West Georgia Woman Magazine 2023 Holiday Issue by West Georgia Woman Magazine/Angel Media, LLC

Woman Complimentary

2023

West Georgia TM

Holiday Guide

Spice Up Your Gingerbread Game Holiday Party Snack Bars On Trend and Great for Gatherings

Personalized Gifts Southwire has big plans to fufill big dreams through Toys for Tots drive

WISHING YOU A

merry & bright

Holiday

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This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015

Volume 6 November/December 2023 Holiday Guide

Publisher/Editor

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Copy Editor Holiday Guide Editorial

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributor Rose Isaacs

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What’s inside... 8 Spice Up Your Gingerbread 26 Mantelscapes Game

12 Let's Get Personal: Tips for

28 Ring in the Holidays

14 Go Big or Go Gnome

32 Holiday Mischief

Giving Personalized Gifts

16 Southwire Toys for Tots Drive 34 Raising the Bar

22 Holiday Fare with Chef Rose 37 Outdoor Decorations

Dr. Fred Richards as Santa. Photo by Zachary Dailey

Santa Wants You ...

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Spice Up Your Gingerbread Gamee Gam T

he smell of gingerbread automatically draws you in, immediately making it feel like Christmas. The tradition started in the 17th century, when Russian bakers would make elaborate gingerbread people dressed like the people attending their parties. When the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel appeared in the early 1800s, gingerbread houses began appearing around the world, creating a new holiday tradition. The versatility of gingerbread makes it ideal for a variety of holiday decorations – there’s no need to limit yourself to people and houses. It also lends itself to other gingerbread-related crafts that require no baking, making them fun for kids and adults alike.

Other Structures Because gingerbread bakes into a solid structure, it can hold many shapes. If a traditional gingerbread house isn’t your thing, go for something that reflects your personality and style. Rounded campers are popular this year, often decorated with a Christmas tree laying on top – puffed rice treats or ice cream cones covered in frosting work well as the trees, without adding too much weight. Other ideas include making a train, complete with caboose and open cars you can fill with candy or holiday decorations. Barns have a similar shape to

the houses, but with the eye-catching red coloring. Pet lovers might enjoy making a dog house, complete with gingerbread pet, while outdoorsy types can use strips of gingerbread to create a complete log cabin. Alternatively, use cinnamon sticks to build the log cabin. If you’re feeling crafty, go for a full gingerbread village. This can include several building styles, people, pets, trees, paths made of shredded coconut and even rivers of blue frosting with peppermint stepping stones. If you aren’t up to baking that much, try using graham crackers for the structures, cutting the crackers as necessary to make the roof lines. If you need more snow, skip the gumdrops and go straight for the marshmallow fluff. Coat the roof and ground outside the structure with the fluff for the look of real snow. Use a butterknife in an upward motion in the fluff to make tufts in the snow for a more realistic look.

3-D Christmas Tree Break out your star-shaped cookie cutters to make an incredible, edible, three-dimensional Christmas tree out of gingerbread. It takes about 20 stars, all different sizes – each one needs to be slightly smaller as you go. Cut out the largest star,

then make each star just a little smaller until you get the final star, which should be about an inch and a half across. Decorate the edges of the cookies with white and green icing and colorful round sprinkles to simulate ornaments and lights. Place the largest cookie on the bottom, then use frosting to place the next size of cookie on top, turning it so the points of the star overlap the divots in the star shape below. Continue placing cookies on top, alternating the star points, going from largest on the bottom to smallest on top. Put the tiniest star on top, standing it upright and gluing it on with frosting.

Other Gingerbread Ideas The cuteness of gingerbread decorations can go much further than cookie people and structures. Bring the fun of gingerbread into the craft of your choice. If you have kids, make gingerbread slime, for example. Mix school glue, Borax and water until you have the slime consistency, then add some actual ginger spice to the slime. It changes the color to a light brown and smells delightfully of Christmas. Adding a touch of powdered cinnamon gives it an extra fragrant punch. For people who like to sew, designing the most adorable gingerbread people can create decorations that last for many holidays to come. Cut out brown

fabric in the shape of people – two for each person -- then sew on the decorations of your choice, such as white piping and tiny button eyes. Sew it most of the way around, leaving a small opening to stuff in pillow filling. An inexpensive way to get the filling is to buy a cheap pillow at a discount store – taking the filling out of that is often cheaper than buying the filling separately at a craft or fabric store. Once your gingerbread person is full, sew the opening closed. These work well as ornaments – just attach a loop of ribbon to the top – or string them together for a mantel garland. These also work attached to a plain wreath to decorate your door. For other ornament ideas, add ginger and cinnamon spices to a salt dough recipe to create long-lasting ornaments, such as handprint ornaments with your children or paw prints with your pets. Create a gingerbread village as a collar at the base of your Christmas tree using only cardboard and white paint. Take large pieces of cardboard, about 12 to 18 inches square, and cut them into the shapes of different buildings. Paint a design on the front, adding windows, doors and snowy roofs. Add red and green pops of color, such as painting wreaths on the front door, if desired. Glue the buildings together in a circle around the base of your tree for an instant holiday village. WGW

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Let ’s Get Personal Tips for giving personalized gifts

hether it’s a monogrammed set of holiday pajamas or a framed picture of the family with your last name engraved on it, we’ve all seen personalized presents given to friends and family. When you’re struggling to find the perfect gift, a personalized item may be the way to. However, there is a right and wrong way to go about it, so give some true thought into the gift before placing the order – most personalized gifts are nonrefundable, so make sure it’s truly what they would want before you make the purchase.

