winter 2012 THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION EAGLE Bryan-College Station offers ART ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS DOING WHAT THEY LOVE Local residents’ hobbies turned into a business. Now they are holding classes to share their knowledge CHRISTMAS IS DRAWING NEAR Organizations and businesses are holding several community events in Bryan and College Station through the end of the year. TIME OF THE YEAR The Most Wonderful pebble creek home spreads christmas cheer to all who visit
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T H E B RYA N - CO L L EG E STAT I O N E AG L E
Bryan-College Station offers
ART ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS
DOING WHAT THEYLOVE
Local residents’ hobbies turned into a business.Now they are holding classes to share their
knowledge
CHRISTMAS ISDRAWING NEAR
Organizations andbusinesses are holding
several community events in Bryan and College Station through the end of the year.
TIME OF THE YEARTIME OF THE YEARTIME OF THE YEARThe Most Wonderful
pebble creek home spreads christmas cheer to all who visit
4 8 Crowd-Pleasing Holiday diPs Get inspired with these sweet and savory dips that will have guests dipping (and raving!) all night long
6 Make it sMall and sweet Serving just one dessert is so 2011. This year, make the most of everyone’s favorite course by offering guests an array of tiny treats.
8 Bryan-College Station offers art entertainMent events
12 doing wHat tHey love Brazos Glassworks owners’ hobbies turned into a business.Now they are holding classes to share their knowledge.
26 tis tHe season to sHine String up the fairy lights, but don’t forget about the bulbs and fixtures that set the mood for your holiday home.
28 CHristMas is drawing near Organizations and businesses are holding several community events in Bryan and College Station through the end of the year.
30 tree toPs & bottoMs Too attached to your ornaments but want a new look for the tree? Switch out the tree topper and skirt for a different vibe.
Contents16 Pebble Creek home spreads Christmas cheer to all who pass
the most wonderfultime of year
2 Home iN Style winter 2012
Nov. 30-De�. 16
The Theatre Company, Located in the Tejas Center, behind Joann’s Fabrics
Tickets Can Be Purchased Online At Our Website, WWW.THEATRECOMPANY.COM
Seaso� Ti cket� Stil� Availabl�Funding for these organizations is provided by hotel taxes from the cities of College Station and Bryan as distributed through the ACBV.
1. Mix all ingredients at once with a large spoon or hand-mixer in a medium bowl. 2. serve with bagel chips or sliced veggies.
VegaN WHite BeaN Dip
1/2 cup white beans, drained1/2 cup garbanzo beans, drained1/2 cup juice from either bean can1 teaspoon xantham gum1/4 cup vegan cheddar cheesesalt and pepper to taste
1. Process in a food processor. 2. serve with carrots, red peppers or pretzels.
peaNUt BUtteR Dip
1/2 cup vanilla or honey greek yogurt1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)¼ tsp. ground cinnamon1 tbs. brown sugar
1. Mix together in a medium bowl 2. serve with celery, graham crackers, cookies or apple slices.
BUFFalo cHickeN Dip2 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded (or 1 can of shredded chicken)16 ounces
cream cheese1 cup ranch dressing2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees f. 2. in a saucepan, combine cream cheese and ranch over low heat. 3. Pour mixture over chicken in a baking dish. 4. sprinkle cheese on top. 5. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, let stand 10 minutes before serving. 6. serve with veggies, crackers or breadsticks.
cReam cHeeSe peSto Dip8 ounces cream cheese1 diced tomato1 cup pesto1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees f. 2. Place cream cheese in a baking dish. 3. spread pesto over cheese blocks. 4. sprinkle with parmesan cheese and tomatoes. 5. Bake 5 to 10 minutes 6. serve with
1. stir together in a medium bowl. 2. serve with fresh berries, apple slices or warm cookies.
cHocolate cHip cookie DoUgH Dip1/2 cup melted butter1/4 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract8 ounces cream cheese1 cup powdered sugar1/2 cup chocolate chips
1. whisk butter, brown sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl. 2. in another bowl, beat cream cheese until softened – add butter mixture and powdered sugar, then add chocolate chips. 3. cool in fridge before serving, serve your favorite bite-sized cookie.
RecipeS By liNDSey RomaiNpHotoS By mattHeW m. F. milleR | Ctw Features
1501 University Dr. East #100 • 979-691-0677Starbucks Center across from Home Depot
1501 University Dr. East #100 • 979-691-0677Starbucks Center across from Home Depot
6 Home iN Style winter 2012
Turkey or ham is the centerpiece of many a holiday meal, but the true
main attraction comes at the end of the feast: dessert. Whether it’s pumpkin pie, Bûche de Noël, or Grandma’s famous gingersnaps, the final course is what everyone secretly (or not so secretly) saves space for.
And this year, you can be
sure to deliver. Having just one dessert to indulge in is a thing of the past. Sweet little cupcakes? Mini macarons? Tiny pies? No one is immune to this cuteness. “Mini desserts are just adorable,” confesses Dani Cone, the baker behind Seattle’s High 5 Pies and author of “Cutie Pies: 40 Sweet, Savory and Adorable Recipes” (Andrews McMeel, 2011).
