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DAVID FOSTER, KATHARINE MCPHEE AND LEANN RIMES HEADLINE 2024 KRAVIS CENTER GALA

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DAVID FOSTER, KATHARINE MCPHEE AND LEANN RIMES HEADLINE 2024 KRAVIS CENTER GALA

DAVID FOSTER, KATHARINE MCPHEE AND LEANN RIMES HEADLINE 2024 KRAVIS CENTER GALA

Kravis Supporters William A. Meyer and Kristen and David Lambert Chair February 16 Benefit

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) –  The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is bringing some major star power to its main stage for its upcoming Gala on Friday, February 16, 2024. Guests will enjoy a performance by 16-time Grammy award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer David Foster; acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star, Katharine McPhee; and Grammy award-winning, international multi-platinum selling acclaimed singer, LeAnn Rimes. Chairing the Gala are long-standing Kravis Center supporters William A. Meyer and Kristen and David Lambert. Honorary Chairs are Monika E. Preston and Kathryn C. Vecellio.

“Each year, the Kravis Center Gala is a celebration that honors the Center’s artistic excellence, educational initiatives and community engagement, all while thanking our loyal donors for their support,” said Mr. Meyer. “All proceeds from the Gala go towards the Kravis Center’s mission of uplifting the lives of those who live, work and play in Palm Beach County. With my friendsKristen and David Lambert, we look forward to celebrating our annual Gala with the local community and beyond.”

The black-tie benefit begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Harris Pre-Function Hall in the Cohen Pavilion. The reception is followed by a 7 p.m. performance in Dreyfoos Hall.

“The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has not only garnered a reputation for its fundraising success, but also for hosting one of the most enjoyable and incredible Galas of the season,” said Mr. and Mrs. Lambert. “This year we have David Foster, Katharine McPhee and LeAnn Rimes bringing their incredible voices to Dreyfoos Hall. Their upcoming performance will be a one-of-a-kind concert for our Kravis guests. We look forward to seeing everyone on February 16th!”

After the performance, Gala guests will make their way to the elegantly decorated Gimelstob Ballroom in the Cohen Pavilion for dinner prepared by Kravis Events by Lessing’s Hospitality featuring Guy Reuge, Chef Emeritus, Eddie Michaels, Corporate Executive Chef and Sean Koch, Kravis Events Executive Chef. Reuge was awarded La Toque d’Argent, one of the culinary world’s most prized possessions, as well as ‘Chef of the Year’ by the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (Society of Master Chefs). Dinner will be followed by an evening of dancing to live music by Marcia Mitchell Music.

Gala sponsors include Sondra and David S. Mack, Tom and Sherry Barrat, Jane M. Mitchell, Lugano Diamonds, Sharyn and Stuart Frankel, Related Companies, SBA Communications Corporation/Aggie and Jeff Stoops, James H. Coleman, Ken Endelson, Madeline and Wes Finch, Joseph and Michelle Jacobs, Henni Kessler in memory of John Kessler, Amin J. Khoury, Kristen and David Lambert, Kravis Events by Lessing’s Hospitality, Phyllis and William Mack, William A. Meyer, Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, Monika and John Preston, John J. Raggio and Dr. Donna Kesselman Raggio, Martha Rodriguez, MD & Jesus Perez-Mendez, MD, Diane and John Sculley, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio, Ann-Britt and Christian Angle, Steve and Amy Bassett, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Penny and Harold Blumenstein, The Breakers Palm Beach, Peter and Susan Brockway, CIBC Bank USA, Bert and Carol Crawford, Dr. and Mrs. Robert and Beth Fishel, Marjorie and Stephen Fiverson, Suzanne and John Golden, Caroline Harless, Gretchen and Jay Jordan, Leslie and Thomas A. Rosin, Jane and John Shalam/Voxx International Corporation, TradeZero, Jill and Bill Wachter and Tiffany & Co.

Tickets for this year’s Gala are $1,250 for Gala Patrons, and $650 for Young Gala Patrons.

The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive arts education programs;  by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; by being an economic catalyst; and by providing community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. For general information about the Kravis Center, please visit kravis.org.

For more information about the Gala, to purchase tickets, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit kravis.org/gala or call 561-651-4320. 

