Posts Tagged ‘Holidays’

Ask a real estate agent, nothing makes a brand new kitchen more welcoming than the smell of fresh-baked goodies! This Christmas, if you’re lucky enough to be warming up the oven to treat guests to family-favorite baked goods, why not take a swing at something new and amazing too? We have three of our top picks for unique Christmas cakes and cookies here today, including a recipe for something fun, a surprising and exciting recipe, and a cookie recipe that’s so simple you’ll have to restrain yourself from indulging in them every single day!

Frosted Fun: Edible Tic-Tac-Toe

Your strict old great aunt Gerta was wrong – you absolutely can play with your food! All you really need for this one are lines and pieces to represent X’s and O’s. Whether that’s decorated X- and O-shaped cookies, or cupcakes vs. Christmas-shape ginger snaps, the genius of this idea is all about how simple it is to make! You just need a board to go under your shapes; you can go as simple as pie crusts cut straight across and baked, then laid on a plate, or you can decorate a frosted cake board to cut into after the winner is declared. It’s all up to you, and your whole family will be wowed by how creative your baking is!

Forget the Wrapping: Hidden Present Cake

Who doesn’t love a surprise? Cakes with overflowing candy filling are all over TikTok, but how about a Christmas present with wrapping made entirely out of frosting and delicious sponge cake? If you have a cake pan that’s large enough, it’s actually much easier than it sounds. First, bake at least two layers of your sponge cake. While they’re baking, make sure your present is actually wrapped with clean wrapping paper – if you really want to protect it (and the cake), go ahead and wrap the outside with food-safe foil or plastic wrap as well. When your layers are done baking, let them cool, cut a hole in the bottom-most layer in the shape of your gift box, and make sure the top of the box is level with the top of the layer. Ice over the cake and the box, then lay the top layer on. The present should be totally concealed now, and all you have to do is decorate the outside of your cake. Careful when you cut in, and enjoy the look on all your guests’ faces during the big reveal!

Easy Peasy: Super-Soft 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Finally, we have one of the easiest, tastiest treats that the internet has ever invented. 3-ingredient Nutella cookies are exactly what they sound like: a delicious, chocolate-hazelnutty treat that comes together in a snap and satisfies even the biggest sweet tooth. Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking is to thank for this recipe, but you can alter the ingredient ratio to experiment with different consistencies if you want them firmer or fluffier. Her recipe calls for 1 cup flour, 1 cup Nutella, and 1 large egg, or egg substitute. That’s it! Heat the oven, mix the dough, and in minutes you have an entire pan of irresistible, gooey Nutella cookies. Bake a dozen, or bake ten dozen – it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!

Find a Home for Making Memories Like These

In Paran Homes neighborhoods, we create homes that enable your family to have fun and create memories just like these – all year long. When it’s time to discover the next home to call your own for many Christmases to come, take a look at the neighborhoods where we build all across Metro Atlanta. You’ll find homes that make it easier than you ever thought possible to enjoy the warmth and happiness of the season with friends, family, and all your guests.

Atlanta is an incredible city to live in and around, and there is no season on the whole calendar that accentuates just how fun the ATL can get quite like winter time. While the world bundles up and hunkers down, we’re out here partying right up until 1:00 AM on New Year’s Day. Luckily, you are just in time to start making plans to see all the very best that Atlanta has to offer this holiday season! To make it even easier, we’ve picked our top 5 of the season’s most festive and exciting events. Discover family-friendly activities, unforgettable date night events, and our #1 for a Christmas feast unlike anything you’ve ever seen!

#5: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is the shining jewel set into the city’s beloved Piedmont Park. To start off our Winter Bucket List, you must go see the gorgeous lights that grace the branches, paths, and garden plots throughout the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Nightly events include entertainment for the kids, s’mores, drinks, and DJ booths, as well as hundreds of thousands of unbelievably gorgeous lights. Tickets are available until January 14th. It’s a yearly event you won’t want to miss!