“A mini pie bite bursting with colorful fruit, rustic crust and a crumb top? What could be better?”
Then there’s the flavor. Tiny treats like macarons, a delicious filled French pastry, “pack a lot of flavor in their small size,” says Ann E. McBride, co-author with Kathryn Gordon of “Les Petits Macarons: Colorful French Confections to Make at Home” (Running Press, 2011). “So while you can easily eat a couple and enjoy variety, you’ll also be satisfied with just one.”
Still another bonus? “Bite-sized desserts are naturally portion-controlled,” notes Carole Bloom, author of 10 dessert cookbooks, including “Bite-Size Desserts” (Wiley, 2009). “And they’re easy to handle. There’s no need to cut or slice or decide what size piece you want.”
These features combine to make small sweets perfect for holiday gatherings. “I love small things at parties, because I hate eating standing up,” says Deb Perelman, the accomplished cook and blogger behindsmitten kitchen.com and “The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook” (Random House, 2012). “If it takes more than one bite, it’s on your chin.”
Shrink the size of your holiday desserts and offer a variety so everyone can manage a taste – or manage to taste them all.
Make it deliciousWhen serving an assortment,
you can keep to the classics and experiment, too. Our experts recommend seasonal flavors such as pumpkin and maple, perhaps with caramel or butterscotch, for Thanksgiving. For Christmas, offer spicy selections with cinnamon, ginger or mint in addition to chocolate. Perhaps a chocolate peppermint or gingerbread cake ball (a luscious truffle made of crumbled cake and frosting), suggest Robin Ankeny
and Charlotte Lyon of The Cake Ball Co., based in Dallas, and authors of “Cake Balls” (Running Press, 2012), or a rich bourbon-pumpkin buttercream macaron.
Fruits of the season also are great choices. “If you have a basic vanilla cake recipe or one with fruit, you can switch it up,” Perelman says. “If you use peaches in the summer, use apples or pears in the fall. I’m also a big fan of cranberries in baked goods. They have a nice flavor when you add sugar, and they go well with orange and citrus, too.”
It’s also an option to choose simpler flavors, such as basic birthday cake or brownie, and add festive decorations to dress up your treats for the holiday occasion, note Ankeny and Lyon.
In addition to varying flavors, consider your selections to be sure you’ll offer a range of colors, textures, and styles. “Plan to have an assortment of bite-size desserts on your menu, such as tartlets, cakes, cookies, and candies,” Bloom says.
Make it BeautifulAlmost as fun as cooking and
baking mini desserts is finding fabulous ways to display them. A cake ball or two can nestle in a serving spoon or become cake pops with the help of lollipop sticks. Cone loves to make piepops, too. Anything on a stick will look great nestled into a bouquet in a vase or glass, and Bloom suggests creative plating with dishes of different shapes, sizes, and colors, and even using pieces of slate and granite or baskets. Setting small items in mini-cupcake papers will make them pretty and easy to pick up, adds Perelman.
Macarons, with their varied colors and neat, round shape, can be displayed countless ways. “I love displaying pastel macarons on antique tiered cake or cookie platters,” McBride says. Line them
make it Small and Sweet serving just one dessert is so 2011. this year, make the most of everyone's favorite course by offering guests an array of tiny treats.
By JeSSica RoyeR ockeNCtw Features
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 7
up in multicolored rows like gems or stack them in a pyramid, she suggests. Or, make a delicious edible centerpiece for your sweets table by pinning macarons to a foam shape (or attaching them with a bit of frosting), such as a tree or large ball.
Desserts this delightful may not wait until the end of the meal to make their debut. A mini pie could greet each guest at their assigned seat, perhaps even wrapped to take home as a party favor, says Cone, adding: “Have fun with this! Th ere are so many ways to display these treats, and they look great piled high – a true pie bounty!”
Make it ManageaBleNow, in all honesty, is making a batch of
petit-four-sized pies more labor intensive than a standard nine-incher or two? Probably. But creating tiny treats doesn’t have to mean chaining yourself to the stove for days at a time. “It just requires planning, and maybe a good piping bag,” Perelman says.
consider these tiPs to streaMline Your Process:
Don’t abandon your favorite recipes.
“In many cases home cooks can make their full-size recipes into bite-size desserts,” Bloom says. Just practice a few times so you can fi gure out the yield and the adjusted cooking time.
Cookies are a particularly easy item to make smaller, Perelman says. Bar cookies are easiest of all. Something like her cranberry crumb bars can be cut in one-inch squares for one-bite delight. (Cool the pan to almost-frozen for cutting ease.)
Bite-sized cheesecakes can be tricky, Bloom says. Choose a silicone mini-muffi n pan to help them come out easily.
Macarons are not nearly as di� cult as they look, but to avoid frustration, McBride suggests practicing making the shells a few times before the big event. Her book contains an extensive troubleshooting section, complete with photos and step-by-step instructions for macaron perfection.
Bake in advance. Make a few fl avors of mini cupcakes over a period of weeks, Perelman
suggests. Wrap them airtight and
store in the freezer until the holiday arrives.
