2010 gift wrap

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A Paid Advertising Supplement of The Post and Courier November 2010 • Gift Wrapped Holiday Guide | 1

Tips, Trends and TraditionsThat’s a Wrap! 18

Center Stage 20

Trim and Tradition 24

O Christmas Tree 26

Do it Yourself Garland 28

Around the Table 30

Poinsettia Connection 35

Enchanting Events 38

They’ll Never Find it Here 39

Holiday Road 40

Take a Deep Breath 44

Holiday Meals Made Easy 45

Gifts for EveryoneAQUA SAFARIS/PALMETTO BREEZE 10BATTERY BENCH 8CAROLINA GIFTS & SEA SHELLS 6THE CHARLESTON ANGLER 2CHARLESTON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 7CHARLESTON HARDWARE 14CHARLESTON LIGHTING & INTERIORS 8CLAREY’S LIQUORS 14COASTAL CUPBOARD 12DANIEL ISLAND 16DERMATOLOGY & LASER CENTER 21EAST COOPER CRAFTER’S GUILD 8FLOWERTOWN PLAYERS 10FOR ALL THE RIGHT SEASONS 14GENE’S JEWELRY CENTER 5HERITAGE TRUST FEDERAL 9

CREDIT UNIONHOME DECOR LIQUIDATORS 11JOHN GIBSON ANTIQUES 12KAREN’S KORNER 10LIVINGSTON & SONS 14LOWCOUNTRY PAWN & JEWELRY 10LOWCOUNTRY ROOFING 17

& EXTERIORSMARIGOLDS 12MELLOW MOOD 10MRS. CAPPERS COLLECTIBLES 14OCEAN SURF SHOP 8PALMETTO MEDICAL INITIATIVE 6PALMETTO MOON 12POSSIBLY PICASSO 4PRISM ONE HOUR PHOTO 6RUTH’S HALLMARK 10SALON 120 DAY SPA 14

SWEET GOURMET 3TEAK HUT 12TERRACE OAKS ANTIQUE MALL 4TIME OUT SPORT & SKI 6TOWNE CENTRE 15TRADING PLACES CONSIGNMENT 6WHITLOCK OPTICIANS 8YE OLDE MUSIC SHOP 6YOUMANS SHOPS 8YOUNG’S PECAN PLANTATION 13ZINNIA 12

Gifts for HerAFFORDABLES 27ATP GUN SHOP 31BARRY’S JEWELERS 29BEADS ON CANNON 23BEBA LUXE 23BYRNES JEWELERS 23CHARLESTON BEAD COMPANY 29CHARLESTON GOLD & DIAMOND 31

EXCHANGECLOTHES HORSE 29CONSIGNING WOMEN 31CORE ESSENTIALS PILATES 29CROGHAN’S JEWEL BOX 27DAYS GONE BY 31FASHION SCRUB OUTLET 31HIGH COTTON 27LITTLE BLUE COTTAGE 31MARY MOJO 22MERLE NORMAN 27, 29MILLIE LEWIS MODELS & TALENT 23MRS. CAPPERS COLLECTIBLES 27ORVIN’S FURNITURE 23PALMETTO PLASTIC SURGERY 29REINVENTED CONSIGNMENT 23SARAH’S VIEW 22SHOE FAIRY 22VENUS PLUS NAILS & PEDI SPA 22ZINNIA 27

Gifts for HimATP GUN SHOP 34ATLANTIC GAME & TACKLE 32BARRY’S JEWELERS 34BERKELEY LOCKSMITH 32BIRDIE BOTTLE 34THE CHARLESTON ANGLER 33CHARLESTON GOLD & DIAMOND 35

EXCHANGEFIRE HOUSE CASUAL LIVING STORE 35

GOLF GURUS 32HURRICANE ELECTRONICS 34ORVIN’S FURNITURE 34PARROT SURF SHOP 34WHIRLY BIRD 32

Gifts for KidsEARTH ART POTTERY STUDIO 36GINGER SNAPS 39PARROT SURF SHOP 39PICCOLO 36READY, SET, ROCK-N-ROLL 36SOUTHERN BELLES 37ZINNIA 36

Gifts of FoodCHERIE’S SPECIALTY MEATS 42COASTAL CUPBOARD 43, 47EVER SO SWEET 47GENNARO’S ITALIAN 42J. PAULZ 42SAVORY SUSHI AND CATERING 42

CONTENTS

Gift Wrapped Holiday GuideAn advertising supplement to

The Post and Courier • November 13, 2010

CATHY BARR I E

Editor

MEL I S S A K ELLEY

K RENA LANHAM

Graphic Designers

S T E PHAN I E B U RT

Contributing Editor

S HANNON BR I GHAM

Assistant Editor

K IM CATANZ AR I T E

CAROL I N E O ’ H AGAN

Contributors

GREG GORMLEY

Ad Sales Manager, Key Accounts

TAMARA MURRAY WR I GHT

Advertising Art Director

2 | Gift Wrapped Holiday Guide • November 2010 A Paid Advertising Supplement of The Post and Courier

R24-411041


2 2 5 - 5 9 3 6WWW.CHARLESTONSWEETGOURMET.COM

CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH PRODUCTS

TRUFFLE OIL | VINEGARS | OLIVE OILS | PICKLED VEGETABLES | RETRO CANDIES | EXOTIC TEA | TAPENADES | SPICES RUBS | BAKING SUPPLIES | GERMAN CHRISTMAS SPECIALTIES | FRESH CAVIAR

HARRY & DAVID MOOSE MUNCH & GOURMET TREATS | GERMAN CHRISTMAS SPECIALTIESLOCAL GOURMET FOOD PRODUCTS | BISSINGER'S CHOCOLATES

36 WINDERMERE BLVD | SOUTH WINDERMERE CENTER | NEXT TO NORMANDY FARMSSUN TO TUES-10AM-6PM | WEDS TO SAT 10AM -9PM R40-410283

SWEET GOURMETA GOURMET MARKET PLACE

FAMOUS HAMMONDSCANDY CANESALL Handmade

SNOWMAN POOPis a perfect gift for

anybody on your list

GIFT BASKETDesign your own!

Large Selection ofHANUKKAH SWEETS

AND TREATS

GODIVA CHOCOLATE GODIVA COFFEE & BISCUITS


AQUA SAFARIS/PALMETTO BREEZE

BATTERY BENCH

CAROLINA GIFTS & SEA SHELLS

THE CHARLESTON ANGLER

CHARLESTON CHRISTMASSPECIAL

CHARLESTON HARDWARE

CHARLESTON LIGHTING &INTERIORS

CLAREY’S LIQUORS

COASTAL CUPBOARD

DANIEL ISLAND

DERMATOLOGY & LASER CENTER

EAST COOPER CRAFTER’S GUILD

FLOWERTOWN PLAYERS

FOR ALL THE RIGHT SEASONS

GENE’S JEWELRY CENTER

HERITAGE TRUST FEDERALCREDIT UNION

HOME DECOR LIQUIDATORS

JOHN GIBSON ANTIQUES

KAREN’S KORNER

LIVINGSTON & SONS

LOWCOUNTRY PAWN & JEWELRY

LOWCOUNTRY ROOFING &EXTERIORS

MARIGOLDS

MELLOW MOOD

MRS. CAPPERS COLLECTIBLES

OCEAN SURF SHOP

PALMETTO MEDICAL INITIATIVE

PALMETTO MOON

POSSIBLY PICASSO

PRISM ONE HOUR PHOTO

RUTH’S HALLMARK

SALON 120 DAY SPA

SWEET GOURMET

TEAK HUT

TERRACE OAKS ANTIQUE MALL

TIME OUT SPORT & SKI

TOWNE CENTER

TRADING PLACES CONSIGNMENT

WHITLOCK OPTICIANS

YE OLDE MUSIC SHOP

YOUMANS SHOPS

YOUNG’S PECAN PLANTATION

ZINNIA

Gifts forEveryone

R55-409807

Paint unique Christmas gifts at Possibly Picasso. Gift Certificates Available.

Bring this ad into receive $5 OFF your purchase.Avoid the Holiday rush, pick up a paint brush!

10050 Dorchester Road, Summerville843.871.8090

www.possiblypicasso-pottery.com

Where the "locals" shopfor Unique and One-of-a-Kind Gifts!

