A New Year's Party at Home: Celebrate with the Kids

Here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor of Jacksonville we are wrapping up 2011! As 2011 comes to a close make sure you don't miss out on our final sale for this year...Saturday is the last day for the 20% off all accessories and the additional 10% off ALL floor model items. And a reminder that Christmas “Holiday Décor” is 50% off.


New Year's Party Activities and Decorations

After hosting holidays rich with tradition an
d expectation, a low-key approach to New Year's Eve can be relaxing. Here are some ideas to make your family-friendly New Year's Eve one to remember.

For starters, the decorations and party favors should be part of the New Year's celebration. A few ideas:

1. Make your own festive New Year's party hats with cardstock that you roll into cone shapes.

2. Headbands from a drugstore tied with tulle make cute crowns.

3. Tie jingle bells to dowels for easy noisemakers.

4. Cut up scraps of paper to throw when the clock strikes 12 (and keep a vacuum nearby to clean up the mess).

5. Young families can set the clock ahead and declare the New Year at bedtime. Throw that confetti, blow those party horns, and bang pots. Then tuck in little ones for the night.
****Get our New Year's party hat and other patterns****

New Year's Party Food

Turning dinner into an activity means less solo work for you -- and all family members get what they want. Here are some food ideas for your family-friendly New Year's Eve:

*Main dish: Stop by a local pizza place for an order or two of fresh dough. At home, divide the dough into individual portions, put out sauces and toppings, and let everyone have at it.

*Drinks: Because you might not be popping any champagne corks at this all-ages shindig, you'll want some festive and fizzy mocktails. You can experiment together with juice, fruit, or candy; ginger ale or seltzer provides the bubbles. Serve drinks in party glasses for flair.

*Dessert: For dessert, bake the New Year a birthday cake. Just remember the candles!

New Year's Party Games

Game night and movie night are family-fun standbys. A few tweaks can make either extra-special on New Year's Eve. Here are some game ideas for your New Year's Eve party:

*Game Night: Put a sweet spin on classic games with Hasbro's chocolate editions of Scrabble, Twister, Trivial Pursuit, Clue, and Monopoly. They're dessert and fun in one: In Monopoly, for instance, real estate cards, game pieces, and hotels are foil-wrapped chocolates.

*Movie Marathon: Plan a movie marathon for New Year's Eve. Pick an all-ages lineup with Big, The Goonies, and The Princess Bride, or go for wholesome nostalgia with original versions of The Love Bug, The Parent Trap, and Angels in the Outfield. Or stick with New Year's favorites such as High School Musical, , After the Thin Man, , and About a Boy. Set up a snack bar for a theater-style treat -- bowls of popcorn (cheese, caramel, buttered, and plain) with loads of mix-ins.

*New Year's Theme Charades: Breathe new life into the old party game of charades by acting out your resolutions. Kids will love to see how parents express their desire for a more balanced life or better eating habits. And parents have a chance to glean insights to their teenagers' lives. Plus, when you act out your resolutions, you go public with your goals for the coming year, which means you're more likely to stick with them. If resolutions aren't your thing, make predictions for 2012. Have everyone write down thoughts -- both silly and serious -- about what the next year will hold and put the prognostications in an envelope to be opened next New Year's Eve.

* For more party ideas and recipes check out Better Homes and Gardens

Christmas Crafts!

Thanks to everyone that joined us for our Friends and Family Holiday Sale. We truly had a great time! If you missed it...no worries! Our Christmas decor is now marked down 30% and ALL accessories are marked down 20% until the first of the year! Make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and join our fans in some fun! We also share all the latest sales info there! We hope to see you here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor of Jacksonville soon!




~Paper-Doily Wreath~

A delicate-looking wreath that creates the magical effect of candles flickering in the snow is easy to make and surprisingly sturdy. Wreath frames are strung with twinkling lights that are nestled in frothy, doilylike paper bouquet holders known as "Biedermeiermanschetten."

