Country Living - December 2021 by Lawrence Ambrocio

“It’s Like Living in a Snow Globe!” Take the Tour, pg. 84

The Magic of

CHRISTMAS because you’re never too old for...

Peppermint Cream Pie Homemade Garlands Snow-Day Collectibles Crafty Countdowns Tinselly Table Settings

OOL OLD-SCHEAS GIFT IiDes Not Batter red Requi pg. 71

DECEMBER 2021

CREATED BY COUNTRY LIVING FOR HALLMARK CHANNEL

HOW TO HAVE A

HALLMARK CHANNEL

PASS THE

HOLIDAY

P O P CO R N ENJOY F GOOD H EELOL MOVIES IDAY 24/7

(step one: move to the country!)

bonus points for a vintage pickup

Embrace the Magic

All aboard Next Stop, Christmas

Feed Your Wanderlust

Head to Ireland in Christmas at Castle Hart

Get in the Spirit

Find inspiration in The Christmas Contest

PRESENTED BY HALLMARK CHANNEL

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Isn’t It

Premieres Sunday, November 7, at 8/7c

Premieres Friday, November 26, at 8/7c

Stars Jordin Sparks & Michael Xavier After meeting a charming chef, Lou questions her planned move to New York after 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.

A Christmas Treasure

An Unexpected Christmas

PRESENTED BY HALLMARK CHANNEL

Sounds of the

Premieres Sunday, November 14, at 8/7c

Premieres Sunday, November 28, at 6/5c

Feed Your

Premieres Saturday, November 20, at 8/7c

Premieres Saturday, November 27, at 8/7c

Stars Lacey Chabert & Stuart Townsend Event planner Brooke goes to Ireland for Christmas where she meets Aidan, the Earl of Glaslough, and agrees to plan a party at his castle.

A Holiday in Harlem

Christmas in Tahoe

A Christmas Together with You

Stars Olivia Washington, Will Adams & Tina Lifford Jazmin returns home for Christmas and reconnects with her childhood best friend Caleb as she’s drawn into the community festivities.

Stars Laura Osnes, Kyle Selig, Pat Monahan & George Lopez Famous rock star Ryan agrees to help ex-girlfriend Claire book musical talent for the holiday concert at her family’s Lake Tahoe resort.

Stars Laura Vandervoort, Harry Lennix & Niall Matter Friends Megan and Frank take a Christmas road trip where Frank reconnects with a long-lost love and Megan meets a handsome stranger.

A Touch of

Christmas at Castle Hart

Winner Takes

Premieres Saturday, November 6, at 8/7c

Premieres Sunday, November 21, at 8/7c

Premieres Sunday, November 28, at 8/7c

Premieres Saturday, December 18 at 8/7c

Stars Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Lyndsy Fonseca & Chandler Massey NY surgeon Angie is spending the holidays alone when she gets on a magical train that takes her back in time to her happiest Christmas.

Stars Teri Hatcher & James Denton A mysterious Santa transports Ethan to a parallel universe where he must convince his wife Joyce to fall in love with him again.

Stars Candace Cameron Bure, John Brotherton & Barbara Niven Busy executive Lara is a contestant in “The Christmas Contest,” a local TV special, where she competes with Ben, her handsome ex-ﬁancé.

Stars Robert Buckley, Ana Ayora, & Jonathan Bennett Excited for a calm Christmas, Mike unexpectedly gets roped into a Christmas decorating reality TV show against his brother.

Next Stop, Christmas

A Kiss Before Christmas

The Christmas Contest

The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls

Welcome to December in the Country! This issue is best enjoyed on a

tr arm

with a

while sipping

plaid lanket ot cocoa.

miss our “Batteries Not Required” gift guide (pg. 71), which features unapologetically analog presents and pastimes for those on your list. (For access to hundreds more ideas for everyone from teenage girls to discerning dads, go to countryliving.com/join.) And after you peek inside the house tours starting on pg. 76, take a moment to step outside your own world and the hectic holiday bustle. Sometimes it takes a glimpse from the outside, looking in on your own cozy little scene, to remind yourself that— bottlebrush tree or not—it’s pretty magical in there. Oh, one more thing! I’d love to get your thoughts on some of our new features. Kindly go to country living.com/december2021survey to fill out a survey.

Rachel Rachel Hardage Barrett

E D ITO R - I N - C H I E F @ R AC H E L H A R DAG E B A R R E T T

Win an Artificial Christmas Tree! Find the horseshoe* hidden in this issue and enter for a chance to win an artiﬁcial holiday tree from Treetopia (treetopia.com). *Not required for winning. See pg. 106 for details.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

cover photograph by BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER prop styling by ANNA LOGAN

PHOTOGRAPH BY LYNSEY WEATHERSPOON; HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLING BY COURTNEY WHITE.

here’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 upon the first sighting of an eggnog carton on a grocery store shelf, whenever I hear Jimmy Stewart’s wonderfully warbly drawl on the television, and as I help my 7- and 8-year-old children, in their slightly outgrown long john pajamas, sprinkle reindeer food (oats mixed with glitter) on Christmas Eve. No matter what you celebrate this season, I hope this issue conjures up moments of merriment, whether it’s a flurry of class-is-canceled nostalgia from snow-day collectibles (pg. 31), kid-in-a-candystore excitement courtesy of a peppermint pie (pg. 68), or the vicarious joy of lacing up a pair of pom-pom ice skates (pg. 63) and heading to the pond. Because running to the drugstore at midnight on Christmas Eve is not particularly magical, don’t

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Power ins Number 1930s,

the back to sh trees Dating ottlebru b e g ta re to vin tu x te ly add brist lays. Serious p dis holiday for ones rs pine collecto ents. m a rn with o

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Rachel Hardage Barrett

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) AMY JO ROYALL; RICARDO REITMEYER/GETTY IMAGES; JACKIE GREANEY; AMY WHYTE.

girl holding wreath?

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

December

Simple Country Pleasures 1

➤ Coordinating your holiday plaids with your pet, of course

➤ How a strand of old-fashioned C9 bulbs can make us all feel ﬁve years old again

Watching Christmas in Connecticut (for the umpteenth time) for farmhousedecorating inspiration

➤ The quiet calm away from the bustle that a snow-capped country house provides

Perusing the whimsical store windows on Main Street

Greeting (and donating to) the friendly bell ringers outside the local grocery store

PHOTOGRAPHS BY (FROM TOP) PAUL HAVEL; DAVID PRINCE.

➤ Dashing through the snow via sleigh or on horseback

The sense of accomplishment that comes with every carefully wrapped gift

➤ The fragrant warm hug of cider on the stovetop and gingerbread in the oven

➤ Festooning every corner and cranny—chicken coops included—with greenery

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Perfectly Imperfect

The Family Christmas Tree Fancy designer trimmings can never compete with homemade ornaments and kitschy keepsakes.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

NEST

Corks + Cranberries

Intersperse sentimental stoppers among clusters of cranberries on a ﬁshing line. (Drill required.)

Make Your Own Garland Popcorn isn’t your only option when it comes to stringing your own strand.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Cookies + Ribbon

Thread ring- or pretzelshaped Danish butter cookies onto festive grosgrain.

Walnuts + Twine

Spray-paint walnuts with acrylic gold paint, then glue to jute twine. (This also makes for pretty Hanukkah decor.)

PHOTOGRAPH BY GORDON BEALL, DESIGNER: BARRY DIXON; ILLUSTRATIONS BY MELINDA JOSIE.

t 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 ceilinghigh 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 and creates. It’s a reminder that we’re needed, each a branch of something bigger, and that there’s no safer spot than being tucked in among the limbs.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID A. LAND; STYLING BY HEATHER BULLARD; DESIGNER: PATRICK MCGUIRE.

NEST

Makeover Takeover

A Magical Before & After It’s beginning to look a lot like...kitchen! In the final installment of our series, DIYers Victoria and Marcus Ford breathe beautifully layered new life into the cook space of their 1970s Dutch Colonial–style house.

er v o e k a M TAK EOV ER -202 1-

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.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

written by JENNIFER KOPF photographs by BRIE WILLIAMS styling by RACHEL RIVERS

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Dutch Tile Blue Sherwin-Williams

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

BEFORE

KITCHEN Here’s how the pair brought the space from kinda blah to downright beautiful. Start with a white palette.

Antique White

Sherwin-Williams

“Originally we thought about going for a moody kitchen, but there’s just something really nice about a bright white kitchen,” says Victoria. Two walls of Shaker-front custom cabinets by StarMark Cabinetry (starmark cabinetry.com) feel both current and classic. Their clean white ﬁnish is offset with a creamier beadboard backsplash.

Layer in warmth and texture. Dark wood floors (mohawk flooring.com) balance the white surround. In lieu of a traditional island, a freestanding butcher block–topped table (a Facebook Marketplace score!) fits the space and brings loads of function. Overhead, sky-colored shiplap creates interest.

Add pops of patina.

Patinaed hardware (signature hardware.com) dresses up the cabinets, while brushed-bronze handles accent white appliances (cafeappliances.com), and an unlacquered bridge faucet (watermarkfixtures.com) tops the fluted apron-front sink (signature hardware.com). “I always choose brass when given the option,” says Victoria. “I love how it ages.” Up top, brass flush-mount ship lights (shiplights .com) provide nautical charm.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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Embrace the banquette.

Victoria and Marcus (and dog, Remus) now start most mornings at the kitchen’s space-maximizing banquette made of additional cabinetry by StarMark. (“They all have deep drawers for even more storage,” says Victoria.) Cushions and pillows in striped and block print fabrics (fschumacher.com) keep it extra cushy. Victoria accented the hanging back cushion with handmade leather straps (americanlayers.com).

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

To make the room feel more like a “cobbled together” English-style kitchen, they capped the layout with a stained-wood furniture-style cabinet with glass fronts and brass wire inserts. “It feels like a special piece of furniture,” says Victoria. “And we get to put all our pretties on display.”

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Picture Yourself In...

A Cozy English Cottage These fairy-book houses across the pond provide the perfect setting to sip wassail and feast on figgy pudding.

£950,000 Wells Cottage, Buckinghamshire

CI R CA

1600S

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

PHOTOGRAPH BY CJ PROPERTY MARKETING.

WORK REQUIRED:

The CL Fixer-Upper Scale MOVE-IN READY

NEEDS MINOR IMPROVEMENTS

INVEST IN A DECENT DRILL

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

PUT THAT CONTRACTOR ON SPEED DIAL

written by ALIX ADAMS

C IR C A

1800

➤ £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:

Wood beams add instant coziness.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY FINE & COUNTRY COVENTRY (WARWICKSHIRE); IAIN MCMILLAN/MCMILLAN PHOTOGRAPHY (NOTTINGHAMSHIRE).

➤

£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 warmth inside, while tons of windows bring in lovely light, even on drizzly days.

CIRC

1 75 A 0

AGENT: Malcolm Smith;

smithandpartners.co.uk

WORK REQUIRED:

Dreamy botanical wallpaper? Check!

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

NEST

. ➤

£250,000 Skylark Cottage, Liskeard

C IR C A

1800

1 BR; 1 BA; 752 SQ. FT.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Tucked

in a farming hamlet just a few miles from the South Cornish coastline’s quaint ﬁshing villages, this centuries-old stone cottage is the perfect rural getaway. AGENT: Joel Mitchell;

parkesandpearn.co.uk

WORK REQUIRED:

Nestle up by the cast-iron stove, flanked by Edwardian tilework.

C IR C A

The perfect bedroom for reading the Bard

➤ £635,000 Low Thatch Cottage, Warwickshire 3 BR; 1 BA; 1,743 SQ. FT.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: A whimsical,

fox-topped thatched roof and pretty blue doors instantly welcome guests to this fairytale cottage located in William Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon.

AGENT: Clare Reeves;

ﬁneandcountry.com

WORK REQUIRED:

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOEL MITCHELL (LISKEARD); GRAHAM TONEY/PROPERTY BOX (WARWICKSHIRE).

1420

CI R CA

1 70 0 S FIELD NOTES

What’s a Thatched Roof?

£745,000 Horseshoe Lane Cottage, Andover ➤

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMIE ARMSTRONG/EVANS AND PARTRIDGE (ANDOVER); INOVUS PROPERTY (WEDMORE); ILLUSTRATION BY MELINDA JOSIE.