❋ Estate Jewelry, ❋ Vintage Couture❋ Sterling Silver, ❋ Fine Porcelain & Pottery

❋ SC Authors

Gift Certificates Available!

R34-410245

2037 Maybank Highway, Charleston, SC 29412M-Sat 10-5:30pm • 843-795-9689www.terraceoaksantiques.com

C00-416099

The Perfect Gift for the Holidays! Buy agift certificate to the Jekyll Island ClubHotel this holiday and give the gift of

history, or the gift of romance or fun orrelaxation. All of this in one place! Your

family will love this National HistoricLandmark and premier vacation resort.

371 Riverview Drive • Jekyll Island, Georgia912-635-2600 ext.1065 • 800-535-9547

jekyllclub.com


5818 Rivers Ave.North Charleston(843) 225-5404M-F 9:30-7, Sat 10-6

114 S. Hwy 52Moncks Corner

761-0709M-F 9-6:30, Sat 9-6

Serving the North Charleston Area Since 1987

Financing Always AvailableWE BUY GOLD

R50-410285


1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd.Mt. Pleasant • 843.884.0320gatewaytothebeach.com

Create a coastal wonderland with our shell wreaths, garlands, and ornaments; exotic coral and sea fan from the South

Pacific; sand dollars; starfish; and Christmas cards. Free gift wrapping.

R56-409642

CAROLINA GIFTS& SEA SHELLS

675-A Johnnie Dodds Blvd.Mt. Pleasant • 843.388.6266www.TimeOutSports.net

R56-409661

Lowcountry's Largest Selection of Snowboards. Full service Ski Shop,

sales, rentals, ski tuning

Providing a personalized touchto your holiday gifts

914 Folly Road, James Island, SC843-762-7840

www.prismphotolab.com

R34-410251

*Quality Framing*Holiday Photo Cards

*Personalized Photo Gifts

*Tapes to DVD*Photos to Canvas*Photo Restoration*On-site Film Lab

C09-410709

Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar.Best Prices in Charleston for Musical Instruments.

1276 Yeamans Hall RoadHanahan • 843-747-0014

www.yeoldemusicshop.com

R42-411040

Give the gift of hope this holiday season.Show that special someone how much youcare by making a donation in their honor to

Palmetto Medical Initiative. Your donation willhelp Palmetto Medical provide sustainable

health care to the people of Uganda.Your gift is tax-deductible.

palmettomedical.org

R35-411097


R56-409664


R56-409649

863 Coleman Blvd.Mt. Pleasant • 843.884.6880

www.whitlockopticians.com

Costa del Mar Sunglasses -for the person who has everything

Gift Certificates AvailableIndependent doctor of optometry now

available & competitive prices for comprehensive eye exams.

®

Join us Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27 from 9am to 5pm forthe 27th Annual Christmas Show at the OmarShrine Convention Center, Patriots Point Blvd,

Mount Pleasant (next to Yorktown).Free Admission and Parking. A great place for unique and handcrafted gifts for your

loved ones this holiday season!

843-813-4141 or 843-559-1105

EASTCOOPER

CRAFTER’SGUILD

R21-409665

Benefiting:ECCO & Toys for Tots

191 King St. • 843.722.3842www.birlant.com R

29-410267

Think ChristmasThe Original Charleston Battery Bench®

Charleston Made, Heavy cast iron - Cypressslats, DIP painted in Charleston Green,

48"W X 29"H 75 lbs (custom sizes too),Mail order available, Still Only $299.50

POP for all your Holiday shopping!

Our gift certificates makeperfect holiday gifts for everyone!

Ocean Surf Shop31 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439

(843) 588-9175www.oceansurfshop.com R

34-410697

IN

Distributor of Propane Gas, Appliances,& Petroleum Products

• Appliance Sales & Repair • Fireplaces• Accessories • Lamps • Gas Logs • Propane Gas

• Gasoline • On Road & Off Road Diesel

6010 Highway 162 • Hollywood, S.C.843-889-2212 or 843-889-2220

www.youmansgas.com

C33-410954

R72-411081

Napa Firelights-Great Gift under $20.Napa Firelights can be used indoors to set the mood or outdoors to keep the

insects at bay. Choose from many designs,size and color for any decorating style.

Charleston • 1640 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. • 843-766-3055Summerville • 850 Bacons Bridge Rd. • 843-285-2884

www.charlestonlightingandinteriors.com


R62-411038


1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd. • Suite 101Mt. Pleasant • 843.971.4110

Mon.-Fri. 10-6 • Sat.10-4www.karenskornerframeandart.com

R56-409652

Handcrafted PotteryTurtles, Fish & More - Plus Photography,Sculpture, Jewelry, Original Art & Giclée

Karen’s KornerFrame and Art Gallery

R54-409714

133 South Main StreetSummerville • 843.875.9251

Let us take the guesswork out of gift shopping!This year we're offering a discount on our giftcards for single tickets! Save $5.00 off theregular $20 ticket price when you buy a gift

card for a single ticket to any show inthe 2010/2011 Season.

R55-409805

Come see us for all your Christmas gifts,ornaments and decorations. Introducing

our Interactive Storybooks such as Jingle AllThe Way. Jingle the Husky responds to yourvoice as you read this book. Only $24.95.

1219 N. Main Street, Summerville843.851.2378

RUTH’S

R56-410271

Don’t just give a gift. Give an adventure!PALMETTO BREEZE, Charleston’s popular

sailing catamaran, offers holiday gift certificates - perfect for anyone that enjoys the water. Gift certificates also available forsmaller sailing vessels, motor yachts andfishing charters. CALL TODAY and put the

breeze under your tree.

843.886.8133palmettobreeze.com R

35-411076

R24-411096

Sterling SilverPalmetto Tree Collection

Necklace, Earrings & BraceletStarting at $39.00

1738 Ashley River Rd. • Charleston769-0107


R72-411039


R21-410720

TEAK Furniture at Wholesale PricesThe Teak Hut imports grade A teak outdoor furnitureand accessories directly from Indonesia. Formerlyknown as Classic Furniture, The Teak Hut has been

providing furniture to the Charleston area for more than15 years.We now offer collections which include morethan 100 items such as dining tables, chairs, benches,

lounges, rockers, steamer deck chairs,Adirondackchairs, coffee tables, end tables, bars, and more.

433 West Coleman Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm Ph: (843) 856-2095 | Fx: (843) 856-2096

R21-410724

Improve the quality of the air you breatheat home with Lampe Berger lamps - to clean, perfume, and decorate.

Also, now in stock, the new Easy Scentaromatherapy system.

644-O Long Point RoadMount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-388-9433 [email protected] SOMETHING NEW. SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

145 Short Central Ave.Downtown Summerville • 843.851.2828www.marigoldssummerville.com

Marigolds has all your unique gift ideas including Collections from

Clay Rice, Tocca Candles and our new SCOyster Bags. Attend your next oyster roast instyle! SC oyster bags come complete withhand-painted oyster knife, matching towel,

drink holder and hot sauce.

R55-410960

Tervis TumblerExclusive Custom Designs

The Perfect Gift.

Citadel Mall • 763-7444Northwoods Mall • 553-0552

Towne Centre • 849-8122Azalea Square • 871-7727

Coastal Grand Mall • 839-9915Magnolia Mall, Florence • 669-1925

www.palmettomoononline.com

ALL ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA

R24-187868R80-411080

SodaStream "Pure" Soda Makers arefashionable, fun, sleek and easy to use! Allmodels allow you to prepare great-tasting,

fresh, fizzy beverages precisely to your taste atHalf the cost with no discarded bottles, cans,electricity...and no clean-up. #1 Gift Of the

Year!!! $149.99 Come anytime for a Demo!

644-J Long Point Rd. • Mt. Pleasant843.856.4321 • Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun Noon-5

www.thecoastalcupboard.com

John Gibson Antiques183 King Street • 709-7977 • 24 hours

3 blocks below King & Market.Parking in rear. In a safe place. R

30-416198

I want your Gold, Sterling Silver, Jewelry,Old Coins, Flatware, Scrap Jewelry, Paintings,Furniture, Watches, Guns, WWII Items, etc.

We have $30 Million to purchaseall valuables. Please, please, see me first–

local and 37 years in business.Please Help Us! David vs. Goliath

Local Merchant - Our $$ Stays Here - VeteranCall John Gibson. We Pay More.

