Creating memorable moments and special meals with friends and family during the holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While these festivities are often a favorite moment each year, the planning and preparation can be a bear for hosts. To help take some stress out of hosting duties, start with what you likely already have […]
holidays
Posted inFood & Entertainment
The Immortal, Secret Life of Fruitcake
Late-night talk show hosts Johnny Carson and Jay Leno called it the worst Christmas gift ever. NASA thought it was good enough for astronauts. Emily Dickinson packed it with half a pint of brandy (and 19 eggs) and gifted it to her delighted neighbors. British royals have turned it into an elaborate, grandiose part of […]
Posted inAt Home
Sharing a Sense of Belonging at Our Holiday Tables
In the Pacific Northwest, November holds the place between the radiant golden hues of fall and the wet gray scale of winter. With it comes the official entry to the year-end holiday season and its annual themes of gratitude and generosity. Nostalgia arrives as well. As it’s nearly impossible to go about the present preparations […]
Posted inAt Home
Home Safety Measures to Keep Your Seasonal Celebrations Joyful
The holiday season brings a sense of excitement and togetherness, but preparing for lively gatherings or traveling can present distinctive safety challenges. “Anyone preparing for guests should be mindful of how they organize their celebrations and understand the coverage provided by their insurance policies,” said Bonnie Lee, vice president of Property Claims for Mercury Insurance. […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham with Bourbon, Honey and Orange Glaze
Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or simply savoring the season with those nearest and dearest, serving up flavorful dishes your friends and family will love is key to bringing everyone together. With a full portfolio to choose from, you can shake up your meals all throughout the season using inspiration and premium products […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Use the Holiday Spirit to Instill Meaningful Values in Children
As Thanksgiving approaches, hearts are filled with warmth and the spirit of giving. It’s a time to cherish moments with loved ones and reflect on all of life’s positive aspects. While it’s common for families to focus on turkey feasts and football games this time of year, there’s a deeper layer that is often overlooked […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Holidays in the ‘Hood
Alderbrook Resort & Spa is a gem of hospitality set on the south shore of Hood Canal right here in our neighborhood. Special occasions or simple afternoons on the canal remind us of the splendor of our ‘hood. Once you discover Alderbrook, you — like your neighbors in the know — will look for opportunities […]
Posted inAt Home
Candle Safety Tips for the Holidays — and Any Time of the Year
If you enjoy candles, you probably love the way their flames illuminate a darkened room, set a certain mood or bring a sense of fun, romance or wonder to your life. Candles are a vital element in many festivals, religious events, birthdays and other major celebrations. Scented candles at a spa or near a bubble […]
Posted inPeople & Places
It Takes a Village
Legend has it that Kingston’s Fourth of July parade is the longest continually running Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi. And while the organizers may not be able to verify that statement, they challenge any town to prove it wrong. Today, the parade draws an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 revelers annually. Even a pandemic […]