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Live Brilliantly.

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND RENOVATION WWW.HAMMERSMITH.NET | 404.377.1021

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308 E. Howard Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 996-2925 kellysmarketdecatur.com kellysmarketdecatur

November 2023 PUBLISHER

Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

All the Flavors of Gratitude Every day there are reasons to express gratitude. Unexpected gestures such as a smile exchanged with a stranger, a note from a friend or a surprise gift from a neighbor. These remind us that we are not alone and that our presence, connections and friendships are what makes life so rich. In our November issue, we invite our readers to reflect on the people, places and things that make their lives meaningful. I moved to Atlanta from Puerto Rico five years ago and was excited about the prospects of creating community in my new home. As someone who is motivated by meeting new people, living new experiences and making life an adventure, I saw the city as a playground to explore. After about six months into my first year, I learned that a lifelong friend and her family were moving to Atlanta, specifically to Decatur. So I started spending significant time in this part of the city and fell for its charm. As time progressed, I not only forged new friendships but employment also brought me here. Then it dawned on me! I work and play in the city of Decatur! As one of the bartenders at Tortuga y Chango, I am grateful to exchange stories with locals and be part of the vibrant and ever-changing hospitality scene. Giving is also receiving and pouring, crafting drinks for those coming to dine and imbibe is truly a highlight of my day. As the holiday season unfolds I am reminded of how alive I feel when I am behind that bar so I give thanks for those Decatur residents and visitors who honor us with their preference. Without our clients, we could not do what we do at the restaurant. As we usher in a time for gatherings and celebrations, we share stories and voices that will inspire and even renew your deep sense of love and connection to the Decatur community. Thank you to our partners and readers for their support. We wish you the most beautiful holiday season.

STAFF WR ITER

Margarita I. Giraldo margarita.giraldo@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Natalie Fox CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Chris Rank, John Wachs, David Clifton-Strawn

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

M A R G A R I TA I . G I R A L D O, S TA F F W R I T E R @ D E C AT U R C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Decatur City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Decatur 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 Decatur City 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.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Elegant Expansion with HammerSmith Carriage Houses

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Open House HO ME + DES I GN

Hot Spot FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Locals Only A RTS + C U LT U R E

Local Limelight A RTS + C U LTU R E

Trend Setter FO O D + B EV ER AG E

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

Home Update LI FE + C U LT U R E

Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E

Events

Functional features meet playful possibilities for a space that will grow with you.

14 Tortuga y Chango Decatur’s Mezcal Amassadors

20 Passion. Innovation. Experimentation. Meet three visual artists living and creating in Decatur.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Chris Rank The cover features a vibrant cocktail from Tortuga Y Chango

Beauty (R)eImagined. Beauty (R)eAlized. Providing Advanced Cosmetic Injectable Treatments and Aesthetic Education to Decatur, Atlanta, and Beyond.

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. @WOODLANDSGARDEN

@COMPASSIONATEATL

@CLARITYDECATUR

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1: Woodlands Garden partnered with Skyland Trail and Hillside Atlanta for the 11th annual ‘Fairies in the Garden’ celebration. 2: Placita Latina Georgia hosts their annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and “Salsa on the Square” with an estimated 4000 attendees! 3: Compassionate Atlanta celebrates their annual CompassionCon fall festival to raise awareness about the benefits of compassionate action throughout Greater Atlanta. 4: September Jazz nights at The Solarium and the Community Center of South Decatur. 5: The Book Bird of Avondale Estates hosts author & playwright Leslie Liautaud at Cocktails & Conversations. 6: Clarity Fitness leads an outdoor yoga class at the West Ponce Music Stroll. 7: Kimball House Celebrates 10 Years!

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @decaturcitylifestyle

C I T Y SC E N E

Courses, sports, projects, workshops, clubs, field trips, events, and more.

Risers at Moonrise Decatur taking our new guitar course.

Homeschooling shouldn’t be a do-it-yourself project. Homeschoolers outperform their peers in academics, social development, and emotional well-being. They get personalized instruction, freedom to learn at their own pace, and access to increasingly powerful online learning tools. But parents need to work, and kids need space to learn and make friends. So, most families haven't figured out a way to homeschool. What if you had a place to drop off your kids on your schedule that wasn't school? One filled with plants, books, velvet couches, and all the best tools for learning. Where you could work or do yoga while your kids are there. A place that gave you the best parts of school - like sports, clubs, projects, events, and field trips. That's Moonrise. With beautiful spaces, real-world experiences, built-in community, and expert guidance, it's everything you need to homeschool. Founded by a local Decatur dad for his two kids, we now have over 135 members. And we're just getting started. Curious? Stop by for a tour. We're open 7 days a week all year, including summer.