We are not a pawn shop, but antique dealers.We sell local estate jewelry and furniture.

Mon - Sat 10-4:30

NEED MONEYfor the Holidays?


T H I S I S O N E S W E E T D E A L

Shoppes at Seaside Farms 1964 Riviera Dr., Suite GMt. Pleasant, SC 29464 • 843-849-8449

R57-410261

Shop our online catalog atYoungPlantations.com

Just $9.95*

Catalog Price:$23.95

Pecan Pie Sale

NEW! Carolina Samplers Deliver Flavorful Combinations of Pecans, Fruits and Snacks in One Great Grab-and-Give Box.

Hurry in to Young Plantations for the sweetest deal around: Southernpecan pies for $9.95. Loaded with premium pecans and ready to serve,you’ll want at least one for Thanksgiving and another for Christmas!

Don’t wait to visit us. Pie sale: November 20-24

Shop our online catalog at YoungPlantations.com

Great Gifts for Everyone!

PECAN TRIO IN A CLASSIC COLLECTIBLE GIFT BOXEach 22-ounce box contains Double Dipped Chocolate Pecans,Honey Crisp Pecans and Butter Roasted & Salted Pecans. #7620

*While supplies last. Offer good on

store sales only"


R21-409667

Want to give someone special something special?Our store features handmade American artisanproducts along with international handcrafteditems. We also have a sleighful of treasures to

enhance your holiday décor. Festive trimmings forthe tip of the tree to the bottom can be found

throughout the store.Come visit us on November 18th from

5:00-8:00 for an Open House where not a creature will be stirring, except lots of mice!

616 Long Point Rd. Suite A, Belle Hall Center,Mt. Pleasant, 654-4132

R40-410257

Candles, puzzles, gardeningaccessories and more. We have something

for everyone on your list. We are more than just hardware.

1028 Wappoo Road, Charleston843.556-0220

R57-410264

1632 Palmetto Grand Drive Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre • 843.971.1002

New! Christmas At Grandma's House now available in our showroom!

Start A Collection and Build A Family TraditionWe've Moved. But Not Far!

1632 Palmetto Grand Drive in Towne Centre.(Now located on the Front side of the Belk

building between Winestyles and Genealogy)

C33-410947

Class B WholesalerParties • Banquets • Weddings

Gene Hesse and Billy Clarey

1909 Highway 17 N. • Mt. PleasantSweetgrass Shopping Ctr, at Isle of Palms Connector & Hwy.17

Phone 843.849.0872 • Fax 843.849.0814

2137 Savannah Hwy • Charleston843-556-6162

(about 5 miles south of downtown Charleston,near I-526 across from Costco)

www.LivingstonAntiques.com

Antique Furniture, Decorative Items & Fine Art From Around The World

C12-411098

LIVINGSTONANTIQUES

®

R54-413706

Try the newest thing in nails–the 14 daymanicure. There is no drying time, and it

doesn’t chip. Call now for an appointment.Spa packages available for Christmas,

Swedish Massage, Facials, Hair or Nails–pickup your gift certificate today

120 East Richardson Ave. • Summerville843.832.3037


R57-412209 R57-412203

HAIRY WINSTONPET BOUTIQUE & GROCERY

R57-412210

R57-412211

R57-412212 R57-412205

R57-412201


R57-411460

R57-411595

R57-411598

R57-411603


Lowcountry Roofing & Exteriors, LLCSpecializing in:

Metal and Architectural Roofing • Fiber Cement and Vinyl SidingReplacement Windows • Replacement Doors

Member of the BBB

licensed • bonded • insured free estimates financing available

R54-409698

www.lowcountryroofing.com(843) 303-4080


By Kim Catanzarite

PHOTO©SANDRALISE|DREAMSTIM

E.COM

That’s a Wrap!MASTERING THE ARTOF GIFT WRAPPING

G bow or layering two different wrapping papers in a clever way.

Try using a solid color as a background and wrap a 2- or 3-inch swatch

of patterned paper around the middle like a belt. If you want to go

further, layer that with a combination of colored ribbons. Or liven things

up with magazines. It costs nothing to clip slick holiday-themed graphics

from the pages and glue stick or paste them strategically. Another

option: When working with a box that already has an interesting

pattern, wrap kitchen plastic cling around it for ice-like appeal.

Perhaps you prefer to go high-tech. If all the bells and whistles

are what you’re after, Hallmark stores are offering exactly that in the

form of holiday gift bags with lights and sound and motion sensors

that set them off. Spokesperson Deidre Mize mentions die-cut elf

pants with suspenders, a peppermint spinning wheel, and a reindeer

with lighted antlers. One bag even plays the song “I Hear Some

Jingle Bells” while lights on the outside blink to the music. “And since

they’re used year after year, they are great environmentally friendly

alternatives,” she says.

GO GREENIn keeping with the rest of the world, many wrapping-paper

manufacturers are going green. That’s good news, considering an

estimated 50,000 trees lose their lives in the name of holiday gift wrap

each year, and paper and bows are responsible for a 25 percent spike in

curbside trash volume between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

ift wrapping at its best is like a culinary art form.

Today’s standouts look too good to open,much in

the same way gourmet foods look too good to eat. It is

not uncommon for photographs to be taken of beautifully

wrapped packages before greedy fingers rip through the

fancy embellishments.The packages that inspire such

attention require some effort in the creativity department,

and basic technique is a prerequisite.

TRY SOMETHING NEWA manager at Michaels says he can’t divulge the nature of their holiday gift

wrap – you’ll have to visit the store for that top-secret information – but he

did say shoppers can “expect something very different this year.” That’s what

we all need from time to time, isn’t it? Something to jazz up the usual paper

and bow repertoire? (For upcoming wrapping demos check the Michaels’

calendar: www.michaels.com/Store-Events/store-events,default,pg.html.)

Your “something different” need not be extreme. It could be as low-tech

as making a lineup of knots in the ribbon instead of donning the expected


1. Remove the pricetag, if there is one.

2. Roll out the gift wrapand place the packageat its center. Make sureyou have enough tocover the package, plusoverlap about 2 inches.Cut the paper.

With the printedside down, place thepackage at the paper’scenter. Check that thesides will cover with nottoo much overage. Trimas necessary.

3. Bring up one lengthof paper to cover the

box, pulling it tight,and tape it to the box.Before bringing up theother side, fold overthe cut edge (about 2inches) and finish it witha neat crease. Thenbring it up to the centerof the package, pull thepaper snug and tape it

over the paper that’salready there.

4. Choose a shortend to work on. Gentlyfold down the leftand right sides so thattop and bottom flapsform. Crease the folds.then tape the edges:

first the top, then thebottom. Repeat on theother side.

5. Accessorize thepackage as desired.

Wrapping 101: Basic Technique

U.S. Post Office PackingTips

When sending presents through the mail, follow these tips

to ensure a safe and easy ride for your parcels.

TheBox:Choose a box with enough room for cushioning

material around the contents. If you are reusing a box, cover

all previous labels and markings with heavy black marker or

adhesive labels.

Cushioning:Place the cushioning all around your items.

Close and shake the box to see whether you have enough

cushioning. Add more newspaper, Styrofoam, or other

cushioning material if you hear items shifting.

Sealing:Tape the opening of your box and reinforce all

seams with 2-inch-wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging

tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use

cord, string or twine because they get caught in mail

processing equipment.

Correct Address:Using a complete and correct address is

critical for efficient delivery. Use ZIP Code + 4 when possible.

Locate a correct address for accurate mailing.

DropOff: Packages may be handed to your carrier or

taken to the post office. Packages may also be dropped into a

blue collection box with the following restrictions: Stamped

packages must weigh 13 ounces or less; packages with

postage printed using Click-N-Ship or another PC Postage

provider may weigh more than one pound, but must fit in the

collection box.

Visit www.usps.com for holiday shipping deadlines.

Lessen the strain by investing in recycled materials (paper and foil)

or items like banana fiber paper (yes, Virginia, there is such a thing),

soy-ink printed patterns, and a host of natural materials. Try spicing up

brown office paper with hemp, raffia, and twine ribbons and bows, then

accessorize further with candy canes or a small wood ornament. Pier

One sells inexpensive sets of mini ornaments that are perfect for such a

thing. Or even more cost-effective, visit the beach or nearby woods and

collect pinecones, branches, and shells to liven things up (quite literally).

