Highlands Ranch, CO December 2025

Holiday + Giving

Let It Snow. This month’s cover image does what photography does at its best: Evoke feeling and strong sense of place. Just looking at this beautiful image I can feel the fleecy, bundled layers against the frosty air, and the sound of padded stillness from the soft, fluffy snowfall on an inky black December night, walking the streets of a timeworn mountain village.

Colorado photographer Connor Scalbom captures the heart of our December Holiday + Giving issue beautifully, a celebration of the holidays centered on stillness, warmth and gratitude. Holy days indeed.

This month, we bring to you ideas for how to celebrate with your family and friends by focusing on shopping local and discovering treasures to fill the stockings.

From delicious sweet treats at Honey B’s Macarons, to a dream safari vacation with Highlands Ranch Travel, to going all out and bringing home a new Cadillac Escalade IQ from John Elway Cadillac, complete with giant bow on top, we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas to make everyone happy and make this season meaningful for our local economy.

As we wrap up 2025, we want to take a moment to thank you — our readers in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree — for your continued support. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to share your stories each month and to help foster a sense of community and connection.

Looking ahead to 2026, our 10th year in publication, we’re excited to continue celebrating the people, businesses, and nonprofits shaping Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree. Our mission remains to inspire you with stories of home and lifestyle, health and wellness, giving back, and travel destinations both near and far.

Wishing you and yours a meaningful holiday season.

JENNIFER STARBUCK, PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Starbuck | jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Sonja Nix | sonja.nix@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Angie Jehu | angie.jehu@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cassandra Green, Erica Bibb, Arsine Kaloustian, Natalia Marendt, Sonja Nix

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Connor Scalbom, JordanQuinn Photography, Coryn Nelson, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

DECEMBER 2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-4: Ascend Direct Primary Care celebrated their grand opening in Highlands Ranch on Oct. 10. Dillon Le, MD and Sheila Vizanko, DO, are accepting new patients and offer unlimited access to services such as phone, text, email and office visits for a monthly subscription. To learn more: dpcascend.com 5-7: Douglas County School District and Backpack Society, with support from Home Depot, have teamed up for Grow to Give.

On Oct. 21, Bear Canyon Elementary School was the recipient of Grow to Give’s latest garden. Home Depot donated $5,000 in supplies and labor to create garden beds and fencing for each grade level, supporting hands-on learning. The gardens donate a portion of their harvest to Backpack Society’s No-Cost Market, where produce is distributed to local families struggling to have enough to eat during the growing season.

8-14: On Oct. 25, Katie and Eric Robbins, pictured on photo 10, and their amazing team welcomed the community to Uncorked Kitchen + Wine Bar’s 10th anniversary celebration. The celebration included a full day of exciting events, including free chef demos, cookie decorating, spirit tasting stations, and happy hour food. To learn more about special events each week and month: uncorkedkitchen.com

15-21:

Buy and Sell With Confidence

business monthly

Lone Tree's High Note Park Construction Slated for Spring 2026

The City of Lone Tree announced it will begin the first phase of High Note Park construction in spring 2026. This phase will focus on features such as lit multipurpose fields, dog park, community swing and splash pad. Plans are also in the works for a shipping-container style bar and beer garden.

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Modern Vintage Marketplace Expands

Modern Vintage Marketplace, known for its eclectic mix of new, vintage, and antique items, has expanded. The move brings together a wide range of quirky home décor, retro fashion, antique furnishings, and exclusive handmade gifts. Beyond a retail space, owners Kelly and Wil Crossley envision a community space and interactive adventure. Visitors are encouraged to hang out, relax, hunt for "Easter eggs," while enjoying the many treasures woven throughout the space, like the wall-to-wall mural by artist Jeslyn Sebold. modernvintagemarketplace.com

Prima Dance Co. Brings Professional Dance to South Denver

Prima Dance Co. in Lone Tree is ready to set a new standard for elite technical dance training in the South Denver Metro area. Founder Abby Welch is a former professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, with certifications from the American Ballet Theatre, ABT® NTC Certified Instructor, and many more. Abby emphasizes technical proficiency, professional experience, and pedagogical teaching methods, with a commitment to fostering a psychologically safe environment where children develop resilience, a growth mindset, and love for dance. primadanceco.com

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Highlands Ranch Metro District receives District of the Year Award

The Highlands Ranch Metro District has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 J. Evan Goulding District of the Year Award. Presented annually during the Special District Association of Colorado Annual Conference in Keystone, this award honors the district’s visionary planning, exceptional service, and exemplary commitment to community engagement. Recognized as the outstanding district among the SDA’s 2,700 member districts, the Metro District serves highlandsranch.org

