Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2015 i Country Living

WIN A $2,000 REFRIGERATOR! Don’t forget to look for the horseshoe hidden in this issue.* If you find it, go to countryliving.com/win (see page 103 for details), and enter for a chance to win this cheery red Smeg appliance. (Retail value: $2,000) *Not required for winning. I spent quite a few years living in New York City, and believe me when I say the Big Apple sure knows how to twirl it up this time of year. But despite the razzle-dazzle of department store windows and the delight of the 45,000 twinkling lights dotting the Rockefeller Center tree, I find there’s ample magic in the understated, underrated holiday rituals of Small Town, USA. Take, for instance, the Christmas parades (page 77) like the ones I grew up attending in West…

1. MARQUEE SIGN Make your space merry and bright with this light-up tin wall hanging. Sign, $175; horchow.com 2. FROSTY PAINT Coat your walls a neutral, blue-gray hue as pure as the driven snow. First Snowfall; benjaminmoore.com 3. WOOD TABLE Crank up the country charm with this fourwheeled piece in a distressed wood finish. Coffee Table, $350; overstock.com 4. MERCURY GLASS LAMP Made from vintage perfume and essential oil bottles, this mercury glass table lamp adds sparkle and illumination. Lamp, $145, and shade, $74; restorationhardware.com 5. VELVET SOFA A hand-tufted back and slender, pecan-stained legs make for a timeless, evergreen choice. Sofa, $1,200; westelm.com 6. WOODSY WALL COVERING Try this removable peeland-stick paper on an accent wall. Bonus: The colors are customizable. Wallpaper, $30/roll; nouwall.etsy.com 7. TRUCK PILLOW Made with 100%…

Spruce up plain boxes with this snowcovered pick. Snowy Trees Wrap, $8; papersource.com Accent the gift pile with a kick of Southern charm. Merry Christmas, Y’all Wrap, $8; belleandunion.com Go (ever)green and graphic with this recycled paper. Geo Tree Wrap, $12; www.carolinecreates.com Load up on style with a retro wagon print. Wagon Kraft Wrap, $8; smockpaper.com Bundle up your bundle in striped ski caps. Winter Hat by Sugar Paper for Target, $5; target.com…

With a Country Living digital subscription, you can kick back with the magazine’s best decorating ideas, seasonal recipes and easy DIY projects before the issue hits newsstands. It’s a breath of fresh air at your fi ngertips. 50% OFF Newsstand Price > CROP TO SELECT, SAVE & SHARE ANY ITEM > SAVE PAGES FROM MULTIPLE ISSUES IN YOUR FAVORITES LIBRARY > ACCESS ALL YOUR BACK ISSUES ANYWHERE, ON ANY DEVICE, 24/7! Try it on your tablet today at deal.countryliving.com…

BEFORE “The kitchen’s winding shape made it really difficult for Gina to cook and transfer food from stove to counter. And without a central island, it was almost impossible to interact with guests while cooking,” Cindy says. AFTER “I wanted to open up the space while maintaining the relative scale of the room as it might have been in a house of this era, so the overall kitchen footprint is a modest 14.5 feet by about 13 feet—plus the breakfast nook.”…

1 A fin-tastic fish pocket knife. $16; coolmaterial.com 2 Handwarmers are the sort of practical luxury that no one buys for herself. $16/set of two; shoptwine.com 3 Made in Michigan, maple syrup also makes for a sappy hostess gift. $14; shopterrain.com 4 Color-blocked bamboo toothbrushes will save you from your sweet tooth. (See items 3 and 5). $18; odeme.com 5 These tart jelly candies from Oregon’s Willamette Valley come in a pretty berry basket. $12; mouth.com 6 Hack open a cold one with a stainless steel axe bottle opener. $18; areaware.com 7 This too-cute typewriter pad cranks out sticky notes. $13; chroniclebooks.com 8 A brassy pinecone bottle stopper will class up even the cheapest Merlot. $15; ballarddesigns.com 9 American breweries are profiled on the faces of this craft beer deck. $4; bicyclecards.com 10…

Add Leaves to the Eaves Outfit a drape of greenery with lights, ornaments, or berries. (Check out frontgate.com for outdoor-friendly options.) Light Things Up Add a touch of green year-round. Carson L-Arm Fixture, from $199; rejuvenation.com Hang an All-Weather Wreath Why stop at the door? Upgrade a halo of Scotch pine and fir with LED lights and hardy ornaments. Use What You’ve Got Stash plain planters, pots, and pails with birch logs and tiny pine trees bedecked with pinecones. 1 TO 4 CREATE A FESTIVE WELCOME Nothing says joy to the world—okay, neighborhood—like a house embellished with barn red and evergreen. 5 String Your Own Garland Tired of popcorn? Thread marshmallows with red-and-white baker’s twine for a sweet update. 6 TO 9 HANG A COUNTRY STOCKING From gingham to grain…