Made from natural materials like combed wheat reeds or long straw, thatched roofs have been used on countryside cottages since the Middle Ages. The thatch is applied in layers, so just the top has to be recoated as needed. Some have decorative designs at the pitches, while thatched animals (like the fox atop Low Thatch Cottage; bottom, far left) were once added to ward off evil spirits, identify owners, and deter foraging birds.

3 BR; 3 BA; 1,782 SQ. FT.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Down a

quiet lane sits this thatched-roof beauty and its detached garden house. Enter through a heavy oak door with blacksmith hinges, and feast your eyes on the kitchen’s high vaulted ceilings, highlighted by king post trusses. AGENT: Jamie Armstrong;

evansandpartridge.co.uk

WORK REQUIRED:

➤

£675,000 Waterdale Cottage, Wedmore 4 BR; 2 BA; 2,116 SQ. FT.

PRE-

1 70 0

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Hello

red Aga! (See inset, at right.) Elsewhere, gaze onto the farmhouse garden from the study, or relax out back with views of Blackmore Village, ﬁrst surveyed in 1189. AGENT: Sarah White;

ﬁneandcountry.com

WORK REQUIRED:

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

by lori wemple, “Toy Story” by rebecca smith, “Serene” by erin waters, “Mickey and Minnie on the Plane” by weronika sumak, “Lightning McQueen Route 66” by jill means, “Aliens” by vivian yiwing, “Glitch” by igor serazetdinov.

©Minted, ©Disney, ©Disney/Pixar, Slinky® Dog ©POOF-Slinky, LLC 2021 ART SHOWN: Clockwise: “Visit Arendelle” by erica krystek, “Elsa’s Magic” by lori wemple, “Escape to Motunui” by erica krystek, “Moana the Voyager”

M INTE D PRESEN TS A N EXCLU SIV E DI SNE Y CHILD REN’S A RT COL LECT IO N

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DECEMBER 2021

ANTIQUES & TREASURES FOR A MORE COLLECTED LIFE

Sleds While sleds have been making tracks since prehistoric times (they’re technically older than the pyramids!), the familiar, backyard-friendly wood-andmetal versions date from the late 1800s and early- to mid1900s. Notable names like “Flexible Flyer” (to the right of “Comet”) and “Lightning Guider” (below) boast higher price points (think $500 plus), especially in perfect condition, but don’t overlook unique painted pieces (at far right) or ﬁnds like the high school team sled shown at center, which usually range from $150 to $300.

In i

e Old

Take a Snow Day From sleds and skates to hot chocolate breaks, this flurry of vintage finds makes for a wonderfully wintry mix.

written by NATALIE SCHUMANN photographs by BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER styling by MINDI SHAPIRO LEVINE

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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thank

you!

rous gene rs A few llecto o c nd try ors a d in n w e v ir d the tory. loane this s s for e r o, a f w ore in For m . 6 0 1 . g see p

Ice Skates The ﬁrst skates were an essential transportation mode in colder climates like the Netherlands and Scandinavia before this freeze-friendly footwear evolved into a recreational winter pastime. The earliest detachable blades were made from animal bone

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

and later metal (top left), until leather-boot-style skates with metal blades became the norm in the 20th century. Scope out pairs with original packaging (and higher values of $50 and up) and brands like Riedell and Lake Placid (box and brown skates at right), which command respect at the rink.

FIELD NOTES

The Iconic Snow-Day Sweater Marked by colorful yarns and recognizable patterns like the “Star Motif” (shown) and “Ram’s Horns,” the style of knitting known as “Fair Isle” was developed pre-19th century by the residents of Fair Isle, a tiny island off the northern coast of Scotland. Though frequently imitated by makers around the globe, authentic Fair Isle garments must be made on the isle itself (try mativentrillon .co.uk) and typically feature no more than four colors.

ILLUSTRATION BY MELINDA JOSIE.

Thermoses These classic containers date to 1892, when scientist Sir James Dewar developed the ﬁrst vacuum insulation technology. His inventions were brought to the U.S. by William B. Walker in 1907, and the American Thermos Bottle Company was born. Its top competitor, the Icy-Hot Bottle Company of Cincinnati, Ohio (shown at center), merged with the Thermos company in 1925, while the legendary Stanley company (top right) has continued making its own iconic version since 1913. Most midcentury thermoses are valued at less than $100, but older versions (think pre-1940) can be worth more than $1,000.

Cocoa and Marshmallow Tins Hot chocolate dates all the way back to ancient Mexican civilizations, but the drink as we know it wasn’t widely accessible until the mid-1800s, after Dutchman Coenraad J. van Houten invented cocoa powder. Mixes from brands like Nestlé (est. 1905) and Hershey’s (est. 1894) rose in popularity throughout the 1900s. As for marshmallows, the Angelus company (bottom right) is credited with creating the classic cocoa combo in a 1917 recipe booklet. Larger, older tins go for upwards of $150, while smaller tins from lesser-known brands are more affordable ($50).

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

For certain adults with newly diagnosed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that tests positive for PD-L1

= A CHANCE FOR MORE MAGICAL MOMENTS A Chance to Live Longer™ THE ONLY FDA-APPROVED CHEMO-FREE COMBINATION OF 2 IMMUNOTHERAPIES THAT WORKS DIFFERENTLY In a study of newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC patients, half of those on OPDIVO + YERVOY were alive at 17.1 months versus 14.9 months on platinum-based chemotherapy. Thank you to all the patients, nurses, and physicians in our clinical trials. Results may vary. OPDIVO® + YERVOY® is not approved for patients younger than 18 years of age.

Indication & Important Safety Information for OPDIVO (nivolumab) + YERVOY (ipilimumab) Only your healthcare professional knows the specifics of your condition and how OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY may fit into your overall therapy. The information below does not take the place of talking with your healthcare professional, so talk to them if you have any questions. What are OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are prescription medicines used to treat people with a type of advanced stage lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OPDIVO may be used in combination with YERVOY as your first treatment for NSCLC when your lung cancer has spread to other parts of your body (metastatic) and your tumors are positive for PD-L1, but do not have an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene. It is not known if OPDIVO and YERVOY are safe and effective when used in children younger than 18 years of age. What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are medicines that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death and may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when OPDIVO is used in combination with YERVOY. Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worse signs or symptoms, including • Lung problems: new or worsening cough; shortness of breath; chest pain • Intestinal problems: diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual; stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus; severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain or tenderness • Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; severe nausea or vomiting; pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen); dark urine (tea colored); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal

• Hormone gland problems: headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches; eye sensitivity to light; eye problems; rapid heartbeat; increased sweating; extreme tiredness; weight gain or weight loss; feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual; urinating more often than usual; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; your voice gets deeper; dizziness or fainting; changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness • Kidney problems: decrease in the amount of urine; blood in your urine; swelling in your ankles; loss of appetite • Skin problems: rash; itching; skin blistering or peeling; painful sores or ulcers in mouth or nose, throat, or genital area • Eye problems: blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; eye pain or redness Problems can also happen in other organs and tissues. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms, which may include: • Chest pain; irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of ankles • Confusion; sleepiness; memory problems; changes in mood or behavior; stiff neck; balance problems; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs • Double vision; blurry vision; sensitivity to light; eye pain; changes in eye sight • Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness; muscle cramps • Low red blood cells; bruising Getting medical help right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare team will check you for these problems during treatment and may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment if you have severe side effects. What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving OPDIVO and YERVOY? Before you receive OPDIVO and YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • have immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus • have received an organ transplant

Talk to your doctor about OPDIVO + YERVOY www.OPDIVOYERVOY.com 1-855-OPDIVOYERVOY • have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic) • have received radiation treatment to your chest area in the past and have received other medicines that are like OPDIVO • have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO and YERVOY can harm your unborn baby • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPDIVO or YERVOY passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY. • You should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for at least 5 months after your last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time. • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY. You or your healthcare provider should contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-844-593-7869 as soon as you become aware of the pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare providers and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. What are the possible side effects of OPDIVO and YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY?” • Severe infusion reactions. Tell your healthcare team or nurse right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO or YERVOY: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; shortness of breath or wheezing; dizziness; feel like passing out; fever; back or neck pain

• Complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), of bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be severe and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with OPDIVO or YERVOY. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications. The most common side effects of OPDIVO when used in combination with YERVOY include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); decreased weight; and dizziness. These are not all the possible side effects of OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088. OPDIVO (10 mg/mL) and YERVOY (5 mg/mL) are injections for intravenous (IV) use. This is a brief summary of the most important information about OPDIVO and YERVOY. For more information, talk with your healthcare providers, call 1-855-673-4861, or go to www.OPDIVO.com.

HUNT

Secondhandmade

Bring Out the Baubles Put more happy into the holidays by embracing Shiny Brite ornaments beyond the branch.

Tabletop Trees

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

CRAFTING BY SARAH SCHERF.

Cover Styrofoam cones (we used 12- and 15-inch cones) with ornaments, attaching with hot-glue. Start with larger ornaments at the bottom, transitioning to smaller ones as you work your way up. Fill in any gaps with mini ornament balls, and top with a decorative ornament. If desired, wrap the ﬁnished trees with vintage tinsel and beaded garland.

written by CHARLYNE MATTOX photographs by BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER styling by ANNA LOGAN

Curtain Tiebacks Add a hint of festive shimmer to draperies by threading ribbon through the loops on a couple of ornaments and then tying around your curtain panels.

Door Bells Ring in the holiday season with a DIY door “bell” swag. To make, stack mini vintage baking molds and Bundt pans to form bell shapes; affix together using epoxy. Hot-glue small ornaments to the bottom to create the clappers. Glue ribbon loops and a bow to the top of your bells for hanging. Add a swag of greenery for extra ﬂourish.

Kitschy Candlesticks Upgrade your plain candlesticks with a little extra shimmer. Gather a mix of sparkly ornaments in assorted sizes and hot-glue them to glass, silver, or wood candlesticks (our pair is silver plate). Bonus idea: Add a little bling to a plain burlap stocking by simply hooking an ornament around the hanging loop.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

FIELD NOTES

A Short History of Shiny Brites First sold in December 1939 at Woolworth’s five-and-dime stores, glass Shiny Brites were the most popular Christmas ornaments of the midcentury. To date your vintage ornament, study the cap. The earliest Shiny Brites had a simple silver-toned metal topper with a loop. In the ’40s during World War II, caps were replaced with cardboard and paper due to a metal shortage. After the war, metal caps returned, now crimped, scalloped, and stamped “Shiny Brite” and “Made in the USA.”

Striking Centerpiece Give your table a shimmery display that will last all season long. Start by creating a two-tiered arrangement by placing a footed tureen on a platter (we used vintage ironstone), then ﬁll both dishes with heaps of vintage ornaments of varying sizes and shapes.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Glitzy Game Take a break from the tree-decorating festivities by sitting down to a friendly game of tic-tactoe. To set it up, simply grab a three-by-three compartment ornament box and two sets of matching ornaments. Ready, set, play!

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Bundt Pan Wreath For a colorful kitchen display, line a Bundt-style baking pan with cut-to-ﬁt Styrofoam, attaching with hot-glue. Secure your mix of glass ornaments to the Styrofoam using hot-glue, then ﬁnish with a large ribbon bow.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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New Uses for Old Items

Download Weekend Makeovers Now: COUNTRY LIVING EDITORS’ BEST TRICKS FOR MAKING A MAJOR IMPACT WITH MINIMAL EFFORT.

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Appraisals

What Is It? What Is It Worth? Our team of antiques experts weighs in on your treasured finds. OBJECT LESSON:

Bliss Dollhouses WHAT TO KNOW: Rufus Bliss originally founded the Rhode Island–based company, the R. Bliss Mfg. Co., in 1832 with his new machine for cutting wood screws. The company gradually expanded into other products and, by 1871, was known for making toys. Fast-forward a few years, and the advent of lithography opened up a whole new opportunity, as they could now apply colorful paper images onto wood, resulting in the 1889 introduction of their ﬁrst of many three-dimensional, realistic-looking dollhouses, complete with patterned wallpapers, faux wood-grain doors and ﬂoors, and even lace curtain panels (like in this ca.-1911 “No. 203” house). They also made “log” Adirondack cottages, horse stables, and an assemblage of shops and town buildings. The company sold to Mason & Parker in 1914. WHAT IT’S WORTH:

$400 to $2,500 Special thanks to...