~Step One~
Working on a covered surface, lay a 24-inch wreath form inside a 30-inch one. Attach them with 24-gauge wire at 6 to 8 evenly spaced points.

~Step 2~
In a ventilated area, coat combined wreath form with white spray paint. Let dry.

~Tools and Materials~

24-inch wreath form, from mainewreathco.com
30-inch wreath form, from mainewreathco.com
24-gauge wire
White spray paint
20-foot strand of white holiday lights
Scissors
Paper bouquet holders (we used ten 8.8-inch ones, twenty 6.4-inch ones, twenty 4.8-inch ones, and fifty 3.2-inch ones), from germanplaza.com

Read more at Marthastewart.com

Holiday Sale at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor

**Join us for our Friends & Family Customer Appreciation SALE!!**

* Buy 1 Get 1 half off...ALL home decor and Christmas decor

* ALL furniture minimum 10% OFF

* 15% OFF Venders:

-Bradington-Young -Intercon
-Sam Moore -Seven Seas
-Winner's Only
* Includes In-Stock & Special Orders *

* 20% OFF Venders:

-Bassett -Bernhardt
-Canadel -Cresent
-Flexsteel -Howard Miller
-Riverside -Parker House
-Sherrill -Stanley
-Cambridge Mills -Fine Furniture
-Hooker Furniture -Pensylvania House
-Universal
* Includes In-Stock & Special Orders *

* DEEP FLOOR SAMPLE DISCOUNTS:

-Blue tags = 30% OFF
-Yellow tags = 40% OFF
-Orange tags = 50% OFF

12 months interest free with approved credit OR... 3% OFF for cash/check paid in full!

**Decorating your Christmas Tree!!**

It's time to decorate for Christmas!!

It's a busy time of year here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture & Decor of Jacksonville!! And, one of our favorite times!!

• Christmas is now 20% off!
• Floor Sample Sale! Fall Decor is 75% off!
• Free Box Spring with a purchase of your Jamison Mattress
• Bassett Sleeper Sofa On Sale & more...

Like our Facebook page & stay tuned for all sales info! Plus we're giving away free stuff... so, click here: www.facebook.com/woodchucks.

If you've ever been to the store you know we LOVE Christmas trees. Here at Woodchuck's Furniture we like to think of a Christmas Tree as a blank canvas.

Our friend Heather shared a few of her tips for decorating your tree!

First, decide if you will use a real or artificial tree. Both can be beautiful. It's really just a matter of personal preference. Your next decision is where to place your tree. Traditionally, most families place their trees in front of a large window. But, if you have small children or pets (cats in particular) you may want to consider placing it in a room that can be closed off.

Now it's time for lights. The big questions...How many lights do I need? A good rule is 100 lights per ft. If you have a 6ft tree you will need 600 lights. Don't forget to plug them in first to make sure they all work. If you've done it, you'll agree, there's nothing worse than getting the entire tree up... and the middle section, lights not working.

If all of this sounds too challenging (it does to me.lol) You can now buy a lovely pre-lit tree!! Seriously, now, the real fun begins...decorating!! The possibilities are endless! A personal preference may be to start with ribbon (or garland). You can wrap the ribbon around the tree; you can run ribbon down the tree, or even better...both!

Then proceed with filler ornaments. These are just large ornaments which are like the "background" of the tree. We recommend picking two or three colors for your "filler" ornaments. They can be a variety of shapes and textures. Then add some fun accessories. From artificial flowers to small framed pictures to any thing sparkly!

If you have family ornaments... add those last. That's kind of like icing on the cake. Oh yeah, you can't forget the tree topper!! Most families prefer the classic star or angel. But, I say anything goes. If you're a gator fan, you'll love this topper. Our friend, Heather, has a University of Florida tree... She used a gator head as the top of her tree. If you're a gator, you'll love her tree topper. "Yep, a gator head...chomp chomp!!"

So, have fun and get creative! Happy Holidays!!

We'd love you to share your favorite Christmas Tree decorating tip! :)

Current Sales!!

FREE box spring....

