For every new Subaru bought or leased between November 21st and January 2nd, Subaru will donate to national and local charities that our owners care about.
ght or leased between November 21st and onate to national and local charities that our
Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek is proud to support Contra Costa Humane Society and Hospice East Bay. By the end of this year, Subaru and retailers like us will have donated more than $350 million.
Finding Joy in the Season of Giving
The holidays have a way of filling our calendars with gatherings, shopping, travel, and traditions that make this season both joyful and busy. Amid the flurry, I hope you find moments to slow down and appreciate this time of year. As busy as it is, it’s wonderful to connect with family and friends and to soak in the season.
In this issue, we’re celebrating the spirit of giving. You’ll learn about White Pony Express, a local nonprofit rescuing surplus food and delivering it to neighbors in need. Our Holiday Gift Guide features locally owned shops where every purchase supports another member of our community.
Speaking of small business owners in our community, Kim Berry from White Barn Home and Mariam Shewan from Gourmet Grazing Goat remind us what creativity and hospitality look like in our own backyard. They shared their thoughts and tips on creating a warm and welcoming space — and how to make entertaining elegant and effortless. Something we can all appreciate this time of year.
In terms of recipes, I’m sharing a wassail recipe —a warm, fragrant family tradition in our home each December. We’re also featuring a recipe from Dr. Ari Katz, who continues to show that food can be both delicious and nutritious.
As we close out 2025, thank you for inviting us into your homes and hearts each month. Your readership and support allow us to keep sharing the stories that connect our community.
Wishing you a peaceful, joy-filled holiday season and a bright start to 2026.
1-10: The vibrant atmosphere at the two-day-long Oktoberfest, organized by the Walnut Creek Downtown Association. Visitors enjoyed the array of food, music, activities, and biergarten, making the event more meaningful.
Photography by Walnut Creek Downtown Association/Craig Isaacs, BlueGoo Photography
TheModelBakery com
Photograph by Jessica Brydson Photography
The Local Gift and Giving Guide
THOUGHTFUL GIFTS, LOCAL CHARM AND LASTING JOY.
ARTICLE BY LAUREL KELLAM
Skip the big-box chaos this season — our Holiday Gift and Giving Guide celebrates experiences, memberships, and meaningful finds from right here in our region. Whether you’re shopping for him, her, or the whole family, these locally loved spots make it easy to give with heart.
For Him
SUNDAY SWING – MORAGA
Moraga Shopping Center, Moraga Way Suite D, Moraga | Sundayswinggolf.com
Give the golfer in your life a reason to unwind. Sunday Swing offers memberships that blend high-tech indoor golf simulators with a relaxed clubhouse vibe. Perfect for practice, friendly rounds, or post-work stress relief — no tee time required.
ELEMENTS MASSAGE –
WALNUT CREEK
2870 Ygnacio Valley Rd , Walnut Creek | Elementsmassage.com/walnut-creek
A massage membership from Elements makes wellness easy to prioritize. Their expert therapists personalize every session to relieve tension and promote deep relaxation — a thoughtful way to give him a little balance year-round.
For Her
LA FONTAINE RESTAURANT –WALNUT CREEK
1375 N Broadway, Walnut Creek | Lafontainerestaurant.com
Date night done right. A gift card to La Fontaine invites him to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere — perfect for a cozy dinner for two.
CATE JEWELRY –WALNUT CREEK
1910 N Main St , Walnut Creek | Catejewelry.com
Cate Jewelry’s timeless pieces are designed for women who appreciate artistry and meaning. From natural gemstones to custom designs, every creation captures sophistication and individuality — a keepsake she’ll treasure.
Cate Jewelry (Photo by Justin Winkokur)
La Fontaine Restaurant (Photo by Aika Cardin)
Stock photo.
Stock photo.
RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN – WALNUT CREEK
1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek | Ruthbancroftgarden.org
A membership to the Ruth Bancroft Garden is the perfect gift for the plant lover. This serene 3.5acre oasis showcases drought-tolerant landscapes and offers members year-round access, discounts, and event invitations.
