Innholdsfortegnelse for Holidays 2007 i Southern Lady

I can still hear my grandmother singing along with Bing Crosby as she prepared her special four-layer chocolate dessert for Christmas Eve dinner. While an enormous ham baked in the oven, an old silver stockpot containing spiced tea would begin to bubble on the stovetop, magically filling the whole house with the scents of citrus and cinnamon. Twinkle lights, evergreen branches, and a crackling fire warmed the entire scene, and my sister and I jockeyed for position to see who Grandmama would let lick the spoon—in the end, we each got a teaspoonful of chocolatey goodness. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, I was soaking up those sights and sounds and smells like a dry sponge, and now the memory of them washes over me like a rushing…

From Thanksgiving to Christmas and on into the new year, there are countless reasons to create tablescapes. You may choose to use one china pattern to span the celebrations, simply altering the look by changing decorative elements, or perhaps you like the challenge of coming up with something completely new and different for every occasion. The wonderful thing about table settings is that they can be as simple or detailed and as traditional or modern as you like. And whenever a question arises about a proper setting, simply remember this rule for success: Make the guests feel comfortable. After that, consider the table a way to welcome the season in signature style.…

Christmas calls for celebration. Whether we’re gathered around the table or the tree, my family rejoices in this season of significance. One of our Christmas Eve traditions is to read aloud the story of the Bethlehem birth, of the tiny babe who became King of all, and it’s these glad tidings and happy memories that inspired this grand and gracious setting. In honor of the occasion, the tablescape needed to be both elegant and inviting, with lots of festive details befitting the holidays. Rosanna’s Kings Road dessert plates, each featuring a different gold crown, sparked my vision for a royal and lustrous scene, and because this formal dinner would also have an air of reverence, I chose to keep the color palette soft and ethereal. Since I am drawn to…

Being invited to interior designer Debby Scott’s house at Christmastime is an extraordinary delight, one her friends and family await with great anticipation. This vivacious lady’s approach to decorating is the same as her approach to life—embrace it with joyous enthusiasm—and the holidays are no exception. Step inside the enchanting abode where Debby’s philosophy is beautifully displayed, and you will quickly see why an invitation is so coveted. Christmas is everywhere in the Scott home. The dining room is the very definition of yuletide elegance. Classic silver and gold blend beautifully with traditional Christmas red and green. With their brilliance reflected in the mirrored wall, the baubleadorned chandelier, crystal votives, and twisted tapers in both candelabras and single silver candlesticks work hand-in-hand to illuminate this sophisticated setting. Red and white…

The home of the Jones family is filled with warmth and welcome— in the aroma of something sublime baking in the oven, in the friendly twinkle of fine crystal, in the merry crackling of flickering flames in the fireplace, and in the very manner of the hospitable homeowners. With a single step across the threshold and into this exquisitely adorned abode, the title of visitor vanishes, replaced by the christening of kin. Behind this grand and gracious reception is a pretty and petite lady with a heart of pure gold. Patsy Jones bestows her kindness with the utmost sincerity, and even though her house is filled with fabulous holiday finery, she makes every effort to ensure it still feels like home. And that it does. A candy tree laden with…

A simple cone form becomes an eye-catching centerpiece by adding florist’s moss and button-size blossoms. Jeweled accents jazz up the sparkle and shine. DIRECTIONS: 1. Gather a Styrofoam® cone, spray adhesive, florist’s moss, kermits clipped from stems, decorative pins, heavy-gage gold wire, and any other desired accents such as beaded wire to form a tree topper. Thoroughly coat Styrofoam® cone with spray adhesive. 2. Cover cone with lengths of florist’s moss and kermit buttons. 3. Add decorative pins in the center of each kermit. (Note: We used pins with green pearl heads.) 4. Twist a length of heavy-gauge gold wire loosely around tree to resemble garland. 5. Top tree with desired accents to form the tree topper.…