Another green idea is to use waxed paper with a cummerbund of fabric

ribbon or wool yarn, which can be recycled into a craft project later in

the year.

MAKE OR BUY REUSABLETake reusable a step further (and wow your friends and relatives at

the same time) by adhering to the ways of Japanese Furoshiki, a form

of gift wrapping that uses fabric in lieu of paper. In the demonstration

at www.recyclenow.com/what_can_I_do_today/furoshiki_japanese_w.

html, learn how to fold and tie books into something that resembles

a purse, and roll wine bottles into an upright bag with a handle (no

cutting involved). You can do something similar with a scarf: Wrap up

a book or box and tie it with an attractive knot. It’s like giving two gifts

in one, and it’s environmentally friendly to boot. A pretty package that

doesn’t hurt the environment – now that’s something worth taking a

picture of.


Center StageHOW TO MAKE AN EASYCENTERPIECE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE

H oliday get-togethers often mean getting together around the

table for a meal or party — and that means your centerpiece is

center stage.

Mount Pleasant resident Harriet Gilmore, who has a knack for coming

up with creative, innovative flower arrangements for parties around

town, shares several ideas that are easy enough for just about all of us

to pull off.

Part of what makes these Thanksgiving and New Year’s centerpieces

great is that they can be made with items right outside your front (or

back) door. That not only saves money, but also makes the arrangements

very personal.

For both of these designs, Gilmore used greenery from her yard as the

backdrop for festive colors. The other elements in the centerpieces are

available at low cost at grocery, discount and dollar stores as well as crafts

markets. Check not only the seasonal goods, but also the wedding aisles

at those stores, Gilmore suggests.

THE CENT ERP I E C E :

HappyThanksgiving!S U P P L I E S : Greenery from your yard; flowers of choice; ornamental and

winter squash from grocery store; plastic cups or votives that will fit inside

each squash.

HARR I E T ' S HOW- TO : Cut the top off each squash as you would cut

a pumpkin to make a jack-o’-lantern at Halloween. Use a spoon to scoop

out the inside of the squash, then insert the cup or votive so it sits securely

in the squash. Fill the cup or votive with water, then arrange the greenery

and flowers inside.

EX P ERT ADV I C E : Yellow roses and Asiatic lilies are ideal partners for

the oranges and golds that color the squash, and the pittosporum rounds

it all out with fresh green. The arrangements can be assembled a few days

ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, if desired, to keep the flowers

from opening until the day of the get-together. Ornamental squashes have

a pretty long shelf life; these, with the inside surfaces exposed to air, can be

expected to last about 10 days.

THE CENT ERP I E C E :

Happy NewYear!S U P P L I E S : Greenery from your yard; New Year’s supplies such as party

poppers, horns and other noisemakers; metallic bows; hot glue gun; dow-

els; water-retaining floral foam; bowl.

HARR I E T ' S HOW- TO : Soak the floral foam in water until it’s satu-

rated, then place it in the bowl. Insert stems of greenery from several types

of plants so that the foam is concealed. Hot glue the poppers and bows

to dowels, then nestle them into the greenery. Add horns and other party

items as desired.

EX P ERT ADV I C E : Pittosporum, philodendron and cypress lend

different textures to the arrangement, and the New Year’s party para-

phernalia add flash and color. If you don’t mind guests pulling your

arrangement apart, let them take out the horns and poppers for use at

the stroke of midnight or to take home as a souvenir of the arrival of

the new year.

*Originally published in Holiday Traditions, November 2005.

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By Stephanie Burt

MANY FIND MEANINGIN CREATING A HOLIDAY

ENVIRONMENT

Trim andTradition

e hear it a lot.The holidays aren’t about stuff,

they’re about connecting with family. Really?

Then what about all that stuff? Especially the stuff

that stays in the attic for 11 months out of the year

and then is hung, perched and lit for just a few weeks?

Can that décor really be about the season, and not just

about the stuff?

For many people, the

answer seems to be a

resounding yes. While

some of us cannot seem

to understand why it is

important to work hard to

decorate when it’s only going

to have to be taken down,

others find real meaning –

and connection – in creating

a holiday environment in

their home.

W

PHOTOPROVID

ED

Sophie Reckard enjoys her mother’s nativity set.


GHOSTS OFCHRISTMAS PAST

Decorating for the holidays can come with a

pretty heavy dose of nostalgia, even if you are

missing a family heirloom.Vintage holiday

style is hot, from aluminum trees to strings of

lights with big colored bulbs to little figurines

of characters from the classic stop motion

animation special “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed

Reindeer.”Heck, Rudolph even has his own

Facebook page.

Especially popular right now are decor-

ations reminiscent of the 1950s and early

1960s (our country’s collective childhood

at the moment). So even if you don’t have

specific memories of

the past, you can

celebrate with

a more general

retro vibe ...

just don’t get

cut on that silver

Christmas tree.

Vania Agee Reckard is used to the askew glances she sometimes receives.

As the author of the popular blog “Christmas Rapping”, she’s “come clean”

about her obsession with the holidays by revealing her Christmas collections,

targeted holiday travel and even organizer notebooks to an enthusiastic and

sometimes incredulous readership.

“I have had basically two reactions: people that are happy that there is

someone else out there like them, and then people who have no idea what this is

all about,” she says.

Still, no matter how many notebooks Reckard has filled with decorating ideas,

she is simple when it comes to decking her family’s halls.

“I’m not a cover-every-surface decorator,” she explains.

Probably her most significant holiday item is a nativity figurine set that she

displays on her coffee table. Although it is a collectible brand (Fontanini), Reckard

lets her daughters Sophie and Elisabeth play with it; it isn’t breakable, and she

wants them to be able to enjoy it too.

“My mom had a really simple nativity, and having one reminds me of growing

up,” she says.

After she was married and first decided to purchase one of her own, Reckard

looked for one “that reminded me of my mother’s, but when I couldn’t find one

I liked in that style, I decided to go in the opposite direction.”

Her nativity is full of realistic human details, and Sophie especially loves

moving the pieces to create an informal parade around the edge of the table.

Carrie Morey, owner of Callie’s Charleston Biscuits, also thinks of family when

she decorates for Christmas.

“I have ornaments passed down in my family, ornaments I made, and now

we’re adding to that with the ones my children have made in the past few years,”

she says.

She also has about 15 sand dollar ornaments that are important to her.

Her mother, Callie, collected the shells on the beaches of Sullivans Island, Kiawah

and Seabrook years ago.

“She used to have the ultimate Lowcountry Christmas tree, decorated with

bleached sand dollars and white lights,” Morey explains. “I loved it.”

The natural beauty of the sand dollars were accentuated with simple gold

ribbon, and today, Morey remembers that tree as she hangs those remaining sand

dollars on her own tree. Like many families, the tree is the centerpiece of the her

holiday décor, and she always plans a relaxed Sunday night dinner for extended

family to join in the decorating fun with her three girls: Caroline, Cate and Sarah.

Carl Kriscovich thinks about children, too – his grandchildren – while decorating

one of the numerous trees that he and his wife, Bonnie, have in their home.

The couple own A Charleston Christmas on Market Street, and they have

stores in Hilton Head, Savannah, Ga., and Amelia Island, Fla., as well – so it’s only

logical that they would have access to plenty of decorating options. And although

they are in the business of knowing the newest trends in holiday décor, the

special tree for the kids is all about one of their past collections from the 1980s.

“We have one tree full of Polish glass ornaments,” Carl says. “We’re keeping

those for the grandkids.”


O Christmas Treeor many families, picking out the Christmas

tree is one of the highlights of the holiday

season – whether it’s spending an afternoon

in the country cutting your own or wandering

through rows on a corner tree lot.

The first consideration, regardless of where you

find your tree, is whether it will be live or cut.

“Most people choose a cut tree,” says Steve

Parsley, a horticulturalist at Abide-A-While Nursery

in Mount Pleasant, “but some people want a live

tree that they can replant after the holidays are

over. One of the advantages is a live, replanted

tree doesn’t fill up a landfill.”

He says boxwoods and junipers are popular

picks. “They can be trimmed easily, and some can

sit on a table in their containers.”

