Innholdsfortegnelse for November - December 2006 i Southern Lady

The scent of fresh pine needles fills the air as I drape the mantle in fragrant garland. Soon my husband and I expect to hear the front door open, followed by the grownup shouts of our two sons. The shuffle of suitcases will mix with big bear hugs and intertwining echoes of “How are you?” and “How was your trip?” and, of course, “When’s supper?” Oh there’s nothing quite like celebrating the holidays with the ones you love. In this issue of Southern Lady, you’ll find page after page of inspiration for seasonal celebrations. From a white Christmas theme that relies on pearls and seashells to convey the image of a snow-covered living room to an imaginative scheme for a New Year’s Eve party designed around the vivacious colors of…

If I close my eyes and try to remember some of the best gifts I’ve ever received, one memory always comes to mind. The hands of time turn back, transporting me to 1978. I’m standing in a peach dress that was especially chosen for this particular bridal tea, and Jo Spruiell—known to our town as “The Pound Cake Lady”—is handing me a slice of her signature whipping cream pound cake, followed by the remainder of the cake on a wonderful cut-glass cake plate to take home and enjoy. The first bite was divine, just like every one thereafter. When I say it was—and still is—the best pound cake I ever tasted, I mean that with all my heart. I was fortunate enough to grow up in one of those wonderful…

Make a particularly festive first impression with creative takes on traditional Christmas wreaths. Proudly placed on windows, doors, and gates, these gorgeous garlands offer plenty of Christmas cheer…

To find real love, the kind I feel for you, changes everything. —Oliver Warwick Chapter Nine It’s only days before Christmas in the charming seaside village of Cape Light and the town’s citizens are making last-minute preparations for the holiday. Resident curmudgeon Lillian Warwick is recovering from a tumble down the attic stairs and the cranky patient has her family hopping. Most of the care has fallen on the shoulders of granddaughter Sara who has only recently entered Lillian’s life and has not yet earned acceptance from the haughty and demanding matriarch. Sara has worries of her own, namely a fiancé who is puzzled by the fact that Sara cannot seem to set the date Things are also tense in the Bates household as Lucy struggles to complete her nurse’s…

Most deserving of sparkle and shine, wintertime celebrations warrant the works. Why shy away from drama during a season that celebrates everything on a grand and glorious scale? A sophisticated palette that melds metallic elements of gold and argent hues will add refinement and flair to your home’s holiday décor, from the anticipation of Christmas all the way through to the countdown for the New Year. Setting the table with a harmonious mix of giltedged china patterns in various sizes and shapes creates an aura of chic, almost-metropolitan style. The elements of sparkle and shine are at their best dancing among crystal goblets and gleaming china, illuminated by a chandelier festooned with garlands of burnished copper leaves Adding to the elegance of this formal affair, dainty demitasse cups fashioned of…

Heaven and nature join in harmonious accord as they sing the joy of the season. Incorporating elements from the forest, a table setting highlighted by braided twig placemats and ruby acorn napkin rings sets the tone for a humble holiday. An orange and red runner combines with amber goblets to complement a rosy arrangement of flowers and berries in classic reds and greens. Prominently presented in a window- front display, the tempting arrangement of a flavorful menu soars on a three-tiered stand. Upon departing after a thanks-filled feast, guests are delighted by their gifts: Fun favors tied with a raffia wrap are prettily packaged in animal print. Once farewells are extended and dishes are done, a new round of preparation is yet to ensue as this simple set-up offers valued…

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Makes 1 (8-inch) cake 4 (1-ounce) squares white baking chocolate 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup shortening 2 1/2 cups sugar 4 1/2 cups cake flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8 egg whites 1 (18-ounce) jar seedless raspberry preserves 1 recipe White Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows) Garnish: fresh raspberries, white and milk chocolate curls ▪Preheat oven to 325°. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans; set aside. ▪In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate squares in microwave oven on High (100 percent power) for 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted (approximately 1 1/2 minutes total). Set aside to cool. ▪In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening at medium-high speed with an…

