Palmilla Beach is a luxury resort along the longest stretch of Port Aransas beachfront. Enjoy the resort pool, cabanas, special beach access, award-winning dining and Texas’ only links-style golf. There are dozens of cottages, condos and homes available to rent for a week-end, a week or forever. Come discover how we do beach best.
A PALMILLA BEACH MAGAZINE
WINTER 2021
Thanksgiving has come and gone and the holiday season is upon us. In Port A, that means Christmas and Hanukkah with a coastal flare.
From holiday decor to seasonal foods to gift giving, the holidays at the beach are a whole lot saltier. And, as always, we spend a lot of time on the water.
This issue covers everything about the holidays at our favorite place... the Texas Gulf Coast!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Greg Carr VP Development
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ISLAND TIME Editor/Writer: Sheila Rosart Creative Director: Jimmy Abela Publisher: McCombs Properties Info: Jabela@mccombshq.com
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It’s that time of the year again, when reindeer get ready, holly and mistletoe come inside, Menorahs are lit, and sugar plums dance through children’s heads. Now, some of your traditional décor may not seem to work if you are spending your holidays at your coastal home, but with a little imagination and some holiday cheer, you can create a magical mood in keeping with your personal style. Here is some inspiration to help you with seasonal design that will make your coastal retreat a holiday wonderland.
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When you think of dressing your home for the holidays, you probably think of pine door wreaths, green holly with sprigs of berries, tartan plaids, candy canes, garlands for bannisters and mantels, poinsettia plants, blue spruce trees, stockings, etc. But we are here to tell you to ignore the usual red and green and allow seascapes from the Gulf Coast to inspire your holiday mood.
Imagine using seashells and driftwood on tablescapes, a light green menorah with blue candles, a centerpiece constructed entirely of glass vases filled with sand and white candles! Do you normally use Christmas china on your holiday table? Consider some sea-foam glass plates, with airy blue napkins in seashell holders, clear glassware, and then sprinkle blue and green candy canes around the table. Or scatter shells, glass balls, silver snowflakes, or miniature fish at each place setting. Use nautical place mats instead of a traditional tartan cloth, and use rustic rope, wooden boat models, and mini life preservers to tell your own story.
Use driftwood to decorate your mantel with a combination of pale blue and green ornaments, starfish, and silver candles. Incorporate a hand-painted menorah into a seascape tableau and use pale blue candles. Make your own swags and garlands from rope or twine, threading shells and pale hued glass beads on it like a giant necklace for Poseidon that you can drape anywhere you would normally use greenery. And fireplaces make perfect backdrops for arrangements of driftwood, giant seashells, lobster traps or any other nautical items you have around. Rustic nativity scenes can also be displayed in front of the fireplace and work with almost any décor.
You can make a door wreath from nautical rope, netting, and fish ornaments. Or use starfish, sea glass, andmermaid figurines! Another idea is to wrap your wreath foam in light or sandy colored tulle, then glue sprigs of local greenery, seashells, and ribbons that reflect the fabric color of your rooms to the form. For Hanukkah wreaths, use cobalt blue and white ribbon, artificial flowers, blue and silver tree ornaments, and small menorahs or Stars of David to create a unique seasonal statement.
Don’t have any sea-themed tree ornaments? Do a google search and check out Amazon, Etsy, At Home, or Wayfair for great selections of specific color and topical design elements, ornaments, and tree toppers. Collect some shells, sea anemones, and starfish, then paint them in pale pinks and blues and use those for tree ornaments. Less fragile than glass, they and can be reused in clear vases, jars, or hurricane lamps later. Turquoise and silver work well together, so use a metal basket or large glass jar to display a mixture of silver and pale blue tree ornaments. Don’t be afraid to toss some tinsel in there to sparkle things up or use a piece of driftwood for a rustic feel. Put your Christmas tree outside on a deck or terrace (weather permitting) and use beige burlap as a tree skirt as if the tree sprouted from the sand! Pot the tree in a rustic planter instead of a tree stand. Artificial trees are available everywhere and can be bought in blues, greens, pinks, silver, white, or greens. Then adorn it with similar shades of ornaments! Whatever color scheme you choose, just be sure to repeat the same colors throughout your home to create a continuous eye-pleasing symmetry.
