All About the Table Magazine- Christmas 2024 by lizbushong.com

All about theTable Serve it up Sassy!®

MAGAZINE Christmas 2024

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Contents All About the Table Vol. 3 Issue 4 Holiday Christmas Issue -December 2024 Cover Image Photo/Style Liz Bushong It’s a Golden Christmas Table Features: It’s a Golden Christmas Nothing to Blush About One Horse Open Sleigh I’ll Be Home for Christmas-Cakes White House Blue Room Tree Selection Event Celebrate the Light of the World-Devotional

IN EVERY ISSUE Editor's Note Favors & Finishing Touches Recipe Index & Resources Table Talk-Devotional Contributors: Connie Clyburn-Table Talk Visit www.lizbushong.com./shop or contact info@lizbushong.com

A LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR ENTERTAINING-AD FREE

EDITORS NOTE...

It’s a Golden Christmas!

Some have been very NAUGHTY this year but this Christmas will be golden for those who are on the NICE list. Santa knows... in fact he decided to double check this year’s list the old fashion way. He is not traveling by plane, vintage red truck, but a one horse open sleigh-cutter. If you hear his silver bells ring you made the list! This Christmas issue features a pretty golden tablescape in blush, pink, gold & white color scheme. If pink is not for you, check out the Christmas red and green scape. In addition, we will take a trip to Cartner’s Tree Farm for the White House Blue Room tree selection event, then come home and bake festive cakes with one recipe but three ways to decorate. Need cookies? I’ve got you covered with classic confections. Grab a hot chocolate, and stroll through the pretty pages of this fun issue. So glad you’re on the NICE list! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU! XO

Gold & White with Pink Color Scheme

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Wired Velvet White & Gold Ribbon as Napkin Ring and Table Horizontal Runner.

It’’s a Golden Christmas! Nothing to Blush About

Make an elegant Christmas dining room setting with a soft gold and white color scheme with pink accents. Gold and white are the key players while sparkling soft and medium pink can be seen in ornaments to ribbon on bowed packages. Making this a Golden Christmas setting nothing to blush about. Take a break from the traditional red and green and try gold, white and pink or gold, white with red or green? Noritake Palace Christmas Gold Holiday Accent plate is paired with a gold charger and the classic white dinner plate. Roll a gold lame napkin and finish with ribbon as napkin ring. All that glitters includes champagne flutes trimmed in rhinestones, DIY gold striped tapers, flocked resin table top trees and four inch wrapped packages with glittering pink wired ribbon. Other accents include DIY 20" pink, white, gold pearl covered tree cone. Inspired by Jim Marvin’s Christmas Trees at Neiman Marcus. A decorative mirror reflects the decor and lovely sentiment. All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Change Charger to pink & gold for optional play on pink. Use ribbon bands instead of runner. 8

How to Decorate the Tree & Mantel 1.Use flocked tree or spray paint tree satin white and add additional flocked stems to create full faux tree. 2.Wrap warm white lights-100 bulbs per foot of tree.

3.Add 3 stems of one kind to tree for topper. Add 2-3 coordinating stems in addition for topper. 4.Add ribbon in loops & swags, use tree to attach. 5. Add large flower pick clusters & all ornaments. 6. Fill in openings with ribbon loops or tails. All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

I’ll Be Home for Christmas... You can count on Me!

Vanilla Cake with Cranberry Orange Filling

Vanilla Cake & Buttercream Recipe Decorated Three Ways Do you love Christmas cakes and need some ideas on how to make them festive? Here is a master vanilla cake and American buttercream recipe presented three different ways to decorate. Cakes range from round, square to cupcakes. Select your option and bake away! Easy from scratch recipes with the Spirit of Christmas!

Three layer 6" Vanilla Cake with Cranberry Orange Filling, Orange Buttercream garnished with fresh rosemary & sugared cranberries.

Make a Wreath Using Fresh Rosemary Sugared Cranberries

Two layer 6 1/2" square Vanilla Cake with peppermint flavored red & white striped buttercream between layers. Certain cuts reveal polka dot design while the frosted cake is wrapped up in a pretty fondant bow.

Satin Ice Brand Red Fondant Makes Pretty Package

Vanilla Cupcakes with egg nog, cinnamon & nutmeg. Snow flocked buttercream piped sugar cones make festive Christmas Trees. Serve it up Sassy with tiny wrapped gift packages on a bed of sugared “snow”.

