Innehållsförteckning för Christmas 2014 från Southern Lady

DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS is indeed a favorite pastime of many Southerners, yours truly included. Though we may not be able to count on a blanket of white across the landscape, we can certainly rely on the spirit of the season to inspire love and joy in our hearts, along with warmth and welcome in our homes. This annual publication is one of our staff ’s favorite issues to plan, and for this installment, we reminisced about favorite holiday happenings from Christmases past. Since we range in age from early 20s to 60-something, the memories were quite varied and included putting bubble lights and silver tinsel icicles on the tree and leaving carrots for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve. You’ll find a celebration of Christmas through the decades in…

Subtle Grandeur Twin brass candelabra and a couple of flower-filled vases underscore the luxurious tone of the setting while still maintaining its tasteful style. Pair goldrimmed La Scala china with solid green chargers, and echo the verdant hues of the floral arrangements with lacy Versailles crystal. Finish the look with silver goblets and lace-trimmed napkins. Sparkling Accents Bring together beautiful components to create an overall elegance reflective of this grand decade. Comprised of 15 different designs, the exquisite Francis I silverware by Reed & Barton offers the perfect accent to accomplish this, as do the silver service and crystal decanters.…

Grand Greeting This home’s unique entrance is highlighted with a garland of greenery interspersed with twinkle lights and a large wreath above the door. Inside, fresh holly branches are tucked into simple burlap bags tied with twine. Parlor Panache Fresh greenery trails down the bannister and also across the mantel in the sitting room where antique wallpaper forms a lovely backdrop. A mix of flowers arranged in a pewter pitcher, along with a pot of red poinsettias, adds a bit of seasonal color. Around the House A collection of family keepsakes and vintage toys encircle the tiny children's tree, spreading Christmas cheer in a most nostalgic way. Needlepoint stockings stitched in traditional holiday motifs bear the monikers of kith and kin and lend old-fashioned charm to the fireplace. The scene…

Happy Couple Celebrate the marriage of two delicious flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—with a cup of this sweet, creamy cocoa. WINTER SANGRIA Makes 8 to 10 servings 2 cups sugar 2 cups water 1 tablespoon whole cloves 1 tablespoon cardamom pods 1 tablespoon whole allspice 2 (750-milliliter) bottles Chablis, chilled Orange slices Pink grapefruit slices Lemon slices 1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add cloves, cardamom, and allspice. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer forl5 minutes. Cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain sugar syrup mixture, discarding solids; let cool completely. 2. In a large pitcher, place wine and sugar mixture, stirring to combine. Add fruit; chill for 2 hours. Serve chilled or over ice. PEANUT BUTTER…

Holly Holiday Dinnerware in the classic Holiday pattern by Lenox forms the foundation for this seasonal setting. The china’s holly motif is repeated in the crystal. In lieu of a traditional centerpiece, create a floral runner of white roses and greenery. Menu CARMELIZED ONION DIP WITH TARRAGON MAPLE AND MUSTARD GLAZED HAM HOLIDAY HARICOTS VERTS BUTTERY HERBED CRESCENT ROLLS POTATOES AU GRATIN CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE VANILLA BEAN CAKE WITH CINNAMON FILLING AND CARAMEL ICING CARAMELIZED ONION DIP WITH TARRAGON Makes 6 cups ¼ cup butter 4 shallots, thinly sliced 3 large red onions, sliced 1 s inch thick 3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream 3 cups freshly grated Parmesan…

Keep It Simple Even brown craft paper takes on an elegant look when wrapped with pretty ribbon and stems of red berries. Or stack several boxes, and tie together with ribbon and a sprig of greenery. Retro Charm Add a dash of Christmas past with card-stock tags and rubber stamps featuring old-fashioned motifs, like a rotary phone or a typewriter. Number stamps are fun also; assign each family member a digit, and address accordingly. Layers of Love To fashion this fancy package, wrap the box with a strip of wide burlap ribbon, and wind with peppermint-hued twine. Finish with a paper doily cone of evergreen sprigs and a tag clipped with a tiny clothespin.…

Spruced-Up Entry The seasonal celebration begins at the front entrance where a beribboned wreath of mixed greenery greets all who enter. Twin topiaries flanking the door are dressed up with red apples in a nest of spruce boughs, and holiday accents show up in the bench pillow and the simple bow and jingle bells tied to the handle. Welcome Home Fluff up the foyer by draping swags of fresh greenery woven with red ribbon down the stairway railing. Bring more seasonal cheer with a poinsettia nestled in a planter and a pretty wrapped gift. Yuletide Dining A cozy dining room, warmed by a welcoming fire, is the perfect place to host a family Christmas meal. The mantel is adorned with feathery cedar boughs, punctuated with red apples and cranberry-hued ribbon.…

