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Thanksgiving Day Preparedness Guide

Thanksgiving Day is full of fun, love, excitement, and immense pressure for certain individuals. Good thing the tenants at Annapolis Town Center can set you up for success, no matter if you are a host or a guest. Check out our best tips for either role you may play this holiday season.

For Hosts

Turkey Day is by far one of the most treasured holidays of the year, but for hosts – it can be one of the most stressful days as well. With so many moving parts, a stacked guest list, and the 21st-century expectations of table decor – your head could be spinning before you even begin! So, let’s start with the basics and break down which tenant should be your go-to stop. 

Table settings and decor can be simple or elaborate, depending on your preference. Get started with personalized invitations straight from Paper Source. When you start here you can streamline a look for the entire Thanksgiving experience. Liking pairing the invitations with day-of personalized napkins and place cards. Next, head to ArHaus for the perfect table runner and drink glasses to cheers the evening away. They pair beautifully with Smyth Jewelers’ timeless serving platters, knife sets, and salad bowls. Don’t sweat the small stuff with the help of Bed Bath & Beyond. Get your table accents like pumpkins, flowers, garland, and long-stemmed candles. You can even welcome your guests with a Thanksgiving-inspired outdoor welcome mat.

 

What is Thanksgiving without the food?! Most families create dishes of their past for the present. So, Whole Foods may be your only needed stop for the best variety in ingredients. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t start some new tasty traditions. Sop in True Food Kitchen to purchase their Recipe Book. Seasonally changing, this book may have just the missing dish to complete your table. Feeling a bit overwhelmed yet? Cheat the system and let our property restaurants take the reins. With a plethora of dining options for all palettes, you can easily order ahead of time and pick up just before guests arrive (giving you enough time to put the dishes in your own serving bowls and plates)! 

For Guests

If you are not hosting the dinner yourself, practicing your best guest etiquette should be your top priority. In most instances, guests are required to simply show up with an empty stomach. Though, it is always polite and recommended to bring something small to show your appreciation to the host. Maybe their favorite bottle of liquor or wine from Bin201. A seasonally fragranced candle from Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, or one of the many home furnishings stores. You can even prep them for the next holiday with a wine-themed 12 Nights of Christmas advent calendar from Cooper’s Hawk. Or, grab the latest in accessory fashion fun! No matter your choice, our variety of tenants can provide you with what you need.

If you happen to take part in a potluck-style dinner hosted at someone else’s residence, then you know choosing the right dish to appease all in attendance is crucial. Start at Whole Foods where the ingredients are endless and the pre-made food can be the answer to your holiday prayers. From specialty appetizers in a variety of serving sizes to prepped charcuterie boards and aisles of delicious, healthy food options, Whole Foods can easily become your one-stop-shop. Be sure to pop in Target to help get those side dishes prepared the best way possible with the latest in cooking supplies, and looking fancy in their decorated serving dishes and side bowls. You will be sure to “wow” others with your Martha Stewart or Joanna Gaines-esque skills. 

So regardless if you are a host or guest, we have what you need to make this Thanksgiving Day special. Make sure to stay up to date on all things Town Center by following us on Instagram and Facebook (@AnnapolisTownCenter)!

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Fall Decor Ideas

It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to turn colder, the leaves start to change color, and we begin decorating our houses for fall. So where is the best place to find the perfect garland, pumpkins, leaves, and all things to represent the season? Here is our yearly blog featuring the best places on the property to find your autumn decor.

Target

Let’s talk cozy. Target has the electric fireplace entertainment stands you’ve been seeing on Instagram to upgrade your living room for the ultimate cozy feeling. Then, pair that with some of their fall-colored throw blankets and your favorite autumn-scented candle or wax melt. Hello, new favorite place in your home.

Bed Bath Beyond

If you plan on hosting some holiday gatherings this season, there are a few ways you can spice up your dinner party game. Bed Bath and Beyond has a great selection of fall kitchen towels, as well as table runners to make sure you’re right on theme. Or, you can start before your guests even enter your home. Check out their wide collection of doormats and outdoor decor like pumpkins and outdoor pillows. 

