Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2023 i Country Living

It’s no secret around the Country Living office that fall is my favorite time of year. (Maybe it’s the wool blanket that’s perpetually draped over my desk chair?) There’s something about the traditions that come with this sun-dappled season—the pumpkin picking, the corn maze carousing—and how these annual excursions serve as visual hash marks of our family. With every visit, the pumpkins seem more petite as my children inch closer to seeing over the stalks. The pumpkin patch is just one small slice of all there is to celebrate—cooler temps! college football! candy corn!—this time of year. And that’s before we even start talking turkey. So, we’re here to help you make the most of every second of this fall-iday season, whether it’s hosting an apple cider social (pg. 54),…

Bow-Back The invention of steam-bending helped shape this chair (literally). The hoop form is achieved by steaming soft wood. Sack-Back Perhaps the most iconic of the Windsors, the American-designed sack-back features both a continuous arm rail and a bow-back. Comb-Back Though not the most common style today, the comb-back Windsor was one of the earliest and often features two scrolled wings.…

Favorite Blend: “I quite like peppermint, but it’s usually very strong English breakfast tea with a little bit of milk.” Cup or Mug: “My husband and I are very specific about our mugs. We have loads, but I will only drink my tea out of my favorite handmade cup by Bird in the Hand (birdinthehand.me). I guard it with my life!” Proper Provisions: “Gluten-free cake—carrot is the house favorite—baked by my auntie who lives about 20 minutes away.” Sipping Spot: “As soon as the kids get home from school, the kettle goes on—the boys now choose hot chocolate—and we sit around the kitchen island.”…

Most likely spread from East to West through the Crusades and global trade, playing cards became standardized in Europe by the end of the 1400s. German, Latin, and French decks were most common, but each had different card counts and suit, or “pip,” styles. Probably dominant today because it was the easiest to reproduce, the French system gave us spades, diamonds, clubs, and hearts in a 52-card deck. The 52 cards in four suits are thought to represent four seasons in a 52-week year, and the suits themselves could be representatives of Medieval social classes.…

OBJECT LESSON: Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Coat WHAT TO KNOW: In 1897, Clinton C. Filson founded his clothing company, C.C. Filson’s Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers, in Seattle. Aimed at providing protective clothing for Pacific Northwest settlers seeking fortune during the Yukon Gold Rush, the brand later became (and still is!) a staple for avid outdoorsmen and timbermen. Filson’s first patented and most notable piece was the all-weather Cruiser coat, inspired by timber “cruisers” who searched for harvestable timber. The coats were typically made of Mackinaw wool or Tin Cloth (a cotton treated with an oil and wax finish to protect against wind and water), like the 1950s-era one pictured here. WHAT IT’S WORTH: $400 to $800, depending on age “This wicker table has been in my family for many years.”—M.A.W.,…

The Faheys never planned to be farmers. Joe had a career in medicine. His wife, Jenny, is a CPA. But a chance decision to grow apples in their backyard turned into an obsession. “I was told by a multitude of people you can’t grow ’em organically here. It’s too hard,” says Joe. “And it is! But I’ve been able to turn out some pretty nice fruit.” The organic part is important—Joe asserts that a freshly picked organic apple tastes like nothing else. The proof is in the crisp-weather crowds that flock to the Fahey farm’s pick-your-own orchard every year. What started as a single-handed, one-tent operation has expanded to a gorgeous barn that now doubles as an event space. The Faheys’ children, Charlie (20) and Abby (24) (pictured above with…

Rural roots run deep for Mike Costello and Amy Dawson, who both grew up on farms in the Mountain State. After meeting in Morgantown, West Virginia, the couple was working at nonprofits when, in 2013, Amy inherited her grandparents’ 180-acre property in Harrison County. They named their new home Lost Creek Farm (lostcreekfarmwv.com) for a stream that runs through its meadows, then promptly rolled up their sleeves. “It was in rough shape, but it was so special,” says Amy. “We decided to find a way to make life here work.” The couple struck on the idea of sharing the stories of their beloved mountain community through its cuisine. After fixing up the 1880s-era farmhouse (a work still in progress!) and reviving the heirloom vegetable gardens, Mike and Amy started serving…

