Innholdsfortegnelse for November - December 2014 i Southern Lady

Dear Friends, Though other holidays have us scurrying off to faraway places, Christmas is the time to come home. A warming fire in the hearth, the cheerful songs of carolers at the door, the aroma of hot chocolate and gingerbread wafting from the kitchen—there’s nowhere else I’d rather be! In this issue, we give you the grand tour of some beautiful Southern homes, decorated to the hilt for the holidays. We especially love the table setting by designer Beverly Farrington of Accents of the South—so many wonderful ideas to duplicate! Since so often seasonal celebrations revolve around food, we have included some fabulous recipes, too, from a Thanksgiving dinner to a family Christmas meal to our Polar Express–inspired hot chocolate treats. Jewelry designer Kendra Scott is in our Southern Spotlight…

CUP OF COMFORT Be your own barista with this sleek machine that brews everything from lattes to espressos in minutes. Circolo, $179.99; Nescafé Dolce Gusto, dolce-gusto.us/en/ DASH AWAY Shake and stir all season long with these holly-jolly servers. Holly Pewter Handle Tea Spoon, Pewter Gingerbread Couple Salt & Pepper Set, $24–$70; Vagabond House, Vagabondhouse.com HAPPY HOLLY-DAYS This cheery beribboned basket is perfect for serving fresh-baked bread and cookies. April Cornell Holly print. Hostess Appetizer tray, $ 24.29; Picnic Plus, picnicsandmore.com CAUSE A STIR Whip up a batch of holiday cheer with this handy whisk. Silicone Balloon Wisk, $11.99; OXO, oxo.com CHECK YOUR LIST Add a festive flair to holiday entertaining with party-ready plaids and patterns. Cake plate and dinner plates, $15–$47; Heritage Lace, heritagelace.com SANTA’S HELPERS Holiday baking is a…

IN AN ESPECIALLY STUNNING DEPARTURE from the traditional Christmas colors of red and green, this beautiful floral arrangement features bright lemon and lime hues, guaranteed to shine at any holiday gathering. The exuberant display is composed of white lisianthus, yellow ranunculus, and mini green hydrangea blooms, combined with yellow hypericum berries and kumquats. Simply fill in with a bit of velvety dusty miller and speckled acuba foliage, along with a few sprigs of pine, and this lovely centerpiece sends colorful—and fragrant—seasonal greetings. Love the look? See more of this 1940s-inspired setting in our special Holidays issue.…

WINTER WALTZ This pretty patterned rug mirrors the look of lacy snowflakes dancing across the sky. Crawley Rug, $ 79–$599; Ballard Designs, ballarddesigns.com MERRY AND BRIGHT A rug with pink blossoms sprinkled across a Christmas-red backdrop adds a dash of color to any décor. Cherry Blossom Red Indoor Area Rug, $69–$599; Grandin Road, grandinroad.com GOLDEN TIDINGS Warm up the chilly winter days with a gold-tone rug. Daphne in Buttered Toast, $107.25 per square foot; Emma Gardner Design, emmagardnerdesign.com…

Genteel Style This elegant home gleams with polished finishes, from gilded mirrors to shimmering chandeliers. In the dining room, light glints off a vignette composed of turquoise and silver mercury glass, along with a trio of white tree-shaped candles. The mantel over the fireplace in the cozy parlor holds a pair of religious figurines and fresh greenery interspersed with dozens of glossy balls and white-pearl lights. The resplendent tree is filled with a beautiful assortment of red, gold, and silver ornaments, as well as gold-beaded garlands and strands of twinkle lights. Seasonal Ambiance Not confined to a mere room or two, the Christmas spirit spreads throughout this gracious home. The grand staircase shines with lighted loops of evergreen boughs, and a cheery red bow adorns the newel post. The homeowner’s…

Invitation to Celebrate From the moment guests approach this charming house, they feel the warmth that stirs within. The front entrance sports twin evergreen wreaths bearing bright red bows, and a large terra-cotta pot is filled with red and white poinsettias. Beribboned swags hang at every shutter, while the family’s favorite alfresco dining spot on the patio gets the Christmas treatment as well.…

Thank-You Notes Reflect the bounty of the season with a centerpiece that incorporates a colorful array of fall vegetables, along with creamy hydrangeas and decorative parsley. The vibrant hues are repeated with a paisley-patterned runner and dinnerware from Alice Goldsmith Ceramics. Woven chargers lend a rustic note, as do the stacked-twig trivets, basket-weave casserole holders, and antler candelabra. For a clever touch, hollow out the centers of a dozen or so turnips, and replace with votive candles. Menu Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Balsamic Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots Molasses Glazed Turkey Breast Cornbread Dressing Pumpkin Caramel Tart with Gingersnap Crust SWEET POTATOES AU GRATIN MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1½ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese 1½ cups shredded…