Why Go Personal? It sometimes feels like your loved ones have everything they need. So what else could possibly work as a Christmas gift? When you’re looking for a unique gift you know the recipient doesn’t have, a personalized gift might be the way to go. Even if the receiver doesn’t need the item, she will love it because it’s truly one of a kind and catered solely to her. You put tons of thought and effort into the gift, and the recipient knows that. It’s not the kind of gift you can zip out for on Christmas Eve and find – it takes forethought and planning to get it ready in time for the holidays. The person you give it to will feel that every time she uses or looks at the gift in the future. Making the gift personal tends to give it more meaning. It caters to her interests, her preferences and her individuality. The personalization doesn’t just

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Why Not Go Personal? The main problem with a personalized gift is that it may not be something the recipient likes aesthetically, or it could be an item she’ll stick in a drawer and never use. If you’re ordering an abstract painting of her dog, for instance, check out the art in her house first to see if she has displayed any similar art, or if she prefers realistic pieces. If she never cooks, a personalized apron could be a waste of your money. To make a gift truly personal, match the gift to the recipient’s likes and avoid items that won’t be meaningful or useful after the holiday season ends. The secret behind a powerful personalized gift is showing that you know the person and what’s important to them. Giving personalized gifts to friends and family usually works well, but think twice before giving one as a workplace Secret Santa gift. If you know your coworker well, a personalized gift might work, but if you only know her casually, it’s better to stick to something more generic – that way, if she doesn’t like it, she can always regift it without feeling obligated to leave it out on her desk.

Personalization Ideas Pretty much anything can be personalized these days. Visit your local small businesses to see what items they have in stock they can customize for you. They will help you think creatively, so make a list of your loved one’s hobbies and passions before heading into the store. Some item styles you should look for include: •

Functional items. This could be kitchen utensils, gardening tools or even beauty supplies, like hair brushes. Think about

•

what she might use every day, such as a pen or cell phone case. A pillow based on a photo of her pet might be just the ticket to make her day. You can even design custom spice mixes for your loved one, such as a new chili flavor. Jewelry. Although she might not wear the piece you give her every day, it will forever be meaningful to her when she does wear it. This could be a necklace with her initial on it, a bracelet with an inspirational message on the inside or a ring that holds the birthstones of her children. Jewelry is often passed down through families, so this is something that might stay meaningful for generations. Home décor. Choose whether you prefer a seasonal piece or something meant to be displayed year-round. Seasonal might be a plaque with caricatures of the whole family wearing Santa hats, for example, or a wreath with her initial in the center. Artwork of her favorite town from her last vacation might stay out all year, as could a piece of blown glass showcasing her favorite colors. Tailor the pieces to coordinate with the existing décor when possible. Ornaments. Holiday ornaments bring back strong memories every year. If this is her first Christmas in a new house, give her an ornament commemorating that. Maybe she just lost someone close to her, and an ornament with that person’s name, photo or simply a dove with a meaningful inscription would give her some comfort. If she’s had a new baby in the past year, they both might deserve a personalized ornament to celebrate their first Christmas as a new family. When she pulls the ornament out every year at the holidays, she’ll remember who gave it to her, and appreciate your gift all over again. WGW

Go Big or Go Gnome The hype behind this adorable decoration trend

nomes enjoy a rich history, first seen in Scandinavian folklore as early as the 1400s. The gnome legend spread across Europe, and centuries later, it has found its place in tales and décor worldwide. Most gnome folklore labels them as protective creatures, often keeping watch over homes, gardens and livestock, many times bringing luck to the people nearby. Some tales say gnomes travel underground at night, and if they step into the sunlight, they turn into stone – hence the popularity

of gnome garden statues, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. The propensity of gnomes to do good deeds, as well as their traditional look of pointed caps and rounded noses poking out of white beards, helped them become closely associated with Christmas, since they bear a strong resemblance to Santa Claus. Some countries even share stories of gnomes helping Santa deliver gifts on Christmas Eve. In the United States, gnomes – sometimes called gonks -- found their holiday traction early in the 21st century. With the resurgence in the farmhouse style of decorating, gnome popularity has skyrocketed recently. Most popular at Christmas, gnomes are simple to customize to different seasons and holidays throughout the year. They are easy to find in stores and enjoyable to make at home if you’re a crafter, which helps their popularity continue to grow. With their quirky look and nearly limitless style options, gnomes make a welcome addition to your holiday décor.

Gnomes to Buy When searching for gnomes to buy, start with the color scheme you’re decorating with this year. If you’re sticking to a trendy neutral palette, find

gnomes dressed all in white, or pale blues and pinks, but don’t be afraid to use your gnomes to add pops of color. These can be grouped on a mantel or counter, or sit by themselves in playful poses around the house. Larger ones work well outside – they can be holding your holiday signs, or find ones that light up to add some joy to your yard at night. These gnomes might be soft and plush, hard ceramic or natural materials like wood, and they could be sitting or standing. Some gnomes have legs, while others have only feet poking out, and others end at the base of the robe. Many hanging ornament gnomes don’t have bodies at all, only a hat, a nose and a beard. Find one that speaks to you – figuratively, of course – and add it as a touch of whimsy in your holiday décor.

Greenery Gnomes Gnome decorations aren’t limited to figures. Some people make their entire Christmas tree into a gnome, with a large, pointed cap covering the top third of the tree, and the bottom of the tree serving as the beard. Wrapping a holiday blanket around the top of the tree is a simple way to make the cap from an item you likely have on hand. Put a neutralcolored ornament below the cap for the nose, making sure it’s at least the size of your fist – this could even be a ball of yarn or fabric. For an added touch of fun, stuff some holiday-colored mittens with tissues or fiberfill and stick them on either side of the tree below the nose. Creating a door hanger is just as easy. Tie some greenery boughs together by their stems, then wrap some holiday fabric around the top in a triangle shape. Add a nose below the cap, and you have an instant gnome! This also works as a porch sitter by using zip ties to attach greenery branches to a tomato cage with the top shaped into a point.