#4: A Christmas Carol at The Alliance

The Alliance Theatre in Midtown is where Atlanta goes to see the very heights of on-stage entertainment. Right across from The High Museum of Art, you can watch a live production of the timeless Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol. Recommended for all audiences, this is the perfect way to start a unique Christmas tradition with your family. Tickets are available now for showings through December 24th.

#3: Atlanta Christkindl Market in Buckhead

Buckhead is known as one of ATL’s ritziest districts for high-end shopping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find meaningful gifts for loved ones. At the Atlanta Christkindl Market in the Buckhead Village District, you can explore an authentic German Christmas market, complete with delicious food, rustic ornaments, and handmade goods from toys, to clothes, and much more. Explore and find some truly special gifts here right up until December 24th.

#2: Skate The Sky at Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is an exceptional, exciting destination for entertainment, food, and shopping just south of Piedmont Park. In addition to finding your new favorite outfit, restaurant, or standing desk (yes, there’s a furniture store!), you can also enjoy a winter wonderland and some of the best views of the Atlanta Skyline. Rooftop Terrace on The Roof at Ponce City Market has been converted into a winter wonderland – complete with a “Skate the Sky” ice rink! Cozy igloos can even be reserved for your skate day, complete with hot chocolate (or complimentary bubbly for the adults). Learn all about admission and reservations here on The Roof’s web page.

#1: Santa Brunch Buffet at Local Three

Considering Atlanta is a foodie’s paradise, could any top 5 bucket list be complete without a trip to a local restaurant? Local Three in The Forum at West Paces has you covered for the holiday season, because Saturday Santa Brunches are on the way! On December 3rd and December 10th, you have the opportunity to take brunch with old Saint Nick himself, including complementary photos. This event is both kid and adult-friendly, and you can look forward to all-you-can-eat eggnog french toast, winter vegetable hash, and even maple candy pork belly burnt ends. That’s not even the start of it! Take a look at the full menu (brisket, smoked salmon, eggs benedict… it just keeps going) and get your reservations in before they’re full!

What could be better than a housewarming party when the weather outside is getting cooler? A housewarming party in your brand new Dallas, GA home from Paran Homes! Our neighborhood High Shoals offers spacious single-family homes that create the ideal place to host from – whether it’s early autumn and you’re just welcoming a few friends over, or gathering with family for the big Thanksgiving feast. The spaces and features in these homes are wonderful for hosting parties or holiday guests, while your location in Dallas gives you a variety of unique local choices when it’s time to prepare the big meal and get everything spruced up. Here are a few of the things that will make your new home in Dallas the ideal party central – if you want to learn more or see for yourself, reach out to our agent here for a tour!

Design and Layouts for Great Parties

The right setting is everything, and from the moment your guests set eyes on your new home, they’ll know they’re in the right place! Exterior elevations on the homes of High Shoals include premium details like brick, shake siding, and stacked stone. The warm and welcoming design outside is a total reflection of the inviting atmosphere inside. Family spaces like the kitchen, family room, and breakfast nook are open-concept, but there are also stellar formal spaces like separate living rooms and dining rooms available per floor plan. Options can include cozy additions like fireplaces, and even covered porches for outdoor entertaining.

And that’s just on the first floor of a home in High Shoals. Upstairs, secondary bedrooms can include details like walk-in closets and full guest ensuites – the luxurious privacy will blow your overnight guests away. You’ll find flexible spaces here on the second floor as well, with floor plans including sitting areas, game rooms, and spacious lofts for family and guests to enjoy. Additionally, basements are available per floor plan for an unmatched amount of extra flex space. In all, overnight guests staying at your home in High Shoals will get the sense that they’re in a classic estate-style home – with design that’s warm and welcoming to all.

Hometown Comforts and Unique Options in Dallas

And your location in Dallas gives you prime access to all the bustle of this charming town. That means local options for takeout when it’s game day and you’re feeding a crowd, and the freshest local meats and produce when it’s time to create an unforgettable meal for all your favorite people. Crowd-pleasers include Sal’s Pizza – the place to go for a classic pie or a whole tray of tasty subs, or FatSpices Philly Cheesesteaks for a fix on the iconic cheesesteak and a perfectly greasy philly egg roll. As for home cooking, in the warm months you can look forward to the Dallas Farmers Market, where you’ll find any variety of local produce – freshly grown close to home. And, in the cooler season, flowers, fresh charcuterie, and a wide variety of fine cheeses will still be easy to pull together in a pinch from the local Kroger just south of downtown!

