Southern Lady Nov/Dec - 20 Years of Christmas

Time flies when you’re having fun, goes the old saying—and so it is here at our Southern Lady offices. It's hard for me to believe it has been 20 years since we published our very first issue, Holiday 1999. A lot has changed since then, including me (just look at that throwback portrait above!), but one thing that has remained steadfast from day one is our delight in celebrating the meaning of Christmastime and in sharing it with our dear readers. To honor the season and also this special 20th anniversary year, we present to you the best of Christmas at Southern Lady. It is such a joy to look through this issue and reminisce about favorite homes, trees, recipes, and more...so many stories and so many sweet memories are captured…

Christmas has always been an exciting time for us at Southern Lady, and since our inaugural issue 20 years ago, we've delighted in bringing you a bounty of ideas to celebrate the season. From dazzling trees that sparkle and glow to lushly bedecked garlands and wreaths, and from festive tablescapes that befit this most glorious of holidays to delectable dishes to savor and share with friends and family, the joyful spirit of Christmas beams from every page. In this special issue, we've gathered the very best of our holiday content over the years—a carefully chosen collection of our favorite recipes, decorating touches, entertaining ideas, and more. Look back at some of the most breathtaking spaces and settings that have graced our pages, all of which still feel fresh and inspiring today.…

CALM AND BRIGHT A multitude of glorious white lights shimmer in the lush evergreen boughs, casting a warm glow that harmonizes with any décor. Red balls and colorful glass ornaments add verve to the natural look of burlap in the nearby garland and wreath. (Opposite) A neutral scheme soothes and invites a peaceful holiday majesty into this home as the family prepares to open beautifully adorned gifts. BERIBBONED BEAUTY Take cues from your home's color palette to enliven and delightfully embellish any tree. Drawing upon an adjacent room's lilac tones, aubergine ribbon flows from a grand bow topped with a spectacular sequined star. (Opposite) Perched amid keepsake ornaments, vermilion bows crafted from luxurious Midori ribbon enhance the warmth of the wood paneling. The perfectly proportioned accoutrements make the tree itself appear to be…

SPRIGHTLY HUES Fashion a decorative accent that showcases the colors of the season. Carefully nestled into a wrought iron base—complete with whimsical curlicues—red roses, pine branches, and silver-coated magnolia leaves are interspersed with metallic-finished pinecones and dainty hydrangeas. (Opposite) A frame of boxwood garland accentuates the understated charm of a matching wreath. Hung on the prominent red front door of a stately abode in Richmond, Virginia, this traditional ring of greenery adorned with a Christmas bow imparts a festive flourish to an already eye-catching façade. Both welcomed guests and passersby will relish the timeless Yuletide palette. ARTFULLY ARRANGED (Clockwise from above) Transform foraged leaves with a glossy cream-colored varnish. Adding gold-dusted baubles further elevate the dramatic display. Play up your Southern surrounds with this neutral wreath made from reversed magnolia leaves, tightly bunched…

REGAL PRESENCE The aura of classic elegance in seasonal décor stems from using both new and sentimental pieces that bring tradition forward from one generation to the next. Embroidered white linens layer with red and pair with antique napkin rings to hint at Christmases past. Specialty china captures the jovial spirit while a golden pinecone offers a glamorous finish. (Opposite) Gifts swathed in rich colors and adorned with shiny trinkets heighten the anticipation and send jubilant tidings to kith and kin gathered for the special day. INTRICATELY APPOINTED Fresh scarlet blooms, playful plaid knickknacks, sprightly golden reindeer place cards, or sparkly gem-studded ornaments glittering from a tree—all are inviting signs of the season. Cherished holiday decorations encourage everyone who enters to enjoy the pleasures of home and hearth. (Opposite) Trimming the mantel with…

VERDANT MUSE Shades of green inspire a setting that spans the ages. Though often paired with red during this time of year, a monochromatic palette featuring emerald introduces a regal and refined air, ideal for a variety of holiday occasions. Ranging from moss and sage to chartreuse and juniper, this color family provides a plethora of options. Natural greenery adds to the enchanted-forest feel. Roses in gradient tones of peach complement the scheme and lend a sense of romance to the table—as do the golden details. FESTIVE FÊTE Old Imari Holiday china by Royal Crown Derby sets a celebratory scene with an elevated design bearing holly, mistletoe, and 22-karat gold leaf. The striking beauty continues across the table with plates, goblets, and cups and saucers rich with bands of crimson and gold. Add…