Innehållsförteckning för Holidays 2013 från Southern Lady

CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE. And at my house that means the Vince Guaraldi Trio, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby on the radio, icicles and heirloom ornaments on the tree, and marshmallows floating in a mug of hot cocoa. It brings with it nieces and nephews running through the halls (laughing all the way), ribbons and wrapping paper spilling out of closets, cinnamon and cloves camping out beside the stove top, and a lot of cozy moments by the fire, enjoying the company of those I love and remembering those good tidings of great joy that give us a reason to celebrate. For the occasion, we present to you this very merry special issue. You’ll find some of our best Southern decorating and entertaining ideas—many using collections and treasures from our…

Snowy Reverie Though you can’t always count on snow for the holidays like the folks enjoyed in the fun ’50s musical White Christmas, you can create a beautiful monochromatic setting that is as pretty and pristine as freshly fallen flakes. Gleaming gold chargers, beaded-edge dinnerware, and a lacy runner atop a white cloth compose this sparkling tableau that shines not only for Christmas but throughout the winter months. Lanterns, tied with tulle ribbon, hold silvery bottlebrush trees, and a collection of vases is filled with bunches of ivory roses. A bit of tinsel, strands of twinkle lights, and a shimmering tree and wreath complete this crystal reverie. “Oh, Vermont should be beautiful this time of the year, with all that snow. —JU”…

Color Wonderful With a little help from Linus, the endearing title character in A Charlie Brown Christmas has the wonderful ability to push aside the pomp and find the true meaning of Christmas. Look to Charles Schulz’s classic tale for inspiration, and set a simple scene for breakfast with lots of color and charm. Find pillar candles in rainbow hues to line a candy-cane-striped runner for an informal centerpiece. Sunny yellow napkins shine with white dinnerware “blanket-stitched” in red. As a finishing touch, string colorful Christmas lights in the shape of a pine as a nod to our favorite fellow and his timeless tree. T ghries elnit tolen e here seems to need a home … I think it needs me.” —CHARLIE BROWN “…

A Dash of Dazzle This gracious home embodies the cheery spirit of Christmas with color and sparkle galore. An enormous wreath offers a focal point in the window, while a pink amaryllis enlivens the sideboard. Set with peacockadorned china and gold-etched crystal, the table takes on a holiday glow with the addition of soft candlelight. Seasonal Details Each beautifully appointed room of this Southern abode bears signs of Yuletide times, from a festive vignette atop the piano to a wreath hanging from the dining room chandelier. A cherished nativity sits atop a stunning carved marble fireplace, where sumptuous evergreen-and-magnolia-leaf swags flank the hearth. Above the mantel, a layered wreath showcased on an antique mirror rounds out this Christmas celebration.…

HOT BUTTERSCOTCH Makes ? servings ? cups whole milk ? cups heavy whipping cream ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar ½ cup butterscotch-flavored schnapps Garnish: whipped cream, butterscotch topping ?. In a large saucepan, combine milk, cream, and brown sugar over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a simmer; do not boil. Remove from heat, and stir in butterscotch schnapps. Garnish with whipped cream and butterscotch topping, if desired. CRANBERRY ORANGE PUNCH Makes about ? gallon ? (??-ounce) bottle cranberry juice cocktail ? (??-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed ? tablespoons fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon almond extract ? (?-liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled Garnish: orange slices, cranberries ?. In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, and almond extract.…

Idyllic Holiday Let the charming scenes on Juliska’s Country Estate dinnerware inspire a setting that channels all the charms of the season. Arrange namesake flowers in a tulipiere tower in the same pattern, and finish the look with ruby-red stemware and pretty patterned napkins. Center Stage A special occasion merits a memorable centerpiece, and these unique metal vases with builtin candleholders fit the bill beautifully. To recreate for your own table, place white kale in the center, and surround with tulips, star of Bethlehem, and burgundy protea. For a seasonal touch, “wrap” salad plates in red ribbon, and tuck in sprigs of fresh greenery Add a Southern accent with a magnolia-leaf wreath. Put a delicious new spin on an old family favorite. BLUE CHEESE AND CHIVE MASHED POTATOES Makes ?…

