READER SHOPPING
holiday favorite
RED & WHITE AMARYLLIS
HURRY ... SOLD OUT LAST YEAR!
S
anta’s cheeks have nothing on the bright cherry color of this amaryllis. These lusty giants make a powerful statement with their wide, pure-white edging and flares on their lightly-ruffled flowers. All you need to grow these beauties are warm temperatures, strong light and water. Each top-quality bulb is sure to produce 2 flower stems, most with 4 exquisite double blooms, that will continue to bring you holiday cheer year after year. These tropical beauties make great gifts. Your satisfaction is guaranteed – or your money back!
A special offer from our friends at White Flower Farm: Order online at fcgardenstore.com/holiday or call 800/420-2852. Item M085361 starts at $34 each plus shipping. (Mention source code SIP49.) Shipment begins in mid-November and continues into January, as supplies and weather permit.
+
Give Florida Favorites Citrus ...
Save 40% OFF! Your exclusive deal
$5998 $3499
FREE SHIPPING
#190868
Your GIFT BOX includes ... like this in stores!
Order TODAY at southernliving.com/yum
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
1
12 Home at Last
58 Comfort & Joy
22 All Is Calm, All Is Bright
64 Holiday Away
32 Top-Shelf Ideas
74 Turn the Tables
40 A Season to Savor
82 Winter in Wonderland
48 Barn Raising
92 Making Merry 102 Sugar and Spice
5 On the Web 7 Our Style Makers 110 Resources 112 The Last Word
COVER PHOTO BY KRITSADA; THIS PHOTO BY TREVOR DIXON; OPPOSITE PORTRAIT BY JAY WILDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FROM THE EDITOR
OUR GIFT TO YOU? AN ISSUE PACKED WITH JOYFUL IDEAS.
The weather outside may very well be frightful, but that only makes rooms dressed for the season even more delightful. After all, this is a time for gatherings both grand and intimate. To help you ready your spaces, we’ve pulled together an abundance of ideas for decking your halls with holiday attire, along with your mantels, banisters, doors, tables—OK, practically any surface indoors and out. On the following pages, we take you on a holiday house tour to some truly inspiring places, each with its own take on seasonal trimmings. Down in North Carolina, for instance, Molly and Charlie Williams show us in their historic home how to layer on traditional finery without any of the stuffiness (page 12). For a simple approach, we visit the newly built Vermont home of Bruce and Barbara Drobnyk (page 22), where fresh greens and other naturals celebrate—and sometimes come directly from—their country surroundings. We also skip over to the Midwest and the cozy little Wisconsin cabin of the Allen family (page 64), who gather for the holidays in their vacation home, bringing with them a merry and modern seasonal style. In addition to all of the talented home decorators you’ll meet, we’ve also tapped our top stylists to get their unique ideas for creating lovely moments in every room, many of which showcase favorite collections as part of the fun. We truly hope you’ll enjoy this special holiday issue as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it. Glad tidings to you!
SAMANTHA HART, EDITOR
P.S. We’re thrilled to report that Country Home® magazine is
now available four times a year. As always, it’s on newsstands everywhere. We’ve also added a subscription option so you don’t miss a single issue. Visit TheMeredithStore.com to sign up today.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
3
Editor SAMANTHA HART Designer KIMBERLY MORGAN METZ Contributing Editor SANDRA S. SORIA
Contributing Designer SHELLEY CALDWELL Contributing Copy Editor ANGELA RENKOSKI Administrative Assistant RENAE MABIE
HOME Executive Editor SAMANTHA HART Group Editor ANN BLEVINS Senior Editor BRIAN KRAMER Senior Associate Editor NATALIE DAYTON Staff Writer JESSICA BENNETT Design Director KIMBERLY MORGAN METZ Group Art Director NICOLE DEAN TEUT Associate Art Director JESSICA ENO Assistant Art Director EMILY BUTTERWORTH Senior Graphic Designer BRITTANY MUELLER Administrative Assistants RENAE MABIE, SUE MILLER
GARDEN Senior Editor SUSAN APPLEGET HURST Design Director NICK CROW Administrative Assistant KATIE MORT Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® Manager SANDRA GERDES
FOOD Executive Editor JAN MILLER Senior Editors JESSICA SAARI CHRISTENSEN, MAGGIE GLISAN Senior Associate Editor CARRIE BOYD Design Director STEPHANIE HUNTER Assistant Art Director RAE DANNEMAN Administrative Assistant COURTNEY BUSH Director, Meredith Test Kitchen LYNN BLANCHARD Culinary Specialists SARAH BREKKE, JULI HALE, COLLEEN WEEDEN Senior Food Stylist GREG LUNA Food Stylists KELSEY BULAT, LAUREN KNOELKE, SAMMY MILA
EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATION Editorial Director JENNIFER DORLAND DARLING Deputy Director, Editorial & Operations KARMAN WITTRY HOTCHKISS Creative Director MICHAEL D. BELKNAP Assistant Managing Editor JENNIFER SPEER RAMUNDT Copy Chief MARIA DURYEE Senior Copy Editors ERIKA BJORKLUND, MARTHA COLOFF LONG, SHEILA MAUCK Business Manager, Editorial CINDY SLOBASZEWSKI Lead Business Office Assistant GABRIELLE RENSLOW Director, Premedia Services AMY TINCHER-DURIK Director, Quality JOSEPH KOHLER Director, Meredith Food Studios ALLISON LOWERY Director, Meredith Test Kitchen LYNN BLANCHARD Director, Meredith Photo Studio REESE STRICKLAND Photo Studio Set Construction Manager DAVE DECARLO Photo Studio Business Manager TERRI CHARTER Premedia Trafficking Supervisor JACQUELINE BEARD Premedia Image Specialist JACQUES LIZOTTE Color Quality Analyst PAMELA POWERS
CONTRIBUTING FIELD EDITORS Atlanta Lisa Mowry Baltimore Eileen Deymier Birmingham, AL Cathy Still McGowin Charleston, SC/Savannah Sandra L. Mohlmann Charlotte/San Diego Andrea Caughey Chatham, MA Karin Lidbeck-Brent Chicago Elaine Markoutsas Denver Mindy Pantiel, Elaine St. Louis Detroit/Toronto Khristi S. Zimmeth Jaffrey Center, NH Stacy Kunstel Los Angeles Darra Baker, Laura Hull, Robin Tucker Minneapolis/St. Paul Bonnie Broten, Heidi Pearson Nashville Anna Forkum New Orleans Kimberly Clarke, Margaret Zainey Roux New Paltz, NY Anna Molvik Newport, RI Lynda Sutton Portland, ME Susan Salomon Richmond, VA Paige Porter Fischer San Diego Karen Reinecke San Francisco Sarah Alba Seagrove, FL Eleanor Lynn Nesmith Seattle Linda Humphrey St. Louis Jessica Brinkert Holtam Washington, D.C. Jeanne Blackburn
FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, E-MAIL COUNTRYHOME@MEREDITH.COM OR WRITE US AT COUNTRY HOME, SPECIAL INTEREST PUBLICATIONS, MEREDITH CORP., 1716 LOCUST ST., DES MOINES, IA 50309-3023
MEREDITH NATIONAL MEDIA GROUP President, Meredith Magazines DOUG OLSON President, Consumer Products TOM WITSCHI President, Chief Digital Officer CATHERINE LEVENE Chief Revenue Officer MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN Chief Marketing & Data Officer ALYSIA BORSA Marketing & Integrated Communications NANCY WEBER SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Consumer Revenue ANDY WILSON Corporate Sales BRIAN KIGHTLINGER Direct Media PATTI FOLLO Research Solutions BRITTA CLEVELAND Strategic Sourcing, Newsstand, Production CHUCK HOWELL Digital Sales MARLA NEWMAN The Foundry MATT PETERSEN Product & Technology JUSTIN LAW VICE PRESIDENTS Finance CHRIS SUSIL Business Planning & Analysis ROB SILVERSTONE Consumer Marketing STEVE CROWE Shopper Marketing CAROL CAMPBELL Brand Licensing STEVE GRUNE Vice President, Group Editorial Director STEPHEN ORR Director, Editorial Operations & Finance GREG KAYKO
MEREDITH CORPORATION President & Chief Executive Officer TOM HARTY | Chief Financial Officer JOSEPH CERYANEC | Chief Development Officer JOHN ZIESER President, Meredith Local Media Group PATRICK MCCREERY | Senior Vice President, Human Resources DINA NATHANSON Chairman STEPHEN M. LACY | Vice Chairman MELL MEREDITH FRAZIER
For syndication or international licensing requests or reprint and reuse permission, email syndication@meredith.com. For information on bulk purchases, contact suzanne.albert@meredith.com. PRINTED IN THE USA
MEREDITH SPECIAL INTEREST MEDIA Vice President & Group Publisher SCOTT MORTIMER Vice President, Group Editorial Director STEPHEN ORR Vice President, Marketing JEREMY BILOON Executive Account Director DOUG STARK Director, Brand Marketing JEAN KENNEDY Associate Director, Brand Marketing BRYAN CHRISTIAN Senior Brand Manager KATHERINE BARNET FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION Associate Business Director JENNA BATES Business Managers LISA CARLSON, MARISA CLARK CIRCULATION Consumer Marketing Managers LYNN BOLINGER, ED LICHINSKY ADVERTISING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Garden National Account Manager ERIC MARZEN eric.marzen@meredith.com National Account Executive RYAN KEENAN ryan.keenan@meredith.com National Account Executive TYLER SMITH tyler.smith@meredith.com Regional Account Executive COLLIN COUGHLON collin.coughlon@meredith.com Regional Account Executive BRIAN KEANE brian.keane@meredith.com Sales Assistant DIANA WEESNER diana.weesner@meredith.com Do It Yourself Advertising Sales Director AMY GATES amy.gates@meredith.com Project Supervisor BETHANY PETERSON bethany.peterson@meredith.com National Account Executive BRIAN KOSSACK brian.kossack@meredith.com Sales Assistant ASHLEY JACOBS ashley.jacobs@meredith.com Home Senior Vice President & Group Publisher STEPHEN BOHLINGER stephen.bohlinger@meredith.com Associate Publisher DEIRDRE FINNEGAN deirdre.finnegan@meredith.com Food & Holiday Executive Vice President & Group Publisher CAREY WITMER carey.witmer@meredith.com Advertising Sales Assistant MOLLY MONAGHAN molly.monaghan@meredith.com ADVERTISING OPERATIONS 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023 Associate Production Director PATRICK MCGOWAN Production Managers KYLE DIRKS, DEBBIE REYNOLDS, ASHLEY SCHAUBROECK, ANGELA SCHOPP DIRECT MEDIA Fax: 212/499-6757 Associate Business Development Manager BIANCA DICKERSON bianca.dickerson@meredith.com Sales Manager TYLER HUB tyler.hub@meredith.com
LOVE
Country Home? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @COUNTRYHOMEMAGAZINE
¨
,
*NO PURCHASE OR SURVEY PARTICIPATION IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Subject to OfďŹ cial Rules at BHG.com/PanelRules. The $10,000 Reader Survey Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 am ET on October 1, 2018, and ends at 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2019. The next $10,000 Reader Survey Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 am ET on October 1, 2019, and ends at 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2020. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 21 years or older. Sweepstakes is offered by Meredith Corporation and may be promoted by any of its publications in various creative executions online and in print at any time during the sweepstakes. Limit one (1) entry per person and per email address, per survey. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Meredith Corporation.
