Birmingham, AL December 2023 by City Lifestyle

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EXPERIENCE A BRIGHTER SMILE THIS HOLIDAY SEA SON.

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Wishing You and Yours a Peaceful Holiday Season

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December 2023 PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Season's Greetings to Birmingham

EDITOR

Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Mary Fehr

Happy holidays, Birmingham! We've made another year count. Winter holidays are a time of both deep reflection and of celebration. With that in mind, we've curated an issue to honor both moods. Whether you're hosting family and friends and want to "wow" them with a festive holiday spread and photo-worthy powder room — or you prefer to sip French mulled wine in peace by the fire — you'll find inspiration inside this issue. Here at Birmingham Lifestyle, we believe in slowing down, savoring life and "unplugging" from the busy mediascape, especially at this time of year, to curl up with a book or (ahem) print magazine, take a walk, talk to a loved one and feel present in the moment. This holiday, Kali and I invite you to take a breather and either reflect, or celebrate, you and yours. We appreciate our readers and partners, and we wish all of you the joy and peace of the season. Yours, DENISE K. JAMES, EDITOR @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

HOLIDAYAT HOME.

B RO O K E @ B RO O K E WA H L .C O M

205.447.1704

DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

20 Powder Room Power

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Home Update HO ME + DES I GN

How To FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Must See HO ME + DES I GN

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Welcome holiday guests with a refreshed space

24 Vin chaud

Let your tastebuds take you to a European Christmas market

28 Homes for the Holidays

Independent Presbyterian Church kicks off 74th annual tour

36 Holiday Entertaining Boards

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: T. Scott Carlisle Holly Carlisle of ROSEGOLDEN is known for her seasonally focused botanical design work. For this custom holiday installation she utilized only what she foraged or cut from her client’s garden to create a unique Christmas look for this traditional home. Working solely with what the land offered her, she was able to beautifully highlight the unique natural beauty of winter in Birmingham, Alabama.

DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

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1-7: Guests enjoy the opening reception for artist Julie Snidle’s new works at Canary Gallery. Snidle’s solo exhibition featuring abstracts in oil and encaustic will be on display through December 31, 2023

Photography by Jones Willingham

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C I T Y SC E N E

IN A QUEST FOR TRUTH, WE WILL LEAVE NO STONE UNTU RNED.

A C H I E V I N G T H E B E S T P O S S I B L E R E S U LT S F O R O U R C L I E N T S T H RO U G H E X C E L L E N C E I N A DVO C AC Y.

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CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

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1-7: The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Jefferson County recently hosted “Press Play with CASA” at Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema. Through film and discussion, guests were able to witness the life changing work of child advocates who help abused and neglected children in Jefferson County. Attendees heard from current volunteers and learned about the great need for additional volunteers. To get involved, email kburke@casaofjeffco.org. Photography by Jones Willingham

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C I T Y SC E N E

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Gifts for All

Support an Arc Resident this

Holiday Season!

The Arc of Central Alabama is a place to call home for over 265 people with disabilities, ranging in age from 1282. Sadly, 75% of our residents do not have an active family member or caregiver in their life. Arc homes provide necessities like food, medicine, clothing, transportation, and the intangibles of life like security, comfort, dignity and relationships that many of us take for granted. This holiday season, as you shop for the special people in your life, we ask you to consider adding The Arc to your list.

Scan here to support & shop

www.arcofcentralalabama.org D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

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1-7: North Carolina-based womenswear brand Marie Oliver hosted a fall fête to celebrate the label’s new collection. Brand founder Sarah Doggett Evenson joined some of Birmingham’s most stylish women for cocktails and dinner at Shoppe in Forest Park.

Photography by Alex & Sara | Alabama Wedding Photographer

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C I T Y SC E N E

SOLD

CRESTLINE PARK $460,000 1133 Kingsbury Ave. | Buyer’s Agent

SOLD

ABOUT Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 554 transactions totaling over $240 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."

