Shine & Share: A Morning of Cookies, Community, and Connection
A joyful holiday morning brought Hidden Lake neighbors together to share homemade cookies, sparkling jewelry, and meaningful connection—beautifully hosted, thoughtfully curated, and powered by true community spirit.
Champagne cheers with Publisher Jenni Eifler and Jan Mannarino, surrounded by Starrstruck’s festive balloon magic.
There are certain traditions in Hidden Lake that feel like pure magic, and our annual Shine & Share Holiday Cookie Exchange is one of them. This year’s gathering was, without question, the most beautiful, joy-filled version yet—thanks to the heartfelt involvement of our neighbors, our contributors, and our Exclusive Event Sponsor, Misiel Conlen of Griffith Realty.
As a neighbor herself, Misiel shared how deeply meaningful it is for her to help bring this community together. She spoke about the friendships we build, the connections we nurture, and how much we all need genuine community in today’s world. In her words, “It takes a village—and gathering like this reminds us how powerful it is when neighbors truly show up for each other.” Her heart for this neighborhood shines through everything she does, and we are incredibly grateful for her partnership and generosity.
A Gracious Hostess, Year After Year
A special celebration goes to Mary Pittman, who opened her stunning home to us for the fourth year in a row. Mary is a gem of a woman and a true pillar in Hidden Lake. Her warmth sets the tone for this gathering every year, and her love for this community is felt in every detail. Residents were thrilled when Mary herself won the surprise raffle—thanks to picking the plate with a hidden sticker—and was gifted a soft, luxurious white hooded poncho courtesy of Misiel!
A Grand Entrance
As guests arrived, they were welcomed by a breathtaking balloon arch from Starrstruck Balloons—a festive, photo-worthy installation that set the tone the moment you walked in. Neighbors were also warmly greeted by Tishaun of Ambiance Elevated Cleaning, who helped collect coats and later jumped in to assist with boxing cookies, adding an extra layer of care and hospitality to the experience. Paired with a cranberry Christmas spritzer served in etched champagne glasses (a take-home gift from Misiel!), it created the perfect start to a truly special morning.
A Culinary Work of Art
Arev of Savor & Sip LLC created a breathtaking artisanal spread that guests are still raving about. From the mini BLT croissants and apricot-glazed meatballs to the winter salad, spinach pies, salmon cucumber rounds, brie and cranberry crostini, and delicate lemon-custard phyllo cups displayed on a marble sleigh board—every item was crafted with love and holiday charm. The artistry, flavor, and intentionality behind her dishes elevated the entire experience, and neighbors were relieved to enjoy such a beautiful spread without having to bake a dish for the potluck this year!
Décor with a “Ralph Lauren Christmas” Elegance
For the third year, Reed & Co. Events brought the design vision to life with timeless, cozy, Ralph-Lauren-inspired Christmas décor. Jill and her team not only created a stunning atmosphere but handled full event coordination and beverage service—allowing both Mary and me to move through the event freely, chatting, connecting, and enjoying the morning with all of you. Their spiced apple cider and infused water were crowd favorites!
A Sparkling Interactive Experience
This year’s twist was the interactive jewelry-curation activity led by Misiel and Dhara of Prime Fine Jewelry—and it was a hit. Residents broke into small groups and were assigned an occasion (date night, holiday gala, tropical getaway, etc.), then curated a jewelry look using pieces from Dhara’s stunning display.
Guests were blown away by the craftsmanship and quality. Dhara shared that she carries VVS-level diamonds, sources everything directly from the manufacturer, and offers private showings only—allowing her to provide the best value and exceptional quality without retail markups. Every piece is handcrafted, resizing is complimentary, and she can design completely custom pieces. It was a beautiful blend of artistry and connection.
A Cookie Exchange to Remember
Residents shared again and again that “this was by far the best cookie exchange yet!” And with the laughter, the warmth, the sparkle, and the incredible display of creativity and generosity—it’s easy to see why.
Thoughtful Take-Home Gifts
Everyone went home with a bundle of festive goodies, including:
- A cozy etched champagne glass from Misiel
- A charming holiday gnome from Ambiance Elevated Cleaning
- A mini cutting board from Savor & Sip
To top it all off, each resident generously baked six dozen cookies, allowing everyone to head home with three of each cookie—a true labor of love and the sweetest takeaway imaginable.
We’re also curating a 2025 Cookie Recipe PDF featuring all of the recipes shared at this year’s exchange. If you’d like to receive a copy, simply email jenni.eifler@strollmag.com, and I’ll be happy to send it your way!
It was the perfect, heartwarming finish to a beautifully curated morning.
This event is always a reminder of why I love serving this community through STROLL. Your participation, your stories, your willingness to show up for each other—that’s what brings Hidden Lake to life. Thank you to every neighbor who attended, contributed, baked, socialized, and shared their shine.
I’m already excited for everything ahead in the new year, and I’m endlessly grateful to be a part of this community with you.