesn’t mean flavorless. Focus on the food! You don’t necessarily have to serve a full dinner. Heavy hors d’oeuvres are a wonderful entertaining option and you can make some yourself and purchase some pre-made from specialty stores. If you do want to serve dinner, small gatherings are perfect for a family-style dinner with plates of delicious food passed between friends and family, or consider setting up a buffet for easy serving. Before dinner, offer smaller bites or, take a look at page 16 for tips on setting up a fantastic charcuterie board.

PURPOSE

Set an intention for your party. What do you want to accomplish with this smaller gathering of the people who are important to you? This has been a stressful year for many, so offering them a safe space to celebrate and feel normal can be a really wonderful gift.

Maybe this is about reconnecting with those you haven’t seen all year or you want to focus on bringing the kids and grandkids together in one space and you want to create new memories and traditions. Perhaps this party is about celebrating the friends who have been so instrumental in your physical and mental health this year. Knowing why you want to celebrate can help you create a smaller party that people will love.

BEGINNING

There is research that shows people tend to only remember the beginning and the end

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of an experience, and yet people rarely think about how they open and close an event. Create a party mood as soon as people walk in with festive lighting, or have a glass of champagne ready for each guest as they enter and make a brief welcome toast once everyone is gathered.

Ask guests to send a photo or two of their happiest moments from the past year and then display them in a prominent area. After everyone arrives, spend a little time reflecting and celebrating the things you all are grateful

for as you share a fun cocktail. It will get the conversation flowing and create a memorable moment at the beginning of your party.

MIDDLE

As the host, you set the tone and pace for your party. With fewer people comes the opportunity for deeper conversations, but also the opportunity for people to feel left out of those discussions. Don’t leave your guests to fend

for themselves. It’s up to you to connect with them and create a space where they can make new friends or strengthen old bonds. Use your hosting power—if one person is dominating the table, take back the conversation. If you find old friends are catching up but not including new people, make introductions and find common ground among your guests. Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters suggests setting a conversation theme even if that means saying, “There can be only

one conversation at the table.” This prevents that feeling the group you’re not a part of is having the better conversation.

END

Parties tend to fizzle as guests try to figure out their exit strategy and that can make the end of a small gathering awkward. Give people structure by setting a signal that gives guests a clear exit time. This also helps you usher out

those people who like to hang around a little longer than you might want them to! Gather your guests together and thank everyone for coming as a group and comment on a few highlights from the party. You can also suggest that everyone move to the living room or lanai for one last drink or coffee. Ending a party with a personal touch like walking each guest to the door and offering them a small treat as they head out can create a lasting memory and make each person feel like a VIP.

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celebratory sips

cranberry pomegranate margarita 3 oz. cranberry pomegranate juice 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice

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2-3 oz. tequila blanco salt/sugar for rim (optional) fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, orange slices and herbs for garnish (optional)

Shake some salt or sugar on a plate if you are sugaring/salting the rim.

Rub the glass rim(s) with a lime wedge. Dip rim in the salt or sugar and fill glass with ice.

In a cocktail shaker, pour juices,

tequila, and ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into glasses with ice.

Garnish with optional fresh cranberries, pomegranates citrus and herbs. Serve and enjoy!

amaretto sour 11/2 oz. amaretto liqueur 3/4 oz. bourbon 1 oz. lemon or orange juice, freshly squeezed

1/2 tsp. simple syrup 1/2 oz. egg white, beaten fresh lemon twists or dehydrated clementines for garnish

Add all ingredients except garnish into a cocktail shaker and shake without ice. Add in ice and shake again until chilled (about 30 seconds). Strain into glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon twist (or dried clementine for a more holiday-themed aesthetic).

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eggnog cocktail 2 oz. spiced rum

whipped cream

5 oz. eggnog (either homemade or store bought)

ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the eggnog and spiced rum. Shake at least 30 seconds, until your cocktail is very cold.

Top with whipped cream, sprinkle cinnamon on top and add a cinnamon stick for some festive flair.

spiked apple cider 3 oz. apple cider

brown sugar for the rim

2 oz. bourbon

apple slices, fresh mint, and cinnamon stick for garnish

1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 2 oz. ginger beer

Sprinkle brown sugar on a plate and rub lemon wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the glass rim in the brown sugar and set aside. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add cider, bourbon and lemon juice. Shake for 30 seconds and strain into icefilled glass. Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with apple slice, cinnamon stick and mint leaves.

hot mulled cider 1/2 gallon unfiltered apple juice or apple cider 1 orange, cut into slices 2 cinnamon sticks 2 star anise 1/2 tbsp. whole cloves

1/2 tbsp. whole allspice 1/2� ginger root, sliced 3/4 cup spiced rum extra star anise, cinnamon sticks and thin orange slices for garnish

Add apple juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, whole allspice and ginger root to a medium/ large saucepan (if you have a spice ball, add clove and allspice to that). Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 2-3 hours. Add rum to the apple cider mixture. Remove fruit and spices from the pot. Garnish (if desired), serve and enjoy! Yields 8 servings.

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PARTY ON CATERING HELP FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GATHERINGS

It’s no secret that the holidays are a busy time. With family and friends in town and a plethora of other parties and gatherings, finding ways to minimize stress can help you navigate the holiday season. As fun as a good party can be, by the time you prepare a menu, do the shopping, and make the food, you’ve spent hours getting ready. Even a small event takes more time to plan than you think it will. While many people will forgo large gatherings this year, food will still be a priority and even small get-togethers can benefit from the help of a caterer. They can save you time, reduce stress, and help you create a memorable experience for your guests. Here is a list of questions you should ask before you hire a caterer for your holiday parties, big or small.

• Is my date available?

• How many events will you cater that day?

• How many events do you cater per year?

• How will you handle last-minute requests?

• Do you have a minimum number of guests required in order to work my event?

• Have you done events at my venue or are you comfortable in a home kitchen setting?

• Are you licensed, with health permits and liability insurance?

• Are you licensed to serve alcohol?

• Will I need any special permits for my event?

If so, will you handle obtaining them?

• What is your signature fare?

• Do you specialize in certain cuisines?

• Given my budget and guest count, what food choices would you recommend?

• Where does the food come from? Can you source organic or sustainably-farmed ingredients?

• What can you do for guests with allergies and dietary restrictions?

• How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due?

• Will the food be prepared on-site or beforehand?

• What is your refund/cancellation policy?

• Do you provide alcoholic beverages and do you accommodate specialty cocktails?

• What information do you need from me before the party day?

• What brands of alcohol will be served?

• If needed, do you provide the bar labor?

• Do you charge a corkage fee if we provide our own wine or champagne?

• How do you charge for alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages?

• Is coffee and tea included with the per-person meal charge?

• How far in advance do I need to book you?

• When would I need to finalize the menu?

• What are your water, electrical, and equipment needs?

• How long will it take your team to set up and break down the event?

• What is the ratio of servers to guests if servers are required?

• What are your dessert options?

• What health and safety precautions will you and your staff take?

• Do we have to work off a preset menu or can you create a custom menu for our event?

• What time will you and your staff arrive at the site?

• If I have a special dish I’d like served, would you accommodate that?

• What is your policy on cleanup?

• When will I receive a written contract?

• What do you do with leftovers?

• How do you handle tips for your staff?

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Home Features That Help You Sell Faster Home Features That Home That Help YouFeatures Sell Faster Thinking of upgrading your home before you sell?

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Help You Sell Faster Home Features That 81% Help You Sell Faster

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Source: National Association Home 50 | YOU R HOME M AGA ZofIN E® Builders

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