Innehållsförteckning för Celebrate Winter Parties 2013 från Southern Lady

I love Valentine’s Day. I think heart-shaped sweets, vintage cards, beautiful flowers, and handwritten notes are wonderful. My sons used to write me precious notes when they were young. I have kept them and cherish them. When you express love to someone, it makes a memory that will last a lifetime. Neal and I always stay home on Valentine’s Day evening. We celebrate what we treasure most in our lives. We cook our favorite dishes, sit by the fire, and finish the evening by watching a movie. He always has a surprise for me that makes the day perfect. Whether just for you and your beloved or a gathering of close friends this Valentine’s Day, we have put together a romantic dinner party on page 51 to celebrate love. This…

“Monograms give familiar items a means to elegance.” —Phyllis Hoffman DePiano One of my favorite design elements that never goes out of style is a monogram. Timeless and elegant, monograms are the perfect way to make a statement that is uniquely yours. Whether personalizing family heirlooms or giving a gift, adding this touch lends something special to everyday objects. Traditionally, monograms have been used to adorn family heirlooms such as silver and serving pieces, which is not only elegant but a special way to remember items that have been passed down from generation to generation. Personalized objects make beautiful gifts for newlyweds as they begin their own collection of family keepsakes. And monograms have again become a fashionable element in entertaining—dinner or cocktail napkins embroidered with initials add chic sophistication…

The French have a love for all things fancy, and this bridal celebration encourages you to use your finest tableware and silver blended with a blushcolored palette of blooms. Every bride will love being doted on and made to feel adored and celebrated with the breathtaking tablescape, French-inspired menu, and well-thought-out party details. The tablescape exudes the French fashion trends that often spill over into their entertaining. All elements are coordinated, elegant, natural, and neutral. The lace tablecloth, crystal vases, goblets, candlesticks, and even the antique perfume bottles at each place setting capture the magic and glamour of Paris. Place cards are tied onto each bottle to note where guests will sit, and the bride’s chair is marked with a card that says Belle Mariée, “beautiful bride.” POMEGRANATE-GINGER SIMPLE SYRUP…

ROASTED OYSTERS Makes 2 dozen 24 shucked oysters on the half shell ¾ cup butter, softened ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper 6 slices hickory-smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled Preheat oven to 450°. Carefully arrange oysters in a single layer on a broiler pan. In a small bowl, combine butter, bell pepper, green onion, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and ground red pepper. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until combined. Divide butter mixture among oysters. Top with crumbled bacon. Bake for 5 minutes, or until oysters are opaque. Serve immediately. ORZO SALAD Makes 8 to 10 servings ½…

Pair bold colors at each place setting with hot-pink napkins and aqua plates. Ruffles add a feminine touch. Decorate the guest of honor’s chair by folding tissue paper together and cutting each fold into fringes. Attach together with a ribbon, and secure to the chair. (Find the full how-to online at celebratemag.com.) CITRUS FIZZ Makes about 1 gallon 1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice, chilled 6 cups orange juice, chilled ¼ cup fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 4 cups ginger ale, chilled In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and lemon juice. Gently stir in ginger ale just before serving. Serve over ice. Probably the most anticipated of all teen birthdays for every girl is turning 16. Not only is it the season for…

MULLED WINE Makes 8 to 10 servings 2 (750-milliliter) bottles Merlot . cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 6 tablespoons honey 3 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon whole cloves 1 tablespoon whole allspice . teaspoon ground cardamom . teaspoon ground ginger Garnish: lemon slices In a large saucepan, combine wine, brown sugar, and honey over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, cardamom, and ginger. Cook, covered, for 1 hour; do not simmer. Remove and discard spices. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired. HOT BUTTERED RUM Makes 12 servings . cup butter . cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon . teaspoon ground nutmeg . teaspoon salt 8 cups water, divided 2 cups heavy whipping cream . cup light rum . cup butterscotch schnapps…

FORGET-ME COOKIES Makes about 5 dozen cookies 6 large egg whites, room temperature 1½ cups sugar 1 cup chocolate-covered toff ee bits 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves. Gently fold in toff ee bits and pecans. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Turn oven off . Place cookies in oven; let meringues stand in closed oven for 8 hours, or overnight. Note: Multiple racks in oven(s) can be used at one time. To make round, uniform cookies, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop. These fluffy, airy cookies remind…