We have so much going on right now at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor of Jacksonville!! Fall Decor is NOW 50% off *excludes yankee candles. PLUS our Annual Holiday Sale for accessories begins a week early just for you! Come in and take 20% off all accessories! And, oh yeah...--->>Free Box Spring with Jamison King or Queen mattress purchase!! And, who couldn't use a better night's sleep. Here are a few tips for better sleep brought to you by Mayo Clinic. We particularly agree with #4!!

**No. 1: Stick to a sleep schedule**
Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends, holidays and days off. Being consistent reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle and helps promote better sleep at night. There's a caveat, though. If you don't fall asleep within about 15 minutes, get up and do something relaxing. Go back to bed when you're tired. If you agonize over falling asleep, you might find it even tougher to nod off.

**No. 2: Pay attention to what you eat and drink**
Don't go to bed either hungry or stuffed. Your discomfort might keep you up. Also limit how much you drink before bed, to prevent disruptive middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet.
Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution, too. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine — which take hours to wear off — can wreak havoc with quality sleep. And even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.

**No. 3: Create a bed time routine**
Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. This might include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to soothing music — preferably with the lights dimmed. Relaxing activities can promote better sleep by easing the transition between wakefulness and drowsiness.
Be wary of using the TV or other electronic devices as part of your bedtime ritual. Some research suggests that screen time or other media use before bedtime interferes with sleep.

**No. 4: Get comfortable**
Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. Often, this means cool, dark and quiet. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.
Your mattress and pillow can contribute to better sleep, too. Since the features of good bedding are subjective, choose what feels most comfortable to you. If you share your bed, make sure there's enough room for two. If you have children or pets, set limits on how often they sleep with you — or insist on separate sleeping quarters.

**No. 5: Limit daytime naps**
Long daytime naps can interfere with nighttime sleep — especially if you're struggling with insomnia or poor sleep quality at night. If you choose to nap during the day, limit yourself to about 10 to 30 minutes and make it during the midafternoon.
If you work nights, you'll need to make an exception to the rules about daytime sleeping. In this case, keep your window coverings closed so that sunlight — which adjusts your internal clock — doesn't interrupt your daytime sleep.

**No. 6: Include physical activity in your daily routine**
Regular physical activity can promote better sleep, helping you to fall asleep faster and to enjoy deeper sleep. Timing is important, though. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you might be too energized to fall asleep. If this seems to be an issue for you, exercise earlier in the day.

**No. 7: Manage stress**
When you have too much to do — and too much to think about — your sleep is likely to suffer. To help restore peace to your life, consider healthy ways to manage stress. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Give yourself permission to take a break when you need one. Share a good laugh with an old friend. Before bed, jot down what's on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner...

Here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor of Jacksonville we love Thanksgiving!! There is nothing better than good food shared with friends and family. It's a time to slow and remember all the things we have to be thankful for. Let us help you prepare for Thanksgiving with our wide selection of fall decor and beautiful dining room sets. Also, our in house designer will be offering decorating tips every Friday on Facebook. Check it out at...

www.facebook.com/woodchucks

**Sweet Potato Pie**

Prep Time:
30 Min Cook Time:
1 Hr 50 Min Ready In:
2 Hrs 20 Min
Ingredients

1 (1 pound) sweet potato
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon


1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Directions
Boil sweet potato whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potato, and remove the skin.
Break apart sweet potato in a bowl. Add butter, and mix well with mixer. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up like a souffle, and then will sink down
as it cools.

Here are a few links with more great Thanksgiving recipes:

**Thanksgiving Recipes**

**24 Thanksgiving Pies**

**Thanksgiving Menus**

Veteran's Day Sale!!

To show our appreciation for all those who serve and their families we're having a Veteran's Day sale here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture Decor of Jacksonville. What day is the sale??? 11/11/11...easy enough to remember. We will be open for 11 hours...from 10-9. We will be offering 11% off delivery, 11 months same as cash and the Guardian Protection plan will be only $11. Also, 11 prizes will be given away. So stop by and join the fun on 11/11/11!!

