Seasons
DECORATING:
Get help, take a shortcut
By now, friends and neighbors may have
their homes decorated inside and out. If
you’re in need of some assistance because
you’ve procrastinated or simply don’t have
that special touch, it’s available. Sandy
Blazek, owner of Erie’s Trellis, says there is
still plenty of time to enlist the store’s holiday
decorating and tree trimming services.
“Tell us what your budget is and we’ll work
within it,” Blazek said. “You’d be surprised
how adding a few things to existing designs
can change your whole look.”
One woman, she said, had a variety of old,
cherished ornaments she wished to incorporate into her holiday decor. After sorting
through them and even donating some of
them to local charities, the designers at Trellis
were able to create a beautiful holiday display
that complemented the woman’s home decor.
“We’ll use what is important to you, what
has sentimental value,” Blazek says.
One of the services the store provides quite
often is reworking something that you already
have. “Take a look around,” she suggests.
“Find a large pot or a vase and perhaps some
plain greens if you have them. We’ll add to
it and create a new centerpiece for you while
you wait.” The only fee is for the materials.
Not enough time to climb up on a ladder
and hang lights on the outside of the house?
You can “shower your home with thousands
of laser lights in seconds,” according to one of
the popular brands of laser lights, today’s biggest trend in holiday lighting. Sounds simple
enough, and for under $50 and a quick trip to
Target, your entire house can be illuminated
in sparkling color.
COOKING:
Cater some things, buy others pre-made at
the grocery store
Even if it’s mid-December, there is still
plenty of time to order your holiday meal or
even a selection of appetizers for your holiday
cocktail reception, according to Lisa Heidelberg, owner of Dinner is Served by Lisa
Personal Chef & Catering Services.
“From soup to nuts, I can do it,” says Heidelberg. “I can create a dinner party for you,
deliver it to your table, and your guests will
think you’re a wonderful hostess.”
“If you just want mac and cheese, for
example, or a green bean medley, I can do
that. This isn’t a cookie cutter business;
it’s individualized to fit your needs,” she
explains. She offers organic and gluten free
options, too.
Heidelberg also says that pre-made meals,
like those found at Wegmans, or pre-cut
vegetables, are great options. “Don’t be a
superhero; it’s OK to ask for help,” she says.
“Purchase your meal and then have fun displaying it on your best dishes.”
She also suggests setting your table a week
ahead of time, if possible. Then it’s done and
adds to your holiday decor.
SHOPPING:
Lots of choices for Erie gifts
Major retailers will offer delivery for online
orders as late as Christmas Eve. But if shopping online isn’t for you or you’d like to keep
it local and purchase Erie-themed gifts, there
are many options.
Naturally Yours Designs in Fairview offers
made-to-order gift baskets. It specializes in
creating made-in-Erie baskets that feature
chocolates, Petrones Pizzelles and locally
produced maple syrup. It also uses many of
its own products, such as snack mixes, candy
and coffee.
“We can accommodate same-day orders,
if necessary, even during the busy holiday
season,” says co-owner Connie Briggs.
“During the holiday season, a small basket
that can be used as a hostess gift or exchange
gift starts at just $10.” Naturally Yours creates corporate gift baskets that can cost up
to $200, but no matter what size you choose,
customers are welcome to provide their
own basket items. Naturally Yours delivers
throughout Erie County and can ship almost
anywhere.
One stop at Glass Growers Gallery in
downtown Erie, and you’re bound to check
off several gifts on your list. Many local
artists are featured at Glass Growers, with
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