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Tour Designer Cassie Tonsmeire’s Home Decked in Holiday Style

By
Alice Welsh Doyle
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In a renovation, the kitchen was opened up to connect to the family room. “These two rooms are where daily life happens,” Cassie says. In that regard, the designer included generously proportioned swivel armchairs, a sectional sofa, and small ottomans that can be used as extra seating when there’s a crowd. Photos by Jean Allsopp

Designer Cassie Tonsmeire describes her style as traditional with a clean aesthetic. She eschews too much fussiness but does opt for a more feminine spin when decorating her own home. And she especially loves filling a space with treasures that tell a story, as seen in her dining room. Heirloom pieces include unique, carved dining chairs from her husband Burgett’s grandmother, as well as an antique buffet that was a wedding present from her in-laws. In the foyer, the designer placed a circa-1930 antique gentleman’s shaving mirror and stand from Burgett’s grandfather. After her in-laws passed away, she took their beautiful brass doorknocker engraved with “Tonsmeire” and had it framed as art.

A kitchen renovation opened up the room to the adjoining spaces in the 1982 house. The blue upholstered counter stools provide a color link among the downstairs rooms.

In addition to the many passed-down pieces, Cassie makes a point to feature items that hold fond memories of her own. In the breakfast nook, her childhood dining table and rush seat chairs keep company with a special antique chandelier. “My siblings found the fixture in New Orleans and gave it to me for my birthday one year,” says Cassie. “It was originally a candelabra, and I had it wired.” The chandelier in the foyer was purchased on a shopping trip with her sister-in-law in Mobile. The candlestick lampshades in the same space came from a girls’ trip to Italy, and two wrought-iron lanterns were gifts from Burgett.

For the breakfast nook, Cassie designed a movable banquette for extra seating. She had the chairs refinished with blue paint in a worn look to add color and help break up all the wood finishes.

Among all of these meaningful items, Cassie layers in some very practical, comfortable pieces that cater to everyday living. The family room features a large sectional to sit at least six for football viewing. (Cassie also designs game-day home décor and fashion accessories—ctonsmeire.com) Two capacious blue-velvet swivel armchairs topped with animal-print pillows find their places at opposite ends of the room. “No home is complete without a dose of animal print,” says Cassie. “It’s like a neutral!” The rug in the sitting room is an indestructible cowhide in a mixed herringbone design, and in the family room, she chose a reproduction Oushak. And while Cassie loves the aged beauty of antiques, she does sprinkle in modern kitchen counter stools and pendant light fixtures to instill a little tension.

The dining room is steeped with family references which include Empire, splat-back dining chairs in mahogany from Burgett’s grandmother, and a buffet that was a wedding gift from his parents. To avoid an overly formal look, Cassie added slipcovered, monogrammed host chairs.

“Art is so personal, just like perfume. I would never try to pick anything out without my client’s say-so. I want each home to reflect the homeowner’s passions.”

—Cassie Tonsmeire

Nothing in the Tonsmeire home was chosen to make a splashy statement; instead, each piece nods to the others with a distinct but complementary demeanor. For Cassie, it’s the merging of memories and modern style that make her house one of a kind.

One of the designer’s mantras is that every house should have a dark room that envelops you. Here she put together a mash-up of varying furniture styles and lighting, along with a herringbone cowhide rug presented against a background in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Downspout.’
Cassie is an equal opportunity decorator, combining both antiques and reproductions if she’s drawn to them and they serve a purpose. Tall, chalky-white, curvy candlesticks topped with reproduction shades that she found on a girls’ trip to Italy adorn the foyer.
Kumquats and magnolia leaves serve as a runner along the dining room table. Gold chargers are topped with Cassie’s wedding china and antique Belgian linen napkins, a gift from her mother.
The renovation also included a built-in cabinet and serving spot where the Tonsmeires set up the bar when entertaining.
Designer Cassie Tonsmeire

A Tonsmeire Christmas

Holiday Decorating

I love to incorporate the colors already in my house, so blue is a natural choice, along with cream, white, and gold. I like adding ribbons, textural elements, and fresh greenery. Orange is a favorite accent color; it pairs so beautifully with blue and adds a vibrant touch.

Traditions

We have always had big family gatherings, and I’ve taken over the role of host. On Christmas Eve, we go to our church’s candlelight service. Afterward, we come back to our house and enjoy my father-in-law’s famous milk punch, along with some hearty appetizers.

When the boys were small, we made reindeer food and put it in the front yard; we still do this even though they are 16 and 18! I also have their school pictures in ornaments that hang on the tree; it’s fun to see how they’ve grown. German, clip-on candle ornaments reflect our family roots.

On Christmas day, I make my mother’s breakfast casserole. We sit in a circle and everyone takes turns opening gifts. As the boys have gotten older, there are fewer gifts, but they still want to see the unwrapped Santa presents on “their” chair in the morning!

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Barnsley Resort Celebrates its 25th Year with Extensive Renovations, Additions

By
BHG Partners
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Barnsley Resort One Bedroom Cottage Exterior

Photos courtesy Barnsley Resort

Barnsley Resort celebrates its 25th year with extensive renovations, additions

Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia, turned 25 in 2024, but it’s not showing its age. A number of renovations and upgrades have made one of the South’s most popular destinations even more of a must-visit.

The resort’s 39 free-standing cottages have undergone a $6.2 million remodel, giving the cottages’ historic character and Southern flavor an updated look.

The design of the cottages, led by Charlotte Lucas Design out of Charlotte, North Carolina, blends bold patterns with soft details, all inspired by a heritage color palette and the flora and fauna of the South. This includes accent wall coverings, floor-to-ceiling draperies and subdued florals and sporting dog scenes that provide pops of color.