Delray Beach’s Hidden Gem

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Delray Beach’s Hidden Gem

Delray Beach’s Hidden Gem: Meet the Wine Experts and 
Culinary Masters Behind The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar

Delray Beach, Fla. (November 29, 2023) – Indulge in rare wines, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, five-star cuisine, and more at Delray Beach’s hidden gem, The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar. With the collaboration of several food and wine experts, The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar offers the most unique culinary experience in South Florida.

The establishment combines a traditional restaurant and scratch kitchen with a wine and cheese shop, two full-service bars, a speakeasy, and a grand tasting hall that carries nearly 200 wines in wine-by-the-glass, preserved for more than 30 days by enomatic® self-serving dispensaries from Italy. To use the wine dispensaries, guests simply purchase a reusable wine tasting card and load on any dollar amount they choose. Guests then insert the card in the machine to pour a 1-ounce taste, half glass, or full glass of any wine they’d like. In addition to the wines offered at the self-serving wine dispensary, The Wine Room offers more than 1,800 wines at retail pricing. The Wine & Cheese Shop also offers more than 80 artisanal cheeses and charcuterie from across the globe. 

Managing partner of The Wine Room, Bruce Simberg, created the restaurant concept from his love of collecting rare and unique wines. Opening the original Wine Room in Winter Park, Florida, 17 years ago, Simberg expanded the concept to the Old Arcade Tap Room property in Delray Beach, Florida, with a full kitchen and two bars. Since their openings, both properties have received the “Best of Award” from Wine Spectator. Simberg reserved a space in the restaurant called the Rare Room, where guests can purchase rare wines from around the world that he has hand-selected. To enhance The Wine Room’s vino selection, he tapped wine expert Jim Hepple to oversee the restaurant’s wine inventory. Hepple brings more than four decades of wine expertise and buying prowess to the South Florida-area beverage industry. He constantly changes the wine selection to allow customers to try as many new and different wines as possible. Hospitality veteran Mark DeAtley leads The Wine Room’s operations as general manager. DeAtley brings more than 30 years of restaurant leadership experience, and previously managed iconic Delray Beach restaurants, Boston’s on the Beach and 50 Ocean, for 15 years. 

The Wine Room’s extensive vino selection pairs perfectly with its five-star cuisine, crafted by renowned Executive Chef Blake Malatesta. Chef Malatesta curated a “farmhouse meets chophouse” menu that pairs flawlessly with a myriad of unique and global wines. All dishes feature local and sustainable ingredients such as Coq Au Vin, Charred Octopus Fra Diavolo, and Prime Heritage Flat Iron Steak.

At the Wine & Cheese Shop, taste global cheese and charcuterie curated by world-renowned Maître Fromager and James Beard Award-winner, Max McCalman. An international cheese expert, McCalman offers cheeses from Australia and the United States, plus European countries, including Belgium, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Spain. 

Just in time for the winter season, The Wine Room is offering an array of weekly and monthly events, including:

  • All-Day Happy Hour (Mondays, noon to close) – Called “the best deal in Delray” by locals, enjoy baked oysters at $2 each and a dozen different small plates for $9. Sip on $5 draft beers, $7 wines, and $8 crafted cocktails.
  • “Roast and Toast” Tuesdays (Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to close) – Enjoy a 16-ounce, slow-roasted Prime Rib dinner with a glass of Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon for $69.
  • Ladies’ Night (Wednesdays, 6 p.m. to close) – Purchase or add money to your wine card and The Wine Room will match 100% of that amount with no limit. Guests must spend a minimum of $30. The kitchen is open until 12:30 a.m., serving a late-night menu.
  • Sips and Stones (Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) – Indulge in all-you-can-eat stone crab claws paired with a $15 wine card for $89.
  • Family Wine Dinners (twice a month from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) – Experience some of the greatest wine brands in the world produced by family-owned estates. Enjoy an incredible multicourse meal exquisitely paired by Executive Chef Blake Malatesta. Pricing varies.
  • Wine & Cheese Tastings (Monthly, date and time varies) – James Beard Award-winning Maître Fromager Max McCalman pairs incredible wines with a variety of handpicked cheese selections from across the globe. Pricing varies.