EXPERTS SHARE TIPS FOR THE CARE AND FEEDING OF THE LOWCOUNTRY’S MOSTPOPULAR VARIETIES

F

F R A S E R F I R L E Y L A ND C Y P R E S S E A S T E R N R ED C ED A R B LU E S P RU C E

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S HO RT A ND S T U B B Y O R LONG A ND L AC Y, P O P U L A R CH R I S TM A S

T R E E VA R I E T I E S O F F E R S OM E TH I N G F O R E V E RYON E

Lowcountry Favorites

According to George Hyams, owner of Hy-

ams Garden and Accent, many buy the Leyland

cypress and juniper in containers. “It’s best not

to keep them inside more than two weeks. They

won’t be happy in the house.”

Of the cut trees, Hyams says the Fraser fir, a

large tree imported from the mountains, is the

most popular. “It accounts for 95 percent of sales

(of Christmas trees).” Other favorites include the

blue spruce and Eastern red cedar.

If you want a cut tree, Parsley and Hyams both

recommend shaking the tree to see how many

leaves or needles fall. If a large number fall,

it can indicate that the tree was cut long ago.

A recently cut tree is best.

If you want to cut your own, visit a tree farm

such as Toogoodoo Christmas Tree Farm on

Yonges Island. Owner Julie Walters says one of

the benefits of cutting your own is that you know

it’s fresh. “You’re not getting a tree that’s been

sitting in a parking lot. It’s an extremely fresh tree.

It’s also a South-Carolina-grown tree, and that

means a lot to a lot of people.”

Among the more popular varieties at Toogoo-

doo are the Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, Caro-

lina Sapphire (a cultivar of Arizona cypress) and

white pine. The farm also imports Fraser firs.

Tree care tips are similar for cut and live trees.

For live trees, Hyams recommends putting ice

cubes in the container. “You don’t want them to be

soaking wet, and that’s a good way to keep it from

drying out. Just remember to put a tray under it.”

For cut trees, Parsley says to make a cut on the

trunk before adding water. The fresh cut will help

the tree absorb water; otherwise it will seal itself.

You should use lukewarm water, never hot.

Hyams suggests putting the tree in a bucket of

water in a shady area and keeping it there over-

night to let it absorb the water. “When you bring

it inside, keep it away from vents. Air blowing on it

dries it out,” he says.

Keeping the tree hydrated is important, too.

Hyams says water is all you need, although Parsley

recommends adding sugar to the water to keep

the leaves green.

To get a nice shape from a misshapen tree,

Hyams suggests taking pruned limbs and reattach-

ing them in another area by wrapping with wire.

By Sheila Watson; originally published in

Holiday Traditions, November 2005.


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Do It Yourselfere’s some garland-making advice and

a few general tips, all adapted from

ehow.com and the Clemson Extension

Service’s Home and Garden Information Center.

• Work over newspapers – this can be messy.

• Pines, firs and cedars are good to use for in-

door decoration because they’re slow to dry out

and they hold their needles well at warm interior

temperatures. For a detailed list of greenery

options you’re likely to see in this area, as well

as advice on keeping greenery fresh and which

types are hazardous to pets and children, visit

www.clemson.edu/extension.

• Items you’ll need for an 8-foot garland

include an 8-foot length of heavy twine, No. 24

floral wire (also called paddle wire; look for it

where craft supplies are sold) and garden shears.

• Some of the places you can use garlands are

draped over a picture, door, window or mantel;

piled on a piano; or curved around groups of

family photos on an entryway table.

Step by StepSTEP 1: Gather evergreen trimmings. Place

an 8-foot length of heavy twine on a large, flat

surface. Tie a loop in one end as a handle.

STEP 2: Attach No. 24 floral wire to the loop

end of the twine. Keep the wire attached to the

spool and unravel it as needed.

STEP 3: Select several pieces of different

types of greenery and bunch them together

with all the stems at the same end. Place the

bundle of foliage at the loop end of the twine

with the stems pointing toward the long end of

the twine.

STEP 4: Wrap the floral wire around the

stems and twine to secure them in place.

Wrap the floral wire around the bundle twice

and then pull it tight, making sure to leave the

wire attached to the twine.

STEP 5: Gather another bundle of foliage

and lay it so that the stems overlap the first

bunch and cover the stems. Make sure that

all the stems are facing the same direction.

Continue the process of overlapping the

bunches of foliage and wiring them to the

twine until you run out of twine.

STEP 6: When you get to the end of the

twine, twist the wire tightly around the last

bundle’s stems, and knot the wire and the string

together. Leave some extra wire, about 10

inches long, if you’ll need to attach the garland

to another item. Cut the wire with scissors or

pruning shears.

• STEP 7: If hanging the garland, use evenly

spaced tacks, nails or picture hooks so it is well-

supported and hangs uniformly.

TIPS FOR MAKING A GARLAND

H

*Originally published in Lowcountry Living, November/December 2006.

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Around the TableIDEAS AND INSPIRATIONS FOR SERVING, DECORATING AND CENTERPIECES

ome of us go for months without using our dining rooms, but this time

of year we’re sure glad they’re there. Eating at the kitchen table is always

comfortable and familiar, but November and December are prime time

for platter-packed parties and big sit-down dinners with extended family.

Lowcountry innkeepers Linda Shelbourne of Linwood Bed & Breakfast in

Summerville and Karen Spell Shaw of the Governor’s House Inn in Charles-

ton share the following tried-and-true advice for presenting a festive table.

• BRIGHTEN BLEARYEYES WITH FRUIT.For a breakfast table, Shelbourne often

uses a platter of fresh fruit as a center-

piece. “It’s colorful and simple and people

can help themselves to the things they

like,” she says. Citrus-fruit colors – orang-

es, yellows, ruby-pinks and greens – are

great for helping get the eyes open in

the morning.

• USE YOUR PRETTIEST THINGS – linens, the “good” china,

any lovely old spoons or salt shakers or serving pieces handed down

through the family.

• MIND THE LINE OF SIGHT.Most of us have sat at a dinner table with a

floral centerpiece so big that we can’t see the

person across from us, much less carry on a

conversation, without constantly bobbing and

weaving to see around the vase or the stuff

spilling out of it. Shelbourne has a neat solu-

tion – one that lets the hostess show off a little

with an out-of-the-ordinary arrangement but

still keeps the lines of sight clear. Pick up a tall,

inexpensive, clear plastic vase at a discount or

crafts mega-store. Fill the vase nearly to the top with colored ornaments,

perhaps red, then nestle a shallow bowl just inside the top of the vase.

Saturate some water-retaining florists’ foam (such as Oasis) and add that to

the bowl, then arrange a selection of greenery by inserting the stems into

the foam. Magnolia, pine, holly, nandina and other backyard favorites are

great choices.

• ADD FLORALS AND FLAMES.The most famous holiday flower, the

poinsettia, is lovely in groups on a dining

room buffet, sideboard or in the middle of

a table. Shaw uses poinsettias and candles

on the dining room table at the holidays.

“Nothing is as lovely as candles,” she says.

“Everybody looks good by candlelight, and

it puts everyone in a very festive mood.”

• CONVEY “MAKEYOURSELF AT HOME.”Shelbourne makes sure her guests

know that they don’t have to wait

for breakfast to get their caffeine

kick – they are more than welcome to

help themselves to coffee as soon as

they get up. She makes sure before

bedtime that they know how to work the coffeemaker and know where all the

necessary add-ins are located. Shaw says, “I have one friend that I visit who

always, when she hears me stirring around in the morning, will come knock on

my door with a mug of coffee for me and say, ‘This is to help you start your

day.’ I really like that.”

• PERSONALIZETHE SEND-OFF.If you’re having meals with overnight guests,

make a mental note if they rave about the

cinnamon-pecan bread you bought at a local

bakery or the coffee you found at a gourmet

shop in town. It’s a nice touch, Shelbourne says,

to pick up the same product to send back home

with your guests. You can even make them a

goodie bag for the road. “Use those holiday gift

bags that we all save and include some bottled

water, crackers, any leftovers of that cake you served that they loved, an apple

or banana. You could write a little note saying, ‘Have a safe trip home.’”

Now that’s Lowcountry hospitality.

By Ann MitchellThrash; originally published in Lowcountry Living,

November/December 2006.

•YS

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bedtime that they know how to work thebedtime that they know how to work th

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rved that they loved an appled h h l d l

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I t was a Charleston native – Joel Poinsett – who first brought

the poinsettia to the United States.

