Innholdsfortegnelse for November - December 2005 i Southern Lady

Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays—how true that is. Our home holds so many memories for me, and one in particular comes to mind. The first Christmas after I had my twins, I decided that a photo Christmas card was in order. After all, I had received countless cards through the years from friends featuring their little darlings, so now it was my turn to show off Eric and Brian. It was a dreadfully hot October when this brilliant idea hit, but I decided to put up the tree and make photos of the boys playing under the branches in their red holiday pajamas. Overall, the project required the greater part of an entire day, and my poor little fellows ended up in those miserably hot flannel…

“Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life . . . a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year, and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God.” — Ray Stannard Baker (penname David Grayson) When we gather together around the Thanksgiving table, our hearts are filled with gladness. For the family to which we belong, the freedom that we enjoy, and the food of which we partake, we are grateful. To celebrate these many blessings, we bring out the very best of our collections—our generations- old china, our priceless crystal, and our hand-polished silver. We add to these the bountiful fruits of the harvest,…

While the seasons transition from autumn to winter, it’s likely you’ll want adornments, both interior and exterior, that transition as well. Moss provides an array of decorating ideas that can help take your home décor from the rich tones of fall harvesting to the glittering finery of holiday festivities. Whether shaped around a geometric form or mixed into a beautiful arrangement, moss offers a neutral palate that can be coordinated with most any room in the house. It’s also a natural choice for outdoor embellishments, perhaps artfully potted along the porch or clustered in a playfully perching wreath on the front door. The placement is up to you, as is the creativity. Just think of all the ways you can trim your home with these organic ornamentals.…

“There’s just something magical about them,” says Gayle O’Hanlon, referring to the whimsical, colorful houses and buildings of all sizes that she creates out of gingerbread, candy, and frosting. In fact she has turned this magic into a business, the Nashville, Tennessee-based Enchanted Gingerbread. She says, “I haven’t met a person yet who doesn’t smile when they talk about a gingerbread house.” To the delight of thwarted gingerbread homebuilders everywhere, Gayle offers alreadyassembled houses and easy-to-assemble kits for those who enjoy the childlike wonder associated with seeing a gingerbread house—and later the childlike pleasure of eating it—without all the messy mishaps. Maybe that’s one of the many reasons her company has been so successful. Featured in USA Today as well as on the Food Network and the Travel Channel, the…

Each December, we had the same ritual: bundle up, pile into the truck, drive to the farm—which my daddy claimed had not one acre of flat land—and walk up and down the hills in search of the perfect tree, a process that usually took a while because I had to inspect at least thirty or so before I could make the best selection. When I’d finally chosen “the one,” Daddy and my brother, Steve, would cut the tree down, drag it to the truck, and we’d all pile in once again. But it was upon returning home with our find that the fun would really begin. Mother would turn on the record player, and Bing would begin belting out those holiday tunes. As Daddy and Steve prepared the tree for…

Chocolate Fudge Cake 1 cup cocoa 1 1/2 cups boiling water 3 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups sifted cake flour 2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar 11/4 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/4 to 1/2 cup raspberry preserves Preheat oven to 350°. Grease the bottom and sides of three 8-inch cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper, then grease again and dust with flour. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together cocoa and boiling water until smooth. Let cool to room temperature. In another bowl, lightly combine eggs, 1/4 of cocoa mixture, and vanilla. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine remaining dry ingredients and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Add butter and…

The doorbell rings. One by one the guests arrive. Excitement fills the air. They’ve visited with one another countless times before, at luncheons and bridal showers, at dinner parties and on shopping excursions, but this gathering is completely different. It’s a knitting party, a time set aside for fun and fellowship, a time to learn something new and useful, a time to join together, weaving tightly the bonds of friendship. Originating as a way to craft necessities, such as socks and stockings, knitting has come a long way, evolving into a fashionable, modern-day art form that’s sweeping the nation. Though relatively new to the soirees-and-celebrations scene, knitting parties have recently become all the rage. They’ve also become one of Kathy Murphy’s favorite ways to socialize. No stranger to the craft,…

Acres of green, delectable fare, loved ones dear, and fresh autumn air—so many good things all around. On this day of thanks, blessings abound. Though there are chores to be done, it’s nice to have some company, especially that of a few furry friends. They, too, appreciate time dedicated to the partaking of the harvest’s delectable offerings. A southern favorite, fried turkey serves as the succulent center of an incredible meal composed of your family’s favorite side dishes. Tips for Frying Turkey Deep-frying a whole turkey seals the outside, resulting in a wonderfully crispy, not-toogreasy outside with tender and juicy meat on the inside. Before you begin preparing this delicious entrée, take a look at these important safety tips. • Never fry a turkey indoors, in a garage, on a…

