HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-12-04, Page 69Listowel Gilt Guide. Wednesday, December 4. 1985—Page 35
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It's been said many times, many ways, but the
most memorable Christmas celebrations are the
ones that bring family and friends together in the
true spirit of holiday giving.
We would like to see you have the merriest of
Christmases and for that reason have compiled
some helpful hints and a few tried-and-true favorite
recipes for the holiday season.
Even though Christmas is almost one month
away, you would be surprised at how quickly it will
be here. Most people start their Christmas shopping
early these days and that's a good idea as it saves a
rush of bills all at one time. Starting early to buy
your Christmas household supplies is a good idea as
well. By adding a little bit to the shopping list each
week, you'll save time and spread out the cost.
If you haven't got those Christmas cards and
packages in the mail yet, do so as soon as possible
since the holiday rush is bound to slow up delivery.
Small gifts can be mailed in padded envelopes that
can be stapled shut. Larger packages can be mailed
in sturdy cartons, taped shut and a sticker pasted on
with the address.
Christmas is a magical time for the children, so
let them participate when they can — whether it be
choosing or decorating the tree, making holiday
treats or even doing odd jobs around the house such
as dusting or cleaning waste baskets.
Although many people have bought artificial
Christmas trees, nothing rivals the smell of natural
pine. However, natural Christmas trees pose
special safety risks. To protect your family make
sure the tree you buy is fresh with soft, moist
needles and stand it in a water -filled container to
prevent drying.
Trees should be placed away from heaters in a
cool area and Christmas lights should be checked
for faulty or worn sockets.
Tree lights never should be left on if no one is at
home and the same goes for all lighted decorations,
especially lighted candles.
Party planning
Why not make this the year to start the tradition
of holding an annual Christmas party? It really is
not as much work as you think if you learn to
delegate authority and accept friends' offers of
assistance.
Once you have decided upon a date for the party,
notify your friends. Then make a shopping and bar
list, with your husband in charge of stocking the
liquor cabinet, making ice and putting up the out-
door decorations.
When somebody asks, "May I bring something?
say, yes. Pot luck is totally acceptable, provides
greater variety and cuts down on the work load for
the host and hostess.
Let guests pitch in as well and don't turn down
those who wander out to the kitchen and ask if
• there's anything they can do. Think out ahead of
time what chores you'll give to volunteers, such. as
.time
ashtrays, clearing away glasses or
lighting candles.
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Having some help at your party will be a big time
saver and you can return the favor at someone
else's party.
Greet guests with a holiday scent: boil water with
a little cinnamon or cloves. It makes the whole
house smell with the scent of holiday baking.
Another unique decoration and a great con-
versation piece are "Dancing Mothballs". To make
them, tint cold water a pretty light red (or any other
color) with a few drops of food coloring. Measure
the tinted water into a clear glass, deep rose bowl.
For each four cups of water, add one tablespoon of
citric acid (drugstore purchase). Also add, a bit at a
time, Nvo tablespoons of baking soda. Lastly drop in
a dozen or so mothballs and watch them "dance". If
the mothballs grow lazy, add a speck more citric
acid.
A "help -yourself" buffet is the best way to serve
food at a party, but guests do enjoy nibble food
throughout the evening.
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