Country Living December 2017

Have you ever noticed how the world gets a little quieter after a snowfall? I always assumed it’s because everything—or at least my kids’ schools and the local Piggly Wiggly—shuts down, but it’s not just that. It’s nature’s acoustics. That’s right: There’s scientific proof that a few inches of freshly fallen snow absorb sound, and I like to think that seemingly magical, noise-diminishing property is strategically aligned with the hectic holiday season. Snow forces calm and quiet amidst the jingly hustle and bustle. But here’s the thing: As an Alabama resident, I’m not even guaranteed a light dusting, let alone a blanket. So I’ve taken it upon myself to try to carve out a symbolic “snow day” every December—ideally a vacation day taken midweek—to drown out the ceaseless drumming of…

The Check List COMPLETELY FUN, NO-OBLIGATION WAYS TO ENJOY THE COUNTRY THIS MONTH…

LOSTINE, OR M. Crow & Co. is a century-old store recently revitalized by artist Tyler Hays. mcrowcompany.com WILSON, AR Shop country spoils curated by singersongwriter Holly Williams at White’s Mercantile. whitesmercantile.com PAWHUSKA, OK Find all of The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond’s favorite gifts and goods at The Mercantile. themercantile.com LAUREL, MS HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier’s Laurel Mercantile offers hometown wares like totes and tea towels. laurelmercantile.com…

LESS IS MORE The Shaker-inspired guest rooms boast two-toned beadboard, sweet lace window treatments, and mid-century iron bed frames. In the bathrooms, you’ll find weathered brass and a luxe rain shower for maximum post-ski relaxation. WARM WELCOME Whether you’re an overnight guest or a visitor passing by, all are welcome inside the Anvil’s general store-like main lobby. Duck in for a cup of Snake River Roasting Co. coffee or a treat from local bakery Persephone, and shop goods curated by outdoor-chic outfitter Westerlind. Checking In What does it take to turn a 1950s mountain motel into a luxe lodge? How about a top-to-bottom overhaul, complete with cozy, twotoned beadboard, brand-new baths with patinaed brass fixtures, Charles P. Rogers iron beds, and custom Woolrich throws. Renovated just this year and conveniently…

Aa apron Tie one on! Graphic retro prints for both the hostess and her little helper. Bb bicycle Spinning your wheels for what to get that bike-lover? Brake right here. Cc camper Fill ’er up with cookies, and park it on a counter. GREAT BUY! Dd dog Après-fetch, anyone? Pamper your pooch with cheeky ski “doggles” and digs. Ee embroidery Ahoy, makers! This 8-by-10-inch preprinted activity kit will give wind to your needle-wielding sails. Ff flannel A fun pick for fashion-minded teens: this little-bit-country take on a clutch. Gg game Score! This so-country collection of classic board games— Candyland, Scrabble—features pretty wood finishes. Hh hooch Raise the bar with these boozy gifts. Seersucker Gin $29; totalwine.com. Serving Tray $30; easy tigerco.com. Engravable Wood Muddler $30; aheirloom.com. Horseshoe Cocktail Picks $12;…

Wild for... DECORATING IDEAS FOR THE GREAT INDOORS How to stock up on stockings (p. 50), decorate with pattern (p. 40), and more! 1 UPHOLSTERED WALLS Wall-to-wall custom plaid fabric packs a punch in this bedroom. For a similar wallpaper, check out Thibaut’s “Winslow Plaid”; wallpaperdirect.com. 2 Flannel Pajamas The whole clan can settle in for a long winter’s nap in these cozy nightshirts. $15—$25; target.com 3 SEWING BUTTONS Add flair to holiday wear with these tiny tartan rounds. $20 for a set; thehaberdashery shop.etsy.com 4 BAY-LEAF WREATH A wrap-around ribbon makes it a front-door knockout. 5 PAPER LANTERNS At roughly $1.50/orb, they’re your best hang for the buck. $10 for set of six; orientaltrading.com 6 D’orsay Pumps Scot to trot: These red-and-blue shoes boast not-too-high heels. 7 HOLIDAY MUG…