Patty Cooper, collector and author of the book R. Bliss Mfg. Co. Dollhouses, Furniture & Buildings, for sharing her dollhouse and expertise with us.

written by APRIL HARDWICK photograph by BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER styling by LINDSEY LOWER

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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“My dad, who was born in 1925, received this truck as a Christmas gift when he was a little boy.” —M.B.W.; Maple Grove, MN

WHAT IT IS:

Buddy L Express Truck Antiques Roadshow’s Executive Producer Marsha Bemko shared your toy with appraiser Noel Barrett of Noel Barrett Antiques & Auctions Ltd., who tells us your dad’s truck is a Buddy L Express truck made in the mid-1920s by Moline Pressed Steel, which originally made steel auto parts. “Owner Fred Lundahl was irritated to see that the toys belonging to his son Buddy did not last very long, so he started making toys out of the same gauge steel as car fenders, beginning the pressed steel toy business heyday,” says Noel. WHAT IT’S WORTH:

$200 to $300

(would be more if not repainted and professionally restored)

WHAT IT IS:

Ca.-1930s Child’s Dish Sets “The marks in the glass establish that your dishes were made by the Akro Agate Glass Company,” says appraiser Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions. “These dishes are from two different children’s play sets the company sold in the 1930s: the ‘Little American Maid Tea Set’ and ‘Play-Time Glass Water Set.’ The dishes came in a range of solid colors, including jadeite, and were nearly as popular as the boxed toy marble sets the company made and sold when they opened in 1911.” Akro Agate continued making these and other glass toys until the advent of plastic in the late 1940s. WHAT IT’S WORTH:

$125 for both sets

(would be more if still in their original boxes)

“As a child, I remember playing with these mini dishes that originally belonged to my aunt, Mert.” —N.N.; Shawnee, KS

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

—D.S.; Pinedale, WY

WHAT IT IS:

Early 190os Tin-andWood Drum Without markings, it’s hard to determine speciﬁc information about your dad’s charming tin lithograph drum. It was most likely made in the United States, as evidenced by the “U.S.” on the bears’ belt buckles and the fact that WWI stopped the ﬂow of German- and European-made toys. Its wood banding and more muted colors, along with the military subject matter, implies the drum predates the brightly colored, all-metal lithographed drums made in the late 1920s to 1950s by companies such as Ohio Art and J. Chein. Because of its well-loved condition and missing drum heads, the value is mostly sentimental. WHAT IT’S WORTH:

$25 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“I purchased this darling teddy bear for just $15 at a vintage store.” —A.D.; Polson, MT WHAT IT IS:

DRUM, BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

Steiﬀ Teddy Bear “What you have is a wonderful mohair Steiff teddy bear that was probably made in the 1980s,” says appraiser Bene Raia of Raia Auctioneers. German seamstress Margarete Steiff started the Steiff company in 1880 and, with the help of her nephews, grew it to become arguably one of the most recognizable toy companies in the world. In the early 1900s, Steiff was one of many companies that joined in on the huge teddy bear craze, which started after President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was drawn with a bear cub while on a hunting trip. WHAT IT’S WORTH:

$50 to $100

did you know... In 1904, Margarete Steiﬀ ’s nephew Franz came up with the idea of attaching the identifying trademark button to the ear.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“This tin drum was one of my dad’s childhood toys in the late 1910s.”

“While working for Campbell Soup in the 1950s, my dad purchased this doll at the company store for me.” —L.K.; Downers Grove, IL WHAT IT IS:

Horsman “Campbell’s Kid” Doll “Your ‘Campbell’s Kid’ doll is absolutely stunning,” says appraiser Bene Raia. These dolls, manufactured in 1940 by the Horsman doll company, are made of painted molded composition with painted-on cheeks, hair, socks, shoes, and side-glancing eyes, also known as “ﬂirty eyes.” “Your doll appears to be in excellent condition, but the most important thing is that it has its original paper tag,” says Bene. “These were meant to be discarded, so having them intact adds a fair amount of value.” WHAT IT’S WORTH:

$125 Have something you’re convinced is valuable? Send a photo and description to wiiw@countryliving.com for an opportunity to have it appraised.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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Linger.

P U R S U I T S & PA S T I M E S FOR FINDING J O Y I N E V E R Y D AY

A hand-painted Santa welcomes visitors to Maple Acres Farm’s holiday barn sale with a friendly wave.

Life n

e Country

The More the Merrier Each winter in western Michigan, a seasoned picker opens her family farm for a magical Christmas barn sale.

written by SARAH ZLOTNICK photographs by JESSICA VELEY

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

L I NGER

inding up the long drive to Maple Acres Farm, the first thing you notice are the trees. Bare-limbed and lightly dusted with snow, the ﬁve silver maples the property is named for strike a welcoming note. The next thing you notice is the barn. “It looks old because everything is salvaged,” says Jessica Veley, who, alongside husband Chris, built the structure on their rural acreage (purchased as newlyweds just over a decade ago) in Byron Center, Michigan, with reclaimed remnants from falling-down farms. “Everything we used would have otherwise been destroyed,” she adds. The same can also be said for what you’ll find inside the barn. As proprietor of Jessica & Co. (jessicaandcovintage.com), Jessica spends her days seeking out and lovingly restoring large-scale salvage pieces and other charming ephemera from old houses across the Great Lakes state. (She dreamed up her at-home business in 2015 after realizing nine-to-five life as a landscape designer would detract from time with her kids.) Three times a year, she invites fellow country-vintage enthusiasts to Maple Acres to shop her finds in seasonal barn sales. Though all are special occasions, December’s Christmas in the Barn show is Jessica’s favorite. Under the glow of string lights and candle flames, Santa mugs and old toys and sleds share space with knotty pine mantels and chippy green cabinets. Parents peruse the one-of-a-kind pieces while children wander off to say hello to Mona, the Veley family mini pony, or to warm up with hot drinks and doughnuts. “It may be cold in Michigan, but things are always cozy here,” she says.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

The “Co.” in Jessica & Co. includes son Tyler (10), daughter Charlie (7), and husband Chris, Jessica’s constant cheerleader. “He’s been by my side since day one,” she says.

Winterberry bundles, birch branches, and baby evergreens set in antique galvanized pails are part of the holiday offerings. For more on upcoming sales, go to jessicaandcovintage.com/calendar.

Jessica and Chris spent two years picking apart six different properties to salvage materials for their barn. The flooring is made from old haymow planks, while the back windows were once part of a chicken coop.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Town Stats FOUNDED IN

1761 POPULATION

Small Town Saturday

Woodstock, Vermont

In the heart of the Green Mountains, a Christmas card–worthy village and its surrounding hamlets shine with New England charm.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

2,937 STOPLIGHT COUNT

Zero AVERAGE SNOWFALL

82 inches per year, which basically makes it a real-life snow globe

written by LEIGH CRANDALL

PHOTOGRAPH BY JACKIE GREANEY; ILLUSTRATION BY MELINDA JOSIE. OPPOSITE PAGE: DOWNTOWN AND F.H. GILLINGHAM & SONS, ANDREW ROWAT; THE YANKEE BOOKSHOP, KRISTIAN PREYLOWSKI; MIDDLE BRIDGE COURTESY OF TOM LYONS/THE YELLOW NOTE.

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Elm Street

“Be sure to sample the award-winning smoked Cheddar at Billings Farm & Museum...” ...and 14 more ways to spend a snowy winter’s day Rise and Dine: Start the morning at Mon Vert Cafe, which serves Vermont Coffee Company brews and breakfast specialties like the Monte Vert Cristo: ham and Cabot Swiss cheese on challah French toast with a side of local maple syrup. Read All About It: Get the latest local news and info on upcoming events via the community bulletin board, the Woodstock Town Crier. Then pop by the ongoing used-book sale in the lobby of the Norman Williams Public Library (housed in a ca.-1884 pink sandstone building on the Green), or browse new titles on the shelves of Central Street’s Yankee Bookshop, Vermont’s oldest bookseller.

The Yankee Bookshop

F.H. Gillingham & Sons

Middle Bridge

Stroll and Shop: Load up on stocking stuffers like maple syrup samplers, penny candy, and famous St. Emilion macaroons at the 135-year-old F.H. Gillingham & Sons general store. Cross the street for cozy, handcrafted clothing and blankets (far left) from town mainstay Vermont Flannel Company, then take a short drive to South Woodstock Country Store, which sells festive essentials like fresh wreaths and candles alongside lunch fare, local craft beers, and old-fashioned doughnuts. Book a Clay Date: Make your own souvenir—and shop seriously beautiful handmade ceramics (bottom left)—during a workshop at Farmhouse Pottery’s ﬂagship studio. Hit the Trails: Cross-country ski or snowshoe the groomed grounds of Marsh-BillingsRockefeller National Historic Park with equipment from the Woodstock Nordic Center. Trek to the top of Mount Tom for a pretty bird’s-eye view of town. Cross the Covered Bridges: Four historic covered bridges span the Ottauquechee River, including Middle Bridge on Mountain Avenue, just off the village green.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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with

Woodstock Inn & Resort

Triple Berry Pie Prep

Total

Ingredients

Servings

20 MIN

2 HR 30 MIN

. Nominat e Your Fav orite Small To wn!

Where sh ould we mosey to next? Tell us at countryli ving@he arst .com.

Ingredients 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box 1 ½ cups sugar 5 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca ¼ teaspoon salt 3 cups fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) blackberries 2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) raspberries 2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) blueberries 1 tablespoon milk 2 teaspoons sugar

Heat oven to 450°F. Make pie crusts as directed on package for two-crust pie using glass 9-inch pie pan.

In large bowl, stir together 1 ½ cups sugar, cornstarch, tapioca and salt; gently toss with berries. Let stand 15 minutes. Spoon into crust-lined pan. To make lattice top, cut second crust into ½-inch-wide strips. Arrange strips in lattice design over ﬁlling. Trim and seal edges. Brush crust with milk; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar.

Place pie on middle oven rack; place large cookie sheet on rack below pie pan in case of spillover. Bake pie 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Cover edge of crust with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake about 40 to 45 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and ﬁlling is bubbly. Let stand 2 hours before serving.

Celebrate the Season: Woodstock’s annual Wassail Weekend takes place December 10–12. The celebration includes an equestrian parade, as well as holiday stories, gingerbread ornament– and candle-making, and warm cups of wassail served with cider donuts at the dairy barn of the 150-year-old Billings Farm & Museum. Bundle up the family for a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered pastures. Settle In for the Evening: Picturesque Woodstock Inn & Resort supplies plenty of holiday cheer with festive decor and treats like tea and cookies. For a cozy evening at the inn, visit Richardson’s Tavern for fondue followed by games in the library.

PLAN YOUR VISIT For our complete guide to Woodstock, Vermont, visit countryliving.com/woodstock-vt.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Billings Farm & Museum

WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT, JACKIE GREANEY; BILLINGS FARM & MUSEUM, JOEL LAINO.

with Crescents and Triple Berry Pie

Find recipe inspiration at pillsbury.com

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Creature Comforts

Two Turtle Loves A pair of red-footed tortoises provides writer Leigh Crandall and her family with a lesson on living in the moment.

he west side of St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, was a wild place. Iguanas, mongeese, and hermit crabs scuﬄed through the bush while, above, pelicans occasionally dropped their catch onto the roof of our home, which held its own menagerie of pets. It was usually my brother, Dale, and me who campaigned to add new creatures to the mix, so we were surprised when our father was the one to adopt a pair of red-footed tortoises. He’d spotted the duo at the local holiday fair on the first weekend in December. The woman at the Humane Society booth explained they’d been rescued from someone’s home, and Dad, who believed they shouldn’t be confined inside, decided the land around our house would be the perfect place for the pair to live, outdoors and free. Dale and I dubbed the tortoises Herdman and Angel, a tribute to our favorite holiday book, Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We filled a small pool for them to drink from, picked piles of hibiscus for them to eat, and even tacked a tinsel garland to the house above the tortoises’ spot in the garden. We marveled at every detail, from the patterns on their shells to the red spots on their stout legs. For three days, we waved to them as we headed off to school each

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

morning and said good night before bed. Then, on the fourth morning, Herdman and Angel were gone. Their tracks led to the woods, and Dale and I couldn’t help but feel a little insulted. Pets didn’t just leave, especially when we’d made such a nice home for them. But Dad insisted we shouldn’t expect these animals to operate on our terms, festive decor or not. Weeks passed without the tortoises. We kept busy with the activities leading up to the holiday break, though we still set out fresh flowers each day and called their names into the dense tropical forest. Then, on Christmas Eve, we woke up to find the tortoises next to their pool, unannounced holiday visitors helping themselves to mouthfuls of hibiscus. Dale and I were sure they’d stay this time, but Herdman and Angel set out again before the New Year, oﬀ on some unseen walkabout. This was the tortoises’ pattern the whole time we lived at this house, both of them vanishing for weeks, then suddenly stopping by for a spell. We missed them while they were gone, but we loved waking to discover they’d returned, a thrill each time, like kids on Christmas morning. —Leigh Crandall is a writer and contributing editor at Country Living. illustration by JILL DEHANN

AND

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Serious Allergic Reactions Serious allergic reactions can occur. Get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: feeling faint; swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or throat tightness; chest tightness; skin rash or hives (red, itchy bumps). If you have a severe allergic reaction, do not give another injection of COSENTYX.

