Innholdsfortegnelse for Holidays 2009 i Southern Lady

Picture it: Ladies and gentlemen are dressed in frills and finery. The lights dim; they take their seats. The curtain rises . . . a holiday spectacular is about to begin! Inspired by the magnificence of a night at the theater, we approach the season with excitement, eagerly anticipating the occasions that will impact our lives and bless our hearts. In this issue, we set the stage for truly wonderful moments to take place with near and dear ones. Sit down at a table draped in deep blue and glistening gold. Present a package outfitted in a striking pattern and exquisite jewels. Curl up by the fire with a blanket and a mug of hot cocoa. Mix up a batch of delicious gingerbread cookies, and fill the whole house with…

The secret to the fancy folds of this beautifully embellished package lies in the lovely wired ribbon. Create beautiful gifts with cherished heirlooms and ribbons galore. DIRECTIONS: 1. Leaving the ribbon on the roll, bring the raw edge around the back of the package to the center of the front of the box, folding raw edge under 1/2 inch to form a finished edge. Beginning at the edge of the box, fold the ribbon into pleats of the desired width—we made seven 3/4-inch pleats—leaving about 3 inches unpleated at center. Secure with glue dots. 2. Bring the roll of ribbon around on the other side. 3. Repeat process, beginning at the edge of the box and working your way toward the center. 4. After you have finished pleating, cut the…

The spirit of Christmas rushes in like the winter wind, stirring within you the desire for fellowship and celebration with your dearest friends. Amid the busyness of the season, slow down for a moment and welcome these cherished souls into your home to share a savory dinner and conversation around the table. Remembering the adage that equates old friends with gold, use that regal hue to design a setting that reflects the true treasure of faithful companions. Cover the table in a sleek cloth that drapes elegantly over the edges, then top with circular place mats in the deepest shade of blue. Choose formal china with a bold color combination of sapphire and ruby with gold floral accents. The pattern shines for the holidays but can easily be used all…

For all the sparkle and glimmer this time of year brings, the very best of the season is often found in subtler sentiments: sipping spiced cider in front of a crackling fire, listening to Mother hum along with her Bing Crosby records, stringing popcorn on Christmas Eve. Then there are the timeworn treasures passed down through generations that, despite a few imperfections, such as scratches or faded paint, radiate a heartwarming twinkle all their own. Whether your collection contains many heirloom pieces or just a few, find ways to fill your home with the nostalgia. Cards saved from years past are perfect for tucking into the frame of a mirror or draping along the mantel with strings of cranberries. Add vintage whimsy to the scene with bright red trucks, wooden…

Menu Gingerbread Cookies Christmas Pretzel Bark Peppermint Truffles Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Circus Cupcakes No-Bake Peanut Butter and Honey Cookies UNDER THE BIG TOP Come one, come all to the greatest show on earth—right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Turn the island into festive fairgrounds with an ABCembroidered tablecloth that provides the foundation for a cookie-and-goodyfifilled carnival of Christmas fun. Red and white ribbons and lollipops punctuate the premises with holiday cheer, and adorable circus animals along with an awe-inspiring Ferris wheel bring jumbo-size joy to the Yuletide display. “Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder.” GINGERBREAD COOKIES Makes 1 dozen (6-inch) cookies 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup molasses 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups all-purpose flour…

Menu Citrus Punch Strawberry Banana Martini Beef Tenderloin Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Tiramisu Torta Turtles in a Shell Parmesan White Truffle Popcorn TIME TO TOAST Though food is the primary focus for most get-togethers, refreshments also deserve proper attention. Punch, so easy to mix and make, is the perfect party thirst-quencher, and slices of fresh fruit give it plenty of panache for the big night. Since New Year’s Eve typically comes with midnight toasting, turn your Champagne flflutes into countdown favors by applying vinyl stick-on numerals, available at your local crafts store. CITRUS PUNCH Makes about 1 1/2 gallons 1 (64-ounce) bottle ruby red grapefruit juice 1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice 1 (12-ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate,…