ONA HEAD SPA –WALNUT CREEK
1372 N Main St, Walnut Creek |instagram.com/ona_headspa
A self-care experience unlike any other. ONA Head Spa offers deeply relaxing scalp and hair treatments blending Japaneseinspired techniques with modern wellness — perfect for unwinding this holiday season.
For Kids
COPA SOCCER TRAINING CENTER – WALNUT CREEK
2640 Shadelands Dr, Walnut Creek | Copastc.com
A COPA membership turns play into performance. With world-class technology and fun, structured training, young athletes build confidence and skills — all in a supportive, high-energy environment.
LINDSAY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE –
WALNUT CREEK
1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek | Lindsaywildlife.org
A membership to Lindsay Wildlife connects kids with the wonders of nature and animal care. Enjoy unlimited visits, hands-on exhibits, and members-only events that make learning exciting.
This locally loved toy store sparks imagination with high-quality, creative toys for every age. From science kits to plush favorites, Five Little Monkeys makes holiday gifting pure joy.
For Teens
WISH – WALNUT CREEK
2333 Boulevard Circle, Walnut Creek | (in-store only)
Wish is a go-to boutique for stylish teen girls who love effortless California-cool fashion. From cozy knits to statement accessories, every visit feels like a mini wardrobe refresh.
MIA AVA – ONLINE / LOCAL
Miaava.com
Mia Ava offers chic, everyday jewelry that’s affordable yet refined — the kind of pieces teens can wear from class to concerts. Modern, minimal, and effortlessly cool.
MEI MEI MOON –ONLINE / LOCAL
Meimeimoon.com
Whimsical and feminine, Mei Mei Moon features dreamy apparel and accessories perfect for creative, expressive teens. Think soft silhouettes, celestial prints, and boho charm.
SPORTS BASEMENT –
WALNUT CREEK
1881 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek | Sportsbasement.com
From skateboards to snow gear, Sports Basement has everything for active teens. Whether they’re hitting the gym, trails, or slopes, it’s the go-to spot for adventure-ready essentials.
PUTTERS – WALNUT CREEK
1275 S. California Blvd. Walnut Creek | Putterscountryclub.com
For a fun night out with friends or family, Putters Country Club combines indoor mini golf, arcade games, and great food — all in a lively, social atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for teens to celebrate, compete, and just have fun.
DIABLO ESCAPES –WALNUT CREEK
1948 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek | Diabloescapes.com
For puzzle-lovers and thrill-seekers, Diablo Escapes offers immersive escape room experiences. Perfect for birthdays, friend groups, or family outings that bring everyone together for fun and teamwork.
Experiences
COLOR ME MINE –WALNUT CREEK
1950 Mt Diablo Blvd , Walnut Creek | Walnutcreek.colormemine.com
A paint-your-own pottery studio where creativity shines. Choose from hundreds of ceramics, paint your masterpiece, and make memories together — perfect for kids, dates, or holiday parties.
CALIFORNIA SYMPHONY –
WALNUT CREEK
1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek | Californiasymphony.org
A season pass to the California Symphony offers world-class music and inspiring performances — a cultural experience that keeps giving long after the holidays.
Stock photo.
Stock photo.
Hostess Gifts
PIDDEG – WALNUT CREEK
1399 N Main St, Walnut Creek | Piddeg.com
Beautifully packaged Turkish delights and handcrafted desserts from PiddeG add elegance to any gathering. A sophisticated, sweet gesture for your favorite host.
MODEL BAKERY –WALNUT CREEK
2979 Ygnacio Valley Rd , Walnut Creek | Themodelbakery.com
Home of Oprah’s favorite English muffins, Model Bakery brings warmth to every breakfast. Pick up a box of muffins or pastries — the perfect hostess or neighbor gift.
ACE HARDWARE – MT. DIABLO BLVD, WALNUT CREEK
2044 Mt Diablo Blvd , Walnut Creek | Acehardware.com
The Mt. Diablo Ace Hardware store surprises with a charming gift section — from cozy candles to beautiful stationery and soaps. Stop in for last-minute finds that feel thoughtful and local.
Stock photo.
Naturally
ARTICLE BY WALNUT CREEK CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MCKENNA INGRAM
Bringing Holiday Warmth to Your Home and Table
Festive
This holiday season, move away from synthetic sparkle and toward the quiet elegance of nature.
