Innehållsförteckning för Holidays 2015 från Southern Lady

’T is the season for celebrating, and in this special issue, we do just that. Inspired by the enchanting styles and dazzling glamour associated with one of the South’s oldest cities, New Orleans, we filled these pages with ideas for color themes and decorating ideas galore. In fact, our Settings for the Holidays chapter (beginning on page 21) features five creative forays in tablescaping, all exploring fresh takes and artist approaches to seasonal hues. You’ll also find some wonderful recipes, developed in our test kitchen specifically for entertaining from Thanksgiving to Christmas, but the results are so tasty, these dishes are likely to wind up on menus throughout the year. To further the merrymaking, we have a grand fête that pays homage to the tradition of Réveillon that began in…

timeless style Red—bold, brave, fierce, captivating, dramatic, and dazzling. With so many facets, this color has been a favorite in the South for generations, especially for traditional Christmas gatherings. This tablescape features its many hues prominently but with subtlety, and the result is the epitome of elegance. crimson & currant Beaded chargers in ruby red anchor this festive and inviting setting, and china rimmed in scarlet helps highlight the color theme. For more or less punch, select napkins in a solid garnet hue or in white with a simple embroidered accent. Florals in pale pink, striking currant, and deep crimson add to the holiday ambiance, but remember to keep the compositions low so across-thetable conversations and camaraderie can flow freely.…

rustic elegance Though too much teal can result in a design disaster, just the right amount can be a dream come true. Pottery pieces and woodland-themed china and accents—such as pinecones and faux bois flatware—give this harvest table an earthy, inviting feel that’s ideal for Thanksgiving. And with a few holiday-specific additions, the tablescape can easily transition throughout the season and into the new year.…

classic combination The epitome of Southern charm, this grande dame of an abode dressed in traditional red and green exudes an air of warmth and hospitality. In the air, there’s indeed a feeling of Christmas— with a little help from white lights, holly berries, poinsettias, candles, and a collection of caroler figurines. Windows and mirrors both bear beautiful wreaths, and velvet ribbon lends to the timeless appeal of this décor theme. gracious spaces Elegantly appointed, this historic home was made for entertaining. In the dining room, tall candelabra and Christmas Tree china by Spode say this is a special occasion. Simple rings of greenery and berries give the chandelier a bit of pizzazz. family home In the kitchen and family room, the look remains festive but is more relaxed to…

Snow-Cream Milk Shake MAKES 2 (8-OUNCE) DRINKS 1½ cups vanilla-flavored ice cream ½ cup whole milk 3 ounces cream cheese, softened ½ vanilla bean, seeds scraped and reserved Garnish: sweetened whipped cream 1. In the pitcher of a blender, combine ice cream, milk, cream cheese, and vanillabean seeds; process until smooth. 2. Pour milk shake into glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired. Hazelnut Hot Chocolate MAKES 1 GALLON ²/³ cup ground chocolate, such as Ghirardelli ½ cup sugar ¹/³ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 gallon whole milk 1½ cups chocolate hazelnut spread, such as Nutella Garnish: sweetened whipped cream, chocolate shavings 1. In a large pot, stir together ground chocolate, sugar, and cocoa powder. Slowly whisk in milk until combined. Add chocolate hazelnut spread to pot. Bring mixture to…

Peppermint Crunch Cake MAKES 1 (3-LAYER) 8-INCH CAKE 3 cups sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1½ teaspoons salt 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1½ teaspoons baking soda 1½ cups buttermilk ²/³ cup vegetable oil 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1¹/³ cups hot water Peppermint Buttercream (recipe follows) ¹/³ cup crushed peppermint* Garnish: crushed peppermint, chocolate-dipped mint leaves 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 3 (8-inch) cake pans with baking spray with flour. Line bottoms of pans with parchment rounds, and spray again; set aside. 2. In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Form a well in the center. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add buttermilk mixture…

high impact Gift wrap takes on an entirely elevated style when you form a signature suite out of complementary paper, ribbon, and string. Layer scrapbook paper and printed cardstock to form unique gift tags. For extraspecial gifts, look to fresh flowers, which are unparalleled in the realm of festive flourishes. And be sure to pick up water tubes from your local floral supply store to extend the beauty of this particular embellishment. holiday luxe Sophisticated tones and a variety of textures give wrapped packages a fancier feel. Satin, velvet, and metallic ribbon pair well with damask and wallpaper–style prints. And using brooches, ornaments, and other baubles as toppers will enhance the amount of razzle-dazzle beneath the tree, as well as the delight factor for the recipient.…