Schedule a tour at moonrise.com

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. no. 246 re-launches weekend brunch Beginning Saturday, November 18, beloved Decatur restaurant no. 246 is re-launching weekend brunch! Brunch will run every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - 3 pm. With staples from the original menu, like the breakfast pizza, and plenty of new offerings, no. 246 will be the quintessential Decatur brunch spot in no time. Make reservations and learn more at no246.com.

Photography Andrew Thomas Lee

Dr. Jane Goodall Speaks at Decatur Legacy Park On September 21st, Dr. Jane Goodall visited Decatur Legacy Park and Roots Down GA to launch the first Roots and Shoots "Basecamp" in the country, right here in Atlanta. Goodall spoke of her own story, the willingness to move forward, and the continuation of taking action. Dr. Jane Goodall said, "Fighting is not a word that’s associated with peace, but if we’re fighting for freedom, for justice, justice to people, justice to sentient animals, then fighting is a good word."

Photography by Gregory White

Parker's on Ponce Celebrates 15 Years Decatur natives, Christopher and JT Scott, opened Parker’s on Ponce in 2008 as Decatur’s only independently owned steakhouse. Over its 15 years, Parker’s has been the host location for countless events and celebrations. To mark this anniversary, the establishment has planned a series of events and promotions starting November 17th. Join Parker’s on Ponce in a week-long celebration that includes a complimentary glass of wine, festive smoking on the BGE, incredible dining discounts, and so much more. For reservations and updates on anniversary celebrations, please visit parkersonponce.com.

Want to be featured?

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

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Photograph by Megan Metcalf

Elegant Expansion with HammerSmith Carriage Houses

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES MEET PLAYFUL POSSIBILITIES FOR A SPACE THAT WILL GROW WITH YOU.

ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN METCALF

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

HammerSmith dedicates itself to enhancing every client’s lifestyle through residential design and renovation services. They design with the long-term in mind, ensuring space is maximized and made to live in for many years to come. Carriage houses offer an enhanced ability to entertain outdoors, host out-of-town guests, and earn rental income. With 900 square feet of customizable living space, this destination can grow with you amidst different stages of life: thriving as a retreat for your kids and grandkids, a home office/ studio, or even a pool house. Adding a carriage house to your property is also the perfect way to reclaim unusable attic space above a garage while creating a new backdrop by shielding your neighbors.

There are endless possibilities as the chance to explore heightened creative design is ripe. Just look at HammerSmith’s stunning powder rooms, which founder and CEO Warner McConaughey calls “jewel boxes,” to see how special a small space can become. Carriage houses present an excellent opportunity to diverge from the rest of your home’s decor; if you have a primarily neutral palette in the main house, they are an ideal place to play with pops of color or a mixture of styles. You can match the historical design of the rest of your house or create a stylish statement facade! Broaden your decor aesthetic and make your home feel new again with a carriage house expansion.

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Tortuga y Chango Decatur’s Mezcal Amassadors

ARTICLE BY MARGARITA I. GIRALDO PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS RANK

Mezcal has a reputation for tasting smoky and rugged. It's a spirit with origins that date back to pre-Aztec times and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Its history alone is worth a multitude of tomes describing not only how it's

Dishes that delights the senses.

produced and sipped but how the depth and range of flavors continue to infinitely seduce its consumers. Two of those consumers were Samantha Eaves and Alan Raines, owners of Tortuga y Chango (Spanish for the Turtle and the Monkey) and Decatur's premiere location to learn about all things Mezcal. Their

passion for this agave spirit is evident in every detail of the restaurant, from the kitchen and bar staff they've partnered with to the cozy and intimate aesthetics of the venue. It’s clear from the moment you enter the premises that there is an intention behind every gesture, decoration, plate and drink at Tortuga. Beverage Director Orestes Cruz

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Together with Beverage Director Orestes Cruz, Sam and Alan have curated an extensive selection of Mezcal to share with their patrons. Similar to a library where books are available to explore, folks can choose to learn more about a particular brand, a specific agave, or be led by the staff on an exploratory tour of Participants at a recent Mezcal tasting

smells and tastes. The brief presentation includes information about the production process, brand history and flavor profile of all the spirits Tortuga y Chango offers. Intent on keeping the tasting experience as authentic as possible, Alan and Sam sponsored a staff trip to Oaxaca where the team could be exposed to all the

Dishes as beautiful in sight as in taste.