In this issue, Walnut Creek City Lifestyle spoke with two experts who shared their thoughts on transforming your space and table with natural, seasonal elements.
KIM BERRY
Owner of White Barn Home in Lafayette.
For Berry, life on the ranch isn’t just a lifestyle— it’s an endless source of inspiration. Berry and her daughter work together to create a welcoming space filled with unique treasures.
The store reflects the mother-daughter duo’s passion for design, inspired by their lives on the ranch.
“Living amidst nature with horses and dogs, we draw inspiration from the beauty around us, blending rustic charm with a modern flair,” said Berry. “Each item we curate tells a story, inviting our customers to bring a piece of that charm into their own homes.”
As the holidays approach, Berry’s design philosophy shines brightest. She transforms her ranch into a wonderland of rustic charm by incorporating the surrounding landscape into her festive celebrations.
Here are some of Berry’s ideas to showcase your Christmas decor with natural elements and greenery from your surroundings:
1. Take a stroll around your property to collect fresh greenery such as pine branches, cedar, eucalyptus, and fir. These can be used as the foundation for many decorations. Consider creating garlands by intertwining various types of greenery, which can drape across mantels or along table settings.
2. For your dining table, use a mix of gathered elements. Start with a wooden or burlap runner, then place a long, low arrangement of mixed greenery. Add in pinecones, small branches, and seasonal berries for pops of color. You can also use mason jars or glass hurricanes filled with twinkling fairy lights, topped with greenery for a warm glow.
3. Natural Accents: Incorporate elements like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to add festive scents and visual interest. These can be tied into bundles with twine and placed around your table or used as place settings.
5. Wreaths and swags: Craft wreaths from your gathered greenery, accented with natural items like berries or dried flowers. Hang these on doors or windows. Swags can also be made to adorn stair railings or light fixtures, creating a cohesive look throughout your home.
6. Outdoor Displays: Don’t forget about the exterior! Line pathways with lanterns filled with greenery or place large planters filled with evergreen arrangements at your entryway. A simple wooden bench adorned with blankets and pine branches can create a welcoming outdoor space.
7. Lighting: Incorporate warm, soft lighting to enhance the natural decor. String lights can be wrapped around trees or draped along fences, while candles in glass holders can add a magical touch to your table settings.
4. Creating a focal point: Consider using a large, rustic wooden crate or an old wheelbarrow as a centerpiece. Fill it with various natural elements – perhaps a small evergreen tree, festive ornaments, or even harvested produce from your ranch, such as apples or pomegranates - for a farm-to-table vibe.
MARIAM SHEWAN
Founder and owner of Gourmet Grazing Goat.
When it comes to entertaining, few things spark instant joy quite like a beautifully styled grazing table — a feast where food meets art.
For Shewan, each grazing table is a blank canvas. Her philosophy is simple– to balance flavors with visual artistry, layering colors, heights, and textures to make the grazing table feel natural and elevated.
“I want guests to feel excited the moment they see it and delighted with every bite,” said Shewan.
During the festive season, Shewan draws inspiration from “nature’s rhythm,” and uses seasonal produce, earthy tones, and organic textures to create grazing tables.
“My goal is to create a space that feels effortless, warm, and true to the moment,” she adds.
Shewan loves working with fresh greenery—think olive branches, eucalyptus, and herbs draped over boards.
She also loves using seasonal florals, rustic wooden boards, and textured fabrics like linen to create a warm, natural backdrop that complements the food.
“My goal is to create a space that feels effortless, warm, and true to the moment,”
“I like to get my ingredients and materials from trusted local vendors, farmers’ markets, and specialty stores,” says Shewan. “I believe in using high-quality, seasonal products and pairing them with natural serving pieces that complement each setup.”
As for her vision this year, it’s all about warm textures and cozy-elegant vibes. “A table that makes people feel instantly welcomed and loved,” she adds.
Here are some personal tips from Shewan when it comes to setting up a grazing table for the holidays:
1. Plan your layout before you start placing items.
2. Use a mix of colors, shapes, and textures to make it feel full and intentional.
3. Garnish with seasonal greenery, fresh herbs, or even edible flowers to give it that polished look. And most importantly, make it colorful. Guests should feel excited to dig in.
