Southern Lady Holidays 2016

Swing open the wreath-festooned door of welcome, and let the festivities begin! This highly anticipated season comes with so much to celebrate, from friends and family gathered together once again to the wondrous significance of Christmas morn. And this year, the Southern Lady team is finding yet one more reason to make merry—this installment of HOLIDAYS marks our 10th-annual issue! We launched the festive special in 2007 as a way to share our love of the gorgeous tablescapes, beautifully decorated homes, and mouthwatering party fare that are the signature of this time of year. Tradition, while always embraced in Southern life, shines even brighter during the holidays, so we set out to honor those important family ties, as well as bring you ideas for establishing new ones. With each year, we…

2007 Since the first issue, every single cover has featured a wreath in some form or fashion, and these artfully arranged Christmas tree linzer cookies are what started it all. Get the recipe at southernladymagazine.com/treewreath. 2008 Regional spins on table settings and menus took us on a tour of the South, including a Louisiana brunch, a Lone Star State dinner, and an elegant Gulf Coast gathering on the porch. 2009 These packages continue to be one of the prettiest—and most personal—of our creative giftwrap ideas. While searching for a new way to embellish luxe ribbons and paper, a team member shared her collection of handed-down brooches and earrings as possible accents. We were instantly smitten with the finished look—and the sweet way to gift special heirlooms. 2010 Though exquisite any time of the year, at Christmas, Biltmore…

mad about plaid They say it is better to give than to receive, so why not dress your presents to reflect the true beauty in the act of giving? Just gather a fanciful arsenal of supplies—wrapping paper, ribbon, and distinctive trimmings—and get to work! Traditional presentations like festive plaid prints are time-tested go-to looks, but you can always add interest with an abundance of mixing and matching. outside the box For creative displays, have fun experimenting with fresh ideas. Get innovative with embellishments, and try incorporating tassels, feathers, or pieces of decorator’s trim. As for ribbon, the possibilities are endless. Include a variety of textures like velvet, satin, and lace, or pull in eye-catching patterns like the Greek key design. Attach them with intricately tied bows or as a single band around a…

S’mores on a Stick MAKES 2 DOZEN 24 jumbo marshmallows ½ (16-ounce) package chocolate-flavored candy coating 24 (6-inch) lollipop sticks 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1. Preheat oven to broil. Place rack at least 9 inches from top of heating element. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or aluminum foil. 2. Place marshmallows 2 inches apart on baking sheet, ends up. 3. Broil for 1 minute, or until toasted to desired degree. (Watch carefully the entire time to prevent burning.) 4. Remove from oven and let cool completely. 5. Melt candy coating as directed on package. 6. Thread lollipop sticks halfway through the length of each marshmallow. Carefully dip into melted candy coating, coming halfway up marshmallow. Let excess drip off. Dip into crushed graham crackers. Place on parchment paper to dry. Store at room temperature for…

nature’s bounty Elevate a casual setting for the holidays with a little color and candlelight. Pair a lively print—in this case, maroon paisley—atop a wider taupe table runner to set the foundation for a bountiful feast. The scene comes to life with petite bouquets of orange single roses, fuchsia spray roses, red gerbera, antique hydrangeas, peach hypericum, and blue thistle arranged in silver mint julep cups. A collection of white pitchers becomes part of the show holding sprays of wheat and additional antique hydrangeas. Echoing the mantel displays, wisps of wheat tied with ribbon adorn each place setting. savoring the season Gorgeous berry tones in the linens and flowers enhance traditional fall dinnerware for a fresh take on holiday cheer. Offering contrast to the rich shades and bold patterns, white dinner plates frame…

festive fête Old Imari Holiday china by Royal Crown Derby sets a celebratory scene with an elegant design bearing holly, mistletoe, and 22-carat goldleaf gilding. The striking beauty continues across the table with plates, goblets, and cups and saucers rich with bands of crimson and gold. As an approachable touch to the sophisticated setting, tall glass vases hold red apples, and blue-and-white jardinières overflow with fresh flowers. An assortment of intricate crystal patterns catches the light against notes of repeated gold, reflecting the supreme joy of the occasion. glad tidings Warmth radiates amid the vivid colors of the setting with the help of dainty tea-light candles and a glowing evergreen tree. Its trimmings, complete with poinsettias and a mix of plaid and gingham ribbons, further the splendor of the table and nod to…