INDICATIONS COSENTYX® (secukinumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat: • adults with active ankylosing spondylitis • adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and objective signs of inflammation IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use COSENTYX if you have had a severe allergic reaction to secukinumab or any of the other ingredients in COSENTYX. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients. COSENTYX is a medicine that affects your immune system. COSENTYX may increase your risk of having serious side effects such as: Infections COSENTYX may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections, sometimes serious. • Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with COSENTYX. • If your doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated with medicine for TB before you begin treatment with COSENTYX and during treatment with COSENTYX. • Your doctor should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with COSENTYX. Do not take COSENTYX if you have an active TB infection. Before starting COSENTYX, tell your doctor if you: • are being treated for an infection • have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back • have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB • think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as: fevers, sweats, or chills; muscle aches; cough; shortness of breath; blood in your phlegm; weight loss; warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body; diarrhea or stomach pain; burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal After starting COSENTYX, call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection listed above. Do not use COSENTYX if you have any signs of infection unless you are instructed to by your doctor. Inflammatory Bowel Disease New cases of inflammatory bowel disease or “flare-ups” can happen with COSENTYX, and can sometimes be serious. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), tell your doctor if you have worsening disease symptoms during treatment with COSENTYX or develop new symptoms of stomach pain or diarrhea.

O CO-PAY

Before starting COSENTYX, tell your doctor if you: • have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the previous column for infections. • have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). • are allergic to latex. The needle cap on the COSENTYX Sensoready® 150 mg/mL pen and the 150 mg/mL and 75 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringes contain latex. • have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People who take COSENTYX should not receive live vaccines. Children should be brought up to date with all vaccines before starting COSENTYX. • have any other medical conditions. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COSENTYX can harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will use COSENTYX. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if COSENTYX passes into your breast milk. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. How should I use COSENTYX? See the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with your COSENTYX for information on how to prepare and inject a dose of COSENTYX, and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used COSENTYX Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes. • Use COSENTYX exactly as prescribed by your doctor. • If your healthcare provider decides that you or your caregiver may give your injections of COSENTYX at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject COSENTYX. Do not try to inject COSENTYX yourself, until you or your caregiver has been shown how to inject COSENTYX by your doctor or nurse. The most common side effects of COSENTYX include: cold symptoms, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infections. These are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Consumer Brief Summary on the next page.

COSENTYX.COM 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689)

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover, New Jersey 07936-1080

6/21

130860

CONSUMER BRIEF SUMMARY The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. To learn more about COSENTYX® (secukinumab), talk to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information and to obtain the FDA-approved product labeling, call 1-888-669-6682 or visit www.COSENTYX.com. What is the most important information I should know about COSENTYX?

• COSENTYX comes in a Sensoready pen or prefilled syringes that you or your caregiver may use at home to give injections. Your healthcare provider will decide which type of COSENTYX is best for you to use at home. • If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver may give your injections of COSENTYX at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject COSENTYX. Do not try to inject COSENTYX yourself, until you or your caregiver has been shown how to inject COSENTYX by your healthcare provider.

COSENTYX is a medicine that affects your immune system. COSENTYX may increase your risk of having serious side effects such as:

• Children should not inject themselves with the Sensoready pen or the prefilled syringe. An adult caregiver should prepare and inject COSENTYX after receiving training on the right way to prepare and inject COSENTYX.

Infections. COSENTYX may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections, sometimes serious.

• Your healthcare provider will prescribe the dose of COSENTYX that is right for you or your child based on their body weight.

• Your healthcare provider should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with COSENTYX.

° If your prescribed dose of COSENTYX is 75 mg, you must give 1 injection of COSENTYX 75 mg/mL for each dose.

• If your healthcare provider feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated with medicine for TB before you begin treatment with COSENTYX and during treatment with COSENTYX.

° If your prescribed dose of COSENTYX is 150 mg, you must give 1 injection of COSENTYX 150 mg/mL for each dose.

• Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with COSENTYX. Do not take COSENTYX if you have an active TB infection.

° If your prescribed dose of COSENTYX is 300 mg, you must give 2 injections of COSENTYX 150 mg/mL for each dose.

Before starting COSENTYX, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• COSENTYX is given as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous injection), in your upper legs (thighs) or stomach-area (abdomen) by you or a caregiver. A caregiver may also give you an injection of COSENTYX in your upper outer arm.

• are being treated for an infection • have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back

• Do not give an injection in an area of the skin that is tender, bruised, red or hard, or in an area of skin that is affected by psoriasis.

• have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB • think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as: ° fevers, sweats, or chills ° muscle aches ° cough ° shortness of breath ° blood in your phlegm

° weight loss

• Each injection should be given at a different site. Do not use the 2-inch area around your navel (belly button).

° warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body

• If you inject more COSENTYX than prescribed, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

° diarrhea or stomach pain ° burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal

What are the possible side effects of COSENTYX? COSENTYX may cause serious side effects including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about COSENTYX?”

After starting COSENTYX, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the signs of infection listed above. Do not use COSENTYX if you have any signs of infection unless you are instructed by your healthcare provider. See “What are the possible side effects of COSENTYX?” for more information about side effects.

• Inflammatory bowel disease. New cases of inflammatory bowel disease or “flare-ups” can happen with COSENTYX, and can sometimes be serious. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), tell your healthcare provider if you have worsening disease symptoms during treatment with COSENTYX or develop new symptoms of stomach pain or diarrhea. • Serious allergic reactions. Get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

What is COSENTYX? COSENTYX is a prescription medicine used to treat: • people 6 years of age or older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that involves large areas or many areas of the body, and who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light, alone or with systemic therapy)

° feel faint ° swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

° trouble breathing or throat tightness ° chest tightness

• adults with active psoriatic arthritis

° skin rash ° hives (red itchy bumps) If you have a severe allergic reaction, do not give another injection of COSENTYX.

• adults with active ankylosing spondylitis

The most common side effects of COSENTYX include:

• adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and objective signs of inflammation

• cold symptoms

COSENTYX may improve your psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis but it may also lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

These are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX.

It is not known if COSENTYX is safe and effective in children below the age of 6 with plaque psoriasis or in children for other conditions. Do not use COSENTYX if you: have had a severe allergic reaction to secukinumab or any of the other ingredients in COSENTYX. See the end of this Consumer Brief Summary for a complete list of ingredients in COSENTYX. Before taking COSENTYX, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you: • have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the section “What is the most important information I should know about COSENTYX?” • have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) • are allergic to latex. The needle cap on the COSENTYX Sensoready® 150 mg/mL pen and 150 mg/mL and 75 mL/0.5 mL prefilled syringes contains latex. • have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People who take COSENTYX should not receive live vaccines. Children should be brought up to date with all vaccines before starting COSENTYX. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COSENTYX can harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will use COSENTYX. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if COSENTYX passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

• diarrhea

• upper respiratory infections

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How should I store COSENTYX? • Store COSENTYX in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). • Keep COSENTYX in the original carton until ready to use to protect from light.

• If unused and not stored above 30°C (86°F), COSENTYX Sensoready pen and 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe may be returned to the refrigerator.

• COSENTYX Sensoready pen and COSENTYX 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe may be stored at room temperature, not to exceed temperatures above 86°F (30°C), for up to 4 days.

• Throw away COSENTYX Sensoready pen or COSENTYX 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe if it has been kept outside of the refrigerator and not been used in over 4 days.

• Write the date COSENTYX Sensoready pen or COSENTYX 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe was removed from the refrigerator in the space provided on the carton.

• Do not shake COSENTYX.

• Do not freeze COSENTYX.

•Throw away (dispose of) any unused COSENTYX Sensoready pen or prefilled syringe. Keep COSENTYX and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of COSENTYX Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use COSENTYX for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give COSENTYX to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about COSENTYX that is written for health professionals. What are the ingredients in COSENTYX?

How should I use COSENTYX?

Active ingredient: secukinumab

See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with your COSENTYX for information on how to prepare and inject a dose of COSENTYX, and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used COSENTYX Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes.

Inactive ingredients: Sensoready pen and prefilled syringe: L-histidine/histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-methionine, polysorbate 80, trehalose dihydrate, and sterile water for injection.

• Use COSENTYX exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Vial: L-histidine/histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate 80, and sucrose.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover, New Jersey 07936-1080

5/21

COS-1402408

PROP SYTLING BY CHRISTINA BROCKMAN.

DECEMBER 2021

Gather.

IDEAS & RECIPES T O S AV O R EVERY SEASON

Farm Fresh

Rosemary This fragrant herb lends a distinct piney flavor to seasonal sweets and savories.

recipes by KRISTINA KUREK AND KATE MERKER photographs by BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER food styling by TORIE COX

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

GAT H E R

From the Farm to Your Table

e ways Here, thre rosemary ce ra b to em dishes. ay lid in ho g. 100 p , Recipes

Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Root Vegetables

Rosemary Salt

Rosemary-Lemon Pound Cake

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GAT H E R

Picnics & Parties

Ice-Skating Social

LELA ROSE PORTRAIT, WILL BUCKLEY. RECIPES BY LYDA JONES BURNETTE.

Once her pond freezes over in Jackson, Wyoming, CL Contributor Lela Rose takes to the backyard for an afternoon of revelry on the rink.

produced by LELA ROSE photographs by BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER food styling by TORIE COX prop styling by MINDI SHAPIRO LEVINE

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

GAT H E R

“I LEARNED TO ICE-SKATE as a little girl, but I would not say my skills are stellar,” says designer Lela Rose (lelarose.com). Still, while the Texas native may have yet to perfect a double axel, she certainly knows how to twirl up medal-worthy merriment in the form of cozy cocktails and other cold-weather courtesies. Typically, she takes to the ice in her own backyard, and while the pond-party dress code doesn’t call for bedazzled leotards, Lela does encourage guests to dress to the nines (or figure eights!). Her own attire includes a dress from her collection (pearl.nyc) embellished with a fabulously oversize vintage shawl from Jackson Hole resale boutique Womenfolk (womenfolkjh.com). “The women who own the store collect cool pieces from other locals and resell them. It’s a very cute shop,” she says. Here’s how Lela (alongside scarfed sidekick Bobbin) skates circles around other seasonal celebrations.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Have an Ice Day LELA’S ADVICE FOR FUN AMID THE FREEZE But First, Rum Lela’s signature skating sip is Hot Buttered Rum (previous page) served with vanilla ice-cream balls (rolled in toasted coconut to mimic the look of snowballs). Enamelware mugs (falconenamelware.com) make for outdoor-friendly serveware. Tie Two On. Lela found her frost-friendly footwear at Walmart—“I love that these skates are so pretty,” she says—and suggests embellishing a new or vintage pair with DIY pompoms made of yarn. (See above.) Fire Up the Fondue. The communal three-cheese dish (far left) is a cold-weather classic. Lela serves hers with bread cubes and DIY skewers topped with mini pine cones. Turn a Sled into a Serving Tray. Why set up a static buffet when you can slide your sweets out onto the rink? Lela borrowed her vintage sled (featuring an assortment of Almond Biscotti, Marbled Tahini Cookies, and Mini Gingerbread Men) from a friend, but you can find ample old-school options online (vintagewinter.com). Fringed linen napkins (hibiscuslinens.com) evoke the feel of winter scarves. Light the Way. Galvanized bucket luminaries packed with snow and pillar candles add easy ambience, as do Scandinavian-inspired ornaments and fresh cedar garland. Try a Sweet Send-Off. Kraft-paper favor bags embellished with stamped snowflakes make it easy for guests to grab and go. COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

GAT H E R

Collectible Cookbook

Notes in the Margins From everyone’s favorite (fictional) pearl-decked home cook, Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book is the essential treasury of baked sweets discerning ’60s grandmas kept tucked away, lest the little ones learn their favorite treats weren’t actually old family recipes.

cooky vs. cookie

what’s inside First printed in 1963, this spiral-bound compendium contains more than 450 recipes in sections like “Family Favorite” and “Holiday Cookies.” One section even details the most “fashionable” cookies from 1880 to 1963, along with historical notes. (It seems French Lace cookies were all the rage in the early 1960s.)

holiday highlights The sweet spot of this book, of course, is the Christmas cookies: red and green jelly cookies, snowballs, candy cane cookies, and more. There’s also great advice for making gift-worthy containers, hosting cookie swaps, planning holiday baking, and making cookie ornaments for your Christmas tree.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

sign of the times

about the “author” A brand name since 1921, the Betty Crocker character was ﬁrst created to help answer consumers’ questions. She quickly became a household name, and her name and portrait (which has evolved over time) have graced boxed foods, cookbooks, and more. By 1945 she was second only to Eleanor Roosevelt in name recognition.

