Innholdsfortegnelse for Celebrate Valentine Special 2012 i Southern Lady

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Th e holiday season inspires the entertaining spirit within me. I love gathering everyone together, whipping up goodies, and reliving our family traditions. One of my favorite traditions is snuggling in for a casual Christmas Eve, and beginning on page 68, you will find wonderful inspiration for such a gathering. When Neal and I got married, we started a silver bell collection. It is always enchanting to unpack them and polish them to a gleaming shine. I love the way they reflect the glow from our tiny tree lights. Th ere is something very special about adding to our collection year after year. And I love hosting holiday get-togethers, but sometimes it can be hard to not get swept up…

HIGHLIGHTED PERFORMANCE Everyday candles are ready to shine this season once adorned with jute and cinnamon sticks. Gather greenery from the yard to form a ring, add candles, and place atop a vintage cake stand for casual flair. POINSETTIAS AND PINECONES Create this comfortable look by using an antique box to house a pastel yellow poinsettia. Fill in under the blooms with miniature pinecones. Remember, poinsettias are tropical flowers and will love being near a sunny window. CREATIVE COMBINATIONS Assemble glass vases, paperwhites, and kumquats for a centerpiece that will stay strong through the new year. Fill a small vase with pebbles for drainage, then transfer your blooming bulbs, and top with lime green reindeer moss. Place this vase inside a larger one, and fill in with kumquats. Mix and…

dry snow globes Recycled jars are perfect for creating your own winter scenes. Gather an assortment of small Christmas decorations and miniatures from around the house (or search dollar stores and craft stores), and set inside the jars on top of craft snow. Epsom salts can also be used to create a snowy look. wrapped with joy Capture extra cheer this season with this fun and easy project. Thoroughly wrap multipurpose sisal twine around 12-inch papier-mâché letters, and secure ends with a few dots of hot glue. natural combinations A touch of burlap exudes a vintage and nostalgic feeling no matter how it is used. Here stockings are right at home with an evergreen garland accented with cotton. artful antlers A simple wreath made from sprigs of rosemary gives these…

OPEN-FACED FLORENTINE AND EGG SANDWICH Makes 8 servings 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1 (10-ounce) container baby spinach leaves 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained 1 teaspoon garlic salt ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning 4 English muffins, split in half crosswise 8 slices provolone cheese 8 large eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to broil. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add garlic, and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Add spinach, and stir until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove to a small bowl, and let cool. Chop spinach. In another small bowl, stir together tomatoes, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. In the same large skillet, toast English muffin halves until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per…

WHAT TO GATHER dry floral oasis; urn or planter; 3/16x6-inch wooden dowel; hand drill; Styrofoam cone; Magnolia leaves; straight pins; ribbon STEP 1. Place oasis in planter, keeping it flush with the top. Secure the wooden dowel 3 inches down into the center of the oasis, leaving the remaining 3 inches sticking out. Predrill a hole in the bottom of the cone, and gently tap down onto the dowel STEP 2. Trim the stems off the bottoms of leaves, and attach to the cone, using straight pins and beginning at the base of the cone STEP 3. Trim more off the leaves as necessary as you work your way to the top. Layer and adjust the leaves to hide the cone, securing with extra pins as needed. STEP 4. Wrap…

PEPPERMINT-MOCHA BROWNIES Makes 8 servings 1 (18.75-ounce) box brownie mix* 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules 1½teaspoons peppermint extract 8 small peppermint candy canes 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar Preheat oven to 325°. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing edges of foil to extend 2 inches over sides of pan. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions, adding coffee granules and peppermint extract to batter. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake according to package directions. While brownie is still warm, top with candy canes, lightly pressing into warm brownie. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Lift brownie from pan, using edges of foil as handles. Cut between candy canes into 8 brownies. Sift confectioners’ sugar over brownies. *We tested…

I love the magic of the Christmas season. Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember it all beginning the weekend after Th anksgiving. Th is is when we set out looking for the perfect tree at a local nursery. Our home was then immediately transformed with the twinkling of lights and the scent of Scotch pine. Unwrapping the hodgepodge of ornaments collected over the years is still probably the most nostalgic thing we do over the holidays. And despite the hustle and bustle, I love getting up a bit earlier each morning to sit by the tree, reflect on my loved ones, and take stock of our many blessings. Th is issue, our team has pulled together some wonderful parties for sharing your hospitality. These articles have…