**Support Our Troops**

In addition to Packages From Home, many organizations provide help for you to support our troops by donating blood, offering up your unused frequent flyer miles, volunteering to foster a military personnel's pet while on duty and donating sports equipment.

Below are some links to helpful organizations:

- Send a letter:
Any Soldier
Letters to Soldiers
A Million Thanks

- Donate blood for troops in combat:
Armed Services Blood Program

- Offer up your unused frequent flyer miles:
Operation Hero Miles

- Volunteer to foster a military personnel's pet through:
Netpets Foster

- Donate sports equipment, games and more through:
Give2theTroops

2011 Fall Decor

Do you have left over pumpkins from Halloween? Go beyond the jack-o-lantern this year with these creative ways to use pumpkins in your fall decor. And, if your looking for some other great fall decor for your home...stop by and see us at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor Jacksonville. All our fall decor is marked down 20%. We located at 12575 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223-2644. Also, check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodchucks


Adorn Them

Festive party decorations, these flower/pumpkin combinations add a happy touch.

Materials: carving or soft-skinned pumpkins, awl (pointed tool), mum plants or cut mums

Instructions:
1.) Poke a hole in the pumpkin using the awl.
2.) Cut a stem from the mum plant, and place in the hole.
3.) Repeat until pumpkin is covered.

Tip: To help extend its life, keep it in the refrigerator until party time.

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Stack Them

Topped with silver serving pieces, pale gray and green pumpkins add interesting height to your buffet.

Materials: heirloom pumpkins with flat tops, small saw, serving pieces

Instructions:
1.) If necessary, remove the pumpkin stems with a small saw.
2.) Balance plates and trays on flat tops of pumpkins.
Tip: Choose from both tall and squatty pumpkins for a variety of heights.

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Etch Them

Announce your address in style by cleverly etching your house number (or your initials or name) into a pumpkin.

Materials: carvable pumpkin, number stencils or house numbers, pumpkin carving/etching set, petroleum jelly

Instructions:
1.) Trace the shape of the numbers onto the pumpkin.
2.) Using pumpkin-carving tools, etch out the numbers by removing layers of the pumpkin, being sure not to cut all the way through the shell.
3.) Rub the design with petroleum jelly to seal the cut skin and keep the design looking fresh.

Tip: Pile a combination of traditional and heirloom pumpkins on your front steps, and top with your etched design.

Woodchucks Furniture - Company's Coming Sale

Our Company is Coming Sale continues here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor of Jacksonville. Do you have out of town company coming for the holidays? Where will they all sit and where will they all sleep. Don't stress...let us help! With our wide selection of Dining Room Tables and Sleeper Sofas everyone will feel right at home. So stop by and see us this weekend. We are located at: 12575 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223-2644

30% OFF Halloween Decor at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor!

Right now at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture of Jacksonville all our Halloween decor is 30% OFF. My personal FAV...the black cat candy dishes. Stop by and see us soon! And, stay connected with us on Facebook!! If you're feeling crafty here's a great idea!

With this nonperishable alternative to your classic jack-o'-lantern, you can assemble a whole lineup of party pumpkins in short order, no carving knife required.

Materials
Terra-cotta pots
Yellow craft paper
Mod-Podge Outdoor
Short, fat sticks



Instructions
For each one, invert a terra-cotta pot. Cut eyes, a nose, and a toothy grin out of yellow craft paper. Brush Mod-Podge Outdoor on the surface of the pot where you want the features to go and press them in place.
To weatherproof your creation, apply a final coat to the entire pot. Finally, insert a short, fat stick into the hole for a stem.

30% OFF Halloween Decor at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor!

All the Halloween decor here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture of Jacksonville has been marked off 30%.


Homemade Candy Corn Recipe

The famous candy is said to have been invented in the United States by George Renninger in the 1880s, and it was originally made by hand. Nowadays, candy corn is mass produced by Jelly Belly® using a recipe unchanged since about 1900.

Of all the Halloween treat recipes available, you simply must try this candy corn recipe and enjoy an old time Halloween treat.

