The holidays are here and we want to celebrate with good cheer! Join Slow Food Asheville Foothills for a holiday potluck gathering and Outreach Ministry Warming Tree at Open Road Coffee in Tryon, Sunday, Dec. 8, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The holidays are often regarded as the year’s biggest gift giving season so here is a chance to remember our Polk County neighbors in need of the most basic warm clothing and outerwear when bringing your Holiday themed food dish to share.

We will decorate a warming tree with your donated hats, mittens, scarves, gloves, socks, and so on (new or next to new unwrapped and attached to the tree with clothes pins) or gift-wrap a larger donated item like robe or blanket for under the tree. Please label content and size when doing so.

This finished Slow Food Warming Tree will go to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. Last year, many people took the time to “slow-knit” warming items for people in need. The energy and love behind these items was noticed and deeply appreciated by the clients of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, according to director, Carol Newton. TBOM will also accept a “slow food” drive for their pantry.. Fresh produce, bags of fruit, nuts, whole-grains, healthy prepared foods, and so on are all manageable by the ministry’s distribution system.

The potluck food theme is “Befores and Afters,” so bring your party platters in finger-sized servings in appetizers or desserts. Holiday spirited – beverage recipes and after-dinner warm drinks are also an option (please have pre-mixed with small sampling cups to pass.) Those attending are asked once again to bring your own place settings and a description of your dish noting anything local.

Categories we are encouraging include: sweet, savory, meat, vegetarian, vegan, nut-based, and so on.

We will have fun deciding our favorite dip, canapé, bar, cookie, tart, cupcake, eggnog or green Grinch.

For more information, call 828-817-2308.