Carnival of Soul

Russ Kwarciany relaxes in his living room on Hamilton Lakes in Vulcan. Kwarciany decorates his Christmas tree with ornaments he has hand-painted or picked up over the years at craft shows and while traveling. (Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo)

VULCAN — Russ Kwarciany’s passion for Christmas is evident to those lucky enough to receive an invitation to one of his December dinner parties.

“There is always a warm, fuzzy Christmas feeling when you walk into the home. Something extremely delicious is always on the menu and you never leave hungry, that’s for sure. We leave better people when visiting — between the good company, drinks, food and Christmas atmosphere, it makes for a wonderful time of year,” regular guest Karin Gardipee of Vulcan said.

Kwarciany is a retired banker and part-time cake decorator who grew up on a farm in Bark River. His mother, Mitzi Kwarciany, was a caterer.

“It was hard work. There was little to no time for play. Farming becomes your life,” he said.

Growing up a middle child among six in the family, Kwarciany often helped in the kitchen.

A table is dressed for a December dinner at the home of Russ Kwarciany.

“I always enjoyed it. I was there right next to my mom, filling jars. It was fun. She and I clicked,” he said.

Now living in the Hamilton Lakes area with his friend, Don Giesen, Kwarciany enjoys throwing elegant Christmas parties.

“All my life, it’s been my favorite time of the year to show what I’ve done — entertain and invite people in,” he said.

Kwarciany begins decorating at the end of November with his Lennox ornaments, Waterford crystal nativity, collection of elves and mice, a Boyd’s Bear nativity scene, an assemblage of Precious Moments and other decoration he has picked up over the years at craft shows, or while traveling.

His balloon ornaments came from a trip to the New England Coast. “If there is a Christmas shop, I’m going to find it,” he said.

His favorite ornament is a raspberry — it reminds him, he said, of his raspberry kitchen collection that was featured in Taste of Home magazine in 1996.

Kwarciany also paints ornaments, quilts holiday scenes and cross-stitches Santa Clauses.

He cans and bakes all year long, preparing for December when he may entertain three to four times a week, with groups of six to 14 people through the entire month.

“I try to decorate the last week in November so I have the whole month of December to plan parties and do baking,” he said.

Guests generally gather about 4 p.m. to enjoy hors d’oeuvre and conversation before sitting down at well-dressed holiday table for a gourmet dinner. The menu may include turkey roll, stuffed shells, venison rouladen stew, French onion soup, casseroles, lasagna, prime rib, and chicken Cordon bleu.

“I never want to serve the same meal twice, so sometimes I kick it up a notch and cook Indian, Chinese or German,” he said.

There is a sophisticated tone throughout the party, as guests play holiday music on the piano. “Christmas Day we have a circle of friends that only come on Christmas, so it’s just a special time. We don’t often see them, so they make a point to come here for Christmas Day just to enjoy the time. Holidays are special,” he said.

After canning antipasto, pickles, beets and jams over the summer and baking fruitcakes, cookies, caramels, toffee, and peanut brittle all winter, Kwarciany is able to send everyone home with a bag of goodies.

“We give it out as care packages to the elderly and to friends who can’t do it themselves anymore,” he said. “They appreciate a nice jar of jam. This year our shelves are bulging, so we will be giving a lot away.”

This is what makes Christmas for him, he said — hosting friends and family for a few hours “to absorb the holiday spirit and send them home with a touch of the true meaning of the holiday season.”

Said Kwarciany, “It’s how we entertain and how we enjoy the holidays with friends and family every year.”

Theresa Proudfit can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 245, or tproudfit@ironmountaindailynews.com.