Th en just thaw, add frosting, and you’re ready to go.
Your guests will be amazed at the bounty of decadence, and you’ll be a hero, because aft er all, everyone loves a choice!
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Sunday, December 16 Lessons and Carols: 11:15 a.m.Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services:
3:00, 5:30, 10:30 p.m.(CookiES & CoCoa SErvED 4-5pM)
Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day Service:9:00 a.m.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Churchinvites you to worship with us this
8 Home iN Style winter 2012
For those who would like to try painting but don’t know how to get started, there are classes available in Bryan and College
Station that provide step-by-step painting instructions for people of all skill levels and also include creative twists.
In accordance with a recent popular art entertainment craze, Painting with a Twist and Art by Murder allow customers to bring their favorite alcoholic beverages.
Painting with a twistPainting with a Twist, 1643 Texas Ave.
South in College Station, opened in July, and had the largest grand opening in the
franchise chain’s history, according to Kim Augsburger, who owns the College Station franchise with husband, Dan Augsburger.
Painting with a Twist offers customers the chance to follow an artist’s step-by-step instructions to make a painting that they can take home. The “twist” is that they can bring their favorite bottle of wine or other alcoholic beverage to enjoy during the class. Painting with a Twist provides the aprons, canvas and paint.
No painting experience is necessary.
how it got startedKim said she got the idea to start
Painting with a Twist after several friends
had asked her if she had been to “one of those paint and sip places yet.” She hadn’t, so she eventually booked a class for her and her sister for her sister’s birthday at the Painting with a Twist business in the Woodlands.
“There were parties going on all around us; we celebrated with several birthday girls that night, and everyone was happy,” she said. “I loved it. I loved that people were able to get out of their comfort zone and do something that they never imagined they could do in a million years and take this treasure home with them that night. After my sister and I went, I had such a great feeling of accomplishment and it
Bryan-College Station offersart entertainment eventS
By SHaUNa leWiSthe eagle
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 9
Photo contributed by kim augsburger. (far left)customers show off their paintings at the end of a Paint Your Pet class at Painting with a twist in college station on oct. 6. the class is held once a month, and participants send in a photo of their pet ahead of time.(aBoVe)Painters show off their artwork at an oct. 10 class at Painting with a twist in college station. they painted Van gogh’s house of the water.
boosted my self-esteem.”When she went home that night, she told
her husband she wanted to open a Painting with a Twist, setting plans in motion for their business.
“People come in every day and smile, laugh and have a great time, and take home their treasure that night with them,” she said. “It is art entertainment at its best.”
ClassesPeople can look at Painting with a Twist’s
upcoming classes at www.paintingwithatwist.com/college-station, which shows the dates of each class along with a photo of the painting that will be featured for each class. They can then click on each event for a description and to reserve a spot, or they can reserve by calling Painting with a Twist at 979-485-9838.
In some classes, all attendees paint the same painting as an artist gives them step-by-step instructions. But there are also custom-type classes, such as the popular, monthly Paint Your Pet classes, in which customers provide a photo of their pet in advance. Painting with a Twist artists pre-sketch the outline of the animal, and then during the class, teach each person how to paint their pet.
Painting with a Twist has about 1,500 paintings available, including abstracts, cityscapes, animals, iconic buildings, florals and wine glasses. There are also holiday paintings, such as a skull for Dia De Los Muertos, pumpkins for Halloween or poinsettias or Christmas trees for Christmas.
The cost is $35 for two-hour sessions, $45 for three-hour sessions and $25 for family days. Regularly scheduled evening classes are for ages 17 and older only. Family days are designed for all ages, though it’s recommended for ages 6 and older. No alcohol is allowed on family days.
Painting with a Twist also holds a monthly fundraising class called Painting with a Purpose. Half of the proceeds from the class go to a local non-profit organization.
People can also book a private party for 10 to 32 people, and they can choose their own painting. Private parties can include Christmas, bachelorette, graduation or girls’ night out parties, as well as baby showers or parties for organizations or church groups. The cost ranges from $25 for a 1.5-hour class for kids to $45 for a three-hour class.
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art BY MurderArt by Murder is an event in which
participants will explore a Downtown Bryan area, find clues and reveal a murder mystery through a painting made according to an artist’s step-by-step instructions geared toward beginners.
Artists Barbara German and Cynthie Hanks own Art by Murder, and held their first event in May. The two met through the Brazos Valley Art League, and after becoming friends, decided to start a business.
“We both were looking to combine art with adventure while involving downtown Bryan’s unique atmosphere,” German said.
German said Art by Murder is different because it combines a murder mystery, a scavenger hunt and step-by-step painting instructions given by German and Hanks. The event is appropriate for ages 10 and older, and participants can bring snacks and drinks of any kind. Corkscrews, cups and plates are provided.