Kim (left) and Mariam
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
DR. ARI KATZ
Healthy Holiday Treats!
BASE LAYER:
• 10 Medjool dates, pitted
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oil)
• 3 tablespoons high-quality cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
CARAMEL LAYER:
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oil) — or your preferred nut butter
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Pinch of salt
TOPPINGS:
(Optional but highly recommended) Sprinkle on top:
• Chopped peanuts, coconut flakes, crushed pretzels, or any crunchy topping you like for texture
• A touch of Maldon salt (or any flaky sea salt)
NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE CARAMEL “BROWNIES”
DIRECTIONS:
1. Make the base: Add the dates, peanut butter, cacao powder, and vanilla to a food processor. Blend until smooth and uniform. Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined square dish and flatten it firmly.
2. Make the caramel layer: In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and salt until smooth. Spread evenly over the base layer.
3. Add toppings: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, pretzel bits, or any crunchy topping you like. Finish with a pinch of Maldon salt on top.
4. Freeze: Place in freezer for about 1 hour, until firm.
5. Serve and store: Slice into “brownies” and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Making Space: ADUs for Modern Living
Writer Lili Weigert first started her career at the National Geographic magazine, but she has always been fascinated with how spaces affect human moods and lifestyles. In this issue, we talk about her latest book, Making Space: ADUs for Modern Living.
WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO THE WORLD OF ADUS?
The first time I heard the term ADU (accessory dwelling unit) was in 2021, when a friend of mine bought a house in Marin with a large, flat backyard. He was interested in new legislation that would allow him to build a second home on his property. After that, I started hearing about ADUs and seeing ADU construction everywhere. I decided to write an article about the proliferation of ADUs in Marin County, which was featured in Marin Magazine. Doing all the research for that article made me realize that ADUs are bigger than Marin, bigger than California. They’re part of an important global movement. That’s when I decided to write Making Space.
HOW DO ADUS REFLECT THE WAY MODERN FAMILIES LIVE TODAY?
Times have changed. Historically, the concept of “home” has been synonymous with security, tradition, and continuity, but those values don’t align with the reality of how we live now. ADUs are about flexibility. An ADU can be a guest house, studio, rental, or
ARTICLE BY WALNUT CREEK CITY LIFESTYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LILI WEIGERT
sanctuary for aging parents, sometimes all within a single decade. And that flexibility is exactly what we need to navigate today’s challenges and the uncertainties of tomorrow.
YOU’VE FEATURED 20 ADUS FROM AROUND THE WORLD — WHAT COMMON DESIGN PHILOSOPHY CONNECTS THEM, DESPITE THEIR DIFFERENT SETTINGS AND BUDGETS?
Every ADU in the book is different, but each one treats space as a resource to be honored, not maximized. The designers focus on essentialism: bringing light, proportion, and intention to smallscale living. They prove that size constraints can spark creativity, and that a 600-square-foot home can feel expansive when it’s well-designed and intentionally connected to its surroundings.
"Lil' Red" in Mar Vista, California, designed by Oonagh Ryan. (Photography by Eric Staudenmaier)
"Cloudview", an ADU in Sausalito designed by Loring Sagan. (Photography by Juicy Pear).
WAS THERE ONE ADU THAT PARTICULARLY MOVED OR SURPRISED YOU?
I might be biased, but I’d have to say Cloudview, which is the first ADU I toured. It’s at the top of Sausalito, and I featured it in my article for Marin Magazine. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design and innovative engineering can disrupt the norms of the building industry and create something of timeless beauty and sophistication.
ADUS ARE OFTEN CELEBRATED AS A SOLUTION TO HOUSING SHORTAGES. IN YOUR RESEARCH, HOW ARE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES BALANCING AESTHETICS, AFFORDABILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY?
Cities are learning that the key isn’t just allowing ADUs, but encouraging thoughtful construction; designs that add housing without erasing
neighborhood character. The best examples blend good policy with good design: pre-approved plans that streamline permitting, incentives for sustainable materials, and flexible zoning that respects existing scale. When done well, ADUs can increase density quietly and efficiently, without the disruption caused by larger developments.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN TRICKS OR LESSONS THAT HOMEOWNERS CAN APPLY EVEN IN THEIR MAIN HOMES?