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Upside Down Waffle

Cones Piped Like Snowy Trees tip # 352

Vanilla Cake Cranberry Filling Orange Buttercream

Master Vanilla Cake Recipe 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs, room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla & orange extract 2 cups all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup whole milk Orange Buttercream 1-1/2 cups butter, room temp. 1 /2 cup shortening 3-1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar 1 tablespoon meringue powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons orange extract 1 tablespoon whole milk Garnish:CranberryCake-rosemary sprigs, and sugared cranberries Instructions: Recipe Makes 3-6" round cakes, or 2-square 41/2" x 4 1-2" cakes or 19 cupcakes. 1.Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray pans with cooking spray and parchment paper on bottom of pans. Set aside. 2.In large bowl of stand mixer, with paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy 5-7 minutes. 3.Add eggs one at a time, beat between eggs. Scrape down sides of mixing bowl. Add vanilla or as suggested for cakes #1, #2, or #3. as well as spices. 4.Combine flour, baking powder, salt.

gradually add to creamed mixture, alternate with whole milk( use egg nog for recipe 2, or 3) 5.Beat to combine, pour into prepared pans. Bake cake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center come out clean.Cool in pans 10 minutes, invert to cooling rack to cool completely. Buttercream Frosting: In mixing bowl, paddle attachment, add all ingredients and whip until smooth. Chill cakes after frosting. Garnish before serving. Cake 1-Cranberry Filling-Chill 8hrs 1-8 oz jar cherry preserves 1/2 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon orange zest 1/8 cup orange juice 1-1/2 cups fresh cranberries Instructions: in small saucepan, add all ingredients stir over medium heat until cranberries pop and mixture is thick. Chill filling 8 hours. Assemble Cakes: Crumb coat three 6" round cakes with buttercream, Let sit to capture crumbs. Place one cake flat side up on 6" round cake board, pipe a small rim around edge of cake, fill with 1/4 cup cranberry filling inside the rim. Add second layer cake bottom side on filling, pipe rim fill with cranberry, add third cake layer. Frost entire cake with buttercream frosting. Garnish with rosemary sprigs like a wreath, Sugared Cranberries: In small saucepan, add 1/2 cup water, & 1/2 cup sugar. Stir to dissolve. cool. add cranberries, strain, sprinkle with sugar.

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Vanilla Bow Cake with Peppermint Buttercream

with Vanilla Cake Bow m & Fondant a e r c r e tt u B Peppermint

Vanilla Gift Cake-6.5x 6.5 square pans 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs, room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg 1 cup whole milk Peppermint Buttercream 1-1/2 cups butter, room temp. 1 /2 cup shortening 3-1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar 1 tablespoon meringue powder 1 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract 1 tablespoon whole milk super red food gel Satin Ice Red Fondant-3 -4 oz pkgs. Instructions: Recipe Makes 3-6" round cakes, or 2-square 6.5"x 6.5" cakes or 19 cupcakes. 1.Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray pans with cooking spray and parchment paper on bottom of pans. Set aside. 2.In large bowl of stand mixer, with paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy 5-7 minutes. 3.Add eggs one at a time, beat between eggs.Scrape down sides of mixing bowl. Add vanilla or as suggested for cakes #1, #2, or #3. 4.Combine flour, baking powder, salt.

gradually add to creamed mixture, alternate with whole milk( use egg nog for recipe 2, or 3) 5.Beat to combine, pour into prepared pans. Bake cake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center come out clean.Cool in pans 10 minutes, invert to cooling rack to cool completely. Buttercream Frosting: In mixing bowl, paddle attachment, add all ingredients and whip until smooth and creamy. Reserve 1 cup frosting- tint red for filling Assemble Cakes: Crumb coat 2 square cakes with buttercream let sit to capture crumbs. Place one cake flat side up on 6" square cake board, pipe red frosting strips on top of cake, alternate with plain buttercream. Creating striped pattern. Add top cake layer. Frost entire cake smooth. Chill Cake to firm. Bow Making: Roll fondant between two pieces of parchment paper as not to add powdered sugar. Cut 4 pieces 2" wide to fit sides and top of half of the cake ~7". Cut 42" wide x 3" pieces for bow loops. Place each piece over parchment wrapped tube to form bow loop. Let dry to harden. You will have 4 bow loops. Make 4 ribbon ties. Assemble Bow: On chilled cake, position ribbon bands on center of cake sides and top. Do not overlap fondant at top center. Cut off excess. Attach bow loops on opposite corners to center, glue with tiny bit of water. Attach ribbon ties.

