Southern Lady Holidays 2015

’T is the season for celebrating, and in this special issue, we do just that. Inspired by the enchanting styles and dazzling glamour associated with one of the South’s oldest cities, New Orleans, we filled these pages with ideas for color themes and decorating ideas galore. In fact, our Settings for the Holidays chapter (beginning on page 21) features five creative forays in tablescaping, all exploring fresh takes and artist approaches to seasonal hues. You’ll also find some wonderful recipes, developed in our test kitchen specifically for entertaining from Thanksgiving to Christmas, but the results are so tasty, these dishes are likely to wind up on menus throughout the year. To further the merrymaking, we have a grand fête that pays homage to the tradition of Réveillon that began in…

high impact Gift wrap takes on an entirely elevated style when you form a signature suite out of complementary paper, ribbon, and string. Layer scrapbook paper and printed cardstock to form unique gift tags. For extraspecial gifts, look to fresh flowers, which are unparalleled in the realm of festive flourishes. And be sure to pick up water tubes from your local floral supply store to extend the beauty of this particular embellishment. holiday luxe Sophisticated tones and a variety of textures give wrapped packages a fancier feel. Satin, velvet, and metallic ribbon pair well with damask and wallpaper–style prints. And using brooches, ornaments, and other baubles as toppers will enhance the amount of razzle-dazzle beneath the tree, as well as the delight factor for the recipient.…

Gingerbread Cookies MAKES ABOUT 2 DOZEN (5-INCH) COOKIES ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 large egg ²/³ cup molasses 2 teaspoons orange zest 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground cloves Royal Icing (recipe follows) 1. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar; beat at high speed with a mixer until fluffy. Add egg, beating until combined. Add molasses, zest, and vanilla extract, beating until blended. 2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, ginger, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cloves. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until combined. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 3. Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with…

timeless style Red—bold, brave, fierce, captivating, dramatic, and dazzling. With so many facets, this color has been a favorite in the South for generations, especially for traditional Christmas gatherings. This tablescape features its many hues prominently but with subtlety, and the result is the epitome of elegance. crimson & currant Beaded chargers in ruby red anchor this festive and inviting setting, and china rimmed in scarlet helps highlight the color theme. For more or less punch, select napkins in a solid garnet hue or in white with a simple embroidered accent. Florals in pale pink, striking currant, and deep crimson add to the holiday ambiance, but remember to keep the compositions low so across-thetable conversations and camaraderie can flow freely.…

rhapsody in hue Turn the calendar’s big change into an opportunity for creative composition by setting the scene for an epic celebration. Indigo is the star of the show, and gilded details rally around it in perfect revelry. A strip of wallpaper serves as the table runner, while a collection of candles—both pillar and taper—illuminate the evening event. Simple wreaths dusted with gold paint welcome guests, along with a bold and beautiful floral arrangement. Celestial accents nod to the night sky from which the inky color scheme originates, and each partygoer receives a stopwatch, an ornament with his or her initial, and a confetti cracker to pop when the ball drops and the new year begins!…

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 myriad holiday occasions. seeing green 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 palette and lend a sense of sophistication and romance to the table—as do the golden details and custom-printed menus and place cards.…