In Making Space, I actually have an entire chapter dedicated to space — how we perceive it and how we can manipulate it to make smaller spaces feel larger. A lot of the tricks are designed to take your focus up and beyond the physical space, whether through high (clerestory) windows, skylights, or vaulted ceilings that blur where the walls meet the ceiling. Apparently, the physical act of your eyeball recalibrating to focus on something farther away triggers a sense of space.
"Cloudview", an ADU in Sausalito designed by Loring Sagan. (Photography by Juicy Pear).
"Lil' Red" in Mar Vista designed by Oonagh Ryan. (Photography by Eric Staudenmaier)
Wassail
ARTICLE BY LAUREL KELLAM
A Toast to Tradition
Wassail traces its roots back to medieval England, where villagers would go “wassailing”—visiting neighbors and orchards to sing, offer good cheer, and share a hot spiced cider as a symbol of health and prosperity. The word “wassail” itself comes from the Old English phrase “waes hael,” meaning “be well.” Over time, this comforting drink became a cherished holiday tradition, often served at Christmas and New Year’s celebrations to warm the spirit and bring people together during the coldest months of the year.
ingredients:
• 2 whole apples
• 10 cups of apple cider
• 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 10 cinnamon sticks
• 15 whole cloves (or ½ tsp ground cloves)
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
optional (spiked version):
• 1 to 1½ cups dark rum, bourbon, or brandy — added after simmering
directions:
Step 1. Stud each apple with whole cloves all around the surface.
Step 2. In a large pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, add the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Place the clove-studded apples in the mixture.
Step 3. Simmer: Stovetop: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat and let it cook for 45–60 minutes. Slow Cooker: Heat on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1–2 hours. Instant Pot: Select “Slow Cook” mode and set for 2 hours, or “Keep Warm” for gentle simmering.
Step 4. Remove the apples and cinnamon sticks. For an adult twist, stir in your chosen spirit (rum, brandy, or bourbon) just before serving—do not add alcohol before simmering.
Step 5. Ladle into mugs and enjoy warm. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, orange slice, or star anise if desired.
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ARTICLE BY LAUREL KELLAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN WINKOKUR
When it comes to holiday shopping, jewelry often tops the list of meaningful gifts—and yet, for many men, the process of picking the perfect piece can feel intimidating. Between endless sparkle and price tags that span every budget, it’s easy to get lost in the shine.
That’s where local jewelry expert Thanh Tran, the owner of Cate Jewelry, steps in. With years of experience and an eye for design, she helps customers approach gift-giving with more intention and confidence.
Tran’s first piece of advice is to pay attention.
The jewelry a woman already wears reveals a lot about her taste, says Tran. Does she prefer yellow, white, or rose gold, and does her style lean classic, minimalist, or bold?
Her lifestyle also matters. Someone who’s active and on the go might appreciate something simple and durable, while a woman who loves to dress up could adore a show-stopping gemstone ring or pendant, added Tran.
Another factor is how the jewelry will be worn.
Everyday pieces like diamond studs or gold bangles differ from the special-occasion sparkle of colored stones or intricate designs.
And while budget naturally plays a role, Tran reminds shoppers that meaning outweighs magnitude.
She also encourages investing in natural stones rather than lab-created ones.
Natural gems, she explains, retain their value and can one day be passed down to children or grandchildren— transforming a holiday gift into a lasting heirloom.
It’s also the small, personal touches that matter, says Tran. Engraving initials, an anniversary date, or a short phrase can turn a beautiful piece into a story she’ll wear.
Whether shopping at Cate Jewelry or another trusted local jeweler, a thoughtful approach goes a long way. After all, the best gifts aren’t just worn—they’re remembered.
Visit Cate Jewelry at 1910 N Main St 180, Walnut Creek | Catejewelry.com
The Bridge Between Abundance and Need
In a world where millions go hungry while tons of perfectly good food are discarded, one Contra Costa County nonprofit is proving that compassion and efficiency can rewrite the story of waste.
