The most wonderful time of the year is here. (At least that’s what the carols are trying to convince us.) But somewhere between tangled light strands and swelling shopping lists, the holidays can become something to endure, rather than enjoy.

That’s where Winston-Salem Monthly steps in. We’ve tackled some of the holiday toughies — from cleaning and cooking to decorating and donating — so you can spend more time making memories. Season’s greetings from our family to yours!

Decking the Halls

As she moves from one room to another, fluffing fabric, clipping greenery, and placing crystal, Martha Lowry speaks of design techniques like adding height and light. But even as she sets a most gracious table and mantel, the interior designer insists that decorating for the holidays is more about nostalgia than professionalism. 

“The holidays are about memories and relationships,” says Lowry, owner of Design of the Times. “If you use things that are meaningful — such as special ornaments or family heirlooms — you’ll find that you don’t have to spend tons of money to get a lot of impact.”

When decorating your fireplace mantel, consider bringing in natural elements, Lowry says. Contrasting details — such as magnolia leaves, thistle, flowers, and branches — placed in odd-number and asymmetrical groupings will interest the eye. To add a nice sheen to magnolia leaves, Lowry rubs on a thin layer of cooking spray with a paper towel.

For more information about Design of the Times Inc.’s commercial and residential design, call 336-727-0109.

Presents With Panache

Brown paper packages tied up with string may be just fine any other time of the year. But when it comes to holiday gift-giving, Patti Adams says it’s the festive little extras that can really add pizazz.

With an extensive background in visual merchandising, Adams knows the importance of presentation. And as the proprietor of Present Company in Reynolda Village, Adams has mastered the art of pretty packaging.

“To perk up your tree, consider using coordinating or matching solid paper. Then add two or three ribbon colors to make each present stand out,” she explains. “Don’t be afraid to embellish little packages — you want your gifts to look as special as they are!”

The secret to a beautiful bow, Adams says, is using the loop method. Take a piece of wired ribbon and make four loops. Pinch them in the middle, and tie off with a twist tie. If desired, repeat with wired tinsel. Lastly, tie the looped section onto your package with longer ribbon. MIDDLE RIGHT: Perhaps considered the most simple of techniques, box wrapping can take on new sophistication with the right materials. Adams recommends foil paper for its shine and easy creasing. Grosgrain ribbon and hot-glued embellishments are ideal finishing touches. RIGHT: For a whimsical take on wine packaging, wrap a bottle with cellophane and tissue paper. Then, glue ornaments or silk flowers to the bow. Post-holiday sales are the perfect time to buy baubles.

For more information about Present Company, call 336-724-5300, or go to http://www.pres-co.com.

Charitable Giving

Sending holiday greeting cards can be quite a hassle. With addresses to write, stamps to stick, and messages to pen, the process can turn your holiday spirit into holiday stress. That’s where Crisis Control Ministry can help. This year the local nonprofit will sell Holiday Honor Cards as a way to aid fundraising efforts. The cards — $5 a piece — feature a beautifully detailed painting by Triad watercolorist William Mangum. All proceeds go to funding projects and initiatives for Crisis Control, a Christian-based ministry that helps people in the midst of crisis regain their footing. Crisis Control volunteers will address, stamp, and mail each Honor Card for you — giving you one less hassle to tackle this holiday season.  — M.B.
Call 336-724-7875 or go to http://www.crisiscontrol.org.

Clever Cleaning

From far-away family members coming home for Christmas, to next-door neighbors gathering to toast the New Year, this season summons plenty of opportunity to roll out the welcome mat to your dazzlingly decorated home.

Oftentimes, though, it’s hard to focus on decking halls when you worry about cleaning them.

Professional Organizer Allison Shorter says it’s normal to feel the pressure of perfection.

“People want to appear to have it all together,” explains the owner of Shorter Designs, “and they often feel like the most outward expression of togetherness is the appearance of their house.”

That said, Shorter observes that a lot of time, people worry unnecessarily. “There’s no need to have undue expectations. There’s no right or wrong to organizing — just focus on the must-dos.”

Your top priority, she lists, should be ensuring that any room where visitors sleep is clutter-free — no laundry, toys, or papers — and that it has items that pertain to your guests. “This includes a comfortable bed; perhaps a nightstand with a magazine and water; and a bench or chair for them to sit or place things on,” Shorter says. “Also, try to clear out some closet space for their clothes and presents.”

Next, living areas should be well-maintained, since this is where people will spend a majority of their time.

If possible, only have items that relate to the purpose of the space. “If the room is intended for conversation, have seating situated so that people can face each other,” she says. “If the purpose is watching TV, have seating arranged so people will be comfortable — not having to twist their necks or move things off the floor or couch to sit down.”

The kitchen, Shorter says, is the last biggie to have orderly. “Potentially lots of people will be cooking in it, or at least be in and out of it for a few days. Ideally, before your company comes, you will have time to put away mail, papers, and other things that do not lend themselves to making a great meal.”

More personal areas, such as the master bedroom, kids’ rooms, the office, basement, and attic, can wait until January, when you’ll have more time to sort and purge.