OUR STYLE MAKERS
Style maker Eddie Ross mixes ironstone, spongeware, and pewter pitchers for a collected-over-time look atop a mantel. “If I had used all spongeware, it would have been too much,” he says. The natural wreath and rag balls complete the country vignette.
Country Home
STYLE MAKERS
PHOTOGRAPH BY TREVOR DIXON
®
TWO OF OUR FAVORITE DESIGN INFLUENCERS INVITE US IN FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND SHARE THEIR FRESH IDEAS FOR A COUNTRIFIED YULETIDE SEASON. WRIT TEN BY
JESSICA BENNETT COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
7
OUR STYLE MAKERS
1
IN THE STUDIO WITH
Eddie Ross
This design and entertaining guru welcomes the season in spirited fashion. EDDIE ROSS IS A TRUE TASTEMAKER. IN FACT,
the design expert is also a trained chef. With a degree from The Culinary Institute of America, Eddie got his start in food styling before branching out to decorating and design. He built a career producing content for home and lifestyle magazines (with his very first stylist credit in Country Home). Maximalist Studios, his photography studio and event space, now serves as a home for his multitude of creative pursuits. “My design style is playful and maximalist, but it’s edited,” Eddie says. His aesthetic is a celebration of color, pattern, and personality that’s bold without going over the top. Flea market finds, modern furnishings, and eclectic accessories are layered in a high-low mix of styles and eras. For seasonal decor, his ideas eschew traditional holiday tropes. “There’s nothing worse than forcing Christmas colors into a house where it will clash,” Eddie says. “Holiday decorating should complement your year-round decor, not fight with it.”
2 4 1 / Eddie Ross (shown top left) created a snow-dusted effect on glass ornaments by brushing them with crafts glue and sprinkling them with white glitter. 2 / Rag balls dot the mantel to add shape, softness, and textural variety. Using pins to secure, Eddie wrapped strips of fabric around foam balls in various sizes. Frayed edges and vintage-inspired patterns up the homespun charm. 3 / Eddie used blue acrylic paint and a sea sponge to convert plain white crafts paper into wrapping paper with the look of spongeware. 4 / A wreath form made of birch sticks—from GnVDesignsCompany on Etsy—is the foundation for an assemblage of organic elements. Eddie twisted together eucalyptus branches and cotton stems then attached them to the wreath with florists wire.
8
PHOTOGRAPHS BY TREVOR DIXON
3
T H I S P H O T O This seating area feels rustic and warm thanks to natural textures supplied in a nubby sisal rug, primitive wood side table, plush woven throws, and bluestained plank walls. Eddie crafted the stockings and tree skirt from a tea-stained quilt-top fabric to feign an antique look.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
9
OUR STYLE MAKERS
1 / Built circa 1900, the former general store needed only a fresh coat of paint and some beehive removal before it was ready for Megan Brokman to first open her shop’s doors. 2 / Fresh greenery—clipped from pine trees that dot Megan’s 4-acre property—graces the humble haven she’s created in the family room with hand-me-down furniture dressed in slipcovers gathered around a $5 estate sale table cut to coffee table height.
AT HOME WITH
Megan Brokman This blogger and shop owner cherishes simple comforts—in season and all year.
1 2
of new. “I’m drawn to things that have been used and loved,” she says. “Old things were made better because they were meant to last.” That’s certainly true of her rural Pennsylvania home, an 1867 farmhouse she and her husband have renovated over the past 10 years, sharing the process on her blog, Farmhouse5540. To underscore the original beauty of her home, Megan sticks to a palette of weathered woods and textured shades of white. Around the holidays, she layers on natural greens and cozy textiles. “I love to add in lots of quilts for a subtle bit of texture—and to create comfy spots that make you want to snuggle in,” she says. As Megan filled the home with treasures amassed from flea market and estate sale jaunts, an idea took root—to share her back-to-basics style via her own antiques shop. An old general store soon became home to Farmhouse Supply, where she sells antique furnishings and textiles that reflect her penchant for decorating with old-fashioned staples that impart simple pleasures. RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 110.
10
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
PHOTOGR APHS BY MEGAN BROKMAN
MEGAN BROKMAN ISN’T A FAN
3 3 / Preferring real trees over faux, Megan adorns the one in her living room with only string lights to let its natural beauty shine. 4 / A vintage trunk holds scarves and gloves near the front door and hosts plainwrapped packages that double as decor. 5 / An antique primitive cupboard with its original white paint is a canvas for festive greenery. 6 / Grain-sack stockings filled with pinecone branches join linens and aprons for a texture-rich display. 7 / Vintage railroad lanterns add a rustic touch against the home’s original clapboard exterior.
4 5
6 7
H O M E AT L AS T
The best of Christmas past and present is on display as a North Carolina couple spruce up their 1790 Victorian for their first holiday in this historic house. WRIT TEN BY SHAILA PHOTOGR APHED BY BRIE
WUNDERLICH
WILLIAMS
PRODUCED BY MIKE
GR ADY
O P P O S I T E Molly Williams puts the finishing touches on her favorite stage—a Thomas Moser table and chairs she spied beneath a pile of thrift at an antiques store. “It’s my most valuable find to date,” she says. “Finds like this can keep you hunting the rest of your life.” T H I S P H O T O Previous owners exposed the interior brick in the downstairs foyer. It makes an ideal rustic backdrop for a primitive bench, old wicker snowshoes, and a lush, textural garland of fresh greenery.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
13
T H I S P H O T O A jaunty Santa tends
bar on this repurposed antique Victorian Eastlake secretary, a prized hand-me-down from Charlie Williams’ sister. O P P O S I T E T O P The house’s traditional vibe features the occasional interruption from modern and midcentury furniture, including the living room’s blue leather campaign chair and glass-top coffee table. The pieces’ clean lines allow them to slip easily into the mix. O P P O S I T E B O T T O M Molly, Charlie, and sheepdog Harry take a break from holiday decorating to enjoy the home’s comfortable den.
14
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
t
HE HOUSE WASN’T DECORATED WHEN MOLLY AND
Charlie Williams first saw it. It wasn’t furnished at all, actually, as the previous homeowners had vacated months before. But Molly had good reason to believe this 1790 Victorian would look its best during the holidays. “I made Charlie drive through the neighborhood around New Year’s,” she says, “because I wanted him to see what I was seeing.” The Concord, North Carolina, neighborhood is an early-1800s suburb of Charlotte and is populated with historic homes just like this one—all decked out in classic holiday finery when Molly and Charlie drove through. Molly’s experience as a home stager gives her an eye for possibilities, and for this house, she envisioned a traditional Southern Christmas saturated in red and green, formal trimmings, and greens galore. “I adapt my style according to the space I’m in,” she says. “But this look happens to be my wheelhouse.”
16
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
O P P O S I T E Along one wall of
the dining room, a historically appropriate wallpaper mural from Anewall pairs well with a classically decorated Christmas tree. R I G H T Molly doesn’t mind the narrow—but efficient—confines of her house’s 11×22-foot galley kitchen. Its marble countertops and wood floors were in place at move-in; she and Charlie replaced the hardware with new unlacquered brass pulls. B E L O W All-white Williams Sonoma dishware from Molly and Charlie’s wedding registry fills the kitchen’s glass-front cabinets. A cutting board collection adds rich texture. B E L O W R I G H T The folk Victorian facade of the Williamses’ home is a simplified, later version of a Queen Anne Victorian. The house was featured on a neighborhood tour for the couple’s first holidays as owners.
Molly, Charlie, and their sheepdog, Harry, took residence in late March. That November, they were ready for the first Christmas at their new address. Fresh coats of white on walls, doors, and cabinets form a snow-white backdrop and highlight original archways, 12-foot beaded-board ceilings, and picture-frame moldings. A new wrought-iron ring chandelier is ideal for draping garland; crystal, glass, and brass fixtures set the stage for dressier decor like iridescent silk ribbons and blingy tree baubles. Through her years of styling and holiday trial and error, Molly has fine-tuned her annual greens gathering into a science. “I like to start the first week of December,” she says. “Even if they’re dried out by Christmas, they’ve still got their color.” Ribbons, most of them plaid, tie it all together. Molly’s approach to ribbons is the same as she takes for ornaments, textiles, lighting, and furniture:
O P P O S I T E The lower level of the 2½-story house walks out onto this trellised patio, perfect for displaying winter greens. An indoor-outdoor flat-weave jute rug, upholstered outdoor furniture, and plenty of wool blankets foster a cozy interior ambience. A B O V E Charlie remembers the steep climb into this pair of twin beds from when he was a kid at his grandma’s house. Today the beds reside in his own lower-level guest bedroom, with plaid Ralph Lauren wool throws and vintage woven stools at their feet.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
19
A B O V E A sculptural magnolia plant loves the humidity of the master bath. The couple painted the house’s original claw-foot tub black. R I G H T A windowed door in the master bedroom leads to the wraparound porch. Framed pencil sketches Molly pulled from a book of women artists flank the iron bed. “It’s a hack I use in staging when I’m looking for last-minute art on a budget,” she says.
20
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
Mix patterns, pedigree, age, and finishes for the most authentic look possible. The rule seems to hold especially true for plaids. “It can be ribbons or throws, wool or polyester, in Christmas red and green or a blueand-green tartan,” she says. “It all works.” What’s on tap for their second Christmas? A spot on Concord’s premier house tour, perhaps more color on walls, and definitely more vintage plaids to round out new plaids from Michaels and Ralph Lauren. “I’d love to get a few Pendleton pieces to throw in,” Molly says. The more the merrier.
molly williams’ jolly ideas GREENS
Wreaths: cedar Swags & Garlands: cypress and loblolly pine Trees: blue spruce RIBBONS
For wreath hanging, select ribbon with wired edges. Tie them before you trim the ends. Use the ribbon to suspend window wreaths at an ideal height for seeing outside. ACCESSOR I ES
Identify a house’s usual gathering spots and decorate with vignettes of greenery, candles, and holiday objects.
