CityView Magazine

Discover CityViewNC.com's fresh updated look! | 49 Christmas brunch, Cynthia took time to write a funny, endearing fact about each member of the party and place it under their plate. When read aloud, the result was conversation that lasted well into the aernoon. Comfortably appointed and skillfully designed for a tête-à-tête by the fireplace, the living room features sentimental Christmas accents and a showstopping mantle arrangement, built piece by piece. Overlooking the living room is a portrait of Santa, depicted in a snowy forest, surrounded by woodland creatures. David says it's among his favorite Christmas elements in their home. Cynthia's tree is consistent with the rest of her decor. A conservatively-sized, pre-lit artificial tree is the base on which she creates her magic. As with all of her projects, there is a system. Aer lighting comes ribbon. Large, inexpensive balls are placed into the tree to create depth. Important ornaments should be placed on sturdy branches at the forefront. Cynthia appreciates modern and elegant ornaments from the likes of Christopher Radko and Mark Roberts but is also quick to highlight homemade creations she has had since she was sixteen years old. "You see her?" she asked, pointing to a yarn angel with bright yellow hair. "at's the first ornament I ever made. She goes in there every year." Dining A small gathering never sways Cynthia's penchant for formality, but only because she loves to shower her guests with hospitality. "I don't care how you sit at my table – pajamas or jeans – I just like a formal setting," she said. Her dining table is outfitted in Lenox Christmas china and places are set with a personalized menu for the event and a sprig of greenery. Built with wet oasis, the arrangement on Cynthia's dining table is never fake. "I love the smell of it," she said. Above, Cynthia's chandelier is designed specifically for the pleasure of her guests: beautiful from top to bottom. Beginning with an artificial wreath as a base and attaching elements in a stepwise fashion yields the result for which Cynthia is known. "If you have guests coming over, put real stuff in it just long enough for the event," she said. "Sometimes I put a fairy and greenery. It just depends what mood I'm in. You can make it fancy or whimsical. It's an easy formula for anybody to do with any look. I love it!" Cynthia cautioned that general Christmas preparation must be done early, and with gusto. "e most important thing you can buy for Christmas decorations is a collection of realistic greenery. Anything that looks real, just buy it," she said, laughing. "And you can't have too many red berries, in my opinion." If guests can pull themselves away from conversation at the table, they might meander to the kitchen, a modern, updated cheerful space to grab a cocktail or one of Cynthia's signature Christmas treats – homemade chocolate pecan clusters and Mexican sugar cookies. Whether entertaining, or enjoying a morning on the porch together, the Rosses look forward to the season of Christmas in their Haymount cottage. "With us, Christmas isn't just a day," David said, "it's a season." "At our hospital, as in life, compassion is our passion." Cross Creek Animal Hospital Caring for Your Pets 2147 Skibo Road Fayetteville, NC 28314 910.868.1164 crosscreekanimalhospital.com Dr. Rachel Caballaro, Dr. Shannon Poole, Dr. Ryan Reid, Dr. Meredith Short, Dr. Erika Richardson & Dr. Malia Coppage

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