Featured Section HOMETOWN November 23, 2016 Gifts galore can be had locally at any price point By Vera Hogan downtown Holly with her husband, Bob, has a vast Creative Fashions is a must. This store features [email protected];810-433-6823 selection of affordable scarves, costume jewelry a collection of elegant women’s wear for ladies Whether you are low on cash and high on and much more. of all ages. imagination, or have plenty of cash and no “Our fingerlessgloves are always a hit at $5.75 When it comes to finding great gifts at any imagination, local merchants and retailers have a pair,” Kleven said. “We have hat/scarf sets at price, another Holly retailer will have everything something for everyone on your gift list, regardless if you have $20, $50, $100 or more to spend. $14.95, a good selection of ponchos some even you’re looking for from A – Z, and that is McKay’s If your budget is limited to $20 or under for for evening wear between $15 and $25.” Hardware Do-It Center. each person on your gift list, you have a unique Check out their website at frenchflamingo.com Visit doitbest.com and check out McKay’s opportunity to be a little creative. to browse some of their other products. Holiday Gift Guide and other products. Sandra Kleven, who owns French Flamingo in While you’re in downtown Holly, a trip to See LOCAL GIFTS on 15 HASSLE-FREE FIVE THINGS YOU DON’T A HOMETOWN FIVE FUN FAMILY ENTERTAINING KNOW ABOUT CHRISTMAS MEANS CHRISTMAS CRAFTS CHRISTMAS COOKIES FESTIVAL MEMORIES Page 3 Page 6 Page 10 Page 12 2 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS tctimes.com 810-629-7936 • www.sawyerjewelers.com • 134 N. LeRoy Suite 1 • Fenton HOLIDAY HOURS: Mon-Fri 9-7 (starting Dec 12) • Sat 9-6 (Dec 10 & 17) • Sun (Dec 11) 11-4 • Sun (Dec 18) 11-5 Open 7 days a week starting December 11 tctimes.com HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3 Here’s an easy, colorful appetizer to serve, courtesy of The Pioneer Woman DIRECTIONS: Christmas In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Tortilla Rollups 1/2 to 3/4 of the packet of ranch Christmas dressing mix (add the rest to entertaining in taste), and black pepper with a your home can wooden spoon until totally com- be more fun bined. Divide equally among the than stressful, if tortillas and spread into a single you keep things layer all over the surface of each simple. tortilla. Sprinkle on the red and green thepioneerwoman.com bell pepper, as well as the green onion. Roll them tight, then wrap INGREDIENTS: them individually in plastic wrap. 2 pkgs. (8 oz. size) cream cheese, Store in the fridge for at least 1 softened hour or up to 8 hours. 1 pkg. dry ranch dressing mix Before serving, slice into 1/2 ½ tsp. black pepper to 3/4 inch slices and serve on a 5 whole burrito-sized flour tortillas platter. Options: Add shaved turkey, Hassle-free entertaining 1 whole red bell pepper, finely diced prosciutto, ham, or any meat. 1 whole green pepper, finely diced Add fresh herbs if you have Keep your holiday ware if your holiday guest list is long. 5 whole green onions, sliced thin them. Serves 8. entertaining simple, so Prices are reasonable and you won’t have to store pieces all year long. Visit you can relax and enjoy gerychspartyrentals.com for ideas. hand-strung popcorn or cranberry gar- plenty on hand in case this happens. the fun with your guests SALLY’S TIP: You can also round land to lend an old-fashioned air to your up extra pieces from family members to celebration. • To cover an unusually shaped or extra- By Sally Rummel borrow ahead of time. SALLY’S TIP: Make a pretty garland long table, simply drape it with fabric [email protected]; 810-629-8282 out of different patterns of festive wrapping from the bolt. Measure the length of the Throwing a memorable holiday get- • Give your décor a professional look by table, keeping in mind that 36 inches sticking to just two or three colors. paper, a great project to do with grandkids. together with family and friends doesn’t equals one yard. Add a few inches to each have to be stressful. SALLY’S TIP: Go beyond the tradi- • Always test Christmas lights before side to allow the fabric to puddle on the First, decide whether you’ll be hav- tional red and green, by opting for newer adding them as part of your décor, ground, no sewing required. ing a formal sit-down dinner or a casual themes of blue and silver, silver and gold, cocktail party. You can make your holiday pink and green. whether on the tree or on your mantel. SALLY’S TIP: Use a knit blanket in a event easy with a buffet-style