Homeowners Bruce and Barbara Drobnyk, along with their interior designer and daughter Elizabeth Burns, enjoy the frosty view of hills surrounding their rural Vermont home. Warm blankets, a thermos of hot coffee, and a roaring fire are necessities.
all is calm, all is bright TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON, A PAIR OF BUILDERS GIVE THEIR VERMONT FARMHOUSE A SIMPLE, SNOW-WHITE GLOW. WRIT TEN AND PRODUCED BY PHOTOGR APHED BY
KRITSADA
JENNIFER BLAISE KR AMER ST YLED BY
K ARIN LIDBECK-BRENT
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
23
l
ongtime builders Bruce and Barbara Drobnyk have created homes in sunny Sanibel, Florida, for 25 years. Their current home base is in Fort Myers, but they were eager to find a cooler, country house up north that would be restful in the summer and a holiday getaway in the winter. Their eyes were set on rural Vermont, complete with skiing, snowshoeing, and five o’clock cheese boards. They also envisioned a quaint, practical, vintage-style farmhouse. The couple found a 1950s home just north of Manchester, set on 12 acres with 180-degree views of farmland. Luckily for them, the foundation was so poor it couldn’t be saved, presenting them with the perfect opportunity to build. “We like to build; sawdust is in our blood,” Barbara says. So they created their dream house—something casual and small that felt old and modern all at once. Barbara says that “Use everything you can!” is the family motto, so they repurposed wide-plank pine boards from the previous house and garage for floorboards and barn doors in their new 2,200-square-foot home. In the great-room, hand-cut beams loom overhead, and a custom iron-and-wood barn door slides over a TV above the fireplace. Letting nothing go to waste, Bruce took leftover scraps of wood and built a dining table modeled after an expensive one they loved.
O P P O S I T E Thanks to
ready-made barn door hardware, a custom wood door made of the same salvaged wood as the wall paneling slides over the fireplace wall to conceal the TV. During the holidays, it’s embellished with a green wreath and white lights. Simple, natural holiday decorations suit the Drobnyks’ everyday style. A B O V E Collected vintage Oriental rugs add warmth, texture, and just enough color in a house full of neutrals. The interiors are quiet so as not to upstage the view.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
25
To keep things from reading too woodsy and dark, Barbara sticks to a hushed palette of nature-based green and white. The white walls offer a clean, crisp backdrop that glows come sun, clouds, or snow. At the holidays, she skips the red tones and lets her simple palette grow slightly, adding in twinkling white lights and more shades of green via a fresh tree and sizable wreath over the fireplace, plus pinecones and candles for tabletop decor. Everything inside reflects what’s outside, with large windows helping blur the distinction between indoors and out. To fine-tune the modern-meets-rustic scheme, Barbara called in her daughter, Santa Barbara-based designer Elizabeth Burns, whose fresh style has captivated 50,000 followers on Instagram (@edbdesigns). Together they found a happy balance, blending classic country style with modern touches. Vaulted, attic-inspired ceilings make some rooms feel cozy and farmhouse comfy, and the living spaces stay bright, open, and airy. Pale natural woods on floors and beams temper the white but don’t weigh down the light scheme. Collected paintings, books, and vintage Oriental rugs lend a storied ambience and, when mixed with metal lighting and painted furniture, make the interiors feel elegant and friendly, not formal. “We didn’t want fancy,” Barbara says. “We wanted rustic but not crazy rustic.” The room that really breaks free from traditional is the galley kitchen. Here, they skipped upper cabinets for open wood shelving with a lower white and metal cabinetry system from IKEA. “They’re simple and easy,” Barbara says. “I didn’t want to spend the money for expensive wood cabinets that I’ve already had.” Knowing many cost-saving tricks of the trade came in handy in other ways as well. The experienced builders turned a construction error of much shorter windows than anticipated for the breakfast nook into a mere hiccup. “Your eyeballs were at sill level,” Bruce recalls. Quick to find a solution, he said, “Let’s raise the floor!” They added a step-up platform with built-in benches around a cantilevered table. In another practical move, T O P L E F T The couple skipped traditional custom cabinets in favor of
open shelving and an IKEA system that is affordable and blends visually with the architecture’s clean lines. Classic white shiplap further bridges the raw woods and sleek cabinetry. A B O V E L E F T Bruce and Barbara enjoy their light-filled breakfast nook; the metal tabletop was inspired by a local restaurant. L E F T Wood shelves take the place of upper cabinets to keep the look light and airy. Always at the ready, simple glass canisters and all-white dishes prevent a cluttered look. O P P O S I T E Using leftover wood, Bruce built the dining table as a replica of a trestle table they admired; it took him two days and saved nearly $7,000. Vintage Hitchcock-style chairs add an eclectic, graceful counterpoint to the crafted table.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
27
28
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
O P P O S I T E Wearing its original paint finish, this primitive cupboard from Stone House Antique Center adds age and
muted color to the new interiors. It serves as a handy bar and provides extra kitchen storage. The simple—and clever—table centerpiece replicates the woodsy Vermont surroundings in miniature. A B O V E To create the right first impression in the entry, a polished black front door and the shimmer of gilt and brass accents join utilitarian collectibles and a country sideboard for a sense of rustic luxury. The banister has a squared-off style in keeping with the modern cabin feeling of the home. Vintage rugs add soft pattern and subtle color.
L E F T As it does throughout the
interiors, shiplap paneling covers the walls and ceiling in the master bedroom. The boards butt together but include slight gaps for texture and dimension. A slender, horizontal window lends a modern accent to the headboard wall. B E L O W Creating a mini landscape on a vintage trunk, twig trees and fresh greenery continue the natural seasonal decor. O P P O S I T E Built-in slanted ceiling lines in the guest room give the space a cozy attic sensibility. Cutting back on the 9-foot ceilings also helps with the heating bill.
they commissioned a metal layer for the tabletop from a local metalworker for just more than $100 rather than buying a stainless-steel top for $1,200. When the nook was finished, they had created one of the coziest spots in the house for enjoying the view, no matter what time of day. Most evenings, Barbara pulls out one of her many cutting boards—a signature item that she collects, gives, and entertains with. Come the holidays, both the cocktail crowd and charcuterie board get bigger as family congregates at this new home base. “Whether you’re sitting in the breakfast nook with a cup of coffee or having a glass of wine by the firepit watching the sun go down, it’s hard not to feel at home here,” Elizabeth says. “Maybe it’s because my parents built and designed the house themselves or maybe it’s the hand-collected antiques, books, and art that adorn the walls, but their house always feels like home.” RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 110.
30
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
warming up winter whites Barbara Drobnyk favors bright white for walls so they read clean as a snowy backdrop; she then tones it down with layers such as: SHIPLAP
Paint it the same white and let the lines add texture and dimension. N AT U R A L W O O D S
Use salvaged barn wood in pale tones on oors, doors, and beams for contrast without visual heaviness. THE RIGHT RUGS
To anchor a light neutral scheme, select vintage, softly patterned rugs for a mellow look. Mix various sizes for just enough color and lots of warmth.
TO P-S H E LF I D E AS
Enjoy your cherished collectibles year-round by incorporating them into seasonal vignettes. Follow stylist and collector Matthew Mead’s lead to create inventive holiday displays. WRIT TEN BY SHAILA
WUNDERLICH
PHOTOGR APHED BY KRITSADA
PRODUCED BY MATTHEW
32
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
MEAD
COLLECTIBLE
breadboards THE BIG IDEA
Antique round breadboards mounted on the wall count as an “everlasting” collection in stylist Matthew Mead’s home. Sprigs of green, red holly berries, and homemade wreaths are what take the collection from every day to holiday. Secure sprigs with a smidgen of doublesided tape and fashion wreaths in the same scale as the boards for an intentional look. GET THE GOODS
Matthew digs breadboards for their primitive character. Boards range in age (earliest examples date around 1830); shape (typically round or square); pedigree (American or European); price (starting around $20); and intricacy. “You can see the handiwork of the person who made them,” Matthew says.
COLLECTIBLE
Akro Agate pots & bottle-brush trees THE BIG IDEA
Their shades of green and diminutive size make vintage mini ivy pots from Ohio-based manufacturer Akro Agate natural holders for bottle-brush trees. Stacked white cake stands give some pieces a lift for a more dynamic display. Foam “snowballs” and green ball ornaments add shape and whimsy. GET THE GOODS
Find these 1930s-era green glass pots online or at flea markets, priced from $5 to $25. Vintage bottle-brush trees have been popular for several years now, making them tougher to find in good condition. Reproductions are a fine substitute. Matthew uses mainly reproduction pieces from popular holiday folk artist Bethany Lowe.
COLLECTIBLE
mercury glass ornaments T H E B I G I D E A In a twist on the traditional front door wreath, Matthew suspends individual mercury glass ornaments from a screen door. To form the wreath shape, he traced a large plate in chalk onto a piece of cardboard then temporarily taped the cardboard to the back of the screen to guide where he placed the ornaments. “This was just a cast-off screen door,” he says. “I love that I can pick up the whole thing and carry it to storage at the end of the season.” G E T T H E G O O D S Mercury glass was first produced in mid-1800s Germany and Poland in a strictly silver finish. These early pieces often sell for more than $25 each. In the 1950s, the ornaments were made in a variety of metallic hues; they’re still abundant today on eBay and Etsy for less than $10 a piece.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
35
COLLECTIBLE
red & white transferware THE BIG IDEA
Red-and-white depictions of English country scenes seem tailor-made for the holidays, especially when massed for impact and graced with greens. In his antique china cupboard, Matthew floats some plates on clear stands and mounts others on the wall for dimension. Creamware and a soft arborvitae garland clipped from the yard provide visual relief to set off the patterns. GET THE GOODS
Red-and-white examples are of early origin (circa 1860) and, being of fragile constitution, are tough to find in pristine condition. Expect to pay about $30 for a pedigree plate and more than $100 for a pitcher. “But if you want to be able to fill a cupboard, being OK with a few chips and cracks is the way to go,” Matthew says.
COLLECTIBLE
cast-iron banks THE BIG IDEA
“To me these banks are the original miniature Christmas village,” Matthew says. “If you’re a collector, you probably already have the makings of this scene.” Wire trees, faux snow, and mini LED lights bring the holiday look to the tabletop town. To stage the display, Matthew sets the banks atop primitive wood stools against a heavily patinaed embossed tin Wabash stove board. GET THE GOODS
Cast-iron banks are currently a hot collectible category. Early, intricate pieces, like the small white 1880s bank in the foreground, are worth $250 or more. Larger banks made in the 1930s are easier to find and are priced under $100.
COLLECTIBLE
vintage American pottery T H E B I G I D E A A longtime fan of jadeite, McCoy, Bauer, and other mid-20th-century pottery, Matthew dresses up his teal-colored pieces for the holidays by gathering them on the kitchen counter and embellishing them with tiny Christmas accoutrements. For this vignette, he chose metallic ornaments, gift-wrapped chocolate squares, and variegated euonymus leaves. Foam and moss from the floral shop help prop the bowls into a tiered arrangement. G E T T H E G O O D S ”This teal color from the 1940s has been big for so long now,” Matthew says. “It’s easy to find.” He seeks out full graduated sets, which can cost several hundred dollars. Individual bowls or vases—especially from lesser-known manufacturers—can be had for less than $35.
38
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
THE BIG IDEA
This shallow built-in nook in Matthew’s New Hampshire kitchen is home base to his extensive collection of antique ironstone. To prepare for Christmas, he edits and rearranges pieces into a white-onwhite tree, complete with its own carved wood star topper. “This can also work on a freestanding shelf or wall-mounted ledges,” he says. “It’s a great tree alternative for people living in small spaces.” GET THE GOODS
Ironstone is the workhorse of country collecting. The humble cream tableware was built to last beginning in the 1820s. The volume and breadth of ironstone allow collectors to pick up a plain dinner plate for just a few dollars. Early pitchers, however, might fetch upward of $150.
a season to savor
IN THIS INDIANA HOUSEHOLD, DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS STARTS EARLY SO DESIGNER AND BLOGGER LIZ FOUREZ CAN PROLONG AND DELIGHT IN THE BEAUTY.
