Tabla de contenidos para Celebrate Christmas Special Issue 2013 en Southern Lady

The saying “save the best for last” rings especially true when it comes to the holidays. In winter these special times bring a joy and excitement that is simply unmatched. When we were growing up, my sister and I looked forward to finding the perfect tree with our father, baking cookies for Santa with Grandmother and Mom, and opening gifts with the whole clan on Christmas morning. Looking back, the thread in each of these traditions was family. Now, my own family and I have special moments we treasure every year. On Christmas Eve, we attend the candlelight service at my parents’ church and then gather for dinner at my home or my sister’s. I like to set a beautiful table because it means so much to me to see…

To get through the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed, I begin planning and preparing right after Thanksgiving. From making gift lists to scheduling parties to planning menus, this time is crucial to ensure a stress-free Christmas. One of my favorite ways to organize is to get my craft room ready. Throughout the year, the room serves many purposes, but during the holidays, it becomes my version of Santa’s workshop. I begin by putting away my art supplies and bringing out the gift wrap, ribbon, scissors, and tape. After I finish shopping, I put on my favorite Christmas carols and get to work. Keeping the paper and ribbon on display helps me choose the perfect combination for different family members. For my granddaughter, Amelia, I pick anything that sparkles. For Hays,…

The night before Christmas is a special time for families to gather and welcome the season together. The shopping is complete, presents are wrapped, and spirits are high in anticipation of what the morning will bring. Worries and stress disappear as the delightful aromas from the kitchen mix with the soft sounds of holiday music for a simply heartwarming evening. This is the time of year to take out the fine china and silver, prepare a few more exceptional recipes, and treasure the time spent around a beautiful table. Here, we used white, green, and touches of gold to create a classic color palette that exudes an understated elegance. Take advantage of the season’s offerings, and craft a runner of lush greenery to cascade down your table. Add Paperwhites, with…

VENDORS Photographer: Taylor Lord, taylorlord.com; Event design, florist, and rentals: Sweet Sunday Events, sweetsundayevents.com; LOVE marquee sign: Lightwell & Co., lightwellandco.com; Ceremony location: Shelton Chapel; Saturday wedding dinner venue: Palazzo Lavaca, palazzolavaca.com; Sunday reception venue: The Gardens at CTC, ctcinternational.org/events; Ceremony organist: Scott McNulty; Band: Hollywood Revue, thehollywoodrevue.bandcamp.com; Dessert bar: Melissa Brinkmann from Cake and Spoon, cakeandspoon.com; Saturday caterer: Royal Fig; royalfig.com; Saturday caterer: Peached Tortilla, thepeachedtortilla.com; Bride's Saturday dress: Amsale, amsale.com; Bride’s Sunday dress: J.Crew, jcrew.com; Bride's Saturday necklace: J.Crew, jcrew.com; Bride’s Sunday necklace: Erickson Beamon, ericksonbeaman.com; Bride's shoes: Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com; Bride’s hair: Erica Rae at Roar Salon, roar-roar.com/ erica-rae.html; Bridesmaids' dresses: Custom; Groom’s and groomsmen’s Saturday suits: Theory, theory.com; Groom’s and groomsmen’s bow ties: Billy Reid, billyreid.com; Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Sunday attire: wool blazer and cashmere tie…

APPLE POMEGRANATE BELLINI Makes 6 to 8 drinks 1 (750-milliliter) bottle sparkling apple cider 1½ cups pomegranate juice 1½ cups apple brandy 1½ cups pomegranate liqueur 1 (750-milliliter) bottle chilled moscatod’asti or sparkling muscadine wine Garnish: pomegranate arils To a pitcher, add apple cider, pomegranate juice, brandy, and pomegranate liqueur. Whisk to combine. Just before serving, add moscato d’asti, stirring to combine. Garnish with pomegranate arils, if desired. Serve immediately. Note: After fi rst step, Apple Pomegranate Bellini can be refrigerated up to overnight until ready to drink. Just add moscato d’asti right before serving. FRENCH 75 Makes 2 drinks ½ cup blood orange juice ¾ cup sparkling wine* ¼ cup gin ¼ cup Orange Simple Syrup (recipe follows) 1 tablespoon St. Germain 1 tablespoon sweet vermouth 2 drops angostura…