A Quick Introduction: Burned-out on a varied career in fabrication and farming, Cynthia Main (far left) took a broom-making class “on a lark” in 2013 and quickly fell in love. After being accepted into Berea, Kentucky’s Arts Accelerator Program, which offered studio space and a monthly stipend to artisans willing to relocate to the town, she officially went full-time with her company, Sunhouse Craft, in 2018. Partner Doug Stubbs (above left) came on board the next year. What’s on Offer: Sunhouse’s signature is an Appalachian-style broom. Doug and Cynthia source wood for the handles from nearby forests and shave it down (bottom left), and then Cynthia flat-weaves broomcorn into a traditional loose sweep (left). “The split ends hit the floor in a smoother manner and grab dust better,” she says.…

Q. What’s proper etiquette for a potluck party guest? —Clara T., Castine, ME A. With bring-a-dish season officially upon us, a bit of pre-party prep work will help guarantee you’re invited back next year. First, be sure your contribution is ready to serve upon arrival and is paired with the appropriate utensils. List any potentially problematic ingredients (peanuts, gluten, etc.) on a card placed prominently at the dish’s side, and, if you’ve made a pan dessert such as brownies or lemon squares, be sure they’re sliced before they’re set out. Come end of night, pack up your dish as-is and finish cleanup at home. That way, you won’t have to send three follow-up texts to get back your prized Pyrex.…

1 Waking up early to soak in the moody, misty magic of a foggy fall morning 2 Stockpiling enough split wood to fuel a season’s worth of conversation around the fire 3 Coming home to a warmly lit log cabin, even if it’s just yours for a weekend getaway (You can rent the charming cabin featured on pg. 86.) 4 Watching trick-or-treaters meticulously categorize their hard-earned candy haul 5 The joy of baking family recipes using passed-down pieces 6 Packing into the family car (pets included) in anticipation of grandma’s famous stuffing 7 Pulling your favorite wool blankets out of storage and layering them over everything 8 How the colorful foliage reminds us that change can be beautiful Follow us on Instagram @countrylivingmag for more Simple Country Pleasures.…

THE NEW TRADITIONALIST Sawyer Made Using freshly cut green wood, second-generation chair maker George Sawyer handcrafts his chairs in his father’s storied Vermont workshop. sawyermade.com THE MODERN MAINSTAY O&G Studio Founded by Jonathan Glatt and Sara Ossana, O&G creates clean-lined and colorful instant heirlooms. oandgstudio.com THE PERIOD PRO Mark Soukup With his old-fashioned techniques, visiting Mark is like time-traveling to an 18th-century furniture shop. (His work is on display at Monticello!) windsorchairsbyhand.com…

Built in the early 1900s, Anna Phillips’ small Victorian terrace house (the U.K. version of a townhouse) in Steyning may be young by English standards, but it had already been stripped of character by previous owners. When they purchased the property in 2007, Anna, owner of a small knitwear company (hambroandmiller.co.uk), and her composer/musician husband, Jeff Kightly, knew they wanted to bring back that sense of age, but not in an off-the-rack kind of way. “My work is very much about sustainability, and we wanted that for our home as well,” says Anna. Over the years, most of the updates have incorporated reclaimed materials, from the floorboards to the countertops to the 1940s Bakelite light switches. That appreciation of the old and the well-crafted extends to the artful mix of…

Check Mates Though gridded games date back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, the modern version of checkers, or draughts, is largely based on a French game called Fierges. With values stretching from $200 to several thousands depending on age, condition, and colors, hand-painted boards from the late 1800s through early 1900s work equally well on display or used for play. Pieces featuring blue and green colorways tend to fetch more than their black-and-red counterparts, as do double-sided boards and those with extended edges (center), which are meant to corral playing pieces. Above Board Active between 1858 and 1920, the New York-based publishing company McLoughlin Bros. was a pioneer in the use of chromolithography in children’s books and games. When the company was sold to Milton Bradley, the brand continued with…