WRIT TEN BY
40
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
SAR AH WOLF
PHOTOGR APHED AND ST YLED BY
LIZ FOUREZ
O P P O S I T E The Fourez
family’s French bulldog Remington (Remy for short) is as soft and snuggly as the velvet pillows on the entryway bench. T H I S P H O T O Vintage ice skates and an antique crock— graced with a small natural evergreen—offer a mellow greeting in the entry. “There is so much beauty in simplicity,” homeowner Liz Fourez says.
c
HRISTMASTIME LASTS A LITTLE LONGER FOR THE FOUREZ FAMILY IN
Kokomo, Indiana, than it does for most of us. Homeowner and designer Liz Fourez clambers up to the attic right after Halloween to retrieve boxes of ornaments, lights, and faux greenery. “The number of boxes keeps growing year after year,” she says, “and it’s so much fun to unwrap everything and get excited all over again to cozy up our home for the holidays.” She gets an early start in part so her own crafted-for-Christmas rooms can spark ideas for those who follow her blog, Love Grows Wild. “It inspires readers as they start thinking about their own holiday decor,” Liz says. She changes up the scheme every year, at least a little, to challenge herself and, of course, for the fun of it. She limits herself to a neutral palette of whites, creams, tans, and grays, which lets the lovely textures of the season—cabled blankets, spiky trees and pinecones, and sumptuous velvet—truly shine. And if an item is well-worn and long loved (as evidenced by chipped paint, dings and scrapes, or frayed edges), all the better, for Liz is a devout devotee of thrifting. “I love finding something unique and authentically vintage that you won’t find in a store,” she says.
O P P O S I T E Several Christmas trees adorn the Fourez farmhouse, “but I don’t go all-out decorating each and every one,” Liz says. “Usually only this big tree in the living room gets all the ornaments and garlands and bedazzlement.” These include pearlywhite balls, handmade white clay ornaments, cascades of gold cutout ribbon, snowflakes, and pinecones. Battery-powered candles clip onto the branches for a warm glow. A B O V E The coffee table corrals seasonal items on a round wood tray: birch logs, votive candles, and snowy trees. The bottom shelf keeps extra blankets close at hand and displays books Liz wraps in fabric for a cohesive appearance.
RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 110.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
43
“Wreaths, garlands, trees, AND OTHER GREENERY ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO ORGANICALLY CREATE THE FEELING OF CHRISTMAS.” –HOMEOWNER LIZ FOUREZ
O P P O S I T E Trimmed with new
woodwork, this antique mantel is a head turner all year long, especially when partnered with old and new cutting boards and a clutch of candlesticks on the hearth. At the holidays Liz drapes the mantel with greenery and flanks it with two small trees in baskets. T H I S P H O T O The dining room console is a family heirloom that Liz painted a pretty shade of white. It‘s a platform for lamps, a wood horse figurine, and vintage windows propped against the wall and laced with pom-pom garland and white lights. Greenery spiked with pinecones stretches the length of the console. “I’m a fan of adding simple touches to make your existing decor feel more festive,” Liz says.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
45
46
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
“I LOVE CHRISTMASTIME AND THE BEAUTY THAT COMES WITH THE SEASON.
I always decorate early so I can enjoy it as long as possible.” –LIZ FOUREZ
O P P O S I T E Everything about this tablescape is special and sweet, including sugar cookies and gingerbread elevated on wood-and-marble cake stands, sparkling cider in fancy glasses, and a towering tree of donut holes. The whole spread sits on a dining table swaddled in cotton snow for an after-dinner winter wonderland. A B O V E Gingerbread houses and a coconut cake crowned with rosemary and pomegranate seeds (among other goodies) transform the dining table into an eye-catching, mouthwatering delight. The desserts are a sweet treat for sons Alec, 12, and Wyatt, 9, whipped up by their mom. “Their eyes absolutely lit up when they came home from school to find this table,” Liz says. “You could have all the money in the world to spend on gifts or not a single penny in your pocket, but the special little moments with family are what they will remember for a lifetime.”
barn raising A 200-YEAR-OLD CONNECTICUT BARN IS THE IDEAL LOFTY SPACE FOR THIS DESIGNER TO SHOW OFF HER COLLECTIONS AND MAKE HER FANCIFUL CHRISTMAS DECORATING VISION COME TO LIFE. WRIT TEN BY PHOTOGR APHED BY
SAR AH EGGE
MICHAEL PARTENIO
T H I S P H O T O In Amy Cupp’s open dining area,
vintage black-and-white crewel pillows unify a settee dressed in ticking fabric and two linencovered wing-back chairs. O P P O S I T E Amy burns only natural beeswax candles for their singular glow. She accents them with boxwood sprigs and pinecones gathered on her property.
PRODUCED BY
STACY KUNSTEL
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
49
w
ITH HER DOG, TAUREN, CURLED UP NEXT
T O P Pillows and woolen blankets add to the inviting open-air seating around the firepit. Amy’s 200-year-old renovated barn has a facade of Connecticut fieldstone. A B O V E Amy makes a list and checks it twice with poodle Tauren at her side. The Louis XIV-style partner desk is a prized secondhand find. She shows off vintage Shiny Brite ornaments on a faux tree she found in the New York City flower district. “The branches bend and mold. I can fold it up at the end of the season like an umbrella,” she says.
50
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
to her and a furry blanket on her lap, designer Amy Beth Cupp savors her favorite moment of the holiday season: “I like to turn on all the Christmas lights and light the candles. The whole house is glowing, and it feels super special in here,” she says. The golden, flickering light reflects on the shiny, wide-plank pine floors of the renovated 200-year-old barn in Connecticut she calls home; the glow also gently illuminates the dark, hand-chiseled beams two stories above her head. “I have always wanted to live in a barn,” Amy says. “When I first walked into this space, it was just a shell, a big, empty, open slate. My first thought was, Can’t you just see Christmas trees everywhere? It’s ridiculous, but that was the first thought I had—that I could have many giant, tall trees in this house.” Amy is known among her friends and family for throwing a huge winter solstice party, so maybe it’s not terribly surprising that she picked this house for its holiday potential. Even in her tiny West Village apartment in New York City years ago, Amy put up seven trees when she hosted. “This year, I wanted a whole forest,” she says. Finally finished with a yearlong renovation that carved out intimate eating, sleeping, and lounging spaces in the barn, Amy was ready to celebrate. She spent an entire week baking 30 pounds of butter, flour, and sugar into “every holiday cookie my mom ever made.” And after wrapping strands of white lights around the 10-foot trees she bought from a local tree farm, she threw open the doors. At holidays or anytime, guests are treated to the barn’s renewed splendor. Amy calls on her years as an interior designer, artist, floral designer, and collector to infuse the space with warmth and character, installing her favorite traditional forms, such as Windsor chairs and Aubusson rugs, in the gallerylike setting. She carefully employs scale, for example, in oversize lamps and an 8-foot-tall tufted headboard to give the cavernous space a cozier feel. Repeating fundamental pieces, such as rug styles and lighting, keeps the spaces from seeming busy. “You can see into other rooms from any point, so I picked one sconce
T H I S P H O T O Some years Amy adds tinsel and
ornaments to the trees she sets up in her entryway, but this year she kept the look simple: “I only did lights because I had so many trees,� she says. Arranged on the entry table, a potted amaryllis, glass-domed decorative trees, and some of her snow globe collection festively welcome guests.
T O P Just off the entry, this sitting area is focused around the woodstove Amy added to the barn during the renovation. She mixed her modern leather chairs and marble coffee table with a roll-arm sofa and Aubusson rug for an eclectic approach to the traditional style she prefers. A B O V E Jars of colorful notions and a conical tree form covered in mini ornaments spread seasonal cheer. Amy started collecting snow globes about 20 years ago and now receives them as gifts. “When it’s cold and dark outside, I love the look and the way it makes me feel to have beautiful, reflective things indoors,” she says.
52
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
shape and used it throughout the house,” Amy says. In the same way, “too many shapes and colors would be visually upsetting.” Her simple palette of black, white, and gray allows the ancient woods to star throughout the space. The palette is also a mellow backdrop for Amy’s storied collections. For instance, “In college in Chicago,” she says, “I got off the ‘L’ train and saw a gorgeous vintage poster of an angel with wings and a coffee cup. I bought her then bought a new one each year until every wall in my singlegirl apartment was filled.” In the barn, the collection has room to breathe, floating up the height of the living room wall. “I’ve had them in apartments and lofts and houses, but the barn is probably the best installation because you can see them all at once,” she says. Her philosophy is that “more is more is more when you display en masse. It takes your breath away.” More cases in point: Clustered on shelves and side tables by the dozens, her snow globes look like drops of melted snow. Colorful ornaments resting in bowls and hanging from the white branches of a faux tree add splashes of color. As friends meander through the fragrant trees in the entry, gather around the crackling fire in the woodstove, or reach for the piles of cookies spread across the kitchen island, Amy is happy to see her vision come to dazzling life. “The days are short and it’s dark, so I love to doll up the house,” she says. “I serve champagne and homemade eggnog, and everyone leaves with a box of Christmas cookies. We celebrate the fact that every day from here on out is longer and brighter than the day before.” RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 110.
T H I S P H O T O A massive 14½-foot island defines the kitchen space under three tiers of divided-light windows. A coat of black paint around the window frames and mullions draws attention to their geometry. For design energy, a chunky handmade perch from a local junk shop interrupts a line of artisan-made stools.
A B O V E To create this cozy den, Amy painted the walls almost black and hung clear glass orbs with silver-bottomed bulbs inside for a warm glow. A single large wreath studded with pinecones makes a natural holiday statement. O P P O S I T E A spacious slipcovered sectional and tall white walls let Amy’s collection of art nouveau posters supply the color and pattern to the living room. “The constant to my collection is they are all rosy-cheeked women with food or doing housework. They’re all super happy about what they’re doing,” she says. She doesn’t add to the numbers any more, but she does covet one more—a J. Stall Champagne ad.
54
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
displaying your collections Designer Amy Cupp shares her tips on showing your collections at their best. E L E VAT E I T
Take something mundane and crown it with a glass dome or place it in a glass jar to raise its importance. CLUSTER ITEMS
Amass items in one place to amplify the visual power of single items, such as Amy’s posters on one wall and snow globes on a shelf. MIX IT UP
Reevaluate how and whether to display certain collections for variety. Some winters, Amy’s Shiny Brite ornaments may stay tucked away, to be appreciated anew later.