Owners Samantha Eaves & Alan Raines

aspects of Mezcal production. These include harvesting and cutting agave, cooking, mashing or milling to obtain agave juice rich in sugar, fermentation, first distillation, second distillation, cask maturation (if mezcal is rested or aged), and finally, bottling.

CONTINUED >

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From that trip, the team learned essential truths about mezcal. For starters, mezcal’s taste doesn’t necessarily come from the variety of agave used. Its magic is the combination of production methods, ambient yeasts used in the fermentation and the condition in which the agave plants grow (i.e. soil type

Agave fields in Ejutla de Crespo, Oaxaca

Roasting agaves at a Banhez palenque

and altitude). Another “aha” moment for most is that much like wine, terroir influences the taste of the final product. Cruz’s bar program, with original recipes and adaptations of classic cocktails, surprises patrons. He takes the comfort and nostalgia of more known spirits, i.e. bourbon, gin, and pairs them with mezcal and lesser-known Mexican spirits such as sotol, bacanora and raicilla. To make the experience at Tortuga even more playful and inviting, his cocktails are named after a well-known bingo game from Mexico known as La Loteria.

As one of the handful of mezcal bars in the Metro Atlanta area, Tortuga y Chango is an excellent addition to the diverse food and beverage options in the Decatur community. With over 200 mezcal varieties, it offers an experience that delights the senses and broadens both palates and minds. Visit Tortuga y Chago at 910 W. College Ave Decatur, GA 30030.

Traditional games during a palenque inauguration

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

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What is it about Decatur that makes you feel a deep sense of love and connection? ARTICLE BY MARGARITA I. GIRALDO

As we enter the season of giving and gratitude, we asked members of the community this question.

LOCA LS ON LY | A RTS + CULTURE

ABBEY GRIFFITH

Clarity Fitness

“Decatur has been the perfect place to open my first business. Our neighborhood’s passion for diversity, inclusion, and celebrating all our local community has to offer has been truly inspiring. I can’t think of a community more aligned with my personal and professional values, am so grateful for the support and resources I’ve been provided by our amazing city officials and community members. These pieces of Decatur bring up so much love and connection in my heart, business, and life!”

THE COX FAMILY

Timothy Cox & Co. Realtors

“The teachers and staff at Talley Street Elementary are devoted educators and such a positive force of love and understanding. We are so grateful for their dedication to their craft and care.”

MILES MACQUARRIE

Kimball House

“Decatur is a small, close-knit community in a big city. I have worked in Decatur for twenty years! I’ve been behind the bar at Leon’s Full Service, the Brickstore Pub (even met my wife there!), and witnessed how people are so supportive of one another. I also experienced this firsthand when we purchased the Historic Train Depot from the City, they took the profit from the sale and reinvested it in the development of downtown.”

JEREMY RHETT

CertaPro Painters of Atlanta & Decatur

“When I am out in Decatur I often bump into people I know from different facets of life: the parents of my childrens’ friends, Dads and Moms from the Cub Scout days, fellow musicians, neighbors, customers of my business, contacts from old networking groups, and folks from kids’ sports teams. I feel a sense of connection in this small town of ours surrounded by a growing metropolis. When people are increasingly seeking interpersonal relationships in a huge city, it is refreshing to be a part of a community where you are not one of the anonymous masses.”

EMILY WONG

Fundraiser and Community Volunteer

“What we most deeply love is that our community also offers simple moments, like running into friends when we’re grabbing ice cream on Saturday nights or that our dog knows there are always treats for her at Kelly’s Market and Square Foot Decatur is a community that understands connections come from small moments just as much as they do from big ones.”

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PASSION. INNOVATION. EXPERIMENTATION. ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN WACHS & DAVID CLIFTON-STRAWN

Photograph by John Wachs

MEET THREE VISUAL ARTISTS LIVING AND CREATING IN DECATUR.

Kristin Thorsen Fine Artist & Cover Artist of Decatur City Lifestyle’s Premiere Issue HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK? I create my own little world that is sparked by pure imagination and my interest in the intricacies of architecture. I’m always experimenting with new ways to incorporate mixed media into my established style.

HOW DO YOU BEGIN A NEW PIECE? WHAT DOES YOUR PROCESS ENTAIL? My process is completely unscripted, unleashed, and unplanned. That way, I can create whatever makes me happy at the moment. I work on 5-7 pieces at once. This allows me to edit and grow organically, take risks, and make mistakes.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF YOUR WORK? The goals of my work are to continually challenge myself and empower my audience. I often hear that after a year or two with a piece, people keep finding new elements they didn’t see before. I put a lot of layers and little Easter eggs into my pieces. My most recent body of work has positive messages hidden in the work, which has received a great response as people discover the words in serendipitous moments. See Kristin’s upcoming exhibition November 4th and 5th at Chastain Park and learn more at thorsenart.com

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK? My work is primarily mixed media and cross-disciplinary, where new media elements are combined with paint and fine art techniques.