This Halloween recipe is adapted from an original recipe for candy corn.

1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup (2-1/2 oz) butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups powdered icing sugar
1/3 cup powdered milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Red and yellow food coloring

In a large saucepan combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring to a boil over high heat while stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium and continue boiling for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove mixture from heat and add vanilla extract.

Combine the icing sugar, powdered milk, and salt in a separate bowl and add to the mixture in the saucepan, mixing thoroughly. Allow the dough mixture to sit until it's cool enough to handle.

Divide the dough into 3 equal parts and place each part in a small mixing bowl. Add orange food coloring to one part (a combination of yellow and red) and yellow food coloring to another part, leaving the remaining part uncolored or white.

Knead the dough in each bowl until smooth and stiff enough to hold its shape, and the colors are even. Wearing plastic gloves can help prevent your hands from being stained by the food coloring.

Still using your hands, roll each part into a long, thin rope, making each rope of equal length. You may need to use a long countertop or tabletop covered with a strip of waxed paper for this. You'll also need to be careful when rolling as the ropes can easily break if you form them too thin.

When you're done, lay the three ropes of dough along side each other with the orange dough in the middle and carefully press them together to make a long, narrow rectangle. A gentle, light rolling with a rolling pin along the length of the rectangle helps to press the rope edges together, but be careful not to flatten the dough so the rectangle stays as narrow as possible, plus you'll also want the kernels plump looking and not flat.

Finally, cut the dough into triangles or "kernels" using a sharp knife and gently shape the kernels with your fingers, if needed. Allow the kernels to sit for a while and become firm.

You'll end up with over a pound of homemade candy corn, some with yellow tips and some with the traditional white tips. There's no getting around it, kneading the dough and forming the ropes IS time-consuming, hard work, but the results are worth it.

Traditionally, each piece of Halloween Candy Corn is about the size of a kernel of dried corn, but yours made with this homemade candy corn recipe will be about the size of today's Giant Candy Corn.

"Company is Coming" SALE going on NOW!!

Will your dining room be full this holiday season? Be prepared for all your guest with our 'Company is Coming" sale here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor of Jacksonville.

Setting a formal table is easier than you may think. Start by adding a tablecloth and runner, making sure that the tablecloth has at least a six-inch drop on all sides and that the runner is either the same length or shorter than the tablecloth. Then, it's time for the place settings. Forks go to the left of the plate, and the knife (with the blade turned toward the plate) and spoon go to the right. Another tip is to place cutlery in the order that it will be used, with the first utensil, like a salad fork, furthest from the plate. To keep the table from becoming too crowded, simply bring dessert utensils out with that course. Bread plates go to the left of the place setting, glassware to the right. And finally, napkins can be placed either on top of the dinner plate or to the side of the plate.

Of course, a table setting need not be formal. Casual table settings work just as well and give you a chance to go bold with your color choices and really mix patterns. This table setting is an eclectic mix of colors and styles — a country-style plaid tablecloth paired with traditional damask-patterned plates. Although the styles vary, the colors are consistent — everything from the chargers to the glassware is in the fiery tones of fall and the overall look is relaxed. No need to buy items that are matchy-matchy.

"Company is Coming" SALE going on NOW!!

Here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor of Jacksonville we know that as the holiday season approaches many of us will be having guest in our homes. And, we all want our company to feel comfortable. Let us here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor help you do just that. With our "Company is Coming" SALE going on NOW! What better time then now to replace that old couch or get that the new dinning set. Or maybe just add a warm inviting scent with our wide selection of Yankee candles. Sure, having out-of-town company can be great - especially when they are friends or family that you actually want to see. But if you’re anything like us and start to see every little thing wrong in your home.
Take a step back and put things into realistic perspective. There is a way to turn your home into an oasis of comfort for your guests without going overboard. Here are a few quick easy tips to help you prepare for your guest....