R I G H T Amy had the vanity custom made from oak
and black granite, then found galvanized metal boxes for storage underneath. The art on the shower wall is a giant wood stamp used to make advertising posters like the ones in her living room. B E L O W A series of portraits by artist Jack Dunbar overlooks the soaking tub. The sumptuous Fortuny upholstery on the vintage ladies dressing chair appealed to Amy, who has a background in textile design. F A R R I G H T A secondhand Gustavian-style settee and a custommade headboard bookend the master bed, which Amy dresses in a pair of duvets for wintertime warmth. The velvet pillows echo tones in the 1920s Oushak rug. Builtin closets define the bedroom area.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
57
WRIT TEN BY SANDR A PHOTOGR APHED BY HELEN
S. SORIA
NORMAN
PRODUCED BY MIKE
GR ADY
CO M FO R T & J OY
In the mood to skip the glitz and glitter this season? Look to holidays long past, when glad tidings were created from what was on hand. That humble resourcefulness inspired these simple handmade ideas.
roll play No fabric scraps went to waste back in the day. They were rolled into rag balls to await the next assignment—such as adorning a fresh-cut tree. Here’s an easy update on that notion: To make a rag ball lightweight enough to hang from a tree bough, wrap a foam ball with fabric strips or ready-made frayed-edge ribbon. Secure one end of the strip or ribbon to the ball with a pearl-end pushpin. Wrap the strip around until no foam shows, pop the pin out, and secure fabric end with a drop of glue. Tie a loop of string as a hanger (make it long enough to loop over a bough and dangle); push the pin back through the hanger, fabric, and foam.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
59
stockings made with care Create a pure country alternative to the store-bought stocking by sewing your own using a simple pattern and humble fabrics such as muslin, ticking, or calico. For a classic silhouette, we traced around a vintage stocking to create the design—making it an inch bigger all around to accommodate a seam allowance. Form a cuff from a contrasting rectangle of fabric that’s slightly wider than the stocking. Stitch the pieces together by hand or on the machine. For a no-sew alternative, use fabric glue or fusible bonding tape. Finish by gluing two strips of velvet ribbon trim around the cuff and tacking on a jute hanger. Buy or make wood name tags and loop over the hanger so there’s no confusion in the Christmas morning dash.
Find a stocking pattern at: BHG.com/DIYStocking
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
61
ring in the season For a playful take on a country wreath, we went for sleigh bells all the way! Although their rusty patina suggests otherwise, these oversize sleigh bells were purchased new online in both 2- and 4-inch sizes. The large white balls are actually reusable wool dryer balls; the little ones are felted wool balls from a crafts store. Instead of foraging for moss on the forest floor, we dug around online and found ready-made moss balls in 2- and 31/2-inch sizes. Wrap a wire wreath form with burlap ribbon then freestyle your way through the project. Place the project on the table and affix pieces to only one side so it will hang flat. Start with the large items first, wiring on the heavier felt balls and sleigh bells and gluing on the lightweight moss balls. The wired burlap ribbon is for show; the wreath is hung directly on the cabinet. 
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
63
A MINNEAPOLIS FAMILY GETS FESTIVE IN THEIR MOD-MEETS-RUSTIC CABIN TUCKED INTO THE WISCONSIN NORTH WOODS. WRIT TEN BY PHOTOGR APHED BY
KELLY RYAN KEGANS
DAVID A . LAND
ST YLED BY
LIZ GARDNER
T H I S P H O T O Jeff and
Alison Allen often spend winter afternoons with their sons, Finn (left) and Gus, snowshoeing and sledding on the snowy trails and frozen lake surrounding their cabin in Hayward, Wisconsin.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
65
White ornaments and strands of blond wood beads contrast with the evergreens. Felt stockings and sheepskin rugs used as a tree skirt soften the woodsy vibe. Army green armchairs from Urban Outfitters look just as good from the back as the front, which was important to Alison in the open space.
a
LL IS CALM INSIDE ALISON AND JEFF
Allen’s northwestern Wisconsin cabin. But soon, the Minneapolis couple’s A-frame will be bustling with decorating, cooking, dancing, and fireside chatting with visiting family. The Allens sent Santa a change-of-address card because this year, they are spending Christmas at their new-to-them home away from home. There’s never an itinerary up here, yet there’s always something going on. Over the next few days, a fresh tree is cut from the nearby farm. Alison’s parents and brother’s family arrive. Jeff smokes a 12-hour brisket (with Alison’s brother, Mike Deuhs, on hand to judge the meat’s char). Presents are wrapped and ripped open. There are fireside photos taken of the kids in matching plaid pj’s, and epic cribbage games are played at the long dining table. Impromptu dance parties break out as Jeff spins favorites on request. In all, six adults, three kids, two dogs, and Birdie, the Allens’ cat, make merry in the cozy three-bedroom lakefront cabin. You might think Alison, the organizer for this holiday away, would be sweating the details. Hardly. The DIY force behind the blog Deuce Cities Henhouse is as chill as the craft cocktails she’s mixing in the kitchen she remodeled with her mom and Jeff last summer. “I’m in my natural element here,” Alison says. “We bought the cabin with enough room to have our family and friends visit. Nothing’s super stressful, and the meals are effortless because Jeff and Mike like to cook.” It helps that Alison is a planner. Days before they depart their 1910 house in the city, she gathers decorations and wrapping paper and premixes cocktails so when they arrive, all that’s left to do before the fun begins is stop at the local grocery. The cabin’s woodsy backdrop and everyday decor foundation of white furniture are accented with swaths of Alison’s favorite color, army green, and black-and-white buffalo-check patterns. For the holidays, she adds Scandinavian-inspired elements, such as winter greens collected outside
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
67
“I’m in my natural element
HERE. WE BOUGHT THE CABIN WITH ENOUGH ROOM TO HAVE OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS VISIT." —HOMEOWNER ALISON ALLEN
A B O V E L E F T The cabin’s woodsy backdrop and white,
black, and army green palette are ready-made for Alison’s Scandinavian-inspired holiday touches. A B O V E Alison made the pair of painted plywood Christmas trees festooned with white lights a few years ago for her Minneapolis basement living room. She toted them to the cabin to brighten the floating IKEA corner cabinets. O P P O S I T E To break up all the wood tones in the cabin, Alison freshened the kitchen by painting upper cabinets in a linen shade and the peninsula in forest green. Come Christmas morning, she preps a no-fuss brunch with an egg bake, monkey bread, and pour-over coffee. “We make the kids wait until we’ve had at least one cup of coffee before opening presents,” she says. Later that evening, Jeff’s brisket makes its debut at dinner.
68
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
L E F T The palette is consistent
throughout the small house for visual calm. Alison brings wrapping supplies for last-minute gifts. B E L O W Alison doesn’t have an heirloom ornament collection, but she and Jeff started a tradition of their own by giving a new ornament to their boys every year, such as these playful felt characters. O P P O S I T E Gus (left) and Finn share a room with a pair of bunk beds outfitted in black-plaid bedding fitted around the mattresses like sleeping bags. The concept blows Alison’s mind: “All you have to do to make the bed is zip it up.” she says. A small tabletop tree and felted garland bring holiday spirit to their room.
her cabin and crisp white ornaments that pop against the dark boughs. “I can be more modern up here,” she says. Even her cabin dishes—black-and-white enamelware, perfect for indoor and outdoor use—pick up on the camp theme and speak to Alison’s practical side. “There are a lot of ideas we’re still processing,” she adds, noting the renovations yet to happen in their 1968 cabin, “like the vertical wall paneling we considered painting—but its kitschy-ness has become kind of charming.” For now, the cabin is ready for the season, and the bonfire’s magical glow is calling for her to head outside and snuggle under the blankets with the rest of her family. “It’s so relaxing here because we can let things go and just hang out and be together,” she says.
70
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
A B O V E L E F T Baskets and
totes make transporting holiday goodies from kitchen to ďŹ repit an easier task for the Allen family. A B O V E A feathery cedar wreath graces a birch tree on the property. B E L O W As akes start to fall on Christmas Eve, Finn and Jeff cool their cabin fever by sledding before more family arrives for the holiday. L E F T Premixed Friendly Winter Warm-Up Cocktail in Mason jars chill before being served by the bonďŹ re in the evenings.
friendly winter warm-up cocktail Alison Allen recommends premaking a batch of this cocktail so no one misses out on the fun. 2 cups rye whiskey 1 cup amaro bitter liqueur (such as Averna) 1 cup amaro herbal liqueur (such as Amaro Nonino) Orange bitters Wide strips of orange zest Whole cloves
A B O V E Holiday time is family
time at this getaway cabin. Alison’s parents, Beth and Joe Deuhs, warm up around the bonfire with Alison, Jeff, and Kari and Mike Deuhs. T O P R I G H T Finn and Jeff keep the firewood trimmed and ready for the fireplace or the firepit. R I G H T Warm wool blankets are draped over Adirondack chairs for cozy fireside style. Rudy, Alison’s parents’ buddy, demonstrates that even the canines in the family don their gay apparel for the holiday season.
In a pitcher combine whiskey, both amaros, and 8 dashes orange bitters. Pour over ice in glasses. Twist orange zest over each glass to release oils and rub zest around each rim. Press cloves into a few zest strips for garnish. Makes 10 cocktails.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
73
turn the tables Holiday memories happen around the table. Create the right stage with table dressings that make classic country elements merry and bright. WRIT TEN BY
KELLY RYAN KEGANS
PHOTOGR APHED BY
TREVOR DIXON
PRODUCED AND ST YLED BY
EDDIE ROSS
U P B E AT A M E R I C A N A
Skip the formalities this year and create a casual setting that’s modern and festive. A graphic quilt sewn into short runners placed side by side across the table is the foundation of the cheery scene. L E F T Blue-andwhite transferware atop solid white dinner plates and blue Wedgwood bread plates brighten the look. Instead of place cards at each setting, write a holiday message or quote and tie it to the candlesticks, used here to bookend the table. O P P O S I T E Trade out the expected poinsettias and winter greens for potted red cyclamen (easy to find at the grocery store in winter months) and clustered cut paperwhites in a low silver container. Consider colorful glasses, like these heavy red crystal goblets, to punctuate the table setting. Key to this look is repetition and symmetry— individually, these elements are traditional, but put together, the setting has modern appeal.
the big find A new quilt top from Lancaster County Quilting Creations on Ebay is cut into thirds and sewn onto a fabric backing.
74
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
the big find An antique ironstone tureen lends a slightly weathered finish; a new piece would look too perfect.
W O O D L A N D W O N D E R Keep the conversation flowing and guests lingering long after the meal by creating a conversation piece instead of a centerpiece. A B O V E This miniature woodland story starts with an ironstone tureen as the foundation for a natural rosemary topiary. Freshen the look with creamy matte plates, a minimally patterned tablecloth, and clear glassware. Olive candles in wood holders add height without blocking views around the table. O P P O S I T E T O P Mounded moss forms the forest floor of the tureen scene, dotted with Hypericum berries and frosty pinecones brushed with watered-down white paint. Keep an eye out at crafts fairs for handmade and vintage kids toys. These miniatures make sweet table accents or place card holders. O P P O S I T E B O T T O M Use accompanying serving pieces, like a sugar bowl or gravy boat, to expand the centerpiece beyond the tureen. A mix of vintage faux-ivory, wood, and antler silverware underscores the rustic vibe.
76
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
the liveliest dinner parties bring together folks with a mix of backgrounds and personalities. Translate that concept to dinnerware to set a memorable table.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
77
the big find Blue-and-white spongeware is enjoying a revival, with designers such as Tory Burch creating new pieces.