Quite a few of Betty’s recipes call for shortening, a solid vegetable oil that keeps dough ﬂaky and tender. Health-conscious cooks started steering clear of the pantry staple in the ’70s, but most modern versions are trans-fat-free. (Tip: Butter works as a oneto-one substitute.)

written by CHRISTOPHER MICHEL

COOKBOOK, BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER; PORTRAIT COURTESY OF GENERAL MILLS; ILLUSTRATION BY MELINDA JOSIE.

Though Betty’s spelling of the word cookie may look a little, er, kooky, in 1963 it was actually a well-known (if fading) spelling. By the end of that decade, though, “cookie” was the common spelling and “cooky” was mostly used as a nickname for cooks.

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“I send guests home with Coconut Macaroons and Spritz Butter Cookies in vintage tins.” Find these recipes (and more than 200 others!) in Cheryl’s new book.

Sunday Supper Wi

...

Cookbook Author Cheryl Day

PORTRAIT, AMY DICKERSON. ALL RECIPES FROM CHERYL DAY’S TREASURY OF SOUTHERN BAKING EXCEPT CRANBERRYGINGER SHRUB, WINTER GREENS & CITRUS SALAD, AND ROASTED VEGETABLE MÉLANGE, CHRISTOPHER MICHEL.

The bakery owner and vintage enthusiast creates a happy hodgepodge spread of nostalgic Southern fare. (Okra in a teacup, anyone?) Around the Table: Cheryl (author of the new cookbook Cheryl Day’s Treasury of Southern Baking and owner of Savannah, Georgia’s Back in the Day Bakery), husband Griff, assorted friends, and puppy, Story Making Spirits Bright: “We start dinner with a nonalcoholic Cranberry-Ginger Shrub. I also buy wines from Las Jaras Wines in California and Tropicália IPA from Georgia’s Creature Comforts Brewing Co.” Menu Mainstays: The Chicken Pot Pie, a passed-down family recipe, sets an unfussy tone. “The crust is extra flaky,” says Cheryl, while the recipe for Ginger Cake Squares with Chantilly Cream goes back four generations—“at least!” Rounding out the menu: Roasted Vegetable Mélange, Winter Greens & Citrus Salad, and Buttermilk Crackers with cheese, pickled okra, and Janie Q jam ($14; backinthedaybakery.com). Supper Soundtrack: “Conversation, laughter, and Miles Davis’s Jingle Bell Jazz on the record player.” Nostalgic Notes: “I collect vintage floral and fruit-patterned plates, as well as ironstone,” says Cheryl, who also has a soft spot for vintage tinsel, used here as napkin rings. “My mom tied fabric and tinsel on every door handle at Christmas. I love the sparkles!” Dream Dinner Guest: “My mom, Janie Queen, is the namesake of my home-provisions line. She passed away when I was 22, but I think she’d be so proud of the woman I’ve become. And she told the best stories.” Recipes, pg. 100

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

recipes by CHERYL DAY photograph by BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER food styling by TORIE COX prop styling by MINDI SHAPIRO LEVINE

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“Bandanas have become a bit of a signature. We all wear them at the bakery, and I love using them as table linens.”

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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Brake For...

White Chocolate–Peppermint Pie Inspired by: Doscher’s Candy Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio Local Flavor: In 1871, German immigrant Claus Doscher opened his beloved Ohio candy shop, where

his tradition of handcrafting candy canes continues to this day. Our no-bake pie uses peppermint inside and out, with extract in a white chocolate–cream cheese filling (a festive pink, thanks to a drop of food coloring) and candy cane pieces as stripes on top. Recipe, pg. 105

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

recipe and food styling by TORIE COX photograph by BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

PROP STYLING BY CHRISTINA BROCKMAN.

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DECEMBER 2021

Give .

UNPLUGGED PA S T I M E S A N D A N A L O G LUXURIES

Ba eries Not Required

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

MARKET WORK BY CATE GEIGER KALUS AND ALYSSA LONGOBUCCO.

This refreshingly no-tech assortment makes for the rare Christmas morning that doesn’t call for a jumbo pack of double AAs and a teeny, tiny screwdriver.

photograph by RACHEL MOORE styling by KATIE JACOBS

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

GI V E

Wildlife Jewelry from $28; camphollow.com

Mystery Tackle Box from $20; mysterytacklebox.com

nplu ed picks or

nature lovers From toys to trinkets, these ﬁnds will foster a love of creatures great and small.

outd rsy diversions or The Wizard of Oz Pop-Up $28; amazon.com

adventure seekers

Guarantee happy campers (pets, too) with these in-the-wild winners.

Owl Eyeglasses Holder $25; uncommon goods.com

Literary Tote $38 (22 titles available); storiarts.com

toried tandouts or Push Pollinators $18; uncommon goods.com

bookworms

Consider pairing the present with two uninterrupted hours in a reading nook.

Cozy Flannel Plaid Snow Tube $30; bigmouthinc.com

Country Living Fish and Mason Jar Dog Toy $17; silverpawdog .com

Modern Bird House $30; letterfolk.com Hill House Living $27; amazon.com

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Portable Campfire $28; radiateportable campﬁre.com

JEWELRY, POP-UP BOOK, TACKLE BOX, AND EGG BASKET, BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER.

Egg-Collecting Play Basket $64; moonpicnic.com

Tea Cup Bandana $34; molly hatch.com Flower Pot Measuring Spoons $26; themercantile.com

BBQ Sauce Pack $40; aubsauce .com

old- oul taples or

antiquing enthusiasts

Rainbow Paint Kit $24; hoohooandmouse .etsy.com

Help weekend warriors stay equipped (and stylish) on the junkin’ trail.

Yarn Ball Tape Measure $3; orangeblossomquiltco .etsy.com

BANDANA, BBQ SAUCE, FLANNY PACK, OVEN MITT SET, HATS, AND MODERN AMERICANA, BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER.

“Flanny” Pack $25; vermontﬂannel.com

“Pomegranate Blue” Oven-Mitt Set $32; pomegranateinc.com

“The Quilts of Gee’s Bend” Puzzle $17; amazon.com

delicious ndulgences or

creative ndeavors or

home cooks

These picks will please everyone, from high-style hostesses to low-and-slow devotees.

Country Estate “Winter Frolic Love & Joy” Tray $39; juliska.com

crafty sorts Retro-Inspired Kids Caps $38; theheygang.com

Modern Americana $22; amazon.com

There’s no better way to while away an afternoon than with paint, puzzles, or pom-poms.

“Luca” Pom Hat Knitting Kit $45; stitchandstory.us

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PHOTOGRAPH BY BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER; STYLING BY LINDSEY LOWER.

December 2021

Stitch It Yourself! Our monthly cross-stitch patterns, dreamed up by Deputy Managing Editor Katie Bowlby, are available to download at country living.com/cross-stitch.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

An Old-Fashioned Cabin Christmas Tucked away in a forest overlooking the Missouri River, a humble 1830s hideaway provides an ideal spot to savor the simple joys of the season.

The log-wrapped living room is one of at least three spots where Katherine Hacker (pictured here with daughter Louise) stations a tree. Here, a Canaan fir from the local Christmas tree farm dons ornaments both hand-me-down and homemade, while lush swags and wreaths of white pine go unadorned over the original oak mantel and period-appropriate double-hung, six-over-six windows.

written by SHAILA WUNDERLICH photographs by DYLAN CHANDLER styling by MATTHEW GLEASON

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Thick swags of white pine and arborvitae string along the entire length of the porch, with the occasional pair of galvanized bells tucked in for punctuation.

ou can almost imagine how the holidays at the nearly 200-year-old Riverwoods cabin looked in its homesteading heyday: heady-scented trees bedecked in dried fruits, tin stars, and handmade ornaments; freshly foraged wreaths and garlands adorned with plaid trimmings and festive bells; white pillar candles glowing alongside windowsills and mantels. “People used what they had back then,” says Katherine Hacker (at right), who lives in and takes care of the historic log cabin for its Virginia-based owner, John Kilgore. (John and his late partner, Ray Clouse, purchased the property in 1992.) Minus a few “modern” touches of her own, Katherine, too, relies on candles, textiles, tin, and all the greens she can gather to compose her own Riverwoods holiday setting. She knows its spectacular bones don’t need much more, just as she accepts its destiny as the default holiday headquarters for her daughter, Louise (“Lou”; 4), and their extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. “This place is made for

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

hosting and has been a gift to everyone who has ever walked through it,” she says. Built in the 1830s in Case, Missouri, Riverwoods now sits on four acres 30 miles south in Washington, Missouri, where it was moved to and reassembled in the early 1970s. From the logs and stones to the door frames, every piece had been meticulously numbered and logged. The virginhardwood timber cabin is architecturally extraordinary for several reasons. “The logs are massive,” says John, some as tall as 16 inches. “It also has more— and larger—rooms than most log cabins of its period, with higher ceilings and more light.” Then there’s the porch. The covered space wraps around three of the cabin’s four sides, facing the Missouri River from its north side atop a 350-foot bluﬀ. “That wraparound porch is what did it for us,” says John of their ﬁrst visit. “It was like a cabin-shaped cookie cutout in the middle of the forest. Someone had previously described it to us as one of those places you can toss a plaid blanket on the porch and be done, and they were right.”

Cabin Christmas

Handmade Ornaments Painted pine cones and dried orange slices (for how-to, see pg. 99) nestle among clip-on LED candles, berry garlands, and galvanized bells on the side porch’s longneedled white pine tree. Equipped with the requisite tartan plaid throw, the bent hickory bench is poised to capture the river views, even on brisk days.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

“I’M ALL ABOUT CREATING SPECIAL MOMENTS FOR MYSELF AND MY GUESTS. I WANT EVERYONE TO FEEL WELCOME.” —K ATHERINE HACKER

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Cabin Christmas

Homemade Cookies Lou knows it’s sugar cookie time when Mom pulls the wood stool up to the kitchen island. Against its butcher-block surface, the Hacker girls won’t roll out the typical Santas and snowmen, but rather a forest of woodland creatures: an ode to the deer, foxes, and squirrels Lou spies from her window every day. The wispy wreaths hanging from the oak cabinets were made by bending faux berry branches into a ring shape and securing with garden wire.

Cabin Christmas

Dinners by Candlelight An assortment of candles and small-scale bottlebrush and carved wood trees lines up along the primitive ca.-1800s dining table (serendipitously painted the perfect Christmas red). Paired with the reproduction settee, the ladder-back chairs and corner cupboard were among the truckload of period pieces John and Ray collected during their ﬁrst year of owning the cabin. Tiny wreaths accent the antique iron hanging candelabra.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Cabin Christmas

White Lights Pillar candles, votives, and strings of glowing Christmas lights—all simple, all white—complement the log cabin’s dark and rustic canvas. In her upstairs bedroom, Katherine also keeps it light and simple with white-painted

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

paneling and cotton bedding to balance the ancient hardwood beams and looming ceiling joists and rafters. “Some of those logs could easily have come from 300-year-old trees,” she says. “Trees like that just don’t exist anymore.” The majestic mounted Canada goose is from one of Katherine’s ﬁrst goose hunts.

WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS IT WORTH?

Cannonball Bed Identiﬁed by their round “cannonball”-topped posts, these wood beds were a staple of Colonial American design. Examples from the early 1800s can cost upwards of $2,000.