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Vanilla Spice “Tree”Cupcakes with Eggnog Buttercream

Vanilla Spice Cupcakes Eggnog Buttercream

3. Vanilla Spice Tree Cupcakes-Yield: 19

1/2 cup butter, room temperature 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs, room temperature 2 teaspoon s vanilla & rum extract 2 cups all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg 1 cup whole milk or egg nog Eggnog Buttercream-Triple recipe for 19 cupcakes-Garnish: coarse sugar 1-1/2 cups butter, room temp. 1 /2 cup shortening 3-1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar 1 tablespoon meringue powder 1 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla & rum extract 1 tablespoon egg nog or whole milk Sugar Ice Cream Cones -19 Disposable Piping bags-Tip 352 large leaf Instructions: Recipe Makes 3-6" round cakes, or 2-square 6.5"x 6.5" cakes or 19 cupcakes. 1.Preheat oven to 350° F. Line 2 cupcake pans with white liners. Set aside. 2.In large bowl of stand mixer, with paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy 5-7 minutes. 3.Add eggs one at a time, beat between eggs.Scrape down sides of mixing bowl. Add vanilla or as suggested for cakes #1, #2, or #3 and spices. 4.Combine flour, baking powder, salt.

gradually add to creamed mixture, alternate with whole milk( use egg nog for recipe 2, or 3) Beat to combine. 5.Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake cake 12-15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center come out clean. Cool in pans 8 minutes. Remove and cool before frosting. Buttercream Frosting: In mixing bowl, paddle attachment, add all ingredients and whip until smooth and creamy. Frost cupcake tops smooth and flat but build a small mound of frosting in the center to help cone stay in place. Making Christmas Tree Toppers Trim sugar cones to correct height so they are not to tall. Fit piping bag with coupler, fill bag with frosting. Pipe the inside rim of sugar cones to act as glue to secure to cupcake and place on top of cupcake. Add tip 352-large leaf to coupler and practice piping the leaf pattern to get the look you want. Pipe bottom of cone first, second layer should alternate with the bottom leaves as to create the look of tree branches. Fill cone to the top. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar, coarse sparkling sugar if desired. Store cupcakes in refrigerator until ready to serve as the buttercream will soften as the cone softens. Serve on a cake stand covered with granulated and white non perils, with tiny wrapped packages.

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

How to Create Showstopping Christmas Cakes Garnishes

Dip cranberries in simple syrup, strain, toss with sugar. Garnish cake top.

Red white frosting stripes between cakes creates design inside cake slice. Satin Ice red fondant ribbon widths, loops and tails added to frosted cake.

Use ice cream waffle cone trimmed to fit top of cupcake.Pipe snow drenched fir tree branches using Leaf Piping Tip # 352. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar, coarse sugar and white nonpariel’s.

Christmas Cookies Santa Will Love!

Christmas Fudge

Peppermint Chocolate Chip

Christmas Fudge, Pinwheels & Peppermint Chocolate Chip

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Christmas Candy Kiddo’s Will Love! White Chocolate Christmas Fudge Ingredients: 24 oz.Ghirardelli white chocolate chips 14 oz.sweetened condensed milk 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon orange extract 3-4 drops super red food gel 3-4 drops leaf green food gel 2-4 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles Instructions: 1.Line 8" x 8" pan with parchment paper extending over sides and bottom of pan. No need to grease pan. 2.In microwave safe bowl, add chips, condensed milk, butter and extract. Microwave at 30 second intervals until melted. Reserve 1/2 cup fudge mixture in a small bowl, add 3-4 drops red food gel. Repeat for green food gel. 3.Spoon thin layer of fudge in bottom of pan, add dollops of red and green fudge over white, top with remaining white fudge. Fudge is thick so pat it in place. 4.Using a skewer to swirl red and green to get marbled design. Sprinkle with Christmas Sprinkles and Jimmies. 5.Chill 2 hours before cutting. Remove from pan, lifting parchment paper, cut into desired pieces with sharp knife. With a paper towel, wipe knife clean between cut fudge pieces. Store in refrigerator. Yield: 16 servings

Christmas Cookie Family Will Love! Christmas Pinwheel Cookies Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1 cup butter, softened 2 large eggs 6 tablespoons whole milk, divided 2 teaspoons almond extract 5 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 3-4 drops red food gel 3-4 drops leaf green food gel 3-4 drops white food gel-optional Instructions: 1.In mixing bowl fitted with paddle attachment, beat sugar and butter until creamy. Add extract. In small cup add 3 tbsp milk, salt,& baking soda. Stir to blend, add to butter mix. 2.Add flour one cup at a time, alternate with 3 tablespoons milk. Mix until stiff dough forms. 3.Divide dough into thirds. Tint each dough ball, one red, one green, one white or leave as is. Use gloves as you will be mixing dough with hands. 4.With red dough, roll out between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4" thick. Repeat with green & white dough. Cut dough 10" long x 6" wide. Stack dough with red first, white on top of red, then green dough.

