For many people, holiday decorating may involve a wreath on the front door, electric candles in the windows, a tree or two, some garland wrapped on a staircase or draped across a fireplace mantel above stockings hung with care, a nativity and a few special family mementos. For others, however, holiday decorating is a passion, … Read more
Make your dinner table a holiday masterpiece. “A beautifully appointed table is a place to gather with family and friends to celebrate the special moments in life,” says Roland Wolfe, creative director of Hoagland’s in Greenwich. “Blending traditional elements with a modern twist continues to be a big idea in decorating that allows you to … Read more
Ridgefield Guild of Artists (RGOA) presents its 14th annual Festive Home holiday showcase, running now through Sunday, Dec. 23. The white-walled galleries of the antique barn, located at 34 Halpin Lane in Ridgefield, have been transformed into a magical marketplace for the event. This year’s theme is “All That Glitters!” Stepping through the doors, visitors … Read more
With the holidays in full swing, it’s time to decorate and get into the holiday spirit,and a good place to start is with your Christmas tree. “Traditionally when you think of a Christmas tree, you picture ornaments, lights, tree toppers, and shiny bright tinsel, but there is so much more you can do with your … Read more
The holiday spirit is evident at the first glance at the Mahony home in Weston. Not only is there a ribbon-decorated wreath on the front door, but also an even larger, lighted wreath mounted on an arched window over a balcony above the door with electric candles gracing every window. The windows alongside the front … Read more
The holiday season is here, and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists gets into the spirit with its 13th annual Festive Home fund-raiser. Running now through Saturday, Dec. 23, this year the gallery-turned-holiday showcase brings “Holiday Blues” to area shoppers. The guild is brimming with shades of blue and metallics, giving this year’s event a magical … Read more
Suddenly, hidden in the trees, they saw a strange house made of candy, cookies, chocolate, and everything delicious. “This is a gingerbread house,” cried Gretel happily. “I will eat a bit of roof and you can eat some window.” Hansel and Gretel, The Brothers Grimm (1812). From kindergarten creations constructed from milk cartons to custom-built … Read more
Spread some seasonal joy by decorating your front door in a Christmas motif this holiday season. “Your front door should be your holiday welcome greeting to friends, family and neighbors. Something for all to enjoy, including you,” says Jennifer Coleman, owner of JKC Designs Ridgefield. “It should be a sneak peek of what’s behind — … Read more
“Nature cannot be surprised in undress. Beauty breaks in everywhere.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Decorating for the holidays does not have to mean a visit to a store, mall, shopping center, or Amazon.com. If you’re looking for beautiful decorations that transcend the common and artificial, then take a walk in the woods, or drive to the … Read more
There’s nothing more fun than spending a few days at the Woodstock Inn and Resort in Woodstock, Vt., and getting holiday cooking tips from Rhys Lewis, the inn’s executive chef. “I love the holidays,” says Lewis, who explains that it’s not difficult to host a memorable Christmas dinner. “Keep it easy. Do a little advance … Read more
Lounsbury House, located at 316 Main Street in Ridgefield, will be holding its 18th biennial Tree Festival and Holiday Boutique from Nov. 17 to 19. Every other year, the Women’s Committee, organizer of the event, transforms the historic venue into a winter wonderland of trees that are available for purchase and decorated by local organizations. … Read more
Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights. For eight nights, we light the Hanukkiah, a nine-branched candelabra that is used to celebrate the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks and the subsequent rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This year, the first night of Hannukah will coincide with Christmas eve. It is … Read more
Growing up in Pennsylvania with a family that loved Christmas — “There was always a lot of fun and a lot of food; as children we would sleep in sleeping bags around the tree — a flocked tree!” — Margaret Schwartz carried that spirit with her through college and her early working life, acquiring items … Read more
A red plaid blanket scarf that my daughter pulls out every winter renews my love of the classic pattern because it epitomizes cozy warmth. “The use of plaid as a trim, tree and mantel décor, or on an accessory piece, is a wonderful way to help create a welcoming and comfortable feeling for family and … Read more
Since Thanksgiving Day (and eve, in many cases), holiday shoppers have been making a mad rush to the nearest malls, big box and discount stores, and outlet centers. Rather than follow the rest of the crowd this season, why not take this opportunity to visit the many wonderful local independent retailers, who offer everything from … Read more
It was a long time ago, but I can still picture my grandmothers standing at their stoves, frying potato latkes for Hanukah. The eight-day holiday gave us plenty of opportunity to visit both of them, and while one was a vegetarian and the other made a mean chicken soup, at Hanukah, they had this one … Read more