PRIZE PICKS AND SHOWSTOPPING RECIPES FOR THE HEART OF YOUR HOME gift it Fill a six-egg carton (bonaceri.etsy.com) with mini lotus cupcake liners (papermart.com); add cookies. Tie it up with a plain tag adorned with a bottle brush wreath ( juliecollings.etsy.com). Red Velvet Snowballs MAKES about 2 dozen cookies WORKING TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour, 40 minutes 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled ¼ cup cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), at room temperature 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided 1 tablespoon red food coloring 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1. Preheat oven to 350°F with racks in the upper and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking…

1. “Baking and planning Christmas brunch.” MICHELE BUSKE, WEST MILFORD, NJ 2. “Wrapping pretty presents— it’s all about the packaging! TIFFANY ZUCH, POTTSTOWN, PA 3. “Bundling up to beat the chill.” MAE THOMPSON, CULPEPER, VA 4. “Getting caught under the mistletoe!” ALISHA TILBURY, DALLAS, TX 5. “Twinkly Christmas decorations!” RANDI KNOT, MESA, AZ 6. “Being a child again, if only for a little while.” GEORGIA KELLY, LANCASTER, OH 7. “Our grown-up sledding party, followed by hot drinks and Christmas cookies!” CHERI ANSELM, BIG LAKE, AK 8. “Walks in the woods right after a heavy snow.” PATRICIA KENNEDY, BELLEFONTE, PA 9. “Reading the funny letters that my teens wrote to Santa when they were young.” ALISON MICHAUD, COLLIERVILLE, TN 10. “A blazing fire in the hearth.” JOAN HILLEY, DOWNINGTOWN, PA 11.…

PUT A TWIST ON A “TREE” Carrie Brown’s The New Christmas Tree ($30; amazon.com) highlights a number of resourceful decorating ideas, but our favorite has to be this tapestry made with ornaments, velvet ribbon, jingle bells, and chicken wire. FASHION A THOUGHTFUL GIFT In The Jewelry Recipe Book ($25; amazon.com), author and former Country Living editor Nancy Soriano shares simple how-tos for creating pretty pieces from materials found at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Unlike the elbow macaroni statement necklace you made in third grade, Mom will really wear this one. BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME You haven’t seen gingerbread digs like the ones in A Year of Gingerbread Houses ($20; amazon.com) by Kristine Samuell. Brush up on those piping skills because this book’s recipes, patterns, and pictures will inspire you to…

1. BALL WREATH This “Woolly Wonka”-esque 14-inch find adds whimsy to any holiday display. $125; cornerhouseshoppe.etsy.com 2. JUBILEE STOCKING Even a lump of coal won’t make these tiny 9-inch stockings any less cheerful. $55/set of three; modish store.com 3. MISTLETOE WREATH Felt white berries give this hand-cut 12-inch piece just the right finishing touch. $85; digsshowroom.com 4. BABUSHKA ORNAMENTS Add some mirth with these little ladies. codyfosterandco.com for retailers 5. TREE ORNAMENT This one may upstage your 8-foot Fraser fir. (Tip: Tie a name tag to the string and place on a dinner plate, and you’ve got a fun place card!) $10; elizabeths embellishments.com 6. FOLK FLOWER ORNAMENT Blustery blooms add a touch of folksy appeal. codyfoster andco.com for retailers 7. FESTIVE GARLAND Trim the tree with a flurry of…

ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES, AND OTHER ONE-OF-A-KIND FINDS “This vintage mail scale inspires me to write my holiday notes every year. Is it worth a mint?” —K.C., AINSWORTH, WI WHAT IT IS: 1950s CHADWICK POSTAL SCALE While inspiration is priceless, your 4-inch Starburst sea green scale isn’t, according to Lauren Laughry of Dallas Auction Gallery. Although it’s a cool find, she says that it doesn’t have significant monetary value at the moment for a couple of reasons: There’s no real practical use that ups the worth, and there isn’t really a solid collecting community for postal scales. But perhaps as handwritten notes become a thing of the past, tools of the mail trade could become more coveted. WHAT IT’S WORTH: $15 “Every year, my wife insists that we hang this stocking by…

INSPIRING IDEAS FOR IN AND AROUND THE HOUSE “SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN” Perfect for a kids’ room, this retro tree is as jolly as Kris Kringle himself, thanks to a vintage tree stand and old-school ornaments. Reindeer Ornaments, $11 each, and Bubble Light Santa, $33; both from avintageholiday.com “WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS” TURN THE SONG INTO A FESTIVE SCENE Overflowing with good tidings, this “friends and family” tree features an assortment of holiday greeting cards (clipped to jute rope with mini clothespins) and a spirited mix of jewel-toned ornaments from the ’50s and ’60s. “OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS” TURN THE SONG INTO A WOODSY SCENE Wintry woodland frills (owl and deer ornaments, a forest of flocked bottlebrush trees in lieu of a skirt)…

