Southern Lady Holidays 2013

CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE. And at my house that means the Vince Guaraldi Trio, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby on the radio, icicles and heirloom ornaments on the tree, and marshmallows floating in a mug of hot cocoa. It brings with it nieces and nephews running through the halls (laughing all the way), ribbons and wrapping paper spilling out of closets, cinnamon and cloves camping out beside the stove top, and a lot of cozy moments by the fire, enjoying the company of those I love and remembering those good tidings of great joy that give us a reason to celebrate. For the occasion, we present to you this very merry special issue. You’ll find some of our best Southern decorating and entertaining ideas—many using collections and treasures from our staff ’s…

Elegant Designs Create custom-made botanical-print paper by laying maidenhair fern or other flat green leaves on a color printer to copy. Frost pinecones with faux-snow spray, and attach to package bows with wire. For presents with sophisticated style, apply washi tape in stripes or chevron patterns to solid wrapping paper. Finish off with glittery ornaments and tassels made from metallic yarn. Letters & Lace Personalize a gift by gluing a glitter initial on a page of prose. Form the frame with ribbons and strips of patterned paper applied with double-stick tape. You could also frame a Christmas card and finish with sparkly photo corners. Gussy up kraft paper by wrapping in lace fabric or simply layering satin ribbon and lace trim.…

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD Makes about ? dozen cookies ¾ pound unsalted butter, softened cup sugar teaspoon vanilla extract cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ounces white chocolate, finely chopped ¹⁄ cup crushed peppermints ?. In a large bowl, beat butter at mediumhigh speed with an electric mixer for ? minutes or until creamy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating for ? minutes. Gradually add flour and salt, beating well after each addition. ?. Form dough into a disk. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for ?? minutes. ?. Preheat oven to ???°. Line ? baking sheets with parchment paper. ?. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¹⁄?-inch thickness. Cut into ?x?-inch rectangles, rerolling scraps as needed. Place ? inches apart on baking sheets. Refrigerate for ?? minutes. ?. Bake for ?? to ?? minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool…

Snowy Reverie Though you can’t always count on snow for the holidays like the folks enjoyed in the fun ’50s musical White Christmas, you can create a beautiful monochromatic setting that is as pretty and pristine as freshly fallen flakes. Gleaming gold chargers, beaded-edge dinnerware, and a lacy runner atop a white cloth compose this sparkling tableau that shines not only for Christmas but throughout the winter months. Lanterns, tied with tulle ribbon, hold silvery bottlebrush trees, and a collection of vases is filled with bunches of ivory roses. A bit of tinsel, strands of twinkle lights, and a shimmering tree and wreath complete this crystal reverie. “Oh, Vermont should be beautiful this time of the year, with all that snow. —JU”…

Christmas Chic Whether the jovial gentleman is really Kris Kringle is a question that remains up in the air in the treasured motion picture Miracle on 34th Street, but there’s no doubt he restores the flagging faith of departmentstore employee Doris Walker and her precocious daughter, Susan. Mimic the urban chic of Doris’s downtown emporium with a tablescape that takes its cues from a cloth in a cosmopolitan stripe. Gold elements— flatware, rimmed china, and hobnail-goblets-turned-flowervases— bring plenty of panache, while emerald glasses provide a pop of traditional Christmas color. With a sprinkling of metallic ornaments around the table, this setting sparkles with true Fifth Avenue flair. “Don’t overlook those lovely intangibles. You’ll discover those are the only things that are worthwhile. —FRED GAILEY”…

Each man_ life touches so many other lives.” —CLARENCE “ Seasonal Classic In the beloved holiday movie It’s a Wonderful Life, the memorable scenes of small-town Bedford Falls, complete with falling snow and twinkling lights, paint the picture of Christmastime in a close-knit community. Take your inspiration from this black-and-white classic, and create a setting in more subdued hues with accents of cheery red and turquoise. Nostalgic Display This happy get-together takes place under the watchful eyes of angels past and present in the form of precious family photos, arranged in a tree-shaped display. Passed-down china—shared by three family members—is reunited for a holiday meal, underscoring the importance of unity and love at this special time of year.…