Who says stockings have to be red? Imagine pastel fabrics with little seahorse appliques! Or pale pink felt with peach and red embroidered candy canes on them! Simple beige burlap or blue felting make awesome trim for pre-existing stockings too. Home stores have lots of different style and theme stockings, and craft stores have everything you need to sew or glue your own from- scratch stocking. And why do stockings have to hang from a mantel, anyway? Imagine them dangling in ascending height from the sides of your staircase, or from hooks on a wall of shiplap. Or suspended from your kitchen island in between stools!
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If you are feeling crafty, let the kids and grandkids help! Check out these photos for some amazing ideas of do-it-yourself-décor that will work with any coastal home. We also feature two seasonal crafts that you can try to make; the Driftwood Christmas Tree and the Acorn Dreidel.
Holidays by the ocean can be just as special as anywhere else, but incorporating coastal style into your décor can make it that much more inspiring and unique. The sky is the limit, and your imagination is the key for personal interior design that reflects your taste, style, and mood. Hopefully, these ideas and photos will launch your creativity into the stratosphere. And we want to see your results! Take photos of your favorite seasonal coastal décor this year and send them to us. We’ll publish the best ones and we’ll select a winner among all submissions for a $100 gift card. All you need to do is post your photo on your favorite socials and include this hashtag: #PortAHoliday Unleash your imaginations and show us your creative genius; we can’t wait to see the results.
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EVERYONE WELCOME TO PLAY “Top 10 in Texas.” “Fun, friendly... yet still challenging for serious golfers.”
Book a tee time at PalmillaBeach.com or call 361.749.4653
We Do Beach Best!
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Here is a fun coastal Christmas craft for you and the kids. – the DRIFTWOOD CHRISTMAS TREE! It’s crafty fun for the whole family regardless of age, easy to make, beautiful, and can be as sophisticated or rustic as your imagination. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and be festive in a beachy way!
MATERIALS: • Driftwood/Branches • Ornaments or Beads • Glue
Here are some more materials that can help you with your tree trimming: Beads Tree Toppers Shells Lights Yarn Berries Craft Paint Sea Glass Pinecones Pieces of Jewelry Bakeable Clay Cardboard Bits of Fabric Origami Ornaments Candy Canes/Candy Glitter/Sequins Fishing Lures Greenery/Boughs/Branches You can make your tree fancy, nautical, Christmassy, country, or any other stye that works with your coastal décor, so use your creativity to make your tree reflect your own taste. You can make your tree as elaborate or as simple as you desire. Assemble your tree by gluing branches or pieces of wood atop each other crosswise and go as high as you want. You can also try gluing them onto cardboard or wood, by assembling increasingly shorter branches in an inverted triangle shape. Then decorate away!
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No matter the age of your child or grandchild, this activity is sure to be a hit, is easy to make, and doesn’t leave a mess to clean up! Get in the holiday spirit and spend some quality family time while at the beach.
MATERIALS: • Acorn Shells • Modeling Clay • Wooden Matches
Break a small piece of the modeling clay and shape it to an elongated ball. Stuff the clay into the acorn shell; give it a little shape at the top. Place a match in the center of the modeling clay. Face down. Spin, spin, spin If you want to fancy up your dreidels, you can also sprinkle glitter glue on them, sticky sequins, paint them with sparkly nail polish, or even dip them in paint. The possibilities are endless.
