Innehållsförteckning för Holidays at Home 2023 från Southern Lady

A centuries-old tradition in the form of a special gift for newlyweds has gained prominence in Southern homes decked for the holidays. The set of old-fashioned beauties, collectively called bride’s tree ornaments, bids good fortune as Santa embodies goodwill, a basketful of fruit represents abundance, and 10 other artisan glass treasures carry their own messages of encouragement for couples. The most notable collection was first produced by German company Inge-Glas, famous for the distinct craftsmanship of their heirloom-quality Christmas ornaments that feature glittery finials, classic Yuletide emblems, feathered creatures, and novelties like French cheeses and high-heeled shoes. Since the 1800s, generations have carried on the glassblowing legacy of the family-run enterprise, which remains particularly esteemed for a vast array of avian-style frills. With roots that spread from Germany to the…

“HEAP ON MORE WOOD! THE WIND IS CHILL; BUT LET IT WHISTLE AS IT WILL, WE’LL KEEP OUR CHRISTMAS MERRY STILL.”—SIR WALTER SCOTT, WRITER NATURAL GLEAM The perennial elegance of a well-designed fireplace reaches new heights this time of year, as classic details and luxuriant top notes mingle in harmony. Shades of green, gold, and white complement the traditional aesthetic of this space while imparting a flair fit for Christmas. A swag of magnolia leaves, sprinkled with gilded clusters of pine cones and pomegranates, anchors the scene set for a pair of velvet stockings and gifts wrapped to double as décor. Like snowflakes drifting on a winter’s day, poinsettias bob along the mantel at staggered heights in terra-cotta pots; calla lilies in similar vessels complete the display. OLD MEETS NEW…

After more than 10 years in their Southern home, Kathy and Matt Davis began to see the need to make a few changes. “When we started having grandchildren, the house started getting small,” Kathy says, adding that they originally planned on a small renovation to create a little more space. But a suggestion from designer Debby Shepherd led to a larger project that resulted in a new living room and a porch large enough to accommodate the expanding family. The finished product includes soaring ceilings anchored with dark wooden beams, underneath which the Christmas tree glistens, its lights spreading warmth from the corner of the living room. Double-toned ribbons wind the length of the tree, adding color to the overall neutral design. “It started with Waterford ornaments,” Kathy says, noting…

COME ON IN As the final days of the year wind down, take time to share a convivial atmosphere and a delicious mélange of goodies with a Christmastime open house for neighborhood families. Sparkling Citrus Punch and lively, lyrical carols add sparkle to the affair, featuring a menu of delectable finger foods and sweet treats to delight guests. A tabletop teeming with festive china, silver bud vases, shiny miniature trees, and gleaming ornaments offers joyous allure. Red and white roses stand out in a fuss-free centerpiece lush with evergreens and decorative berries, all surrounded by linens that accentuate the season’s traditional colors. Poinsettias, beautifully wrapped gifts, stockings, and a tall flocked tree set the ambience for this merry occasion. BRIMMING BUFFET The savory scent of spinach dip with bacon will…

“WHEN WE RECALL CHRISTMAS PAST, WE USUALLY FIND THAT THE SIMPLEST THINGS—NOT THE GREAT OCCASIONS—GIVE OFF THE GREATEST GLOW OF HAPPINESS.”—BOB HOPE, ENTERTAINER Goat Cheese and Pecan Crostini with Honey MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS 1 demi-loaf French bread2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 (4-ounce) package goat cheese, softened4 tablespoons honey, divided¼ teaspoon ground red pepper¼ teaspoon smoked paprika½ cup chopped toasted pecans1 teaspoon fresh oregano leavesSea salt flakes, for sprinklingGarnish: coarse ground black pepper 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Slice bread into 16 (¼-inch-thick) slices. Arrange bread slices on prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil. 3. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together goat cheese and 2 tablespoons honey until…

COVER See On Christmas Morn. CHRISTMAS IN THE SOUTH Pages 7– 14: Written by Lisa Frederick. DRESSED TO DELIGHT Pages 15– 16: Written by Marie Baxley. HEARTHSIDE ALLURE Pages 17– 26: Written by Ashley Shaw. Pages 17– 20: Green velvet stocking; Merry by Julie Terrell. Fresh Golden Woodlands garland, 10-feet; The Magnolia Company. Page 21: Nutcracker Parade gift wrapping paper; Caspari. Pages 23– 26: Gold Christmas Stocking and Acrylic Stocking Holder in brass; Fig & Dove. Berries and Leaves gift wrapping paper in gold foil; Caspari. Chinoiserie Ornaments, set of 3; Ballard Designs. BH Essentials Swirl ornament set in red and champagne; BH Essentials Mercury Glass ornament set in gold regular; and Decorated Glass ornament set in gold and silver; Balsam Hill. SOUTHERN COTTAGE CHARM Pages 27– 32: Written by…

For Maggie and David Griffin and their two young sons, Henry and Samuel, Christmas is a family affair that begins well before Thanksgiving. “Generally, we start in early November,” Maggie says. “We love Christmas. I decorate super early so we can truly enjoy it for a longer period of time.” From following the Advent calendar and reading all of the Christmas books passed down from David’s mother to donning matching holiday pajamas, the Griffin family wholeheartedly embraces their traditions. “Christmas with children is so very special. We talk a lot about how Christmas is really about being with those we love and celebrating the arrival of Jesus,” Maggie says. “Our neighborhood is full of young families with kids, and sharing in the excitement is a highlight.” The Griffins have called…

A TOUCH OF GLIMMER Gingerbread kindles remembrances of a joy-filled December pastime. Fashion an endearing tableau that heralds this lighthearted staple of the season. A striped runner sets a carefree tone while matching napkins nestle between a white dinner plate and dishes embellished with old-fashioned toys. Floral arrangements brim with crimson peonies, red roses, calla lilies, and greenery for a pretty presentation. MAGIC IN THE AIR Stylized soldiers and candlelit trees are encircled by artful holly wreaths that gently echo the fresh garland of Fraser fir, seeded eucalyptus, and pepperberry sweeping across the table’s center. Whether shaped into creative cottages or ornaments, the iced confections await gathered companions and are sure to delight. For the final fitting detail, top each coffee mug with a tiny gingerbread house almost too adorable…

Peppermint Swirls MAKES ABOUT 25 1 cup unsalted butter, softened1¼ cups sugar2 large eggs1 teaspoon peppermint extract3 cups all-purpose flour½ teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon kosher salt½ teaspoon red liquid food coloring*¼ cup crushed peppermint candy canes½ cup holiday sprinkles 1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating just until combined. Divide dough in half. With mixer at medium speed, beat food coloring into one portion, and beat candy canes into the other.…