Explore a one-of-a-kind culinary world at The Wine Room! For more information, visit thewineroomonline.com/delray-beach. 

About The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar

The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar offers an unparalleled dining experience with more than 1,800 unique wines and over 80 artisanal cheeses and charcuterie from across the globe. The culinary destination combines a traditional restaurant, a 100-year-old Speakeasy, a grand tasting hall, and a wine and cheese store. The Wine Room’s one-of-a-kind enomatic® wine tasting system, imported from Italy, offers guests nearly 200 wines of all price ranges to taste and try. The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar in Delray Beach is located at 411 E. Atlantic Avenue, Suite C, Delray Beach, FL 33483. For reservations, call (561) 243-9463 or visit thewineroomonline.com.

A Parisian-Style Celebration

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A Parisian-Style Celebration

Meet Us in Wellington and be Transported To A Secret Location for an Unforgettable All White Parisian-Style Celebration


Le Dîner en Blanc is returning to Palm Beach County for its 2023 edition and is set to occur at an undisclosed location, somewhere in Palm Beach County, on Saturday, December 16, 2023. While the location remains a secret until the moment of arrival, Wellington is excited to host a departure point for this exclusive Parisian-style event. This is an Instagrammable foodie and holiday experience you won’t want to miss!
 
This year’s theme “From Paris, With Love” epitomizes elegance, transporting guests to a world of fun, flair, and fashion, with an immersive dining experience and fabulous French-inspired entertainment. On the day of the event, registered guests will meet at the Wellington departure point (selected during registration) adjacent to Village Hall, and will be escorted to the event’s secret location.”


 
A picnic en masse, Le Dîner en Blanc offers a uniquely customizable experience with a variety of options:

  1. Bring your own picnic items and table décor to enjoy — a small picnic basket or cooler comprised of fine food, white tablecloth, and serviettes, as well as proper stemware and white dinnerware (tables and chairs are provided at the event). Items can be as simple or as extravagant as you like, as long as it matches the event dress code – all white.

For an additional fee, guests can choose an ALL-inclusive admission where their picnic items and décor are provided.

  1. A catered meal option can be pre-ordered online and picked up on-site, for those who do not wish to pack their own. Guests wishing to do so must pre-order online through Le Diner en Blanc’s e-store.
  2. Alcohol — Per county regulations, guests cannot bring their own alcohol. Those wishing to enjoy wine or Champagne at the event must pre-order online through Le Dîner en Blanc’s e-store.

Dress Code
To maintain the uniqueness of Le Dîner en Blanc, all guests must observe the following dress code: all guests must dress elegantly in head-to-toe white. Jewelry and shoes may be silver, gold, or nude. Originality and creativity are always encouraged, as long as it remains stylish and tasteful.

Admission & Registration
Registration includes admission for two (main attendee and a guest), entertainment, and transportation to and from the event.

To RSVP, guests must join the mailing list at https://register.dinerenblanc.com/westpalmbeach/en/register, after which they will receive an invitation with a link to register and pay.

Wellington’s Holiday Toy Drive Returns

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Wellington’s Holiday Toy Drive Returns

Wellington’s Annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive returns in partnership with Wellington Community Partners. The Toy Drive follows up on the recent Holiday Food Drive.


 
The Village asks residents to help ensure no child goes without a gift this holiday season. Toy donations will be accepted starting Thursday, November 30th through Monday, December 11th.
 
Residents interested in donating may drop off new, unwrapped toys by December 11th at Village Hall (12300 Forest Hill Boulevard), Village Park (11700 Pierson Road), the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), Wellington Tennis Center (3100 Lyons Rd), Wellington Branch Library (1951 Royal Fern Drive), or Retro Fitness (1092 Wellington Trace).
 
Village residents needing assistance may call Community Services at 561-791-4796 to register. Registration ends on Monday, December 11th at 5:00 PM.  
 
Special thanks to Wellington’s community partners. Partnership opportunities are still available. If you are interested in partnering with the Village for this event, contact Gus Ponce, Senior Program Coordinator at (561)791-4102 for more information.