“It’s unique because all these activities are combined into one fun-filled, team-building, creative event that a group of six to 10 can enjoy together while sipping their favorite beverage,” co-owner Barbara German said. “The group can be friends, family or strangers -- sure to be friends by the end of the evening.”
how it worksA person can pay to participate in a
three-hour Art by Murder event at www.artbymurderevent.com. Then the day before the event, each participant will receive a mysterious phone call giving the beginning location and a few other instructions, German said.
When participants arrive at the starting location, a clue is given to set up the murder mystery and to lead the participants to another location in Downtown Bryan, where they will receive another clue. The group will continue to walk and gather clues – in places such as alleys, restaurants or behind buildings -- that lead them to the next location.
“Several stops are made before making it back to the beginning location where the last clue is given through a step-by-step painting
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 11
Photos contributed by cynthie hanks.(far left)Participants in an art by Murder event search for clues in downtown Bryan in May. (aBoVe) Participants discover the last clue as they paint during an art by Murder event in downtown Bryan in May.
geared especially for the non artist; no skills needed,” German said. “By the end of the evening, the mystery is solved and a beautiful painting is ready to hang on each participant’s wall.”
The event involves Downtown Bryan establishments and employees, and businesses have been accommodating to the event, German said.
One murder mystery story and painting will run for several weeks before changing. The events are held two weekends a month, but a group can also arrange another date. Tickets are $45 for students, $65 for adults or free for the organizer of a group of 10 or more.
Art by Murder has hosted groups such as date nights, girls’ night out gatherings and birthday and anniversary celebrations.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/abmevent.
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12 Home iN Style winter 2012
The two owners of Brazos Glassworks of Bryan started out doing their trade as hobbies long before they combined their
talents to open a business, and now they are teaching others how to make artwork through classes.
Barbara Peevey and Debbie Jasek opened Brazos Glassworks at 202 B West 26th Street in Downtown Bryan in November 2007. The business specializes in making, repairing and restoring stained glass and leaded glass items. Brazos Glassworks also does work with warm glass and mosaics, sells jewelry and jewelry-making supplies and holds classes.
The business was born out of the two each doing something they enjoyed in their spare time. Peevey had started doing stained glasswork as a hobby, and Jasek started making jewelry as a stress reliever while in the military. The two met in the 1990s at a former craft mall that was by Bryan High School. Barbara had rented a space to sell painted glass, and Jasek had rented a spot to sell jewelry.
Each was going to craft shows and doing their artwork as a side job and hobby. The two became friends, and combined their work at one booth at the craft mall. Peevey also started teaching Jasek how to do
stained glass.“It just kept growing, and when it (the craft
mall) went out of business, we took over my garage,” Peevey said about their combined business.
The executive director for the Downtown Bryan Association at the time started encouraging them to rent a place in Downtown Bryan to open a business.
Soon after, Jasek noticed a place for rent. She and Peevey saw possibilities in the building that was still under construction, including the high ceiling that would be ideal for hanging painted glasswork. They moved their wares in during building construction,
Brazos glassworks owners’ hobbies turned into a business.now they are holding classes to share their knowledge
Doing what they loveBy SHaUNa leWiSthe eagle
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 13
opened shortly thereafter and remain at the same location.
StayiNg iN BUSiNeSSSince opening, they’ve expanded what they do.
Their art includes fused glass, enameling, making mostly glass jewelry and selling any kind of tools needed for jewelry making. They are also one of two authorized dealers in Texas through the company EuroTools to sell Euro Tools and Wubbers.
Peevey, who retired from working with Bryan Police Department’s records division, said she keeps busy at the business full time. Jasek works at the shop part time, around her hours at her job researching hazardous materials at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.
Peevey said she spends a lot of time working on restoring and repairing old glasswork. The two also do small custom glasswork jobs for homes, churches and businesses.
Jasek said she has recently taken an interest in fusing glass – melting different glasses together – and small pieces of glass with bluebonnets on it has become a popular seller. It started when a man from South Africa requested something small that he could put in his suitcase that was representative of his trip to Texas. Since then, the bluebonnet items have been sold to people taking them back to several different countries.
Everything in the shop was either handmade by Peevey, Jasek or other artists selling items through consignment. Jasek said it seems like more and more people focus on buying things made locally, and customers also enjoy being able to make things during classes.
One challenge is to make glasswork that holds up over time. The two said they learn, improve and keep up-to-date on the latest technologies and ways of making things by taking classes and reading. They said they also learn how to create long-lasting art through repairing old glasswork and through their own failure. Their love for what they do also drives their business.
“You have to do something you truly enjoy doing,” Peevey said.
She said she’s constantly coming up with new ideas and ways of putting things together.
Jasek said she likes to see customers enjoy artwork they find at the shop.
“It’s very satisfying as a professional to see
Photo by shauna lewis (Far leFt) glasswork art hangs in the
fron window of Brazos glassworks in Bryan. Photo contributed by
Brazos glassworks (right) Participants work during a recent
class at Brazos glassworks.
By SHaUNa leWiSthe eagle
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someone buy a piece as a present, or say, ‘I want to wear this now,’” she said.
claSSeSPeevey, Jasek and other artists hold classes at
Brazos Glassworks to pass on their knowledge of how to make art.