№ 1 Thermos Lamp (pg. 36) A retro one-gallon jug cooler makes for a fittingly cool lamp base. Enlist a pro to have it wired, then top with a natural burlap shade. № 2 Blanket Pouf (pg. 36) Turn a plaid wool blanket into a comfy footrest. Start by cutting a blanket into six 16-inch squares. Topstitch the pieces together in a cube, leaving a 6-inch opening. Stuff with shredded memory foam filling (amazon.com), and stitch closed. Add a decorative blanket stitch along the outer edges, if desired. № 3 Stay Lit Kit Transform a large metal first-aid box (or similar vessel) into a candle. To make, hang wicks from skewers and lay them over the opening to hold in place. (The larger the vessel, the more wicks you’ll need to allow for…

FIELD NOTES Picking Pecans Typically harvested September through November, in-shell pecans should be a mottled tan or brown color; avoid darker shells, which indicate oxidization from poor storage. Similarly, light or golden brown shelled pecans indicate high quality; darker ones tend to be bitter. Store both shelled and unshelled pecans in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to six months. From the Farm to Your Table Here, six ways to embrace peak pecan season. Recipes, pg. 128…

SnowSweet This cold-hardy snacking varietal has snow white flesh that resists browning and a sweet, almost buttery taste with just a hint of tartness. Liberty Introduced in 1978, this dark red apple has lots of juice and a slightly sharp taste, making it great in desserts or as applesauce. Cortland This quintessentially American apple was developed in New York in 1898. Its juicy flavor and resistance to browning make it good in salads. Pixie Crunch Sweet and crunchy, these small, super-juicy apples “taste like a Pixy Stix,” says Jenny. “So they're great for kids who don’t like to eat fruit.”…

COME FOR THE… Alpine Vibes and Family Fun Opened in Hillsdale, New York, last August, Little Cat Lodge’s chalet-inspired interiors appeal to aesthetes with a deft mix of references to the cold-weather refuges of Western Europe and Japan’s Hokkaido region. “We looked to create a space for rest and direct contact with nature and sky,” says designer Loren Daye of studio LoveIsEnough. The roster of amenities on the property is constantly expanding and will soon include a kids’ play zone, renovated pool area, and wellness center. STAY FOR THE… Fennel-Grapefruit Scones with Plum Compote While weekend brunch is a sit-down affair at the on-site restaurant, weekday guests are invited to graze on a Continental breakfast in the banquet room. The star of the locally sourced spread: citrus-laced scones served with a side…

The yard was overgrown and the plastic shutters and gingerbread trim a garish blue, but there was something about the little white farmhouse that made Jason Frank’s heart flutter. As these things go, the Andes, New York, house was already under contract, so he and partner Vinny Lopez, who was admittedly less taken, moved on to contemplating other homes in the area. But as these things can also go, the aforementioned contract fell through, and, after some Vinny convincing, the circa-1848 Greek Revival home and its 10 acres of rolling farmland was theirs. Jason, a set designer and stylist for Ralph Lauren Home, and Vinny, a creative director in TV advertising, alongside architect Gary Morgenroth (morgenrotharchitect.com) then began the journey of transforming the overly updated property back to its farmhouse…

Q. I’m going hiking with my pup. How can I keep him safe? —Francis K., Ellijay, GA A. Be sure your dog has a strong respect for “come” or “here” commands in case of a critter encounter. A water container is crucial for hydration, but boots are only necessary if you’ll be hitting rocky terrain. You should also take along a first-aid kit complete with a quick-acting antihistamine to treat a bee sting, and don’t forget an ID tag in the event you accidentally part ways.…

Masthead PAGE 2 Antique miniature duck decoys; muddywaterdecoys.com. Across the Pond PAGES 24-25 “Aged Black” door and window frame paint color and “Canopy” cabinet and wall paint color; atelierellis.co.uk. “Brooke” sconce (dining space); jamb.co.uk. “Tutu” pendant lights (also converted into sconce); astierdevillatte.com. PAGE 26-27 Mantel; jamb.co.uk. Sweaters and vests; hambroandmiller.co.uk. In With the Old PAGE 31 Checkerboards Mary Campbell at Antique Associates at West Townsend, aaawt.com; Baker & Co. Antiques, bakercoantiques.com; Coyote Moon Antiques, coyotemoonantiques.etsy.com; Butternut Farm Antiques, @butternutfarmantiques; Lloyd’s Treasures, lloydstreasures.etsy.com; Maine Picker Co., mainepickerco.etsy.com; Winter Finds, winterfinds.etsy.com; Under the Live Oaks, @undertheliveoaks; Vintage Junk in My Trunk, vintagejunkinmytrunk.etsy.com. PAGES 32-33 Board games New Hampshire Antique Co-op, nhantiquecoop.com; High Ridge Books, highridgebooks.com; A Squared Books, asquaredbooks.com; Brandie Knight, @brandieknight1980; Modern Artifact Decor, modernartifactdecor.etsy.com; Old Soul Antiques N Such, oldsoulantiquesnsuch.etsy.com; Spring By The Sea, springbythesea.etsy.com. Cribbage boards Faded Rose…