Clean & De-Clutter

The cheapest and most simple way to create an inviting and calm environment for your guests is to clean your house and get rid of clutter. Scrubbing the tub, getting rid of that pile of old mail and putting away the laundry doesn’t cost you anything extra, plus tidying up for your guests is a fantastic excuse to bring order to your home and reclaim your space for yourself!

Change the Sheets

Unidentifiable stains on sheets are NOT ok! And of course, sheet sets can get very expensive – or the cheap ones feel like sandpaper. Our solution? Tee shirt sheets! They feel luxurious and cost the same or less than cheap, crappy sheets. Buy a set in white – we found twin sets at Target for only $10 or so.

Invest in White Towels

No, your old, raggedy towels are NOT okay either – that’s just gross! However, before you go out and buy an entire set of new towels, we recommend trying to bleach your old ones first. If the the bleach doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time to invest a little money in a new set of towels. But keep in mind- DO NOT use your guests as an excuse to buy luxury Turkish bath towels when you can’t afford to. By making a trip to your local linen outlet, you’ll be able to find (and feel) a nice but affordable 6 piece set for under $20-30. *Be sure to buy white towels only. This way, you’ll be able to bleach them after each house guest!

Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

This next prep step won’t cost you a dime…. Clean all the gross stuff out of your medicine cabinet! Many of us will be sharing a bathroom with our treasured guests, and the last thing they need to see is your anti-fungal cream or anti-psychotic meds staring them in the face in the morning.

We hope you all enjoy the holiday season. Stop by the store and see all we have to offer. We are located at: 12575 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. Also "LIKE" us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/woodchucks

What is the inspiration for our company? One Word: PEOPLE.

We have that same approach when it comes to serving our employees and suppliers as well. The people who make up the Woodchuck's employee family are truly special. Many have been with our organization for over a decade. It is their character and commitment to excellence that sets Woodchucks apart from any other furniture store in the marketplace today. We believe that we truly are in the "people business", while furniture is simply the vehicle through which we serve others while developing our own character and skills.

Next, our relationship with our vendors and suppliers is one of collaboration and partnership. We truly enjoy the people we do business with whose products we represent in our showroom. We seek out suppliers who demonstrate the same values and character as we have. This includes their merchandise, services, quality, value and reputation for standing behind their products. Our commitment is to the customer and we hold our suppliers to the same standard.

People have made Woodchucks Fine Furniture & Décor what it is today – a place that feels like home! We truly enjoy helping make our customer's dreams come true by assisting in turning their house into a home. Over the last 30 years, serving others first has been very gratifying and we look forward to next 30 years in the Northeast Florida community. Come see why our customers have made Woodchucks the area's favorite family-owned furniture store.

Here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor of Jacksonville,Fl we always have a wide selection of Yankee candles. Here are some great ideas to try with your Yankee candles. We are located on San Jose Blvd. Stop by and see all we have to offer. Or, "like" us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/woodchucks


Decorating for fall holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween is one of my favorite things to do. When decorating the kitchen, I like to carve or construct candle holders from artificial fall fruits and vegetables. These candle holders become the focal point of fall centerpieces for the kitchen table or counter top. Each of these decorative fall candle holder centerpieces is unique and beautiful.
Gilded Apples Fall Kitchen Candle Holder
For this fall kitchen decorating project you will need three artificial apples. Carve a hole in the top of each apple, just the right size for a tea light candle. Spray paint all the apples bright gold and let dry. Glue the artificial apples together in a triangle using a glue gun. Let the glue dry. Place tea light candles in the carved holes and this fall kitchen decorating project is finished.

Mini Pumpkin Fall Kitchen Candle Holder
These simple little single candle holders can be placed all around the kitchen table. Carve a tea light sized hole in the top of each artificial pumpkin. Glue artificial fall leaves to the outside of each pumpkin randomly. Spay with gloss acrylic spray from the craft store. Make up more fall kitchen decorating ideas while the spray and glue dry. Insert candles into the holes to light up the kitchen table.