DIY Gnomes Gnome ornaments are simple and fun to create, and they are easy enough that you can get your kids or grandkids involved. For example, paint a small Styrofoam ball the color of your choice, the wrap a piece of felt into a cone and hot glue it onto the ball. Shred a cotton ball, and glue the cotton onto the Styrofoam just below the hat, forming it into a pointed beard shape at the bottom. Glue on a neutral bead as the nose, then add a loop of ribbon to the back of the ball to use as a hanger. Instead of a Styrofoam ball, try other items such as pinecones or plastic Easter eggs.

Another cute idea is to use a Styrofoam cone and cut strings from a dollar store mop to glue onto the bottom 2/3 of the cone as a beard. Wrap a piece of fabric around the top of the cone as the hat, then add a neutral wood bead for the nose. Instant gnome that’s customized just for you!

Embellishments Gnomes can be as simplistic or fancy as you desire. To dress up your gnome, consider adding small bells. You can place three in a row in the center of the hat, or in the center of the beard. A bell also looks adorable attached to the point of the hat. Buttons work well in the center of the hat, but you don’t always need three – one large button could be the final piece you need to make your gnome look complete. If it still doesn’t feel quite done, try adding a thin scarf tied to the side below the nose. Other decorations for the hat include gluing on seasonal holly, snowflakes, a white fluffy ball like a Santa hat or putting on a star like you find at the top of a Christmas tree. Play with the fabrics you use for the hats – these can be solid colors, plaids, stripes, polka dots, ugly sweater patterns or any style that matches the other decorations in your home. Trim solids with small strips of patterned fabric, or with white cotton.

Female Gnomes While male gnomes are the most popular, female gnomes add that feminine touch to your décor. Instead of the beard you typically think of with a gnome, add hair instead. Still add the hat and the nose like you would with a male gnome, but have two pieces of hair on either side. Typically, these are braids, but they can also be ponytails gathered near the bottom of each side of hair. Many people try to make the female gnomes stand out even more by adding more embellishment than to the male gnomes, such as white piping along the bottom to make it look more like a dress, or tiny buttons down the front of her belly. Consider adding a small flower decoration to her hat, either in the center or over to one side at the base of the hat. For added color, braid a colorful ribbon into her hair and it use to tie the ends. Stay creative with the gnomette’s hair color – keep it white to match the male gnomes, or add a color for additional interest. This could be non-traditional but holiday colors such as green or red, or more realistic colors like a pale yellow for blonde Marilyn Mon-gnome glamor. WGW

Southwire has big plans to fufill big dreams through Toys for Tots drive

or nearly two decades, Southwire’s Project GIFT has partnered with Toys for Tots to help provide toys for needy families – it was one of the first organizations Southwire partnered with when Project GIFT was created. Over the years, they have helped collect tens of thousands of toys, and they strive to keep making the holidays magical for children who might not have a Christmas otherwise. “We believe in taking care of our communities in all the ways that matter,” says Kristian Whittington, Southwire’s director of giving back. “Toys for Tots does a lot of work to ensure no child in Carroll County has to go without Christmas each year, and we wanted to be a part of that. It also seems to really resonate with our Southwire team members. They love being a part of the collection, and many serve with Toys for Tots for distribution of the toys as well.” She says what’s special about this drive is that the majority of toys

collected in Carroll County stay within West Georgia, although this chapter also supports Randolph County, Ala., as well. Toys are collected for children ages 0 to 17, but there is always a great need for toys that fall within the baby age group or toys for older children ages 12 to 17. “It’s hardest to meet the family needs for older children and for infants and babies because we receive so much for children in those in-between ages of 4-11 or so,” she relates. Kristian says she’s been involved with the toy drive for several years, and she realized early on that Toys for Tots can Photo: Southwire mean as much for the people who give as the ones who receive the toys. “One of the most impactful moments for me during my time collecting took place a few years back,” she remembers. “We had an older couple come by and deliver a child’s bike for a

donation. On the handlebars, they left a note for the family and requested it be left there for them to read. The note explained that this bike was meant for their grandson who had passed away, but they knew they wanted another special child to be able to enjoy it and experience the joy of a new bike just as their grandchild would have wanted. “It was just a wonderful example of the kind of people we have right here in Carroll County. We’ve seen their hearts for this community and their

generosity time and time again.” That generosity continues to shine through. Last year, the Project GIFT toy drive collected more than 6,500 toys. “We accept monetary and inkind toy donations,” Kristian explains. “Toys should be new and unwrapped. We hope to collect at least another 5,000 toys this year!” This year’s drive will be held in the Walmart Supercenter parking lot in Carrollton on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. The drive will run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. both

If you would like to give monetarily to Southwire Project GIFT’s Toys for Tots drive, visit their partners at the Community Foundation of West Georgia at https://cfwg.fcsuite. com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_ id=1396. Please include “Toy Drive” in the notes so the funds are allocated correctly.

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days, and someone will be at the collection site overnight on Dec. 7 for after-hour drop-offs. Kristian says they make it as easy as possible for people to drop off their toy donations. “Donors can drive up to our Project GIFT tractor trailer, and we will have volunteers on standby ready to unload for them. They don’t even have to get out of their vehicle! Simply pop the trunk, and we will get it cleared quickly so they can go about their day.” WGW

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Project GIFT partners with many nonprofit organizations in our community throughout the year by providing employee volunteer opportunities to support ongoing efforts. Project GIFT hosts three signature events for the community annually. The 2024 dates include Southwire Project GIFT’s Walk for Water benefitting Water Mission April 6, the 20th Annual Back to School Giveaway July 20, and the two-day Toy Drive benefitting Toys for Tots Dec 6 & 7.

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Christmas PA R A D E & M A R K E T D E C E M B E R 2

Lights sparkling on the downtown square. Concerts and carols. The aroma of freshly

baked treats in the air. A warm cup of cocoa in your hands. The perfect gift found in a unique shop. A wave and heartfelt season’s greetings from a neighbor - or a stranger passing by on the sidewalk. Raising a glass of good cheer with friends. ‘Tis the season to celebrate Christmas in Carrollton.

