The Warmth of Candle GlowWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
Holiday Candles - ever popular and even indispensable in many homes - winter weather can create havoc with electrical systems and power sources. Candles - just about purest and warmest Christmas light - a glow that illuminates and lingers - a symbol of friendship and love and at very center of many memories. A white pillar candle surrounded with cinnamon sticks tied gently with raffia - surrounded with holly, berries, and pomegranites. At dinnertime, their glow brightens table and reflects joy in those sitting around and truly enjoying entrees presented. Many candles are scented and bring pine, ginger, and other aromas to your home. Use these abundantly on mantels, tabletops, and shelves, but should not be used on dining tables. The scents can interfere with wonderful odors of foods cooked lovingly and presented in spectacular dress. Let food shine in its own right, while candles embrace and respond to rave reviews in other places in your home. Candles can be wrapped in metallic gift wrap, stain glass paper, and other decorative holiday accents. They can even be stenciled - plain candles can join an elegant celebration with a touch or whimsy using stencils and spray paint. A bit of lace and ribbon and a Victorial candle emerges from a simple taper. Candles can even be sponged with patterns and motifs that can range from Shaker to dramatic. Filigreen candles protect flame and create patterns of light with punched holes and as candles burn they glow with decorative lines, curly swirls, glass nuggets, and jewel-like beads inserted in holes. From glass to metal, tiny multi-colored baubles add dimension and a rainbow of colored lights to dark corners and areas whre a bit of cheer is needed.
| | A Berry Holiday TreatWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
A tiny berry and so traditional! Its very color is perfectly suited to all Holiday mealtimes and home decor as well. A string of cranberries mingled with popcorn, dried frui, baubles, and sprigs of holly or evergreen add a nostalgic touch to your home. Dried cranberries are fragrant and emit an essence that reminds everyone who enters your home that true Holiday spirit is here and is being celebrated. ** A quick idea: put cranberries into water in a clear vase before adding your flowers and greenery-instantly you have a Holiday accent. ** There is very basic cranberry sauce: 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, l lb. (4 cups) fresh cranberries Combine sugar and water in pan; stir to dissolve sugar. Heat to boiling; boil 5 minds. Add cranberries; cook till skins pop, about 3 minds. Remove from heat. Serve sauce warm or chilled. Basic, beautiful and a decorative touch of Holiday Cheer to mealtimes! ** Add a historical accent to your holiday meals with a colonial drink called a shrub. Pilgrims were proud to serve this beverage and so should you -
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