Local Gift Guide by Archetype: Gifts Curated for the Ones You Love

LOVE, GIVE LOCAL

FOR THE FOODIE

• Cooking Class: Give the foodie in your life an experience they’ll never forget. Because life happens in the Kitchen. Uncorked Kitchen + Wine Bar gift cards for hands-on cooking classes, wine and dine events, kids’ cooking camps or the wine bar. Purchase gift cards in any amount in person, by phone at (720) 907-3838 or online at uncorkedkitchen.com/gift-cards

• Local Distilled Liquor: Discover moxYcello, a local, women-owned distillery crafting Italian-style liqueurs with smooth drinkability to elevate cocktails. Build your own gift basket. Visit moxycello.rocks

• Handmade Chocolates: Who doesn’t love a box of chocolates? Better still, if they are handmade in Colorado, with Brazilian chocolate and Italian inspiration. Cioccolatier offers artisanal chocolates in packaging as beautiful as the chocolates themselves. Find them in Park Meadows Retail Resort in Lone Tree (easy pop-in parking on the south side near Nordstrom) or online at cioccolatier.com

• Sweet Treats: Looking for a delicious, gluten-free holiday treat loved by all? Honey B’s Macarons uses only fresh ingredients and hand-makes these delectable works of art locally in their Highlands Ranch store. Options include branded logos (think thoughtful corporate gifts), a macaron tower for events or cherished gifts and stocking stuffers for friends or loved ones. Share Honey B’s unique and tasty holiday cheer. honeybsmacarons.com

FOR THE CAR ENTHUSIAST

• Car Club Membership: Consider gifting a membership to a local car club that offers community gatherings, drives, safe-driving classes and car shows.

• Garage Transformation: The rest of your house is warm and welcoming — why leave your garage in the cold? Give the gift of an organized, clean and comfortable garage from Garage Kings, owned by Highlands Ranch resident Derek. garagekings.com

• Detailing Package: For the person who loves a clean, polished ride, a professional detailing package transforms any car from road-worn to showroom-ready. From spotless wheels to a refreshed interior, it’s the perfect gift for anyone who spends time on the road.

• Car Condo: If your significant other is missing, do you look in the garage first? Consider a gift that combines a man cave with a deluxe garage. A car condo is the ultimate home away from home for the second love in your guy’s life. Titan Car Condos  offers the ultimate in car-guy luxury. You might even get your own garage spot back. titancarcondos.com

FOR THE ADVENTURER

• Muy Bueno Trip to Oaxaca, Mexico: Join Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack of Highlands Ranch, the Mexican food blogger behind Muy Bueno Cooking  for an intimate five-day culinary journey Oct. 22-26, 2026. Uncover the soul of indigenous Mexican cuisine and culture as you immerse yourself with Yvette in the flavors of Oaxaca, from Zapotec cooking classes and vibrant markets to visits with artisans and mezcaleros who keep traditions alive. Come for the food and connection, and leave with memories that last a lifetime. Reserve your spot today at @MuyBuenoCooking.

• Motorcycle Adventure: Colorado Motorcycle Adventures of Lone Tree is your gateway to exploring the wild side on two wheels. CMA offers top-tier adventure motorcycle rentals and either self-guided or professionally guided tours. Whether carving mountain passes or tackling rugged trails, every trip is a story waiting to be told. CMA tours make great gifts for the adventurer in your life. Coloradomotorcycleadventures.com

• Lux Africa: Join Highlands Ranch Travel on an all-inclusive safari showcasing Southern Africa’s iconic destinations: vibrant Cape Town, nearby winelands, a thrilling safari in the Greater Kruger area and the awe-inspiring power of Victoria Falls. Fall 2026, the ultimate luxury once-in-a-lifetime adventure is limited to 15 individuals. HRTVL.com

Natalia Marendt is the owner of The Teeny Tiny Bookshop mobile bookstore, which pops up at events in Douglas County and the greater Denver Metro area. Specializing in women’s fiction, the shop features a curated selection of handpicked reads. Here, Natalia provides her holiday recs. Find her @the_teenytiny_bookshop.

FOR THE AVID READER:

• Romantic fantasy: Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross | Recommended for readers who enjoy slow-burn tension, romantic fantasy, lush mystic world-building and lyrical prose.

• YA reader who reads above their age level: Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater | Recommended for readers who enjoy: sweet and magical romance, quirky protagonists who defy societal standards, mystery and whimsical fantasy with a touch of heart. Safe for young readers.