Of all the decorative items that literature has imbued with magic, the carpet has a particularly storied history. Since as far back as the early eighth century, authors have created high-flying fantasies around the humble floorcloth. But while a rug at first seems like an unlikely object of a storyteller’s attention, it’s actually quite a fitting choice for tales of far-flung adventure. There’s something about a worn and weathered rug that feels particularly transportive. Just think of the old souls—and soles—that have passed over the very same fibers, hurrying on their way to and from their busy lives in places near and far. And that’s not even to mention the dogs and cats that have napped through the decades, leaving impressions of their curled-up contentment. Equal parts dutiful (so soft!)…

Why We Love Them Their Deep-Seated History: Likely a riff on Irish and Welsh stick-back chairs, the first bow-back Windsors appeared in the 18th century thanks to new steam-bending techniques. Some say the name comes from the furniture town where they were made. Other lore says that King George II discovered these spindled chairs in a commoner’s home while taking refuge from the rain during a country walkabout. Shortly thereafter, he commissioned a collection for Windsor Palace, hence the name. Their Time-Tested Practicality: With their sturdy splayed-leg stance and, quite often, saddle-shaped seats, the Windsor is a coveted combo of comfort and craftsmanship. Chairs made of English elm are considered especially durable. Their Of-the-Moment Appeal: As Colonial style (see: spongeware! samplers! oil portraiture!) moseys its way back into the mainstream,…

$699,000 Lake Arrowhead, CA BR; 2 BA; 1,218 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Enjoy all four seasons of mountain magic from the comfort of your shingle-roofed retreat. The wood-paneled walls and abundance of windows bring the outdoors right in. Plus, the upstairs bedroom suite features soaring ceilings and a spa-worthy soaking tub overlooking the trees. AGENT: Dani Rosenthal; wssir.com WORK REQUIRED: The CL Fixer-Upper Scale MOVE-IN READY NEEDS MINOR IMPROVEMENTS INVEST IN A DECENT DRILL PUT THAT CONTRACTOR ON SPEED DIAL $245,000 Lampe, MO 2 BR; 1 BA; 722 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Tucked away in an adorable neighborhood full of Swiss-style chalets on the Ozarks’ Table Rock Lake, this move-in ready log cabin’s great room combines natural wood V-groove paneled ceilings with beadboard wainscoting. AGENT: Terri Crisler;…

What we know as a pullover sweater here in the United States is typically referred to as a “jumper” by our friends across the Atlantic. The term has nothing to do with leaping; rather it is derived from jupe, an old French word for a man’s short coat or tunic. Over time, it evolved to “jump” and, eventually, “jumper.” The origin of “sweater,” however, is much more straight-forward. The woolen jerseys and vests worn by rowers were intended to produce sweat, and thus became known as “sweaters.”…

Developed in the late 1800s in China’s Yangtze River Delta, the game of mahjong caught hold in America in the 1920s, thanks in part to Indiana businessman Joseph Park Babcock, who imported the game and offered simplified rules. Shuffling, or “washing,” the tiles between rounds allows just enough time for casual conversation, so the game has long fostered strong community ties. To add vintage flair to your gathering, seek out a set of circa-1950s–60s butterscotch Bakelite tiles (above), which are experiencing revived interest.…

Sun-Dappled Cider Social Feast on classic fall fare under the most deliciously golden tree you can find. Set a Tartan Tablescape. Bypass the formal tablecloth in favor of a plaid wool blanket (tartanblanketco.com) casually draped on the diagonal over an antique wood table. Place settings of blue goblets and transferware plates (replacements.com) complement the coverlet’s coloring, while mismatched chairs set a casual, come-as-you-are tone. Fire Up the Fondue. Made with Gruyère and a touch of fresh apple cider, hearty Cider Fondue pairs well with slices of seasonal fruit and crusty bread arranged on an antique serving board with vintage fondue forks (etsy.com) in corresponding colors. Serve a Big-Batch Beverage. Guests can help themselves to a cup of Old-Fashioned Cider Punch made from fresh apple cider and a bit of bourbon.…