MENU Citrus Cosmopolitan Cherry Champagne Cocktail Chocolate Martini Boursin and Prosciutto Stuffed New Potatoes Mini Orange and Chocolate Cheesecakes Chicken and Mushroom Tarts Beef Wellington Appetizers with Horseradish Cream Praline Cannolis Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies You can feel it in the air; there’s something special about tonight. Ladies so chic and sophisticated, gents so dashing and debonair, decorations so festive and enchanting. What a glamorous gathering this is, and what a charming way to commemorate the gift of friendship. With drinks and dishes as special as the guests in attendance, the party promises to be every bit as wonderful as the dazzling setting suggests. Rich jewel tones studded with splashes of pink bring an almost exotic feel to the scene, and dozens of roses perfume the air with their sweetened…

No matter how it’s set, a holiday table isn’t complete until it’s laden with delicious dishes. Tray after tray of bite-sized appetizers. Bowls of hot and hearty soups and stews. Baskets of piping hot rolls dripping with melted butter. Mugs of cocoa with homemade marshmallows. A tower of chocolate cake topped with a cloud of whipped cream. Oh, how a hungry crowd will enjoy coming together and partaking of this spread. Good times and good food do indeed go hand in hand, so don an apron, preheat the oven, and prepare to make the season not only bright but absolutely scrumptious.…

CREAMY VEGETABLE SOUP Makes about 1½ quarts 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1½ cups finely chopped onion 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 cup finely chopped carrot 1 (11-ounce) can niblet corn, drained 2 teaspoons garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 quart chicken broth 1 cup heavy whipping cream Garnish: chopped celery, chopped carrot, fresh parsley 1. In a medium saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until butter is melted. Add onion, celery, carrot, and corn. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper, until well combined. Add flour, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. 2. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to mix well. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.…

RUSTIC ELEGANCE Page 20-23: Flatware; Anthropologie. Ralph Lauren tablecloth and beaded napkin rings; Stein Mart. Brown napkins and metallic chargers; Target. Ceramic Squash and Arte Italica glassware; Lamb’s Ears, Ltd. Quail and pheasant feathers; Harmony Landing. Pinecone and berry wreaths and ceramic metallic pumpkins; HomeGoods. Lanterns and trunk candles; Pottery Barn. Floral designs on mantel, wreath, and table; Flower Stems. CLASSIC CHRISTMAS Page 24-26: China; Holiday Gatherings by Lenox. Stemware; Artland. Embroidered table runner and napkins, fruit wreath, napkin rings, and quilted place mats; Harmony Landing. Red and white ornaments; At Home Furnishings. Holly ornaments on chairs; Lamb’s Ears, Ltd. Red ribbons on chairs and Martha Stewart mini gift bags; Michael’s. Green gingham ribbon; Smith’s Variety. Ribbon votives; Lucy’s on Thirty-One. Floral Designs; Flower Stems. CROWNING GLORY Page 27-30: China;…

Long ago, wise men from the east traveled a great distance to see a babe in the city of Bethlehem. To celebrate the birth of this king and to demonstrate their adoration, the travelers offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and it is this outward sign of affection that helped inspire our modern practice of gift giving. To help you in your quest for the perfect presents, our crackerjack staff has compiled a spectacular gift guide with picks for most anyone on your list. And to take the good will gesture one step further, we’ve included a few wrapping ideas that will help illustrate the lavishness of your love. For HER 1. Sip for the Cure Mug with Lid, $13 and Sip for the Cure Tea, $10.50; The Republic…

I cannot imagine my life without the love and support of my friends, and during the holidays, I’m reminded of just how precious these people truly are. Though we gather often throughout the year, we view Thanksgiving as a time to revel in the relationships that have blessed and sustained us through the ups and downs of our lives. So for this table setting, I decided on a rich palette to commemorate this treasured time. The backdrop is set with neutral colors, making this table quite versatile. With inspiration taken from mill scene china, this assemblage relies on woodland wonders for its inviting feel. I chose decorative gourds, squash, and pumpkins to reinforce the harvest theme, and I nestled fine feathered flyers into the mix for a personal touch. A…

As newlyweds, my husband and I understand the importance of starting our own traditions. However, most of our time during the holidays is spent visiting our respective families, which leaves limited opportunities for celebrating in our own home. What appeals to me about this table setting is the fact that it is festive enough for Christmas but generic enough to carry through into the new year, meaning that we can enjoy it whenever we have the chance. I love how the bright lime immediately catches your eye, and so I paired it with black and silver to create a truly stunning combination. Asian artwork has been a favorite of mine for some time, and I couldn’t resist incorporating a few elements of that genre into the tablescape. It was important…