FOREST PARK $780,000 3406 Altamont Rd. | Listing Agent

SOLD

GET IN TOUC H HOMEWOOD $415,000 200 Hallman Hill Unit 105 | Buyer’s & Listing Agent

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

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1-7: The inaugural FOOD+Culture Fest took place at Pepper Place, Sloss Furnaces, and other venues around town, featuring five signature events and an amplified Saturday Market. FOOD+Culture Fest’s mission is to celebrate the Magic City’s dynamic culinary industry with events that highlight epicurean Birmingham. Here, Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ gives a demo at FOOD+Fire. 2. Nicky Vann Tisdale, co-owner of Tucana Tiki Bar, at FOOD+Funk 3. Jiyeon Lee of Heirloom Market bbq at FOOD+Fire 4: New Orleans’ Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band plays on despite rain at FOOD+Funk. 5: Eric Bennett, owner of Continental Drift and Drift Kitchen, at FOOD+Heritage. 6. FOOD+Flair 7: Houston chef Erica Blaire of Blue Smoke Blaire’s Competition BBQ at FOOD+Fire. Birmingham Lifestyle was proud to sponsor the inaugural FOOD+Culture Fest. Photography by Randal Crow

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C I T Y SC E N E

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CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

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1-7: Guests enjoyed this year’s Gala in the Gardens sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. James E. Ard and honoring B. Hanson Slaughter. The Gala kicked off the 17th Antiques at the Gardens presented by O’Neal Industries and featuring design sponsor de Gournay and textile sponsor Cowtan & Tout. Birmingham’s premier antiques show benefits The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Birmingham Lifestyle was proud to sponsor this year’s show. Photography by Carmen Michael and Dee Moore

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C I T Y SC E N E

M A K E R O O M FO R A L L O F YO U

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DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Gingerbread Jam Returns December 9

Verde Lusso Now Open in English Village

The Retreat to open new spa in Trussville

The second annual Gingerbread Jam is the only gingerbread house competition in the Birmingham area. View gingerbread houses from 9 a.m. until noon at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, or enter the Gingerbread Jam for just $5 and submit your own house by December 8. Proceeds benefit The Megan Montgomery Foundation, which provides grants to high schools, colleges and nonprofits for age-appropriate healthy relationship education and empowerment for young adults. gingerbreadjam.swell.gives

Alabama's premier clean beauty boutique has moved! Verde Lusso, previously located in Avondale, is opening on December 1 at 2004 Cahaba Road in English Village. Owner Mary Frances Dale Fleischmann notes the new location doubles the shop's footprint, allowing for a treatment room for holistic facials. Verde Lusso stocks hard-to-find clean brands like Tammy Fender, Agent Nateur, Le Prunier, Ayuna, OSEA, RMS Beauty and Josh Rosebrook.

Those who appreciate the upscale relaxation of the Retreat Day Spa — Birmingham's only spa using Eminence Organic Skin Care — should let friends and family know the Vestavia Hills business has recently expanded to open the Mockingbird Day Spa, located at 145 North Chalkville Road in Trussville. Services to look forward to at the Mockingbird include massages, facials, spray tanning and body waxing.

Photography by Stacy k. Allen

Scan to read more. Scan to read more.

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

HUM Concierge Offering Holiday Services Luxury lifestyle management agency HUM Concierge is committed to providing exceptional corporate and personal assistance services that give busy and discerning executives, families and individuals the freedom to focus on who and what matters most to them. "HUM for the Holidays" services are designed to replace stress and overwhelm with peace and enjoyment and include decor assistance, gift wrapping and corporate event management. Limited availability for holiday help, call today.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Birmingham

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POWDER ROOM POWER ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

Welcome holiday guests with a refreshed space Hosting this season? Never underestimate the importance of a chic powder room or guest bath. If yours is in need of a little bit of TLC, don't fret – a facelift won't break the bank and invites creativity. Here are a few tips to inspire you, plus pointers from local designers Jeremy D. Clark and Alima Deneke.

GO BOLD. Have you secretly wanted bold wallpaper or paint colors in your life? The powder room is the perfect space. Just balance it out with traditional fixtures. “Powder rooms tend to be small, which makes them the perfect space to go bold,” says Deneke. “Try dark, moody or wild wallpaper... something more unique than a standard vanity— maybe a floating marble sink or custom concrete. And always a mini vintage rug for the floor!” “I decide upon a palette, then begin assembling the hero pattern and supporting textiles and materials,” Clark adds. “Then my personal favorite—selecting the fixtures. Barber Wilsons is exceptional!”

SOFTEN THE LIGHTING. Blinding lights kill a festive mood. Consider putting your powder room lighting on dimmers.

