Make It, Quick

For many, the time around the holidays is a stressful, energy-consuming period. For those who work long hours, it’s even more hectic.

So who has time to make their own holiday gifts, cute little crafts or fancy baked goods?

Maybe if there was a way to do it in a time-saving manner, more people would be willing to learn.

At least that’s the theory among event coordinators at the Northridge Fashion Center. They had busy professionals-on-the-run in mind when they created a series of free holiday workshops called “Make It Merry.”

The weekly seminars feature step-by-step instruction on how to make memorable holiday gifts, decorations and quick dishes that often appear complex and even time-consuming.

Experts in the decorating, cooking and entertainment fields will conduct all the workshops on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21.

The workshops are held in Macy’s Court, which is surrounded by bright red poinsettias and a lavishly decorated, 36-foot Christmas tree.

“With the popularity of Martha Stewart, there’s been a growing interest in the homemade and home-crafted,” said Northridge Fashion Center spokeswoman Annette Bethers. “With shoppers really wanting that, we figured these workshops would be the ideal thing.”

The convenience is also appealing. If you’re already at the mall shopping, you might as well drop by and check out what’s going on in front of the huge tree.

That’s what Lily Williger of Northridge did. She happened to be strolling between stores when she spotted a cooking demonstration by Karen Berk, co-owner of the Seasonal Table Cooking school in Brentwood.

Berk demonstrated how easily and quickly you can make holiday appetizers that taste like you slaved in the kitchen for hours.

She also gave great tips on how to make the dish appear more appealing by adding simple aesthetic ingredients.

“As for taste,” Berk said, “the key is the kind of ingredients you use. Always remember, you get what you pay for.”

The first dish Berk made was a very tasty pate of goat cheese, pesto and roasted peppers. The second was a white bean hummus that took Berk about 10 minutes to make. Both dishes were a hit with the group of about 12 who sat through the lesson.

“This tastes absolutely delicious,” Williger said. “I think I’ll make it. I’m tired of the old onion dip, but I never imagined something like this would be so simple to make.”

On Dec. 20, Berk will return to demonstrate how to make Hanukkah cookies that are tasty and quick.

Other upcoming workshops feature ideas for holiday decorating with candles, by employees of the Northridge store Crystal’s Laces and Gifts.

This Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Shelby Tucker, craft instructor at Michael’s Arts and Crafts in North Hollywood, will demonstrate how to create unique holiday gifts and decorations using rubber stamps.

Among the things Tucker will demonstrate are redecorating a home by stamping on existing tile work and walls, producing stylish clothes by stamping fabric and creating abstract art work that can be framed and hung on the wall.

“Rubber stamping is not just for paper,” Tucker said. “You can change the look of your home with a rubber stamp, and you can use a rubber stamp on practically anything.”

On Saturday there will also be a daylong event that will include children’s activities, contests and live entertainment. Also, musical entertainment by a variety of community and professional performers will be spread throughout the mall throughout the holiday shopping season.

Let’s see now. You can shop, learn to make quick gourmet hors d’oeuvres and fancy gifts, plus be entertained. Maybe it’s time to take a trip to the mall.

BE THERE

The Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge. “Make It Merry” holiday workshops on decorating, entertaining and creating memorable gifts at Macy’s Court in front of the Christmas tree every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. through Dec. 21. Free. (818) 701-7051.