Home for the Holidays HandbookYour Resource for Celebrating this Holiday Season

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ForRentcomreg and Homescomreg would like to be your partner in celebrating this holiday season The holidays are full of fun festivities which are perfect to create memorable home moments whether you live in an apartment condo loft townhome or house

Take advantage of this entertainment resource for your holiday planning - guaranteed to brighten your season In this guide yoursquoll find everything you need from helpful safety tips delicious recipes and fun refreshments to creative inspiration for your homersquos deacutecor and even unique ways to gift wrap

Relax and leave the planning to your partners ForRentcom and Homescom want to help you discover great ideas and be inspired to spend the holidays creating lasting memories with your family and friends

Welcome to the Holiday Season

Share this handbook with your friends

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Table of Contents

04 | How to Stay Safe During the Holidays

05 | Party of the Year Entertaining Checklist

06 | Create with Holiday RecipesSeason Starting AppetizersThe Main EventSide Dish SpecialsDelightful Desserts

14 | Tour Holiday HomesHouse of SmithsCelebrations at HomePizzazzerie

18 | Share The Gift of GivingItems Around the HomeHeart-Covered WrapperKraft Paper Wrapping

19 | Its a Wrap About Us

How to Stay Safe During the Holidays

At ForRentcom and Homescom safety is top of mind during the holiday season Weve partnered with Allstate to bring you a list of top safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones protected in your home

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Dont overload outlets Check the light strings to ensure they are not getting too warm and always unplug lights when youre not home

Choose non-flammable and flame retardant decorations Certain decorations may be gorgeous but are made of highly flammable materials Make sure to keep paper lace or fabric decorations away from heat sources

Inspect decorative lights for flaws Frayed wires are a recipe for disaster

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detection device batteries and replace them regularly Test them to make sure they are in working order

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen The extinguisher should be rated for both grease and electrical fires To use it remember the acronym PASS Pull the pin Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire Squeeze the nozzle to spray Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire as you spray

Woof Keep all food out of your pets reach Remember dogs cannot eat chocolate and any animal that consumes alcohol may experience nausea or an upset stomach

When traveling this holiday season dont forget to pack emergency gear Your winter kit can include blankets warm clothing sand cat litter or traction mats a small shovel a flashlight with fresh batteries warning flares or triangles drinking water and anything else you might need

Watch the How to Safely Use Holiday Lights Video for Tips

How to Stay Safe During the Holidays

At ForRentcom and Homescom safety is top of mind during the holiday season Weve partnered with Allstate to bring you a list of top safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones protected in your home

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Dont overload outlets Check the light strings to ensure they are not getting too warm and always unplug lights when youre not home

Choose non-flammable and flame retardant decorations Certain decorations may be gorgeous but are made of highly flammable materials Make sure to keep paper lace or fabric decorations away from heat sources

Inspect decorative lights for flaws Frayed wires are a recipe for disaster

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detection device batteries and replace them regularly Test them to make sure they are in working order

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen The extinguisher should be rated for both grease and electrical fires To use it remember the acronym PASS Pull the pin Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire Squeeze the nozzle to spray Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire as you spray

Woof Keep all food out of your pets reach Remember dogs cannot eat chocolate and any animal that consumes alcohol may experience nausea or an upset stomach

When traveling this holiday season dont forget to pack emergency gear Your winter kit can include blankets warm clothing sand cat litter or traction mats a small shovel a flashlight with fresh batteries warning flares or triangles drinking water and anything else you might need

Watch the How to Safely Use Holiday Lights Video for Tips

Party of the Year Entertaining Checklist

Before the Party

The Day of

Choose a theme

Make a guest list and send paper invites or email invites with a provider like Evite

Delegate responsibility to family and friends so party planning stress doesnt land on one person

Plan the menu early to make shopping a cinch Dont forget wood if you plan on building a fire

Clean and organize your home a week before so on the morning of a quick once-over will do

Be sure to arrange furniture to make mingling easier on your guests If youre expecting little ones create a kid-friendly zone