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SMALL PACKAGES EXHIBITION

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December 12

December 14

December 15

CA RR O L L C O U N T Y C O M M U N I T Y T H E AT R E :

Chef Rose photo by Zachary Dailey Recipe photos by Andrew Agresta

spritzer is a bright and citrusy drink that is sure to brighten up any holiday party. Please remember to drink responsibly. Happy Holidays! – Chef Rose

Holiday Stuffed Mushrooms

Holiday Stuffed Mushrooms Ingredients

Holiday Fare

Chef Rose H With

oliday traditions don’t get any more memorable than the food you eat and the people you make the food with. For me, the holidays always mean good food and happy times in the kitchen with my mother. This year, I've shared a delicious appetizer, entrée, dessert and holiday cocktail with you. The stuffed mushrooms make a great appetizer or even a side dish for any holiday get-together; my lamb chop recipe is the perfect dish for Christmas dinner; you can use the leftover syrup from the poached pears to flavor your holiday drinks throughout the season; and the citrus cranberry

24 large baby bella mushrooms 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup finely chopped baby spinach 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Salt and black pepper to taste Olive oil, for brushing

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or brushing off any dirt. Remove the stems and finely chop them. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and onion. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Place the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown. Remove the mushrooms from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Serves 6 to 8.

Lamb Chops Ingredients About 4 to 6 frenched lamb chops 1/4 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons minced garlic 1/2 medium shallot, finely diced 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme well combined and creamy. 1 tablespoon onion powder Using a small spoon, fill each mushroom cap with the Salt and pepper to taste stuffing mixture, pressing it down gently. Juice of 1/2 lemon

Lamb Chops

For the lemon garlic dill yogurt sauce: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill 1-2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons lemon juice Salt to taste Pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation Trim the fat off the rack of lamb to your liking and place them in a large bowl. Add in olive oil, minced garlic, shallot, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Mix until well combined. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes. While the chops are marinating, make the lemon garlic dill yogurt sauce by combining yogurt, dill, Poached Pear

garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix until well combined and store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Heat a grill or a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear the lamb chops 2 to 3 minutes per side to form a crust. Turn the heat down to medium, and continue cooking about 3 to 4 minutes until they reach the desired internal temperature, or about 140ºF. Serves 4

Poached Pears Ingredients 4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc work well) 2 cups water 1 cup granulated sugar 1 lemon (zested and juiced) 1 cinnamon stick

Citrus Cranberry Spritzer

2-3 whole cloves 1 vanilla bean (split lengthwise) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Red wine or port wine (optional, for poaching liquid)

over the pears as a syrup. Serve the poached pears warm or chilled, garnished with a bit of the syrup, whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serves 4

Preparation

Citrus Cranberry Spritzer

Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact if possible. Slice a small amount of pear off the bottom so they will sit flat on a plate. In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, vanilla bean or extract, and red wine Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Gently add the pears to the simmering liquid. Make sure they are mostly submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the pears simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy. The cooking time may vary depending on the ripeness of your pears. Once the pears are done, carefully remove them from the poaching liquid and place them on a serving plate. Reduce the poaching liquid by simmering it for a while longer until it thickens slightly, then pour it

Ingredients 1 1/2 oz vodka 2 oz cranberry juice 1 oz orange liqueur, such as triple sec 2 oz sparkling citrus soda Orange slices and fresh cranberries for garnish

Preparation Fill a glass with ice. Pour over vodka, cranberry juice and orange liqueur. Stir gently to combine. Top with citrus soda. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries. To enjoy as a non-alcoholic beverage, omit vodka and orange liqueur and use 2 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz fresh squeezed orange juice and 3 oz of sparkling soda. Garnish with orange slices and cranberries. WGW

Mantelscapes

Make your mantel shine this holiday season

rom rustic to chic and traditional to ultramodern, your mantel can become your family room’s holiday focal point. Whether you choose to buy your decorations or make them from scratch, decorating your mantel adds color and style, bringing the room together into a cohesive holiday wonderland. Try to vary the heights across the mantel, and match the theme of the rest of your decorations. If your tree is frosted, for example, consider a frosted garland. If you only use silver and blue throughout the house, keep that theme going in your mantelscape.

Garlands With so many garlands to choose from, you’re bound to find one you can’t live without. These can be real or artificial greenery to match your tree style, often with decorations added such as lights, pinecones or ornaments. These can simply lie across the top of your mantel or drape all the way down to the floor on either side. Intersperse some candles of different heights

along the mantel for more dimension. In addition to pine garlands, consider other options such as magnolia and eucalyptus branches. Garlands can be more than greenery – colored or natural beads offer an option for a softer, more open mantelscape, and they don’t compete with your stockings in the design. Other options for non-greenery include stringing dried fruit, such as oranges or apples, or the traditional popcorn garland. A string of bells adds another festive element. When you’re using these thinner garlands, consider using more than one strand and gathering them in several locations along the bottom of the mantel. Banners work well as garlands. Whether you choose colorful tags or rustic burlap, offer messages such as “Merry” or “Santa Stop Here,” or pick a banner where each tag has a holiday image, such as a tree, cardinal or snowflake. Get the kids involved by making a paper chain to use as a garland, either to lay on top of the mantel or to drape underneath. Also try cutting long, thin triangles of wrapping

770.462.5005 paper and taping them to a string to drape beneath the mantel as a colorful banner. Stay safe, though – use this option if you don’t plan to build a fire during the holiday season.

Scenes Mantel scenes make your fireplace pop. Whether you choose gingerbread houses, a Christmas village, a variety of tree shapes and sizes, birdhouses or more rustic options like a red pick-up truck and red wagon, a scene gives height and weight to the mantel. Group different sizes together on each end of the mantel, trying to stay in groups of three or five for the best visual interest. Alternatively, put the scene only in the middle of the mantel, drawing the eye in to focus on the scene without additional distraction. Trending this year is neutral colors for your mantel scene. For example, pull the fluffy beard off your nutcrackers and paint them white or beige, then use them for your mantelscape. For a tree scene, consider neutral bottle brush trees in several sizes and shades, mixed and matched on the ends of your mantel. Adding a few metallics, like shiny candle holders, finishes the look.