Cabin Christmas

Rustic Reds Riverwoods is home to three limestone fireplaces, all original to the almost 200-year-old cabin. Similarly aged wrought-iron hearth accessories add authenticity.

Colonial homes were often accented with an earthy red color derived from the natural clay pigment red ochre (the reddish tint comes from iron oxide), making the hue an appropriate choice for the 1800s cabin. The redchecked pillow shams, dusty rose bed quilts, and antique Turkish runner in Lou’s bedroom go from “everyday” to “holiday” when paired with festive greenery.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

magic in the making

“ IT’S LIKE LIVING IN A SNOW GLOBE ”

In Port Perry, Ontario, a limestone farmhouse complete with roaring fires, rich textures, and a Christmasy campsite feels blissfully ensconsed in its own winter wonderland.

written by KELLY RYAN KEGANS photographs by VIRGINIA MACDONALD

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

A cedar roof and dolomite limestone– clad walls form the barn-like shape of Angela Weaver and Josh Malcolm’s newly built farmhouse. RIGHT: A pair of 1970s armchairs Josh found (one was a roadside cast-off; the other he picked up at a charity shop) flanks the porch table. Even though they’re upholstered, Angela doesn’t worry about them being exposed to the elements because they are repurposed.

ou would be hard-pressed to conjure a more idyllic setting for the holidays than interior designer Angela Wheeler’s dreamy Canadian stone house. The perennially powdered landscape and frozen pond set the scene for ice-skating and hot chocolate next to a mobile warming hut her husband, Josh Malcolm, created with a canvas tent propped on logs culled from their 75 acres. It’s there, at the so-named “prospector’s tent” (inset, at left), that the couple’s four rosy-cheeked children, Aiden (14), Jessie (12), Stella Jane (10), and Will (5), cuddle up with camp blankets between toboggan runs. Angela and Josh began building their farmhouse nine years ago, with “cozy” as their aesthetic true north. They opted out of a long, rambling house in favor of a compact, barn-inspired shape and rugged materials indicative of the storied Belgian farmhouses they both love. “We didn’t want it to be a ‘wow!’ ” Angela says. “We wanted it to have a quiet beauty, so we kept it simple.” Thoughtful details, which Angela documents on her Instagram feed @buildingwalnutfarm, can be found throughout the property. The spruce Christmas tree (pg. 87) was foraged from the woods behind the house. The kitchen table (pg. 89) was milled by a family friend out of old cedar telephone poles. There’s even more meaning tucked away in the architecture, including a memento-filled time capsule their stone mason embedded into the house near the front door. (It includes a handwritten letter, family photo, the home’s blueprint, and a LEGO Minifigure, among other items.) “In our old home, we were always finding things in the floorboards like little old toys, so it The family’s canvastopped “prospector’s made sense we would put tent” is outfitted something like this in our with a bed and wool own house for future blankets so the kids generations to someday can transition from snow discover,” says Angela. angels to snuggles.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Living Room Humble, natural textures in the living room invite the family to linger. A mix of hard and soft materials strikes a comfy balance, from the patterned curtain panels and linen slipcovered furniture to the stone fireplace and reclaimed wood coffee table. Under foot, the concrete floors have radiant heat, providing much of the home’s warmth. Angela says she also lights a fire to take the edge off on cold mornings. “It draws you in,” she says. “I often find the kids reading books directly in front of it.”

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Front Entryway Angela forages cedar and pine clippings from trees on their farm to make swags of garlands throughout her house. “We have endless amounts of pine trees,” she says. “Sometimes we’ll have friends over for garland- and wreath-making parties.” Angela also designed the entry’s console table out of reclaimed pine the couple had leftover in their woodshop. “I knew what I wanted there but I couldn’t ﬁnd it, so I made it myself,” she says.

THERE’S A STORY BEHIND THAT...

Christmas Tree When the couple bought the farm, they planted some 11,000 seedlings as part of a government-subsidized program. Every December, the family heads into their woods in search of that year’s perfect spruce, which they lovingly decorate with handmade ornaments Josh and the kids make from the property’s walnut trees and adorn with family photos. “There’s always a little ‘Charlie Brown’ happening, with one or two sides a little spare,” says Angela.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Backwoods Benjamin Moore

Mudroom Even hard-working spaces exude charm, like the pegboard-wrapped mudroom and utility room (above) that Angela outﬁtted with a 1940s concrete laundry sink she found online for just $50. A simple marble backsplash and $50 industrial faucet pop against the board-and-batten wainscoting coated in forest green. More of Angela’s foraged farm clippings bring in a touch of holiday, like her rustic wreaths and less-ismore approach to layering branches in a basket.

Kitchen HOW CLEVER IS THAT?

Iron Straps Black steel frames the plastered, paneled range hood, picking up on the home’s windows and doors and grounding the white walls and marble counters.

Friendly faces and familiar landscapes are captured in the gallery of vintage paintings (at left), most of which Angela scored at country auctions, save for the top left portrait of an older man. “I grew up with him,” Angela says of the portrait her parents

The impressive nine-footlong farm table was made out of old cedar telephone poles. Josh built the ﬂanking benches out of reclaimed wood. “I love an eat-in kitchen,” says Angela. “I can serve directly from the stove.” But in the days leading up to Christmas, it’s Santa’s workshop that expands across the hefty work surface. Remnants of construction paper and Mod Podge take over the surface on one day and marshmallows and gumdrops mixed with gobs of white frosting on another. “It’s a bit crude. You know, your classic kindergarten crafts,” says Angela.

picked up in Germany while her father was in the military. Beyond, a small walk-in pantry offers an out-of-sight spot to stow away kitchen essentials. “I try to keep my sight lines clean so there aren’t small appliances that are distracting,” she says.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

'Tis a Gift to Be Simple For this creative Utah family, a hands-on approach to the holidays lends new meaning to the phrase “make it merry.” written by CHANTAL LAMERS

photographs by DAVID MEREDITH

styling by META COLEMAN

TOP: Homeowners Merrilee and Jon Liddiard with children Mila (9), Atticus (15), and Oliver (13) and dogs Sugar and Mabel. ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: A handmade wreath at the door hints at the family’s holiday signature style: natural and edited Scandinavian décor. Every year, Merrilee adorns brown paper packages with illustrations like this reindeer. The “Star of Wonder” Advent calendar counts down by way of oversize paper pocket stars draped by various lengths of twine (download available at merrileeliddiardshop.com).

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

A SIMPLE APPROACH TO...

Gift Giving The Liddiards lovingly handmake individual gifts for each other. That personal approach transfers to what’s on the outside of the box as well. Wrappings start with a cohesive palette of artisan papers and fabrics in the same red-andbrown colorway as the tree decorations, followed by a variety of handcrafted embellishments. “My son Oliver ﬁnger-knits wreaths for me, and I illustrate tags and create other gifttoppers from clay and fabric remnants,” Merrilee says.

Outfitted with a simple olive wreath, the dining room’s pine armoire houses dishes, linens, and craft supplies.

s soon as their children started scribbling letters to Santa 11 years ago, Merrilee and Jon Liddiard made a pact. The couple decided to draft their own gifting rule book, to stick to their budget and make the holidays feel a little less commercial. Over the years, that pact led to a family tradition they’ve since named the Zero-Dollar Agreement, in which Merrilee, Jon, and children Atticus (15), Oliver (13), and Mila (9) get creative with gifting as opposed to opting for standard store-bought fare. There have been handwritten poems, cleverly schemed scavenger hunts, and hand-sewn stuﬀed animals. “I grew up with the idea that making something was the most magical thing you could do,” says Merrilee. This wildly imaginative family decorates their two-story Gothic Revivalstyle house (it got its start as a cabin in 1860) with similar intent, which isn’t surprising, considering the couple’s creative professions: Jon is an actor and theater instructor at the local high school where they live in Herriman, Utah, and Merrilee is a children’s author, illustrator, and heirloom dollmaker (merrileeliddiardshop.com). Yearround, the Liddiard home feels like a living version of one of Merrilee’s fairy-tale illustrations, embracing her

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

A SIMPLE APPROACH TO...

deep draw to woodland plants and creatures through a natural, Scandinavian-influenced palette of muted greens, reds, and browns paired with naturescapes and handmade touches. Come December, that fairy tale leaps off the pages in other ways, too. Throughout the season, the family scatters around the house, decorating cookies, making cardboard gingerbread houses, collecting fallen pine cones in the yard for garlands, and, of course, breaking off for a few super-topsecret Santa’s workshop sessions, covertly crafting their handmade gifts for each other. “They are so excited to see their siblings open their gifts Christmas morning,” says Angela of the kids. “I’d say, maybe even more than opening their own.”

Setting the Table The antique turned-leg farm table has seen almost as many crafting sessions as it has family meals. Merrilee loves using quilts in lieu of fancy table linens. “Bringing a quilt to the table just feels fun and different, and I love adding someone else’s story to our story,” she says. It should come as no surprise that the brown-and-white check ﬂoor (Tortoiseshell Specs by Valspar) was another DIY project, hand-painted by Merrilee.

A SIMPLE APPROACH TO...

Trimming the Tree Merrilee prefers how the sparsely branched alpine ﬁr allows for her collection of handmade ornaments, including woodland creatures and felted mushrooms, to shine. “I like things that feel simple yet impactful and in keeping with nature, bringing the outdoors in, which is a very Scandinavian Christmas concept,” she says.

HOW CLEVER IS THAT?

Shaker Peg Rails “All of our walls are brick and plaster, so we had to get creative about how to display things,” says Merrilee. Enter: Shaker peg rails, all with 1 1/2- to 3-inch-deep ledges, that wrap most every room and are topped with an accumulation of favorite ﬁnds.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Dune Shack Limewash Portola Paints

A SIMPLE APPROACH TO...

Garlands Merrilee and Mila twist, tie, and string swags, wreaths, and garlands into various shapes and sizes to hang across the house, including from the pegs in the main bedroom (here). The pair passes up the craft store in favor of foraging around the neighborhood for fallen branches, leaves, acorns, feathers, and the like. Luckily, says Merrilee, “We have a bazillion pine cones on our lawn all the time.”

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

A SIMPLE APPROACH TO...

Kids' Rooms

Perched on a carvedwood mushroom stool (beckandcap.com), Mila writes and illustrates stories, transforms paper into animals, and peels the bark from twigs to make into wands.

The children put their own spin on holiday décor in their bedrooms. Mila decorates her vintage white-tinsel tree (left) with tonal ornaments such as felted white stars, cream-colored pom-poms, and homemade paper trees covered in glitter. The boys’ room (below) gets a simpler treatment: A minimal faux-feather tree is displayed inside a hefty old crock and dotted with vintage German wooden ornaments that correlate with the colorful, nature-themed art and toys displayed on the pine built-in’s peg rail and 6-inch-deep ledge above their olive green wood beds (crateandbarrel.com).

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Style

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A L M A N AC A S E A S O N A L C O M P E N D I U M O F E V E R Y D AY K N O W- H O W

IN SEASON

Winterberry

WRITTEN BY LEIGH CRANDALL.

Among the season’s most beautiful sights: the bright-red pop of winterberries against crisp, white snow. An important food source for birds in colder months, berry branches also serve as festive indoor decor when nestled in a vintage vessel, like this metal pail, alongside sprigs of pine.

photograph by JAMIE JAMISON

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

•

T H E A L M A N AC

•

Inspired by the country store on pg. 50 COAST TO COAST

Country Calendar

COLOR WHEEL

Celebrate the yuletide with an old-timey twist at these festivals.

Hues for the Holidays

Candlelight Christmas at the Biltmore

Each of these festive paint picks is inspired by a space seen in this issue.

Throughout December Asheville, NC Experience the season like the Vanderbilts did in 1895—by candlelight—during holiday evenings at this historic estate. biltmore.com

Victorian Christmas December 5, 8, 12, 15 & 19 Nevada City, CA

Visitors are encouraged to dress in period costume while taking in Victorian-era carols, roasted chestnuts, and visits from Santa on Main Street. nevadacitychamber.com

As seen on the kitchen ceiling on pg. 18

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 1. Tippy Toes by Benjamin Moore 2. Classic Red by Valspar 3. Poinsettia by Sherwin-Williams 4. Pine Forest by Glidden 5. Bed of Pine by Pratt & Lambert 6. Peppermint Leaf by Benjamin Moore 7. North Pole Blue by Behr 8. Dutch Tile Blue by Sherwin-Williams 9. Ice Rink Blue by Valspar 10. Snow Day by Clare Paint 11. Butter Cookie by PPG

Dickens of a Christmas December 11–12 Franklin, TN

WIT AND WISDOM

“The more the merrier when it comes to tree lights. Start with one 50-light strand per foot of height; then stand back, look for dark areas, and add more!” —STYLIST MATTHEW GLEASON

IDENTIFICATION KEY

Greenery Step aside pine. For a twist on a classic, try one of these leafy wreath alternatives.

