Choosing the right variety of wine for your upcoming holiday party doesn’t have to be complicated. Here, Master Sommelier Doug Krenik shares laid-back tips for stocking your cellar and imbibing in style this season.

Break out the bubbles. Crémant, a sparkling wine, is what the locals drink in France; it results from the same production method as Champagne but costs considerably less. Or try a Bugey-Cerdon, an off-dry, sparkling rosé that’s perfect for the holidays.

Pairings don’t have to be impeccable. Holiday meals often have diverse flavors, making pairings tricky. So just relax, open a lighter red like a Barbera or Pinot Noir and an easy white like a Riesling or Pinot Gris, and enjoy.

Keep the party going. Consumption varies from person to person, but a good rule of thumb is to provide two glasses per person for the first hour (one bottle contains six four-ounce pours) and one glass per person per hour thereafter—or about one bottle for every two guests. But you know your friends best.

Give the perfect holiday gift bottle. (Hint: it doesn’t have to be perfect.) When selecting a bottle for that special someone, or even your boss, you don’t have to go over the top with a big-name brand. Opt for something funky, delicious and affordable instead (here’s where a good local merchant can help).

Don’t apologize for Colorado wine. Our grapes grow in some of the highest-elevation vineyards in the world, and the mountain climate provides warm days and cool nights—exactly what grapes like. Check out Denver’s Infinite Monkey Theorem label; $1 of every bottle sold goes to The University of Colorado Cancer Center. It’s giving at its best.

For more tips on serving wine during the holidays, click here.

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Closet Factory ColoradoWe’re in the final stretch! Things are starting to come together for our Messy to Marvelous closet makeover winners, Janet and Peter Brophy.

With the shell of the closet cleaned up and painted, it was time for Closet Factory to come in and install the custom cabinetry. Closet Factory employs its own experienced and insured installers, so the whole process went smoothly and was done in about two and a half days.

“Most of our installers have been with us for years and years,” says Closet Factory Colorado President Polly Lestikow, “and they know what they’re doing.”

“The process is like putting a puzzle together,” continues Lestikow. “I design the puzzle and the installers put it together. It’s a team process; if I do my job correctly, then everyone does.”

But glitches do happen and this job was no exception. One of the doors for Peter’s “locker” arrived damaged and two cabinet doors that were supposed to have glass fronts were solid wood. But the Closet Factory team was able to get the problems fixed quickly and properly. “We have a great reputation for following up and making sure that everything is to our clients’ satisfaction,” says Lestikow. “We won’t abandon you.”

With the cabinetry, shelves and island installed, the rest of the big pieces were put into place. Wallpaper hanger Rusty Begano added the beautiful Thibaut seagrass wallpaper and Aspen Design and Fabrication installed the Chroma Quartz countertops from CAPCO Tile.

Finally, the lighting from Illuminations by Design went up and the carpeting from Floor Coverings International went down.

This amazing transformation is almost complete. Next up: a new door and the final design touches are brought in—you won’t want to miss it! And be sure to look for the big reveal in the January/February 2012 issue of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine.

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Shop Small Businesses

Pictured above (clockwise from top left), some of our favorite locally-owned shops: find fun gifts in "The Boutique" at Fruehauf's in Boulder; Enstrom's World Famous Almond Toffee is made in Grand Junction but can be ordered from the website and shipped anywhere; Glass Coasters by K Dahl are a truly unique gift; Tam O'Neill Fine Arts in Denver features Western and Audubon prints.

‘Tis the weekend: the weekend after Thanksgiving, when the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. As you make your gift-giving list and plan your shopping strategy, CH&L would like you to consider visiting some of your town’s small, locally-owned businesses.

Last year, American Express created Small Business Saturday®, 
a day dedicated to supporting small businesses
 on perhaps the busiest shopping weekend of the year. This Saturday, November 26, we’re asking our readers to join the movement by shopping small at their favorite local stores.

I’ve been doing a little “small shopping,” and has found some wonderful, unique gifts for family and friends. I started in Boulder, popping into Fruehauf’s (1665 33rd Street, Boulder, 303-449-9551). Of course, Fruehauf’s is known for its great selection of patio furniture, but did you know they also have a charming space called “The Boutique” filled with fun gifts? I picked up a beautiful Vera Bradley purse for my sister and cute little Troll Beads for my nieces.