To hear Peggy Franks, Entertaining With Friends chairwoman, tell the story, you would have thought the cookbook compilation came together as easily as the super-simple Congressional Cherry Pie. But once you see the finished product, it’s apparent how many hours of cooking and collaborating went toward creating this true work of art. Joined by their mutual involvement with the Friends of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, a team of talented and tireless women—Peggy, Susan Basel, Terrie Purser, Claudia McLemore, and Anne Saint—decided to raise money and awareness for the hospital they love so much. Two years and a thousand recipes later, what started as a simple fundraising idea evolved into a culinary go-to guide that also offers entertaining and decorating tips. Page after page of mouth-watering recipes present an array of dishes…

I’m writing to say that I dearly love Southern Lady. Three years ago my sister gave me my first issue and every year since, this is my gift from her. My thirteenyear- old granddaughter, Mary-Elizabeth, also enjoys every issue. We enjoyed the article “The Art of Letter Writing” [January/February 2006]. I am teaching Mary-Elizabeth to take time to write a treasured handwritten letter. Thanks for your wonderful magazine and for giving us a chance to step back in time. Betty Bowman Raleigh, North Carolina The day your magazine arrived in Elba, Alabama, they could have closed the school down—we did not hear a word our teachers said because we were so excited. As we looked at the picture of our 2005 Senior Girls [“Teaching the Troop,” March/April 2006], what memories.…

“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays,” croons velvet-voiced Perry Como in the sentimental holiday standard, and no one believes that more fervently than southerners. No matter where we have scattered, may it be on the opposite coast or just down the road, we follow our hearts home for Christmas. For this highly anticipated homecoming, no simple celebration will do. We want Christmas to ring from the rafters with dazzling decorations, skyhigh piles of presents, and glitz and glitter galore. The festive feeling is reflected in the loops of garlands and ringlets of ribbon that encircle gloriously bedecked boughs. Gazing at the twinkling tree, we are nostalgic time travelers looking to each ornament as a tender tie to memorable Christmases past. The mantle is resplendent with greenery interspersed…

As familiar to the holidays as carols and Kris Kringle, vibrant red and green never go out of style. The secret to keeping these colors interesting is incorporating unexpected elements into traditional trimmings. Intertwining deep crimson roses, brilliant berries, and apple green foliage among branches of pine, balsam fir, and feathery Leyland cypress instantly spruces up swags on the mantle or staircase. Accent the greenery with grandiose bows fashioned of flocked velvet ribbon. Carry this color scheme throughout your home by strategically placing coordinating vintage-inspired cones —spilling over with the same blend of red and green —in prominently viewed spaces, helping to transform your home into an enchanted elfin wonderland suitable for welcoming guests galore —especially ole Saint Nick.…

Dorothy McDaniel’s Design Your Own Materials: Wire wreath frame 2 to 3 different silk embellishments (such as sugared berries and gold leaves) 2 to 3 types of fresh greenery (such as boxwood and holly) Wire cutters Ribbon Floral waxed twine It’s easy to craft a creative and cheery wreath that invites visitors into your home. A welcoming adornment like this on the front door promises warmhearted hospitality inside. Step by Step 1. Fluff and shape greenery and silk embellishments, then trim them into smaller pieces based on the wreath size you desire. 2. Grasp a cluster of greenery and attach to wire wreath frame with floral waxed twine, leaving the twine on the spool as you continuously wrap each section throughout the project. 3. Layer additional clusters of greenery to…

Christmas brunches and lunches, New Year’s Eve soirees and shindigs, Thanksgiving dinners and more dinners—this season brings with it many reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re serving a turkey with all the trimmings or a delicious spread of desserts and coffees, a stunning tablesetting in the midst of decorative touches and adornments can transform your everyday dining area into a festive playground for guests of all ages. In this busy time of seasonal entertaining, you may want to choose a transitional setting—perhaps one that is designed around nature’s gifts or metallic touches—to carry you through the winter months. By simply changing the china, flowers, and table accessories, you can give each celebration its own zing and zest. Or if time allows, approach each party with an entirely different theme and color…