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Olive

Boxwood

Seeded Eucalyptus

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MELINDA JOSIE; COLOR WHEEL, BRIAN WOODCOCK.

Be transported to the era of Charles Dickens as you mingle with characters from A Christmas Carol while shopping artisan booths. events.williamsonheritage.org

KNOW-HOW

Drying Citrus To create ornaments from oranges like those on Katherine Hacker’s porch tree (pg. 79), thinly slice fruit, sprinkle with superﬁne sugar, and place 2 to 3 inches apart on foil- or silicone-mat-lined baking sheets. Bake at 200°F at least 3 hours (the slices shouldn’t be sticky to the touch), ﬂipping slices halfway through. Remove from baking sheets, and use a wooden pick to poke a hole near the edge of each slice. Add ornament hooks once cool.

Ripe for the Pickin’ CL’s junkin’ expert, Mary Randolph Carter (@carterjunk), shares her love of festive lawn displays.

STYLE COMPASS

Tree Collars Consider swapping your traditional tree skirt for more durable dressing.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MELINDA JOSIE; CAROLERS, CARTER BERG.

RUSTIC

Natural Birch Bark $99; ballarddesigns.com

WHIMSICAL

Red Metal with Lights $90; glitzhome.com

PRIMITIVE

FARMHOUSE

Handwoven Wicker $127; amishbaskets.com

Galvanized Metal $129; grandinroad.com

“Growing up, I was always jealous of homes that turned their front yards into Christmas light extravaganzas. Today these displays compete for “tacky Christmas” prizes, and Walt Disney himself would be left speechless. I guess that’s why I turned my pickup around, even on that very hot summer day 10 years ago, to take a closer look at this trio of plastic light-up carolers at a yard sale. Obviously I couldn’t resist. Every Christmas since, they’ve lit up our front yard, along with reindeers, jolly Santas, snowmen, and endless strings of colored lights. Hurray for tacky Christmas!”

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

e Almanac

PRIZE RECIPES W I N N I N G FA R E T O M A K E A N D S H A R E

Transfer half of vegetables to a second large baking sheet.

2. Using bottom of a heavy pan, coarsely crush pink, green, and black peppercorns; transfer to a bowl. Add rosemary, honey, and remaining tablespoon oil and stir to combine. Season with salt. Rub over beef and nestle beef among vegetables on one tray.

FOR CAKE: 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan

1 1/2 pounds medium carrots, quartered lengthwise

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoons pink peppercorns 1 tablespoon green peppercorns 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary 2 teaspoons pure honey 1 (3 1/2-pound) trimmed beef tenderloin, tied with string

1. Preheat oven to 425°F with oven racks in upper and lower thirds. Toss together onions, carrots, parsnips, and 2 tablespoons oil on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.

100

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

Rosemary-Lemon Bundt Cake (including cooling and drying ) MAKES 12 to 16 servings

2 medium-size red onions, cut into 8 wedges

pound medium parsnips, quartered lengthwise

Process 1/4 cup packed fresh rosemary and 1/2 cup kosher salt in a food processor until rosemary is finely chopped, about 20 seconds. Add an additional 1/4 cup kosher salt and pulse to combine. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and let dry 2 to 6 hours. Makes 3/4 cup.

WORKING TIME 40 minutes TOTAL TIME 3 hours, 30 minutes

WORKING TIME 25 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour MAKES 8 servings

1/2

Rosemary Salt

FARM FRESH

Rosemary Rosemary plants bloom during the summer months, showcasing a pretty, small purple flower (great for garnishing potato salads or grilled pork chops), but sprigs of this truly evergreen herb come in handy during winter months, too, in cooking or floral arrangements. Look for stems that are tender with bright green leaves.

3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for pan 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 cups granulated sugar 1 tablespoon lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary 6 large eggs 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature FOR CANDIED ROSEMARY: 1 large egg white 1/2

cup granulated sugar

6 sprigs rosemary

ILLUSTRATION BY MELINDA JOSIE.

Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Root Vegetables

3. Roast both sheet trays, with beef on top rack, 15 minutes. Rotate pans and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of beef registers 125°F for medium-rare, 14 to 16 minutes.

Transfer beef to a cutting board and loosely tent with aluminum foil; let rest 20 minutes before slicing. Serve with vegetables.

•

PRIZE RECIPES

•

boiling water and rum. Serve in mugs topped with ice-cream balls. FOR ICING: 1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/4

teaspoon pure vanilla extract Pinch kosher salt

1. Make cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan, tapping out excess flour. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. 2. Beat butter, sugar, lemon zest, and rosemary with an electric mixer on medium-high until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to medium and beat in eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated after each addition. Beat in vanilla and lemon juice. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in flour mixture and sour cream alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture, just until incorporated. Transfer to prepared pan, tapping pan on counter and smoothing top. 3. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out with loose crumbs attached, 50 to 60 minutes, shielding after 30 minutes with aluminum foil, if necessary. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet; cool completely. 4. Meanwhile, make candied rosemary: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk egg white in a bowl until frothy. Place sugar in a second bowl. Working with one rosemary sprig at a time, brush egg white lightly onto sprig using a pastry brush. Immediately dip sprigs in sugar; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Dry 1 hour. 5. Make icing: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, salt, and 1 tablespoon water in a bowl. (If necessary, add more water 1 teaspoon at a time to make a thick but pourable icing.) Spoon icing over cake. Let stand 30 minutes, then decorate with candied rosemary.

Hot Buttered Rum with Coconut-Vanilla Ice-Cream Balls WORKING TIME 30 minutes TOTAL TIME 2 hours, 30 minutes

(including freezing) MAKES 6 to 8 servings

1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut, lightly toasted 1/2

cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4

cup packed light brown sugar

1/4

cup pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons orange zest 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2

teaspoon ground cloves

1/2

teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4

teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 cups boiling water 1 1/3 cups hot amber rum

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper. Scoop ice cream into 8 (2-inch) balls onto baking sheet. Roll balls in coconut. Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 1 day. 2. Beat butter with an electric mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low and beat in brown sugar, maple syrup, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla until combined. Transfer to a large heatproof serving pitcher or pot and stir in

Almond Biscotti WORKING TIME 30 minutes TOTAL TIME 4 hours (including MAKES 2 dozen

chilling)

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2

teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon anise seed, crushed 4 large eggs 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract 1 cup chopped whole almonds

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and anise seed in a bowl. Beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale yellow, 2 to 4 minutes. Beat in oil and almond extract. Beat in flour mixture just until combined. Stir in almonds. Cover and chill until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 1 day. 2. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide dough in half and shape each into an 8-by-5-inch log on prepared baking sheet. Bake just until firm, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 45 minutes. 3. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut each log diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces with

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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•

a serrated knife. Place on prepared baking sheets. Bake, rotating baking sheets and turning biscotti halfway through, until lightly browned, 24 to 30 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

Marbled Tahini Shortbread Cookies WORKING TIME 35 minutes TOTAL TIME 2 hours, 15 minutes

(including chilling and cooling) MAKES about 2 dozen

3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for work surface 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2

cup tahini paste

1 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/4

cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons black sesame seeds

1. Whisk together flour and salt in a bowl. Beat butter and tahini with an electric mixer on medium speed

PRIZE RECIPES

•

until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in egg until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in flour mixture just until combined. Remove two-thirds of dough. Beat cocoa powder into remaining dough just until combined.

2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each dough portion into a 10 1/2-inch circle (about 1/4 inch thick). Stack chocolate dough on top of plain dough. Cut circle in half and stack one half onto the other. Using your hands, gently fold and knead stack into a marbled ball. Shape into a 12-by-8-inch rectangle. Place on prepared baking sheet; chill 1 hour.

medium speed until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and molasses and beat until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in egg until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in flour mixture until combined. Shape dough into 2 disks and wrap with plastic wrap; chill until firm, at least 3 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each disk to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with a 1 3/4–inch gingerbread man–shaped cookie cutter and place on prepared baking sheets, rerolling scraps once. Bake until edges are golden, 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut dough into 1 1/2-by2 1/2-inch rectangles and roll edges in sesame seeds; place on prepared baking sheets. Bake, in batches, until edges are lightly browned, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

Mini Gingerbread Men WORKING TIME 50 minutes TOTAL TIME 4 hours, 35 minutes

(including chilling and cooling) 10 1/2 dozen

MAKES

3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for work surface 2 teaspoons ground ginger

FROM THE CL SHOP

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102

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

1/2

teaspoon kosher salt

1/2

teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2

teaspoon baking soda

1/4

teaspoon baking powder

1/4

teaspoon ground cloves

1/2

cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2

cup packed dark brown sugar

1/2

cup molasses

1 large egg

1. Whisk together flour, ginger, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and cloves in a bowl. Beat butter with an electric mixer on

Cranberry-Ginger Shrub Combine 1 (16-oz.) bag cranberries, 1 cup cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 (1 1/2-inch) piece peeled and sliced fresh ginger, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until berries start to break down, 10 to 15 minutes; cool completely. Strain through a fine wiremesh strainer, mashing mixture to release liquid; discard solids and chill. To serve, pour 1 oz. over ice and top with club soda. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

2. Make dressing: Whisk together orange juice, oil, mustard, vinegar, and maple syrup in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Bake, rotating baking sheets and stirring once, until vegetables are tender and golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.

3. Make salad: Add greens to dressing and use hands to massage greens until starting to soften. Add nuts, shallots, oranges, and croutons, and toss to combine.

Winter Greens & Citrus Salad WORKING TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 35 minutes MAKES 8 servings

Buttermilk Crackers

FOR CROUTONS: 4 cups cubed sourdough bread

WORKING TIME 1 hour TOTAL TIME 2 hours (including chilling) MAKES about 65 (2-inch) crackers

3 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup) FOR DRESSING: 1/4

cup fresh orange juice

1/4

cup olive oil

BUTTERMILK CRACKERS RECIPE FROM CHERYL DAY’S TREASURY OF SOUTHERN BAKING.

1 tablespoon Dijon 1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup FOR SALAD: 12 ounces assorted hardy greens (such as kale, collards, and chard), stems removed and sliced into ribbons 1/2

cup toasted pine nuts

2 small shallots, thinly sliced 4 Cara Cara oranges, peeled and pith removed, and segmented

1. Make croutons: Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss together bread, oil, and rosemary on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, stirring halfway through, until golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes. Cool completely.

Roasted Vegetable Mélange WORKING TIME 15 minutes TOTAL TIME 55 minutes MAKES 8 to 10 servings

4 pounds assorted winter vegetables, such as golden beets, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and acorn squash

2 cups self-rising flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for work surface 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2

teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted cold butter, cut into pieces 1/2

cup buttermilk

6 tablespoons olive oil

Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

1. Beat together flour, fine sea salt, and pepper with an electric mixer on low speed until blended. With mixer running, beat in butter, a few pieces at a time, until mixture is crumbly. Beat in buttermilk just until dough comes together. Divide dough in half and shape into rectangles. Wrap with plastic and chill at least 1 hour. (Dough can be frozen, well wrapped, up to 3 months.)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel beets and cut into wedges. Peel and seed butternut squash; cut into 1-inch pieces. Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet and toss with 3 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch-thick rounds and acorn squash into 1/2-inch slices. Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet. Toss with remaining 3 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F with racks in middle and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, with one dough disk at a time, roll into a very thin rectangle,

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

103

about 1/16-inch thick. With a sharp knife or a pizza wheel, cut dough into 2-inch triangles. Arrange on prepared baking sheets. Prick with a fork and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Repeat with remaining dough, rerolling scraps.

