Innholdsfortegnelse for November - December 2010 i Southern Lady

Joy. It’s such a simple word, but it expresses one of the most wonderful feelings we can experience. It makes our hearts feel full, brings smiles to our faces—and has even been known to inspire a spontaneous dance or two! Joy is found in a child’s giggle, a father’s hug, the sweet song of a choir at a church service. It is present on Christmas morning when we realize that our greatest treasures are not wrapped up under the tree with glittering bows, but are sitting right there with us in the form of our family and friends. This issue of Southern Lady celebrates all the joys of the holidays, from beautifully decorated homes to elegant tables glistening with silver and crystal to recipes that will convince guests you are…

True-life steel magnolias Laura Stachler and Susan Carver Robbins exemplify the character of many Southern women: Through good times and bad, do what you can, and do it well. In their recently opened storefront on the outskirts of Atlanta, the motherdaughter duo work side-by-side to make their signature gingersnaps. Each day they bake 8,000 cookies, place them in chic packaging, and prepare them for shipping across the country. “It’s like poetry in motion,” says Laura, who pauses from cutting Christmas ribbons long enough to exchange grins with daughter Susan. “People love the product and packaging,” Laura continues, “but what they really respond to is the story.” The story starts with Laura’s sister and Susan’s namesake, Susan Carver Smith, who passed away from Hodgkin’s disease at age 28. Nearly three decades…

flitting flakes The child inside of us never really outgrows our delight in snow globes. Enchant guests with their own take-home version that doubles as a place card holder. Drill a 1/16-inch hole into a 1-inch section of 5/8-inch dowel, add glue, then insert a plumosa fern frond. Using Gorilla Glue, adhere the “tree” in the base of a clear bottle, allowing it to dry for five minutes. Fill with water or mineral oil, sprinkle in glitter, and seal with a cork stopper. Finish with a ribbon, add a name, and the magic is complete. winter wonderland Fluff up this snow-inspired scene with accents that sparkle. Try your hand at our custom snowflake plates (see instructions at southernladymagazine.com), or create a feathery wreath from plumosa fern fronds purchased at a…

It is truly a lot of fun to be a florist during the holidays. Spirits throughout the shop are soaring, and we get to express that joy in everything from swags to wreaths to centerpieces. With the constant entertaining and length of the season, however, it can become challenging—not to mention expensive—for many hostesses to continually replace grand fresh flower displays. For that reason, it’s nice to have at least one statement standby that will last from the first blessing of Thanksgiving to the last toast of New Year’s. An amaryllis wreath made of high quality silk flowers is a terrific example. For best results, wire the blossoms onto wooden florist picks, and insert them into a circular foam base. If desired, add a festive bow with trailing ribbons, and…

treasured keepsakes Fill a shadow box with holiday trimmings— ornaments, ribbons, tags, and silk foliage— to create an eye-catching display of Christmas memorabilia. Try a variety of wrapping paper backgrounds for different looks, or add family photos for a more personal touch. personal welcome 57 To fashion this yuletide greeting, spray a faux snow dusting onto a ready-made wreath, then add a few silky bows. For the grand finish, attach a fanciful initial that can be custom-ordered from Artist Tree (dondeehicks.com), or try making your own letter from plywood or foam board, then add embellishments with paint or wallpaper cutouts. chair charmer Dining chairs are the perfect spot for a touch of Christmas cheer. Suspend a pretty ornament from the top of the chair with a length of fancy ribbon,…

GINGERBREAD COOKIES Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 6 tablespoons molasses 1 large egg 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup sugar White sanding sugar 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. 2. In a large bowl, combine butter and brown sugar. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add molasses and egg; beat until well combined. 3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until combined. Cover, and refrigerate dough for 1 hour. 4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in sugar. Place 2 inches…

Lest her culinary credentials and accolades imply otherwise, Jennifer Chandler makes one thing clear in her new book: There’s no substitute for classic home cooking. A wife and mother of two, who graduated top of her class from Paris’s Le Cordon Bleu, Jennifer says, “Good food isn’t about being gourmet. It’s about being delicious. In fact, some of our favorite foods are the simplest dishes.” Mama’s Spaghetti and Mac-n-Cheese with a Twist, for example, are regular winners in the Chandler home. But so are some of the more elite sounding selections featured in her latest cookbook such as Croque Monsieur, the author’s approachable French take on a hot hamand- cheese. Along with recipes from Jennifer’s personal collection, Simply Suppers is peppered with dishes graciously shared by local restaurant personalities—such as…