M E R R Y C L A S S I C S Serve up a spirited holiday brunch with classic blue-and-white spongeware amped up with candy canes and peppermints as table decor. O P P O S I T E Pair bright spongeware—both old and newly minted—with vintage linens in red or blue plaids, stripes, and monograms. Line serving pieces with them to layer on more color and pattern. R I G H T Plastic deer from the 1950s (found in a packaged set on eBay) double as place card holders and are another youthful wink to the past. B E L O W Cut amaryllis blooms put the wow factor at the center of this table. They are placed in a small spongeware pitcher, which joins a vintage flowerpot used as a flatware holder and a cake stand that serves up coffee cake—all of which add pattern and a variety of heights to the table for design energy. More nostalgic details, such as a homespun white linen runner trimmed in red, and silver and pewter accents, complete the lively look.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
79
the halls are decked;
now remember to set the table with personalized settings and watch the conversations spark.
E V E R G R E E N Set once, use, and repeat all season. This tablescape’s magic starts with a homey, neutral runner that can support a variety of natural table decorations. L E F T The simple beauty for this table comes from inexpensive white plates with swirls of painted brushstrokes. Twine tied with snips of eucalyptus forms napkin rings. Flat leaves make it easy to personalize each setting with the guest’s name or initials. O P P O S I T E Begin with faux burlap (to avoid the odor of burlap) found at crafts supply stores; pull off the seams and fray the edges to mimic real burlap. Layer on seeded eucalyptus branches and cedar cuttings to create a garland across the table. (Bonus: These branches will dry into place yet still look fresh.) Finish the display with red and white pillar candles that sit on low wood holders. Add simple white and red store-bought ornaments. The hits of white from the ornaments and candles give the greens and beiges a lift. RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 110.
the big find They might mimic handmade, high-end pieces, but we found these marbleized plates at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
80
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
winter in wonderland A FAMILY SETTLES INTO AN EASY RHYTHM IN THEIR NEW WEEKEND DREAM HOME IN VERMONT. THAT UNFUSSY-IS-BEST ATTITUDE EXTENDS TO THE HOLIDAYS, WHEN SIMPLICITY IS AN IMPORTANT TRADITION.
WRIT TEN BY
SHAILA WUNDERLICH PRODUCED BY
PHOTOGR APHED BY
K ARIN LIDBECK-BRENT
KRITSADA
O P P O S I T E The Buchanan family doesn’t arrive at their Vermont home until the day before Christmas Eve, so decorating is limited by time and trunk space. In the foyer, a plaid throw, fresh greens, and a few wrapped presents supply plenty of cheer. Here, friend and designer Brittney Lombardo of Pinney Designs Inc. joins in the fun. T H I S P H O T O The iron-and-wood bench was trimmed to ďŹ t this niche. The framed photo is by local artist Jim Westphalen.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
83
L E F T The living room’s Wittus steel
t
woodstove stays ablaze during the family’s winter visits. Its modern silhouette pairs well with the clean profiles of the surrounding furniture pieces. A B O V E Interior designer Emily Pinney worked closely with local Bethel Mills Kitchen & Bath Services to design the simple, Shaker-style cabinetry. Black hardware echoes the honed black granite countertops.
HE TOWN OF WOODSTOCK, VERMONT, HAS BEEN SPECIAL TO
this family for a good long time. As young adults, Patrick and Tanya Buchanan became regulars on weekend dates, and they became engaged and were married at a storied inn there. Later, they frequently brought their three sons along to the town starting when the first one was born. Now the Buchanans can say they have a weekend home in Woodstock as well. As they prepare to spend their second Christmas in the eco-conscious farmhouse, the family is having fun testing new traditions, from all-day feasting in pajamas to pinning festive bow ties on French bulldog Monty. Although the house was built in 2012—just five years before they took ownership—Patrick and Tanya felt a few adjustments were needed to adapt the space to their family’s lifestyle, which encourages being outdoors as much as possible. Oliver, 10, and Murphy, 8, compete on the local “Suicide Six” ski squad, often spending entire Saturdays in gear, and 3-year-old Quinn gets tucked in the stroller for hikes. “We wanted it to be a kid-friendly place,” Tanya says. “We didn’t want anything to feel off-limits or uninviting.” Fond of the house’s craftsmanship, they summoned back its builder, Chris Ambrose, for the renovations. Emily Pinney, the interior designer for the family’s main residence in Massachusetts, would handle the surfaces and furnishings. Ambrose enlarged the kitchen for Tanya’s cooking and entertaining needs. Pinney followed suit with hardy rugs, cozy-but-clean furnishings, and a Christmas-appropriate mossy-green color on the new
84
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
T H I S P H O T O A fresh choice
for cabinetry, Benjamin Moore Brookside Moss complements rustic woods used in the architecture and furnishings.
86
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
Pinney kept furnishings minimal and comfortable according to her clients’ wishes. “They like their home to be finished but not overly done, polished but cozy,” she says. During the holidays, things get cozier thanks to a wool blanket and furry throw. A simple garland and right-size faux tree with red and white ornaments keep the look crisp and clean.
T H I S P H O T O Inspired by—and in some cases gathered
from—the Vermont countryside, pinecones, holly, moss, and forced paperwhites create a woodland scene on the tabletop. The paperwhites are tucked right into the moss that lines the dough bowl for a natural look. O P P O S I T E The long farm table becomes smorgasbord central on Christmas Day. Contemporary Windsor chairs add visual snap to the room’s spare design.
style in a twinkling KEEP IT SIMPLE
This house proves that, at their best, vacation homes are simple and fussfree—at the holidays or anytime. Against a clean backdrop, you need only a light holiday layer. G O N AT I V E
For the freshest (and most affordable) greenery, stick to what’s on-site. In Vermont, that would be pine branches and pinecones, holly and cedar, and their berries. P I C K A PA L E T T E
Get more visual impact with less stuff by sticking to a palette of two or three colors. The Buchanans’ tree features retro red and white ornaments, mainly from eBay, such as plastic Santa boots and glass globes from the 1950s. GET PERSONAL
Take cues from your family’s vacation lifestyle. Here, that means vintage skis, snowshoes, and ski poles mounted on the walls as fine art.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
89
“We wanted it to be a kid-friendly place. WE DIDN’T WANT ANYTHING TO FEEL OFF-LIMITS OR UNINVITING.” —HOMEOWNER TANYA BUCHANAN
L E F T Tucked into a terra-cotta pot, this cedar clipping was harvested from the backyard. Ceramic houses become merrier when graced with faux berries. A B O V E In the master bedroom, vintage ski poles from the local Woodstock Inn are a nod to the boys’ favorite pastime and their parents’ courting days, when they frequently lodged at the inn during weekend stays. In fact, they got engaged and were married there. On the bed, layers of wool blankets and chunky knits create a cozy nest.
kitchen cabinetry. “That color is the showstopper of the house,” Pinney says. “It’s inspired by a similar green I spotted on the serving stations at Henrietta’s Table restaurant in Cambridge.” The Buchanans took Pinney’s practical recommendation for countertops, selecting a honed, black granite, which “looks like soapstone but wears like iron,” she says; the granite makes them easier to clean and maintain. The new colors and surfaces turned out to be an ideal complement to the yellow tone of the original oak floors. The residence now officially established, the family can get down to the business of living in it, Woodstock style. “It’s always relaxed and there are never any to-do lists,” Tanya says. Well, other than convincing Patrick to stay in his pj’s all day—and Monty to keep on his tie. RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 110.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
91
making merry IN UPSTATE NEW YORK, A DESIGNER EMBELLISHES HER HISTORICAL HOME’S ELEGANT, MINIMALIST STYLE WITH JUST THE RIGHT TOUCH OF OLDFASHIONED HOLIDAY SPIRIT.
WRIT TEN BY
SAR AH EGGE
PHOTOGR APHED BY
JOHN GRUEN
PRODUCED BY
92
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
K ARIN LIDBECK-BRENT
O P P O S I T E For the holidays, Leah
Olson dresses up the mantel with cedar swags. She forages for pinecones during the summer and adds purchased magnolia leaves. Pears and clementines are colorful accents borrowed from Early American traditions. T H I S P H O T O Losing count of how many feet of garland she makes each year, Leah just wires together branch after branch until she has a lush, draped effect on the banister. She holds it all in place with plaid ribbon bows.
A B O V E “We make fires every day, and
the kids and I read or watch TV, just hanging out together,” Leah says. “It’s that nesting feel the long winters in this area lend themselves to.” She adds to the coziness with pom-pom-studded blanket throws and plaid pillows. Neutral cable-knit stockings suit the color scheme. A B O V E R I G H T The historical nature of the 100-year-old Colonial-style stucco house is enhanced with strands of old-fashioned-style bulbs that emit golden light, window boxes spilling over with cuttings of fresh pine and fir, and grapevine wreaths freshened with more greens. O P P O S I T E Birch branches are on year-round display in the living room bookcase; Leah tucks in greens, berry branches, and pinecones for the holiday season. Her “clean Colonial” look relies on Early American elements, such as portraits and mirrors, displayed in modern frames and streamlined arrangements.
94
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
i
T’S A CHILLY TUESDAY MORNING JUST AFTER
Thanksgiving, and Leah Hallenbeck Olson is on her parents’ property in Niskayuna, New York, clipping holly branches with mitten-warmed hands. Next to her, lightweight laundry baskets are quickly filling with fragrant greens. “I’ll fill the baskets with different types, like the indigenous holly, white pine, and juniper,” she says. When she’s topped off the baskets, she takes the haul to her own home, a 100-year-old center-hall Colonial just a few blocks away. She shoves aside her dining table and gets to work crafting 11 outdoor wreaths, 15 or so indoor wreaths, and more than 100 feet of garland, plus the swags that decorate her mantel and kitchen shelves. “It’s definitely a labor of love because it is not easy,” Leah admits. But the aroma of fresh-cut greens and their festive, feathery branches are something she would never skimp on. “It’s what Christmas feels like in our house,” she says. A longtime fan of decorating with antiques, Leah started watching classic films like White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life for inspirational old-fashioned decor. “They always have garlands and fresh greenery, and it looks so different and so beautiful. I started wanting a nostalgic Christmas theme,” she says. So she adds other natural elements—clove-studded oranges, berry branches, pinecones—into the greens then blends in multiple plaid patterns in ribbons, blankets, and table coverings for a look she calls “clean Colonial.”
L E F T Leah found bottle-brush trees in the natural wood tone she prefers. She also likes to juxtapose vintage and modern, selecting a clean-line Parsons-style desk for her vintage typewriter. R I G H T The sunroom’s large divided windows are a luminous gallery space for Leah’s seasonal wreath display. She took apart crafts store grapevine wreaths and reworked them into wispier versions. She then added fresh greens to each using florists wire. “I try to make them all different,” she says. Vintage Oriental rugs with red hues are used throughout the house to ground the neutral palette with jewel tones.