• Psychological Thriller: The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison | Recommended for readers who enjoy dark, psychological suspense, haunting atmospheres and morally grey captivity narratives.

• Historical Fiction: The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley | Recommended for fans of “Outlander,” with immersive dual timelines, Scottish history and subtle supernatural undertones.

BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK

The Teeny Tiny Bookshop’s “Blind Date with a Book” invites readers to unwrap a surprise story, personally hand-selected, wrapped and labeled by owner Natalia Marendt. Most she has read, or has carefully researched reviews across multiple platforms to ensure it’s reader-approved.

Feel whole this holiday season

Step into the new year feeling your best.

As we celebrate the season of gratitude and renewal, take time this holiday to care for yourself, because feeling whole begins with staying well. Schedule your visit today.

As a local, family-owned company, we are especially thankful to our community for supporting us through the years. When you choose Applewood, you’re investing in our employees and their families, and in turn, our community.

Know that you can rely on our team of licensed professionals to take care of any home comfort issues you may have, as we’ve been doing for over 50 years.

WINTER WONDERLAND

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNOR SCALBOM

WONDER, LIGHT, AND THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

For Colorado photographer Connor Scalbom, winter is a season made for storytelling. Through his lens, he captures snowy peaks, twinkling lights and quiet mountain streets, chasing the beauty of the stillness and crisp, low-light this season brings. His images reflect simple joys of the season, nature’s beauty and the spirit of giving that shines brightest when the world slows down and snow begins to fall.

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF.

My name is Connor, born and raised on the Front Range of Colorado, and now I live nomadically out of my truck. After high school, I attended Western Colorado University, where I found a new home in the Gunnison/Crested Butte Valley. This is where my journey with photography truly began, eight years ago. I lived here for seven years before hitting the road to explore the country even further and share it through my lens.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

I’ve always been interested in photography, from taking pictures with my phone to buying my first camera after graduating from high school. I was instantly hooked; I fell in love with it. Since then, the ball has just continued to roll in my journey as an artist and commercial photographer.

WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION?

Telling stories with the outdoors. I love nature, and I’m privileged to have the opportunity to support myself through this passion, inspiring others to get outside and enjoy the natural world.

YOUR WORK CAPTURES BOTH BROAD LANDSCAPES AND NARROW STREET SCENES THAT REFLECT THE AMERICANA CHARM OF SMALL TOWNS. WHAT MOVES YOU TO SHOOT THIS WAY?

Living in small mountain towns means coexisting with nature and scenery. It’s why people love to visit; it’s why some of us never leave. Capturing the feeling of a small town nestled below giants is something I love to do. It makes you want to be there, surrounded by the mountains in your little cabin. At least, it does that for me. In a world of overwhelming negativity online, I also appreciate the opportunity to give people a brief respite, allowing them to enjoy some beautiful scenery and remember that the world isn’t on fire and there’s so much beauty out there.

connorscalbom.com

Let This Season Inspire Next Season’s Kitchen

The holidays turn our kitchens into the real gathering place of the home. Recipes are shared, coffee is poured, and somehow everyone ends up around the island. With all the cooking, hosting, and memory-making ahead, now is the perfect time to look around and ask:

“Is my kitchen really working for me? ”

If so, Cabinet IQ can help you create a space you’ll love walking into every day. With a curated selection of new cabinets, countertops, styles, and layouts, we guide you toward a beautiful , functional design that elevates your entire home.

Take a Look Around Your Kitchen…

Here are a few quick things to notice as you prep for the season:

Countertops

Chips, stains, or dull spots showing up under holiday lighting? New countertops can instantly brighten, refresh, and modernize your kitchen

Prep Space

Running out of room when cooking or plating? If you’re constantly moving trays, appliances, or ingredients around, it may be time to rethink or completely redesign your layout.

Cabinets

Outdated finishes? Limited storage? Doors that no longer align with your style? New cabinets can dramatically transform the look, feel, and flow of your entire kitchen.

Winter Skin

Tips for Your Winter Skin Care Routine with Dermatologist Dr. Kate Messana

Winter time is a beautiful season in Colorado. Snowfall covers our mountains and hills in white powder, and yet we can still trust the sun will come out to melt the winter wonderland and begin the cycle over again. The air is chilly and refreshing, but it can also be extremely drying to our skin.

Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Dr. Kate Messana shares her treasured tips for a good winter skincare routine. She and her husband, Cutaneous Oncologist, Mohs Surgeon and Skin Cancer Surgeon, Dr. Chris Messana, began Elevated Dermatology in 2017. They hold offices in Parker and Littleton and are a premier skin cancer center and dermatology practice specializing in skin, hair, nail and cosmetic services.

Dr. Kate shares, “For winter skin care, obviously we live in Colorado and Colorado gets drier and drier and the humidity gets lower and lower, so it’s really important to give your skin a little TLC.”

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CORYN NELSON

Her first tip is not to crank the heat in the shower. She says, “Hot showers, hot baths and long baths will strip something called natural moisturizing factor. We actually make our own lotion. It allows us to stay hydrated, but the hot water will actually strip that away. You don’t have to take a cold shower, but just turn it down a little bit. Don’t let it sting your skin. Keep it short and sweet as best as possible and use a cleansing oil. They’re over the counter, but they’re beautiful because you’re actually washing your body with just a little bit of an oil that doesn’t leave a greasy feel and it helps to hydrate even when you’re showering.”

She continues, “Then, when you get out, it’s best to put on a moisturizer if you need it within about two minutes of getting out of the shower. One of the tricks I actually recommend is to put the moisturizer in the shower with you so you can pat dry, and before you get out of that nice warm steamy environment, you’ve already taken care of the areas you need to really keep your skin healthy.”

“Outside of that is being aware of sun exposure,” Dr. Kate adds. “Even though the UV index is really low, it’s important to apply the appropriate amount of sunscreen or sunblock for your hikes, walks and ski trips. We see more potency in the amount of UV radiation based on altitude more than latitude. Sun exposure is stronger in the Mile High City than it is closer to the equator at sea level.”

Dr. Kate also recommends specific medical treatments in the winter months. She mentions, “If we’re trying to treat pre-cancers or clear up a lot of sun damage on the face, we can do what we call field therapy, there are creams, there’s light therapy and those are best done in the winter with less sun exposure.”

Dr. Kate and her team at Elevated Dermatology are very intentional in their care. She explains, “Mental health is so intricately tied to your skin in so many ways. We really make sure each patient is heard and treated completely.”

To schedule an appointment, visit www.elevatedderm.com or call (720) 851-5200. You can also follow their account on Instagram @elevateddermatology.

All Power. No Gas

Driver’s Notebook: The Cadillac Escalade IQ Redefines its Iconic SUV for the EV Age

The Cadillac Escalade IQ marks a big step forward for one of America’s most recognizable luxury SUVs. It keeps everything people love about the Escalade—size, comfort and confidence—but moves it into the electric era. With its sleek design, upscale cabin and dynamic performance, the Escalade IQ blends Cadillac style with forward-looking technology and efficiency. It’s still unmistakably Escalade, just quieter, cleaner and more connected to the road than ever before.

This isn’t just a redesign. It’s a redefinition of what luxury feels like. The Escalade IQ trades traditional power for a new kind of refinement, where smooth, silent acceleration replaces engine noise with ease. Its open interior and high-tech details create an experience that feels effortless yet indulgent. It’s the kind of vehicle that fits anywhere from South Metro’s suburban streets and I-70 west into the mountains to the one-way streets of downtown Denver without ever losing the presence and prestige that made the Escalade a statement piece in the first place.

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX

The Escalade IQ proves electric doesn’t mean compromise. With its long range,fast-charging capability maneuverability and quiet power, this SUV keeps luxury front and center while leaving gas stations in the rearview mirror.

Driver Assist and Technology

Inside the jet-like cockpit, the Escalade IQ surrounds the driver with tech. A massive 55-inch curved LED display spans the dash, providing a wide view of controls and driving information. Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free system comes standard, allowing automatic lane changes and highway cruising without requiring the driver to touch the wheel. Add in lanekeep assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, and the drive feels smooth, steady and confident.

Passenger Comfort and Space

The Escalade IQ is built for comfort. With three full rows of seating and an optional second-row executive setup, there’s plenty of room for passengers to spread out. Climate controls are conveniently located in every row, and the AKG Studio Reference sound system, featuring 38 speakers and Dolby Atmos, delivers an immersive audio experience. It’s quiet, refined and feels like a true luxury SUV, just powered differently.

Performance and Handling

For its size, the Escalade IQ handles better than expected. Four-wheel steering provides a surprisingly tight turning radius, and adaptive forward lighting adjusts accordingly as the road conditions change. The power is impressive with up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque, pushing this big SUV from 0 to 60 mph in around four and a half seconds. Big 24-inch wheels and a front “e-trunk” complete the mix of power and practicality.