There’s a certain Christmas joy that often goes unmentioned. We talk and sing about decking the halls, holiday feasts, the sweet smell of pine, and a blanket of sugary snow. But there’s another pleasure I cherish each year—opening my mailbox and finding it full of beautiful envelopes that seal wishes from dear friends. And as much as I love receiving cards, I adore sending them even more. So much goes into the tradition of sending Christmas cards: What message do you and your family want to share this season? And what card is just right for spreading your love and joy? I’ve found several beautiful cards by talented designers. Some double as ornaments, while others perfectly complement pretty wrapping paper and gift tags. Here are my favorites in two different…

A TOUCH OF HOLLYWOOD Use black-and-white-striped ribbons to pull together assorted silver and gold ornaments for a fun and glitzy twist on traditional pieces. BLACK, GOLD & BLING Black and gold are a popular duo not only in the world of fashion, but also in home décor. This daring and dressy tablescape pairs the color palette with gold tableware, white flowers, jewelry accessories, and black-and-white-striped ribbon, giving your guests a taste of Hollywood star treatment.…

WHAT TO GATHER Styrofoam floral ring; roll of burlap garland; corsage pins; sisal twine STEP 1: Wrap the floral ring with garland, and secure the ends, using two corsage pins. STEP 2: Fold, and create loops in the garland, then secure to the ring, using two pins under each loop. Work your way around the ring, leaving space to attach your bow. STEP 3: Create a bow with the garland, and tie with sisal twine. Use an extra length of twine to attach to the base of the ring. Display on your door or around your home.…

1. BRING YOUR FAVORITE GIFT Pick up something you know anyone at the party is sure to enjoy, keeping the price under $10. Bring three of each item wrapped in pretty paper! 2. PICK A NAME Before the party, the hostess should write the names of each guest on three slips of paper and place in a bowl. Each gift giver draws three names (if you draw someone’s name more than once in one round, or if you draw your own, put it back in the bowl, and choose another) 3. GIVE YOUR GIFT Present your packages to the three people whose names you drew. Let the recipients open them all at once. At the end of the party, each person should leave with three presents. OUR favourite THINGS The…

Magnolia Topiary Craft a lovely holiday arrangement for your buffet by covering Styrofoam cones with Magnolia leaves and finishing with a collar of other greenery and berries. See the full how-to on page 76. On the night before Christmas, the tree is trimmed, and the lights are glowing. The woodsy scent of pine fills your home and mingles with the savory aroma of dinner finishing in the kitchen. This night is just as special as the big day that awaits. So this year, plan a joyous evening and build new family traditions with our easy menu, some fresh table-decorating ideas, and a fun food craft for the little ones. Venture no farther than your own yard to gather what you need to decorate. A mix of cedar and spruce trimmings,…

Pop the Champagne These bottles (available at save-on-crafts.com) are actually filled with confetti—perfect for popping open as the clock strikes midnight. Of course, keep glasses of bubbly at hand for toasting as the confetti falls. If there was ever an occasion to cover with shimmer and glam, it is New Year’s Eve. A new year offers promise and hope, and that’s a reason to celebrate to the nines. Assemble a polished and tasteful display of gold and white candles, shimmery tinsel fringe, and gilt-rimmed flutes, with accents of gold glitter and trim. Serve fancy yet easily prepared hors d’oeuvres to add another level of sophistication, and, of course, offer champagne for guests to sip throughout the night. Gold Accents These candles were taped and then spraypainted with gold and glitter-gold…

GINGERSNAP WHOOPIE PIES WITH EGGNOG ICING Makes 30 whoopie pies 2 ounces cream cheese, softened ¼cup butter, softened 2 tablespoons pasteurized eggnog, chilled ½teaspoon vanilla extract ⅛teaspoon ground cinnamon ⅛teaspoon ground nutmeg ⅛teaspoon ground cloves ⅛teaspoon rum extract 5 cups confectioners’ sugar 60 (1-inch) gingersnap cookies In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter at medium-high speed until smooth. Add eggnog, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and rum extract, stirring to combine. Reduce speed to low. Add confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until blended and smooth. Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe icing onto the flat sides of 30 cookies. Top each cookie with another cookie, flat side down.…

