Party guests tend to congregate in the kitchen, and this holiday season we’re all about an eye-catching spread worthy of the space it’s served in. An essential for any fete, the charcuterie board can be a stand-alone appetizer or the showpiece among an array of hors d’oeuvres.

We’ve laid out some creative ideas for putting your own board together along with quick catering options. And what better backdrop than a kitchen that accommodates the host and guests with an aesthetic as appealing as the snacks.

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Chicago Agent Magazine announced its 2022 Agents’ Choice winners, recognizing the individuals, companies, and developers within the industry who have made an impact in Chicagoland real estate.

Representing two spectrums of achievement in their @properties Christie’s International Real Estate careers, agent Ilana Steelman took home the award for Rookie of the Year (city), and industry veteran Jim Barcelona was awarded Managing Broker of the Year (suburbs).

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For a 10th consecutive year, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate has been named a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune.

“Our agents and staff continue to drive the culture we’ve become known for,” said Thad Wong, co-CEO of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. “The results of this survey are a testament to the great workplace environment that has been created by thousands of people over many years, and that continues to position us as Chicago’s #1 brokerage firm.”

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In many homes today, the dining room is the one room that is used the least. But as Thanksgiving approaches, the dining room takes center stage. Whether formal or casual, your dining room can complement the rest of your home and create a memorable and celebratory atmosphere. The dining rooms we’ve highlighted, along with the products and suggestions for your table, are worthy of the most discerning guests.

900 E. Ringwood Road N., Lake Forest, IL — $4,995,000

With carved walnut crown moldings and an equally intricate walnut mantle above the fireplace, this North Shore dining room is fit for royalty. It is just one of the many formal rooms perfect for entertaining large groups in this 11,700-square-foot estate designed in 1916 by the famed Chicago architecture firm Perkins, Fellows and Hamilton.

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In the frenzied market of the past two years, few sellers felt compelled to hold open houses. But as the market slows, that age-old device is regaining popularity. An open house is a good way to showcase a home to multiple buyers and agents within a short period of time, getting exposure that often results in word of mouth and second showings.

You may have already decluttered and staged your home, but beyond the typical to-do list, here are a few other ideas that will leave a lasting impression on open house attendees.

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While the real estate market has cooled off in recent months, 2022 will still be one of the best years on record for luxury home sales. From January 1 through late October, about 4,000 homes priced at $1 million and up have sold in the Chicago metro area*. That’s down about 3 percent vs. the same period in 2021, but it’s more than 35 percent higher than the full-year total for 2020.

The entry point to that market – $1 million, give or take – is incredibly diverse in Chicagoland. For example, $1 million will buy you a renovated, historic-single-family home in Wrigleyville, a newer five-bedroom home in Arlington Heights, or a well-appointed three-bedroom condo in River North. But what does it buy around the country? Through Christie’s International Real Estate, our global luxury network with Affiliates across the United States and around the world, we took a look at what you can get for $1 million beyond the Windy City.

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It won’t be long before brisk fall days give way to overnight frost and freeze advisories. Avoid the potential toll a Midwest winter can take on your biggest investment by planning ahead and following these important tips for winterizing your home.

Protect Your Pocketbook

With energy prices skyrocketing, there’s never been a better time to make sure your home is well-insulated and properly sealed off from the elements. Screens should be removed and storm covers replaced over all windows and doors where appropriate. Additionally, caulk holes and openings around windows and doors to prevent cold air from seeping in. Whether hiring a professional or purchasing products from your local hardware store, various weather stripping and seals are available as additional heat loss protection methods.

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Citrix Group has recently broken ground on The Views, a new-construction development featuring 28 townhomes within the storied Geneva National community just outside Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. @properties Development Group is the exclusive sales and marketing firm for the project. It has been several years since new construction has taken place within Geneva National, and residents of The Views will not only enjoy the community’s extensive amenities, but also the high-end finishes, modern interiors, and seamless architecture of these new homes.

Townhomes are each 4,636 square feet and available in three- or four-bedroom layouts, with a two-and-a-half or three-car garage that will also accommodate a golf cart. Jiji Mathew, founder and CEO of Citrix Group, is looking to execute a modern design style, while still honoring the area’s existing architecture. The exterior of the homes will have a similar feel to current structures in the area, while interiors will have a fresh look with updated fixtures, white oak floors, glass fireplaces, Italian soaking tubs, and two-story oversized windows providing ample amounts of natural light.

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Fall in LOVE with Autumn! Get ready for your coziest fall nights yet!

Complete the form below for a chance to win a Solo Stove® Bonfire Essential Bundle 2.0 and S’more Sticks!

How to Enter

• Complete the form HERE!

Official Rules

SPONSORS. @properties Christie’s International Real Estate For The Love Of Autumn Sweepstakes is sponsored by @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, 212 E. Ohio, Chicago, IL (“Sponsor”).

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In a blockbuster year for the upper-end housing market in Chicagoland, Crain’s Chicago Business reports there have been a record-setting 104 homes that have sold for $4 million or more in the first three quarters of 2022. Strong price appreciation over the past 2+ years has motivated sellers to list their homes. Meanwhile, luxury buyers have been undeterred by rising mortgage interest rates, often choosing to pay cash. Christie’s International Real Estate reported on this trend in its 2022 Luxury Trends Report, noting that high inflation and stock market volatility have also prompted affluent buyers to move money into hard assets like real estate.

While inventory remains historically low, luxury buyers from the city to the North Shore to the western suburbs still have plenty of options to take lavish living to the next level. Here is a sampling of what is currently available to upper-bracket buyers.

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