SongFest for Vets at the South Florida Fair

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SongFest for Vets at the South Florida Fair

Navigating the Feast

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Navigating the Feast

Akai J. Jackson’s Guide to Mindful Munching, Stress-Busting Sweat, and Guilt-Free Gobbling 

True and fact the holiday season is here, and we are all excited to partake in all the festivities. The parades, the Christmas tree lighting, our families, friends, the laughter….and OMG I can’t forget the food.  I’m Akai J. Jackson, your trusted personal & professional development expert that includes strength and conditioning, and I was voted America’s Favorite Mindfulness Coach for my work in mindset shifting. I’m here to guide you through the holiday landscape of huge feasts, stress-ridden gatherings, and the delicate art of guilt-free gobbling. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn those holiday hurdles into a series of victorious sprints! 

Mindful Munching: Eating with Intention 

In the grand scheme of holiday flavors, it’s easy to lose track of your cooking compass. Fear not, my friends, I want to introduce you to the art of mindful munching. Picture this: you, in a room full of treats that you’ve been looking forward to for months, armed with the power of intention. Before you grab that third sugar cookie, take a moment to savor the sweetness of the first two. Mindful eating is not about depriving or punishing yourself “which I think we all do”; it’s about appreciation. Sip that hot chocolate slowly, savor the taste, and be the master of your own holiday banquet.  

1. Engage All of Your Senses: Before devouring everything in site because you’ve taking the week prior off eating to make space for the day of feasting, take a moment to engage your senses. Allow the smell of peppermint and the fragrance of baked cookies to wrap its warmth around you. Acknowledge the wide range of flavors that wait for you, from the turkey to the richness of chocolate desserts. By heightening your sensory experience, you set the stage for a feast of epic proportions. 

2. Slow Down and Savor: In a world that moves at the speed of light, I encourage and engage you to defy the norm. Slow down, my friends. Take a cue from the turtle and relish each bite with purpose. Put that fork down between mouthfuls, allowing your taste buds to fully appreciate the flavors on your tongue. Mindful munching isn’t a race; it’s a celebration of taste, texture, and cooking with love in the holiday spirit. 

3. Portion Control with Presence: Mindful munching isn’t about restriction; it’s about making conscious choices. Survey the buffet. Choose your portions. Load your plate with an array of colorful, nutrient-dense foods. Consciously go for a mix of proteins, veggies, and carbs. This is a helpful strategy for a well-balanced meal. 

4. The Power of Gratitude: As you savor each bite, take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought this delightful meal to your plate. Express gratitude for the hands that prepared it, the ingredients that nurtured it, and the community that shares this holiday with you. Gratitude transforms a simple meal into a sacred experience, reminding us that mindful munching extends beyond the taste buds—it nourishes the soul. 

5. Listen to Your Body: At the holiday banquet, let your body be your guide. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. If your stomach signals contentment, respect its wisdom. Mindful munching encourages a harmonious relationship with your body, fostering an awareness that transcends the plate. 

Stress-Busting Sweat Sessions: The Ultimate Festive Detox 

The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and the occasional family drama. To get through the occasional stress sesh, we need a solution—the stress-busting sweat session. Channel your inner warrior and unleash the power of stress release. This might look like shadowing boxing, or yoga. Fire up your smart tv or your ipad, and type in, 10 minute yoga, 10 minute chair exercises, or even 10 minute body weight exercises. You will have a ton of options, and realistically none of them are wrong. Remember, laughter is the best medicine, but a burpee or two, or a walk around the block won’t hurt either. 

Guilt-Free Gobbling: Balancing Indulgence with Intelligence 

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or should I say, the turkey on the table? Guilt-free gobbling is a true art, my friends, and it begins with a simple mindset shift. Embrace the fact that holidays are a time of celebration, not self-destruction or a punishment. You can enjoy that extra slice of pumpkin pie without a side dish of guilt. Just remember to balance your plate with colorful veggies, lean proteins, and a generous serving of self-love. No one ever regretted a joyful holiday feast, but the regret of not savoring the moment? That’s a recipe for disappointment. 

My friends, armed with mindful munching, stress-busting sweat sessions, and guilt-free gobbling, you can navigate this holiday season. I’m Akai J. Jackson, signing off with a festive high-five. Remember, holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so go forth, celebrate, and conquer with wisdom and mindfulness. 