Flowers have always been an important part of my life,” says Leah Hazzard. “Just having them in the room, whether it be a simple blossom or an elaborate bouquet, spreads a bit of cheer and goodwill any time of the year.” Leah, who has blossomed into one of Birmingham, Alabama’s top floral designers and decorators, was raised in Mississippi in a family of green thumbs among well-tended gardens, a family who respected and honored tradition and passed it to the next generation. One practice she and her sister continue today harkens back to her grandmother, who rooted paperwhites at this time of year to give as gifts to friends and neighbors. “Paperwhites are simple, easy, and inexpensive to use. The bulbs can be rooted with rye grass; decorated with lady…

ALMOND CAKE WITH SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM Makes 1 (8-inch) 3-layer cake 1 (16.25-ounce) box white cake mix 3 large egg whites . cup water . cup orange juice . cup canola oil . teaspoon almond extract . cup finely chopped almonds Swiss Meringue Buttercream (recipe follows) Garnish: fresh rosemary, fresh cranberries, pomegranate arils, orange twists Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 3 (8-inch) cake pans with nonstick baking spray with flour. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cake mix, egg whites, water, orange juice, oil, and almond extract. Beat at low speed until combined. Th en beat at high speed for 2 minutes. Fold in almonds. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Let…

Berry Easy An evergreen wreath embellished with berries quickly becomes a stunning centerpiece with the addition of an iron reindeer and votives. Bright White Arrange fresh magnolia leaves and green hypericum berries to showcase the beauty and texture of large white hydrangeas. Amazing Amaryllis This bold trumpet-shaped flower is perfect for a holiday centerpiece. Pair with blossoming narcissus bulbs and boxwood cuttings, and nestle in a large white bowl. Bulbs can take 3 to 10 weeks to bloom, so check with your garden center, and plan ahead for the perfect timing. Notable and Natural Mini evergreen plants from your local nursery are ideal for arrangements in a concrete planter and other large vessels. Use your creativity to add festive and unexpected touches such as this amaryllis, branches with pinecones, and…

Classic Combinations The winter season yields incredible foliage and berries that are perfect for decorating tables, mantels, and banisters. Magnolia leaves, nandina and popcorn berries, and boxwood cuttings are a few of the wonderful gifts that come from the outdoors. Mix these elements with poinsettias and any other red blooms to complete your holiday décor. Traditional Tannenbaum Pay tribute to the old custom of adorning trees with candles by mixing white ones with deepburgundy ornaments. Gilded accents and silver snowflakes complete the look. Silver and Bright Make a statement in a neutral room with red and silver accents against a green tree. Glistening ornaments add dazzle, while a crimson garland is the perfect pop of color. Finish by placing a bright-red bow atop the tree. Visions of Sugarplums Let bold…

MENU COUNTRY HAM AND SMOKED CHEDDAR QUICHE TARTLETS BLACK-EYED-PEA SALAD GREENS, POTATO, AND APPLE SKILLET HASH PECAN PRALINE CINNAMON ROLLS HONEY AND ROSEMARY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL COUNTRY HAM AND SMOKED CHEDDAR QUICHE TARTLETS Makes 6 servings 1 (2-ounce) slice country ham 1 (14.1-ounce) box refrigerated pie crust 6 large eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup heavy whipping cream 4 ounces smoked Cheddar cheese, shredded ¼ cup chopped fresh chives 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ teaspoon garlic salt ¼ teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, place country ham; fi ll with warm water. Let stand for 15 minutes to remove saltiness; drain. Cut into ¼ -inch pieces, and set aside. Cut 6 (6-inch) circles from pie crust. Place 1 circle in the…

FESTIVE CENTERPIECES Page 11–florals, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market Page 14–florals, Out Of Hand Page 15–florals, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market SANTA’S WORKSHOP Page 18–cabinets, Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.; paint by Sherwin-Williams; countertops, Silestone; sink and faucet, Kohler Page 19–cabinets, Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.; paint by Sherwin-Williams; countertops, Silestone; sink and faucet, Kohler Page 20–Grasshopper Stapler, Poulaine Tape Dispenser, and Secret Garden Calendar, Anthropologie; Baker’s Twine, JustforyouCreations; Wire Mesh Hamper, West Elm SAVOR THE SEASON Page 36–dinner plates, salad plates, and soup bowls, L’OBJET; place mats, Williams-Sonoma Page 42–Julia Knight Flowers Rose Bowl in Gold, Bromberg’s Page 43–Annieglass platter, Bromberg’s HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Page 46–florals and wreath, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market; mini Christmas tree and silver urn, Leaf & Petal Page 47–florals and wreath, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market; mini Christmas trees and silver urns,…