Over the years, Leah has refined the look, editing and culling to suit her preference for minimalist rooms that showcase vintage furniture against bright white backdrops. She has captured the evolution of her home and her style online, gathering almost 22,000 followers on her Instagram page, @leaholsonstyle. “I have fumbled with different looks along the way, but my journey through social media—being exposed to such talented people—has helped me curate a style for myself,” she says. The former lawyer and stay-at-home mom also has parlayed the interest in her look into a career as an interior designer. Clients are attracted to her uncluttered, personal rooms. “I guess they’re almost museumish,” Leah says. “I place the things I love, the older, crumbling things, against something stark and pure to create contrast.” Leah prefers a narrow color palette of pure, frosty white, including Behr White Luxury paint and cotton duck slipcovers, with antique Oriental rugs in shades of deep red. For furnishings and accessories, she sticks to natural wood tones, such as the raw ends of cut birch branches in a living room bookcase and kitchen shelves fashioned from pieces of salvaged barn wood. Her holiday look features sprigs of cedar and spruce branches with holly berries tucked in around dishware in the kitchen and turned-wood bowls filled with pinecones on the bookcase. In her bedroom, a red-and-
96
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
L E F T When it’s time for cookie-
making, Leah gets helping hands from sons Wesley, 12, and William, 15. A “probably 1700s” estate-sale table is paired with modern metal Windsor chairs. “The table is a little rickety because it has wooden pegs instead of nails, but I love it,” Leah says. Brass sconces and a vintage-style rotary phone add shine to the mix. B E L O W In a kitchen facelift, Leah replaced upper cabinets with salvaged-wood shelves to give the room a more open feel. She anchored them with delicate brass brackets. O P P O S I T E In the light-filled dining room, Leah’s holiday table display stands out. She turned a plaid blanket on the bias and uses it as a layer under inherited milk glass and hobnail serving pieces. A modern globe pendant light fits with the clean lines of the Shaker table she bought from an old New England furniture company.
white quilt decks the end of the bed, and a strand of globe lights adds a warm glimmer. In keeping with her streamlined style, a single string of old-fashioned colored ceramic bulbs is enough to make her teen sons’ rooms festive. “I really like the glow and warmth they give a room, but I don’t like clutter,” she says. That’s OK, because wreaths that hang outside the bedroom windows also contribute to the festive holiday vibe. Frustrated that she couldn’t find prelit wreaths with natural greenery, Leah assembles them anew each year. “I may be the only person who bothers to do it, but it makes the house have a special glow,” she says. “They have that historic Christmas feel, which goes with my house and the style of decorating that I love.” RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 110.
98
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
T H I S P H O T O Leah includes brass
in furniture, lighting, or accessories in every room to build a consistent look throughout the house. She painted her white metal bed with liquid metal paint so it would fit into the scheme. O P P O S I T E T O P A diminutive cabinet Leah’s great-grandfather made plays a starring role on the upstairs landing, especially when crowned with illuminated letters. O P P O S I T E B O T T O M In the boys’ room, a small tabletop tree and strand of lights give plaid bedding a holiday boost.
leah olson’s spirited secrets Swap out accessories for items that feature a holiday pattern or motif. Trade pillows and throws for plaid and fur-trimmed versions. Adjust furniture groupings. Pull the sofa closer to the fireplace or make room for a Christmas tree. Tuck bits of greenery here and there to make a big statement without making an elaborate garland. Wrap packages and use them as part of the decor. Buy gifts early to prop around the house. Decorate bedrooms for visual flow throughout the house. Add a seasonal quilt, small tabletop trees, and lights on headboards or windows. Snap photos as you deck the halls. Sometimes you spot things through the lens, such as bald spots in trees or unbalanced mantel displays.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
101
SUGAR AND SPICE THE WINTERS MAY BE COLD AND DARK, BUT SCANDINAVIAN HEARTS—AND KITCHENS—ARE THE WARMEST YOU’LL FIND. FIRE UP YOUR OWN OVEN AND TRY THESE TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY GOODIES. THEY MAKE THE SWEETEST GIFTS OF ALL. WRIT TEN BY
102
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
BRONTË AURELL
PHOTOGR APHED BY
PETER CASSIDY
Swedish Toffee FROM SCANDIKITCHEN CHRISTMAS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER CASSIDY © RYLAND PETERS & SMALL 2018
OPPOSITE
A symbol of authentic Swedish handcraft, the Dala horse is as popular to give as are homemade holiday baked goods. THIS PHOTO
In Scandinavia, baking for the festive season starts early. Old family recipes find their way back into kitchens, and days are spent preparing treats for glögg parties and gifts for friends. Every household in Sweden makes knäck at Christmas—little soft toffees personalized with favorite toppings. RECIPES, PAGE 107.
Danish Butter Cookies
FROM SCANDIKITCHEN CHRISTMAS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER CASSIDY © RYLAND PETERS & SMALL 2018
These biscuits are well known around the world because they are often sold in tins decorated with scenes of Copenhagen, labeled straightforwardly as Danish Butter Cookies. But it’s easy to make your own—and a lot more satisfying.
Chocolate and Oat Balls All Scandinavian kids know this basic recipe for Chocolate and Oat Balls. It requires no baking and is super quick to make—it’s essentially butter, cocoa, and sugar. In Sweden and Norway, it’s made year-round, but in Denmark, it’s kept for the festive season.
105
Swedish Ginger Biscuits With a delicate crunch and just enough spice, Swedish Ginger Biscuits are perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of glรถgg. Every December, families across Scandinavia will sit around a table with a batch of dough, festive music on, making loads of baked goods for all the coming Sundays of Advent.
Swedish Toffee
In my house, we flavor our toffees in lots of different ways and use little petit-four cases. Just remember to use cases that are lined or else they will stick. You can also give them a quick spray of cake-release spray before filling with the toffee, just to make sure. Muffin or cupcake paper liners will also work.
FROM SCANDIKITCHEN CHRISTMAS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER CASSIDY © RYLAND PETERS & SMALL 2018
2⁄3 cup golden/corn syrup 1 ¾ cups plus 1 tablespoon caster/superfine sugar ¾ cup whipping cream 3 ½ tablespoons butter Candy thermometer Petit-four cases
You will need to use a large saucepan as the mixture will bubble up a lot during cooking. Place the syrup, sugar, and whipping cream in a large saucepan and bring to boil over an even heat. You need to keep an eye on it all the time—I can’t emphasize this enough. The temperature needs to reach exactly 257°F. Along the way to that point, it will bubble—then, right before it hits 257°F, it will start to turn brown. This whole process can take 20–25 minutes, so make sure you won’t be distracted. As soon as you have the exact temperature, take the pan off the heat and stir in the butter. If you leave it to cook longer, the finished toffee will be too hard. If you take it off the heat before 257°F, you end up with a fudge-style finish. Leave it for a few minutes. At this stage, you can split it into several different bowls in order to add different flavorings, or you can simply portion it out and add flavors to the top of the warm toffee before it goes hard. I have not included quantities for the fillings here as tastes are different, but for a full recipe consider around 3 oz. of nuts or seeds; for spices, a few teaspoons should suffice. When the mixture has cooled a little, pour into plastic piping bags or a pourer, and pipe into the little petit-four cases.
Add the flavorings to the top, then leave to cool down and harden up. FL AVOR S UGGESTIONS Sesame seeds and flaked sea salt 2 teaspoons cocoa powder Chopped toasted almonds Chopped pistachios Pine nuts Licorice powder Vanilla (add vanilla sugar and a pinch of sea salt) MAKES APPROXIMATELY 30 LITTLE TOFFEES, DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE CASES
Danish Butter Cookies
I haven’t counted how many different butter cookies there are in Scandinavia, but there are hundreds and hundreds of different varieties and regional specialties. I quite like these little kringle-shaped ones because the addition of cream to the mixture makes the pastry a little flaky. 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter 2 ⅞ cups plain/all-purpose flour 1 cup icing/confectioner’s sugar 1 egg yolk 3–4 tablespoons double/heavy cream Egg white, for brushing Sanding, pearl, or demerara sugar, to decorate
Mix the butter and flour together with a pastry blender to form crumbs. Add the sugar and mix, then work in the egg yolk and, finally, the cream. Use hands to gently knead until dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Don’t overwork the dough. Leave it to rest in a plastic bag in the fridge for at least an hour until it’s cold and easy to work with. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with non-stick paper. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll pieces of around 1 oz. into thin “sausage” shapes about 8 in. long, then form into a pretzel shape and place on the baking sheet (the biscuits will spread out during cooking, so make sure there is space between them). Repeat until all dough is used. Brush with egg white and top with the sugar, then bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until just baked through
(don’t allow them to brown too much). Leave to cool before storing in a biscuit tin, cookie jar, or airtight container. VAR IATIONS I use pearl or crystal sugar to decorate these, but you can use finely chopped nuts or demerara sugar if you prefer. Sanding or crystal sugar is a bigger cut than demerara—you can buy it in some supermarkets and online. Alternatively, use pearl or nibbed sugar, or, indeed, demerara. I use pearl sugar, but bash it a bit first to break up the biggest lumps. You can also flavor them— a dash of vanilla, cardamom, or ginger will spice them up. MAKES APPROXIMATELY 30
Chocolate and Oat Balls
Make these ahead and keep them in the fridge, as they last for a week or so. I tend to make a few batches and flavor them for different tastes, which you can do both as you make the balls and in the coverings you roll them in. Colorful sprinkles and gentle flavors suit kids, but for a grown-up version, alcohol and more coffee work well. Make a large quantity, split the mixture in several batches, and flavor each one at the end. Favorite variations are below, but this recipe is perfect for experimentation. 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons softened butter 4 cups rolled/old-fashioned oats 1 cup icing/confectioner’s sugar 3–4 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder 4 tablespoons brewed strong coffee 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until you have a good, uniform mixture. I usually do it in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, but this isn’t difficult to do by hand. Make equal-sized balls (usually the size of a whole walnut), then roll in your chosen covering (see page 108), before chilling in the fridge. The traditional treat is simply rolled in pearl sugar, shredded coconut, or sprinkles.
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
107
OR AN GE This one is for the grown-ups
only. Add 2 tablespoons Cointreau and 1/4 teaspoon orange zest to 7 oz. of your mixture. Roll in chocolate sprinkles. ALM ON D Another adults-only one. Add 2 tablespoons Amaretto to 7 oz. of your mixture, then roll in toasted, chopped almonds. R AS PB E R RY Children can enjoy this one. Add 1 tablespoon raspberry jam/ preserves to 7 oz. of your mixture. Roll in freeze-dried raspberry pieces or chocolate sprinkles. MAKES AROUND 30–40
Swedish Ginger Biscuits
These are probably the most famous treat to come out of Sweden (besides the Plopp chocolate bar). This recipe is a quick dough, which is easy to roll out so the kids can make lots of festive shapes. 4¼ 1 1½ 1 1 1 ½ ½ ½ 2⁄3 2⁄3 2⁄3
cups plain/all-purpose flour teaspoon baking soda teaspoons ground ginger teaspoon ground cloves tablespoon ground cinnamon teaspoon ground cardamom teaspoon ground allspice A pinch of salt cup granulated sugar cup dark brown sugar cup butter, at room temperature cup golden/corn syrup cup double/heavy cream Icing/confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, baking soda, spices, salt, and sugars together. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until you have an even dough. Shape it into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. Rest it in the fridge at least overnight before using— try to resist eating the dough while it’s chilling! Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line several baking sheets with non-stick paper. On a floured surface, roll out the dough very thinly to around 1/8 in., and use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes.