***

The common theme of Akai Jackson’s career has always been helping people grow into the best version of themselves through fitness and mindset shifts. The longtime entrepreneur’s dynamic approach to health and wealth wellness is the byproduct of formal education, life experience as a decorated college athlete, and his own personal journey with mindfulness and growth. He founded I.X.L TODAY, a personal & professional development agency that curates transformational health and wealth programs that take their clients from existing to excelling in their physical, mental, emotional health.

Nonprofits First Appoints Two New Board Members

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Nonprofits First Appoints Two New Board Members

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) December 4, 2023 – Nonprofits First, the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in our community, has appointed Kenneth Rehns, Partner at Ward Damon, and Director of Ward Damon’s Litigation Group and Alpesh Patel, Owner, eSANGHE, to its board of directors.

Mr. Rehns (pictured above) focuses primarily on business and commercial law, labor and employment litigation, real estate disputes, securities litigation, and complex commercial litigation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on Economics from George Washington University, graduating with honors, and went on to receive his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law, again with honors. 

Mr. Patel (pictured above) is now leveraging his experience and intersecting his passion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, serving clients, causes and community with creative problem-solving to develop practical solutions. Pivoting his resources and company, eSANGHE’s first initiative is SeedingACCESS — a collaborative program that brings businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies together to invest in revitalized computers with families in underserved communities. To date, they have delivered more than 575 computers.


About Nonprofits First, Inc.:
Since 2005, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of desired impact. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.

2014 Wellington Father Daughter Dance

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2014 Wellington Father Daughter Dance

Tickets go on sale Monday, December 4, 2023


Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and all blends of families are invited to take part in Wellington’s Annual Father Daughter Dance on Saturday, January 27, 2024. It will be a night of delight for daughters ages 5 to 14. This year’s theme is a “Pirates & Pixies” Father Daughter Dance.

The event will take place at the Village Park Gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road), from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and includes dinner, dessert, dancing, games, photos, and more! Each couple will receive keepsakes to cherish the magical memories of this fun evening. Doors open at 5:30 PM.

Tickets go on sale at 8:00 AM on Monday, December 4, 2023, and can be purchased online at www.wellingtonfl.gov/CivicRec (existing CivicRec users), or in person at the Village Park Gymnasium and the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The cost is $25 per person.

This event is expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets early!

For more information call 561-753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/FatherDaughter.

LITTLE SMILES 14th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE 

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LITTLE SMILES 14th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE 

LITTLE SMILES 14th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE CALLS ON COMMUNITY’S HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO BRING CHEER TO LOCAL KIDS IN NEED

Donate a new, unwrapped toy, donate by text or online, shop from Little Smiles’ Amazon Wish List, or become a drop-off location to be a part of 

South Florida’s largest toy drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Palm Beach Gardens, FLA. – (November 30, 2023) – Little Smiles of Florida is calling on the community to come together for their 14th Annual Holiday Toy Drive to continue its mission to help kids be kids through difficult times. Through December 25, 2023, the toy drive seeks new unwrapped gifts for children aged newborn to 18 years. The donations are distributed through collection centers for families to pick up and directly to Little Smiles’ thirty-nine pediatric partners, including hospitals with children fighting life-threatening illnesses, medical daycare centers, hospices, shelters, foster care homes and medical support facilities. 

“Through the incredible support of our community, the Little Smiles Toy Drive spreads joy to thousands of local children during the holidays,” said Executive Director Brittany Perdigon. “Whether gifts go to a child in the hospital, a foster child, or a child whose family is having a difficult time, the acts of kindness are felt long after, leaving behind priceless smiles on the faces of these resilient kids.” 

Last year’s efforts resulted in over 10,000 toys collected, bringing smiles to more than 6,500 children in southeast Florida. This year, contributing is easier than ever through online donations at littlesmilesfl.org/donate/. Donations enable Little Smiles to secure toys, games, and gifts, ensuring that local families in need receive support during the holiday season. Businesses are encouraged to participate by becoming drop-off locations or sponsors.

To contribute, individuals and businesses can request a donation box or shop online from the Amazon Wish List. Drop-off locations are available at littlesmilesfl.org or Little Smiles’ North Pole at Harbourside Place in Jupiter. Alternatively, donations can be made via text (text LITTLESMILES to 44321) or at littlesmilesfl.org.