Decorate a few days before the party

Safety first Ensure your fireplace is clean safe and has a gate if you have little ones attending the party Move candles away from fabrics to avoid accidents

bull Stick to two or three colors giving holiday deacutecor a professional polished look bull Switch out lightweight pillows and fabrics for richer fabrics and shades creating a warm welcoming atmospherebull Get crafty with the kids and have them create a custom banner welcoming guests to the party

Set the table and determine how you want the food served Buffet or traditional

Set out appetizers ndash and any other food that wonrsquot spoil

Greet guests as they arrive so they feel more welcome

Enjoy the party after all yoursquore the hostess with the mostess

bull Put a few zip-close bags inside a pillow box and leave a box at each place setting including a handwritten note asking guests to take home leftovers of their favorites

bull Instead of a communal bowl try a more hygienic presentation by putting snacks and party mix in clear-glass narrow-necked decanters

Create Holiday Recipesamp

Create Holiday Recipesamp

Toffee Caramel Apple DipINGREDIENTS1-16 oz tub caramel dip1- 8 oz pkg cream cheese1 bag toffee bitsGranny Smith apples

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots with Cranberry Dipping SauceINGREDIENTS2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp waterfrac34 tsp mustard [grain]1frac12 tsp brown sugar packedfrac12 tsp ground nutmeg

UncommonDesignsOnlinecomSource

HomeStoriesAtoZcomSource

Season Starting Appetizers

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Allow cream cheese to soften a bit and then spread it out on the bottom of a shallow rimmed dish like a glass pie plate

Pour the caramel dip on top of the cream cheese and spread it out Do not mix in with cream cheese just spread it over the top [TIP you may need to zap the caramel dip with the top off in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up]

Sprinkle the toffee bits all over the top of the caramel Slice up your Granny Smith apples into small wedges and dip away

Boil cranberry cocktail in a medium saucepan over high heat until reduced to 1 cup In a small bowl mix cornstarch with water to make a paste and add it to the pan Next whisk in the brown sugar mustard and nutmeg

Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil 1 minute until thickened Cool to room temperature Reserve frac12 cup of the glaze for later dipping

Line rimmed baking sheet with foil Set wire rack over foil and spray with cooking spray Wrap bacon halves around apricots and place on rack Brush with cranberry glaze

Broil 3 to 7 minutes or until bacon is browned Place toothpicks in apricots and serve warm with the reserved cranberry cocktail dipping sauce

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

12 slices bacon sliced in half24 dried apricots1frac12 cups cranberry cocktail

v

Vegetarian options are denoted by this symbol throughout the guide v

Plan on using this recipe for your holiday party Share with AptsForRent amp Homesdotcom on Instagram HomeMoments

Sweet Candied Smoked Paprika Cherry BerriesINGREDIENTS5 slices of bacon cooked crispy and chopped2 tbsp salted butter divided1 pint Cherry Berries tomatoes1frac12 tbsp white sugarfrac12 tsp smoked paprika1 whole-wheat baguette [20 slices]52 oz container of garlic and herb soft cheesefrac12 cup green onions dicedGranny Smith apples

KatiesCucinacom originally posted for Lipman TomatoesSource

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Cook bacon and remove from frying pan to drain and rest Once cooled chop bacon and set aside

DIRECTIONS

Rinse Cherry Berries under cool water Slice each Cherry Berry in half vertically Place in a medium bowl and toss until each tomato is well coated with sugar and paprika

Slice baguette into frac14 inch thick pieces Take one slice and spread a generous amount of garlic and herb soft cheese onto it Repeat until you have 20 slices or half the baguette

Toast until bread is crispy and cheese is slightly melted

In a medium frying pan on high heat add 1 tbsp of salted butter

When butter melts [about 30 seconds] add half the bowl of sugarpaprika coated Cherry Berries to the pan

Sauteacute on high for three to five minutes until tomatoes turn golden in color and begin to sweat and caramelize Once the tomatoes are candied remove from the frying pan and place in a clean bowl

Repeat this step for the other half of the sugarpaprika coated tomatoes

Arrange appetizer by placing three or four caramelized Cherry Berries on each baguette slice with the garlic and herb cheese

Top with chopped bacon and green onions Repeat until all 20 baguette slices have been filled Serve and enjoy