The classes are kept to a small number, so that participants get individual attention. They’ve been popular, especially for fathers and children – or even college students – coming in to make things for their mothers, Jasek said. Several men have enjoyed stained glasswork classes.
“Your mother will love everything you make her for Christmas,” Jasek said. “That’s one thing you can never grow out of.”
People can learn skills they can use again for things such as making gifts, or they will at least learn an appreciation for the time that is put into glasswork items, said the two -- as Peevey continued to work on a small glass snowflake ornament that she’d been working on for more than two hours. She was wrapping copper around each glass piece and then soldering the pieces together. She planned to make several more to decorate the store’s window for the holidays.
One class customers can attend to make holiday gifts is the “Santa’s Elves at Work Workshops,” which began Nov. 4 and continues through Dec. 16. It is held from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Class participants will help design a small item to give as a gift, make it and then leave it for Brazos Glassworks to fuse. It is free to attend the workshop, but the cost for materials ranges from $7 to $40. Items people can make include fused pendants, small fused plates, fused coasters or tile and fused ornaments.
Other classes include lamp work bead classes, a glyph workshop and jewelry making classes.
For a complete list of classes, class descriptions and more information on Brazos Glassworks, visit www.brazosglassworks.com or call 979-823-0325.
Photo by shauna lewis (BOttOM) Barbara Peevey solders copper she wrapped around glass pieces to make the pieces stick together to form a snowflake. she planned to make several more snowflakes to hang in the store’s front window. Photo by shauna lewis (tOP)Debbie Jasek waits for a piece of copper to cool after using heat to make a glass enamel finish on it. she planned to use the copper to make a necklace. she had cut out and shaped the piece of copper, painted on a base coat and then painted on an abstract design before she added two coats of enamel. she planned to make a piece of jewelry with the copper piece.
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 15
16 Home iN Style winter 2012
The Most Wonderful Time of the YearTime of the YearTime of the YearPebble creek home spreads christmas cheer to all who visitBy Billy maUthe eagle
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 17
18 Home iNStyle winter 2012
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 19
There are few things that capture children’s imaginations around Christmas than looking at Christmas lights, and few area
houses have done a better job in recent years than that of Glenn and JoAnn Thomas in College Station’s Pebble Creek community.
Situated at the end of 12th Man Circle, this home is in the perfect location to put on a dazzling show during the holidays. What most people don’t know, however, is that it is every bit as decorated inside as out.
While the layout may change a little each year, passersby are always in for a treat once the lights go up. All of the yard’s trees and bushes get lit, as does much of the lawn through the use of net lighting. The Thomases have a large sleigh that sits in their yard with a cheery team of reindeer lined up in front of it.
While many other houses may employ similar decorations, what sets the Thomas home apart is the large decorated window out front. Each year, they set aside the space to put up a display in the garage window that is a treat for those who take the time to stop and look.
“When I was a little girl in East Texas, there were several stores in Longview that did animated windows,” JoAnn said. “I used to love going there every year to look and that’s what inspired me to do my own here.”
The window also changes some each year as she collects new items. The 2011 window featured a life-sized Santa with presents in front of a fireplace and an electronic Ferris wheel.
(toP left) Joann displays the Dept.
56 north Pole Collection every year for
her grandson, houston, age 8. (BottoM
left) the skating pond is one of houston’s
favorite pieces in the villiage. (BottoM
Middle) all the details put into this display
create wonder and cheer. (far right) the
breakfast table has a lynn haney santa
with Fotz & Floyd dinnerware.
20 Home iN Style winter 2012
Those lucky enough to go inside the house are in for an even bigger treat. The Thomases decorate their dining room, sitting room, living room and downstairs guest room wall-to-wall with a dazzling array of Christmas collectibles.
Each of these areas has its own Christmas theme. The dining/sitting room area features a religious motif; the guest room is decorated for kids; and the main living room follows the traditional Christmas style with lots of Santas and nutcrackers.
Walking through the front door puts
visitors in the dining room. This room features a large table decked out with red and gold decorations and beautiful china settings, but it is the nativity display on the buffet that grabs the most attention.
“I’ve always had a nativity set,” JoAnn said. “Some friends recently gave me the camel and some of the other animals, so I bought this nativity set because the ones I’ve used before were too small to go with the new animals.”
The adjoined sitting room is usually home to a large tree, but in 2011 JoAnn
decided to use the space to display some of her special Santas. These white-clad Chris Cringles feature lovely detail work and go well with the more subdued style of the religious ornaments.
A large cabinet adjacent to the Santas holds a collection of wooden Santa carvings depicting Santa Claus from the various countries around the world. JoAnn has a book that goes along with them to identify the individual Santas and provides a background on each of them.
Go a little deeper in the house, and it
(left) the large buffet in the dining room boasts one of Joann’s favorite decorations, the large
nativity scene. (dining taBle) the Fitz&Floyd china is something Joann has had for over 20 years.
(staircase) the santa oil painting on the stair landing is glenn’s favorite. (far right) Other
seasonal artwork can be found throughout the home.
gets even more festive.The downstairs guest room – used
frequently by grandson, Houston – is transformed into the perfect “Kid’s Christmas” room. Stockings hang from the curtain rods, Rudolph sits on the bed and bright holiday colors radiate from all over the room.