Little Smiles Florida supports children, caregivers, and families year-round at local hospitals and other facilities. Donations fund events such as movie nights, arts and crafts, and food provisions to stock hospital pantries feeding children facing hardships. The organization fulfills individual needs and requests, ensuring every child receives comfort and a moment of joy while at one of the many facilities that partner with Little Smiles Florida.

For more information about Little Smiles Florida and to contribute to the 14th Annual Holiday Toy Drive, visit littlesmilesfl.org.

About Little Smiles Florida

Little Smiles is a not-for-profit organization operating in Palm Beach County and the greater Southeast Florida region. The charity was founded in 1999 by local businessman Paul L. Donohue, who saw a need and inspired the community to bring comfort and joy to children and their caregivers at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Little Smiles now partners with thirty-nine pediatric facilities from St. Lucie to Miami that include hospitals, medical day care centers, hospices, shelters, foster care homes, and medical support facilities. Their mission is to help kids during difficult times. They provide smiles to children and their support staff with fun events, including movie night, arts and crafts, and snack breaks. They fulfill individual needs and requests, such as providing a toy to help distract a child after surgery, pajamas to stay extra comfy during their time at the facility, or even a cake and a present to celebrate a birthday during their time at one of the facilities. 

Sustainable Alternatives to Christmas Trees

Charmaine Peters
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Sustainable Alternatives to Christmas Trees

By Charmaine Peters

If you celebrate Christmas, chances are the Christmas tree is the main centerpiece that adds warmth and holiday flair to your home. And you’re not alone. More than 21 million live trees and upward of 12 million artificial trees will be purchased by U.S. households this Christmas season.

That’s a lot of trees.

After the holiday, the artificial ones will likely be tucked away and re-used next year. Some data suggests the average fake tree experiences 7 to 20 real Christmas seasons. A live tree, on the other hand, tends to meet its demise curbside, just a few days after the twinkling lights and decorations come down. It’s hard to say which is the better environmental choice. Some of the live trees get recycled, but most commonly they are carted away and it’s unclear what happens next. Perhaps in the spirit of Christmas, it’s time to consider some sustainable alternatives to the traditional tree.

Here are four ways to celebrate Christmas that are friendlier for the environment:

Decorate a Plant

Get creative with the plants that you already have at home. Place a tree skirt or decorative fabric around the base of the potted plant. Wrap a string of lights around the pot or the plant and choose LED lights for energy efficiency and safety. Hang small, lightweight, ornaments that won’t hurt the plant. This idea is a great way to decorate your home while keeping things eco-friendly and festive. Plus this way, you can have many trees throughout your home.

Repurpose a Ladder 

Grab a ladder, or a step stool, that you’d typically use to get something from a hard to reach place and get creative! First find a safe and stable location in your home that’s clear from heavy foot traffic, such as a corner or against a wall, then, wrap a string of lights around the different steps of your ladder. Drape some garland to give it a more tree-like appearance. If you’re really feeling crafty, string some popcorn for a more nostalgic look. Don’t forget to add your favorite ornaments. You can also place a non-fragile tree topper at the top of the ladder. And, voilà, you have created a festive spot for your Christmas presents!

Make a Christmas Book Tree

If you like to read and have a ton of books at home, it’s time to transform your shelf-bound collection into a festive Christmas centerpiece. Select books of varying sizes, colors, and thicknesses to create an interesting and visually appealing book tree. Lay the largest books on the surface in the shape of a circle and build in – and up – from there. Make sure the spines on the books face outward so you can take advantage of the colorful designs (they’ll also serve as great conversation starters when friends come over). Keep stacking the books until you’re happy with the shape of your “tree.” Add some LED lights and a tree topper to complete the look.

Create a Wall Art Tree

Transform your wall into a festive masterpiece by arranging ornaments, lights, and garlands in the shape of a Christmas tree. Use removable hooks or adhesive clips to securely attach the decorations without damaging your wall. This makes for a stunning visual and is great for smaller living spaces that want to make a big impression.

Whether you choose plants or books or something else, there are many eco-friendly ways we can bring the Christmas spirit into our homes. This year, let us spread the spirit of sustainability and ensure a greener, more eco-conscious, holiday for all!

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