Artwork If you don’t have a television over the mantel, you have the perfect opportunity to have more fun with your mantelscape. Make or buy some holiday artwork, either canvas pieces or more trendy wooden signs, to hang above the fireplace. Consider multiple panels with words, such as “Joy,” “Let It Snow” or “Happy Holidays.” This is an ideal place to put your decorative advent calendar as well. For a rustic look, paint an old wooden window frame red or green, and prop it on the mantel. Tie ribbon to some ornaments and attach them to the frame so the ornaments hang in each pane.

Alternatively, paint some old picture frames of different sizes and prop them on the mantel, hanging ornaments or tiny poinsettia blooms inside. Adding a wreath instead of art works well in that space. Choose a wreath that complements your other holiday décor, either made of greenery, ornaments or fabric. Include lights for a romantic nighttime glow. An easy idea is to grab a few thin cardboard boxes, like shirt boxes of various sizes, and wrap them like Christmas presents. Prop these across the top of the mantel in a random pattern to instantly dress up the space.

Live Elements Another simple idea is to get some tiny-tomedium poinsettias to group on the ends or center of your mantel. Use at least two sizes of plant for the ideal placement, and consider using different colors of blooms and paper around the pots. Intersperse small vases of flowers or greenery, or add pinecones and vases of sticks from your yard. Other plant ideas include amaryllis and Christmas cactus. A small potted rosemary adds a lovely fragrance so you can engage more of your senses in the holiday spirit. WGW I even help those on the naughty list still find their dream home!

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Ring in the Holidays

Local jeweler shares his advice on decorating yourself and your loved ones 28

ome of the best presents come in the smallest of boxes. The tiniest of packages can hold precious metals and rare gemstones designed to complement your beauty in a timeless way – which is the entire purpose of wearing jewelry. Jewelry helps women and men feel like their look is complete, making them feel confident and put together. It can also be a reflection of their personality, either by showcasing their favorite color or with a meaning, such as wearing a necklace holding the birthstones of their children or grandchildren. Jewelry has excelled as a holiday gift for centuries for many reasons. •

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It’s timeless. While jewelry trends may come and go, staple pieces such as diamond earrings never go out of style – so much so that many families pass jewelry down to children and grandchildren. This makes jewelry more of an investment than most other gift choices. There’s something for everyone and every budget. Men, women and children of all ages can find some kind of jewelry they love. The simplest designs might be the most affordable, and those are often the ones that get the most use because they don’t compete with other pieces. You give a lasting memory. When you surprise a loved one with one of those tiny boxes, you’ve made an instant memory. Every time she wears the piece or sees it in her jewelry box, she’ll think of you and how much you love her. It’s personal. Giving a gift of jewelry shows that you put thought and care into the gift selection, finding just the right piece that reminds you of the person you love. To show additional care in your gift choice, make the piece more personal by having a name or message engraved into the piece, or have the jewelry custom designed from scratch to add that element of true uniqueness. It then becomes a visual expression of how much you care for her.

Brett Baxley, owner of Baxley Jewelers in Carrollton, agrees that custom-made jewelry shows you’ve put in that extra bit of love and effort to create something designed specifically for that one person. “We make custom designs to order for each client,” he says. “The majority of our designs are

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www.mountainnoakflorist.com created around heirloom stones that the customers bring to us, either to create a design that they can wear, or to pass along a family stone to be used in a bridal piece for a new generation.” Brett uses a process of carving an intricate, exact model of the piece out of wax, then uses the model to create a mold for casting the piece. “For us and our customer, a custom design is about more than just the ring itself,” he explains. “It’s about telling a story about life's most memorable and treasured celebrations. Most of our designs start with a sketch on paper and are made entirely by hand, a process that may take a few weeks.” Although Baxley Jewelers makes all types of custom pieces, Brett says bridal engagement rings and wedding rings comprise the majority of their custom orders.

Baxley Jewelers’ History Brett worked for more than 20 years for one of the largest family owned jewelers in the Southeast. “That’s where I learned my trade as an apprentice under some of Atlanta's finest skilled artisans,” he recalls. He trained with the Gemological Institute of America and became a Graduate Gemologist in 1998. In early 2000, he became the second jeweler in Georgia – and only the 54th in the nation -- to be certified by Jewelers of America. “I became inspired to learn custom design while visiting with a retired designer in Savannah,” he relates. “He gave me a block of carving wax and told me, ‘When you learn how to carve this, you'll be a real jeweler.’" Brett opened Baxley Jewelers in 2010 in an upstairs office on Adamson square. The business started with nothing more than a workbench, a laptop and a cell phone, and was originally a

part-time endeavor focused on repair, insurance appraisal and custom design. “The business grew rapidly by word of mouth, and in 2015, I moved into my current retail location next to Hortons Books and Highland Deli,” he shares. “We specialize in oneof-a-kind, made-toorder, custom jewelry and expert repairs of most fine jewelry items, including pearl restringing. All work is done on the premises.”

Holiday Advice Brett agrees that jewelry makes an ideal gift for nearly anyone on your list. For a present that will last a lifetime, he suggests sticking with tried-and-true pieces that never go out of style.