To purchase items featured in our articles, please refer to the information below. If an item is not listed, it is privately owned and not available for purchase. To contact the manufacturers and retail stores referenced below, see DIRECTORY OF COMPANIES. COVER Juliska Cake Plate and Beaded Napkin; Bromberg’s. TO GIVE AND RECEIVE: GIFT GUIDE PAGES 18, 20, 22, 24: (For Mothers) Mercury Glass Ornaments; Hobby Lobby. (For Friends) Various Ornaments and Felt Garland; Cody Foster & Co. (For Daughters) Ornament Wreath, Silver Tree, Fabric Owl, Felt Bird, and Paisley Ornament; Cody Foster & Co. (For Children) Blue Brush Tree; Cody Foster & Co. LET IT SNOW PAGES 38-39: C orked B ottles u sed f or s now g lobe p lace c ard h olders a nd M…

Though her affinity for totes earned her the childhood nickname of “Bag Lady,” Kim Whitaker of Huntsville, Alabama, didn’t mind the moniker one bit. In fact, years later the energetic Nashville native channeled her penchant for pouches into a booming business she’s dubbed Haul Couture. As an interior designer for 25 years, Kim lugged around lamp bases, fabric samples, and other decorating paraphernalia in a collection of giant reusable bags, all the while dreaming of the perfect tote that would make her life easier. It finally occurred to her that if she wanted a bag to fit the bill, she was going to have to create it herself—and she did just that. Kim designed a tote big enough to carry everything from groceries to gym gear and casseroles to carpet…

Decorating our homes for Christmas is one of the great joys of the season, but if you’re like the ladies on our staff, you yearn for a little something new to add to the usual holiday staples of garlands and wreaths. Our editor found this gorgeous Amy Butler fabric—Bali Gate in Grass from the Love line—and knew it would bring a fresh and vibrant pop to seasonal décor. We called on Leigh Pate and Caterina Meadows, our savvy seamstresses at Pate-Meadows Designs, to create a slipcover for a small end table we found on one of our antiques store forays. The ladies came up with an ingenious design that not only dressed up this little table, but also gave us an alternate use as dining table runners. The clever bow-tie…

A Southern marvel, the Vanderbilt family’s Asheville estate draws crowds to North Carolina the year-round, but during the holidays, Biltmore becomes magical. How? With thousands of lights, garlands, and decorations in the hands of a most remarkable team. CHRISTMAS TRADITION In accordance with a Vanderbilt family tradition, Biltmore House features a 35-foot live Fraser fir, brought in by trailer, as part of its yearly Christmas celebration. It takes ropes, scaffolding, and dozens of helping hands to position, light, and decorate the branches, but once completed, says Cathy Barnhardt, leader of the floral design team, “It’s a hold your breath moment.” SOME SAY CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR, but for Cathy Barnhardt, head of Biltmore’s floral displays team, it never ends—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Born and…

MENU Hot Pimiento Cheese Dip Roasted Zucchini and Carrots Butternut Squash Risotto Roasted Turkey with Orange Rosemary Glaze Snowflake Cake with Eggnog Frosting TRIMMING THE TABLE Show your family just how dear they are by setting the table as beautifully as you would for special company. Dress up white linen napkins with bands of red satin fabric in the same bright hue of the ruffled place mats, then finish with a circle of plaid ribbon. Use the same striking treatment on pillar candles placed on either side of a sumptuous floral centerpiece. To continue this madfor- plaid scheme, add a wired-ribbon garland to the Christmas tree. Hot Pimiento Cheese Dip Makes 8 to 10 servings 1 (8-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 1 (8-ounce) block Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 1…

The same architects who built those Victorian homes and hotels also designed some of the splendid buildings downtown. Today, more than 100 buildings have been restored and refurbished so handsomely that Thomasville was tapped by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for one of the first Main Street programs in the nation, and it was named an award-winning Great American Main Street City. Part of what makes Thomasville so visually enchanting is the brick-paved streets laid in 1885. While “strolling on the bricks,” as the locals call it, I discovered that the one-of-a-kind shops with their inviting facades and stunning window displays were as beautifully decorated inside and filled to the brim with unusual merchandise I had never seen before. To find lovely things in lovely places was pure eye…

SWEET SUCCESS: Dinstuhl’s Candies The first Dinstuhl’s Candies opened as a small downtown Memphis sweet shop in 1902. Over time, Dinstuhl’s expanded its offerings, changed locations, and passed on through the generations, but the family business stands by the traditions that paved the path to success, hand-stirring its Cashew Crunch in antique copper kettles and mixing up its signature fudge from Charles Martin Dinstuhl Sr.’s original recipe. Promises current president Rebecca Dinstuhl, “The fudge is great to melt and pour over ice cream, frost cakes, or just enjoy on a lazy afternoon while reading your favorite love story.” Some of the candy company’s holiday favorites include hand-spooned divinity, hot chocolate mix with marshmallow stirrers, and traditional handmade marzipan shaped and painted as fruits and vegetables. For information, contact Dinstuhl’s at…

