(ARA) – Twinkling lights, fragrant wreaths and freshly baked cookies help set the stage, but holiday guests truly feel at home when you provide a warm, cozy environment. As you prepare yourself and your home for colder temperatures, look for energy-efficient products that offer energy savings blended with tasteful designs. By making smart decisions, you [...]

(ARA) – From baking cookies with loved ones to caroling through the neighborhood or celebrating with family and friends, fond memories of holiday traditions abound. Each year, scents, sights and sounds promote the season’s spirit – continuing long-standing traditions and creating new memories. Here are some ideas for stimulating your senses and evoking the warmth [...]

(ARA) – ‘Tis the season for gathering and celebrating. If you’re hosting a party or get together with family or friends, get your home party-ready in no time with these simple tips that will be a breeze to tackle. Make a lasting first impression – the entry way of your home will be heavily trafficked [...]

(ARA) – As 2011 begins to wind down, the hectic holiday season is only getting started. It is important to remember that the beginning of winter means more than just presents and Black Friday – it’s about kicking back and celebrating family, friends and good food. This time tends to be packed with fun and [...]

When I was growing up I looked forward to my mother ordering big boxes of Swiss Colony.  Meats, cheeses and especially, the petite fours delivered to my door before the big day.  Since I’ve grown up and now have a family of my own I think my palate has changed a bit.  I’m not sure [...]

(ARA) – Welcoming friends and family into your home is one of the best ways to celebrate the season. One of the keys to making visitors feel right at home is to be a happy host. So, do yourself – and your guests – a favor and put a little effort into getting your home [...]

(ARA) – We look forward to the holidays for many reasons, and the food is often near the top of the list. But while traditional holiday dishes are a familiar comfort that everyone in the family can look forward to, there’s no harm in adding a slight twist to your staples to give them a [...]

(ARA) – The holiday season is fast approaching – and this year there are some new tastes joining traditional favorites to tempt even the most temperamental palates. Industry trend watcher Andrew Freeman predicted earlier this year that one of the trends for 2011 would also include a search for simplicity and pure flavors, using powders [...]

(NC)—Alleviate the stresses of holiday entertaining this season by bringing California casual to your soiree – where a laid back approach to food and wine sets the tone of the event. At a time when Canadians are budget and time strapped, hosts can look to California wine country, the birthplace of modern entertaining trends, and [...]

(NC)—Instead of falling back on the same old sugar cookie recipe for this year’s holiday baking, try mixing the decadent ingredients associated with the season (creamy chocolate, sticky sweet marshmallows) with the wholesome fibre of popcorn. The result is a tasty treat that’s better for you to boot. White Chocolate Popcorn Chews Ingredients 1 bag [...]