“As far as trends for Christmas, we always do best with traditional fashions,” he says. “Basics like diamond studs and gold hoop earrings are always strong sellers for us, as are pearl strands. We've cultivated a reputation over the years as the go-to destination for finer natural diamond pieces like large studs, necklaces and tennis bracelets. We also do well with diamond station necklaces.” Baxley Jewelers adds a few trendier pieces each year. “This year, we've added some stackable

bangles in rose, white and yellow gold as well as a selection of fancier gold dangle earrings,” he relates. “We offer 14k white, yellow or rose gold ‘paperclip’ chains in any length with premium lobster-clasps.” Brett says they can offer suggestions for the men and children in your life, not just jewelry for women. “Chains are back in style for men. We can order men's chains, bracelets and rings, as well as children's jewelry like birthstone rings and pendants, lockets and baby bangles or

earrings. Most special orders arrive in one to two days.” In appreciation for how the Carrollton community has embraced his business since its inception, Brett says it’s important to him to give back, including supporting many schools and charities with donations and advertising. “Baxley Jewelers is also a proud supporter of the Carrollton Center for the Arts and is the sponsor for the Christmas classic ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet,” he shares. “It’s our way of giving back and saying ‘thank you’ to our West Georgia community.” WGW

Santa Social!

Drop-off location until December 2nd. Bring your new, unwrapped toys by!

Santa Claus is coming to Indulge Salon & Day Spa! Professional photos with Santa, make magical reindeer food with the whole family and enjoy seasonal music at your favorite local spa. Monday, Nov. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. $30 for the first child, $10 for each additional child.

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Holiday Mischief Let the Elf on the Shelf shenanigans begin!

f mischief is your muse, then you’ve come to the right place. The Elf on the Shelf trend continues in full force this year, and some people go all out by buying Elf clothes and props designed to make adorable elf-scapes in various rooms of the house. But all those accessories aren’t necessary to have some creative fun with the kids – and grown-ups – in the house. Here is your one-stop-shop to “Scout” out the best Elf on the Shelf ideas for this holiday season. Don’t have an elf? It’s never too late! When you buy an Elf on the Shelf, it comes with a book that explains the history of the elves, and how they keep watch to ensure the kids are behaving. They report back to Santa each evening, which is why the seem to move and change locations overnight. Elves sometimes have questionable behavior, often messing with personal items or creating a bit of a ruckus with your organization – all in fun, of course. While the Elf on the Shelf offers tons of entertainment and helps make the weeks leading up to Christmas magical for the children, it can sometimes be a pain for parents who forget to move the elf and find themselves scrambling at 5 a.m. to desperately come up with some idea, any idea, of what they can do with the elf in a pinch. Here are a few easy ideas, using materials you probably already have at home, to keep life with an elf interesting but not overwhelming. •

Egg-change. Have a dozen eggs? Put them in a bowl on the counter, then fill your egg carton with a dozen holiday ornaments instead. Leave the container open beside the bowl of eggs, and put the elf between the two, or sitting on top of one of the items. For an added bit of naughtiness, break one of the eggs on the counter, and have the elf hold a piece of eggshell (you can tape it to the hands, or just leave a few pieces of shell laying beside the elf on the counter). • Spell-tastic. The elves are experts

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at making messes, and sometimes they use items around the house to spell out messages. It could be mini marshmallows, and the elf spells out “Snowball Fight.” Be sure to leave a pile of marshmallows beside the elf and one over to the side so the kids can have their own snowball battle with the elf. Maybe you have small candies or buttons to use to spell out “Ho, ho, ho!” Try using cereal to spell out “Elf,” or even “I’m watching!” Bowls of Fun. The Elf on the Shelf is pretty small, so it will easily fit into a bowl in your kitchen. This opens multiple possibilities for last-minute elf ideas, including spa-day treatment. Make your bowl into a hot tub by putting the elf in the bowl with its arms spread wide along the edge like it’s relaxing. Pour mini marshmallows or cotton balls into the bowl to mimic bubbles. If you have some bubble wrap, cut it into small pieces and pour those into the bowl. Alternatively, make the bowl a ball pit instead by pouring in holidaycolored candies or sprinkles. I Get It!. If you’re the dad-joke kind of person, make your own iPad – well, eye pad – by sticking a bunch of googly eyes onto a pad of paper. Stick a couple of googly eyes onto the elf as well for some added eye-rolls from the kids. Swinging into the Holidays. Elves deserve the same fun as kids! Make a swing for the elf using an empty toilet paper roll and some string, attaching the elf to the swing with tape. Hang the swing somewhere inconvenient, like in your child’s doorway, so they have to figure out how to dodge the swing without touching the elf (we don’t want it to lose its magic!). Alternatively, use a chocolate donut on a string to resemble a tire swing. Adventurous Elf. Ever wonder how the elves tend to get on top of your mantel or refrigerator? Solve that mystery for your kids by creating your own rock wall! Use

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small self-adhesive bows and stick them to the wall or cabinet in a random pattern. Tape the elf’s hands and feet to some of the bows as if the elf is climbing the bows like rocks. If you’re more of a zipline kind of person, tie a string from a high point to a low point in your home – like the Christmas tree to the couch – and tape the elf’s hands above its head over the string. You can also tape the hands to a candy cane, and tape the candy cane in place at the top of the string. When your kids are ready, help them untape the candy cane to see if the elf can actually go all the way down the zipline. Just Chillin’. As a simple and quick surprise for your kids, wrap the elf in a hand towel and place it inside your refrigerator door, so your kids will see it when they go in for a drink or snack. If you have to open your freezer to get ice, the ice bin is another fun hiding spot. To help the elf hide in a snowman, stack three toilet paper rolls, and use marker to draw buttons on the bottom two and eyes, a button mouth and orange nose on the top one. Put the elf inside the top roll with its head poking out, so the kids can see the elf is the one who dug into their toilet paper stash.