Book Boxes in Turquoise Three-Stack, in Green Two-Stack, and in Pink Three-Stack, $44-$49 for set; Wisteria, wisteria.com. Urban Rituelle Garden Party Eau de Parfum in Geranium & Ginger Flower, $46; b-glowing, b-glowing.com. Jardins Du Monde Beehive Pitcher, $168; Juliska, juliska.com. The Acorn Lamp in Light Bird Toile, $450; Aidan Gray Home, aidangrayhome.com. Scented Soy Candle in Pomegranate, $30; Urban Rituelle, urban rituelle.com. Just Write by Molly O’Shaughnessy, $12.99; Gibbs Smith Publisher, gibbs-smith.com. Jane Austen: Seven Novels, $19.98; Barnes & Noble, barnesandnoble.com. French Envelope Tray in Red, $16; Jayson Home & Garden, jaysonhomeandgarden.com. Pearl Gem Ball Earrings, $150; Lisa Karen Jewelry, lisakaren jewelry.com. Apple Blossom Shirt Tail Pajama in Blue, $74; Pine Cone Hill, pineconehill.com. Jewelry Tree of Life, $69; VivaTerra, vivaterra.com. Various Ceramic Earrings, $30 per pair; Katherine Tucker, katmadeit.com. Crystal…

For more information, photos, and other great ideas from Sara Wells and blog partner Kate Jones, visit ourbestbites.com. Whether for gifts, parties, or just personal enjoyment, these adorable pies from our friends at ourbestbites.com are sweet as can be. For this project, you’ll need: Half-pint jars—the short, squatty ones with sides that go straight up and down from top to bottom Pie crust dough—homemade or pre-packaged (Note: Two 9-inch pie crusts will make approximately 4 pies.) Pie fillings—Use your favorite homemade recipe, or buy a canned version. We used Apple Pie Filling (see recipe, below right). Holiday trimmings—such as small, decorative cookie cutters, ribbons, and fabric Step 1: Make Tops and Line the Jars Roll out a 1/4-inch-thick piece of dough into an 8x8-inch square. Use the metal ring from…

Makes 4 to 6 servings 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk 2 cups toasted pecan halves 4 cups strong brewed coffee 1 (12.25-ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping* 4 to 6 tablespoons caramel syrup** 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1. In a medium saucepan, bring evaporated milk to a simmer over medium-low heat. Remove from heat; add toasted pecans. Cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain milk from pecans, discarding pecans. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, coffee, caramel topping, and caramel syrup. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat; do not boil. Stir in vanilla. *For testing purposes, we used Smucker’s Caramel Topping. **For testing purposes, we used Torani Caramel Syrup. For those cozy evenings around the fire, try one of my favorite recipes from our Holidays special issue.…

Perhaps even more Perhaps than the wreath on the door or a tree twinkling from tip-top to trunk, the hearth is the heart of seasonal adornment. Because everyone gathers around the fireplace for holiday activities, the mantel is the ideal place to showcase a Christmas collection, such as beautiful mercury glass tree toppers. Create this sparkling focal point by lining the shelf with greenery and magnolia leaves looped with garlands of silver beads. Simply tuck in toppers—we used glue dots to help eliminate wobbles—then sit back and enjoy the reflection of the flames dancing off these shiny baubles.…

Designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame, the Biltmore grounds have welcomed presidents, princes, and even famous writers over the years. Today, guests from across the globe come to see the sights, and certainly there is much to see! Just off the house, you’ll find a number of shops and restaurants in the old stable area where a variety of wares, from irresistible sweets and old-fashioned toys to gardening accessories and estate-grown plants, await. A short drive takes you to Antler Hill Village, home to the Winery and quaint stores filled with home décor, hand-thrown pottery, and crafts by local artisans. Make reservations at the Inn on Biltmore Estate for afternoon tea, served daily in the library with an array of traditional English tea sandwiches, scones,…

Cover Recipe Snowflake Cake with Eggnog Frosting Makes 1 (3-layer) cake 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 6 large eggs 3 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups prepared or commercial eggnog Eggnog Frosting (recipe follows) 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour 3 (8-inch) round cake pans. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add vanilla, beating to combine. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter…

Victorian Christmas With its brick-paved streets and quaint historical shops, Thomasville is already a 1890s stage setting. But incorporate fanciful holiday decorations and make the trees glow, and the simple spirit of Christmas comes alive. Then, add horse-drawn carriages with jingle bells, strolling Victorian carolers, dancers, musicians, holiday delicacies—and St. Nicholas, of course—and you have a truly magical and memorable 1890s Christmas that the town celebrates on the second Thursday and Friday of every December. Rose Show & Festival The “City of Roses” has more than 7,000 roses, and it honors its citywide garden with the award-winning Rose Show & Festival, a southwest Georgia tradition since the 1920s. Everything’s coming up roses on the weekend of the fourth Friday in April. Festivities range from Art in the Park and Bark…