Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the board at LongCreek!

Whether you'll be ringing in 2016 downtown or from the comfort of home - we wish you a safe and happy New Years!

Looking for something to do?  Here are a few ideas:

Famously Hot New Year
Main Street - Downtown Columbia
Concerts and Fireworks!

New Years Eve at Noon
Children's Celebration
Edventure

New Years Eve Masquerade
Music, dancing and fireworks
Newberry Opera House

Find a full list of NYE activities at Free Times

Christmas Fun Facts

A very Merry Christmas from all of us at LongCreek Plantation!

Thank you for a wonderful year!

We're wishing you a blessed time with family and friends.  If you need a little help with small talk this holiday...here are a few pieces of Christmas trivia you may enjoy!

1. The typical Christmas tree grows for 15 years before it is ready to be cut and sold.
2. Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a holiday - in 1836.
3. The earliest Christmas trees were decorated with apples.
4. Americans send on average 1.5 billion Christmas cards.
5. "Jingle Bells" was originally written for Thanksgiving.
6. For Santa to visit all the homes he needs to on Christmas Eve, he would have to visit 822 homes a second.
7. The best selling Christmas song is "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby.
8. Ebenezer Scrooge's original catch phrase was "Bah Christmas" - then changed to "Bah Humbug".
9. If someone was to receive all of the gifts from the 12 Days of Christmas you would receive 364 gifts.
10. The busiest shopping days of the year are the Friday and Saturday before Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Seasonal Safety Tips

Tis the season for lights, Christmas trees, decorations, gifts and entertaining! Keep your friends and family safe this holiday season by following these safety tips.

1. Inspect all lights before hanging - both outdoor and in. Make sure all bulbs are working and cords are not frayed. Don't overload extension cords or connect too many strands of lights. Turn lights out when not home or going to bed.

2. Look for a fresh Christmas tree. Keep watered and away from heat sources.  Don't use live flames or candles around the tree.

3. Make sure candles are placed on sturdy stands and away from children. Never fall asleep with a lit candle in the room. Don't leave candles in unattended areas.

4. Always have a fire extinguisher in the house. Don't leave food unattended on the stove.

5. Never leave valuables exposed in your car. Keep your car locked at all times - even at home. Shop during the day when possible and always be aware of your surroundings.

What safety tips do you have?

New Homeowner Gifts

Need a Christmas gift for the new homeowner on your list? Here are some unique options with a more personal twist. What ideas do you have for a new homeowner gift?

A Starry Night

Looking to ring in the Christmas season with some downtown shopping? Five Points will be hosting thier annual Starry Night event, December 3rd with amazing sales and stores open late.

See below for a full list of events!

Find out more at http://www.fivepointscolumbia.com/events/A-Starry-Night

Goings-on in the neighborhood that day:

• Complimentary horse carriage rides – 6pm – 8pm; pick-up and drop-off between Starbucks and Petal

• Complimentary hot chocolate - At the fountain

• DJ spinning holiday tunes - At the fountain

• NEW! Holiday themed photo booth - 600 Block of Harden Street

• NEW! Complimentary rides from S.C. Pedal Parlor – Pick-up at the fountain

• Paint 5 Points Champagne Bash & Art Auction – Hosted in part by The Gourmet Shop – tickets are available for purchase here

• Pop-Up dance performances by Unbound Dance Company

• Roaming choral performances by Shandon Baptist Youth Group & The Benedict Choral Group

• The Salvation Army’s Famous Red Kettle - At the fountain

• Visit with Santa! – At the Hootie Monument on the corner of Santee and Harden

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. You've thought of everything - the menu, the guests, the music, the centerpiece? If you're not sure how to dress up your Thanksgiving table here are a few quick ways to make a big impression!

Make use of some items you probably already have around the house - candles, fake leaves and a chalkboard!

Incorporate your Halloween decor in a new way - spray paint pumpkins a shiny gold to dress up your holiday tablescape.

Get the kids involved by making a gratitude tree.

However you decorate have a very Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

Energy Saving Tips for Thanksgiving

Amid all the preparations for Thanksgiving - the food, the decorations, the guest list - it's easy to overlook minimizing your energy costs.  There are ways to use less energy and work for efficiently while cooking and preparing the many side dishes, helping to save a little money this holiday season!
Cooking:- Use the smallest pot or pan to cook your food - it will use less energy and speed up cooking time- Always use a lid on your pots or pans - it can save up to three times the amount of energy used without one- Glass and ceramic pans heat up quicker than metal pans- Don't open the oven to check on your food - you can lose up to 25 degrees of heat each time- Utilize smaller appliances like convection ovens, crock pots and microwaves- Turn the oven off 10 minutes before the meal is done - the leftover heat will be enough to finish cooking
Other Tips:- Rinse dishes with cold water instead of hot- Keep drinks in a cooler to keep guests from opening and closing the refrigerator all night- Turn your heat down in the house to 68 and let the extra heat from the kitchen warm you up- Don't pack your refrigerator too full of leftovers or it will have to work harder to keep cool

Do you have any tips to save energy during your Thanksgiving prep?