Electric Power and Range

The Escalade IQ doesn’t just go electric, it goes far. Cadillac estimates range of up to 460 miles on a single charge, making it one of the longest-range full-size electric SUVs on the market. With an 800-volt system, it supports ultra-fast DC charging, allowing you to quickly add miles during road trips. It’s proof that luxury and long-distance capability can go hand-inhand, even without a drop of gas.

YOUTH& BEAUTY REDISCOVERED

OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

At Colorado Eye Consultants, we are proud to offer oculofacial plastic surgery by ASOPRS fellowship trained & board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Carl Rebhun. With years of advanced training and dedication to his patients, Dr. Rebhun combines the latest surgical innovations with artistic precision to achieve natural, rejuvenating results.

WHY CHOOSE DR. CARL REBHUN?

EXTENSIVE TRAINING:

ASOPRS fellowship trained and board-certified.

INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES:

Utilizes the latest and most innovative techniques.

EXCEPTIONAL CARE:

Personalized consultation to meet your goals.

DUAL EXPERTISE:

Specializes in both cosmetic & medical procedures. Call (303) 730-0404 to schedule your consultation today!

ColoradoEyeConsultants.com

Hello! I’m Prinal Kapadia, proud owner of Kiddie Academy of Lone Tree & now Parker. With my husband Hemant and our two children, we’re thrilled to bring our passion for early childhood education to our sister location—Kiddie Academy of Parker—where love for ECE,

and children’s safety remain our highest priorities. I look forward to welcoming our

and

CRAFTING CHEER: DIY WINTER CRAFTS

ORNAMENT CLUSTERS

SUPPLIES

• 22 gauge wire

• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes

• Wire snips

STEP 1

Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”

STEP 2

Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 3

Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.

STEP 4

Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 5

Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!

Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!

GIFT WELLNESS

events

DECEMBER 1ST-JANUARY 4TH

Forest of Stories

All Douglas County Libraries Locations

Step into the magic of the season! Visit every DCL location for a free, wonder-filled experience for the whole family: more than 175 book-themed, decorated trees on display, sparkling with all your favorite stories. New this year: Find the Featured Tree of the Week for a chance to win prizes! Forest of Stories is presented by Douglas County Libraries Foundation. dcl.org/forest-of-stories

DECEMBER 7TH

Prima Dance's Nutcracker & Tea Time

Prima Dance Co., 10012 Commons St Suite 250, Lone Tree, CO 80124

Join Prima Dance Co. for a magical Nutcracker Storytime & Tea, with a special reading of the Nutcracker, sweet treats, holiday fun, and special photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Select dances, such as Sugar Plum, Snow Queen & Arabian Dew Drop, will be performed by Prima's instructors, most of whom are professional dancers. Don't forget photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy. primadanceco.com

DECEMBER 13TH

Winter Wine Fest

Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 | 5:00 PM

Join HRCA and Davidson’s Beer, Wine & Spirits for an evening of sampling new wines, just in time to find your new favorite for the holiday season. Your ticket includes unlimited 1 oz. samples of a wide variety of sparkling and still wines, along with a delicious fondue spread to snack on. Must be 21+, IDs will be checked.

DECEMBER 17TH-21ST

Ugly Seasonal Sweater Soiree

Lone Tree Arts Center

Bring the whole family to this hilarious and heartwarming holiday original musical comedy, featuring a live band and packed with festive fun. This brand-new production offers a playful take on our favorite December traditions, featuring seasonal songs, holiday cheer, and joyous fashion. It’s a night of music and merriment. Matinee and evening performances. lonetreeartscenter.org

DECEMBER 21ST-22ND

Nutcracker Highlights

Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

Experience the magic of the season with  Nutcracker Highlights by the  International Youth Ballet. This one-hour show is perfect for young audiences, offering all the beauty of the classic ballet in a concise and engaging format. Plus, kids get a special Nutcracker gift to take home. A holiday event the whole family will love!

DECEMBER 22ND-23RD

Sounds of the Season

Southridge Recreation Center

Ring in the holidays with  Sounds of the Season, a joyful holiday concert from  The Denver Brass. Just days before Christmas, this festive performance fills the air with the bright, powerful sound of brass. Enjoy your favorite holiday music—from classic carols to cheerful fanfares—in a concert full of warmth, magic, and tradition. It’s the perfect way to share the holiday spirit with family and friends.

Winter Simmer

Magic

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN

FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES

Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

• 3 star anise

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.

This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.