ORANGE GLAZED CARROTS WITH TARRAGON Makes 6 to 8 servings 2 tablespoons butter 2 shallots thinly sliced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 cup fresh orange juice 1 tablespoon honey 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 pounds carrots sliced 1/4 inch thick 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon 1. Preheat oven to 450°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; set aside. 2. In a small saucepan, heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add shallot and garlic; cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add orange juice honey salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened. 3. In a medium bowl combine carrots and olive oil, tossing gently to coat. Arrange…

By Request A variation of this delicious cranberry linzer cookie appeared on the cover of the very first Holidays issue, and it remains one of our most complimented treats. Not only is the flavor perfect for the holidays, but sparkling sugar adds a snowy finish. CHAI TEA MIX Makes about 16 cups mix ¹⁄2 (2-pound) box nonfat dry milk 1 (13-ounce) jar malted milk powder 1 (3-ounce) jar unsweetened ice tea mix 6 cups sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon ground cardamom 1 tablespoon ground cloves 1. In a large bowl, combine dry milk, malted milk powder, ice tea mix, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, whisking to combine well. 2. To prepare, combine 1 cup boiling water with 2 heaping tablespoons tea mix. CRANBERRY…

Circle of Sunshine A wreath made of lemons, oranges, and kumquats set on lime-green foliage offers a bright note at the window that is framed with a garland of greenery. These crisp citrus shades are repeated in the floral arrangements on the table, where vintage circa-1941 Taylor Smith china and black goblets pop against a black-and-white runner in a mix of pretty patterns.…

Tie the Knot This home’s rural surroundings call for homespun decorations, like this unadorned boxwood wreath caught up with a loop of unbleached linen ribbon. Outdoor Dining Take the party to the porch where a whitewashed table is set with wood slices that serve as chargers. The candles in the chandelier’s votives are held in place with fresh cranberries, and greenery is threaded through the frame. Flatware is tied with ribbon and sprigs of white pine. Natural Noel Throughout the home, accents from nature lend subtle yet festive touches. A garland of pine, magnolia, and holly adorns the mantel, while a similar composition stands in a wooden vase on the coffee table. Bright red poinsettias and amaryllis are tucked here and there, and narcissus blooms line the dining table. Seasonal…

ROASTED CORN AND PEPPER QUESO DIP Makes 12 to 16 servings 6 cups fresh corn kernels (about 8 to 10 ears) 2 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded 1 large red bell pepper, halved and seeded 2 tablespoons butter I 12 cups chopped yellow onion 1 bunch green onions, chopped 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon ground red pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 i teaspoon salt 1 (4-ounce) package goat cheese, softened 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese softened 1 pound fontina cheese grated Tortilla chips 1. Preheat oven to 500°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. 2. Place corn and peppers on prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes stirring corn occasionally, until corn and peppers appear blistered. Place peppers…

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER TART Makes 12 servings CRUST: 3 ½ cups peanut butter-sandwich cookie crumbs* ¼ cup butter, melted 3 tablespoons sugar 1 large egg white, lightly beaten FILLING: 2 (4-ounce) bars semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided 2 cups creamy peanut butter 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened ½ cup confectioners’ sugar Garnish: melted semisweet chocolate, chopped honey roasted peanuts 1. To prepare crust: Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, combine cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and egg white, stirring to combine well. Press crumb mixture into bottom and up sides of an 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Bake for 8 minutes; set aside to cool. 2. To prepare filling: In a small bowl, combine chocolate and ¼…

RECIPE DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD STYLING BY Aimee Bishop Lindsey COVER Photography by William Dickey Resources: Wreath Design; Mandy Majerik of Hothouse Design Studio. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Page 7: Photography by John O’Hagan, Hair and Makeup Styling by Celine C. Russell. Resources: Rosemary Clooney Dark Green Velvet Cocktail Dress in White Christmas 1954; The Celebrity Dresses. SECTION OPENERS Pages 9-10, 21-22, 47-48, 75-76: The Gift Wrap Company (Homes & Fare). Smock Paper (Settings & Gifts). UNDER WRAPS Pages 11-14: Photography by John O’Hagan, Kamin Williams GOODIES TO GIVE Pages 15-19: Photography by Mac Jamieson, Marcy Black Simpson, John O’Hagan, Sarah Arrington, Kamin Williams Recipe Development by Aimee Bishop Lindsey ERA OF ELEGANCE Pages 23-28 Photography by Kamin Williams Styling by Tracey MacMillan Runnion Resources: La Scala Dinner and Bread Plates…