meal. All This will save you hours of frustration. Christmas color, evergreen, for example, as it takes is getting dishes out quickly and • Flickering candlelight is beautiful, but SALLY’S TIP: Buy extra lights on sale a casual, vintage table cover that’s easy to letting guests serve themselves. if small children are part of the celebra- at the end of each season, so you have wash. Tie the corners with bows or raffia. Inviting friends over for a casual cock- tion, substitute battery-powered votive tail? Stock your pantry and prepare hors and pillar candles for a warm glow with- d’oeuvres ahead of time, leaving only an out the worries. hour or two of prep time on the day of SALLY’S TIP: If you want to use real your event. candles, make sure to light them only in HERE ARE A FEW HINTS FROM areas accessible by adults, and in places you’ll remember to blow them out, not HOLIDAY EXPERTS AT HGTV: on high shelves. • Forego a traditional floralcenterpiece on the dining table and instead, create a • For a custom look that’s easy to charming holiday scene with gingerbread achieve, add ornaments, wrapped can- houses or ceramic Christmas village dies, children’s toys or glittered greenery miniatures. First, sprinkle faux snow to a plain wreath. Decorating options are along the center of the table, then place endless and a fun project to do with kids. homes, stores and trees to create a focal SALLY’S TIP: Buy a wreathe shaped point that will delight guests of all ages. in the first letter of your last name, and SALLY’S TIP: Check out local con- personalize it with some of your favorite signment shops for miniature village things — for a very warm, inviting greet- pieces. ing into your home. • Consider renting, rather than buy- • Add a vintage element to your décor, ing, extra china, glasses and silver- such as homemade gingerbread men, RECOMMENDED VET WHAT$20 PER DAY? Per Dog If you pick up before 12:15pm Mon to Sat, you’re not charged for that day. Owner Lives On-Site To Best Care for Your Pet! Call today to reserve your kennel before the Holidays!!! All Breed Boarding • All Breed Grooming Climate Controlled Kennels • X-Large Indoor Run 4 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS tctimes.com of Michigan’s best and most famous rock bands. Tees are $26.95 and hoodies are $48.95. Quality double-ply cashmere shawls “in gorgeous colors” will keep any woman warm for $129.95, a big discount Local retailers are from the $165 shoppers will find them featuring their for online, according to Thimbleberry holiday best this owner Kit Maloney. Cashmere scarves Christmas, offering are priced at $24.99 with discounts for unique gift items multiple purchases. you won’t find Sears Hometown Store, Fenton anywhere else. If a new kitchen makeover is in your future for Christmas or 2017, check out the appliance experts at Sears Hometown Store in Fenton for technical knowledge and product expertise on the latest refrig- erators, ranges, microwaves, dishwashers and more. way,” said Green. “You can also convert For the men in your life, check out the strap length and adjust it to use in snow throwers by Craftsman and Husq- many other ways.” varna, starting at $399, or new tools, in- Serendipity Wellness Spa, Linden cluding the Craftsman Extreme Grip line. Gift certificates for a variety of spa Bridge Street Exchange, Linden services are always popular gift items, but Look for new styles of Stormy Kromer Serendipity owner Jessica Skop puts her hats for men and women, plus Limited Local retailers share some merchandise, so you’ll findgifts that you own unique spin on this traditional idea. Edition Christmas Stockings, priced at won’t likely find anywhere else. of their favorite gifts for For $100, a customer can buy $180 worth $29.99. UNIQUE GIFTS TO BUY of services, including $100 in products Other popular gifts are glasses, barware Christmas giving this year and services, $60 to be used in $20 dollar and other drinking accessories, plus co- THIS CHRISTMAS increments during the months of January- logne/solid cologne and beard accessories By Sally Rummel Billmeier Camera Shop, Fenton February, March-April, and May-June. from the Detroit Grooming Company, ac- [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Owner Terry Green is excited to offer The remaining $20 is a donation in the cording to owner Kevin Begola. When you find“just the right gift” for purchaser’s name to St. John the Evan- Me Photo Tripods in a rainbow of colors Eclections, Fenton someone you love this Christmas, it’s as and styles, priced from $129 to $300.