Innholdsfortegnelse for November - December 2007 i Southern Lady

Oh, how I love the holidays! They bring us so many reasons to celebrate. This year, we’ve added a new member to the family. My son Eric just wed a lovely Louisiana girl, and as the mother of two boys, I can tell you that the thought of having another lady around is simply wonderful. We plan to help decorate each other’s homes, prepare meals together, and even do some of our shopping side by side. This Christmas promises to be extra special, and so does this issue of Southern Lady. This edition is all about embracing the season and its splendor with open arms. It’s about decking the halls and the walls and making the moments memorable for those we love. Whether cooking a meal for your family or…

teeny tiny token 1. Corral keys and pocket-size photos with a mini designer key ring. Coach Signature Picture Frame Keyfob, $28; available at Coach stores nationwide, 866-262-2440. quick click 2. A go-anywhere gadget, this handy camera is ready at a moment’s notice to snap slices of life. Cool Pix s50c, $249.95; Nikon, 800- 645-6689, nikonusa.com. kissable kit 3. This fabulous find holds all the necessities—cell phone, notepad and pencil, plus four shades of lip gloss. Holiday Lipgloss Cell Phone Holder, $18; Elizabeth Arden, elizabetharden.com. write now 4. For Christmas wishes and beyond, this floral-adorned journal continues to give throughout the year. Lauren Wan Journal, $11.50; Galison, galison.com. choose your charm 5. Speak volumes about a loved one with a personalized beaded bracelet featuring your choice of words. Jewelry Inspiration Bracelet,…

Foods that warm our hearts and make good company better are always welcome on a Southern table. For many whose families hail from Wisconsin, a Danish kringle evokes the same sense of home that sweet-potato pie or a rich cream-cheese pound cake might bring to those Southern bred. But this pastry is so elegant and delicious that the kringle has surpassed local fame in the frigid North and found its way into homes across the nation. Derived from an Old World recipe, the Danish kringle was introduced to the United States in the 1880s by immigrant bakers who settled in Racine, Wisconsin. The laborious process involved in making the layered dough requires quite a bit of time and skill, and for these reasons, very few bakeries continue to prepare this…

During the holidays, opportunities for entertaining abound, much to the delight of homeowner Patsy Jones. From formal family dinners to casual brunches with friends, Patsy’s dining room serves as the scene for many a seasonal soiree. To make the transition between parties easier, she sets the table with a lovely yet versatile spread that spans the celebrations. The foundation for Patsy’s stunning setting is simply a grand dining table. The rich wood provides a beautiful base for mirrored place mats that reflect the shimmer from the dazzling chandelier above. Yards of golden tulle and netting threaded around and among the arms of this resplendent illuminator create a festive centerpiece, and dangling crystal ornaments that mimic the lights overhead bring the eye back down toward the table, where a sparkling display…

The Christmas Pearl Things have changed and not for the better according to 93-year-old Charleston matron Theodora. It’s Christmastime, and the merry oldfashioned holidays that Theodora remembers have given way to garish, new-fangled decorations and a total lack of reverence for the significance of Christmas. Her family is in crisis mode—marriages in chaos, unruly children, and a total lack of respect for each other and the family as a whole. Theodora longs for the past when the Lowcountry family manor was filled with love and ruled with a velvet fist by housekeeper Pearl, a confidante and paragon of gracious behavior. Yearning for a return to those halcyon days, Theodora is at wit’s end when a mysterious yet hauntingly familiar stranger arrives on Christmas Eve with a bundle of heavenly tricks…

I have always believed that one of the most important skills a Southern lady should develop is that of setting a beautiful table. So much of our entertaining revolves around food that it just makes sense to create tables as elegant and inviting as possible. Rather than being some unattainable dream, a gracious table is not only doable, but easy to accomplish with just a bit of guidance. Since we began publishing Southern Lady magazine, we have strived to present wonderful ideas for creating simply gorgeous tables. Over and over again, I’ve heard from readers that they’ve taken those ideas and interpreted them in their own homes with marvelous results. When I was ready to write my first book, I immediately knew that I wanted to share more of these…

A stately neoclassical-style home proudly stands on South Perry Street in Montgomery, Alabama, its sturdy Corinthian columns framing an entrance that has welcomed gubernatorial families since the house began serving as the Governor’s Mansion in 1951. From inaugural dweller Alice Persons to much admired Martha Brewer, who created the splendid First Ladies Parlor, to current resident Patsy Riley, who graciously opens the Mansion to visitors for a Candlelight Open House every December, each First Lady to occupy this beautiful home has left her imprint on its polished interiors. From the moment you step into the Governor’s Mansion, you sense the elegance and awe infused in this historical home. Lovely throughout the year, it is simply dazzling at Christmastime when it sparkles from mirror to mantel. Every year, select rooms proudly…