Karen Ford first met Amy Huang in the carpool line soon after Amy began attending high school with Karen’s daughter, Allison. Both girls were new to the school and soon became fast friends. One day, Amy needed a ride home and Karen was happy to oblige. A dozen years later, the two enjoy a friendship that ignores the twenty-eight-year difference in their ages. Following graduation from the University of Pennsylvania and the prestigious Wharton School of Business, Amy returned to her native China as an international business consultant. On weekends, she prowled the pearl market. “I’d go in at ten and leave at four,” she recalls. “I was just so overwhelmed. Then, I went to a jeweler and we did a few pieces and I was hooked.” During a trip…

Embellish Easy-to-make leaf-embellished containers add a whimsical touch to typical flower arrangements. To create one of your own, you’ll need empty glasses or jars, a glue gun or rubber bands, ribbon, and leaves. Layer leaves around the container, using the glue or rubber bands to help hold them in place. Continue layering until the entire container is covered. Wrap the ribbon around several times to secure your work—this will also hide any rubber bands you may have used—and tie into a bow. All that’s left to do is add some beautiful blossoms or berries and enjoy!…

Chandeliers with whimsical touches will certainly brighten up a room. Look through your closets for decorating odds-and-ends; most anything—from streamers and ribbons to left over lanterns from last summer’s luau—will do. Easy and effective, strands of beads draped ever so gently across the arms of a white chandelier bring that extra bit of sparkle to your alreadyluminous lighting. As delicate as they are darling, red and green beads create an instantly festive look for those seasonal soirees. Since the candelabrum dutifully casts its own lovely glow, consider using antique lanterns in a rather unique way. Instead of candles, fill the globes with fresh flowers and fasten them securely to the chandelier with coordinating ribbon to set the tone for a cheerfully rustic gathering. Whether you decide on a monochromatic theme…

The year was 1943. Music lovers swung to the beat of Big Band music, Casablanca received the Academy Award for “Best Picture,” the New York Yankees won the World Series—and the country was at war on both sides of the world. In rural Alabama, Dorothy Nell “Dot” Roberts Roper had just completed her first year teaching at Tallapoosa High School. But by the time the school doors reopened in September, Dot had become one of an elite group of women known as the WAVES, an all-female branch of the United States Navy created during World War II. “My mother is the one who suggested it,” Dot recalls of the time she first heard of this new career opportunity. “She saw something in the newspaper about it.” Dot soon enlisted and…

Creating dazzling displays of lavishness in your home is as easy as repeating the same elements over and over again, a method interior designer Bill Aroosian knows well. Bill says, “The secret to decorating is having a lot of the same things. Once you find a look you like, buy a lot of it.” When it came time for Bill to prepare his own Christmas décor, he kept adding to his collection of opulent ornamentals in hues of red, orange, and bronze. With hundreds of twinkling lights, dozens upon dozens of glass ornaments, festive gold trees, and pretty, personally-wrapped packages, the result was nothing short of spectacular. A popular gathering spot during the holidays, the mantle, Bill explains, deserves some extra attention. Tiny, white lights peeping out of gorgeous, green…

Q What basic information should one know before calling the bakery to place an order? A There are a few questions to consider before placing an order. What kind of event are you celebrating? Is it formal or casual? This will dictate the style of cake you want to order. How many people will you need to serve? Keep in mind who they are; a ladies’ tea will have different needs than a house full of men, women, and children. Just remember your audience. Do any of your guests have allergic reactions to chocolate, nuts, or dairy products? How will your guests eat the dessert you are providing? By using plates and utensils, you won’t be limited to serving only finger food desserts. What time of day is your party?…

Start by selecting a yarn. The best place to look is at a specialty yarn store, but now crafts stores are carrying better quality yarns as well. The label on the yarn will tell you what size knitting needles and how many stitches to cast on for four inches, so a four-inch scarf is a great way to begin; it’s easy, and it doesn’t have to fit. Knitting classes are probably the easiest way to learn the craft, but Internet sites and books are also great resources. For an easy second or third project, try felting, a process that involves knitting an item and then shrinking it by washing it in hot water. A pair of slippers or a purse are both good choices for this technique. Once you learn…

