Southern Lady Christmas 2010

FROM THE FIRST GLIMPSE of Asheville’s Biltmore House trimmed in holiday finery to the last bite of decadent hazelnut cake at a family dinner, golden moments abound in this glorious season. We hope this issue will inspire unforgettable yuletide gatherings for you and yours, and as you decorate and celebrate, remember: A little creativity and a lot of love will make the moments truly memorable. EDITOR'S FAVORITES I made a list and checked it twice—here are a few of the things I love about this issue: ?????? ??????? Handmade brooches and hairclips that we turned into gift adornments, page 12 ???? ?????? Exquisite dinnerware with intricate details that epitomizes winter chic, page 35 ??????? ?? ? ??? A delicious take on hot chocolate inspired by a fireside treat, page 68 ????? ??????? My favorite pie-turnedbrilliant bar that is perfect for…

DRESSED TO IMPRESS Just as the perfect striped tie sets off a simple suit, layers of ribbons turn a plain brown box into quite the dapper package. Start with a wide white ribbon, add other bands in contrasting colors and textures, then top with an eye-catching adornment that doubles as a gift—like this handmade pin from PetalMix (etsy.com). MATERIAL POSSESSIONS Give packages a designer’s touch by recycling beautiful fabric remnants into elegant gift wrap. Once you have tucked and secured the material, add coordinating ribbons, top with a fancy bow, and finish with a pretty gift tag along with a glittery initial to personalize the present. SHINING STAR To channel a vintage look, affix pages from antique books to star-shaped cardboard boxes and ornaments with decoupage glue, and sponge paint with a metallic glaze. Tie…

TURKEY SPICE RUB Makes about ?? cups (.-ounce) bottles poultry seasoning (.-ounce) bottle rubbed sage (.-ounce) bottle dried thyme leaves (.-ounce) bottle dried marjoram tablespoons coarse kosher salt tablespoons granulated garlic tablespoons paprika tablespoon ground black pepper ??. In a small bowl, combine poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, marjoram, kosher salt, garlic, paprika, and pepper. Store in an airtight container. CARAMEL SAUCE Makes about ?? cups cups sugar cup water ¹⁄ cup light corn syrup tablespoons butter, cut into pieces ¹⁄ cups heavy whipping cream, heated and divided ¹⁄ teaspoon salt ??. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Increase temperature to medium-high. Cook until sugar mixture reaches ??????° on a candy thermometer, brushing down sides of pan with water to prevent crystallization. Remove from heat. ??. Using a wooden spoon, stir in butter until melted. Add ??…

HIGHLAND HERITAGE A cherished treasury of plaid brings Old World elegance and homespun charm to a table set with Reynaud’s Villandry Green dinnerware. Let a passion for collecting direct this Christmastime display—group keepsakes near the floral arrangements, or add them to trailing garlands along the mantel. View tins, toys, books, and trinkets with new purpose, using nostalgic ornaments as place card holders, even brooches and wooden sewing notions as package trimmings. For a final festive touch of personal heritage, search out candelabra, vases, and other decorative elements that bear symbols from a family crest. A MÉLANGE OF PERSONAL CURIOS AND traditional PATTERNS RADIATES WARMTH AND INTEREST THROUGHOUT A timeless setting.…

CELEBRATE gratefulness WITH NATURE’S BOUNTY. WE GATHER TOGETHER The range of harvest hues offers a rich color palette for this transitional tablescape. Start with a rust linen cloth for a foundation. Then add round, chocolate place mats, and top with dinner plates in the Pewter Leaf pattern by Vagabond House. Choose delicate crystal tumblers and stemware to infuse notes of refinement, and include a sumptuous arrangement featuring ruby-throated calla lilies to underscore the season. Rustic accents such as leaf-shaped salad plates and a deer butter dish bring both function and charm to the setting, while sheaves of autumn wheat, elegant packages, and a smattering of golden pears simply delight the senses. The overall look should be one that matches the abundant feast that is certain to grace this holiday table. A GATHERING FOR…

SPUN SUGAR Just as a stark winter landscape is transformed by new-fallen snow, a tablescape with soft white and azure accents brings a similar aura to holiday gatherings. Choose embossed blue china, such as the Merletto Aqua pattern by Arte Italica, to mimic the lacy patterns found in snowflakes, then place pierced ginger jars amid a forest of flocked and frosted trees for a fitting centerpiece. A LITTLE FROSTING Continue the sparkling winter theme with accents that add shimmer and shine. Wrap packages in a variety of papers and ribbons that match the wintertime color scheme, and then pile them beneath a snow-flocked tree. For place cards, use tiny pitchers encircled in braided trim and filled with clusters of whitewashed twigs. Inscribe favorite holiday sentiments on recycled Christmas cards or wrapping paper. Place…