rhapsody in hue Turn the calendar’s big change into an opportunity for creative composition by setting the scene for an epic celebration. Indigo is the star of the show, and gilded details rally around it in perfect revelry. A strip of wallpaper serves as the table runner, while a collection of candles—both pillar and taper—illuminate the evening event. Simple wreaths dusted with gold paint welcome guests, along with a bold and beautiful floral arrangement. Celestial accents nod to the night sky from which the inky color scheme originates, and each partygoer receives a stopwatch, an ornament with his or her initial, and a confetti cracker to pop when the ball drops and the new year begins!…

some kind of wonderful From the top of the tree to the sides of the mantel, beautiful bows lend an elegant touch to this cheerful scene—as do extra yards of ribbon that happily swag and spool. holly jolly Whether Saint Nicholas chooses his traditional approach down the chimney or decides to descend the staircase, he is sure to find quite a warm reception here. Red, green, and gold deck the halls, walls, and banister in the form of accents aplenty and garlands galore. Along the fireplace, stockings await the grand arrival. And nearby in the breakfast room, roses and candy canes ready the table for a delightful Christmas brunch. silver & gold The dining room is transformed into a winter wonderland with golden and silvery decorations featured alongside frosted accents.…

Barbecue Shrimp with Garlic Crostini MAKES 10 SERVINGS 1 baguette, cut into ¼-inch slices 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil,divided 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on) 1 tablespoon plus ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 cloves garlic, smashed 1 cup dry white wine ½ cup water ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon hot sauce 2 bay leaves ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon sugar ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Garnish: lemon wedges 1. Preheat oven to 350°. 2. Place baguette slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle evenly with ¾ teaspoon salt and pepper. Bake until just…

Gingerbread Cookies MAKES ABOUT 2 DOZEN (5-INCH) COOKIES ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 large egg ²/³ cup molasses 2 teaspoons orange zest 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground cloves Royal Icing (recipe follows) 1. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar; beat at high speed with a mixer until fluffy. Add egg, beating until combined. Add molasses, zest, and vanilla extract, beating until blended. 2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, ginger, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cloves. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until combined. Cover, and…

dramatic edge To give this chic and daring abode a high-style holiday vibe, the decorators gleaned inspiration from existing designs. Accents in blue and green work together to accomplish amazing feats of wonderment in the hue-saturated dining room, and in the living room, they become a jolly juxtaposition to the more neutral palette. Fine art and antiques set a curious and inviting tone, while peacock feathers and paperwhites add holiday panache. subtle allurement Though the main entertaining spaces feature grand displays, the remainder of the house takes a sideshow-style approach, using subtle accents. Boughs and clippings of evergreen bring holiday cheer to chandeliers, mirrors, mantels, and more—all enhanced by ribbon or flowers. Candy jars for making gingerbread houses in the kitchen heighten interest, while the foyer Nativity serves as a…

the holly & the ivy Whether you prefer the do-it-yourself approach to floral décor or a florist’s expert assistance, you need only a few key elements to get your home holiday ready. Consider using ornaments or interesting trinkets; work them into garlands or wreaths with floral wire, suspend them with ribbons, or simply display them on a bed of greenery in a pedestal bowl. Everyday containers can take on a festive glow when filled with the right mix of brilliant blooms, holly, ivy, cedar, or fir. Different varieties of eucalyptus foliage and seeded eucalyptus can also evoke a unique, lovely look.…

Sweet Potato Salad MAKES 8 SERVINGS 8 large sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ cup pomegranate arils ½ cup chopped fresh parsley Pomegranate Vinaigrette (recipe follows) 1. Preheat oven to 425°. Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheets. 3. Bake until potatoes are just tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool completely. 4. To serve, combine roasted potatoes with pomegranate arils, and parsley. Drizzle Pomegranate Vinaigrette over the top. Serve immediately. Prosciutto-Wrapped Green Beans MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVEINGS ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon kosher…

COVER Photography by John O’Hagan LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Page 7: Photography by Marcy Black Simpson Hair and Makeup by Kerri Bunn; BOMA Beautiful. Formal Dress; ModCloth. Pearl Necklace and Bangle Bracelets; Spartina 449. PRESENT PERFECT Pages 11-14: Photography by Marcy Black Simpson Styling by Mary Beth Stillwell Jones GOODIES TO GIVE Pages 15-19: Photography by Mac Jamieson Styling by Mary Beth Stillwell Jones Recipe Development and Food Styling by Anna Theoktisto SCARLET ALLURE Pages 23-28: Photography by Marcy Black Simpson Styling by Tracey MacMillan Runnion Resources: Royal Albert Holyrood (Dinner Plates, Bread Plates, Round Covered Vegetable, and Footed Cup and Saucer), Tiffin-Franciscan Rambler Rose (Salad Plates, Water Goblets, and Footed Tumblers), Fostoria Cascade Wine Glasses, Oneida Beethoven Gold Flatware; Replacements, Ltd. Trevi Table Runner, Round Red Beaded Kaleidoscope Place…