Q Recently, my 9-year-old cat, Trudy, started howling through the night. It seems like turning off the lights triggers the behavior. There’s nothing different about our home or routine. What can I do? -K.W., JULIAN, CA A Meowing, howling, and hissing are a means of communication from our feline friends, but interpreting the racket can be a challenge. Take Trudy to a veterinarian to rule out medical issues. If she gets a clean bill of health, it may be that she’s asking for extra love. Try spending a few more minutes with her before bed. If all else fails, consider adopting another cat so that Trudy is lonely no more. HAVE A PET QUESTION? Drop Dr. Earley a line at countryvet@countryliving.com Q My pug, Hugo, acts like he’s freezing when…

Adecade ago, Patrick McGuire inherited a one-bedroom cabin that had gone to the birds. (Not to mention bats, field mice, raccoons...) But as the owner of McGuire Architectural Interiors in Chicago, he was up for the challenge. During numerous treks from Illinois to rural Wisconsin, where the cabin is located, he replaced rotted logs, installed insulation, and introduced a proper kitchen. In short, he made the 1,200-square-foot homestead, which has been in his family for four generations, livable once again. Today, after 10 years of TLC, details like the knotty pine paneling and working stone fireplace give the space a brand of rustic that’s more refined, less “raccoon.” An avid outdoorsman, Patrick primarily uses the house as a hunting lodge, but every December, he happily opens up his little labor…

SWEETEST CHRISTMAS MORNING INDULGENCE This fruit-filled panettone from a beloved New York bakery is now available via mail-order. $25; ilbucovineria.com BEST COOKBOOK FOR BAKING ENTHUSIASTS Featuring step-by-step illustrations, this primer helps wannabe bakers rise to the occasion. $25; amazon.com THE LATEST, GRATE-EST KITCHEN GADGET Introducing a hardworking stainless steel cheese grater that’s shaped like—yes!—a cowbell! $65; alessi.com MOST MINTYFRESH FIND Peppermint-oil extract adds a kick to desserts, hot chocolate, and more. nielsen massey.com for stores GUILT-FREE CAFFEINE FIX A portion of the proceeds from Counter Culture Coffee’s latest seasonal offering benefits coffee growers around the world. $14; counterculturecoffee.com THE HEALTHIEST NEW WAY TO SNACK Just add kernels to the fill line of the Chef’n Pop Top, close the tab, and microwave for up to 10 cups of homemade popcorn. $20;…

Once a day, from DECEMBER 1 TO 12, enter for a chance to win. Simply go to countryliving.com/12days GRAND PRIZE: RECEIVE $1,000 CASH! See page 103 for contest rules. COME BACK EVERY DAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE GRAND PRIZE OF $1,000!…

INDULGE IN POST-SHOPPING PAMPERING Farmacy, a new skin-care line available at Sephora, truly started from the ground up when founder Mark Veeder discovered a new strain of Echinacea purpurea at his weekend home in Upstate New York. He teamed with local farmers to create gentle masks, moisturizers, and balms loaded with natural antioxidants that work hard to revitalize holiday-weary skin. From $17; sephora.com PUTZ AROUND TOWN Cute cardboard putz houses from the 1950s are popping up everywhere. (“Putz” is German for “nativity display around a Christmas tree.”) Share yours on Instagram: #clputzaround Executive Editor Caroline McKenzie spied this cottage at the CL Fair in Columbus. Managing Editor Amy Mitchell snapped this house at a church bazaar in Birmingham. Deputy Art Director Jennica Johnstone found this pretty putz at a swap…

MY KIND OF COUNTRY FURRY COMPANIONS “We have two rabbits, BunBun and Oreo (shown), a cat named Chubbles, and a pound pup named Bella.” Chew Toy, $10; wag.com FAVORITE ESCAPE “There’s just something about lake fishing. It’s a time of reflection for me.” Wicker Creel, $69; llbean.com TACKY HOLIDAY SWEATERS: YAY OR NAY? “Yay, yay, yay! You can’t take yourself too seriously!” DIY Sweater Kit, $30; michaels.com WARMEST MEMORY “Getting bundled up for snow days. I miss the white stuff when I’m in Los Angeles.” LATEST PROJECT “Opening my Garrettsville, OH, flagship store has allowed me to return to the community that gave me so much.” Frosted Pinecone Candle, $18; mrspotter.com GO-TO HOLIDAY MEAL “Every Christmas morning, I bake homemade cinnamon rolls and a big sausage, egg, and cheese casserole.” Casserole Dish, $20; crateandbarrel.com FAMILY…