INVITE THE OUTDOORS IN. A beautiful bouquet of seasonally appropriate blooms or a sprig of something from the outdoors will soften the ambiance. Left: A captivating powder room by Jeremy Clark Photo by Tim Lenz

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

“I am an enormous fan of ribbons (olive green and browns from Midori), fruit (think dried citrus) and natural elements when it comes to holiday decor,” says Clark. “ Hold tight to the mantra less is more for the holidays— and whether that’s because of time commitment or personal style, who’s to say?”

STOCK THE SHELVES. Towels, soaps, tissue and other must-haves should be well-stocked and within easy reach for your guests. “Some of my favorite soaps are Frama, Grown Alchemist and Murchison-Hume. I also appreciate a nice Turkish hand towel with a pretty stripe and fringe detail,” says Deneke.

ADD A SIGNATURE SCENT. A candle, oil diffuser or even incense in a chic holder adds to the powder room ambience. “My favorite candle to burn in a powder room is Carriére Fréres’ Orange Blossom,” says Clark. “For a spray, I lean toward Diptyque’s Baies room spray, an ever classic. I find scent to be one of the most memorable elements of a home.”

Left and below: A well-stocked guest bath by Alima Deneke, ADID Studio Photos by Graham Yelton

“HOLD TIGHT TO THE MANTRA LESS IS MORE FOR THE H O L I DAYS .” -JER EMY D. CLA R K

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WISHING YOU A M ERRY CH RI S TM A S F A M I LY L AW • D I V O R C E • M E D I AT I O N

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V I N C H AU D Mulled wine G LÜ H W E I N Glögg Vino caliente LET YOUR TASTEBUDS TAKE YOU TO A EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT

Bundled to the brim on a December night in Paris, I'm perusing the small marché de Noël in Montmartre, a paper cup of vin chaud in hand, the crisp night air heavy with the smell of roasted chestnuts and sugary crêpes. That's the vibe; here's the recipe:

H OW TO | FOOD + BEV ERAGE

DIRECTIONS: 01. Begin by washing and drying the orange and lemon. Then, use a vegetable peeler to peel thin strips of zest from the orange and lemon. Be cautious not to peel the white pith, which can be bitter. 02. In a large saucepan, pour the red wine and add the sugar or honey. Warm it over low to

medium heat while stirring occasionally, ensuring the sugar completely dissolves. Be careful not to boil the wine; you want it to gently simmer. 03. Add all citrus and spices to wine, continue to simmer for a few minutes until aromatic, then turn off. Let mull for 15-20 minutes. 04. If you’d like to give your vin chaud an extra kick, stir in the brandy or eau de vie. 05. Ladle the vin chaud into heatproof glasses or mugs. You can garnish each serving with a twist of orange or lemon peel for an additional touch of fragrance and presentation.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine (Any medium bodied fruit-forward wine like grenache, merlot, gamay or Cabernet Sauvignon will work) • 1/2 cup brown sugar OR 1/4 cup mild honey (this is really up to your taste) • 1-2 oranges • 1 lemon • 3 cinnamon sticks • 3 cloves • 3 star anise pods • 2 cardamom pods • fresh ginger to taste • 1/4 cup brandy or an eau de vie like Poire William (optional, but we find it adds a nice kick) • Orange or lemon peel for garnish (optional)

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PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.

The PIRC is generously supported by funding from United Way of Central Alabama, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and the Walker Area Community Foundation.

Helping talented and motivated Birmingham and Homewood students with limited resources find their best and most affordable college fit. Supporting students through college and graduate school to ensure they graduate having incurred minimal debt. College Choice Foundation is a many-pointed star guiding students towards better lives.

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TO N I A T R OT T E R P R I C E HAIR BY THEO PET T WAY & CL AIRE HAMBRICK PHOTO BY CHRISTIE J. WHITE

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Homes for the Holidays

Doug Klick welcomes guests into his festive Redmont Park home during last year's IPC Holiday Home Tour.

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

Independent Presbyterian Church kicks off 74th annual tour 28

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ESIGN

Take it from Paige Albright, who has served on the committees for more than a decade: the annual holiday home tour hosted by Independent Presbyterian Church takes a lot of dedicated people to make the magic happen – and it has for the last 74 years. As the church’s largest (and most festive) fundraiser, this beloved tour hasn’t missed a single beat for almost a century. Now, after a few

virtual “pandemic” years, the all-volunteer team is excited to host the tour in person again. “I supported it going back to being in person,” says Teri Borders, tour chair for 2023. “People got used to it being virtual, and it’s a process of getting the homes ready, but I’m so excited to be back in person. It’s such a tradition.”