Cozy up with a cup of tea and something sweet this winter. Offering more than 100 dainty and delicious dessert recipes such as strawberry jam cakes, ginger-almond cookies, and raspberry French macarons, Tea & Sweets is the perfect companion for all your holiday baking. Serve these delicacies at a Thanksgiving meal, or leave a plate of Stenciled Gingerbread Cookies beneath a twinkling Christmas tree for Saint Nick to enjoy. “This book is for all levels of expertise,” editor Lorna Reeves says. With guidelines for tea steeping and pairing provided in the book’s lovely pages, Tea & Sweets makes hosting afternoon tea an enjoyable affair for any hostess. Along with providing educational step-by-steps (including a tartlet how-to involving chopsticks), this holiday must-have also features 13 tearooms from around the country, such…

Each year, our team searches near and far to give you holiday inspiration. For this issue, the incomparable John O’Hagan traveled to Fredericksburg to bring you a photographic showcase that captures the charming German influence in the beloved Texas Hill Country. Here in our hometown of Birmingham, our team collaborated to produce the classic Southern Christmas décor featured on our cover. (Visit southernladymag.com to get a peek behind the scenes.) That story is part of our Holiday Homes, a 32-page extravaganza highlighting houses across the South all dressed up for Christmas. For more Yuletide ideas, look for our special issue Holidays on newsstands, too! EDITORIAL DIRECTOR…

THE INSPIRATION A classic red-and-green-trimmed plate adds a pop of Christmas cheer. Winter Festival dinner plate by Pickard, $70; Bromberg’s, brombergs.com PLAID PALETTE Polka-dot dinnerware atop a plaid placemat instantly paints a merry scene worthy of the Yuletide season. Incorporate a lace linen napkin and wood-tone-handled flatware for a feminine, yet rustic touch. Cambridge Plaid placemat by French Laundry, $24, Rosso Vecchio charger by Vietri, $60, Winter Festival dinner plate by Pickard, $70, Rosso Vecchio salad plate by Vietri, $36, Saddle in Natural Wood flatware by Sabre, $130 for 5-piece place setting, Rosso Vecchio Dot footed mug by Vietri, $45; Bromberg’s, brombergs.com Lace Chambray Napkin, $4.95; Pier 1, pier1.com GOLD GREETINGS Gilded accents lend a formal feeling to this setting, while patterned plates take center stage. Crystal drinkware with delicate…

I love to decorate with lots of greenery at Christmastime, not only because it looks so beautiful but it infuses my home with that wonderful fragrance! White pine, balsam fir, blue juniper—it all smells divine! A simple garland calls attention to a vignette set before a gorgeous mirror, while seeded eucalyptus blended with Fraser fir creates a gorgeous swag that cascades down the banister of the staircase. The swag is accented with a pretty papier-mâché figure of an angel sitting in a circle of greenery and loops of metallic ribbon. Even a marble bust in the foyer gets a fresh touch, with a laurel crowning the graceful figure. It’s amazing that just a few snippets of green here and there can add such festive flair!…

Enchanted Evening Every little detail heightens the overall opulence of this inviting Christmas scene. Quilted stockings in posh fabrics hang at the mantel, where a garland of greenery gets golden accents, as does the wreath above. Pillar candles lend both light and ambiance. Beautiful textured paper in coordinating colors and patterns pairs with luxurious wired ribbon to create packages that are almost too pretty to unwrap. The tree is brimming with hundreds of red and gold ornaments, along with dozens of strands of twinkle lights. Its glittering presence serves as the perfect backdrop to an evening spent sipping spiced cider around a blazing fire.…

Make It Merry A grenadier in a furry hat stands guard over the homeowners’ collection of nutcrackers assembled atop a table. In the dining room, a simple centerpiece of greenery holds a pair of ceramic deer, while pretty glass orbs hang by ribbons from the chandelier. A garland of evergreen and ornaments trails across the family room mantel, where shiny metallic balls form topiary trees, and silver goblets add even more sparkle.…

Reason for the Season The true meaning of Christmas is front and center when the homeowners begin their holiday spruce up. A sweet collection of tiny white baptismal Bibles offers a poignant reminder of the Savior’s birth, as does the alabaster Nativity scene nestled in evergreen. In the living room, a grand garland is hung above the mantel mirror and draped in dramatic fashion to give the illusion of higher ceilings. A magnificent tree stands in one corner where a stunning antique panel presents a beautiful backdrop. All Through the House Even the kitchen gets an extra helping of holiday cheer. Swaths of greenery form a long garland that cascades on either side of the range hood, with a kissing ball centered over the stove. The master suite becomes a…

HOT CHOCOLATE BROWNIES MAKES 2 DOZEN 4 (4-ounce) bars semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 4 large eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup hot cocoa mix* 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Miniature marshmallows 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9- inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate and butter. Microwave on High in 30- second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth (about 1½ minutes total). 3. In a large bowl, combine chocolate mixture and sugar. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until combined. Add eggs, beating just until combined. 4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot cocoa mix, baking powder, and…

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your magazine. I especially like the gardening section—I get so many ideas that I can incorporate into my own Southern garden! I think it's great how the weekend travel destinations not only highlight some of the expected treasures of the location but also mention those hidden gems I've come to expect from Southern Lady. Birmingham, AL Follow our Instagram account, @SouthernLadyMag, for exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into the beautiful world of Southern Lady. From our friends on Facebook PATTY BOYD I have been reading Southern Lady magazine for years. I read every word. It is THE best magazine for us Southern gals. PAULA HOOTS-SHARP I read my issues from cover to cover! LISA BOYKAN BOSSO Can’t wait to pick up [Autumn in the…