Elegant Designs Create custom-made botanical-print paper by laying maidenhair fern or other flat green leaves on a color printer to copy. Frost pinecones with faux-snow spray, and attach to package bows with wire. For presents with sophisticated style, apply washi tape in stripes or chevron patterns to solid wrapping paper. Finish off with glittery ornaments and tassels made from metallic yarn. Letters & Lace Personalize a gift by gluing a glitter initial on a page of prose. Form the frame with ribbons and strips of patterned paper applied with double-stick tape. You could also frame a Christmas card and finish with sparkly photo corners. Gussy up kraft paper by wrapping in lace fabric or simply layering satin ribbon and lace trim.…

Christmas Chic Whether the jovial gentleman is really Kris Kringle is a question that remains up in the air in the treasured motion picture Miracle on 34th Street, but there’s no doubt he restores the flagging faith of departmentstore employee Doris Walker and her precocious daughter, Susan. Mimic the urban chic of Doris’s downtown emporium with a tablescape that takes its cues from a cloth in a cosmopolitan stripe. Gold elements— flatware, rimmed china, and hobnail-goblets-turned-flowervases— bring plenty of panache, while emerald glasses provide a pop of traditional Christmas color. With a sprinkling of metallic ornaments around the table, this setting sparkles with true Fifth Avenue flair. “Don’t overlook those lovely intangibles. You’ll discover those are the only things that are worthwhile. —FRED GAILEY”…

Holiday Heritage From the vintage mercuryglass tree toppers lined up on a sideboard to the tiny tinsel tree passed down from a beloved family member, it’s obvious the homeowners cherish sentimental treasures. The Lenox crystal nativity scene is compliments of a dear friend who thoughtfully gifted a piece each year, while the joyous sign hanging above proclaims the jubilant message of the season. Cozy Quarters The homeowner’s “Angel Tree” holds the celestial ornaments her mother has given her every year since she was young. In a nod to the family business, initial ornaments adorn stockings on the carved marble fireplace, and a monogram topper crowns the tree in the main living space. Quiet Retreats The master suite is the very definition of elegance, with luxurious draperies at the windows, a…

Welcome Signs Event and floral designer Leah Hazzard of Birmingham leans on her Southern sensibilities when creating Christmas décor. A white lacquered magnolia wreath incorporates local organic matter and sparkles with a dusting of European glass glitter. “I love the way simple things become fancy with a bit of shine,” says Leah. She often includes sentimental items, such as the brass wreath and bells centered inside a cedar circlet and the dried okra pods and magnolia leaves that honor her own Mississippi Delta roots. On the Cover This wreath features fresh red roses and variegated pittosporum for an eye-catching welcome to any home. “Red roses have signified love throughout history,” explains Leah. “What better way to represent the season of love and giving?” Both the roses and greenery dry well,…

GLAZED BUTTERNUT AND ACORN SQUASH Makes ?? to ?? servings ? large butternut squash, peeled and cut into ?-inch pieces ? large acorn squash, peeled and cut into ?-inch pieces ? tablespoons olive oil ²⁄? cup honey ¹⁄? cup firmly packed brown sugar ? tablespoon fresh lemon juice ? teaspoon ground cinnamon ? teaspoon salt ¹⁄? teaspoon ground nutmeg ?. Preheat oven to ???°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; set aside. ?. In a large bowl, combine squashes and olive oil, tossing to coat. Spread squash in an even layer on prepared pan. Bake for ?? to ?? minutes, or until tender. ?. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until honey mixture…