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You all know about the myriad of amazing things to do in Port Aransas, from birding, to boating, fishing, surfing, hunting, dining, shopping, cruising, geocaching, exploring museums, seeing theater, etc., but did you know there are a ton of holiday activities to help you and your loved ones get into the spirit of the season? Just in case you didn’t, see below for a schedule of holiday events that are the icing on your holiday gingerbread cookie!
Farley boat lighting contest
The second annual Farley Boat Lighting Contest occurs daily throughout the month of December. Sponsored by the Garden Club, drive through town and see the iconic Farley Boat planters lit up and sparkly with seasonal cheer.
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i love a parade
The Holiday Parade is on December 4th and begins at Port A Pizzeria (407 East Avenue G) and ends at Roberts Point Park. Don’t miss this gorgeous celebration of holiday floats and more!
And i really love a boat parade
There’s also the Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday the 4th of December @ the City Marina at Robert’s Point Park from 6-8 p.m. Boat owners decorate their marine craft for a chance to win money and prizes. You can watch from the pavilion bulkhead, docks, or local bars and restaurants anywhere along the marina. Call 361-749-5919 or see the Chamber of Commerce website for more information.
auld lang syne
On the 9th you can visit the Enchanted Hol iday Forest Presented by Port A Parks and Rec, at Robert Points Park, daily until January 3rd. Drive by and see this annual explosion of colorful trees and enjoy this year’s theme of “My Favorite Things.” An enchanted Forest!
Don’t forget the New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Robert’s Point Park, on December 31st at dusk. Help usher in 2022 with unforgettable pyrotechnics over the water!
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Bring the kids and grandkids to meet Santa at Robert Point Park on December 16th @ p.m. in the large pavilion!! Presented by Parks and Rec, there will be popcorn, hot chocolate, holiday activities, music, stories and more!
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Spending your family holidays at the beach just got even easier! Palmilla Beach Resort is a beautiful backdrop to your holiday celebration and now we can even help you with holiday gift options! Visit our Guest Services boutique and snap up some beachy bargains that make excellent stocking stuffers and seasonal presents for your loved ones. Check out the selection of Maria Victoria bags available here. This brand is made from recycled plastic and is uniquely hand- crafted by Mexican artists. In addition to being eco-conscious, they come in lively, colorful, fun prints, make fabulous waterproof beach bags, purses, and clutches, and appeal to every age group of discerning shoppers. They start at $50. Then you can accessorize your bag with Maria Victoria tassels and key chains, which make great stocking stuffers. Tassels are $12 and key chains are $20. Maria Victoria also makes beautiful clothing items that start at $28.
Maria Victoria bags are made from recycled plastic and crafted by Mexican artisans.
For your family and friends into clothing and fitness, the boutique carries Katherine Way sportswear, including sundresses in maxi and knee-length for between $120 and $150. All Katharine Way products are manufactured in the U.S., are made from a nylon-spandex fabric that is universally flattering and of performance grade, meaning moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, and static- free! And these stylish, coastal prints are not only fun and fashionable but all are UPF sun-protection 50 plus.
Maria Victoria Tassels
Travis Matthew Menswear
Of course, there is a good supply of koozies,sunscreens, and more great stocking options. If you are buying for golf af f icionados, don’t panic because we have you covered in the pro shop! The shop features Sofibella women’s sportswear items like polo shirts, tees, and skorts starting at $85. Travis Matthew’s menswear is also available for your athletically inclined friends and family. Chris Pratt is their brand ambassador, so how can you go wrong? Polo shirts start at $85 and pullovers at $115.
Sofibella Sportswear
Katherine Way Sundress
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Now for ladies, there are extra special female friendly Vimhue hats, designed for women by women. They accommodate ponytails, or buns, are created for women’s skulls, and are moisture- wicking, and sun protective as well as stylish, for $35. Men hats by Pukka in colorful, coastal prints with the Palmilla logo run for $32. And of course, golf accessories make great gifts too! Gloves start at $25, tees at $8, logo balls at $3 and ball markers for $8. So, no matter who you are shopping for, Palmilla can help with wonderful holiday gifts in every price category and for everyone on your list. Imagine getting all your shopping done without even having to leave the resort grounds? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he and his reindeer have delivered to Palmilla Beach !