Calm and peaceful are days spent lakeside, and at this abode, the serene surrounds provide inspiration for some uniquely chic holiday decorations. With boughs and berries and a sincere respect for the elegance of simplicity, homeowner Lisa Brown, who is also a sought-after artist and designer, creates artful arrangements that accentuate the architecture to evoke a sense of almost-Olde-World celebration. To usher in the yuletide days, Lisa looks no further than her own backyard for the items that will bring the beauty of the outdoors in. Feathers, cattails, and holly berries are just a few of the natural tokens she uses to create signature Noel niceties. Her friends and clients attest to the fact that Lisa has an uncanny ability to fashion something incredible out of seemingly obsolete odds and…

When we entertain, it’s our time to shine. From the food we prepare to the decorative accents we add, parties are all about setting the stage for fun and creating an atmosphere for frivolity. This jovial season provides plenty of opportunities for merrymaking, whether it be in the form of a goodie-filled sweet swap for friends, a candy-coated celebration for children, a glamorous cocktail social for co-workers, or a dinner with all the fixin’s for the entire family. From the tiniest details to the grandest displays, occasions like these need only a theme to get the party going, so let the celebrating begin!…

MENU Seasoned Oyster Crackers Herbed Cornbread Pepper Dip Honey Dijon Ham Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Zucchini Casserole Roasted Lemon Garlic Green Beans Pecan Praline Cheesecake Orange Cranberry Meringue Trifles The glow of Christmas comes from little moments. It’s in the twinkling tree filled with decorations placed by loving hands. It’s in the scent of evergreen from the front door wreath that mingles with the aroma of cinnamon wafting from the kitchen. It’s in the laughter that rings throughout the house as children climb from lap to lap, basking in the attention of indulgent grandparents. It’s in the curiosity that surrounds the bounty beneath the tree. And it’s in the clasping of hands around the dinner table before the meal is served. All is merry and bright tonight as we count our…

PEPPERONI PIZZA CHEESE BALL Makes 10 to 12 servings 1 tablespoon butter ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms ¼ cup finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup finely chopped pepperoni 2 tablespoons finely chopped black olives 2 tablespoons finely chopped green olives Dried Italian seasoning 1. In a medium saute pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until tender; cool completely. 2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheese, and garlic powder. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add vegetable mixture, pepperoni, and olives, beating to…

HOLIDAY CHERRY CHARLOTTE Makes 1 (8½-inch) Charlotte 2 (15-ounce) cans whole Bing cherries in juice 2 tablespoons sugar, divided 1 tablespoon cornstarch ¼ cup cherry-flavored brandy, divided 2 (3-ounce) packages ladyfingers, split (about 46) 2 tablespoons cold water 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 cups heavy whipping cream Garnish: fresh mint leaves, cherries 1. Drain cherries, reserving ½ cup cherry juice; set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add reserved cherry juice and 2 tablespoons cherry-flavored brandy, whisking until smooth. 3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is clear and thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in cherries.…

PRETTY PAPERS, PRETTY RIBBONS FROM YOU…

For me, Christmastime is all about family. Nothing makes me happier than being surrounded by my children. My family of four has continued to grow with the addition of a wonderful son-in-law, and soon, we will welcome a precious baby girl—my first grandchild—into the fold. One of our holiday traditions is to gather together for a Christmas morning brunch. Since I favor all things traditional and cheery, my table setting reflects just that. The flower arrangement, particularly the white roses, is a signature of mine. I chose to keep the centerpiece simple to allow our usual chatter to flow easily, and the classic combination of red and green serves as a reminder of the season. For the occasion, I selected china by Lenox that was appropriately named Holiday Gatherings. The…

There’s a reason that we say, “Home is where the heart is.” More than a mere address or man-made structure, the home exists wherever memories are made and love is shared. During the holiday season, we long to return to that place where our hearts abide. And so we unpack boxes of Grandmama’s ornaments, and with them joyful remembrances of yesteryear. We add to those mementos our own personal flourishes—glittering ribbons, swags of evergreen, dazzling centerpieces—and soon the house is transformed into a charmed wonderland where we will join together with our loved ones and make more memories to treasure for years to come.…