COLOR THE HOLIDAYS…

Menu Corn Chowder • Creamed English Peas • Red & Gold Potatoes with Herbs • Beef Wellington with Cognac Sauce Corn CHOWDER Makes about 4 1/2 quarts 1/4 cup butter 4 cups diced onion 1 cup diced green bell pepper 1 cup diced red bell pepper 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 quarts chicken broth 6 cups diced potatoes 1 cup oyster cracker crumbs 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 1 quart half-and-half 5 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels Garnish: chopped red bell pepper, chopped yellow bell pepper, chopped fresh parsley ▸ In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, and bell pepper; cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually…

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH CHEESECAKE Makes 1 (91/2-inch) cheesecake Crust: 2 cups firmly packed chocolate graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled 1 egg white, lightly beaten Filling: 1 (16.5-ounce) tube chocolate chip cookie dough, room temperature 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar 5 large eggs 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 (8-ounce) carton sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 recipe Chocolate Ganache (recipe follows) Garnish: maraschino cherries, fresh mint ▸ Preheat oven to 300°. Place a rimmed baking sheet on lower rack of oven. Fill halfway with water. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, butter, and egg white. Press firmly on bottom and up sides of a 91/2-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes; set…

“The art of bread time,is a balancing act between temperature , and ingredients.” There is something about the holidays that appeals to our basic bread-baking instincts. Perhaps it’s the idea of giving of ourselves with the time and effort it takes to make homemade goods, or maybe it’s just the stress release that comes from the physical act of kneading and punching the dough. Either way, the making and giving of bread at Christmas is a time-honored tradition, one that we wholeheartedly embrace. The symbolic act of sharing bread appears in many religious rites, such as Christian communion and in the partaking of matzo during the Jewish Passover. “Bread is considered the universal symbol of life in all cultures,” says Chef Peter Reinhart, baking instructor at Johnson & Wales University…

Striving to create a beautiful and authentic volume of cocktail creations from south of the Mason-Dixon, a husband-and-wife team present an authoritative guide that is sure to make everyone’s Christmas wish list. Growing up in her grandmother’s three-story Victorian house in Natchez, Mississippi, made Denise Gee uniquely qualified to write a book devoted to traditional Southern cocktails. The house was a hub of activity; there was a clothing shop, and vendors sold antiques and jellies. And there were a few tenants on the property who kept things quite lively. As each hectic day drew to a close, Nannie would say to no one in particular, “Is it five o’clock yet?” to which Denise’s mother, Freddie Lee, would answer, “Yes. Or it is somewhere.” This was the signal for the beginning…

COVER China; Winter Festival by Pickard, available at Bromberg’s. Place mats; Le Telerie Toscane, available at HomeGoods. Ornaments; Lamb’s Ears, Ltd. Floral designs; Flower Stems. ENTERTAINING TOUCHES PAGE 36: Terra-cotta pots; Lowe’s. Freeze-dried cranberries; Whole Foods. Candles; World Market. Ribbon and gold beaded garland; Hobby Lobby. SWEET SWAP PAGE 40: Snowmen; Penny McAllister, available at Holiday Treasures. DRESSED-UP DINING PAGE 48-49: Ribbon sashes and chairs; Harmony Landing. FRESH LOOK PAGE 58-59: Felt wine bag, reindeer, water bucket used for floral arrangement, wooden salad servers tied to floral arrangement, rosehip wreaths, greenery swags, and linen coasters; Harmony Landing. Slate Santa plaque, beaded wine cork, runner netting, hand towels; Lamb’s Ears, Ltd. Ribbon around utensil jar; Smith’s Variety. Ribbons on wreaths and in arrangements, candles; Hobby Lobby. Floral designs; Flower Stems. HOLIDAY…

the more the merrier 1. Expect giggles and gratitude when you present an entire ensemble with loads of layers that can also be worn as separates. Rib Trimmed Washed Jacket, Bib Front Shirt, Square Neck Top, High Rise Jean, Fringe Scarf, $7.98 to $19.98; BITTEN Sarah Jessica Parker, bittensjp.com for stores. pretty, prett_ princess 2. Pass on the treasured teen tradition of late-night chatting with this retro telephone. Pink Princess Phone, $49.95; Crosley Radio, crosleyradio.com. orange crush 3. A mandarin collar and bright turquoise piping turn these pajamas into a sleepytime set daughters are sure to love. Orange Arabesque Short Mandarin Set, $89; Bedhead, 323-634-0333, bedheadpjs.com. sophisticated lady 4. Tied with a bow and pearls, these gloves prettily pamper the young ladies in your life. Pointelle Cashmere Gloves from Juicy…