Vimhue Womens Hats allow for a high pony tail to poke through!
Pukka Hats
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Click here to find your family’s next vacation paradise. For a long weekend, to a week, to an entire season, Palmilla Beach has over 75 beach homes available to rent.
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“ For me, bourbon is the smell of Christmas, ” says Chef Gail of Palmilla’s Black Marlin restaurant, recalling her mother’s holiday bourbon balls. The kitchen’s pervasive scent was bourbon, and it instantly brings back childhood memories of wonderful
dinners at her grandparent’s homes in both Virginia and Michigan. When asked about her favorite holiday spice, Gail says “nutmeg” without hesitation and adds her favorite holiday beverage is without a doubt, eggnog.
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Chef Vita tells us that for her, the smells she associates with holidays are cinnamon, nutmeg, and the fresh scent of pine trees. Two all-time favorite recipes fromGail’s childhood that she still serves in the holiday season are candied sweet potatoes and corn pudding. The sweet potatoes of her childhood had molasses in them and were broiled until the topping was almost a brulée, and the corn pudding was redolent with custard and made a sweet side dish for a savory meal. This holiday season, Gail will design a special Christmas menu for The Black Marlin, and it will be announced on the website and Facebook page, but for dessert the menu will definitely include Chef Vita’s white chocolate peppermint cheesecake
the pièce de résistance of holiday confection. (And for those that didn’t know, Chef Vita just made the top ten and then finished fourth in the World Food Championships, Soup category!) If your sweet tooth hasn’t already kicked in, this year Gail and Vita have a Christmas Cookie Gelato that has an almond vanilla base, chunks of actual cookie in it, and frosting on top. In case you aren’t salivating yet, Chef Gail’s seafood mac ‘n cheese has become a holiday tradition at The Black Marlin and will surely make an appearance as a side dish. Chef Gail agreed to share some of her favorite recipes with us so you can create your own holiday dishes that may become family traditions in your household. So, from our queen of cuisine to yours may we present:
White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake
Seafood Mac n’ Cheese
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Serves 8
INGREDIENTS: • 5 Eggs
• 1/3 Cup Butter, Melted • 1/4 Cup White Sugar • 1/2 Cup Whole Milk • 4 Tablespoons Cornstarch • 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 (14 Ounce) Can Corn Kernels, Drained • 2 (14.75 Ounce) Cans Cream-Style Corn
DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F (200 degrees C). • Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. • In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add melted butter, sugar, and milk. Whisk in cornstarch and nutmeg. Stir in corn and creamed corn. Blend well. • Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. • Bake for 1 hour. • Let rest about 5-10 minutes before serving.
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Chef G’s Great- Grandmother’s Cream Pie
INGREDIENTS: • 1 Unbaked Pie Crust • 1 Cup Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Cornstarch • 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg • 2 Cups Whole Milk • 1/2 Cup Butter • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Serves 6-8
DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F (200 Degrees C). • Line in the inside of the pie crust with foil and fill with pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice. Bake on a lower oven rack until the edge is light golden brown (15-20 minutes). • Remove the foil and weights and bake until the bottom is golden brown (about 4-6 minutes longer). • Cool on a wire rack. • Seperately, in a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and nutmeg. Stir in the milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes (until the filling is thick and bubbly). • Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. • Transfer the filling to the crust, sprinkle with additional nutmeg (or cinnamon) and place back in oven bake until golden brown on top (about 20 minutes). • Cool on a wire rack and then refrigerate until chilled (1-2 hours or overnight).
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HOMESITES also available for your custom build
Schedule a private tour of homes and homesites available for sale, call tiffany OR wHitney at (361) 693-5729
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