COVER Photography by Kamin Williams Resources: Wreath Designs; Leah Hazzard. Ribbon; d.stevens. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Page 7: Photography by Marcy Black Simpson Resources: Dress; Unique Vintage. Necklace; Spartina 449. Hair and Makeup Styling by Celine C. Russell. WRAPPED WITH LOVE Pages 11-14: Photography by Kamin Williams Resources: Spray Snow, Glittered Letters, and Glittered Photo Corners; Michaels. Washi Tape; cu-te-ta- GOODIES TO GIVE Pages 15-19: Photography by William Dickey; Styling by Katherine Tucker; Recipe Development and Food Styling by Virginia Hornbuckle Resources: Baking Molds shown with oatmeal cookies and snickerdoodles and Wooden Gift Crate shown with lace cookies; Technobake. Faux Bois Paper, Large Box, and White Bags; Paper Source. Red and Green Velvet Ribbons; Midori. Green Tissue, Polka Dot Envelopes, and Gift Tags; Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft. Red and White…

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD Makes about ? dozen cookies ¾ pound unsalted butter, softened cup sugar teaspoon vanilla extract cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ounces white chocolate, finely chopped ¹⁄ cup crushed peppermints ?. In a large bowl, beat butter at mediumhigh speed with an electric mixer for ? minutes or until creamy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating for ? minutes. Gradually add flour and salt, beating well after each addition. ?. Form dough into a disk. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for ?? minutes. ?. Preheat oven to ???°. Line ? baking sheets with parchment paper. ?. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¹⁄?-inch thickness. Cut into ?x?-inch rectangles, rerolling scraps as needed. Place ? inches apart on baking sheets. Refrigerate for ??…

Each man_ life touches so many other lives.” —CLARENCE “ Seasonal Classic In the beloved holiday movie It’s a Wonderful Life, the memorable scenes of small-town Bedford Falls, complete with falling snow and twinkling lights, paint the picture of Christmastime in a close-knit community. Take your inspiration from this black-and-white classic, and create a setting in more subdued hues with accents of cheery red and turquoise. Nostalgic Display This happy get-together takes place under the watchful eyes of angels past and present in the form of precious family photos, arranged in a tree-shaped display. Passed-down china—shared by three family members—is reunited for a holiday meal, underscoring the importance of unity and love at this special time of year.…

Contemporary Chic In a sublime departure from traditional holiday hues, a palette primarily composed of cocoa and cream brings plenty of cheer. A brace of feathery wreaths double the welcome at the front door. In the entry, tall magnolia branches fan out of a vase atop a foyer table. Christmas trees bear a dusting of faux snow, which is echoed throughout the abode with thoughtful arrangements boasting white blossoms. Comfort & Joy Splashes of scarlet are introduced in the master suite with throw pillows, a cozy afghan, and twin wreaths above the headboard. Collected artwork and other treasures from world travels take on a holiday complexion with the addition of red accessories and sophisticated florals. Come Together Since everyone gathers in the kitchen, this room also gets the Christmas treatment…

BAKED BRIE WITH GREMOLATA Makes ?? to ?? servings cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ¹⁄ cup toasted pine nuts bunch parsley, stemmed tablespoons olive oil tablespoons water teaspoon lemon zest tablespoons fresh lemon juice tablespoon minced garlic tablespoon chopped fresh thyme tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary ¹⁄ teaspoon salt ¹⁄ teaspoon ground black pepper (.-ounce) round Brie ?. Preheat oven to ???°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. ?. In the container of a blender or the work bowl of a food processor, combine Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, parsley, olive oil, water, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to make gremolata. Process until well blended; set aside. ?. Trim rind from top of Brie, leaving a ¹⁄?-inch border on top. Place Brie on prepared…

RAISIN-WALNUT COOKIES Makes about ?. dozen cup butter, softened ¹⁄ cups firmly packed light brown sugar large egg ¹⁄ cup whole milk teaspoon vanilla extract ¹⁄ cups all-purpose flour ¹⁄ teaspoon baking soda ¹⁄ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¹⁄ teaspoon ground mace ¹⁄ teaspoon salt cups old-fashioned rolled oats cups raisins cups chopped walnuts ?. Preheat oven to ???°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. ?. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla. ?. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, mace, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until combined. Add oats, raisins, and walnuts, beating until combined. Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls ? inches apart onto prepared…