All of this and much more is waiting for you in a new home at High Shoals. The lifestyle in Dallas is quiet and comfortable, yet also engaging and fun! Discover a home that’s ready for you to host in from the get-go, reach out to learn about current and upcoming opportunities in High Shoals.

Moving into a new home is an exciting time. Moving into a new home right before the holidays take it to an entirely new level. Whether celebrating your first Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, Christmas or Hanukkah in your new home, it’s always fun to welcome friends, neighbors and family to join in a seasonally themed inauguration of your house. Needless to say, food and music will likely play major roles – possibly even a favorite holiday film or two, but if you really want to fill the rooms and hallways of your home with laughter, you might want to incorporate a few fun holiday games. Best of all, Paran Homes has trolled the internet in search of the best holiday party games so you don’t have to!

Gratitude Game

This great Thanksgiving Day suggestion comes from Country Living Magazine. It involves multi-colored pick up sticks and a color-coded instruction sheet to match. With five suggested Gratitude themes, you can place a corresponding color next to each command. For instance, Brown for “Name a Person You are Thankful For”, Orange for “Name a Place You are Thankful For”, Green for “Name a Food You are Thankful For”, Blue for “Name a Thing You are Thankful For” and Purple for “Name Anything of Your Choice.”

To play, hold all the colored sticks in your hand and drop them so they fall randomly. Everyone gathers around the sticks and takes turns trying to pull sticks from the pile without making the other sticks move. As they successfully pull a stick, they must follow the command on the instruction sheet you created. The person next to them repeats the cycle. If one of the other sticks moves, they lose their turn. At the end of the game, the person with the most sticks wins!

Please Pass the Corn

For this Thanksgiving-themed game from PlayPartyPlan.com, you’ll need candy corn, popsicle sticks, several pie tins/shallow bowls and a table or kitchen island. Played in pairs, this game requires both players to place popsicle sticks in their mouths. On one end of the table is one contestant and a bowl full of candy corn, on the other is another contestant and an empty bowl. The goal is to empty one bowl into the other using only the popsicle sticks.

The first player can use their hands to place a candy corn on the stick in their mouth, they must then meet the other team member in the middle to transfer the corn from their stick to the others, without dropping it. The other team member must then drop the corn in the empty bowl, and this continues until the bowl full of candy corn is empty. As you become more skilled at the transfer, you can add more than one candy corn to your stick. The team that finishes first – with the fullest bowl – WINS (in other words, you don’t get rewarded for DROPPING your candy corn on the floor).

Santa Limbo

This Christmas party game suggestion comes from Shutterfly and involves a group of three or more guests, a limbo stick and a collection of throw pillows. Have participants put a “Santa belly” under their shirt using one of the pillows. Have two guests hold the limbo stick at a starting height, and then everyone can try to limbo underneath with their Santa bellies in place. Once everyone has tried, lower the stick slightly and have those who made it through go again. Continually lower the stick until one winner remains! For added fun, have everyone don Santa hats, play Christmas music and take lots of photos!

Stocking Guessing Game

Another great Christmas-themed suggestion from Shutterfly, this game comes complete with PRIZES! Stuff a stocking with fun little gifts you pick up that would have broad appeal for kids to grown-ups and boys to girls. Put a notepad in front of four or more participants, tie of the top of the stocking so no one can see inside and then pass it around so everyone can have a chance to feel the objects inside. They can then write down their ideas (but don’t let anyone peek) and pass it on to the next person. Once everyone has filled out their guesses, open the stocking to reveal what’s inside. The person with the most correct guesses wins the contents of the stocking.