Squash or Gourd Knot Fall Kitchen Candle Holder
Use two long necked artificial squashes or gourds for this fall kitchen decorating idea. You will also need a six inch flat glass candle holder plate and a bit of fall leaf garland. Glue the leaf garland around the plate edge. Let dry. Place a 4 inch round tall pillar candle on the plate. Glue the artificial squash around and to the candle with the necks in opposite direction to give the appearance of a knot.

Grapes and Vine Wreath Fall Kitchen Candle Holder
For this fall kitchen decorating idea, use a tall fat pillar candle and a grapevine wreath of just the right size to fit snugly over the bottom. You will also need two small bunches of artificial grapes. Squeeze a thin ring of glue around the candle at the bottom. Slide the grapevine wreath in place over the glue. Glue the grape bunches around the candle in random fashion. Let dry and place on the kitchen table.

Cornucopia Fall Kitchen Candle Holder
This fall kitchen decorating idea uses a ready made empty cornucopia from a craft store. Choose fall fruits and vegetables to fill the cornucopia. Fill the cornucopia and glue a small round glass candle holder upright onto the larger part of the opening. Glue small fruits such as berries around the bottom of the candle holder. Use an electric votive light in this fall kitchen candle holder for safety.

Customize a free slideshow design

$100 OFF any purchase of $899 9/24/11 Only!

**Woodchuck's Fine Furniture Fanatical Fans**

2 Bit 4 Bits 6 Bits a dollar...all our football fans stand up and holler!! Here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture, Jacksonville we love football! Who doesn't? To celebrate all things football we are offering $100 OFF any purchase of $899. Also we will be looking for the most "FANATICAL FAN" . Come dressed in your best game day gear...let us hear your best team cheer...or sing your favorite team song. We will randomly select the most original, creative, FANATICAL FAN for a $100 Woodchuck's gift card. So, come join the fun this Saturday, September 24th !!

For more information "like" us & check us out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/woodchucks

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.
Erma Bombeck

To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.
Tony Dorsett

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.
Archie Griffen

How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game, whether you are a winner or a loser.
Lou Holtz

20% Off Framed Art Sale

Framed Art On Sale

Also at Woodchuck’s Fine Furniture in Jacksonville. FL...... shop NOW and save an additional 20% OFF all Framed Artwork in the Store. It’s a great time to add some color and style to your walls AND save an additional 20%. Sale ends Saturday, September 24th.

^{Stay tuned for more sale information and "like" us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/woodchucks}

Shortbread Recipe

Cranberry-White Chocolate Shortbread

What you need:

• 2 cups (4 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups flour
• 1 pkg. (6 squares) BAKER'S White Chocolate, chopped
• 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries

Make It:

HEAT oven to 350°F. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add flour; mix well. Stir in chocolate and cranberries.

DROP rounded tablespoons of dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets; flatten slightly.

BAKE 10 to 14 min. or until lightly browned. Cool 5 min. on baking sheets. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Woodchuck's Fine Furniture Flexsteel

One glance will tell you that Flexsteel furniture looks absolutely beautiful. And, the more you know about our furniture, the more you’ll realize that the most beautiful thing about a Flexsteel sofa or chair isn’t the way it looks—it’s the way it lasts.

Shop Woodchuck's Fine Furniture, Jacksonville for exceptional quality! We also provide a 110% price guarantee on all our items. So, you can shop with confidence. Knowing you're getting the best deal. Because let's face who doesn't love a good deal. Stop by and see us.

Flexsteel furniture is crafted with exceptional care and attention to detail. You can count on your Flexsteel furniture to look and feel wonderful for years.

We are located on San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville, Fl. Or, visit us on line at:

www.woodchucksfurniture.com

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe:

Here at Woodchuck's Fine Furniture and Decor Jacksonville we are getting ready for fall. It's a time to enjoy time with friends and family...and eat! Stop by and see our selection of fall decor.