HOW DO YOU BEGIN A NEW PIECE? WHAT DOES YOUR PROCESS ENTAIL? My process is playful. I listen to a wide variety of music while creating, as it helps my creative process. Life is my inspiration. My new Flight Series is about overcoming adversity and was created by doodling with pixels on the computer, which were then transferred onto canvas or other materials.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF YOUR WORK?

Photograph by David Clifton-Strawn

Lori Lejeune Atlanta Mixed Media Artist

During the pandemic, I dreamed and thought about alternate ways to bring artwork to people that could be experienced outside and would spark joy. My dream is to have my large-scale artwork permanently installed in public spaces. My murals and installations activate public spaces and community engagement is important to me. I feel like art isn’t doing its job unless people view it and interact with it. See Lori’s “Spread Your Wings” traffic box installation at the corner of Tilly Mill Road and Womack in Dunwoody. Learn more at studiolejeune.com CONTINUED >

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“Being an artist is all about how you see the world.” - Jay Wilson HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK? My paintings are snapshots of the human experience, even though there are no humans in them. I don’t think there’s a better subject or element to describe the human experience better than animals. Each animal has its own vocabulary of triggers, responses, and reactions. The animals are in different compositions, often creating tension, which is a great way to tell a story.

HOW DO YOU BEGIN A NEW PIECE? It’s not a conscious process. I take in observations from the world around me and then go to a place where I feel right on the horizon of being asleep and awake, and the ideas quickly emerge. The painting is there with about ninety percent of its composition and elements. Then, I’ll scribble a quick sketch as I receive what’s appearing subconsciously. I decide the size, draw it onto the wood structure, and the fun begins.

WHAT DOES YOUR PROCESS ENTAIL? For commissions, I developed a “Five Word Process”, wherein a client tells me in five words or less everything they want the painting to be. Breaking the creative process into such simple elements works, and has created a very satisfying experience for me and the commissioners. It starts the conversation. Being able to gain insight into somebody’s life and story is a really cool part of the process. Learn more at omnorling.com

Photograph by John Wachs

Jay Wilson Fine Artist and Graphic Designer

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

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a festive pairing The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered. ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

T R E N D SE T T E R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.” But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun. “People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different. “If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.” For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and

I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey. “With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.” Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.” What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.” If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

What if I’m serving ham this year? “Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious.”

What about dessert? “If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”

How much should I spend on a bottle of wine? “That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around $20, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.” James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife, Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.

T R E N D SE T T E R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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

BUILD A CAMPFIRE READY S'MORES DESSERT BOARD WITH THIS HOW-TO GUIDE

S’MORES DESSERT BOA RD ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

It’s campfire season! You know what that means? S’MORES! These sweet treats are staples during the fall and winter! I have many childhood memories of sitting by the campfire with my family telling stories, gazing at the stars, and roasting marshmallows. This year, take your s’mores to a whole new level with this S’mores Dessert Board! They are so easy and fun to make! Similar to a Charcuterie Board, a S’mores Dessert Board is beautifully decorated and full of everything you need to make the perfect s’mores! Some of my favorite things to include in a s’mores are either peanut butter or a mint chocolate candy!

W H AT YOU W ILL NEED: Board: A beautiful wood board or metal tray will look great! Marshmallows: Choose between regular, jumbo, or flavored marshmallows. Chocolate: There are so many options for chocolate when it comes to s’mores! There’s milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolates, white chocolate, caramel chocolates, and much more! Graham Crackers: Use graham crackers or a variety of cookies for your s’mores. Fresh Fruit: Include fresh fruits as toppings for your s’mores. Skewers: Don’t forget to bring skewers to roast your marshmallows on! NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

Falling For Neutrals SEASONAL DECOR TIPS FOR KEEPING IT SIMPLE I love decorating for the holiday season, but it gets tough if trying to keep a home decor airy, light and neutral. My home is full of neutrals, such as linen, khaki, white and gray, so decorating for the holidays can be tricky with the bright and bold themes on display at the stores. Here are tips regarding how to achieve a festive look without going overboard.