Next, I headed to Enstrom’s in Cherry Creek North. The great thing about Enstrom’s (besides their to-die-for toffee) is that they have locations all over the state, as well as a great website—you can order and ship these yummy treats without leaving home. But stopping in a store is a treat in itself, and I love the wide variety of gift baskets and tins. I’ll be passing these out to my hair stylist, mailman and the girls in my office. And I got a little box of toffee for myself, too.

Sweet tooth satisfied, I zipped over to Tam O’Neill Fine Arts, also in Cherry Creek North (311 Detroit Street) in search of something special for my mother-in-law. She has impeccable taste and can be difficult to buy for, but with an incredible selection of naturalist prints—their specialty is Audubon prints—I knew I’d find something she’d love. I’m totally going to win Daughter-in-Law of the Year.

Exhausted, I headed home and logged on to the Glass Coasters by K Dahl website. A few years ago, Crawford-based glass artists Rck and Kathy Steckel started making these coasters from their leftover pieces of glass. Each one is truly unique, and you can even custom make your own! I’m having monogrammed coasters made for all of my out-of-state relatives—gift-wrapped and shipped. So easy!

I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving…and a fun weekend of shopping small!

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Denver art aficionados and history buffs, rejoice: Today, the city’s arts scene gets a major boost as the Clyfford Still Museum throws open the doors of its sleek contemporary building, which is an art form in and of itself.

Inside, visitors will discover, for the first time, the celebrated and nearly complete body of Still’s work—roughly 2,400 of the artist’s famous abstract paintings, drawings and the three sculptures he created in his long career—all bringing light to a life previously shrouded in mystery. The opening is the culmination of a project begun in 2004, when Still’s wife chose Denver as the permanent home for her husband’s artistic estate.

Tonight, we’re off to the opening celebration, “En Route: Denver,” where Denver Grammy-nominated band DeVotchKa will be making an appearance, to take a first look ourselves—oh goody. Stay tuned! And if you’re looking for something to spice up your weekend, perhaps you should pay a visit yourself. clyffordstillmuseum.org

 

 

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When we got together with Closet Factory to offer this incredible contest to our readers, there was much discussion about all the professionals we’d need on board to create the ultimate dream closet. But choosing Robert Koelbel as the general contractor didn’t take much discussion at all. Polly Lestikow, president of Closet Factory Colorado, had worked with Koelbel on many projects and knew he was the man for the job.

“I’ve known Bob for years and he’s always very professional and knows how to run a job site so that everything is done on time and on budget,” says Polly.

There’s a reason Bob is good at what he does: experience. Founder of Robert Koelbel Homes, Bob has been building and remodeling homes for more than 40 years. And although a closet remodel may be a small job for Bob, he is approaching it with as much gusto as he does when building a multi-million-dollar home.

“A house is a family’s largest ongoing investment,” says Bob, explaining his philosophy. “To be selected is to be trusted; to be the steward of someone’s home is a privilege.”

Koelbel’s chief responsibility is to organize all the subcontractors who contributed to the project: electricians, dry-wallers, painters, flooring installers…and so on. A remodeling project involves many sets of hands, and it’s no small feat to keep things moving along. “Our job,” says Bob, “is to coordinate all of the vendors in a sequential manner so that we can avoid any delays.”

And so with Koelbel’s project superintendent, Steve Kinghorn, at the helm, construction begins. All the old racks and shelves are being removed, as is a small wall and the window seat. With a clean slate, Destiny Electric will rewire and prepare the ceiling for eight new recessed lights (and a few additional outlets).

With the electrical work done, South Valley Drywall repairs, patches and preps the walls for paint and wallpaper, while the entry is framed for a new custom door from Sun Mountain Door.

Next, Rocky Mountain Painters moves in to give the ceiling and trim a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White paint.

Rocky Mountain PaintersThings are moving along! Stay tuned as the closet continues to take shape, and be sure to look for the big reveal in the January/February 2012 issue of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine.