Most importantly, Shorter says, be yourself. “Family and friends love you as you are — clutter and all. So be sure you keep the holiday in perspective and enjoy it for what it is.” 

For more information about Shorter Designs, call 336-406-5032, or go to http://www.shorterdesigns.com.

Making Sense

If your time is in small supply, Shorter suggests you focus on delighting the five senses.

SIGHT: Remove obvious clutter, and replace it with beautiful things. This could be flowers, plants, or seasonal decorations. A fire in the fireplace is always nice, too.
SOUND: Put on music that sets the tone you are looking for — whether it’s a relaxing, calm environment or a fun, upbeat one. Music sets the mood.
SMELL: Use candles or potpourri to fill your home with a nice aroma.
TASTE: Food is a biggie during the holidays, so be mindful of planning beyond the main holiday meal. Consider a variety of baked goods (breads, pies, and appetizers); mulled cider on the stove; and even local Moravian cookies.
TOUCH: Have soft blankets draped over the back of your sofa for guests to cuddle up in, as well as slippers available to keep feet warm and comfortable.

Creative Cocktails

Stop by the bar at Big Shotz Tavern just about any night, and you’re likely to find quite a crowd. Not only are the drinks superb, but the bartenders happen to be some of the best in the business.

Take Jade Moore, for example. In her 13 years of serving up cheer, Moore has gained quite a talent for developing drinks — including the three below, which appear on Big Shotz’s holiday beverage menu.

“Serving creative cocktails at a holiday party is a fun way to make your guests feel extra-special,” says the award-winning bartender. With these simple recipes, you’ll be hearing praise, too.

Big Shotz Tavern is at 109 South Stratford Rd. in Winston-Salem, and 1480 River Ridge Rd. in Clemmons. For more information, go to bigshotztavern.com.

Behind-The-Bar-Tips

• Garnishes adhere best to a frozen glass.
• To create colored-sugar glass rimmers, drop food coloring into regular sugar, and mash and mix until color spreads. If desired, add flavor with blueberry or cherry syrups.
• Moisten glass rim with lemon, lime, orange — or whichever fruit is dominant in your drink — before you dip it in sugar.

Mimi’s Pomegranate Mojito

Ingredients: 
2 lime wedges
4 to 5 fresh mint leaves
Splash of Rose’s Lime Juice
Splash of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
1.5 oz. Bacardi Limon Rum
Pomegranate   juice
Soda water or sprite

Directions:
Muddle lime wedges   and mint in a 16-oz. glass. 
Splash in lime juice   and simple syrup.
Add rum. 
Fill to the top with   ice. 
Fill with equal   parts pomegranate juice and soda water and shake until well-mixed.
If desired, garnish   with green rim sugar and a lime wedge.

Frostini

Ingredients:
1 oz. Stoli Vanilla
½ oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
½ oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
Splash of cream
Chocolate syrup
1 Hershey’s Hugs candy

Directions:
Pour first four ingredients into a shaker with cracked ice
Shake until frothy
Rim martini glass with sugar
Strain cocktail into the martini glass
Garnish with chocolate syrup and a Hershey’s Hugs candy

Mistletoe Martini

Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. Absolut Citron
½ oz. Midori
Splash of sour mix
Drop of grenadine

Directions:
Pour first three ingredients into a shaker with cracked ice
Shake until frothy
Rim martini glass with sugar
Strain cocktail into the martini glass
Pour grenadine slowly against the inside of the glass so it fills the bottom

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Martini

Ingredients:
1 oz. Bacardi rum
1 oz. Malibu rum
1 oz. pineapple juice
Drop of grenadine

Directions:
Pour first three ingredients into a shaker with cracked ice
Shake until frothy
Rim martini glass with sugar
Strain cocktail into the martini glass
Pour grenadine slowly against the inside of the glass so it fills the bottom

Cooking for Crowds

Even the most domestic of kitchen goddesses can’t help but feel a little stretched during the month-long montage of culinary occasions. And as catering manager for Salem Kitchen, Hope Mabe has fielded more than one desperate call for holiday help.

The key to cooking for crowds, Mabe says, is identifying what you do well and acknowledging what you don’t. “If you are a baker, focus your time on baking. If you make the best turkey in the family, make your turkey. Then, don’t be afraid to have others help with the rest.”

Caterers can whip up menus based on the size, theme, and formality of the party. “We’re customer-service oriented,” Mabe says. “So you can request one item or 20, and we’re happy to accommodate.”

If you decide to do it yourself, previously prepared ingredients like pie shells or pre-diced onions can help streamline tedious tasks without diminishing the allure of homemade. “There are quality products out there that can minimize cooking time.”

To estimate quantities, Mabe suggests considering both how much your family eats, and how many leftovers you want. “A rule of thumb for healthy portions is approximately 4 or 5 ounces of meat per person, and about the same for vegetables.” If you end up with two weeks’ worth of turkey, freeze it. “Most cooked foods can be frozen for a while.”

Ultimately, Mabe emphasizes the importance of enjoying yourself: “Cook what interests you; buy what doesn’t,” she says. “Be sure to be a guest at your own party!”

For more information about Salem Kitchen, call 336-722-1155, or go to http://www.salemkitchen.com.