TThis is the scene in Debbie Williams’ kitchen every year on the first Tuesday of December. On that special day, Debbie invites her closest friends over to bake what she loves: cookies. “I enjoy baking cookies, but I’m not what you would call your connoisseur of cooking or even someone who likes to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. That’s not my strength,” says Debbie, whose strength seems to be hosting an unforgettable gathering. Debbie started her not-your-average-cookie bake almost fifteen years ago with a simple desire—to give her friends a special time to be together. “We had just built our new home, and I wanted to invite my friends over. They are all so busy that I didn’t want to make them do something before they came…

In a small town south of the Mason-Dixon Line, young Eleanor Kidd began—like most girls her age—to take an interest in the latest trends and fashions. It was the early 1900s, and all Eleanor knew about modeling was the fact that these beautiful people appeared in magazines and papers, wearing the most fabulous outfits and visiting the most exotic places. But this blonde beauty had no idea that one day she would be a part of this dazzling glitterati. After graduating from college in 1935, Eleanor made the simple decision to pursue a master’s degree in French at Columbia University, a choice that would drastically alter the course of her life. “My father, James Mallory Kidd, knew the president of the university, Nicholas Butler. My father told him to look…

1 Pride and Prejudice BY JANE AUSTEN A masterpiece in every way, this classic tale set in the English countryside at the turn of the nineteenth century prompts us to turn page after page as we witness romance unfold between heroine Elizabeth Bennett and handsome Mr. Darcy. Will they? Won’t they? Will they ever get together? Those are the questions that leave us longing for answers and the reason why this book tops our list. 2 To Kill a Mockingbird BY HARPER LEE With masterful storytelling, Harper Lee tackles major social issues prevalent in the Deep South of the 1930s. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch—daughter of the town’s top defense attorney—a story unfolds, one of innocence and intolerance, of love and loss and lessons learned. A tough and…

Sparkling like precious jewels, a treasured collection shines the brightest when on display. We all have things that strike our fancy, sometimes they are part of a designer series and sometimes they have been handed down through generations. They are our collections, objects that remind us of something special. Perfume bottles, limoges boxes, silver crosses, cherubs—what joy it brings to display a collection of your favorite treasures. This year, instead of storing them away to make room for the festivities, consider incorporating these meaningful mementos into your holiday decorations. No matter how you decide to utilize them, collections make a wonderful addition to most any décor. Whether included in a tabletop array or even dangling from a beautiful arrangement, these treasured keepsakes will add to the delight of each and…

A formally dressed table sets the scene for a decadent and memorable dinner. But nothing makes the season sweeter than when there’s an array of delectable treats to choose from. A dessert buffet, including succulent strawberries—with powdered sugar for dipping, of course—white chocolate roulage, and steaming hot coffee, is a gratifying end to a gourmet feast. Here we are as in olden days, Happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us Gather near to us once more. —from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine Sophisticated simplicity is the key to creating this sparkling setting. Start with traditional silver and gold, a combination you can easily achieve with classic silver dinnerware and gold-rimmed china. By adding lacy white linens, crystal…

Whether joyfully given or gladly received, a present this pretty is a joy indeed. Tailor your presentation to suit the recipient. J ust think of all the ways you can incorporate ribbon into your gift-wrapping. Wire ribbon works well for creating a festive handle for a lightweight box, or use grosgrain ribbon—with or without a pattern—to fashion a fascinating flower. Ribbons can even add pizzazz to oddly shaped gifts; just wrap the present in some attractive scraps of fabric and tie it tightly with complementing strands. Available in many widths, colors, and textures, this tried-and-true gift-wrapping accessory offers a variety of ways to adorn presents for the holidays and throughout the year. Solid, striped, or plaid, ribbons tie it all together. A Few Fresh Ideas to bring good cheer So…

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 Cake stand available at Christine’s. YOUNG SOUTHERN LADIES PAGES 12: autrepeau, 404-239-0536; www.autrepeau.com. PRACTICAL ELEGANCE PAGE 14: PlaceTile Designs, www.placetile.com. YI JEWELS: PEARLS OF FRIENDSHIP PAGE 22: Yi Jewels, www.yijewels.com. TOUCHES OF GREEN PAGE 38: Floral designs by and vase and bowl available at Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market. CHARMING CHANDELIERS PAGES 40-41: Beads available at Minerva’s. Lanterns available at Homewood Florist. Hanging flower vases available at Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market. CAPTIVATING CENTERPIECES PAGES 43: Soup tureen and serving tray available at Noordermeer Antieks. ENCHANTED GINGERBREAD PAGE 46: Enchanted Gingerbread;…