5.Roll dough together to 3/8" thick. 6.Start on narrow end roll tightly into a log. Wrap in parchment paper, chill 60 minutes. Re-roll scrapes of dough for marbled cookies. 6.Cut cookies into 1/4" slices, place on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 9-10 minutes. Tip: Gently roll log with hands in case cookie roll gets mis-shaped. Use sharp knife to cut cookies. Yield: 36 cookies.

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Christmas Cookie You Will Love!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 2 eggs 3 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup chopped peppermint candy canes 2 cups Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips 1 cup chopped Ande’s Creme de Menthe candies, unwrapped. 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

Instructions: 1.Cream butter, oil, and sugars together until smooth, add vanilla in mixing bowl of stand mixer, with paddle attachment. Beat until creamy and smooth. 2.Add flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, mix well to combine. 3. Add chips, candies, canes, pecans. Stir gently to incorporate. 4.Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 1" balls placing 1" apart. 5.Bake at 375° F for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be soft and so good! Cool completely before removing from baking trays. Yield: 3 dozen

Celebrate The Light of the World! Table Talk by Connie Clyburn

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life. John 8:12 AMPC Christmas décor makes me happy. Stores dedicated to that most wonderful time of year are fun to browse no matter the season. I love browsing aisles filled with brightly colored ornaments. Unique manger scenes have me wanting to spend way more than I planned when I first entered the door. Gorgeous trees laden with chubby snowmen dance in my head, creating festive scenes for every room of my country home. Holiday cards pose another tough choice— do I want to send funny cards or something more poignant this year? Unique gift ideas pop up at every turn as I try to narrow down my choices for family and friends. Among all the pretties displayed in the festive holiday boutiques, I’m drawn beyond the sparkly and cute offerings to the strings of twinkling lights strung to and fro. Fun multicolored lights running in harmonious displays along with subdued tiny fairy lights grab my attention. Honestly, I love lights of all kinds, which explains all the candles and lanterns sitting in nearly every room of my home. My mother loves to remind me that my first words were, ‘see the lights’. I’ve had a love affair going with lights throughout my life. I buy fairy lights like they’re going out of style when I find them at a good price. You never know when there will be a need for lights to go in a new décor idea. My Pinterest account is full of Christmas inspiration, featuring a lot of lights. Don’t laugh, but I still have some hints of Christmas décor in my home that stays up all year long. A wooden tree wrapped in a string of multicolored tree lights sits in the den, lighting the way at night. Where would we be without light? Let’s pause to thank Thomas Edison. Light adds so much to our way of life. Walk into a room with no windows, not even a wisp of light filtering in. The darkness is overwhelming. But even the tiniest spark instantly dispels every trace of darkness. All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

We need light in order to function properly. Just ask anyone experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When long, sunny days turn darker and sunlight lessens with the coming winter, we’re left feeling a little gray. We crave light to brighten our way. God knew we would need more than natural daylight to transform us. We needed His Light of Redemption. When Jesus arrived on planet earth, things were pretty dark, but He brought the light of life. Angels showed up, dispelling the black night to bring the Good News of His birth. Shepherds were drawn across pastures, traversing mountainsides to a manger brightened with His Majesty. Royalty paid attention as the Magi searched diligently for Him. Jesus came to us to bring light from heaven. He brought us hope’s Light. Without Him and His sacrifice, there would be no hope. The world we live in would still be as dark as a moonless night devoid of starlight. Jesus is our Light in the dark world, just as He said in John 8:12. There are days when it seems like our world will never climb out of darkness. Circumstances look almost hopeless. Many are asking where God is in all of this. That’s when we must slow down long enough to see His light and listen to His voice. It doesn’t always look like we expect it to look. Jesus didn’t arrive in the way people expected. They might have asked, “How could our King come as an infant born in a dirty livestock barn?” As Jesus grew older, they still didn’t get it. They missed the Light of the World while looking for their Messiah. Many chose to remain in darkness instead of trusting in Him. This Christmas, I will celebrate His birth by hanging lights on trees, placing candles across my fireplace mantel and in windows to celebrate my Redeemer. I will unashamedly celebrate the Light of the World who came to save and transform me from dark sin into life’s Light. I’ll party like no other year before. He is worthy of my adoration. Dear Lord, I’m overjoyed when I think of your goodness. You have gone way beyond brightening my life with happiness. You rescued me from the dark pit. Help me lead others to you so they can experience that same transformation. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. 25 .