We have had an amazing time putting this issue together for you. Choosing which party themes to present each time can be a challenge, but we hope we have inspired you to host your family and friends this winter. And remember, entertaining is just like anything else—the more you do it, the more comfortable you will become opening your home. To send off this new year, we give you our favorite tip for planning a successful event. First, establish your theme and color palette, and stick with it. Th en, let all the other details unfold as you research and explore the menu, the tablescape, and other little “wow” factors that will make your guests feel welcome—no matter how simple or extravagant. Although my grown children have often teased me…

Twelve years ago, little Olivia “Lulu” London Senese was about to turn 1. Her mother, Jessie Senese, spent months putting together the perfect birthday bash, giving it her all and leaving no detail unattended. “I took a cake-decorating class for three months just so I could make her cake,” she says. “I learned how to make her dress. I even made the invitations. I loved it.” Jessie quickly recognized her passion for party planning. So began a 10-year journey that ultimately ended with her owning and managing an online shop filled with entertaining items such as striped paper straws, crepe-paper fringe, and chevron-patterned spoons and forks. In a sense, Shop Sweet Lulu (named after Jessie’s oldest daughter, of course) rooted itself with that first birthday party. In that span, Jessie…

OPEN-FACED CROQUE MONSIEUR Makes 1 ½ dozen 3 tablespoons butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups whole milk 1¼ cups grated Gruyère cheese 1¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 (12-ounce) loaf French bread 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2½ pounds thinly sliced deli ham Garnish: paprika, chopped fresh parsley In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour; cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Remove from heat; add cheeses, salt, and white pepper, stirring until cheeses are melted. Preheat oven to 400°. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil. Brush foil with melted butter. Cut French bread into 18 (½ -inch-thick) slices. Spread Dijon…

PINK GRAPEFRUIT PUNCH Makes about 1½ gallons 1 (64-ounce) bottle Ruby Red grapefruit juice 1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice 1 (12-ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 (2-liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled Garnish: red grapefruit slices In a large bowl, combine grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, lemonade concentrate, and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Add ginger ale just before serving, stirring gently to combine. Garnish with grapefruit slices, if desired. Alittle one is on the way, so welcome him or her into the world with the cozy details of this genderneutral shower. Honor the mommy-to-be with an afternoon luncheon and sweet wishes for her baby. Little lambs inspired a table filled with plush yarn and knit details. Antique rattles, teething toys, and baby cups are…

CAESAR SALAD Makes 12 servings 3 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped Crunchy Croutons (recipe follows) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved Caesar Dressing (recipe follows) In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, Crunchy Croutons, and cheese, tossing gently to combine. Drizzle with Caesar Dressing just before serving. CRISPY CROUTONS Makes 12 servings 1 (8.5-ounce) French bread baguette, cut into . -inch cubes . cup butter, melted . teaspoon garlic powder . teaspoon paprika . teaspoon seasoned salt . teaspoon ground black pepper Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, place bread cubes. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and pepper, whisking to combine. Pour butter mixture over bread, tossing to coat evenly. Spread bread cubes in an even layer on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Bake for…

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One special evening of the year is dedicated to celebrating romance, and an elegant couples’ soiree is just the way to do so. Keep the tablescape sophisticated and modern with a palette of pinks, splashes of gold, and ombré patterns. For a dramatic centerpiece, gather blooms in different shades of pink, from the palest to the deepest hues. Arrange them in a gradient pattern in square vases wrapped in satin ribbon, and a simple tablescape becomes a stunning work of art. BEAUTIFUL OMBRÉ PATTERNS TURN A SIMPLE TABLESCAPE INTO A WORK OF ART. Cupid’s Arrow HOW TO WHAT TO GATHER gold spray paint; wooden dowel; scissors; white decorative feathers (available at craft stores); glue; glitter card stock; washi tape* STEP 1: Spray-paint dowel; let dry. STEP 2: Cut desired amount…

ARTICHOKE BITES Makes 2 dozen bites 8 slices sourdough bread, crusts removed and cut into thirds 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish ½ teaspoon seasoned salt 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 2 tablespoons chopped green onion 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Preheat broiler. Place prepared bread on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, horseradish, and seasoned salt. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well combined. Add artichoke hearts, green onion, and parsley, beating to combine. Spread artichoke mixture onto prepared bread. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Broil for 5 minutes,…