ORNATE ELEGANCE To wrap packages that will garner as much appreciation as the gift within, tap into your creativity and use a variety of adornments to add unforgettable style. Whether you choose to concentrate your talents on fashioning frilly bows or incorporating a variety of baubles—ornaments, decorator tassels, vintage buttons, and such—your personal style is certain to shine through.…

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL DIP MIX Makes 1 serving 3 tablespoons ground sun-dried tomatoes* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 2 1/2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 1. In a medium bowl, combine sundried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper. Store in small, resealable plastic bags. 2. To serve, combine dip mix with 1 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup mayonnaise. *Tip: Place 2 (3-ounce) packages julienned sun-dried tomatoes** in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours in a 200° oven or until tomatoes are completely dried. Cool completely on baking sheet. Using a spice grinder, grind tomatoes into a fine powder. Store in…

The whirlwind of activities surrounding the holidays calls for a setting that can transition for various occasions as the weeks go by. For a fresh new look that fits this description, take your cues from the Far East and design an Asian-themed tablescape. With bold colors and bright patterns, this setting pulls together elements reminiscent of the festivities associated with the Chinese New Year. Because of their likeness to gold coins, oranges are a symbol of wealth, and for that reason, they appear in abundance during this time of year. Incorporate these lucky citrus fruits into a striking centerpiece by lining a polished plank of wood with a half dozen of them. Since red is the color most associated with the holiday, spread it liberally across the table in the…

While some houses dress for the season in classic red bows and swags of green, others burst forth with bright colors and an energized spirit that says Christmas is coming, indeed. Give visitors a clue to the unconventional dazzle that awaits them by greeting them with a welcome wreath that accents ribbon and ornaments with peek-a-boo peacock feathers. Then continue the style of the brilliant bird indoors to create a winter wonderland filled with an exotic flair all its own. A tree trimmed in peacock punches of turquoise and lime, for example, complements traditional Christmas schemes but also pops against the room’s everyday chic details, such as a zebra-print rug taking a turn as a tree skirt. Brown netting and bronze beads encircle the tree in a shimmering path that…

SPECIAL OCCASION Many of the arrangements seen throughout these pages are the artful work of Vince Gray and his team at Flower Stems. When the occasion calls for something special, consider the creativity and skill an expert can bring to your florals, elevating a simple setting to one that’s utterly dazzling.…

Menu Warm Brandy Alexanders Wild Mushroom Risotto Cakes Stuffed Cornish Game Hens Penne with Roasted Vegetables and Tarragon Apple Walnut Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce SOUTHERN COMFORT & JOY Take advantage of the intimate guest list, and arrange a cozy sitting area around the hearth where you and your close friends can begin the evening with lively conversation. Decorative pillows in holiday hues and North Pole patterns bring interior comforts outdoors, while accessories such as wooden lanterns, moss-filled terra-cotta pots, and a small birdbath filled with ornaments enhance the alfresco milieu. Delight guests with culinary marvels and exquisite florals. WARM BRANDY ALEXANDERS Makes 6 servings 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup finely grated semisweet chocolate 3 cups milk 1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup brandy 1/4 cup crème de cacao…

COVER Tablecloth; Anthropologie. Small Cake Plate; BIA Cordon Bleu. GOODIES TO GIVE Pages 20-25: Nesting Russian Dolls and Himalayan Christmas Stockings; Two’s Company. Ribbons and Basket (spray painted blue); Michaels. Fudge Tins and Almond Boxes; Hobby Lobby. Jolly Holiday Mugs; Rosanna. Spiral Ornaments; Seasons of Cannon Falls. Snowtipped Trees; At Home Furnishings. BIRDS OF A FEATHER Pages 28-31: Rothschild Bird Brown China and Bird Figurines; Herend. Dried Floral Centerpiece, Wreath, Miniature Nest, and Vintage Birdcage; Four Seasons Antiques and Art. Duchesse Highball and Double Old Fashion by Vera Wang; Wedgwood. Bronze Candles; Vietri. Pots used as candleholders; Flower Stems. Brown Basket Weave Tablecloth; Bed Bath & Beyond. Place Mats; privately owned. WINTER FRILLS Pages 32-37: French Knot Linen Tablecloth and Napkins; SFERRA. Symphony–Pink (pink and gray laurel dinner plates) by…