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK a lot like Christmas, and for Southern ladies, that means it’s time to bring holiday cheer to every nook and cranny in the house. While a towering tree and miles of greenery are beautiful to be sure, oftentimes the simplest accents garner the greatest compliments. This pretty centerpiece is a perfect example. Using a decorative tray as the base, create a Yuletide vignette with a pair of silver antler candlesticks, along with a few polished pieces of the real thing. To that, add a shiny red candleholder with a white pillar candle and a tiny faux tree tucked into a small bowl. Fill in with a scattering of pinecones and some sprigs of fragrant greenery, and you’re ready to welcome in the season in a most…

Nature Enhanced Look to the world around you for decorating inspiration. Create a centerpiece with topiary trees made of pinecones spray-painted gold, and flank them with striking deer-head figures. Crisscross runners on the table, and continue the natural components with place mats made from wooden “coins.” In lieu of traditional greenery at the window, construct a pretty pinecone garland and matching wreath, topped with a bow of red burlap ribbon.…

When Caterina Meadows, one of the savvy seamstresses behind Pate- Meadows Designs, took a class on Celtic applique, she learned how to “train your eye to see patterns in the smallest of objects.” Even the emblem on a take-out bag from a local restaurant got her creative wheels turning, and she couldn’t wait to test her newfound skills for Southern Lady. This Christmas tree skirt was the perfect project. The motif was inspired by a piece of Celtic-themed jewelry, and Caterina chose charcoal-gray linen for the emblem, which stands out against a background of brilliant-red linen fabric. The skirt also features knife-edge pleats and a thin line of welting made from the same charcoal linen. She used a 1-inch bias tape maker to fashion the ties for closing the back…

Easy Elegance In a home that relies on a serene palette of muted hues, colorful accents are kept to a minimum— a pot of peppermint poinsettias, a grouping of red votives, crimson ribbon cascading down the tree. Exquisite Nativity figurines stand in a simple crèche flanked by a mix of fresh greenery, and bowls of glass ornaments are placed about the house. Outside, a huge magnolialeaf wreath leaves no doubt this home is in the South; inside, the same elements are used in the dining-room centerpiece. Living Luxe With striking architectural elements already in place in the living room, the homeowners needed very little in the way of decorations to enhance the dramatic flair. A magnificent garland of evergreen is punctuated with gold accents and draped across the mantel. In…

Snowy Sophistication The snowy views from the windows are echoed with a flocked tree that towers to the ceiling. In keeping with the wintry color scheme, ornaments are white with a few sprinkles of gold and red. Cool colors lend both cosmopolitan chic and soothing serenity to the home’s living area. Seasonal decorations are kept simple, with only an evergreen garland and a beribboned emblem adorning the mantel and the tree standing elegantly in one corner.…

Seasonal Scene Ribbon in a rich wine hue accents evergreen swags that adorn the dining-room windows, bringing a regal touch to the display. Beneath an ornate gold mirror, a seasonal vignette features a potted peppermint amaryllis and a malachite box, as well as serving pieces in the striking Gaudron-Malachite china pattern from the table setting. Finer Things The dining room’s dazzling chandelier is reflected in the mirror above the mantel on which more Gala apples rest amid the beribboned garland of greenery. At each setting, one perfect peony, along with a tiny sliver of cedar, is placed in a glittery ornament to serve as a place card. PIMIENTO CHEESE BALL MAKES 12 TO 15 SERVINGS 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 (16-ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 (4-ounce)…

Some cities roll out a welcome mat. In Fredericksburg, signs quite literally point to hospitality. Along historic Main Street, the first letter of intersecting street names spell out the greetings “All Welcome” and “Come Back”—a reminder that even its founding fathers knew this city was worth sharing. Fredericksburg was established in 1846 by German immigrants who agreed to settle in Texas’s vast wilderness for a plot of land in town and 10 acres nearby. If you listen closely, you can still pick out a bit of “Texas German,” a distinct dialect among Fredericksburg's original families. Historic district walking tours start at the Visitor Information Center and feature more than 30 significant structures. Of note is the especially wide Main Street, which once allowed oxen carts to turn around. Agriculture is…

2014 Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Title of Publication: Southern Lady 2. Publication No. 018-723 3. Filing Date: October 1, 2014 4. Frequency of Issue: 7 issues per year 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 7 6. Annual Sub. Price: $24.98 7. Location of Known Office of Publication: 1900 International Park Drive Suite 50 Birmingham, AL 35243- 5038 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters of General Business Office of Publisher: Hoffman Media, 1900 International Park Drive Suite 50 Birmingham, AL 35243- 5038 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher and Editor: Publisher: Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, Hoffman Media, 1900 International Park Drive Suite 50 Birmingham, AL 35243-5038. Editor: Andrea Fanning, Hoffman Media, 1900 International Park Drive Suite 50 Birmingham, AL 35243-5038. 10. Owner: Hoffman Media, 1900 International…