Arhaus

If you’re looking to add luxury to your seasonal decor, you’ll want to stop into Arhaus. Greenery elements such as wreaths and garland are great ways to bring the outside world in.​​You can also find high-end decor like nutcrackers, 3-D Advent calendars, and menorahs. Or shop for more affordable gifts like ornaments or tea towels.

Z Gallerie

The best place to go if you’re looking for unique accents is Z Gallerie. With so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to load up! Elevate your table decor game with leaves, candle holders, and napkin rings. You can even refresh your rooms with some of their smaller pieces like candles, vases, and wall art.

Paper Source

Decor can come in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is in the form of curtains and art decor, and sometimes it is a beautifully plated appetizer. Paper Source has cookbooks with exciting recipes that also will look great on your counter. Start the party by sending out personalized holiday invitations perfect for any Friendsgiving or Fall dinner parties. And, for the guests who love to stay after the party, be prepared with cute seasonal mugs for a classic, after-dinner coffee.

 

The Annapolis Town Center has great options to find the perfect way to elevate your holiday look.

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Simple Ways To Make Your Home Cozier

The winter months mean more time spent at home. Cuddling under cozy blankets. The delicious aroma of crockpot meals filling the house. Endless movie nights (or days) on the couch with the ones you love. It is easy to embrace the slow down of life that the colder seasons bring about. Make sure your home is stocked and ready to provide you with all of the comforts you look forward to at the start of a new year. 

Cook All Day

They don’t call it “winter weight” for nothing. Good food and drinks are what make the cold season most enjoyable. Find the perfect ingredients for that next hearty meal at Whole Foods. They boast a wide variety of high-quality products with healthy nutrition in mind. Whether you are looking to cook a stew, bake a pie or throw together a nourishing casserole, Whole Foods will have just what you need to get it done. Be sure to pair that delicious dish with a fine wine or your favorite beverage from Bin201. Or, if you are feeling rather lazy one cold evening, the restaurants on the property have you covered with curbside pick-up. And, based on your location – maybe even delivery!

Home Accents Matter

There is nothing that soothes the soul more than scented candles and plush blankets. Grab a faux fur blanket or chunky knit throw from Arhaus and drape it over a deep sofa or perfectly manicured bed boasting all of the essential throw pillows. It will just scream cuddle time to any passerby. Bring the outside in with some textured pieces from Z Gallerie. Evergreen plants, birchwood, potpourri, and snowflake imagery can serve as the perfect complement to those snowy days outdoors. Looking to truly commit to the cozy theme? Check out Restoration Hardware for inspiration in their Ski House sourcebook. Find unique home pieces like sheepskin sofas, reclaimed rustic oak tables, and wool herringbone drapes.

Game Night

Board games will never get old. Perfect for families of all sizes, a game night during these locked in, chilly months encourages family bonding and a little competitive fun. Bed Bath and Beyond, as well as Target, boast plenty of options to choose from. Start with a crowd favorite like Monopoly, Go Fish or UNO. For those feeling a little nostalgic, you can even find Battleship and Sorry. Or, challenge these young Tik Tok kids to a game more their speed like Wii Just Dance. 

Stay Toasty Outdoors

Warmth and comfort don’t have to only be found inside your home. There are tons of ways to stay warm as you are surrounded by the winter-friendly conditions outside. Add one of the most desirable amenities to your home – a hot tub – with the help of Offenbachers Home Escapes. Their wide assortment of spas boasts a number of standard and deluxe features. Looking for something a little more manageable? Browse the fire tables at Ethan Allen. These durable and stylish pieces update any outdoor space while providing a feeling of warmth to you and your guests. Further, transform your outdoor space by adding an outdoor rug that emphasizes your space and reflects your style. Bassett Furniture uses the best in outdoor fabrics to “live outside yourself”. 

Be sure to follow the Town Center on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on events, promotions, and happenings. 

 

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