The jeweled colors of the harvest create a welcoming warmth for family and friends that gather at Thanksgiving to celebrate a bounty of blessings. Draw guests to the feast with a sumptuous mix of fabrics, festive dinnerware, and floral designs in a palette that reproduces nature’s reds and golds. A pumpkin-hued tablecloth presents a bold backdrop for settings in vibrant orange and chocolate brown. The cloth’s pattern mirrors in miniature the medallion that adorns the striking persimmon-banded china. Likewise, the lacy swirls and curls of the amber-etched glasses and goblets replicate the china’s filigreed embellishment. Crimson candles encircle a centerpiece of fresh flowers, while cheerful cherubs lift pint-sized posies in toast to this occasion dedicated to blessings abundant.…

The season of celebration is winding down, but your home still shows signs of holiday cheer. Keep the good times rolling with extravagant flourishes of New Year’s grandeur. Washed in whimsy, a lavishly appointed dining room is the backdrop for this enchanting evening An awe-inspiring sparkling chandelier steals the show with its festive fedora shades and crystal teardrop charms. Below it, a celebratory spread of elegant china and stemware join claret-colored cups that are anchored by silver bells ready to ring in the new year. As a nod to a New Year’s Day tradition, stage your own Rose Parade by incorporating these beautiful blossoms in your décor. Clustered with fluffy feathers, bright birds, and berries of all shapes and shades, crimson roses add a feminine touch to a brightly bold…

Razzle • Dazzle • Glitter T his special season is sure to be filled with a host of holiday events. A fresh take on the traditional Christmas party, your ornament swap will have friends circling their calendars in eager anticipation of the festivities to come. Invite guests to bring a shiny new ornament or a homemade tree-ready trinket to exchange for a prized pretty of their own. For years to come, these take-home treasures, suitable for twinkle light-laden branches, will be cherished reminders of good times shared with those we love. Trim the table with splashes of apple green and soft pops of pink—stylish adaptations of traditional holiday hues. Set the stage for fun with woven grapevine topiaries adorned in dotted bows of cascading curls, then tuck tiny theme-inspired touches…

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. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS PAGE 28-30: Location and styling courtesy of Suzanne Anselmo. GRACIOUS LIVING PAGE 39: Domed cake plate available at Summerhill, Ltd. SEASONS GREETINGS PAGE 46: Grapevine wreath, gold pinecones, Christmas balls, decorative feather balls, and red berries available at Hobby Lobby. Green beaded glitter and feather garland, birdcage, striped ribbon, red and green tin triangle containers, and jingle bells available at Minerva’s Antiques. Gold bayleaf garland available at Harmony Landing. Toile ribbon available at A.C. Moore. DOROTHY MCDANIEL’S DESIGN YOUR OWN: WELCOME WREATH PAGE 48: Welcome…

If, as the saying goes, pictures really do speak a thousand words, then Shelley Roupas’ creations cradle messages of beauty, hope, comfort, and cure from her southern home to customers in each cozy corner of the country Founder and heartbeat of Feel Good Frames, Shelley began her customized frame and ornament business in 2002 as a way to use her artistic talents to bring others joy. Her designs, speckled and striped with pretty pastels and shimmering metallics, are charming as-is, but can be personalized with names, dates, and monograms, too. Born and raised in North Carolina, Shelley moved to Miami after college to begin a career in television news—a decision that would carry her to Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and even California. “I loved the news biz. My job was challenging,…

A Cut Above The ornate ceiling medallion and beaded chandelier are worthy of far more than just a few strands of tinsel. Gather a grouping of glistening artificial fruit and green silk bells, then crown with a lavish bow of sheer gossamer ribbon. To make fresh sugared fruit, start with firm pieces, cover in egg wash, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and let dry. Inspired by the elaborate carvings of fruit swags by Italian sculptor Luca della Robbia, the people of Colonial Williamsburg began festooning windows and doorways in the 1930s at Christmastime with wreaths and garlands of greenery intertwined with fruit. Southerners soon followed suit, adding apples, pomegranates, and other fruits to their holiday décor. The addition of fruit into seasonal decorations is easy to accomplish. When using real…

“Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes.” —from the Legend of the Poinsettia Mexican lore holds that, with Christ’s birthday rapidly approaching, a poor child lamented that she had no gift for him. She gathered all she had to offer, a simple bouquet of weeds, and approached the altar, whereupon the lowly weeds were wondrously transformed into the brilliant scarlet blossoms of the flower we know as the poinsettia. Naturally coming into full bloom during November and December, the poinsettia’s lovely and flamboyant fronds have long been a symbol of the Christmas season. As synonymous with the holidays as holly and evergreen, the poinsettia represents purity and is often referred to as a “Christmas star” or a “Mexican flame leaf.” The showy…

Filled with nostalgia for years gone by and those still yet to come, Christmas invites family home to pleasure in the southern traditions we’ve all come to know and love. Seasonal shades of red, green, and gold join touches of orange and amber to create an ambiance so rich and warm that the morning chill simply melts away. Personal touches, such as star-shaped bowls in jolly red and whimsical name card nests bearing teeny tiny eggs, fill the breakfast room with bursts of Christmas cheer. Stylized trees and a miniature Father Christmas cleverly incorporated onto the tabletop display merrily proclaim the arrival of December’s happiest day. Mother, father, sister, brother—each enjoys a very special place setting around the family table on this lovely Christmas morning In the form of treasured…

Soft cottony snow, fluffy as lambs’ fleece, swirls in deep drifts while a sleigh filled with giggling children glides over the frozen folds and snowy slopes of the countryside… Fresh as the new fallen snow, a palette of white brings the beauty of a winter wonderland to the Deep South Alas, that enchanting scene bypasses most southern landscapes. Come December, we yearn for even a tiny taste, a lacy flake or two, a delicate dusting of the wondrous white powder that transforms the world into a winter wonderland. Ever the clever ones, we fashion faux snow indoors to deck the holiday interiors as if Jack Frost himself has paid us a personal visit. A pyramid of pristine pretties from the sea resembles an intricate ice sculpture. Create a centerpiece with…

In the case of Christmas, more is definitely delightful. The long-lasting lavishness of silk creations allows you to decorate early in the season and enjoy the breathtaking beauty well into the new year. Create the feel of a designer’s showhouse by intertwining gossamer threads with the over-the-top twinkling of sparkling lights. Dramatic accents, such as glistening golden trees that spiral toward the stars, cast a brilliant reflection in a magnificently adorned mirror, adding to the magical ambiance. Next, deck the walls with sumptuous arrangements that echo the extravagant swags of faux finery. Then, emphasize the opulence by adding unexpected elements—perhaps a playfully perched elf or a graceful angel statuette—sure to impress friends and family alike.…

Gifts from the heart—and the oven—express warm wishes and good tidings to those who mean so much. Just-baked cookies and still-gooey brownies are marvelous made-with-love tokens for mailmen, babysitters, teachers, and friends. chunky Oatmeal Cookies Makes about 2 1/2 dozen 1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1 large egg 1/4 cup milk 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 cups quick-cooking oats 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup raisins 1 cup milk chocolate toffee bits ▪Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. ▪In a large bowl, beat brown sugar and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in egg and milk. ▪In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking…

Alaga Syrup/Whitfi eld Foods, Inc ALAGA celebrates 100 years as “The Syrup of the South!” Southern cooks know Alaga’s unique cane flavor makes it’s uses limitless. Creative and exciting recipes from main dishes to desserts await you at www.Alagasyrup.com. Look for Alaga products at your favorite grocer or order online. Let Alaga bring the “Sweetness of the South” and the “Feeling of Family” to your holiday table! No other syrup tastes as good. How do we know? 100 years tells us so! 1101 North Court St. • Montgomery, Al, 36104 • www.alagasyrup.com Eden Moon/DayDreamer Books, LLC Conceptually, Eden Moon started out with the idea that it would be a book for teenaged girls. Originally titled “The Adventures of Molly Moon Pie Monroe and her Day with the Knights” it eventually…