Born in the Holy City in 1779, Poinsett was well-educated in

medicine, law and military science and spoke Spanish, French,

Italian and German fluently. He was the U.S. secretary of war, the

nation’s first ambassador to Mexico and also served in Congress.

It was from Mexico that he brought back a distinctive plant –

Euphorbia pulcherrima (which means “very beautiful”), named in

his honor after it became widely popular.

Poinsett was deeply interested in botany and studied crops

that thrived in his beloved South, hoping to enhance produc-

tion. Among the other plants he brought to America from Mexico

were the mimosa and the hibiscus. It would be nice to think that

at his December 1851 burial in Stateburg, S.C. (near Sumter),

mourners honored his memory with poinsettias.

*Originally published in Lowcountry Living, November/December 2006.

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ENCHANTINGEVENTS

WHERE TO GO,WHAT TO DO

lll The Holiday Festival of LightsWhen: through Jan. 2Where: James Island County ParkCost: $10 per vehicle (1–15 guests), $25 pervehicle (16–30 guests) and $100 per vehicle (31+guests)Three-mile driving tour features more than 600light displays, Winter Wonderland and Santa’sVillage. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.

lll Lights UpWhen: Nov. 20, 6 p.m.Where: Mount Pleasant Towne CentreEnjoy a special holiday performance bythe Charleston Community Band, a sneakpeak Santa appearance and horse-drawn carriagerides in front of the Belk Department Store.Visit www.mtpleasanttownecentre.com.

lll Chanukah BazaarWhen: Nov. 30, 5–8 p.m.Where: Jewish Community CenterCost: $5 for a dinner that includes soup, a latkeand a drinkFeatures craft projects and gift vendors.Call 571-6565, ext. 307.

lll Charleston Sleigh RideWhen: Dec. 1–31Where: Shem CreekCost: $40 for adults and $30 for ages 3–12, freefor children younger than 2Wrap yourself in a cozy waterproof blanket andsip hot chocolate during a leisurely tour of theCharleston Harbor. Visit www.ThrillerCharleston.com or call 276-4203.

lll Holiday Farmers MarketWhen: Dec. 4–19, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturdays and10 a.m.–4 p.m. SundaysWhere: Marion SquareLocal farmers and artisans showcase their bestassortment of food, art, crafts and gifts.Visit www.charleston-sc.gov.

lll Holly DaysWhen: Dec. 4, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Where: downtown SummervilleShopping, caroling, live holiday window displays,cocoa and cider and more. Call 821-7260 or visitwww.summervilledream.org.

lll North Charleston Christmas FestivalWhen: Dec. 4, 4–9 p.m.Where: Park CircleChildren’s events, marshmallow-roastingcrafts, farmer’s market, parade and annualtree lighting ceremony. Call 740-2531 or visitwww.northcharleston.org.

lll City of Charleston Tree LightingWhen: Dec. 4, 4:30–6:30 p.m.Where: Marion SquareCommunity bands and caroling, with Mayor JoeRiley Jr. and Santa Claus officially lighting the treearound 6 p.m. Visit www.charleston-sc.gov

lll The Annual Spirituals ConcertWhen: Dec. 4–5, 3 p.m. and Dec. 6, 6 p.m.Where: Drayton HallCost: $35 for adults and $30 for friends of DraytonHall.Features Gullah music and spirituals performed byAnn Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers. Cateredreception and informal house tours offered beforethe concert starts. Call 769-2605 or visit www.draytonhall.org.

lll Chanukah in the SquareWhen: Dec. 5, 4–6 p.mWhere: Marion Square ParkA celebration of the festival of lights with the me-norah, live music, crafts and food. Call 724-7305 orvisit www.charlestoncity.info.

lll The Charleston Christmas SpecialWhen: Dec. 10–19Where: Charleston Music HallCost: Ticket prices varyA musical variety show that includes a cast of localprofessionals as well as entertainers from all overthe country. Visit www.bradandjennifermoranz.com.

lll Holiday EntertainmentWhen: Dec. 10–12 and 17–19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.Fridays and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. weekendsWhere: Marion SquareChildren’s choirs, bands and more.

lll The NutcrackerWhen: Dec. 11–12, 17Where: Gaillard Auditorium (Dec. 11–12); NorthCharleston Performing Arts Center (Dec. 17)“Charleston” version features hundreds of lo-cal children from downtown Charleston, NorthCharleston and Dorchester District 2 Schools. Call723-7334 or visit www.charlestonballet.org.

lll A Gingerbread House WorkshopWhen: Dec. 12, 2–4 p.m.Where: The Inn at Middleton PlaceCost: $15 for adults, $12 for ages 3–16, free forchildren younger than 3 with paying adultDesign an edible architectural masterpiece atan architectural award-winning inn. Reservationsrequired. Call 556-0500.

lll Grand Illumination: Christmas 1782When: Dec. 17–18, 6:30–8:30 p.m.Where: Middleton PlaceCost: $45 for adults and $20 for childrenStroll through gardens illuminated by torchlight,candlelight and starlight, and see the House Muse-um seasonally decorated and glowing in candle-light. Dinner buffet included; cash bar. Reserva-tions required. Call 556-6020.

lll Santa in the SwampWhen: Dec. 18Where: Cypress GardensCost: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12 andfree for children 5 and youngerSanta will arrive by swamp boat and take photoswith guests including pets. Local vendors will sellhandmade gifts and crafts. Call 843-553-0515 orvisit cypressgardens.info.

Happy New Year

Paradeslll City of North Charleston: Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.(Park Circle)

lll Annual Parade of Boats: Dec. 4 at 5:30p.m. (Mount Pleasant viewing) and 6:30 p.m.(downtown viewing)

lll Tri-county Fire Chief’s: Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.(from Meeting and Calhoun to Broad andAshley)

lll Mount Pleasant: Dec. 12 at Sunset (Hous-ton Northcutt to Sea Island Shopping Center)

lll Summerville: Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. (from West4th North Street to Main Street, Richardsonand Cedar)

Winter Carnival: Dec. 31 at the HolidayFestival of Lights at James Island CountyPark. Amusement rides, old-fashionedcarousel rides, bands, storytellers andfireworks at 9:30 p.m. Cost is $10 pervehicle for one to 15 guests.

Happy New Year Charleston: Dec. 31 atMarion Square and surrounding locations(starts at 4 p.m.). Non-alcoholic event fea-tures family-oriented concert and presen-tations to ring in the new year. Free.


ho says hide-and-seek is just for kids?

This time of year, we all play at least

one part in the game – hiding gifts we

have for others, seeking gifts we hope someone

might have hidden for us, or even a little of both.

Here are a few hiding-spot ideas that just might

thwart your resident snoopers and keep your

secrets safe until it’s gift-giving time. Wrap gifts

(and use lots of tape) before you hide them so that

even if the snoop finds them, he’ll have some work

to do to get into the package undetected.

• Place small gifts inside old purses, bags or

briefcases and store them in a spare bedroom or

closet that isn’t used very often.

• Stash gifts in empty suitcases in a closet. Every-

one is used to seeing luggage stored there and

won’t suspect that it might not be empty.

They’ll Never Find it Here!CREATIVE HIDING PLACES TOHELP YOU FOIL THE SNOOPS

IN YOUR HOUSE

• If your children aren’t allowed in

the attic, take advantage of

that and hide gifts there.

• Store your gifts at work or

swap presents with a friend

who also has a snoop at

home.

• Put a tag on a wrapped

gift that indicates it’s for someone

other than the true recipient – for example,

put an “Aunt Jane” tag on gifts for your son or

daughter. If you think you might forget who the

gift is really for, jot it down in your organizer or

on a list you can hide in a wallet or purse.

In fact, it might not hurt to write down where

you hide everything – just in case you’re sneaki-

er than you think.

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■ Holiday Island on Jekyll Island at the JekyllIsland Club HotelJekyll Island, Ga.Nov. 27–Jan. 1

The hotel’s Holiday Island celebration featuresmore than a dozen events rooted in Colonialtradition. The Community Christmas Tree Lightingkicks off the season the Saturday after Thanksgiv-ing with an evening of hayrides, entertainment,faux blown snow and an appearance by St. Nick.