One of the most beautiful aspects of Christmastime is joining friends and family in celebrating the holidays with festivities that yield treasured memories. In her book Th e Collected Tabletop: Inspirations for Creative Entertaining, Kathryn Crisp Greeley shares this sentiment: “I have long believed that many memories and experiences make the most amazing gifts.” Th e Collected Tabletop features 12 elaborate party ideas, from the Black-Tie Birthday Celebration to the High-On-Th e Hog Bar- B-Que. Each event is very different from the next, but Greeley’s heart for hosting and passion for detail are evident on every page. Her expert guidance and fresh ideas for invitations, china, tablescapes, recipes, and favors will have you anxious to start planning your own event. Whether your holiday tradition is to simply gather for Christmas…

LIGHT AND BRIGHT A combination of patterns, textures, and winter whites can create an incredibly calming yet sophisticated decorating scheme. White tinsel trees, a major decorating trend years ago, are making a comeback. String with clear lights to add the perfect soft, twinkling backdrop to any room. WHITE DETAILS Add interest to any tabletop with a mix of pieces in shades of white. Here, the reflective nature of mercury glass adds festive sparkle to the tablescape. Finish your compositions by spray-painting found objects such as antique books, glass cylinders, wooden branches, and Magnolia stems with primer for a perfect mix of textures and objects in varying heights. Nothing is more courageous and chic than all white.…

Tis the season for sharing and giving—simply wonderful reasons to gather friends. For a different take on a holiday party, host a brunch complete with a gift-giving game that lets each guest share one of her favorite things. The rules of the game are simple—find a gift that costs less than $10, and bring three of them (see all the rules on page 53). You never know who will take home something you love or what you will receive yourself. And as the classic tune reminds us, sharing a few of your favorite things is sure to brighten anyone’s day For this gathering, try a new holiday color palette—soft grays and warm pinks. We created a tablescape of cableknit details, milk glass, silver antlers, distressed flatware, and shiny ornaments. Then…

The key to achieving this bright and cozy atmosphere is in the details. Gather milk glass—search flea markets or estate sales for great finds—and fill them with pink peonies and roses. If you don’t have a cable-knit runner, a throw or a scarf will do the trick. And using velvet ribbon to tie place tags to napkins adds soft texture. PARTY Download, and print out our paper package at celebratemag.com. Favorite Things Invitation Favorite Things Menu Favorite Things Place Tags Favorite Things Gift Tags Favorite Things Tent Cards…

BRIE WITH PEAR TOPPING Makes 6 to 8 servings 2 firm Bartlett pears, cored and diced ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 (8-ounce) round Brie Assorted crackers, baguette rounds In a medium saucepan, combine pears, sugar, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until pear is tender and liquid is reduced and thickens, stirring often. Serve over Brie. Serve with assorted crackers and baguette rounds. Note: Topping may be made up to 5 hours ahead of time. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Reheat over medium heat before serving. BROCCOLINI WITH RED PEPPER Makes 6 to 8 servings 3 bunches Broccolini, stems trimmed ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar…

CHEESE-STUFFED MUSHROOMS Makes 3 dozen mushrooms 1 (5.2-ounce) package garlic-and-herb cheese spread* 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup finely shredded fontina cheese ½ cup finely chopped green onion ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper ¼ cup sour cream ½ teaspoon seasoned salt 1¾ cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs), divided 36 large baby portobello or cremini mushrooms, stems removed ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, melted and divided ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley ½ teaspoon paprika Preheat oven to 350°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a medium bowl, combine garlicand- herb cheese, cream cheese, fontina cheese, green onion, bell pepper, sour cream, and seasoned salt. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well…

SPANISH TUNA-AND-WHITE-BEAN DIP Makes about 6 cups 2 (4.5-ounce) cans oil-packed tuna, undrained 1 (15.5-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups jarred roasted red peppers, chopped 1 cup whole Marcona almonds ½cup chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons olive oil ½teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon salt ½teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Pita chips In a large bowl, stir together tuna, beans, peppers, almonds, parsley, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Serve with pita chips. ARTICHOKE-MASCARPONE DIP Makes 4 cups 1 (12-ounce) jar marinated artichokes, drained and chopped 1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese, softened 1 cup bread crumbs, divided ½cup chopped onion ½cup mayonnaise 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded ½cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dry mustard ½teaspoon dried oregano…