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Photo from Q’s Restaurant, Boulder

Design Excellence Day, November 4

Interior design students, you’re invited: Head to the Denver Design District for a full day of design inspiration, including a panel discussion with working design pros and the chance to design a space with products and samples from some of the showrooms. Registration is $10. For more info, click here.

Beaujolais and Beyond Festival, November 17

Lovers of French wine and food will relish the chance to celebrate the season for beaujolais nouveau and sample fare crafted by more than 20 of Colorado’s finest chefs. The event rounds out with a culinary competition, raffle (you might just win a trip for two to Europe) and lively entertainment. Tickets are $65 by November 16 and $75 day of event, which takes place at Denver’s Infinity Park Event Center. For more info, click here.

L’Esprit de Noel Holiday Home Tour & Boutique, November 18-19

For holiday inspiration for table and home, wander through five beautiful residences in Denver’s Morgan’s Addition Historic District. Each is dressed for the season by local florists, designers and other inspired creatives. Tour is $20; boutique is free. For more info, click here.

En Route: Denver, November 18

Join the big celebration of the opening of the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver. Grammy-nominated Denver band, DeVotchKa, will take the stage, and guests will enjoy food while raising a glass to Still’s life and legacy. Tickets start at $125. For more info, click here.

First Bite Boulder, November 11-19

For one week, 40-plus restaurants offer three-course meals for a serious chance to taste the town’s best flavors, and for the palatable price of $26. (Last year’s participating eateries included such favorites as Salt, The Kitchen and Cafe Aion.) For more info, click here.

Discover more of November’s best events at coloradohomesmag.com.



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As the holiday season approaches and we ready our nests for gatherings at home, CH&L‘s Entertaining Issue delivers tips and inspiration for styling spaces and decorating rooms. Take style cues from homes featured in the issue:

See how an elegant arrangement of long-collected decorations dress an Englewood home in its holiday best

Browse photos of a ski-in/ski-out retreat near Aspen Mountain, designed by architect Charles Cunniffe

Take pointers from designer Jennifer DesJardin, who whips up a timeless cozy design for a historic Denver home

Of course, it’s prime gift-giving season, too. Click here to go to our annual gift guide, in which the staff at CH&L—and a few friends you may know—share the gifts they’d like to give and receive this year, many of them made right here in Colorado.

We hope you enjoy the issue!

 

 

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You might wonder why a designer is necessary for a closet makeover; after all, it’s just a closet! But think about it: unlike a formal living or dining room (spaces for which we regularly hire professional interior designers), we use our closets everyday. And chances are good, more than once a day.

“Designers have the education and experience to create a space that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing” says Shannon Harris, the designer with Denver-based interior design firm Ashley Campbell who’s working with homeowners Janet and Peter Brophy to transform their closet. “We’re here to guide our clients to make good decisions.”

Ashley Campbell

The closet is now empty and ready for its makeover!

Together with Polly Lestikow of Closet Factory Colorado, Shannon came up with a plan to use the 15 ft x 12 ft space to its best potential. They took into consideration the amount of clothes and shoes the Brophys have and how they use their closet on a daily basis. For example, the Brophys are frequent travelers, which inspired a large island on which suitcases can easily be packed. And instead of just one laundry hamper, a second was incorporated specifically for dry cleaning.

Then comes the fun part: making the space pretty. Shannon says the concept of “Earthy Elegance” was inspired by the adjoining master bath, which had already been remodeled in warm, organic colors and finishes. “Once we got into the space and saw the master bath,” says the designer, “it was easy to envision how the closet should look.”

The finished closet will be revealed in our January/February 2012 issue, but here’s a little sneak peak at some of the elements that will be used to bring the Earthy Elegance concept to life:

Ashley CampbellClockwise from top left: Cabinetry from Closet Factory is creamy white and slightly distressed, adding brightness to the closet. Grasscloth wallpaper from Thibaut softens the walls; a touch of rich red coordinates with the master bath’s wall color. Capco Tile & Stone’s “Oasis” Chroma Quartz that tops the island anchors the space. A flush mount light fixture from Illuminations by Design has an earthy, organic look and will be placed above the island.

Stay tuned for more updates as construction begins!