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

H OM E U P DAT E | L IFE + C ULTURE

LESS IS MORE First, whenever decorating for the holiday season, I clear what's possible to make room for what's coming. I eliminate decor pieces that are displayed year-round to avoid adding clutter to rooms. Giving decor pieces or floral arrangements their own space to shine can pull the room together and make it feel very designed.

or evergreen branches with pine cones to fill vases. Add a battery-operated strand of lights and you’re looking just like a designer home magazine spread.

GO COZY Swapping out usual throw pillows and throw blankets for plushy, cuddly materials and seasonal prints are another simple way to add holiday spirit without being so literal. Opting for neutral plaids, cable knits, or sherpa materials add that feeling of fall and winter.

CATER TO ALL THE SENSES Don’t forget about the smell! Stocking up on candles that smell like the season is the last missing piece for a holiday vibe. The total sensory feeling of the holidays is what really brings a home to life, whether it's pumpkin spice burning for Thanksgiving or a fresh pine and cedar for Christmas.

STICK TO THE PALETTE As best as possible, I try to stick to each of the color palettes in my room. When it’s time to bring out pumpkins or holiday Santas, I stick to white and neutral or add in color pops of gold and silver to keep everything flowing. If I start to add too many primary colors, it ends up looking like a mash-up gone astray.

CELEBRATE MEMORIES The holidays are often bursting with family traditions and memories, and decor can reflect that, too. I have many items handed down over the years that I like admiring, but if they aren’t quite right for my room, there are options to bring the spirit of them to life. Framed holiday family photos in a black and white filter are an excellent way to tie in your history of celebrating in a subtle way.

LOOK TO NATURE Some of my favorite items to use for holiday decor come from a simple nature walk. Using actual items you find, or just getting inspiration from the outdoors is a great way to bring sights of the season indoors. For fall, elements such as branches, leaves and neutral gourds match with everything. For winter, I love using sticks with berries

If items aren’t working together, don’t be afraid to get crafty. Painting pumpkins with spray paint or tying some neutral ribbons around existing vases are an easy and affordable way to make them fit a specific aesthetic. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

N OVE MBE R 2 0 2 3

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Decatur. N E I GH BO RH O O D

ORIGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Winnona Park

$1,295,000

100%

Oakhurst

$1,270,000

$1,095,000

86%

Winnona Park

$869,900

100%

Clairemont Heights

$814,000

$850,000

104%

Sycamore / Decatur Heights

$769,000

100%

Oakhurst

$765,000

$749,000

98%

Oakhurst

$737,837

$710,000

96%

Oakhurst

$720,000

$665,000

92%

North Decatur

$590,000

$599,900

102%

Westchester Hills

$535,000

$500,000

93%

College Heights

$500,000

100%

This data is a sampling of sold properties from September 2023. Source: IRES MLS system.

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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. T U E S DAYS

Taco Tuesdays

LA CHIQUIADA | 10:00 AM Taco Tuesdays at La Chiquiada include a $12 plate for two tacos served with rice and beans. Check out the menu at lachiquiada.com/menu. TH URS DAYS

Terrific Thursdays

DOW N TOWN DECATUR | 10:00 A M On Thursdays in November and December, Decatur shops & restaurants stay open late and offer a variety of discounts, special holiday open houses & receptions. NOVE M BE R 4 T H

The Decatur Wine Festival

DOW N TOWN DECATUR | 12:30 P M The Decatur Wine Festival features live music, foodie-worthy dishes from local restaurants, and over 300 wines from around the world for tasting. The entry fee includes a commemorative wine glass and benefits the Decatur Arts Alliance. Entry is limited to 2500. All tickets sold online at www.decaturwinefestival.com NOVE M BE R 2 5T H

Small Business Saturday

DECATUR S MALL BUS IN ES S ES | 1 0 :0 0 A M Make a difference in your community by choosing to shop local this Small Business Saturday. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbors, discover unique products and services, and make a real impact on the local economy. Let's celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and small businesses together! NOVE M BE R 2 5T H

Santa on the Square

DOW N TOWN DECATUR | 10:00 A M Kick off the holiday season with Santa on the Square! Get ready for a magical and heartwarming holiday experience. Santa Claus will be in town to listen to your holiday wishes, take photos, and spread the joy of the season.

EVE N TS

A MEXI-CALI CAFÉ WITH A SOUTHERN TWIST

DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER EVERY FRIDAY WE WILL HAVE A FREE PASTRY WITH THE ORDER OF A COFFEE FOR PRIVATE DINING INQUIRIES EMAIL INFO@LACHIQUIADA.COM

LOCATED AT 110 WEST TRINITY PLACE BETWEEN WEWORK & AMLI DECATUR

WE VALIDATE PARKING, AMLI DECATUR PARKING GARAGE

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