Ornament on a Spoon

A fun Christmas game for larger gatherings, it’s the same concept as Egg on a Spoon – with a seasonal twist. According to Shutterfly, you break your group of 8 or more players up into teams for a relay course – with or without obstacles. With an ornament on their spoon, the first person will go through the course and return to pass it on. Players can only use their spoons and NOT their hands when passing the ornament. If someone drops their ornament, that person needs to return to the beginning and repeat the course again. Once the ornament is successfully passed off, it’s the next person’s turn and so on until everyone has completed the course. The first team to complete the course WINS!

Dreidel Scattergories

This Hanukkah-themed take on the popular Milton Bradley game of Scattergories comes from SignupGenius. You’ll need a timer and a list of categories – like food, animals, movie stars, colors, careers, clothing, TV shows, flowers, countries, etc. – written onto pieces of paper or index cards that are facedown. All the players will need a pad of paper and a writing utensil. And – of course – you’ll need a dreidel.

Flip a card to reveal the category and then spin the dreidel and whatever letter it lands on – N,G, H or S – your players will have two minutes (set your timer) to write down as many things that come to mind that start with the letter facing up. For example, if the category is food and the letter is N, they might write down nachos, nuts, noodles, etc. When the two minutes are up, each person counts the number of fitting answers and tallies their score. Repeat all the above until all the categories have been fulfilled. The person with the largest score wins.

Two Truths and a Fib

This game can be used for both Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations, but for Festival of Light-specific parties, test your party guests’ knowledge of the historical story of Hanukkah. Have everyone write down two true facts and one fib about Hanukkah – the real fun comes from telling the fib with such detail that it seems like the truth. Go around the circle and have each person tell their two truths and a fib. The other contestants should score which one they think is the fib on a piece of paper, then move on to the next person in the circle. Anyone who gets away with their fib without anyone catching on wins! To customize this game for Christmas, simply make it about the Christmas story. This idea also came from SignupGenius.

At Paran Homes, no matter the time of year, we hope you find many years of happiness in your new home. Best wishes to you and yours for a Happy Holiday Season!

In search of a new home in which you can host holiday gatherings for years to come? Check out our communities throughout Metro Atlanta and the Greater Nashville area! Many of our floor plans come with flexible living spaces or dedicated game rooms that are ideal for families who love to have FUN!

Image link: https://unsplash.com/photos/SUTfFCAHV_A

As the holiday season ramps up and 2019 winds down to a close, Paran Homes has a few special year-end “gifts” up its proverbial sleeves. In an effort to welcome new homebuyers “Home for the Holidays” at its communities throughout the Metro Atlanta area, Paran has unwrapped a series of extraordinary incentives at many of its communities. Some of those incentives represent money off desirable design options while others signify “Any Way You Want It” savings that the buyer can apply towards blinds, appliances, closing costs or even a price reduction! Those savings could equate up to $50,000 for the right pairing of home buyer and home. If you’re in the market for a new home, value quality craftsmanship, love that new home smell and hope to start the New Year at a new address, Paran Homes invites you to visit the following communities to find the home of your dreams at unbelievable savings!

• Chestnut Farms – Nestled in the City of Kennesaw, this enclave of just 36 luxury homes priced from the Low $400s is conveniently located near I-75. This West Cobb find is featuring discounts of up to $30,000 or $10,000 Any Way You Want It + $10,000 in Design Options on select homes for a limited time. *Contracts must be written by 12/15/19 to qualify. Some restrictions apply, see onsite sales consultant for further details. Specifications and features are approximate and subject to change without notice.

