Country Living December 2021

countdown to christmas is on

Are you yearning for romance? A touch of magic? A chance to visit exotic locales? Then tune into all-new holiday movie premieres featuring your favorite Hallmark stars every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8/7c. Break out the popcorn, wrap yourself in your coziest blanket, and enjoy America‘s favorite holiday tradition. ‘Tis the season! Isn’t It ROMANTIC Premieres Sunday, November 7, at 8/7c A Christmas Treasure Stars Jordin Sparks & Michael Xavier After meeting a charming chef, Lou questions her planned move to New York after Christmas. Premieres Friday, November 26, at 8/7c An Unexpected Christmas Stars Bethany Joy Lenz & Tyler Hynes Jamie convinces his ex-girlfriend Emily to pretend they’re still a couple for the holidays, resulting in a VERY unexpected Christmas. Sounds of the SEASON Premieres Sunday, November 14, at 8/7c A Holiday in Harlem Stars Olivia Washington, Will Adams & Tina Lifford Jazmin returns…

welcome to december in the country!

There’s an ornament I distinctly remember from my childhood. It was a tiny teacup with a sweet arched window and an itsy chipmunk trimming a bitsy bottlebrush tree inside. To my young eye, this ornament always held a special magic—I think it was the cozy scene it contained—and I recall battling out who got to hang it with my sister, Katie. (Update: I just called her to confirm that my memory serves me correctly. She further admitted that this ornament is tucked away in a corner of her closet, which is a classic little sister move.) Sibling dynamics aside, as we planned this issue, I thought about that ornament, and about how and where we find our own moments of magic in the holiday season. For me, it tends to be…

simple country pleasures

1 Coordinating your holiday plaids with your pet, of course 2 How a strand of old-fashioned C9 bulbs can make us all feel five years old again 3 Watching Christmas in Connecticut (for the umpteenth time) for farmhouse-decorating inspiration 4 The quiet calm away from the bustle that a snow-capped country house provides 5 Perusing the whimsical store windows on Main Street 6 Greeting (and donating to) the friendly bell ringers outside the local grocery store 7 Dashing through the snow via sleigh or on horseback 8 The sense of accomplishment that comes with every carefully wrapped gift 9 The fragrant warm hug of cider on the stovetop and gingerbread in the oven 10 Festooning every corner and cranny—chicken coops included—with greenery…

the family christmas tree

It begins with the unboxing of the ornaments: The tiny salt-dough handprint. A hand-sewn sleigh made of felt. Kitschy souvenirs from assorted family trips. Each a time capsule in miniature, wrapped lovingly with tissue paper. These bits and baubles make for a merry meander down memory lane on their way to completing a ceiling-high scrapbook. A literal beacon of light—white or multicolor, it’s your call—the family tree draws people together even in the stormiest of times. To an outside observer, the garnishments may not merit a second glance. But those who know the lore behind what’s hanging from each limb see something much more special. If Charlie Brown taught us anything, it’s that even the most humble tree finds grandness in the people it brings together, the memories it holds…

a magical before & after

I think we started taking down the cabinets above the peninsula three hours after we moved in,” says Marcus Ford (@marcsford), referencing the kitchen renovation of his North Carolina home, creatively tackled in tandem with wife Victoria Ford (@prepfordwife). That peninsula is also no longer, because the couple’s priority involved opening up the small layout. Next up: adding cozy character. While the former kitchen was perfectly fine, it wasn’t very “them.” Enter beadboard, shiplap, functional collectibles, and stylish smart appliances (“you can preheat the oven from your phone!” says Victoria). Now that the space is complete, the Fords have moved on to a slightly less daunting construction project. Hint: It involves gingerbread. KITCHEN Here’s how the pair brought the space from kinda blah to downright beautiful. Start with a white palette. “Originally we thought…

a cozy english cottage

£950,000 Wells Cottage, Buckinghamshire 3 BR; 1 BA; 1,061 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: A wisteria-clad wonder, this picture-perfect thatched-topped cottage is one of the oldest and most well-recognized homes in the area (you may have even spotted it on the British series Midsomer Murders). Inside, the dining room is country-cottage-meets-chic with its stone hearth, hand-hewn timbers, and herringbone wood floor. AGENT: Samuel Lamb; knightfrank.com WORK REQUIRED: £700,000 Mill House, Warwickshire 4 BR; 1 BA; 1,378 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Talk about curb appeal! This historic cottage’s trained English ivy façade charms from first sight. Inside, quintessential English rooms, like the boot room and snug, welcome all. AGENT: Graham Howell; fineandcountry.com WORK REQUIRED: £510,000 Keen Cottage, Nottinghamshire 3 BR; 2 BA; 1,607 SQ. FT. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: As if the landscaped gardens weren’t enough, original wood beams add…