The usual afternoon high tea served in theGrand Dining Room is dressed up with instrumen-tal holiday music and fancier fare. The DickensFeast, brought to life by the Atlanta Acting Com-pany, is a musical dinner theater that is a favoriteamong regular holiday guests. From caroling atThe Club to animated holiday storytelling, thespirit of the season touches everyone who stepsfoot down the hotel’s Hall of Mirrors or views oneof its appointed, towering live trees. With Thanks-giving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day,holiday banquets are memorable, and the partydoesn’t end until New Year’s.Cost: variesMore info: www.jekyllclub.com

■ Christmas at Biltmore Daytime CelebrationAsheville, N.C.Nov. 5–Jan. 2

Enjoy America’s largest home decorated withdozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths,bows, and poinsettias, miles of evergreengarland, and thousands of ornaments. This year,the seven-story high Banquet Hall will appearas if the Vanderbilt family has prepared for theemployee Christmas festivities. Tricycles, dolls,toy furniture, books, horns, trains, hoops andtops will hang from the massive, 34-foot Fraserfir tree, with garlands of evergreens, mistletoeand shining holly dressing the Banquet Hall din-ing table.

Christmas at Biltmore during the daytime

HolidayRoad

PHOTOSCOURTESYOFTHEJEKYLLISLANDCLUBHOTEL

ecember is a great time to travel

to new places, when cities are

lit up and shop windows are filled

with toys and other holiday favorites.

Try a weekend trip to one of these

destinations and add a little fun to

your busy schedule.

D


includes access to Biltmore House, the Gardens andAntler Hill Village and Winery. The village links tothe winery, where visitors may take a complimentaryguided tour culminating with a complimentary winetasting. You will also find Santa and Mrs. Claus eachweekend at the Antler Hill Village Barn.Cost: Tickets start at $57 for adultsMore info: www.biltmore.com/visit/calendar/christmas.asp

■ Holiday Lights Safari Benefit at HollywildAnimal ParkWellford, S.C.Nov. 20–Jan. 2

Drive your own vehicle through nearly 100 acresdecorated with twinkling lights, dazzling holidaythemes, light sculptures, and a life-sized Nativity,all while herds of live animals roam the site at thisnature park just outside of Spartanburg.

Open nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. with extendedhours on weekends through December, the animalpark will also include children’s activities such aspony rides, a giant slide, visits with Santa and acampfire. Feed can be purchased for the animals.Cost: $6 per person; children age 2 and youngerare admitted freeMore info: www.hollywild.com or (864) 472-2038.

■ All Aboard The Polar ExpressHeart of Dixie Railroad MuseumCalera, Ala.

“All Aboard” says the conductor, as an hour-long train ride begins at the Heart of Dixie RailroadMuseum. Families are transported into the popularchildren’s tale, “The Polar Express,” and childrenare encouraged to wear pajamas as they ride therails to the North Pole, enjoy chocolate milk andcookies and listen to a reading of the book. Uponarrival at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus visiteveryone on the train and each child will receivethe “First Gift of Christmas,” just like in the story.

This is a popular event, hosting approximately12,000 people throughout the holiday season, soadvance tickets are recommended.Cost: $23.15 per ticket, plus tax and processing.More info: www.hodrrm.org/CalendarofEvents/PolarExpressInfo/tabid/62/Default.aspx

■ Holiday Season in Old SalemWinston-Salem, N.C.Nov. 13–Dec. 30

Old Salem Museums and Gardens is a livingmuseum Moravian community of original build-ings, authentic craftsmen practicing their trade,collections of rare antiques and unique retail shop-ping opportunities.

A visit to Old Salem Museums and Gardensduring the holiday season is a step back to a timewhen the holidays were simpler, less stressfuland more focused on faith and family. Traditionalwreaths hang from the doors, lamp posts andfence posts are wrapped in their winter greenery,

the smell of fresh-baked treats wafts from the bak-ery and the sound of music drifts through the air todraw you into the holiday spirit.

All of the winter holidays and traditions arecelebrated, including Thanksgiving, New Year’s,Twelfth Night and much more, and there are nu-merous events, from candlelight strolls to wreath-making classes to holiday concerts.Cost: variesMore info: www.oldsalem.org/holiday-season.html

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No purchase is necessary to win. To enter, contestants must be 18 years of age. Employees, agents, and contractors of The Evening Post Publishing Company and their immediate family members are ineligible to enter. All taxes levied against the contestant’s winningsare the responsibility of the winners. Judges’ decisions are fi nal. Prize redeemable at Gift Wrapped advertis-ers. Winner can divide the $1,000 among up to fouradvertisers.

Drawing: Dec. 17Drawing: Dec. 17


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he holiday season is quickly

approaching. During this time

of festive decorating, it is wonder-

ful to delight the eyes with seasonal

ornamentation, but the best way to

enhance the joy of the season is to tap

into the sense of smell.

The lingering scent of baked cinnamon or a

fresh-cut pine tree can instantly boost your holiday

theme and evoke memories, old and new. Try

these helpful tips to craft your favorite scents and

fill your home with delicious aroma.

WAX ONIt is effortless to create enticing smells with

candles. Simply light the wick, and the candle will

fill the air with pleasure. A well-known place to

look for season scents is Yankee Candle. Some

popular choices include “Sparkling Cinnamon,”

“Christmas Tree,” “Red Apple Wreath” and

“Holiday Bayberry.” Christen Henry, manager of

Bath & Body Works in Citadel Mall, suggests the

store’s scrumptious array of scents as well. “Va-

nilla Bean Noel,” “Twisted Peppermint,” “Winter

Candy Apple” and their newest scent “Snow

Kissed Berry” comprise this year’s collection.

OIL IT UPOils provide another wonderful option for creat-

ing a strong fragrance. A traditional way to use oils

is to place them in a warmer. However, reed dif-

fusers have become a popular trend. Simply place

the reeds in a fragrance bottle filled with an oil

By Caroline O’Hagan

of choice; the oil will collect in the reeds, releas-

ing the scent as it is drawn to the top. Pluggable

diffusers offer a similar effect. These options are

available in a variety of places, including Bath &

Body Works, Target, Walmart and local supermar-

kets and drug stores.

GOING TO POTPotpourri is a classic tradition, and it can be

purchased or made. This is also an easy way to

decorate. Centerpieces for tables can be filled

with seasonal potpourri items including pinecones,

cinnamon sticks and garland. Another idea is to

simply fill a decorative bowl with dried orange

slices and rosemary. Scented potpourri center-

pieces are wonderful items to use when hosting

holiday brunches or dinner parties.

CIRCLE OF SCENTSpeaking of decorations, wreaths are a fun way

to ornament your home with fragrance. Attaching

dried fruit not only adds color but also provides a

lovely smell.

Try using scented, dried apple slices (see side-

bar) and cranberries. Nuts can be used as well.

Nutmeg would be a good choice, especially if you

spray the wreath lightly with adhesive and sprinkle

some nutmeg cooking spice on top.

SWEET SMELLSAs a final suggestion, baking, of course, is the

easiest way to fill your house with delectable

aroma; however, not everyone has time to do so.

A trick to producing the illusion of baking is to

warm a pot of water and cinnamon sticks on the

stovetop. You can also purchase bakery items.

“Gingerbread has a strong scent, and it’s great

for the holidays because it’s something you can

eat as well as make items with,” says Bill Bowick,

co-owner of Sugar bakeshop.

In addition to gingerbread men and women

cookies, Sugar also sells kits for gingerbread

houses modeled on Charleston single-style homes,

providing customers with a unique treat that smells

and tastes as delicious as it looks.

Our sense of smell is a powerful influence in our

excitement for the holidays; so indulge in some

of these helpful tips to incorporate the joy and

warmth of season into your home.

Homemade Dried Apple Slices

Items needed: 8 apples, 8 teaspoons cin-namon, 1 teaspoon clove, baking sheet

Instructions: Preheat oven to 200 de-grees. Peel, core and cut apples intoapproximately ¼-inch-thick slices. Placeslices on baking sheet, and mix cinnamonand clove together. Sprinkle mixture onboth sides of each slice. Bake for six hoursor until dry.

Take a Deep BreathFILL YOUR HOME WITH THE SCENTS OF THE SEASON

PHOTOPROVID

ED

T


busy holiday season can make cooking elaborate

dinners a difficult task, but with a little thought and

preparation, you can have everything on hand to

throw together a few wonderful meals and simple snacks

in a snap.“For transparency’s sake, my holiday pantry really isn’t any different than

my standard pantry,” says Heather Solos, author of “Home-Ec101.com.”