One word describes the Hodges’ household: inviting. From the jolly greeting guests receive at the door to the warm welcome that extends throughout the length of their visits, the hospitality is nothing short of spectacular—and so are the decorations. Southern through and through, Joan Hodges has earned quite a reputation for her sharp and sassy sense of style, especially when it comes to Christmas décor. Her amiable manner as well as her love for laughter is reflected in her color choices of Granny Smith green and candy apple red. Though her designs change somewhat dramatically each year, she likes to carry over at least one color from the previous holiday season to serve as inspiration for the following year (She confides that from this compilation, lime green will be the…

To add an unexpected—and dramatic—splash of Christmas color, try a circle of crimson blooms with fresh greenery. Not only is it a visual knockout, but it also has the added bonus of a sweet fragrance. And it can be used in a variety of ways: on the door, the wall, or even as a show stopping centerpiece. DIRECTIONS: 1. Gather together a circular floral wreath form, flower snips, fresh red roses, gerbera daisies, and an assortment of fresh greenery such as pine, fir, or cedar sprigs, and holly or magnolia leaves. 2. Trim each rose stem to a length of 2 to 3 inches. 3. Insert roses around the wreath form, leaving spaces for daisies. 4. Fill in with daisies until the wreath form is mostly full. 5. Add assorted…

MENU Orange Punch Red Punch Purple Punch Candy Land Snack Mix For little boys and girls especially, the holidays are filled with possibilities. Believing comes naturally and joy does, too, and what better time to celebrate these virtues than at Christmas. Inspired by a favorite board game, this fun-filled shindig brings childhood fantasies to life in a most delightful way. Peppermint sticks and gingerbread men abound, while happy surprises seem to spring from every corner. In this candy-laden land, smiles spread like icing on a cake, imaginations soar like Santa’s sleigh, and, best of all, dreams really do come true. “We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” —Laura Ingalls Wilder Can you remember what it was like to hear the sound…

MENU Eggnog Cookies Cookies and Cream Truffles Chocolate Key Lime Bites Bailey’s Irish Cream® and White Chocolate Candy Ultimate Peanut Butter Brownies Cranberry Christmas Trees Chocolate Covered Raisin Peanut Cookies Coconut Toffee Blondies Pecan Butter Cookies With all the giggles coming from the kitchen, you’d think a group of kindergartners had arrived for a play date. But no, these merrymakers are dressed in aprons, not knee socks, and wielding spatulas instead of bubble wands. Surrounded by a menagerie of delectable cookies and candy, giddy grown-ups are happily indulging in some of the tastiest morsels to come from an oven, perfect for giving to others. Christmas calls for lots of baking, and there’s no better—or more fun—way to enjoy the task than to invite friends over to sample the goodies and…

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COFFEE Makes 4 to 6 servings 4 cups strong brewed coffee ¾ cup hot fudge topping 3 tablespoons peppermint syrup 1 tablespoon sugar Garnish: peppermint sticks 1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer; serve immediately. Garnish with peppermint sticks, if desired. CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE CIDER Makes 1 gallon 1 (64-ounce) bottle cranberry juice *1 (64-ounce) bottle pomegranate juice ¾ cup sugar 1 tablespoon whole cloves 1 orange, sliced Garnish: orange slices 1. Combine all ingredients in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes; remove cloves. Garnish with orange slices, if desired. *For testing purposes, we used Langer’s® pomegranate juice. APPLE CIDER TEA Makes 1 gallon 8 cups water 3 family size tea bags 3…

Nothing finishes off a holiday meal like a fantastic dessert. Rich and delectable and compliments of The Hershey Company and Scharffen Berger, these treats all have one crowd-pleasing ingredient in common—chocolate._ SILKY CHOCOLATE PUDDING Makes 3½ cups ¼ cup cornstarch ½ cup granulated sugar ⅛ teaspoon salt 3 cups whole milk 6 ounces 62% semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1. Combine the cornstarch, sugar, and salt in the top of a double boiler. Slowly whisk in the milk, scraping the bottom and sides with a heatproof spatula to incorporate the dry ingredients. Place over gently simmering water and stir occasionally, scraping the bottom and sides. Use a whisk as necessary should lumps begin to form. After 15 to 20 minutes, when the mixture begins to thicken…