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I’ve had a great time working with the friendly, knowledgeable staff at Colorado Style Home Furnishings to decorate the lovely home at 5 Waterside Terrace. With their help, and the stunning array of furnishings and accessories available at their two showrooms, I have been able to create a series of warm, comfortable rooms throughout the home. For the grand finale, we’re working with the lower level recreation room, a gathering place for friends and family alike.

I begin with a sectional sofa; the modular pieces can shift around, making it so very versatile. The big question here is whether to choose a leather or fabric finish; the leather is durable and easy to clean, while chenille offers a cozy, warm appeal. I opt for the Grandview, with thick, boot-cut bomber jacket leather, baseball triple stitch and nailhead trim, then add a few down-filled chenille pillows and throw blankets to warm the piece.

Since not everyone is comfortable piling into a sectional, I place a pair of leather-fabric combination recliners nearby. With wood trim and swivel function, these are not your grandpa’s chairs!

Colorado Style Home FurnishingsAn oversized octagonal cocktail table with leather top and a built-in checkerboard serves double duty; four low stools tucked underneath make it easy to convert the table for casual dining.

Colorado Style Home FurnishingsFor game night, a leather-top table with pedestal base works beautifully; it’s dining table height, with built-in chip holders. Burgundy red curved-back chairs on casters finish the set. Nearby, barstools line the tall bar counter; I may decide to match them to the game set chairs, or go with a complementary fabric. With 10,000 fabrics to choose from at Colorado Style, adding a pop of color will be an easy task!

Colorado Style Home FurnishingsWhether it’s time to furnish your own special home or update a few rooms, make a visit to Colorado Style Home Furnishings. With a team of dedicated professionals, an expansive, ever-changing inventory, one-of-a kind furnishings, finishes and accessories from around the globe and the ability to customize nearly every piece of furniture in the showroom, Colorado Style stands ready to make your dreams into reality.

For more information about Colorado Style Home Furnishings, see below; to learn about 5 Waterside Terrace, , visit www.sandyweigand.denverrealestate.com.

Colorado Style Home Furnishings
2540 E. County Line Rd
Highlands Ranch, CO
303-741-4240
www.coloradostyle.com

Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday
10am – 6pm
Sunday
12pm – 5pm

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Four Seasons SpaA few weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure of taking our Sub-Zero/Wolf client Denise Manu to the spa at the Four Seasons Denver. Every year, Denise and I find an afternoon to celebrate the success of our annual Inspiring Design Conference—a two-day educational event for more than 250 trade professionals hosted at their amazing showroom.

Planning the event is almost a year-round undertaking, so after executing this well-attended event we figured we deserved some spa time. Denise and I both run around like crazy people, so finding an afternoon to enjoy and spoil ourselves is not easy. But on this afternoon, we managed to squeeze a couple of hours out of our day for a little pampering. What a mistake—we should have planned an entire day! The minute we walked into the spa, we discovered we had access to the amazing roof top pool and all the spa amenities, including a relaxation room. Upon this realization we began checking our calendars for a day to go back.  I regret to inform you that we have yet to find a date, and at this rate it may well be after the 5th annual IDC event—but at least I have that to look forward to. And trust me, I am looking forward to it.

Four Seasons Denver SpaIf you are in need of a day of respite  (as I know so many of you are) then run—don’t walk—to the Four Season’s Denver spa. Take a client, friend or loved one, but just make sure you plan to spend an entire day. And for a little more relaxation,  plan to stay for cocktail hour at the hotel’s restaurant and bar, EDGE. I hear that Thursday is the night that the locals stop in, and that it’s the scene in which to be seen. Apparently, high fashion on display, encouraging further “retail therapy”.  I haven’t been, but as soon as I find an outfit worthy of the hype, I’m there.

On a side note, the Inspiring Design Conference was not ALL work. This year’s event featured former football player, motivational speaker and author of Find a Way,  Merril Hoge. I’m a CRAZY football -loving sports fan, so having the opportunity to meet Merril and listen to him speak about surviving cancer and always “finding a way” was wonderful. (I also must admit I have a gigantic crush on Merril.)

So “find a way” to do things you love, including a visit the Four Seasons Denver spa—you deserve it!

Four Season Spa photos by Don Riddle

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