108
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
Make sure they are thin biscuits. Place them on lined baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven—each batch will take 5–6 minutes, depending on the thickness. The biscuits should be a darker shade of brown without being burnt. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack. Dust with icing or confectioner’s sugar, or let the kids loose with colorful icing /frosting. Keep them in an airtight container. If you are icing/frosting, then 12/3 cups icing/confectioner’s sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons pasteurized liquid egg white and 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice makes the best decorative icing as it goes hard when it dries. MAKES 50–70
Snowballs
Across Scandinavia, we spend time preparing a lot of little marzipan treats at Christmas. I love making these because they look pretty and festive on a plate, along with biscuits, cookies, and other treats. My kids love making them because they get to spray them with edible silver glitter.
set over a bain-marie (a hot-water bath) until the chocolate is just liquid, then dab a little on the inside of your wrist (a heat-sensitive area)—it should feel warm but not burning hot. Take the bowl off the bain-marie and quickly stir in the remaining chocolate. This will melt and bring down the temperature of the whole bowl to temper it. Tempering white chocolate can be tricky, but the easiest way is to melt half in a bain-marie, then remove from the heat and stir in the remaining half to cool it down quickly. Insert a cocktail stick/toothpick into a marzipan ball, then dip it in the melted chocolate so that it has a thin covering. Roll the ball in the shredded coconut and leave to set on non-stick paper. Decorate with a little food-safe silver glitter, if you wish. VAR IATIONS To flavor the marzipan, add a bit of orange zest when rolling the marzipan. For an adults-only version, 2 tablespoons Amaretto works well. MAKES 20
7 oz. marzipan (63% almond content is the best for these sorts of treats, but you need at least a minimum of 50%) 4 oz. good-quality white chocolate Cocktail sticks/toothpicks 1 1⁄3 cups shredded coconut Food-safe silver glitter (optional)
Cut the marzipan into 20 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then leave to one side so they are cold when you add the chocolate—this allows them to dry more quickly. Temper the white chocolate. This means to heat the chocolate to a certain degree so that when set, it forms a pleasing crack when you bite into it. There are several ways to do this, but this is my quick home method: Melt half the chocolate in a very clean, dry bowl
These classic sweet treats are just a few of the Scandinavian holiday recipes and traditions you can sample in ScandiKitchen Christmas: Recipes and Traditions from Scandinavia by Brontë Aurell, Ryland Peters & Small Ltd., 2018, $19.95.
FROM SCANDIKITCHEN CHRISTMAS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER CASSIDY © RYLAND PETERS & SMALL 2018
FL AVORS AN D COVE R I N GS
Snowballs The main ingredients in marzipan are sugar or honey and almond meal; it is sometimes boosted with almond oil or extract. Add flavors and vary the toppings to give your own special touch to this sweet treat.
GET THE LOOK
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1. Publication Title: Country Home 2. Publication Number: 21280 3. Filing date: October 1, 2019 4. Issue Frequency: Quarterly in January, April, August, and October 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 4 6. Annual Subscription Price: $20 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309 9. Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of the Publisher, Editor & Managing Editor: Publisher: Scott Mortimer, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309-3023; Editor: Samantha Hart, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309-3023; Managing Editor: Brian Kramer, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309-3023. 10. Owner: Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. The names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock: State Street Global Advisors (SSgA), Attn: Cyrus Taraporevala, 1 Lincoln St., Boston, MA 02111; BlackRock Fund Advisors, Attn: Larry Fink, 400 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105; The Vanguard Group Inc., Attn: Binbin Guo, 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355; Royce & Associates LP, Attn: Charlie Royce, 745 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10151; Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Attn: Dave Butler, 6300 Bee Cave Rd., Austin, TX 78746; Fairpointe Capital LLC, Attn: Thyra Zerhusen, 1 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60606; Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss LLC, Attn: James Barrow, 2200 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75201; Ariel Investments LLC, Attn: John Rogers, 200 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601; Ceredex Value Advisors LLC, Attn: George Aylward, 301 E. Pine St., Orlando, FL 32801; Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., Attn: Andrew Smith, 1735 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19103; Northern Trust Investments Inc., Attn: William Hyatt, 50 LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60603; Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC, Attn: Richard Hough, 1330 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019; Channing Capital Management LLC, Attn: Timothy Kroll, 10 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60603; DePrince, Race & Zollo Inc., Attn: John Race, 250 Park Ave., S., Winter Park, FL 32789; Delaware Investment Management Business Trust, 2005 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19103; River Road Asset Management LLC, Attn: Richard Beck, 462 S. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40202; Norges Bank Investment Management, Bankplassen 2 Oslo, PS 0107 Norway; Bowen, Hanes & Co. Inc., Attn: Harold Bowen, 3290 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30327; PPM America Inc., Attn: James Young, 225 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606; Raymond James & Associates Inc. (Invt Mgmt), Attn: Dennis Zank, 880 Carillon Pkwy., St. Petersburg, FL 33716; Nuveen Asset Management LLC, Attn: Anthony Boase, 333 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606; Geode Capital Management LLC, Attn: Patrick Waddell, 1 Post Office Sq., Boston, MA 02109; Mellon Investments Corp., Attn: Caroline Higgins, BNY Mellon Center, One Boston Pl., Boston, MA 02108; William Blair Investment Management LLC, Attn: Mark Leslie, 150 N. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606. Through some of the nominees listed above, the E.T. Meredith and Bohen families and family foundations own, directly or beneficially, approximately 13% of the issued and outstanding stock of the corporation. Each nominee listed above holds stock for one or more stockholders. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or more of Total amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates). Check one: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: __ Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months __ Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) Not applicable. 13. Publication Title: Country Home 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Fall 2019 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run): 318,403 b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 46,241 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 0 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 44,464 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®): 0 c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 90,705 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 2,179 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail): 0 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 933 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): 3,112 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 93,817 g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)): 224,586 h. Total (Sum of 15f and g): 318,403 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 96.68% No. of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run): 325,615 b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 51,591 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 0 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 44,008 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®): 0 c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 95,599 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 2,185 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail): 0 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 845 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): 3,030 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 98,629 g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)): 226,986 h. Total (Sum of 15f and g): 325,615 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 96.93% 16. Not applicable 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the Winter 2019 issue of this publication. 18. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: Chris Susil, VP/Planning & Analysis. Date: Sept. 19, 2019. 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).
RESOURCES
CONTACT THESE DESIGN PROFESSIONALS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR SERVICES OR PRODUCTS. OUR STYLE MAKERS PAGES 7–11 Eddie Ross, Maximalist Studios; 610/590-5082; creative@maximaliststudios.com. Megan Brokman, Farmhouse Supply, 5750 West Center Rd., Linesville, PA 16424; 814/683-3104; farmhousesupply.net.
ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT PAGES 22–31
HOME DESIGNERS: Bruce and Barbara Drobnyk, Sanibel, Florida. BUILDER: Tom Smith, 57 Smith’s Hill Rd., Manchester Center, VT 05255; 802/733-1144. INTERIOR STYLIST: Elizabeth Burns, edb designs, Santa Barbara, California; 203/247-9056; edbdesignssb.com.
A SEASON TO SAVOR PAGES 40–47
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Liz Fourez,
Love Grows Wild, Kokomo, Indiana; 815/790-1461; lovegrowswild.com.
BARN R AISING PAGES 48–57
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Amy Beth Cupp,
ABCDesign, West Cornwall, Connecticut; abc@amybethcupp.com; abcdesigns.it.
TURN THE TABLES PAGES 74–81
UPBEAT AMERICANA: Blue-and-
white transferware—Replacements Ltd.; replacements.com. Goblets— William Yeoward Crystal; us.williamyeowardcrystal.com. Runners— Lancaster County Quilting Creations; museumquilts.com. Candles—Greentree Home; greentreehomecandle.com.
110
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
WOODLAND WONDER: Edge Wine Glasses—Crate and Barrel; crateandbarrel .com. Candles—Creative Candles; creativecandles.com. MERRY CLASSICS: Blue-and-white spongeware—Replacements Ltd.; replacements.com. Goblets—Simon Pearce; simonpearce.com. EVER GREEN: Marble dinnerware— Artisanal Kitchen Supply Coupe; bedbathandbeyond.com. Burlap runner— Michaels Stores; michaels.com. Candles— Creative Candles; creativecandles.com. Deziree Hand-Braided Natural Area Rug— Wayfair; wayfair.com.
WINTER IN WONDERLAND PAGES 82–91
INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Emily Pinney and Brittney Lombardo, Pinney Designs Inc., 290 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138; 617/500-0147; pinneydesigns.com. BUILDER: Chris Ambrose, Ambrose Custom Builders Inc., 4945 South Rd., South Woodstock, VT 05071; 802/282-2821; ambrosecustombuilders.com. Faux tree—Balsam Hill; balsamhill.com.
MAKING MERRY PAGES 92–101
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Leah Olson,
Leah Olson Style, Niskayuna, New York; 518/669-4207; leaholsonstyle.com.
—JOHN BURROUGHS
112
COUNTRY HOME WINTER 2019
PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID A. LAND
“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.”
Country Home® (ISSN 0737-3740), October (Winter) 2019, Volume 40, No. 4. Country Home is published quarterly in January, April, August, and October by Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES: $20 per year in the U.S.; $30 (U.S. dollars) in Canada. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Country Home, P.O. BOX 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. In Canada: mailed under Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223; Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Your bank may provide updates to the card information we have on file. You may opt out of this service at any time. Country Home is a registered trademark in the United States. © Meredith Corporation 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
THE LAST WORD
$100 OFF
Better Wines HOLIDAYS & ENJOY 6 GREAT WINES AND BONUS GIFTS FOR
only $39.99 BONUS GIFTS Get two extra bottles of this rich Italian red (rated 98 points!) and a pair of stemless glasses.
#190948
Order at
bhgwine.com/better or call 1-888-997-0318 quote code 0853004
Choosing wine can be a lottery. Do you stick to what you know (and miss out on great wines), or risk an expensive mistake? Imagine instead the appetizers are circulating, the room is buzzing and the wine in everyone’s glasses is a huge hit. Enter the Better Homes & Gardens Wine Club with this amazing introductory offer just in time for the holidays. Read the small print below (it’s all good news) and join in the fun today — with $100 savings and our 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE. Cheers! Discount applies to introductory Better Homes & Gardens Wine Club cases – worth $139.99, reduced to $39.99 (plus $9.99 shipping & applicable tax). Offer available to first-time members only. Limited to one case per household. Wines may vary by state. 100% money-back guarantee applies to all wines. You’ll save at least 20% on an exciting new 9-bottle case (every 10 weeks) – yours for only $114.99 (plus $14.99 shipping & tax). You take only the cases you want and are free to cancel anytime. Licensed retailers/wineries accept and fulfill orders from adults at least 21 years old. Applicable taxes are paid. Full terms and conditions online. Void where prohibited by law.