COVER Photography by Mac Jamieson and Kimberly Finkel Davis Styling by Adrienne Alldredge FROM THE EDITOR page 10 Photography by Sarah Dunlap Hair and Makeup Styling by Celine C. Russell Wardrobe provided by Saks Fifth Avenue Special Thanks to the Alabama Theatre and M. Lewis Kennedy CHAPTER OPENERS pages 12, 26, 54, 76 Photography by Kamin H. Williams Styling by Jennifer Richburg PRESENTS WITH PRESENCE page Photography by John O’Hagan CHIC WRAPPING page 16 Photography by Sarah Dunlap ACCORDION RIBBON page 18 Photography by John O’Hagan and Sarah Dunlap Special Thanks to Becky Goff GOODIES TO GIVE page 20 Photography by Kimberly Finkel Davis Styling by Adrienne Alldredge BIRDS OF A FEATHER page 28 Photography by Mac Jamieson Styling by Adrienne Alldredge Special Thanks to Dr. and Mrs. John Langlow…

FABULOUS FOLDING TECHNIQUE 1. To begin creating this fashionably elegant wrap, position the box toward one end of a length of wrapping paper, leaving twice as much paper at the other end. 2. Fold the long end under 3/4 inch, forming a finished edge. 3. Turn paper over and continue folding paper in 3/4-inch pleated increments until you have achieved the desired number of pleats, depending on the size of the box. 4. When you have finished the folding technique, tape the pleats in place on the reverse side of the paper. 5. Bring the two ends of the paper together, with the pleated side overlapping the plain side by about 1 inch. 6. Tape the paper in place with double-sided tape, then continue wrapping as you would any gift,…

A lark trills its sunrise song to herald the breaking of another glorious morn. But this is no ordinary day—it’s Christmas! After the prettily wrapped presents under the tree become piles of crinkled paper and curls of untied ribbons, it’s time to gather the family for a special meal to celebrate the blessings of the holiday. Look to nature and the sweet tweets that give us such delight to fashion a setting for a memorable Christmas Day dinner. With inspiration from a beautiful birdbedecked china, find elements that mimic the songsters’ surrounds—feathery place mats, fluffy nests filled with faux eggs, intertwined grapevine wreaths, and sprigs of evergreen branches. Every tiny detail builds on the basics and adds to the overall theme. Begin the tablescape with a rich brown cloth, and…

Menu Blue Cheese and Bacon Dip Broccoli Casserole Roasted Carrots with Rosemary Tangerine Glaze Chicken Cordon Bleu Cranberry Lime Petite Cakes ROSES & HOLLY When creating seasonal tablescapes, use special china to illustrate the signifificance of these important occasions. Featuring holly boughs intertwined with a winter flflower that blooms from October to February, the Christmas Rose pattern by Spode can easily transition from Thanksgiving dinners through New Year’s Day meals. Wtheiri tbhl ehsesaindsg sb oawnedd g aivned t hhaannkdss cfolar stpheisd ,h faapmpiyly t immeem tobgeertsh ceoru. nt BLUE CHEESE AND BACON DIP Makes 8 to 10 servings 1/4 cup butter 2 large yellow onions, chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese,softened 2 (5-ounce) packages crumbled bluecheese 1 (8-ounce)…

Menu Beefy Minestrone Winter Vegetable Chowder Philly Cheesesteak Soup Chicken Fajita Soup Ham and Navy Bean Soup Cream of Roasted Red Pepper Soup Cream Cheese Poppy Seed Rolls one p“laFcer otom a hnoomthee rt.o T hohme we, aarnmd thhe aanrtd t ojo hye aofr tC, fhrorimst mas, brings us closer to each other.” — Emily Matthews PASTA POINTER If you decide to make this soup the day before, it is best to add the pasta just before serving to prevent the pasta from soaking up the liquid and expanding. BEEFY MINESTRONE Makes about 5 quarts 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 pounds (1-inch) beef tips 3 cups chopped yellow onion 1 1/2 cups chopped carrot 1 1/2 cups chopped celery 1 leek, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 3 quarts…