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Game Time. Who says your elf can’t play with your kids? Make a tic tac toe grid with painter’s tape on your wall, then put a green selfadhesive bow in the center spot. Have a stack of red and green bows beside the grid, and encourage your kids to put one red bow on each night, while the elf fills in with a green bow until the game is done. You can also hide some candy canes around the house, and set the elf inside the empty box with a note that says, “Scavenger hunt! Whoever finds the most candy canes wins!” Enlisting Toys. The elf should definitely have friends, and who better than the toys your kids already have? Have the elf sit holding one of your kids’ books, and scatter some toys like dinosaurs or action figures in a half circle in front of the elf as if they are listening. Try a sack race, folding down the tops of lunch bags and placing several toys in a row inside the bags with the elf in front. Or, put the elf on a stuffed dog like a cowboy with a note that says, “Having a dog-gone good time!” WGW

Nov. 28 - Dec. 1 4:00-8:00 p.m. nightly Join us for four nights of festivities as the University of West Georgia hosts the second annual Winter West Wonderland – open to everyone! Additional costs apply to select experiences. Activities include: • Holiday light displays • Holiday arts & crafts market • Photos with Santa and Wolfie • Food available nightly • Holiday theatre and music performances • Do-it-yourself holiday crafts • Cookie decorating • And more family-friendly activities

Learn more online at westga.edu/winter

Raising the Bar Impress your party guests with holiday snack spreads

f the thought of prepping a full meal for your party guests seems overwhelming, you aren’t alone. Thankfully, the party snack bar trend is in full swing this holiday season. These are so much more than traditional salad or sandwich bars. A snack bar is a food station that includes all the elements your guests need to assemble their own tasty goodies. You can combine any of these with a charcuterie spread if you are inviting a hungry crowd. As the host, this offers many advantages, such as: •

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It saves you time. Instead of having to spend hours planning, prepping and cooking, all that’s needed are the ingredients and some cute serving bowls and platters. It lets you cater to dietary needs. Whether guests have an allergy or are trying to stick to a specific meal plan, a snack bar lets them pick and choose what works for them. It looks fancy. When you set out a traditional buffet, it often looks flat and one-dimensional – it has to, as many of the dishes require chafing dishes or other modes of heat. With snack bars, most of the items don’t need

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to stay heated, so your decoration options are nearly unlimited. Use raised trays to add height, and choose cute holiday-themed bowls and platters to showcase the choices. Scatter some wooden cutting boards throughout for additional visual interest. It is interactive. Guests will enjoy oohing and ahhing together over your snack display. It’s an effective way to get them talking and laughing together as they see what combinations other people are choosing from the bar.

Nacho Bar This quick and easy option requires one heated element: cheese sauce in a crock pot. You can even have a white sauce and a yellow one, or one with meat (such as ground beef, shredded brisket or shredded chicken) and one without. Otherwise, offer a couple of tortilla chip options, as well as regular tortillas sliced into triangles. Add fixings on the side, such as sour cream, guacamole, sliced olives, onions or scallions, red and green salsa choices, diced tomatoes and jalapenos.

Breakfast Bar Whether you’re having a brunch party or just love breakfast all day, a snack bar with breakfast choices is your go-to. Think simple and easy – things that don’t require being cooked on demand, like omelets. Instead, go with items such as mini waffles and mini bagels (possibly with a gluten-free option) or bagel chips. Add offerings such as several syrup flavors (maybe with traditional maple syrup in a tiny crock pot), chopped fruit or berries, peanut butter or chocolate hazelnut spread, a couple of jelly flavors, chopped nuts, a few cream cheese options and butter. Include some Everything Bagel seasoning as well. For added interest, have a few flavors of waffles, such as chocolate or red velvet.

S'mores Bar As the quintessential fall and winter fun treat, s’mores offer more options than just chocolate and marshmallows. This bar requires a heat source – if you don’t have an indoor s’mores maker, consider getting some Sterno cans to set out on a safe surface, such as a metal container filled with river

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rocks to hold the cans steady. Alternatively, you can use a burner on a gas stove. Use long wooden skewers for the holders. Think creatively for your fixings, adding to the traditional graham cracker, marshmallow and milk chocolate with items such as waffle cone chips, Teddy Grahams, Oreos and peanut butter cookies. For the sweet element, try Reese’s cups, chopped up or fun-size Snickers or Twix, dark or white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, sweetened coconut flakes, caramels or chocolate hazelnut spread.

Cheesecake Bar Although you can make your own cheesecake, there’s really no need. Grab a few assorted cheesecakes from your local grocery store, and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Add a variety of sauces, including chocolate, strawberry, caramel and peanut butter. You can even consider canned cherry or apple pie filling. For the toppings, think berries and chopped nuts, as well as crushed Oreos, graham cracker crumbs or chopped pretzels.

Candy Apple Bar Who knew there were so many options for candy apples? Slice some apples, keeping them relatively small, like six or eight slices per apple, soaking them briefly in a lemon juice and water mixture to reduce browning –

many grocery stores have some already sliced for you, if you prefer. Slide a wooden skewer or large toothpick into each slice. Put a couple of sauce choices in crock pots, such as caramel, chocolate, peanut butter or honey. As a hack, use just one crock pot with a few cups of water in it, and put each sauce in a Mason jar inside the crock pot. Set out some fun toppings, like chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, mini M&Ms, sweetened coconut flakes, granola, Oreo cookie crumbs, pepitas, chopped toffee and mini chocolate, white chocolate or butterscotch chips.

Popcorn Bar Perfect for movie night, a popcorn bar has something for every guests’ taste. Start with a few flavors of popcorn, including plain, buttered, caramel and chocolate. Keep some melted butter out as well to help the toppings stick to the popcorn. Think about both sweet and savory toppings. Sweet might include cinnamon sugar, cocoa powder, gummy candies, chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, marshmallows, chopped candy bars such as Snickers or KitKats. For savory, go with the traditionals like flavored popcorn salts (such as garlic salt) and powdered cheese, but also set out items like chili powder, rosemary, sliced limes, ranch seasoning blend, taco seasoning blend, Old Bay seasoning, sriracha and soy sauce.