3. Bake, in batches, rotating pans halfway through, until puffed and lightly golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

PRIZE RECIPES

•

FOR CREAM SAUCE: 1/2

cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/2

cup all-purpose flour

4 cups chicken stock 1/2

cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon fresh thyme 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen peas 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1 recipe Extra-Flaky Piecrusts, (see recipe, at right) All-purpose flour, for work surface 1 large egg, lightly beaten with a pinch of kosher salt

Chicken Pot Pie

WORKING TIME 1 hour TOTAL TIME 2 hours (including

and piecrusts) MAKES 10 servings

cooling

FOR FILLING: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 1 medium-size sweet onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 teaspoon ground coriander Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved

104

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

1. Make filling: Melt butter in a large saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and coriander. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Cook until vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Reserve saucepan. 2. Make cream sauce: Melt butter in reserved saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking, until a smooth paste forms, about 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in stock, heavy cream, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in peas and lemon zest; remove from heat. Stir in chicken. Add to vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Cool completely. 3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Let dough sit at room temperature 10 to 15 minutes. On a floured work surface, roll one dough disk into a 14-inch round and fit into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pie plate. Trim edges, leaving a 1 1/2– inch overhang. Roll second dough disk into a 12-inch round. 4. Spoon filling into bottom crust. Place second round of dough over filling and trim to a 1-inch overhang. Fold edge of bottom crust over top, pressing bottom and top

crusts tightly together. Ensure crust rests on edge of pan and press edge with your fingers to seal loose pleats. Cut two small vents in top; brush with egg.

5. Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling, 50 to 60 minutes, shielding after 30 minutes with aluminum foil, if necessary.

Extra-Flaky Piecrusts WORKING TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour, 20 minutes

(including chilling) MAKES two 9-inch crusts or one double crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2

cup ice-cold water

1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Combine water and vinegar in a second bowl. 2. Add butter to flour mixture and toss to coat. Use two forks to cut butter into flour. Drizzle with 1/4 cup ice-cold water and stir lightly until flour is moistened and dough starts to come together. If dough seems dry, add more ice water, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time. (Dough will look a bit shaggy. If you grab a small piece of dough and press it lightly with your hand, it should mostly hold together.) 3. Turn dough out onto an unfloured work surface and gather into a tight mound. Using the heel of your hand, smear dough a little at a time, pushing it away from you and working your way down the mass to create flat layers. Gather dough together with a bench scraper, layering clumps of dough on top of one another. Repeat process once or twice; there should still be big pieces of butter visible. continued on pg. 105

CHICKEN POT PIE AND EXTRA-FLAKY PIECRUSTS RECIPES FROM CHERYL DAY’S TREASURY OF SOUTHERN BAKING.

•

4. Divide in two portions and shape into disks. Wrap disks with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

together butter, sugar, molasses, and eggs in a bowl.

2. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice in a second bowl. Whisk dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Whisk in water until well blended. Fold in candied ginger. Pour into prepared pan. 3. Bake until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. 4. Cut cake into 12 to 16 squares. Serve warm topped with Chantilly Cream.

Chantilly Cream

Ginger Cake Squares with Chantilly Cream WORKING TIME 25 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour, 30 minutes

(including cream) MAKES 12 to 16 squares

GINGER CAKE SQUARES WITH CHANTILLY CREAM RECIPE FROM CHERYL DAY’S TREASURY OF SOUTHERN BAKING.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan 1 cup granulated sugar 2 cups blackstrap molasses

Whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, 2 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar, and 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (or 1 Tbsp. cool brewed coffee) with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until starting to thicken. Reduce speed to medium and beat until cream holds soft, shiny, medium peaks, 2 to 3 minutes; do not overbeat. Use immediately or chill up to 5 hours. (It will start to separate, so rewhip it briefly before using.) Makes about 2 cups.

2 large eggs, at room temperature 4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1 tablespoon baking soda 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 tablespoons ground ginger 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground allspice 2 cups boiling water 1/2

cup finely chopped candied ginger

Chantilly Cream (see recipe, at right)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F with oven rack in lower third. Butter a 9-by13-by-2-inch baking pan. Line pan with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on long sides. Whisk

White Chocolate– Peppermint Pie

12 sheets graham crackers 4 candy canes, crushed, plus more, for garnish 1/4

teaspoon plus a pinch kosher salt, divided

1/2

cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

8 ounces white chocolate, chopped 1 1/3 cups heavy cream 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2

teaspoon pure peppermint extract

2 drops red gel food coloring

1. Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form, 12 to 14 times; transfer to a bowl. Pulse candy canes in a food processor until fine crumbs form, 12 to 14 times (you should have 1/3 cup); add to bowl with graham crackers. Stir in salt and butter just until combined. Press evenly on bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Freeze 15 minutes or overnight. 2. Combine chocolate and 1/3 cup heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted, about 1 minute. Cool 15 minutes. Beat remaining cup heavy cream with an electric mixer at mediumhigh speed until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute. Beat cream cheese, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt in a second bowl until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add cooled white chocolate mixture and food coloring; beat just until combined. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into prepared crust, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until set, 4 hours or up to 12 hours. 3. Just before serving, remove plastic wrap. Using a ruler as a guide, sprinkle crushed peppermints on top of pie in rows.

WORKING TIME 25 minutes TOTAL TIME 5 hours (including

freezing and chilling) MAKES 8 to 12 servings

F O R U NLI M I T E D ACC E SS TO T HE COUN T RY LIV IN G RE CIP E A RCH IVE ( CO OKIE S! PIE S! B REA KFA ST CA S S ERO LE S ! ) , B E COM E A ME MB E R OF TH E COUNTRY CLU B TODAY AT COU N TRYL IVIN G.COM/J OIN.

e Almanac

RESOURCES Y O U R G O -T O G U I D E F O R R E P L I C AT I N G THE LOOKS IN THIS ISSUE

Designer Barry Dixon; barrydixon .com. PAGE 17 Designer Patrick McGuire; mcguirearchitecturalinteriors.com. PAGE 16

Makeover Takeover

“Antique White” satin Emerald Urethane beadboard paint and “Dutch Tile Blue” satin Emerald Interior ceiling paint; sherwin-williams.com. “Bridgeport” cabinets in Maple White and Rustic Alder Cappucino; starmarkcabinetry .com. “Rodino” cabinet knobs, “Klein” cabinet pulls, and “Oldham” sink; signaturehardware.com. Bridge faucet; watermarkfixtures.com. “Jurassic Black” granite countertops; mogastone.com. “Woodmore” in Oak Autumn floors; mohawkflooring.com. “Birmingham” striped rug; annieselke.com. Range and refrigerator in Matte White with brushed bronze hardware; cafeappliances.com. Nautical flush-mount lights; shiplights .com. Red-and-white striped mugs and bowls; cornishware.co.uk. “Victoria” painting; shopvintagesupply.com. PAGE 22 “Antique White” satin Emerald Urethane beadboard paint; sherwin-williams.com. “Bridgeport” cabinet bench in Maple White; starmarkcabinetry.com. “Morrison” in Red cushion fabric and “Poppy” in Rose and Sky pillow fabric; fschumacher .com. Leather cushion straps; american layers.com. Nautical hanging light; shiplights.com. “Jozy” table (painted Pure White by Sherwin-Williams); worldmarket.com. Our Name is Mud for Country Living sweater mugs; countryliving.com/holidaycollection. Windsor dining chairs; target.com. Vintage photographs; lmcvintage goods.etsy.com. PAGES 18–21

meerttreefarm.net. Trees; heritagevalley treefarm.com. PAGE 77 Moravian star tree topper; rayneinspired.etsy.com. PAGE 79 Pine cone hand-hooked pillow; frontgate.com.

Everyday Heirlooms

Have a sentimental item you’d like to share? Send your story to us with a snapshot of your item at country living@hearst.com for consideration. PAGE 108

RULES FROM PAGE 4 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Find the Horseshoe Sweepstakes December 2021. Sponsored by Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Beginning November 4, 2021 at 12:01 AM (ET) through December 31, 2021 at 11:59 PM (ET), go to sweepstakes.countryliving.com on a computer or wireless device and complete the entry form pursuant to the on-screen instructions. Optional: Entry may include the page number where the hidden horseshoe appears in the December 2021 issue of Country Living, available via subscription as early as November 4 and at newsstands approximately November 9, 2021 to December 31, 2021, while supplies last (exact dates may vary depending on newsstand). Important Notice: You may be charged for visiting the mobile website in accordance with the terms of your service agreement with your carrier. One (1) Winner will receive one (1) artiﬁcial holiday tree from Treetopia (treetopia.com). ARV: $450. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. Open to the legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who have reached the age of majority in their state or territory of residence at time of entry. Void in Puerto Rico, Canada, and where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes subject to complete official rules available at countryliving.com/sweeps.

In with the Old

PAGE 36

PAGES 76–83

106

Wreaths and garlands;

COUNTRYLIVING.COM / DECEMBER 2021

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The Country Living Christmas Village

Secondhandmade

Old-Fashioned Cabin Christmas

FROM THE CL SHOP

Vintage sleds: The Polohouse, thepolohouse.etsy.com; Texas Turquoise Co., texasturquoiseco.etsy.com; Painted Lady Antiques, paintedladyantiques.etsy .com; Classy Rustic Design, classyrustic design.etsy.com. PAGE 33 Vintage thermoses: Kristy Robb, @robbrestyle. PAGE 31

Chest; henhouseantiques.com. “Meadowlark Plaid” napkins; heather taylorhome.com. Stocking; ballarddesign .com. Garland; lynchcreekwreaths.com.

HEARST MAGAZINE MEDIA, INC.:

psst...

Last month, the horseshoe was tucked away on pg. 15.

Welcome to snow-dusted Pleasant View Church, the newest addition to our charming, handcrafted village collection with Department 56. $130; countryliving.com/ holidaycollection

MAGAZINE, BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER.

Perfectly Imperfect

Country Living (ISSN 0732-2569) is published monthly, except combined January/February and July/August, 10 times a year and when future combined issues are published that count as two issues as indicated on the issue’s cover by Hearst, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 U.S.A. Steven R. Swartz, President and Chief Executive Officer; William R. Hearst III, Chairman; Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION Publication Title: Country Living Publication Number: 0559-1500 Filing Date: October 1, 2021 Issue Frequency: Monthly, with combined Jan/Feb and Jul/Aug Number of Issues Published Annually: 10 Annual Subscription Price: $24.00 Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 300 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 300 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Patricia Haegele, 300 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019 Editor: Rachel Hardage Barrett, 2901 2nd Ave. S., Suite 170, Birmingham, AL 35233 Managing Editor: Amy Mitchell, 2901 2nd Ave. S., Suite 170, Birmingham, AL 35233 10. 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(1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 727,815 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): n/a (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®: 35,705 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®): n/a c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 763,520 d. (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 284,445 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: n/a (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail): n/a (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 14,190 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 298,635 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 1,062,155 g. Copies not Distributed: 79,813 h. Total (Sum of 15f and g): 1,141,968 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 71.88% No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: a. Total Number of Copies (net press run): 980,900 b. (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 574,606 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): n/a (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®: 27,000 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®): n/a c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 601,606 d. 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Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print and Electronic Copies): 72.97% No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: 42,900 b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies and Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 15c): 644,506 c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) and Requested/Paid Electronic Copies: 881,271 d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print and Electronic Copies): 73.13% 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership. If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the December 2021 issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Patricia Haegele, Publisher 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

B c F

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

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Everyday Heirlooms

Sweeter with Time

IT WAS AROUND 1935 when my grandmother,

Marie, was given a recipe for Christmas cookies. She was a newlywed in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and her landlord, Elda Wenger (who also happened to be the mayor’s wife), gave her the recipe. A set of metal cookie cutters in assorted animal shapes, save for one Santa Claus, soon followed. Growing up, these cookies graced many holiday platters. Always decorated with bright frosting and sprinkles, they weren’t hard to miss, and the shapes and colors remained the same no matter the occasion. It wasn’t unusual to see a turquoise chick on Christmas or a pink Santa on Easter Sunday.

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My grandmother was meticulous about rolling, cutting, baking, and decorating these cookies, shooing anyone and everyone who tried to help her out of the kitchen. But when age and arthritis took its toll, she ﬁnally allowed me in, and under her very watchful eye, showed me how to create these treats. When my grandmother passed away in 1994, my mother entrusted the handwritten recipe card and cutters to me, and I know I’ll pass the tradition to my own daughter. It just isn’t a holiday without them. —Darcy Anders of Flat Rock, North Carolina (as told to writer and photographer Shana Novak)

PHOTOGRAPH BY SHANA NOVAK/THE HEIRLOOMIST.

Gifted almost a century ago, a storied set of cookie cutters leaves a lasting impression.

Cheese. Tacos. No dinner drama.