Connie is a freelance writer, author and blogger who hails from Tennessee. She has a soft spot for Appalachia and has been known to climb a mountainside to get a story. Connect with her on Face book @Connie Clyburn and on Instagram @wisdom from the doublewide or via her website: http://www.doublewidewisdom.com

D NEW BOOK N A R ! B

Great Christmas Gifts for All! Order today on Amazon.

“On a One Horse Open Sleigh”

Santa arrived in town not by plane, vintage red truck but a One “Percheron” horse and cutter-sleigh. “Charlie”is dressed with Christmas silver bells and regal bridle, halter & reins. Whether it’s over the river or through the woods, to grandmother’s house; Charlie “knows the way to carry the sleigh even if it snows!” No bob tails here but “oh what fun it is to ride on this one horse open sleigh”. Santa has come to town to confirm who’s on the nice or naughty list.

Santa is riding in a cutter, “a two person vehicle designed for a single horse in harness”. This is a casual ride not the expected sleigh Santa uses Christmas Eve. Santa has many ways to travel; he is very creative using reindeer, Percheron horses, to planes, trains and automobiles. He jingles all the way!

Did you Know... In 1850 the infamous Christmas song, Jingle Bells was penned by songwriter and composer James Lord Pierpont in a tavern in Massachusetts. He was inspired to write this song by sleigh races that was popular in New England. It was meant to be a jingle and not a holiday song. The title was changed in 1857 to One Horse Open Sleigh but today we know it as Jingle Bells. As we merrily sing along we say strange things like bells on bobtail ring, and two forty at his speed. When it snowed in New England people in the 1800's used sleighs to get around, so they bobbed the horses tail as not to get the tail caught in the reins. The bells were an alarm system used during heavy snows, restricted visibility as in snowbanks to alert the other drivers someone was coming their direction... sleigh bells ring. Two forty at his speed is the speed of the horse pulling the sleigh. They traveled one mile in two minutes and forty seconds. I am sure Santa knows all about this history, “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle all the way ...In a One Horse Open Sleigh”! Read more about the Hidden History of Jingle Bells. 29

He’s making a list, checking it twice...

...gonna find out who’s Naughty & Nice

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

ys a s y e l i Ba n e e b s ’ e h very Nice!

Bailey is so excited to see Santa! He can’t wait to see what’s in the bag...maybe some dog biscuits?

He’s still checking for Naughty & Nice.

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Are you on the Naughty or Nice List? Cause Santa Claus is Comn’ to Town!

Santa, did you find my name in BAILEY THE BOOK?

Bag? e h t ’s in What

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Y TO:BAILE A NT A S LOVE:

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm White House Tree Selection Event

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

White House Officials Dale Haney & Robert Downing

Sam Cartner leads the way with Dale Haney searching for right tree.

Ronnie Bean, Field Manager, Sam Cartner & Robert Downing.

On a foggy early morning, White House Officials Dale Haney Superintendent of Grounds & Robert Downing Chief Usher arrived at Cartner’s Frasier Fir Christmas Tree Farm October 28, 2024 to select the magnificent White House Blue Room Tree. The Cartner brothers with White House officials led the way, while the media and invited guests followed closely behind dodging one another to capture the photographic- video moment, it was exciting with great anticipation. Which Tree?

Jim Cartner, Tim O’Connor, Dale Haney measuring height & width of tree.

Jim Cartner checking measure- Dale Haney inspects density ment for second tree candidate of tree , shape all around. We have a winner! “Tree-mendous!” The tree measures 20'x 12' w.