“My grandson, Houston, is 8 and he thinks this is just the greatest,” JoAnn said. “It’s nice to have a room that I can decorate just for my grandson. We’ve joked about just locking the door and leaving it decorated all year long.”
The small hall and stairway landing between the guest room and living room is also decorated. The turn in the stairs hosts a decorated Christmas tree and a large painting of Santa. It might be easy to miss this, given what lays ahead in the living room, but this area is worth exploring, as well.
Nutcrackers, Santas and reindeer line
the stairs leading up to the tree, serving to tie together the theme of the guest room to the decorations in the living room. The painting above the tree is a remarkably detailed portrait of Santa smoking his pipe that appeals to everyone in the house.
“My husband really likes this painting,” JoAnn said. “It’s a very manly Santa.”
The living room is the most densely decorated place in the house. Nearly every bit of available space houses some type of seasonal memorabilia. An almost life-sized Santa stands next to the stairs and greets people as they enter the room. Beyond that lays a true Christmas wonderland.
The living room shows off the depth of JoAnn’s collection. There are nutcrackers of all shapes and sizes, Santas from around the globe and miniature villages depicting Christmas scenes.
“I’ve collected Santas since 1978,” JoAnn said. “Some have become a little tattered
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 23
(BottoM left) large santa given to Joann by a close friend and commissioned from
Karmen Younts (BottoM Middle) a Brian Kidwell santa with antique hardware Joann
loves. (BottoM right) Father Frost santas adorn the coffee table in the formal living room.
(large Picture at toP of Page) Joann and glenn thomas’ formal living room is filled
with some of Joann’s favorite and most collectible santas. (toP right) even the master
bath is decorated for Christmas!
over the years and had to be replaced, but I still have most of them. I have some favorites, which change a little from year to year, but I just love looking at all of them. They make me happy and get me in the Christmas Spirit.”
The highlight of the living room collection is the Department 56 North Pole Village collection. Spanning multiple tables and covering most of the space along the back wall of the living room, this animatronic village is a sight to see.
Thomas also started collecting the North Pole Village pieces in 1978, and has amassed quite a scene. Lights tinkle; tiny factories bustle with tiny machinery; and figure skaters twirl
about. The collection delights children and adults alike.
“You can sit here and look all the time and see something different,” JoAnn said. “There’s so much going on and it is so pretty at night.”
While the house is a treat for both curbside visitors and indoor guests, JoAnn said there is one person in particular who makes decorating special. Houston’s reaction each year is the big payoff for her.
“This house makes me so happy this time of year,” she said. “But the main thing for me is when my grandson comes in and says, ‘Oh thank you, Maw-Maw!’”
(guest Bed Picture) the guest bedroom is one of houston’s favorite rooms to sleep in. he has
a tree displayed beside the bed with all of his hallmark ornaments! (Master Bed Picture) the
master Bedroom has several santas displayed in Black and gold.
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 25
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The walls are decked, the tree is trimmed, the stockings are hung. Yet it’s likely no one has thought much about seasonal
indoor lighting, save for the usual string of lights on the tree.
Lighting is now considered an integral part of interior design as opposed to an afterthought. More recently, party hosts and planners see lighting’s potential as a decorative element, setting the stage for holiday gatherings and other events.
While most indoor light fixtures are permanent, they are not unchangeable; existing lighting can be altered and supplemental lights brought in for special occasions.
keep it Dim“One thing people tend to do
incorrectly is make the light way too bright in the entryway or foyer,” says Jeffrey Dross, corporate director of education and industry trends for Kichler Lighting, Cleveland-based decorative lighting manufacturer.
Guests usually arrive after dark for holiday parties, he adds, so unless you’ve lit up the yard a la "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" it hurts coming in from the dim into ultra-bright lighting.
Feel FRee to emBelliSH“One simple change that makes a big
impact is if you have a chandelier in your dining room with exposed lamps, there are clip-on shades you can add to change the mood of the room” and correspond with holiday decorations, Dross says.
Chandeliers and fixtures can be gussied up for the holidays with add-on magnetic crystals, available at finer lighting stores.
BetteR BUlBSSimply switching out light bulbs can
create the desired party atmosphere, though it’s best to avoid cheesy, unflattering bulbs that glow bright red, blue or green.
“My neighbor takes out the normal bulbs in her chandelier and puts in those little white flickery ones, which create a very warm glow and an intimate feel like candlelight," Dross says. Remember when switching out bulbs that warm, yellow tones are most flattering.
get iN FocUSLighting can be used to draw attention
to centerpieces and stations, such as a champagne fountain, cocktail bar or dessert buffet, says Karen McCommon, vice president of communications for Intelligent Lighting Design, based in Austin, Texas.
Flexible adhesive LED light strips are a cinch to attach, unseen, beneath the countertop along the edge of a kitchen
island or bar. The lights come in different colors and cast an atmospheric glow from beneath the countertop and partway down the façade, McCommon says.