White Pony Express — founded in 2013 by the late Dr. Carol Weyland Conner — is a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating hunger and poverty. Entirely volunteer-powered, this organization gathers surplus food from partner businesses and delivers it to those in need.
Volunteers would gather food from partners such as Whole Foods, Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, restaurants, and catering companies that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
White Pony Express Saves Quality Food from Going to Waste
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The late Dr. Connor was also a Walnut Creek resident.
The donations are high-quality and often organic – edible items that are simply nearing their sell-by date.
Volunteers work quickly to get the food to where it’s needed. Three shifts meet the delivery drivers at the distribution center throughout the day.
They go through all the food, first sorting it by quality, and then curating the deliveries for the nonprofits being served that morning.
Everything gets sorted at that time, placed back on the trucks, and then it’s delivered to pantry programs at schools, senior centers, veterans’ organizations, and groups serving unhoused individuals.
Alternatively, some of the food goes directly to nonprofit kitchens for meals served that day. If the food arrives in the evening, it is served for breakfast or lunch the next day.
“It’s amazing how much food we’re talking about,” says Eve Birge, White Pony Express’s chief executive officer. “You know that we are so wasteful, and in a state like California, there is so much bounty, yet nearly one-third of it ends up in landfills, much of it unnecessarily. So, the scale of this problem is massive.”
Since its inception, WPE has rescued and delivered more than 26 million pounds of food, equivalent to approximately 22 million meals.
“My goal is for every restaurant, catering company, and cafeteria to donate all of their surplus to a food recovery organization like ours. And when they do that, we will have no hunger,” says Birge.
The name White Pony Express blends two inspirations: the Pony Express, symbolizing efficient delivery of products, and
the White Horse, which many faith traditions see as a symbol for transformation, unity, and purity.
Dr. Conner, who passed away in April 2023, once said America has so much material wealth that “no one needs to go to bed without proper food, clothing, or shelter.”
“The White Pony Express offers a simple and practical model of life for the present and future, a ‘circle of giving’ based on volunteerism and shared abundance, in which ‘all of us take care of all of us’. This is not charity work; for me, those now ‘marginalized’ are our neighbors and members of our one family.”
Her legacy continues beyond food distribution.
The organization’s Cold Weather Clothing Initiative provides winter clothing, sleeping bags, tarps, and emergency backpacks, while its baby backpack program supports new mothers in the county’s Black Infant Health Program. Mobile “pop-up boutiques” offer free, curated items that allow guests to “shop” with dignity and choice.
“Love is central to everything we do, and our volunteers, including young people seeking community service, truly enjoy making a difference in areas like environmental protection and food insecurity,” notes Birge. “Their energy and enthusiasm are amazing, and often, the experience exceeds expectations.”
Currently, WPE is promoting its end-of-year matching funds campaign, which has become even more critical following the loss of federal funding support. For information, visit Whiteponyexpress.org/donate-funds/
WINTER in a glass
HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS
SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP
A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz dark or spiced rum
• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 whole egg
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Dash of vanilla extract
Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon
Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.
Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.
FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ
A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.
INSTRUCTIONS:
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda
Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Robotic guidance ensures every implant is placed with remarkable accuracy, giving you a stronger, more natural smile.
DECEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 6TH
Handcrafted Holiday Sale
Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek | 10:00 AM
Visit this annual holiday sale featuring local artwork from over 50 student artists and teaching artists. This year's sale will include two rooms of handcrafted shopping, plus a special kids' shopping area to shop for their grown-ups! A portion of the proceeds from the event benefits the Center for Community Arts, the Clay Arts Guild, and the Community Arts Foundation
DECEMBER 10TH
A Christmas Carol
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek | 11:00 AM
Enjoy this treasured holiday classic performed by an award-winning team of artists. In this new adaptation, a young Tim Cratchit makes a wish on a candle, invoking a series of ghostly visitors to the bedside of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge.
DECEMBER 20TH
Makers Market
Broadway Plaza Street, Walnut Creek - the Street between Nordstrom & Macy's | 11:00 AM
Stop by the Makers Market Fair and enjoy live music, great food, and incredible products from local artisans. Shop for last-minute holiday gifts while supporting your community.