MORE THAN A TOUR At the heart of the IPC Holiday Home Tour, initiated by the women of the IPC, is supporting various area charities. Between the generous volunteers and the homeowners, overhead is kept low to allow more opportunities to give. “It’s part of the ministry of the women of the church, and our proceeds [from the home CONTINUED > D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

tour] go to women and children in difficult situations, including First Light, Stair of Birmingham and Community Ministries,” Paige says. “It’s special and iconic and a tradition for so many people in our community. It’s one of those things we want to keep going, as our oldest fundraiser in the church.”

THE PROCESS Homes for the tour are selected from the numerous fabulous houses around Birmingham and its environs, and Teri and Paige point out that the tour organizers strive to keep each year unique and each home distinct in its own way. “We start the selection process early in the year; our committees discuss it,” Teri notes. “We try to get church members to volunteer their own homes, since it’s hosted by IPC, but we also search for architecture and design that appeals to a wide community. This year, we have a house that you’d see in Architectural Digest – very modern. That was the first one we picked. Then we picked a more traditional home. And we have one from the historic Hollywood area of Homewood. All three are different.” Each home on the tour has a team of “hostesses” to greet tour-goers and share stories about the abode and notes on its design. The holiday decor of all residences on the tour is far from thrown together; instead, expert designers create a beautiful, artful vision to uplift tour-goers and prepare their spirits for the season. “The homeowners, along with their designers, decide how they want their home to look for the holiday season,” Teri says. “ Each house has its own chair, and that person works with the homeowners and the volunteers on the logistics. They essentially serve as liaisons.” For Mark Kennamer, the designer who prepared Doug Klick’s home for last year’s tour, it was a fun challenge to blend his own idea for holiday glamor with the appearance of the house. The final results included, among other highlights, an elegant dining room and living room spread with accents from Alabama’s great outdoors and a kitschy display of Doug’s nutcracker collection. “Doug collects nutcrackers, and he’s accumulated so many that the stairwell was the best place to put them,” Mark says, smiling. “We also used a lot of natural elements . . . wild greenery, amaryllis, things like that.

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ESIGN

“At the heart of the IPC Holiday Home Tour, initiated by the women of the IPC, is supporting various area charities.” CONTINUED > D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

We of course love big bows and shiny things, but we set everything off with natural elements. I love to decorate for the holidays at my own house, so we had a great time doing this together.”

PLANS FOR 2023 AND BEYOND Though in the past, tours have spanned two days — a Saturday and Sunday in early December — the first postCovid tour is Saturday only, December 9. But the packed itinerary includes three homes, all decked out for the season, plus a sanctuary tour and a ticketed tea party at the church. “In years past, for the tea, the ladies of the church would make homemade cookies and tea and play Christmas music, and it would be more of a drop-in setup,” Paige says. “Now, it’s more like a formal afternoon English tea, and it’s seated.” As for the big 75-year celebration next year, Teri shares that the IPC women are hoping to put together

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ESIGN

a commemorative book about the tour’s evolution and significance throughout the decades. While it will be a challenge to wade through scores of pre-internet fodder, Teri feels it would be worth it. “The notes are typed on a typewriter or handwritten so it’s harder, and things were mailed out, not online,” she says, “so we will have to spend time going through all that, but it would be neat to have the history of all the homes in print.” Tickets for the IPC Holiday Home Tour are $40 for touring the three homes and $75 for touring the three homes as well as the church tour and the tea party. A bus travels back and forth from the church to the homes, allowing tour-goers to easily enjoy all components of the day. “This tour offers holiday decor, great architecture and landscaping,” Paige points out. “We have church-goers and design enthusiasts alike who attend.” Visit ipc-usa.org/holiday-house-2022.html.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 34

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Holiday Entertaining Boards The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board • • • • •

Fig Jelly Honey Variety of Cheeses Salami or meat of choice Olives (provide a variety)

• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut • Grapes, berries, persimmon • Crackers

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries. CONTINUED >

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Sweet Treat Cocoa Board • • • • • • • • •

A variety of fresh berries or desired fruit Marshmallows Hot Cocoa Mix Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Covered Cherries Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers Chocolate Covered Biscotti Hot Cocoa Bomb Holiday Cookie Cutter

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board first. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items first. Begin with the chocolate covered Biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges. If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.

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