A lower-tech way to spotlight impressive menu items or a small tabletop Christmas tree – provided shadows won’t spoil the effect – is to position an enclosed low-wattage lamp under a table covered with a white tablecloth that drapes all the way to the floor. The table will glow from within and take on an ethereal quality “almost like it’s floating in the room,” Dross says.
With a rented lighting fixture called a wall washer, “You can wash an entire wall in color,” McCommon says. “This is usually used in big productions like weddings, galas and fashion shows, but it’s a great way to transform a room and wow guests."
tHe little tHiNgSThere’s no need to spend a lot of
money on special effect lighting, though. Generally, people already have seldom used – and often forgotten – light sources that change the mood of a room. Remember the little bulb in the china hutch that makes the crystal goblets sparkle? While subtle, it may add just the touch of elegance guests don’t necessarily notice yet somehow appreciate.
‘tiS the Season to
string up the fairy lights, but don’t forget about the bulbs and fixtures that set the mood for your holiday home
By DaWN kliNgeNSmitHCtw Features
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 27
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Bryandowntown Bryanchristmas Parade
The Downtown Bryan Association will host its second annual Christmas Parade at 6:30 on Dec. 14 in Downtown Bryan.Grand Marshalls will be Aries Merritt and Demetrius Pinder, who earned medals at the U.S. Olympics.Anyone can enter to be a part of the parade; the deadline to enter is Dec. 5. To enter, visit downtownbryan.com.For more information, call 979-822-0496 or email [email protected].
first fridayThe Downtown Bryan Association will hosts its monthly First Friday event from 5 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 7, just in time for holiday shopping.The event includes live music, food and art exhibitions. Businesses will
also stay open late.holiday Magic
The city of Bryan will hold its annual Holiday Magic event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Sue Haswell Memorial Park, at 1142 East William Joel Bryan Parkway.Children will be able to write a letter to Santa, color a holiday mural, ride the Polar Express, climb the rock wall, jump on bouncers or make tree ornaments. There will also be a hill covered with imitation snow for people to use for sledding, and Santa will be on hand for photos with children. Parents need to bring their own cameras.Local schools and organizations will also perform, and free hot chocolate and cookies will be available.The city will also accept toy items for the Bryan Police Department’s Blue Christmas Toy Drive at the event.For more information, call 979-209-5528.
the theatre companyThe Theatre Company, at 3125 South Texas Ave., will hold performances of “A Christmas Carol” from Nov. 30 through Dec. 16.For more information, visit www.theatrecompany.com.
College StationBreakfast with santa
Breakfast with Santa will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 1 at the Lincoln Recreation Center, 1000 Eleanor St.The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include a free hot breakfast, face painting, arts and crafts activities and entertainment. All participants ages 15 and younger will receive a gift from Santa.
Health screenings and immunization shots will also be available.
Bryan-college station christmas Parade
The 86th annual Bryan-College Station Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 2, starting on University Drive at the intersection with Polo Road. The route will turn north on Texas Avenue to Sulphur Springs Road in Bryan.Organizers expect more than 30,000 spectators to watch the parade that includes local bands, floats, tractors, antique cars and low riders.For more information, visit http://bcsparade.com or call 979-695-9595.
christmas at the creekThe city of College Station will hold its second annual Christmas at the Creek event at Wolf Pen Creek, 1015 Colgate Drive, from 7 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. Admission is free.Activities each night of the event will include a live nativity, hayrides, dance performances, performances by local church choirs and holiday shopping. Vendors will sell a variety of items, such as arts, crafts, jewelry and candles. The Arts Council of Brazos Valley will have art gallery exhibitions, and will also sell locally made, jewelry, scarves, pottery and paintings. Mobile food trucks will also be on site, and guests can take photos with Santa.On Dec. 1, the event will feature a Christmas play by local playwright Mark Taylor, which will repeat every hour starting at 6 p.m. The last night of the event will be “Movie and Bring Your Pet Night,” when “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Polar Express” will be shown on the
christmas is drawing near, and organizations and businesses are holding several community events in Bryan and College station through the end of the year.
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 29
amphitheater stage. Parking will be available across the street at Post Oak Mall. There will be a hayride drop-off and pick-up at Post Oak Mall, The Arts Center and the Colgate Street entrance of Wolf Pen Creek Park. For more information, visit http://www.cstx.gov/index.aspx?page=1408.
Jingle Bell fun runThe College Station Parks and Recreation Department will hold its 23rd annual Jingle Bell Fun Run on Dec. 2. The two-mile run starts at 1:45 p.m. at the intersection of University Drive and South College Avenue, and ends at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Villa Maria Road.The cost is $15, which includes a T-shirt. All proceeds go to the United Way of the Brazos Valley.Registration ends Nov. 29. Register at the Parks and Recreation Office, at 1000 Krenek Tap Road, online at rectrac.cstx.gov, or on race day from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., near the starting line.