• Gladstone Landing – Representative of one of Paran Homes’ newest 55 or better communities, Gladstone Landing features luxury townhomes priced right in the Mid $200’s along with great incentives of up to $3,000 in Design Options + $5,000 in Closing Costs! *Up to $3,000 to be used on blinds and refrigerator. Up to $5,000 in closing costs with preferred lender only. Offer valid on homes that can close by 12/15/19. Certain restrictions apply. See onsite sales agent for further details. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Prices and offer subject to change without notice.
• Magnolia Court – Located in Marietta’s desirable East Cobb School District and featuring homes priced from the High $400’s, this stunning Cobb County community is showcasing $15,000 Any Way You Want It + 50% off Design Options Incentives for a limited time *Offer valid on ratified contracts written by 12/15/19. Design options up to $25,000. Up to $15,000 to be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. Some restrictions apply, see onsite sales consultant for further details. Specifications and features are approximate and subject to change without notice.
• Seaboard Junction – This lifestyle-centric 55 or better community in Loganville is offering $7,500 Any Way You Want It on select home sites OR $5000 in Design Options for presales for a limited time on its homes priced from the High $200s *Up to $7,500 to be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. Up to $5,000 in Design Options on Presales only. Offer valid on contracts for lots 61 and 62 only and must close by 12/15/19.
• Heritage Pointe – This Gwinnett County community in the heart of Lawrenceville boasts terrific single-family homes priced from the High $200s and access to excellent schools. It is currently offering THREE great incentives that include $3000 Any Way You Want It + Buy Now and Receive up to $5,000 IN CLOSING COSTS + $1500 Brokers Incentive for a limited time *Design options up to $3,000 and closing cost up to $5,000. Broker bonus valid at closing only. Offer valid only on homes that close by 12/15/19.
• Millwood Farms – Representative of one of our newest communities in Marietta featuring gorgeous single-family homes priced from  the Low $400s, Cobb’s Millwood Farms is offering Buy Now and Receive $7500 in Design Options *Up to $7,500 to be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. Offer valid on contracts written by 12/15/19.
• Oakleigh Pointe – This stellar Paulding County community is offering seven NEW Ranch and Two-Story plans + Up To $25,000 Any Way You Want It Buyer incentive + $1,000 Broker Bonus for a limited time on its single-family homes priced from the Mid $200s *Up to $25,000 on inventory homes. Other home incentives vary and can be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. Broker bonus and Any Way You Want It incentive valid on contracts closed by 12/15/19.
• The Lakes of Franklin Goldmine – Situated in the heart of Cumming, this beautiful community of homes priced from the Mid $300s and truly terrific amenities is nearing close-out. On select inventory homes, buyers can enjoy Up to $15,000 in savings for a limited time. *Offer valid on select inventory homes only. Contract written by 12/15/19. Closing costs available through approved lender only.
• Kingsland – An incredible community of homes priced from the Mid $200’s this South Fulton treasure offers accessibility to Hartsfield-Jackson International Atlanta Airport along with Up to $7000 Any Way You Want It + 4% commission to buyer’s agents for a limited time. *Up to $7,000 to be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. 4% co-op commission only on homes to close on or before 12/15/19 with full price offers and approved lender. If contract does not meet these three criteria, co-op commission is 3%. If buyer chooses a price reduction with incentive offer, home cannot be lower than base price to ensure valid appraisal.  Some restrictions apply, see onsite sales consultant for further details. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Prices and offers subject to change without notice.
• Traditions of Braselton – Showcasing homes priced from the Low $200s to $700s+, this exciting amenity rich master-planned community may just be your “Home for the Holidays” with Up to $50,000 in Savings + $5000 in Closing Costs on select homes. *Offer valid on select inventory homes only. Contract written by 12/15/19. Closing costs available through approved lender only. Some restrictions apply, see onsite sales consultant for further details. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Prices and offers subject to change without notice.

“A new home represents a place where new memories can be made – and not just the big ones during the holidays,” said Michael Rosenberg, President of Paran Homes. “Memories could include all the simple things like stories shared around the dinner table in your new kitchen, family movie night on the sectional in your new family room, countless meals prepared in your new kitchen, carrying the kids up the stairs to their new bedrooms and so much more. We couldn’t think of a better gift to give our homebuyers. Many of the savings and incentives we’re offering may prove the difference between a new home and the home of their dreams for a number of buyers. We’re excited to welcome some new neighbors ‘Home for the Holidays’ at our Atlanta-area communities.”

To learn more about Paran Homes and its growing collection of beautiful communities throughout Metro Atlanta, visit www.paranhomes.com.