Season Starting Appetizers

Cranberry Orange Christmas HamINGREDIENTS16-18 lb fully cooked spiral ham30 [approx] whole cloves20 fresh cranberries or maraschino cherries2 frac12 cups brown sugar divided2-3 oranges sliced width-wise1 frac12 tbsp flour3 tbsp butter113 cups cranberry juicefrac12 cup honeyfrac14 cup apple cider vinegar3 tbsp prepared mustard

WhatsCookingWithRuthiecomSource

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Preheat oven to 325degF

Remove ham from packaging Set on rack in roasting pan flat side down

Insert cloves approx 2 inches apart

Press 2 cups brown sugar making a coating on the ham

Place orange slices on ham using a toothpick poked through the middle of each

Place a cranberry on the end of each toothpick

Cover with roasting lid or foil and bake for 3 hours

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in sauce pan add flour with wire whisk

Add cranberry juice honey frac12 cup brown sugar apple cider vinegar 3 tbsp mustard Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute stirring

Remove from oven Let rest for 10 minutes Serve

GLAZE

The Main Event

INGREDIENTS3 cups shredded cooked turkey

[white or dark]1 large onion diced3 potatoes scrubbed and cubed4 carrots scrubbed and sliced4 celery stalks sliced2 bay leaves1 tsp sea salt1 tsp poultry seasoning

WhatsCookingWithRuthiecomSource

1 Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours Serve

DIRECTIONS

Leftover Turkey Soup 1 tsp dried thymefrac12 tsp pepper6 cups chicken broth [or 6 cups water and 6 chicken bouillon cubes]1 can corn drained

The Main Event

Find Ways to Prepare Your Weekly Meals with Leftovers

Four Cheese MacaroniINGREDIENTS1 lb macaroni3 tbsp unsalted butterfrac12 cup milkfrac12 cup fresh mozzarella cubedfrac12 cup Emmenthal cheese cubedfrac12 cup Grana Padano cheese gratedfrac12 cup Parmigiano Reggiano gratedsalt

Sweet Potato CrostiniINGREDIENTS1 pkg sweet potato rolls [or your favorite dinner roll]1 large onionfrac14 cup fig preservesfrac14 lb prosciutto [roughly 6 slices] sliced thin3 cups baby arugula3 tbsp olive oil

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Preheat oven to 325degF

Place a large pot of water on to boil and generously season with salt When boiling add pasta and cook until just under al dente

Right after you put the pasta in the water to cook add

Preheat oven to 350degF Bake frozen sweet potato rolls for 3-4 minutes or until thawed Use a bread knife to cut each roll into 3 slices [across top] Discard the edges This should make 24 crostini Return to oven for 8-10 minutes or until lightly toasted

Put 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan and bring to medium heat Dice onion and toss in pan Stir until caramelized and soft Remove from heat and set aside

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

butter and milk into a separate saucepan and heat until combined

Add cheeses and stir together until well combined If mixture is too thick add a smidge more milk to loosen Check for seasoning and add salt if desired

Drain pasta and pour into an ovenproof dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray

Pour melted cheeses over pasta and mix together well Optional sprinkle top with additional cheese of choice

Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until macaroni is bubbling Let cook a little bit longer if you prefer your macaroni and cheese to have a crunch on top

bellrsquoalimentocomSource

PizzazzeriecomSource

Spread each crostini with fig preserves Top with caramelized onions

Lay a slice of prosciutto on top of the onions

Return to oven for 2-3 minutes to warm ingredients [optional]

Toss arugula with remaining tbsp of olive oil Top crostini with arugula and serve

v

Side Dish Specials

Winter Squash with Rice Cranberries amp PecansINGREDIENTS1 cup wild rice blend1frac12 cups low-sodium vegetable broth divided1 cup water8 carnival squash [1 pound each] or 16 small sweet dumpling squash or pumpkins [12 pound each] or a combination2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus extra 1frac12 cups finely chopped leeks [about 8 slender leeks white part only]1 tsp dried rubbed sage1 tbsp minced fresh thyme leaves1frac34 cup dried cranberries1 cup chopped pecans3-4 oz goat cheese

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In a medium saucepan combine rice with 1 cup broth and 1 cup water