“Vintage and modern—this coat is the best of both.” –Editorial Assistant, Malina Kay Nichols 1. Bright Wool Twill 60s Belted Coat, $790; MINT jodi arnold, jodiarnoldnyc.com. 2. Cable & Tapestry Collection Wide Cuff, $3,700; David Yurman, available through Neiman Marcus, 888-888-4757, neimanmarcus.com. “I love cuff bracelets and diamonds, and this piece combines them exquisitely.” —Staff Writer, Karen Callaway “This fabulous dish goes from stove top to oven.” —Food Editor, Aimee Bishop 3. 51/2-quart Round French Oven in kiwi, $199.99; Le Creuset, visit lecreuset.com/ usa for store locations. “This fashionable tote is also environmentally friendly because it’s a great alternative to shopping bags.” —Art Director, Jennifer Richburg 4. Collapsible European Market Tote, $34.95; Sur La Table, 800-243-0852, surlatable.com. “The best part about this bag is the personalization. From a vast selection…

When Felix Fu began sketching illustrations on envelopes bearing photography contracts for his artistic wife, Loren, he never dreamed of the reactions his drawings would receive. Says Felix, “So many people were calling and telling us how beautiful the designs were and wanting to know where they could purchase some themselves.” With such overwhelming feedback from Loren’s clients, Felix soon established his own custom stationery business, designing everything from invitations to save-the-date cards—all by request only. But it wasn’t long until Felix decided that if he was going to create the products, he wanted them to be available to a broader audience. “People really connect and respond to the drawings, so I wanted more people to be able to enjoy my work,” he says. And so began Felix Doolittle, a…

Is it possible to fall in love with a snowman? The answer is yes, if the object of your affection is from Penny McAlister’s fanciful family of one-of-a-kind creations. Fashioned of felt and snippets of fabric, these adorable little guys—and gals—bring immeasurable charm to the pages of the Sweet Swap feature in our special collector’s edition, Southern Lady Holidays (see opposite page for details). Penny adds bewitching details with tinsel trim and bright beads, then paints on personality galore—wide grins, pink cheeks, and pointy orange noses. We found our chilly chums tucked among the irresistible wares at Holiday Treasures, Pete Partin’s enchanting shop located near our editorial offices. These frosty friends did their part to make Sweet Swap a success, and thoughtful helpers that they are, they’ve brought along our…

Beyond packages, these beautiful gift wraps can be used in a variety of creative ways. Use them to cover a worn-out journal, or laminate small sections to make bookmarks and gift tags. You can even frame a few and incorporate the finished product into your seasonal displays. But be warned: You may become all wrapped up in these kinds of creative projects—and the fun that comes with them.…

For Debby Scott, home isn’t simply where the heart is—it’s also where her business thrives. A lifelong resident of Montgomery, Alabama, Debby’s clientele revolves around one of the truest forms of flattery—customer referral. “Having grown up here, I know just about every customer who calls, or I at least know someone who knows them,” Debby explains. “Because of this, I usually stay as busy as I want.” For good reason. If you ask her, this humble artist will likely downplay her talent, claiming she simply “fluffed” a bit. But one step into Debby’s own holiday-bedecked home reveals why customers rave: Rooms sparkle with the cheery tone of the season, and each tiny detail, from a sassy Christmas fairy to an antique eggnog set, is specially chosen and expertly arranged. Debby’s…

Baby, it’s cold outside! But there's something warm waiting fireside—a delicious, casual meal served holiday-style. When frosty temperatures have us dashing inside for shelter, there is no better place to gather than the hearth. And while a glowing fire and witty conversation will thaw shivery spirits, nothing puts people in a happy mood faster than hearty foods and beverages that warm from the inside out. With that in mind, we’ve planned a fireside menu that will satisfy the appetite and soothe the soul. A deceptively simple dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu is bound to impress even the most discriminating diners. No need to confess—just serve this crumb-coated dish to the sound of ahhs. Add the cheesy Broccoli Fettuccine Au Gratin as a side, then complement with melt-in-yourmouth Easy Garlic Rolls and…

During the holidays, we often spend our time searching for the perfect present, and for many shoppers, that quest wraps up at Van Atkins Jewelers, which lies about 35 miles outside Oxford, Mississippi. Known for its vast selection of diamond solitaires and for having the largest collection of estate jewelry in the Magnolia State, Van Atkins offers an array of exquisite choices sure to dazzle that someone special on your list. When something extraordinary is required to express the most heartfelt of sentiments, a visit to this New Albany shop is a must. Though Van Atkins enjoyed a long and storied history as a department store, a fire in the year 2000 prompted owner Chuck Cooper to switch gears and follow his heart into the jewelry business. Glittering cases of…