If you’re in a brand-new Paran Home (OR hope to be in one in time for Thanksgiving NEXT year), chances are you’re eager to open your home to holiday guests. While it can be an exciting time, it can also be undeniably stressful. Rather than risk a Turkey Day morning meltdown, we recommend taking advantage of the days leading up to Thanksgiving to organize in hopes of minimizing the stress. While there’s not much we can do to stop your mother-in-law from weighing in on your choice of décor or keep your uncle from diving headlong into the topic of politics, Paran Homes is proud to offer up the following five tips to hosting a fret-free Thanksgiving…

1)      Take a Cue from Expert Culinary Teams: Now that you have a gorgeous new kitchen by Paran Homes, consider this your command central for the big day and DEVISE A PLAN. Decide ahead of time which recipes you would like to make, print them out and even laminate them (to protect from spills), shop for all of the ingredients so there are no unexpected Thanksgiving Day runs to find an open store, and develop a task list for Thanksgiving Day attendees. You KNOW a select few will ask repeatedly what they can do to help. If you REALLY want to minimize your stress, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to say “can you help chop this onion?” or “can you please stir the gravy?” While you don’t want too many people in the kitchen, it’s nice to have several people around you in the heart of the home, where great memories are made and wonderful conversations are shared. Your task list can also cover the post-meal activities, such as clearing the table, washing dishes, drying dishes and putting the left-overs in containers.

2)      Don’t Make a Rookie Mistake: While it’s fun and valiant to try a new recipe or two, Thanksgiving is the “big show.” You don’t want to disappoint yourself OR your guests by serving a dish that’s anything shy of fabulous. In the days leading up to Turkey Day, take a practice run of any new recipes you plan to try and use your family members as guinea pigs. Make a game of it and tell them that tonight, they are food critics. Give them each a pen and paper so they can write down their thoughts about the new dish(es). They can even share their ideas for ways to make it even better. This practice run will let you know which dishes will be making their debut at your Thanksgiving dinner and which won’t make the cut.

3)      Map Your Prep and Serving Stations: When we design our homes, Paran Homes takes great care in considering everything from daily life to opportunities to entertain. Many of our designs feature an open flow between the kitchen, breakfast area and family room, and many of our kitchens features loads of countertop space and large central islands. A number of our homes also boast separate and spacious formal dining rooms. If you plan to serve from a long buffet table in your dining room, then you’re all set to purely prep in your kitchen. If you need to use your kitchen for both prep and service, you’ll want to map out where the “magic” will take place. This “station” plan can also jive with your task list for guests – your mom can prep the sweet potato casserole at one section of the counter, your sister can chop ingredients and toss the salad at another section of the counter, and you can manage everything going into/coming out of the oven while supervising the stovetop dishes. Have everyone’s tools, ingredients and pans in place at their stations to ensure a smooth operation. Set your kitchen island as your service buffet for the moment that you’re ready to serve.

4)      Make Your Seating Chart: Seating charts aren’t merely for weddings, people! You know how many guests you plan to host and you ALSO know everyone’s distinct personalities. If you can’t fit everyone around the dining room table, consider expanding the kids’ table to the breakfast room. Depending on the size of your guest list, you may need to have a folding table set up to aid with overflow. Set each table ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to cook AND set up at the same time. Consider making place cards to place people where you believe they’ll feel most comfortable and have the most fun.

5)      Set Guests Up with Delightful Distractions: You’re going to be BUSY making the Thanksgiving feast, but you don’t want a house full of bored (and hungry) guests. Have light snacks set about and plan games/activities to keep them preoccupied while you work your magic. Video games, board games or holiday-themed crafts are always a hit with the kiddos, older guests might enjoy watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or sports on TV, and you’ll have a select group with you in the kitchen. You may also want to set up a ball jar, pen and paper squares where people can write the things for which they are thankful and pop them in the jar. The host of the meal can read these notes during the meal and guests can take guesses at who wrote them. If your family observes Christmas, you may want to set up an area where they can create their own ornament. If you plan to set up your tree soon, you can either add all of these new ornaments to your tree for your first Christmas in your new Paran Home or allow your guests to take their ornaments home as a keepsake of their Thanksgiving at your house.

From all of us here at Paran Homes, we wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!