DIRECTIONS

Bring to a boil Stir and reduce heat Cover and simmer for 35 minutes until just al dente Remove from heat

Preheat oven to 425degF Cut off top frac12 inch of squash reserve tops

Trim bottoms if necessary to sit level Scoop out seeds and strings

Brush insides with olive oil

Sprinkle with coarse salt and ground pepper

Place squash cut side down on a baking sheet

Roast until barely tender [about 20 minutes for small squash 25 minutes for medium squash]

Meanwhile place 1 tbsp oil in a large sauteacute pan over medium heat

Add leeks and cook until tender but not brown [5ndash7 minutes]

Add sage and thyme season with salt and pepper and stir to coat

Add 3 cups cooked rice (save remainder for another use) and remaining frac12 cup broth simmer until heated through and liquid is absorbed [4ndash5 minutes]

Remove from heat Stir in cranberries pecans and goat cheese Season to taste

Spoon rice mixture into each squash and drizzle remaining oil over top Replace squash tops Arrange squash in a roasting pan

Reduce oven temperature to 375degF Bake squash for 20 minutes then remove tops and continue to bake until heated through about 10 minutes more

Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes Replace tops and transfer squash to a serving platter

WhatsCookingWithRuthiecomSource

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Side Dish Specials

Find other vegetarian friendly Thanksgiving Recipes on ForRentcomblog

Caramel Apple CheesecakeINGREDIENTS2-8oz pkgs cream cheese frac12 cup of granulated sugar2 eggs1 cup crushed graham crackers3 tbsp of melted butter2 tbsp sour cream1 tsp vanilla extract1 tsp cinnamon

Toppingfrac14 cup butterfrac12 cup of sugar1 tsp lemon juice5 large Granny Smith apples peeled and cut into frac12 wedges1 tbsp cinnamon

INGREDIENTS1 cup canned pumpkin1 cup white sugarfrac12 cup vegetable oil1 egg2 cups all-purpose flour2 tsp baking powder2 tsp ground cinnamonfrac12 teaspoon salt1 tsp baking soda1 tsp milk1 tbsp vanilla extract2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

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Preheat oven to 350degF and line a cupcake pan with baking cups

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Add the tsp of cinnamon to the crushed graham crackers and mix with melted butter

Press one heaping tablespoon of the graham cracker crumb mixture into each baking cup

Mix together cream cheese sugar and sour cream Add in

eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy

Fill baking cups 23 way full bake for 22-24 minutes

Remove from oven and let cool add apple topping and walnuts

APumpkinampAPrincesscomSource

MigonisHomecomSource

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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In a mixing bowl combine pumpkin sugar vegetable oil and egg

In a separate bowl stir together flour baking powder ground cinnamon and salt

Stir in and dissolve the baking soda in the milk

Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well

Add vanilla and chocolate chips

Delightful Desserts

Settle the debate on Twitter Whats Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dessert A) Anything Apple B) Anything Pumpkin or C) BOTH

Tag AptsForRent and Homesdotcom

Tour Holiday Homesamp

The House of Smiths Holiday Home Moments

I love all of the festive deacutecor during the holiday seasons Its just all around exciting and helps set the stage for celebrating We have a few fun traditions that we stick to with our immediate family because our extended family lives so close we do a bit of holiday house hopping to see as many of our loved ones as possible -Shelley Smith

Bring in both the soft and more rustic elements of nature to get a well-balanced look

By simply adding a few very distinct woodsy elements to our space we were able to create a woodland theme without going overboard

Have a few repeating pieces to bring your look together

TheHouseofSmithscomSource

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See Shelleys full home tour on Homescom

House of Smiths

Celebrations At Homes Holiday Home Moments

Theres so much to love about the holiday season parties great food seasonal outings but I think I most love the sparkle of holiday lights Such a simple tradition just brings the season alive Its the time of year when I make everything from scratch and overindulge in fat and sugar I usually like to try a new recipe or two as well typically a new spin on dressing or a new dessert - Chris Nease

CelebrationsAtHomeBlogcomSource

Choose food that coordinates with your color palette so it becomes part of the decoration

