Where to have a 'Perfect Holiday'?
By TAYLOR LOTT

It is true. Each Thanksgiving, we strive for absolute perfection with our own Thanksgiving feast. Those of us that are hosting this gala event start out with all good intentions of having a good time but in the end, we tend to wind up being stressed to the max. At last, I have found the way to have a "Perfect" holiday.

Sure, nobody is perfect all the time, but for just one day your family, your friends, and most importantly, your dinner will all be perfect. The Ridges Resort & Club put on a spectacular Thanksgiving Feast at The Old Hiawassee Grille. At my home, I continually try to make sure that everything is just perfect. Nevertheless, more often than not, there is something that inevitably goes wrong. I so enjoy cooking at home and having leftovers to eat so this year's decision to dine out for Thanksgiving day was rather reluctantly made. Making my plans at The Old Hiawassee Grille certainly proved to be more pleasurable than I had ever imagined it could be.

From the incredible "real wagon" centerpiece that was positioned as if by "magic" in the middle of the conference room all the way to the carefully placed decorations. Pumpkins, Mums, Cornucopias, and an array of fruits and vegetables, and fall leaves, all lined the banquet tables. The "Thanksgiving" theme was everywhere you looked. The handmade flower arrangements for the tables were simplistic yet gorgeous at the same time. The natural elements and the detail that was in each one was incredible.

Now for the menu. The kitchen staff skillfully carved the delectable meats right before our eyes. The selection consisted of Turkey, Ham and Prime Rib. All of the traditional dishes that your family and guests might possibly request were present. From fresh Creamed Corn to Whipped Potatoes and Gravy, to Green Bean Casserole and Candied Sweet Potatoes, everything seemed to be in its proper place. The food presentation was nothing short of amazing. For those that desired a little seafood, there were Oysters on the half shell, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Salmon. The food seemed to be unending. Shelly Orozco, the Banquet Chef, did a wonderful job. She takes a lot of pride in her cooking and it surely showed. Now what about dessert? Once again Executive Pastry Chef Sireena Renner gave us her best. I am not exaggerating when I tell you she and her staff had prepared at least 20 different deserts from which to choose. Choices, choices and more choices. Believe you me, nobody went home unsatisfied.

The Ridges Resort & Club staff took such good care of us. They made us feel welcome and seemed as if they were really enjoying the entire process. I really did feel right at home. My best and last observation was that the guests were able to linger and really enjoy their

meal. They did not seem rushed to complete their meals. They were able to go back for seconds and maybe even thirds if they felt up to it. In the end, I concluded that my meal was simply "perfect."

The Ridges Resort & Club offered several attractions for children. They had free "pony rides" provided by the staff of "The High Meadows Stables," out of Hayesville, N.C. This was a real hit with the kids. There was a tent designated for "crafts" for the children to engage in. I saw several craft projects for them to choose from and the children were able to take the final craft home with them to keep as a memento. Hayrides ran all around the resort property providing riders with the picturesque view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The Ridges Resort & Club staff helped us forget about the old question of "who was going to be doing the dishes." All we had to do was simply go on to our next destination or to our home, get comfortable and enjoy the rest of the evening with our friends and family. Now that was my kind of holiday.

In keeping with the tradition of putting up your Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, the Ridges Resort & Club have "Frasier Fir" trees for sale this year. Now these are not your average Christmas trees, indeed they are some of the most beautiful trees that I have ever laid eyes on. Coming straight from the tree farms in Ashe County, North Carolina, the trees are freshly cut, smell great, and have that perfect shape that we all look for ranging in sizes from 3 feet to 14 feet, I was able to find just the right tree for my home. They will have shipments of new trees each week. In addition, they offered handmade wreaths and ropes of garland made of both "Frasier Fir" and "White Pine." The tree sales will continue thru December 17, 2006, so be sure to stop by and pick up your centerpiece for the Christmas Holiday season. Pony rides will also be on 12/10 and 12/17 from 11-2.

Now that was my kind of "Holiday." I am already looking forward to the "Christmas Dinner."