64 THE QUEENS COURIER • HOLIDAY GUIDE • DECEMBER 6, 2018 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
holiday guide
The art of the perfect gift
Even in a world where just about anything
is a few clicks away, fi nding the perfect
gift for everyone on your list can still
be a diffi cult task. One trick to winning
the holidays is bringing back the basics by
choosing presents you know your loved
ones need and can actually use.
Consider these crowd-pleasing gift
ideas to provide holiday smiles at the
moment they’re unwrapped.
The Gift of an Experience
An experience could be perfect for the
person in your life looking to spice things
up by taking on a new adventure. From a
scenic helicopter ride to an exhilarating
sky diving package, experiential gift s can
be exciting undertakings. One of the best
parts: these presents don’t always have to
be one-and-done - you can give the gift
of a new life skill such as cooking classes
or motorcycle riding lessons. Learn more
about Harley-Davidson Riding Academy
motorcycle classes by visiting your local
dealership or H-D.com/LearnToRide.
The Gift of Traveling in Style
If you’re interested in giving a present
that inspires adventure, a piece of quality
luggage may be all your loved one
needs. A sturdy backpack is versatile and
can be used for a hike on the nearest trail
or a backpacking trip through another
country. If the next trip is on the open
road, an option like the Harley-Davidson
Premium Touring Bag can help pack the
necessities as you explore the world.
The Gift of Stocking Stuff ers
Sometimes, it’s the big gift ideas that
are inspired naturally and shoppers fi nd
themselves scrambling to fi nd stocking
stuff ers. Th is holiday season, don’t overthink
it. Stuff those stockings with things
people need such as headphones, socks or
a warm stocking cap.
The Gift of the Trends
Today’s fashion trends dictate two outerwear
items everyone should have in
their closets: a denim jacket and a go-to
leather jacket. If someone on your holiday
shopping list has yet to jump on the
trend, try styles like Harley-Davidson’s
Sherpa Fleece Denim Jacket for women or
the Men’s #1 Skull Slim Fit Leather Jacket
for inspiration.
For more holiday gift inspiration, check
out the guide at H-D.com/Holiday.
Courtesy Family Features
Deck the halls for happy holidays
Whether you opt for fresh-cut or fresh
out of the box, trimming the tree is a
staple of holiday decor in most homes.
However, if you’ll be entertaining this
season, you may want to go beyond the
tree and take your seasonal decorating to
whole new level.
Create a scene fi lled with festive joy and
get your home holiday-ready with these
tips from the holiday hosting experts at
Macy’s:
Choose a theme: Designing around a
specifi c theme is a simple way to keep
your holiday decor from feeling cluttered.
Your theme might be based on color or a
favorite seasonal character like Santa or
snowmen. If you’re starting from scratch,
begin with a few statement pieces and let
your collection grow over time. Choose
a new item or two each year, and soon
you’ll have a treasure trove of beloved
holiday items that can brighten up your
home.
Cook up some fun: Whipping up dinner
for a house full of guests won’t feel
like such a chore if you rely on cookware
that makes meal preparation fun.
For example, Martha Stewart’s Holiday
Enamel Cast Iron collection can bring
on the holiday cheer. With its festive
plaid pattern and bright colors, the collection
makes holiday entertaining special.
Oven safe up to 500 F, these pieces
can also be used with nearly any cooktop.
Choose from gray or red plaid designs
and 2-quart or 6-quart pot and lid combos.
Off er cozy accents: Tables, shelves and
mantels tend to get their share of decorative
love, but don’t overlook the ways you
can bring cheer to other parts of a room.
A snuggle-worthy throw in vibrant holiday
hues and some plush seasonal pillows
add practical warmth and good cheer.
Another option: fun holiday fl oor decor,
from welcome mats to area rugs to cushy
kitchen mats that can make all that time
cooking easier on your feet.
Set a stunning stage: Go ahead and fi ll
your guests with delight before they even
sample their fi rst bite. A holiday spread
served over festive placemats and cheerful
motifs can make your table come
to life. Bring vibrant colors and cheeky
detailed design to your dinner table
with an option like the Cellar Holiday
Dinnerware Collection. Placemats and
coasters feature seasonal images like
snowfl akes, ornaments and red and green
lettering with a cheerful “Ho Ho Ho.”
Salad plates and mugs showcase whimsical
animal art with beloved creatures like
dogs and giraff es.
Add pretties to the powder room: Th e
bathroom may not be the fi rst place you
think to add some holiday spirit, but it’s
a room virtually every guest will visit,
so don’t leave it undone. Deck out the
room with hand towels in seasonal colors
and prints, and add plenty of festive
accent pieces like rugs and soap dispensers.
Don’t forget a candle with a subtle
seasonal scent.
Find these holiday entertaining products
and more at macys.com.
Courtesy Family Features
Photo courtesy of Getty Images