Msc oPasMSC OPAS at Texas A&M University will hold “Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration” at 7:30 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium.For more details on the show and more events, visit http://opas.tamu.edu.
santa’s wonderlandSanta’s Wonderland, which features a tour of Christmas lights each year, opened Nov. 16 for this year’s season, and will continue
through Dec. 30.Customers can take the light tour by driving through with their own vehicle, or they can take hayride or bus tours.For prices and more information, visit www.santas-wonderland.com
southwood community center holiday open house
Southwood Community Center will hold its Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to noon.The event is open for seniors to enjoy cookies, door prizes, photos with Santa and entertainment.
stephen c. Beachycentral Park
Christmas light displays are at the 47-acre Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, at 1000 Krenek Tap Road, through Jan. 1. The displays began Nov. 22.For more events, visit: www.visitaggieland.com, http://downtownbryan.comhttp://acbv.org, www.cstx.govwww.bryantx.gov
Photos contributed by the city of College station (Far leFt) a child visits with santa at last year’s Christmas at the Creek event. (reMaining three PhOtOs) Visitors enjoy last year’s Christmas at the Creek event.
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30 Home iN Style winter 2012
For many people, Christmas tree decorations don’t change much over the years. Ornaments that have been lovingly collected and passed down from generation to generation get hung on the tree, and that’s that.
So instead of messing with tradition, try thinking tops and bottoms to spruce up the tree this year.
“Think of your tree as a little black dress that you can accessorize differently to take it from formal to casual in an instant,” says Cathy Hobbs, New York-
based interior designer and finalist on season six of HGTV’s “Design Star” competition show. “You can give your tree a totally different vibe without
touching the ornaments by focusing on the skirt and topper.”Not only is this type of updating easy, it’s also inexpensive. “You can spend hundreds of dollars on all new ornaments and garland, but just changing the topper and skirt is much cheaper and is still impactful,”
says Gina Luker, editor of the remodeling blog Shabby Creek Cottage.Every décor store will have fun options to play around with, but you
can also go the DIY route. Here, Hobbs and Luker offer some ideas for finding the perfect topper-and-skirt combo, depending on the
desired aesthetic.rustic
Get a rustic feel that’s both natural and festive by gathering together pieces of wheat, hay or straw, wiring them together
in the middle and tying a bright red ribbon around the wire, Hobbs says. Use that as a topper instead of a standard angel or star. Attach it to the tree with more wire.
Then, for a coordinating skirt, tuck a big piece of burlap around the base of the tree. For this
look, Hobbs notes that decorators should use colorful ornaments so the tree doesn’t appear too neutral.
ModernHobbs suggests a quick trick to
create a modern topper: Wrap many white lights around the top of your tree – way more
than you have on the rest of it. Once turned on, they will appear like a brightly lit star.
Swap out a traditional fabric skirt
too attached to your ornaments but want a new look for the tree? switch out the tree topper and skirt for a different vibe
tree tops & bottoms
changing the topper and skirt is much cheaper and is still impactful,” says Gina Luker, editor of the remodeling blog Shabby Creek
Every décor store will have fun options to play around with, but you can also go the DIY route. Here, Hobbs and Luker offer some ideas
for finding the perfect topper-and-skirt combo, depending on the
Get a rustic feel that’s both natural and festive by gathering together pieces of wheat, hay or straw, wiring them together
in the middle and tying a bright red ribbon around the wire, Hobbs says. Use that as a topper instead of a standard angel or star. Attach it to the tree with more wire.
Then, for a coordinating skirt, tuck a big piece of burlap around the base of the tree. For this
look, Hobbs notes that decorators should use colorful ornaments so the tree doesn’t
Hobbs suggests a quick trick to create a modern topper: Wrap many white lights around the top of your tree – way more
than you have on the rest of it. Once turned on, they will appear like a brightly lit star.
Swap out a traditional fabric skirt
the eagle WWW.tHeeagle.com 31
too attached to your ornaments but want a new look for the tree? switch out the tree topper and skirt for a different vibe
tree tops & bottoms By alice ogletHoRpe
Ctw Features
for a cool looking planter, bucket or box that’s been spray painted in a bold color, Luker suggests. This works particularly well if you have a live tree instead of one that’s been cut down.
traditionalFor a formal look, Luker recommends tying an oversized ribbon into a big bow at the top, using wire to keep it securely in place. Don’t cut the ribbon too short; let the ends reach all the way down to the bottom of your tree for a stronger visual impact.Balance that with tulle or metallic mesh as a skirt, says Hobbs. Those fabrics will stay nice and full,
giving your tree drama and elegance.PersonaliZed
This also is an opportunity to get personal with your décor and show off items that have special meaning to you.Hobbs suggests using a large picture frame that’s not too heavy and putting a
favorite quote, line from a carol or picture of your family in it. Place your tree in
a corner of the room and wire the frame to the top of it. (This works best on an artificial tree, since its
top will be nice and sturdy.)Then pull out a favorite antique
quilt, blanket, table cloth or other heirloom fabric that has significance to you, she says.
Drape it around your tree as a skirt: It’s better than
keeping the cloth hidden in a linen closet. And
if you’re worried about it getting
ruined, protect the fabric by first
covering the base of the tree with a few plastic bags.