Milk and Cookies This sweet and simple bar is a huge hit, especially when kids are at your party. Offer a variety of milk flavors, such as plain, strawberry, chocolate and banana, as well as several cookie choices. You have to include Oreos, of course, but

also go with flavors such as chocolate chip, sugar cookies, peanut butter, white chocolate macadamia nut, or one with dried cranberries. Add a few mixins for the milk, such as sugar, cinnamon sugar and vanilla.

Brunch Drink Bars Whether you prefer mimosas or bloody Mary’s for your brunch get-together, this spread will cause quite a stir with your guests. For mimosas, offer a few juice choices, including orange, pineapple, peach, guava and cranberry. Add some fruit options, such as blueberries, chopped strawberries, chopped peaches or blackberries. Add your favorite champagne or prosecco, as well as a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or cider.

Hot Drink Bars With the colder weather comes a craving for warm beverages. Hot chocolate bars have become popular, but spice it up with apple cider or mulled wine. Put your beverages of choice in crock pots to stay warm, then add the fixings – for a hot chocolate bar, for example, add peppermint sticks, crushed peppermint, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, caramel syrup, and a variety of sweet chips like white chocolate or butterscotch. Don’t forget the whipped cream! With apple cider and mulled wine, put out some cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, and fruit such as apple or orange slices. Make the drinks more adult by providing a variety of alcoholic add-ons for the hot chocolate and apple cider, such as peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, bourbon, rum and Amaretto. WGW

Outdoor Decorations H Tips and tricks for decorating outdoor spaces

ave you ever wondered how to create your own winter wonderland at home? Even if you’re not into channeling Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation, your outdoor spaces can reflect your own personal style, make you smile as you pull into your driveway every evening and give your neighbors a run for their money when it comes to outdoor décor. There are two main trains of thought when it comes to outdoor holiday decorations: whimsical and cohesive. If you love your yard to be playful and full of lights, displays and signs, this is your season! Feel free to blow up your inflatables, place your signs and holiday figures, and mix your light styles and colors. If you prefer a more harmonious look, pick a color scheme, choose a light style and use a few statement pieces to give life to your outdoor space. Pick a theme, such as snowflakes, rustic holiday, stars or Santa’s village, then spread those elements throughout your yard. The good news is you can’t go wrong either way – a festive yard is a happy one.

Lights Choosing lights is more complicated now that advanced technology has opened more doors. Choices include incandescent or LED lights; large bulbs, small bulbs, icicle lights or strips; white, multicolored or lights that allow you to choose the color; nets or strands; battery, solar or electric powered; and Wi-Fi compatible or not. LED lights gained popularity the past few years because of their longevity, power-saving capabilities and customization options. The LED strips, for example, can hide around the ceiling of your porch, creating an ambient glow in the color of your choice, enhancing any lights you have in the yard. Nearly every area of your outdoor space works with lights. Traditionally, people outline their rooflines and doors with lights, and lighted garlands spread joy from porch railings and fences. You can also line your sidewalk and driveway with lights, wrap bushes and tree branches, and create shapes

on the lawn – a Christmas tree shape is simply by installing a tall pole, such as a painted PVC pipe, and connecting 10 to 20 strands of lights from the top to the ground at an angle, spread around in a circle at ground level. Before you connect strands of lights to each other, test each strand by plugging it in to ensure each light works. One burned-out light can keep the entire strand from lighting up, so it’s much easier to find that out before you attach that strand to the roof.

Oversized Supersized decorations make excellent statement pieces on your porch and in your yard – think single ornaments or bells that are 3 feet tall, 6-foot-tall nutcrackers on either side of your front door, or large gingerbread cookie cutters in several sizes grouped together in front of your bushes. Inflatables also come in larger sizes now – some may be taller than your house! These oversized pieces are easy to see from the road, which is part of their appeal. Some include lights, while others are there to add pops of color and scale to your design.

Natural Elements Bringing nature into your design is a welcome element that’s simple to mix with lights, ornaments and other décor. Trim your door with a natural pine garland, or hang several pine branches below the lights on either side of your door. Grab a couple of planters and put small Christmas trees in them, adding lights if desired. Evergreen wreaths bring the holiday spirit to your front door whether you adorn them with colorful ornaments or a simple red bow. Poinsettias offer pops of color and include several color options, including red, pink, cream and variegated red and white. Add natural elements to existing decorations to tie them all together. If you prop an old wooden sled or red wagon on your porch, adorn it with a

small pine wreath or spray tied with a red bow. Dust some pinecones with gold or white spray paint and use them to create outdoor garlands or gather them in wooden crates beside your porch stairs. Add plaid bows or lights to the crates for a more festive feel.

Connections To install lights and other decorations to your home without damage, removable adhesive strips such as Command strips work well. They offer a variety of clip selections, including some designed to work specifically with holiday lights. Home improvement stores also offer gutter clips as well as masonry clips, designed to help you install decorations on brick without damaging the façade. Zip ties – use clear or wrap them in fabric if you need them to blend in with your decorations – make connecting items to railings and posts quick and easy.

Weatherproof When considering outdoor decorations, take the weather into account. It might be shorts weather, but it sometimes gets below freezing this time of year

in West Georgia, and it has been known to snow and ice on occasion – you can most likely predict some cold rain and frost at the very least during the holiday season. Avoid decorations that seem brittle or that might crack if temperatures vary. Your lights and extension cords should all be outdoor-rated. If you’re connecting multiple extension cords, protect the connections with covers to prevent them from getting wet or icy. Pay attention to how many decorations you plug into your outlets, and to what type of load your extension cords are rated for. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent electrical hazards. Consider using timers to turn off the outdoor lights at a certain time every night so they don’t stay on too long after you’re sleeping. Most inflatables are designed for use outdoors, but follow the directions to connect them safely and securely to the ground so they aren’t blown away and don’t become waterlogged and ruined. For painted items, coat them with a waterproof clear coat if necessary, ideally one that helps protect from fading from the sun as well. This helps you, your family and your neighbors enjoy your favorite decorations for years to come. WGW

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