Makes about 5 dozen ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 ½ cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon hot sauce, or more to taste 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted Pecan halves (optional) ▸ Cream the butter, using a fork. Mix in the cheese and sauces; stir to blend. ▸ Slowly stir in the flour until just blended. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a roll. Cover in plastic wrap and chill for several hours. ▸ When chilled, slice the dough into 2 pieces. Roll each section into a log shaped like a long breadstick measuring about 1 inch thick. ▸ Preheat the oven to 350°. ▸ Slice each dough section into 1/4- inch-thick “coins” and place…

diamond dazzler 1. A little frosting around the neck truly makes an outfit or evening gown the sweetest thing. Penny Preville Necklace, $5,490; available at Bromberg’s, brombergs.com. literary treasury 2. Beautifully bound in leather, this incredible volume contains all of Jane Austen’s novels. $19.99; Random House, randomhouse.com and bookstores nationwide. celebrity style 3. This sleek and sophisticated pen has star quality, and it’s the perfect plume for letters, cards—and autographs. Greta Garbo Pen from Montblanc, $740; available at Paradise Pens, paradisepens.com. gilded glory 4. Even Aphrodite would be delighted to receive this beauty of a ring. Three- Strand Diamond Ring from Charriol Celtique, $1,395; available at Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com. absolutely timeless 5. As time goes by, this ornate clock measures the moments with refined elegance. Grandmother Clock, $4,995; Victoria Trading…

Exquisite Fabergé eggs represent the epitome of skilled craftsmanship. First commissioned in 1885 by Czar Alexander III of Russia as an Easter gift for his wife, these meticulously crafted pieces by jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé so delighted Czarina Maria Federovna that her husband insisted on an annual edition. Each year, Fabergé produced for the Czarina a new delight crafted of the finest metals and precious stones and inspired by noted works of art or events in Russian history. Almost a century later, these ornate compositions would serve as inspiration to the late Bessye Haigler of Montgomery, Alabama. With French hand sewing and china painting among her talents requiring a steady hand and master’s touch, Mrs. Haigler began fashioning her own versions of Fabergé eggs from emu, ostrich, duck, and guinea…

With a little garden inspiration and a measure of imagination, you can create simple yet stunning holiday accents. Ordinary and inexpensive terracotta pots get a million-dollar makeover with the addition of metallic paint and festive finery. Fill your newly glamorized containers with strands of beads, dried fruit, or marbles that surround the candle of your choice. Complete the design with a neatly tied ribbon or a small sugaredfruit wreath. These creations can be used along the sideboard, on the hearth, or even grouped together to form a glowing centerpiece. SEE RESOURCES FOR READERS FOR MORE INFORMATION…

Dorothy McDaniel’s Design Your Own Materials: • 1 (18- to 21-inch) foam wreath form •Sheet moss •Evergreens •Clusters of berries •Succulent plants •Roses with stems trimmed to a 2- to 3-inch height •Floral tape, pins, and clips The appreciable difference in this holiday wreath is the addition of lush succulents among the usual evergreens. Using floral pins, attach sheet moss to the inside and outside edges of a foam wreath form that has been reinforced with waterproof floral tape. Place sprigs of evergreens around the form. (Note: The more delicate varieties such as cedar, fir, and Leyland cypress are the perfect foil for the hardy succulents.) Intersperse viburnum, winterberry, or holly berries among the greenery. Then, add succulent plants to fill the space. For the final touch, add red roses…

When the occasion calls for a dressed-up effect, easy-to-make chair adornments turn simple seating into magical thrones. Where to begin? We turned to the decorating experts at Harmony Landing, our go-to source for many of our fabulous finds and furnishings. With a few yards of shimmery fabric, a glittery flourish of your choice, and these simple step-by-step instructions, you, too, can welcome dinner guests in style. DIRECTIONS SEE RESOURCES FOR READERS FOR MORE INFORMATION…

Christmas glides in on gilded wings in this colorsplashed house. It opens its paint box, takes up a brush, and spreads strokes of scarlet and swaths of emerald throughout these cozy quarters. Taking her color cues from a favorite oil painting, the homeowner embraces the vivid hues of a Parisian flower market and carries them from room to room. Generous boughs of fresh evergreen appear almost everywhere—on the fireplace mantel, down the center of the dining table, on the sideboard—bringing the glorious outside in and adding a measure of seasonal fragrance as well. Rose-hips topiaries stand sentinel on the broad mantel, flanking the inspiration piece and drawing attention to the beautifully decorated hearth. Fancy Christmas stockings—cuffed, fringed, and amply sized for holding lots of goodies—hang in anticipation of the annual…

GINGER POUND CAKE WITH MAPLE GLAZE Makes 1 Bundt cake 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 2 cups sugar 5 large eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 3 to 4 tablespoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon maple flavoring Garnish: chopped candied ginger, chopped pecans ▸ Preheat oven to 300°. Grease and flour a Bundt pan. ▸ In a large bowl, beat butter, shortening, and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk and vanilla, beating to mix well. ▸ In a small bowl, sift together flour, ginger, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture,…