Loading...
The Citizen, 2006-12-21, Page 53We value the friendships we've built with customers like you. Hope you all have a happy holiday! • -'-o-c7/ B & H Mechanical Brussels 519-887-9922 reetimgss%-- from Tom and Kim and staff Ruth and Karen 71~Y'LZdkvel& VARIETY Vrtiddek Variety Christmas Hours Dec. 24 - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Dec. 25 - Closed Dec. 26 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Dec. 31 - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Jan. 1 - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. '7(a/P/P# New 4,1i) 7 II Accessorize to achieve the look you want Continued from B19 as they won't need to be replaced as frequently. "The ice cap poms are a very popular choice at Christmas." Lilies are also a nice option, said Taylor. "But remove the stamens so the colour doesn't stain. If it does use a dry cloth to brush off." The temperature of the home and how much you water the swag will determine how long it will last. "Just replace the flowers as they die and give it a good soaking in the tub or over the sink as needed and it should last for weeks." The addition of gold ting ting or dogwood will extend the swag and give it some personality. Accessorizing can transform the style of your swag. "You can do rustic look or elegant." For example a red plaid bow with some dogwood gives a nice country look. Suggestions for accessories to incorporate into your swag range from pine cones to gold ornaments. A spray of glitter gold and you have a lovely seasonal accent that brings a holiday scent into your home, without the mess. Versatile Use fresh flowers. far right. to create a swag for indoors or add other accessories to create a festive decoration for the front door. (Borne Gropp photos) Tips for first-time holiday hosts .v (MS) — Thinking about hosting a holiday party this season? Whether for 10 or 100 guests, even a novice can pull off a holiday party to remember, event planners say. The key: Plan' ahead. . This will help to avoid some common blunders of first-time party hosts, such as underestimating the guest count, running out of food or drinks or even breaking city noise ordinances, which may have the police on your doorstep, says Sherri Foxman, founder and CEO of Party411.com, an event planning company that provides step-by-step plans for hosting a party. One of the most common mistakes is when hosts put out too many chairs or tables. "A party that should be 'move-around' [then] becomes sit-down and boring," Foxman says. Instead, aim for a party where no one wants to leave, everyone is talking, eating, drinking, sharing stories, making new friends and enjoying great food, themed desserts and maybe even some fun activities, Foxman says. Foxman and other party planners recommend the following strategies: Step 1: Determine a budget. Create a budget that takes into account decorations, invitations, food and drink. If your budget gets too bloated, Foxman suggests asking friends or guests to bring some food or having beer and wine, which is less expensive than a full bar. Step 2: Decide the number of guests. Make a wish list of whom you plan to invite and make sure you have the room or can rent a space to accommodate everyone. Then, send out invitations early and show off your creativity, Foxman says, because you're likely competing with many other holiday parties. Step 3: Develop a party plan. What foods will you serve? Are you cooking or catering in? Are you holding a holiday open house, a sit- down dinner, potluck or a buffet? Consider such questions to come up with a detailed plan. If you're baking, make up a schedule to co- ordinate all the work and time involved. If you're ordering any specialty items, do so in advance so you're not left with starving guests. Also, a theme — such as candyland or winter wonderland — can help tie a party together. "Coming up with something to break the ice, especially if a lot of your guests have never met, is essential:' Foxman adds. Some activities may include decorating cookies, caroling or a gift exchange. Step 4: Prepare. Don't wait until the day-of to tackle your to-do list. Make a list of what needs to be done and do as much as you can beforehand, such as decorating, assembling tableware and most of the baking. Step 5: Enjoy. Don't get lost in the details during the party. For example, Foxman recalls the party host who walked around with a Dustbuster cleaning up potato chip crumbs. As host, you should be making introductions and refilling the food and bar. "Make everyone comfortable," says Foxman, adding that you might want to have at least one person in the kitchen helping so you have more time to mingle.