For More Information: Tim O’Connor 800-9745-5920 (303) 229-9198 Direct The National Christmas Tree Association Executive Director Tim O’Connor released “2024 White House Christmas Tree Selected press release on October 28, 2024. “Christmas tree growers David, Sam, and Jim Cartner, Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm, Newland, NC waited for the arrival of special guests from our nation’s capital to select the 2024 White House Christmas tree. Robert Downing, White House Chief Usher and Dale Haney, White House Superintendent of Grounds arrived at the appointed filed to look over Cartner’s choice firs to select the perfect tree to be the 2024 White House Christmas tree. David, Sam and Jim were named 2024 Grand Champion Grower at the National Christmas Tree Association’s 2023 National Christmas Tree contest as announced previously by NCTA. With this award goes the honor of presenting a Christmas tree to the White House. After inspecting and measuring contending trees, Mr. Downing and Mr. Haney selected a spectacular 20' foot tall tree to be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House this holiday season. This special tree has to fit exacting specifications to go on display in such a historic room. “We are honored to have the opportunity to represent the Christmas tree growers of America, by continuing the tradition of providing a farm-grown Christmas tree to the White House Blue Room, which will be viewed by millions of people”. said Sam. Members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented the official White House Christmas tree for display in the Blue Room since 1966. 2024 will mark the 59th year a member of the National Christmas Tree Association has presented the official White House Christmas Tree.” For more information on real Christmas tree selection and care tips, or to find a Christmas tree farm or lot in your area, please visit www.realchristmastrees.org. To learn more about the National Christmas Tree Association contact tim@realchristmastrees.org.”

Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm named the Tree “Tree-Mendous” Avery County, NC was tragically hit hard by hurricane Helene October 6, 2024. Several homes, business and Christmas tree farms were damaged. So the Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm named their beautiful Blue Room Tree, “Tree-Mendous” as the tree was not harmed by mud slides or flooding. In addition, to help celebrate Christmas in this region they will be holding a toy drive for the children of hurricane families. The White House Tree Send off Event will be held November 20, 2024. This event is open to the public. All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

1959-2024 65 Years of Excellence Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm

Beginning left, Jim Cartner, Ronnie Beam, in back Sam Cartner, White House Officials; Dale Haney & Robert Downing and David Cartner. Read more about the Cartner Christmas Tree Farm’s history @ https://carolinafraserfir.com/about/

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

The Official White House “Blue Room” Tree 2024

Photo credit: Liz Bushong.com

Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm Newland, NC

Perfectly Plaid Is Set to Serve

Set a traditional red & green plaid table for a beautiful compliment to your Christmas tree.Cardinals,poinsettias and pine cones on dinner plates will carry the color scheme and inspire ideas for favors and finishing touches for placesettings. Red & green ornaments on garland makes easy centerpiece. All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Recipe & Resource Index Cakes & Cookies

Resources

Vanilla Cake Cranberry Filling pg.11 Vanilla Gift Box Cake pg.15 Vanilla Spice “Tree”Cupcakes pg.17 Cookies Christmas Fudge pg.20 Christmas Pinwheels pg.21 Peppermint Chocolate Chip pg.22

Pink & Gold Tree Ornaments, White & Gold Ribbon, Gold -Pink Ribbon, Tree picks from Christmas Warehouse pg.4-9 Noritake Christmas Tree Plates, Pink & Gold Tablescape pg.6-8 Amazon Christmas Plaid tablecloth, cardinal plates & mugs pg.42 Home Goods Gold Mirror- Hobby Lobby pg. 44 Gift Box Cake Satin Ice Red Fondant pg. 14-15 Credits: Special Thanks to Steve Lewis Aka Santa, Bailey the dog, & Charlie the horse. National Christmas Tree Association Tim O’Conner-Press Release Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm Sam & Agnes Cartner for Invitational Inspired Pink, Gold, White Tree Cone: pg. 5 J imMarvin @Neiman Marcus Music lyric Quotes: One Horse Open Sleigh pg.28 Santa Clause is Comin’ To Town pg.30 Jingle Bells Story-Horse Network.com Contributing Article-Connie Clyburn Table Talk Devotional-Photo Canva

DIY Projects Pink Christmas Beaded Cone pg.44 Pink packages pg.8 Gold ribbon napkins pg. 8 Christmas Cake Decor 3 Ways pg.10 Sugared Cranberries pg. 18 White & Glitter Gold Candles pg.8

Recipe Development, Food Styling, Photography, Table-scapes, Florals and Creative Content/Articles by Liz Bushong.com

All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

Favors & Finishing Touches

Use a decorative mirror to reflect pretty decor as the photo above. Embellish (hotglue) gold sequin tree cone with pink, white and gold pearls.Set your table with options; gold or pink charger to carry color scheme, tree plates with gold rims, gold napkins, & pink wrapped packages at placesettings carries the theme. From tree to table everything coordinates. All About the Table Magazine|December 2024

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All About the Table Magazine|December 2024