During the holiday season, Solos tends to add a quart of half and half

and extra butter to her refrigerator for any spur-of-the-moment baking

that may occur.

It is also helpful to have cooked chicken in the refrigerator. If roasting a

chicken isn’t your style, keeping a rotisserie chicken on hand can go a long

way toward being prepared for on-the-fly meals such as chicken quesa-

dillas, tacos and chicken soup. (Just make sure you have a plan to use

the meat within a safe time frame.) Don’t forget that the bones from that

chicken are valuable and make a wonderful stock.

“If you don’t have time for that right now, save them in the freezer.

Homemade stock is far superior to canned broth or bouillon cubes. Give it

a try,” Solos says.

While roasts are great for involved holiday dinners (and a chuck roast in

the slow cooker is almost effortless), try to keep a few less time-intensive

cuts of beef around in the freezer like sirloin tips for beef stroganoff or

blackened beef tips over alfredo.

“One of the best things about the fall is that squash and root vegeta-

bles are all in abundance. Having these items on hand can bring wonderful

seasonal flavors from the fall right through the winter.”

Baked acorn squash or sweet potatoes, sprinkled with cinnamon and

brown sugar can transform plain meals like baked chicken with rice into a

meal rich with holiday flavors.

Lucinda Scala Quinn is the senior vice president and executive editorial

director of Food and Entertaining for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia,

and host of “Mad Hungry with Lucinda Scala Quinn,” which airs on the Hall-

mark Channel. She suggests orange and marscarpone stuffed dates as a de-

licious and quick dessert or a bruschetta or salsa as simple crowd-pleasers.

Her advice for the best party ever?

“Enjoy your company over food,” she says. “To try and live up to per-

fection is not only building up to disappointment, but isn’t being together

with family, friends and loved ones the point of having holiday meals in the

first place? Include everyone, make preparing for the holiday an event in

itself and enjoy the meal yourself – being the hostess doesn’t mean you

need to be glued to the kitchen or that you have the sole responsibility in

THE KEY TO AN EASY PARTY IS AWELL-STOCKED PANTRY

HOLIDAY MEALSMade Easy

By Shannon Brigham

PHOTO©CHRISTOPHERELW

ELL|DREAMSTIM

E.COM

A


making the meal memorable.” Blackened Beef Tips over Fettuccine AlfredoNote: While the water for fettuccine noodles is heating, cook the sirloin tips. Set

it in a place it can keep warm and make the alfredo sauce while the noodles are

boiling.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. sirloin tips steak

¼ cup Cajun seasoning

2-3 Tbsp. butter

flour (optional)

4 cups cooked fettuccine noodles

Cut the sirloin tip steak into ½- to 1-inch cubes. Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron

if you have one) over medium high heat; while the skillet is heating, toss or roll

the steak in Cajun seasoning, adding flour if you prefer milder heat. Add the

butter to the skillet, lift the skillet off the heat and tip the pan from side to side,

front and back, to coat the bottom. Return the pan to the heat and immediately

add the beef.

Quickly stir the beef for a few seconds. Then allow the meat to cook for two

minutes. Stir and cook an additional two minutes. The beef should be medium

rare and tender.

Alfredo Sauce

1¼ cup grated Parmesan or Parmesan/Romano blend

1 Tbsp. whole wheat flour (white will work)

4 Tbsp. butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup half and half

In a small bowl, combine stir the Parmesan and flour. Heat a skillet over

medium heat, melt the butter in the pan, then sauté garlic until just golden.

Add the half and half, then slowly stir in the Parmesan flour mixture. Stir con-

stantly and bring to a low simmer until thickened. Serve immediately over your

favorite pasta.

Makes 4 servings.

– Heather Solos, Home-Ec101.com, Recipes

Macerated Oranges with Stuffed Dates and PistachiosINGREDIENTS

3 oranges, peeled

2 Tbsp. grappa (Greek liqueur)

2 tsp. honey

¾ cup mascarpone cheese

1½ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. instant espresso

2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

12 Medjool dates

1 cup salted pistachio nuts, in the shell

Section the oranges by cutting away each section from the mem-

brane. Place in a medium-size serving bowl. Stir in the grappa and

honey. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

In another bowl, mix together the mascarpone, sugar, cinnamon and

espresso until well combined. Stir in the chocolate and set aside.

Cut a lengthwise slit in each of the dates and remove the pit. Fill

each date with ¾ tsp. of the cheese mixture. Serve the dates and

nuts alongside the bowl of chilled oranges.

Makes 6 servings.

– Reprinted with permission from “Lucinda’s Rustic Italian Kitchen,” by Lucinda

Scala Quinn/John Wiley & Sons Inc.

What’s in your pantry, happy holiday host?A pantry is like a tool box, and the more tools you have, the

easier it is to build great meals in minutes. Successful cookshave suggested the following items to get you started, andthese ingredients can be the basis of many a great recipe:

• dried herbs and spices (rosemary, oregano,Kosher salt, basil, cumin and cinnamon to start)

• dry pasta• olive oil• garlic• onions• canned tomatoes• rice (regular and wild for variety)• assorted cheeses• cookies or frozen cookie dough

Lucinda Scala Quinn

PHOTOBYDAVID

RUSSELL

ano,to start)

PHOTO©IN

GRID

HECZKO|DREAMSTIM

E.COM


NAVIGATING WINE COUNTRYA good bottle of wine is in the

taste buds of the individual. Be-

come familiar with the style of wine

you like best and explore various

producers in order to develop a

familiarity with it.

“I love funky red Bur-

gundy, my grandmoth-

er loves buttery Cali-

fornia chardonnay,”

says Brad Ball, local

wine expert and owner

of Social Restaurant and Wine Bar. “It should be

noted though, that when dealing with imported

wine, certain importers are known for working with

the best producers of the region.”

WHEN CHOOSING WINE, PRICE RARELY MATTERS.

“You can find amazing values from Portugal and

South America, but if you want an outstanding

bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, buying the cheapest

one available would be a bad idea,” Ball says. It’s a

region that commands higher price points, so spend

the extra $10 for a better-established producer.

Ball says it’s always a good idea to bring a bot-

tle of sparkling wine to the host when you attend

a holiday party. “It’s the perfect primer to start an

evening and always much appreciated. Also, you

don’t need to spend the money on Champagne.

A great bottle of Cava or Prosecco are delicious

options as well.”

SPARKLING RECOMMENDATIONS:

Trevisol, Prosecco, Italy $16

Castellroig, Cava Rosada, Spain $20

Aubry, Grower Champagne, France $45

White Recommendations:

Encostas Vinho Verde, Portugal $10

(light, spritzy white)

Domaine Pichot, Vouvray, France $18

(serious Chenin Blanc with a hint of residual sugar)

Sass, Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley, Oregon $18

RED RECOMMENDATIONS:

Belle Pente Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette

Valley Oregon $20

Damilano, Barbera d’Asti, Italy $18

Niepoort, “Twisted,” Douro, Portugal $20

STRESS-FREEPARTY SNACKS

• Dessert apples. Slice the top off several apples

and scoop out the core, leaving the bottom intact.

For an indulgence, stuff each one with a chopped

mini candy bar; otherwise, butter, cinnamon and

brown sugar will do. Splash a little water or cider

in the bottom of the pan and bake at 350 degrees

for 40 minutes, or until apples reach desired

tenderness.

• Spicy cheese crackers. Place a block of cream

cheese on a plate and pour a ¼ to ½ cup of jalap-

eno jelly over it (or blend the two together into a

dip). Serve with crackers and veggies.

•Texas Pinwheels. Place a flour tortilla in a warm

skillet and cook for one minute.Turn it over and

sprinkle with shredded cheese. As soon as the

cheese starts to melt, move the tortilla to a cutting

board and spread lightly with salsa and cooked,

shredded chicken. Roll, allow the cheese to cool

and set, then slice the tortilla roll crosswise to

form round sections or pinwheels.

• “Homemade”Cider. Pour cider into a pot or

slow cooker and add a cinnamon stick or ground

cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg; warm over low

heat. “Sometimes I like to add a slice of orange or

a splash of orange juice to brighten the flavor with

citrus,” says Heather Solos of Home-Ec101.com.

“As a bonus the whole house will smell amazing.”

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