Serving individually sized desserts makes it easier for guests to handle

Decorate the food table as you would any other area in the home using ribbon ornaments and tabletop trees

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Inspired by Chriss holiday decor See more from Celebrations at Home over on Homescom

Celebrations at Home

Pizzazzeriersquos Holiday Home Moments

What I enjoy most about the holiday season is the delicious treats twinkling lights and time spent with family I love to create a sweet spread of treats and hot cocoa in my living room to encourage all the family to gather around and enjoy holiday movies together - Courtney Whitmore

PizzazzeriecomSource

Find a color palette or pattern and use it consistently

Giving your deacutecor a theme such as peppermint gives creative direction to the deacutecor

Adding simple centerpieces can go a long way Here we have peppermints and candy canes in martini glasses

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Pizzazzerie

See more of Pizzazzeries fun entertaining tips on ForRentcomblog

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Share the Gift of Givingamp

Items Around the HomeConsider recycling items around the home and using items found in nature to wrap your presents this year Not only is it environmentally friendly but it will add a beautiful and unique look to your gifts that are sure to stand out from all of the others

SUPPLIES

Newspaper paper bag or craft paperPine cones leaves twigs etcScissorsTapeString

Try using newspaper to wrap your presents instead of buying expensive

wrapping paper Also consider using paper bags for paper Simply cut them

to fit your gift and make sure to show the side with no writing

Instead of using bows and lace to finish off your gifts consider going out and

finding pine cones leaves or twigs to add final touches to your presents

DIRECTIONS

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Share the Gift of Giving

Dont know what to get that special someone ForRentcom has you covered with gift ideas for guys and gals Browse ideas on ForRentcomblog

Heart-Covered Wrapper

SUPPLIES Wax PaperTissue PaperHoliday Shaped Craft PunchAn Iron

DIRECTIONS

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Kraft Paper Wrapping

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Kraft paper is a great resource for wrapping your gifts for the

holidays It will also save you money as it is much cheaper

than traditional wrapping paper and looks amazing Not only

does it look great but it is also extremely durable and tear

resistant so it is perfect for long car rides or any traveling

that you will need to do In addition to its durability it is also

100 recyclable which makes it very environmentally friendly

Use Kraft paper to wrap gifts as you normally would and

watch your gifts stand out from all the rest

Heat iron

Punch out desired amount of

heart-shaped designs from the

tissue paper

Layer the holiday shapes (tree

snowflake heart etc) in desired

pattern in between 2 layers of

wax paper

Iron over the top layer of wax

paper to seal the heart-shaped

tissue paper cut outs inside

After wax paper has cooled and

sealed wrap baked goods with

twine or string

Share the Gift of Giving

For more creative wrapping ideas visit bloghomescom

Whether itrsquos a place to celebrate unwind create or grow let ForRentcomreg and Homescomreg help you discover your idea of a dream home

Hope yoursquove been inspired to create a festive space in your home this holiday season and make a few memories in the process

Its a Wrap

About ForRentcomAs one of the nationrsquos leading online home search destinations ForRentcomreg inspires renters to discover their next apartment loft townhouse or condo ForRentcom features rental listings in a user-friendly format making finding your next home an easy exploration Visitors to ForRentcomrsquos apartment living blog Facebook page Twitter account and Pinterest boards will discover relevant content and can join the conversation surrounding their home decorating style rental tips and more serving as the complete resource for renters in every part of their living experience

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About HomescomAs one of North Americarsquos top online real estate destinations Homescomreg inspires consumers to dream big From affordable houses to luxurious estates condos apartment rentals and more Homescom features nearly 3 million property listings and a user-friendly format making finding your next home easy Visitors to the Homescom blog will find a collection of rich content and posts on DIY projects painting organization tips and more providing the ultimate resource for everything home related From finding your first apartment to buying your first home upgrading downsizing and everything in between Homescom is an inspiring and engaging partner in every phase of the home buying or renting process

Homescom is a division of Dominion Enterprises a leading marketing services and publishing company headquartered in Norfolk Virginia For more information visit wwwdominionenterprisescom Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB eps Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB eps

Share your home moments on Facebook Twitter and Instagram Be sure to add HomeMoments Never know what holiday treat could come

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