Apple Butter Pie Inspired by: Pennsylvania Local Flavor: Brought to Colonial America (and later Appalachia) by German settlers known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, apple “butter” is called such for its creamy consistency. For a star turn on the holiday sideboard, this version features a striking “Ribbon Star” quilt block top crust. (Find more piecrust ideas on pg. 68.) Meyer Lemon Shaker Pie Inspired by: Ohio Local Flavor: The 18th-century Protestant sect was known for both its frugality and fruit-growing mastery. However, in the challenging Midwestern climate, lemons had to be bought, which is why the Shakers utilized every last bit of them, rinds and all. Our version does the same, but with less tart, thinly sliced Meyer lemons. Sweet Potato Graham Cracker Pie Inspired by: North Carolina Local Flavor: Sweet…

Graze on apple cider donuts and freshly sugared syrups… … and 21 more ways to indulge in the sun-dappled delights of autumn. Have Your Cakes: A hearty stack of buttermilk flapjacks at Butlers Pantry is the perfect way to start the day. Or stop in for sweet and savory crepes at the beloved breakfast-all-day eatery The Skinny Pancake. Click Your Camera: Shutterbugs flock to Stowe for quintessential New England vistas. Spots to practice your skills include the Welcome to Stowe Mural (above right), the Stowe Community Church (opposite), and the red saltbox barn at Grandview Farm. Meet Your Maple: Sugaring is an integral part of Vermont culture. At Wyckoff Family Maple in Jeffersonville, you can sample infused maple syrups and take a self-guided tour. Peruse more Vermont-made maple products, such as…

IF YOU FIND Feathers MAKE A Pretty Plumed Centerpiece Hollow out a tall gourd such as a Hubbard squash, and slice a sliver off the bottom to help it stand. Place a piece of damp floral foam inside and fill with feathers, foliage, and flowers (here, roses and ranunculus). For the festooned pumpkins, use hot-glue to cover with long turkey (large) or pheasant (small) feathers. For the larger pumpkin, finish with wispy green chicken feathers around the crown. IF YOU FIND Moss & Lichen MAKE A Wild and Wiry Wreath Create a textural wreath by incorporating different types of moss, such as Spanish moss, preserved forest moss, and dried tree lichen (see below). To make, cover a 12- to 16-inch foam wreath form with clumps of moss and lichen, attaching with hot-glue.…

(To print out a larger version, go to countryliving.com/halloween-eye-spy.) ANSWERS: 1. The jack-o’-lantern doesn’t have a nose. 2. The cider garnishes are inside the mug. 3. The bottom pumpkin’s top has been cut. 4. The candy wrappers are a different color. 5. The seeds are removed from pumpkin innards on tray. 6. The candles have been burned. 7. The white and orange pumpkins on the cutting board have been swapped.…

Basmati Rice with Pecans, Cranberries, Apples, and Feta WORKING TIME 55 minutes TOTAL TIME 55 minutes MAKES 8 to 10 servings 2 tablespoons olive oil1 medium sweet onion, chopped (about 1 cup)Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper2 cups basmati rice, rinsed3½ cups chicken stock1½ cups dried cranberries1 Granny Smith apple, chopped1 cup chopped toasted pecans1 (8-ounce) block Feta, crumbled¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1. Heat oil in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. 2. Add stock and cranberries. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until rice is cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and…

MY MOTHER, JOAN, was born an only child, and all she wanted was a big happy family. Five kids and 12 grandchildren later, she certainly got her wish, and she showed us her love through baking. She used this KitchenAid mixer, likely purchased in the late 1970s, for years and swore every recipe came out better because of it. But I think the true magic of this mixer belonged to the one who used it. As my mother aged, it became difficult for her to move the device out from the cabinet, so my father custom-built a platform that could slide out when she wanted to use the mixer. It enabled her to keep baking her treats for many more years, much to our family’s delight. One of her most…