With just a hint of curry, this gorgeous soup smells almost as wonderful as it tastes. I like to make it in large batches and freeze it for a quick supper all winter long. Add a crusty loaf of bread and a salad and you've got a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredient Tips
Look for packaged peeled and cubed squash in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter


• 1 cup diced onion
• 12 1/2 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 cups quality chicken stock or broth
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 teaspoon curry powder, to taste
• crème fraiche or heavy cream

Directions

• Heat a large stock pot over medium low heat. Add onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 8 minutes.
• Add squash and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until squash is tender.
• Puree with a stick immersion blender or in your regular blender, in batches, carefully venting the lid. Return to pot. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper, if necessary.
• Stir in curry powder. Simmer for 5 minutes more, or until flavors are incorporated.
• Ladle into bowls and serve with a dollop of crème fraiche or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Furniture Today, September 16, 2011

Heath E Combs -- Furniture Today, September 16, 2011

HIGH POINT - When it comes to the curio cabinet, size - and shape - do matter.
Whether that means a size suitable for fitting into corners or a large piece that can hold a plethora of items, customers are looking for something that's either going to get a lot of attention or showcase items in a subtle way.

WHAT'S HOT: Pulaski No. 20544 golden oak curio cabinet FEATURES: Built of hardwood solids and veneers, the style features a golden oak finish and stepped moldings, two-way, felt-lined sliding door with lock, mirrored back, halogen lighting, adjustable glass shelves and adjustable glides for leveling. PRICE: $1,365 WHY IT'S SELLING: Katie Douglas, sales manager for online retailer The Home Gallery of Richmond, Va., said oak display cabinets can be hard to find. Customers also like this unit's spaciousness and capacity to fit many items. "I think it's probably one of the better ones because there's not a whole lot of oak out there right now. Most things are in the cherry finishes, and it's in a good size," she said. The item has been in Pulaski's line for about four years.
	WHAT'S HOT: Howard Miller Townsend 680-235 Village collectors cabinet FEATURES: The cabinet features acanthus leaf molding that accents the pediment along with reeded columns at the sides, thick adjustable shelves, an adjustable power receptacle cord that runs down an interior corner for lighted collectibles at every shelf level, and a sliding glass door. PRICE: $1,299 WHY IT'S SELLING: Doug Correia, owner of Woodchucks Furniture and Clocks, Jacksonville, Fla., said that while he believes the Townsend was developed originally for Department 56 miniature Christmas villages, it has proven a solid seller. Woodchucks has carried the cabinet for about a decade and both the cherry and oak versions sell well, Correia said. The item is distinctive for its larger than typical size and its sliding door, he added. "It's taller than average at 80 inches, it's wider than average and it also is deep and has a power source inside.... It just has a nice display size," he said. "It's something that's done well and continues to do well."
WHAT'S HOT: Chintaly 6633 curio cabinet FEATURES: The cabinet features a floating shelf design, white gloss finish and aluminum and steel construction. Also features a door lock, mirrored interior and tempered glass shelves. PRICE: $499 WHY IT'S SELLING: Marlon Davila, junior buyer for Miami Gardens, Fla.-based El Dorado Furniture, said customers are leaning toward more modern looks and glass and metal, and Chintaly Imports' line of curios suits that preference. Davila said traditionally styled curios did better in years past, but consumer preferences are changing. "I think they're doing well because primarily now, the modern furniture is selling a lot more than traditional. Maybe the popularity of modern is primarily what is the basic push behind Chintaly," she said.
	WHAT'S HOT: Wildon Home Kennedy mahogany lighted corner curio cabinet FEATURES: The cabinet has lighting and mirrors to enhance display and is made of solid birch and MDF with birch veneer. It also has a mahogany finish and tempered glass shelves and side panels. PRICE: $339 WHY IT'S SELLING: Joshua D. MacArthur, senior category manager for accent furniture and decor at Boston-based online retailer Wayfair, said the Wildon piece is attractive because it can easily fit into room corners and not overwhelm space. Wayfair has carried the Wildon Home curio, sold under the retailer's trademarked house brand, for about 18 months. "This piece is elegant and has a very similar look to curios that are double or even triple the price. We are also seeing a trend towards furniture for smaller spaces," MacArthur said.