LOOK FOR THIS BOW-AND-ARROW ICON THROUGHOUT THIS STORY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES DECEMBER 1-12 FROM OUR 12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS. VISIT COUNTRYLIVING.COM/12DAYS FOR MORE INFO. WOMEN For moms, aunts, sisters, and friends, whether their natural habitat is in the garden, kitchen, craft room...or on the sofa, under a blanket, watching House Hunters. (Hey, no judgments.) Give this trio of Tennessee-made goat’s milk soaps to mom or split up the set (in rosemary mint, orange blossom, and lavender) among your herd. $36 for three; littleseedfarm.com Made in Brooklyn, this Christmas sweater cutting block comes in beech, walnut, or maple and pays homage to not-sotacky seasonal attire. (The reverse side is plain for less festive chopping.) $48; aheirloom.etsy.com These 8-inch-tall cross-body pouches come in eight fun colors and keep hands…

A FRESHLY CUT TREE “Every year I hit the woods and chop down an evergreen. I love how the woodsy aroma fills the house.” Mail-Order Fir Tree, from $40; mtnstarfarms.com STONE FIREPLACE “The stone hearth is original to the cabin. In the winter, this toasty spot is truly the heart of the home.” River Rock; eldoradostone.com for stores A ROARING FIRE “We aim to do things the old-fashioned way around here, including heating the house with a wood-burning stove.” Log Carrier, $129; pendleton-usa.com A WOODY WAGONEER “Everything from a pillow to a flask feels more charming sporting the iconic ride.” Wagoneer Needlepoint Flask, $65; smathersandbranson.com PLAID SHEETS “Nothing says cozy and Christmas quite like tartan.” Pembroke Plaid Sheet Set, from $99; potterybarn.com PINE ARMOIRE “The home is so old there are…

FARMHOUSE TABLE “I love its form and function. There aren’t many things that are beautiful and up to daily use by three children.” Yukon Table with Benches, $800; ezekielandstearns.com COZY THROW PILLOWS “Colorful, textured throw pillows add just the right amount of cozy to our winter white palette.” Pintuck Pillow, $50; cb2.com WHIMSICAL DECORATIONS “I can’t help but smile when I see these jolly oversize stockings hung on the mantel.” Skate Stocking, $96 each; arcadiahomeinc.com ORNATE MIRROR “There’s something so country about pairing the elaborate with the plain, like I’ve done in the entryway with our antique mirror and chippy credenza.” Venetian Mirror, $279; wisteria.com PASTORAL WALLPAPER “I’m drawn to patterns that are inspired by nature but designed in a modern way.” “Folk” Peel & Stick Wallpaper, $35/roll; chasingpaper.com PAPIER-MÂCHÉ…

COVER Mini tree; greenvalleychristmastrees.com. Horse ornaments; homart.com. Vintage striped ornaments; bethanylowe.com. Mini globe string lights; lightsforalloccasions.com. Birch logs; wilsonevergreens.com. Preserved cedar wreath; shopterrain.com. Wooden Christmas trees; roostco.com. Garland; hothousedesigns.com. Pom-pom garland; landofnod.com. May Arts ribbon; ribbon resource.com. Tree farm one-sided kraft paper; smockpaper.com. Tribal wrapping paper; www.carolinecreates.com. Belgian linen wrap; casparionline.com. Plaid gift wrap; smudgeink.com. Gingham stocking; serenaandlily.com. Seed sack stockings; catnapcottage.etsy.com. Flame Finola rug; luluandgeorgia.com. Red Color Twist wool; knotandbow.com. WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS IT WORTH? PAGE 21 Scale; catnipalley.etsy.com. PAGE 22 Stocking; luvredford.etsy.com. Dreidel charm; thegryphonsnest.rubylane.com. PAGE 24 Shiny Brites; thisthatandchristmas.etsy.com. Bubble lights; unclekittytoo.etsy.com. Tin; hazelhome.etsy.com. PAGE 25 Skates; jansvintagestuff.etsy.com. LET YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE SING A NEW TUNE! THROUGHOUT Christmas trees; green valleychristmastrees.com. PAGE 35 Red embroidered shams; coyuchi.com for similar. Antique painted barley twist table; found home.sqsp.com. Santa and reindeer garland; bethanylowe.com. PAGE 36 Cards and wrapping paper; all from riflepaperco.com. Denim rag rug; dashandalbert.com. PAGE 37 Tiny Forest fawn ornament and Frost Flight owl ornament; both from codyfosterandco.com. Antique pink bamboo ski poles, kilim runner, and English gathering basket; all…