Rooms include new wooden nightstands, painted dressers, colorful area rugs and artwork influenced by the resort’s offerings. Bathrooms feature wood vanities and checkered tile floors.

Barnsley Resort Cottage Living Room
Barnsley Resort Cottage Bedroom

Renovations extend to the exterior, with nature-inspired colors giving the resort’s Village Green a fresh look.

Rates to stay in the renovated cottages start at $699 and can be reserved at BarnsleyResort.com.

The cottages are the centerpiece, but there’s a lot more new to experience at Barnsley Resort, including a new Biergarten, pickleball courts and improvements to the Beretta Shooting Grounds.

“We are thrilled about these exciting projects, which will propel the resort to an entirely new level,” said David Friederich, president, Barnsley Resort.

Barnsley Resort Aerial Village

Barnsley Resort offers 3,000 acres of relaxation and sport about 60 miles from Atlanta, including a Jim Fazio-designed golf course, two 15-station sporting clays courses, wingshooting, archery, axe throwing and horseback riding. The property includes the ruins from the original manor built by Godfrey Barnsley, as well as a boutique spa and 140 guest rooms.

“Barnsley Resort is known for many things, but most importantly as a destination to enjoy with loved ones and create cherished memories,” Friederich said.

Here’s a closer look at the renovations:

  • The newly built Biergarten features a two-sided stone fireplace and covered pavilion, allowing guests to enjoy football and lawn games. A kitchen and bar will serve regional, German and European beers, as well as classic biergarten food such as pretzels and bratwurst. The menu also includes wings, salads and sandwiches.
  • The Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company has enhanced the sporting clays experience, including a new five-stand station for group and introductory experiences. There are also two new 15-station clays courses, and the clubhouse has a new deck for outdoor events. Helice, another form of competitive shotgun shooting, has also been added, joining seasonal quail and pheasant wingshooting, the Swarovski 1,000-yard challenge and UTV rides.
  • Six new lighted pickleball courts are perfect for leisure and competitive play, and they offer beautiful views of the golf course.

“The resort has offered 25 remarkable years of gracious hospitality, and the expansion during this milestone year creates new experiences for resort members and guests while introducing Barnsley to a new generation of travelers,” Friederich said.

Plan your stay
BarnsleyResort.com / @BarnsleyResort

See Past Coverage of Barnsley Resort from Birmingham Home & Garden

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5 Easy Recipes for Holiday Gifting

By
Leslie Byars Register
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Every autumn I try to brainstorm shareable holiday gifts I’ve never made before. This year, I decided on recipes that I never knew were so simple to make.

1. Homemade Crème de Menthe

Last December I went to several liquor stores before I finally found Crème de Menthe. Little did I know, you can make it at home in about 15 minutes with five simple ingredients. I’ll never buy it again!

Homemade Crème de Menthe Recipe

2. Spicy French Mustard

Intrigued by the entire mustard process, I picked up mustard seeds and ground mustard, plus a handful of other ingredients to make an authentic Spicy French Mustard in my very own kitchen.

Spicy French Mustard Recipe

3. Red Pepper Jelly

Believe it or not, this is my first attempt at a true jelly, so I went with a crowd-pleaser, Red Pepper Jelly. Don’t let the liquid pectin scare you off from this recipe. If it doesn’t set the first time, you can always boil it again—as I did! So don’t rush or panic during the boiling process—it’s going to be just fine.

Red pepper jelly
“Vintage Christmas cards from an antique shop and a few berries are the perfect complement to go with this ‘almost glowing’ red jelly.”

Red Pepper Jelly Recipe

4. One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

For the kids, I loved the idea of a One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. It requires little cleanup and yields a tasty sweet for any time of day.

One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

5. Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers

It wouldn’t be the holidays without some type of cheesy bite to set out during cocktail hour. The Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers package up nicely in an antique bowl for gifting. Search estate sales, flea markets, or your own house for a dish that you think your friend would like as a keepsake.

Leslie likes: Collecting antique or vintage bowls to use as packages.

Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers Recipe

Holiday food gifts you make for friends and family are not only meaningful but what the season is all about—giving thanks and sharing some joy.

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Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers Recipe

By
Leslie Byars Register
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MAKES 50 TO 55 WAFERS

Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers
Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers

Ingredients

  • 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (grate your own)
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted (8 tablespoons)
  • 4 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup pecan halves

Directions

Pulse flour, salt, and chile flakes in a food processor until combined. Add cheese, butter, and cream; pulse until dough just holds together, about 10 to 15 seconds.

Divide dough in half, and form each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into 10-inch by 12-inch rectangles about 1 /8-inch thick. Using
a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out wafers. Transfer wafers to parchment-lined baking sheets; gather and reuse scraps.

Lightly brush the bottoms of the pecan halves with egg wash, and press them into the tops of the wafers. Bake until firm and crisp, about
15 to 18 minutes.

Allow to cool, and store in an airtight container. These also can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Leslie Likes:

Collecting antique or vintage bowls to use as packages.

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Spicy French Mustard Recipe

By
Leslie Byars Register
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MAKES ABOUT 5 CUPS

Spicy French Mustard

Ingredients

  • 11⁄2 cups mustard seeds
  • 3⁄4 cup mustard powder
  • 3⁄4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 3⁄4 cup white wine or water
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 3 teaspoons turmeric
  • 3 tablespoons honey (for a sweeter
  • mustard), optional
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons horseradish (for
  • a spicier mustard), optional

Directions

Place mustard seeds and the next 5 ingredients in a covered jar, and allow to sit for a couple of days. The seeds will absorb almost all the liquid and soften.

If the liquid is completely absorbed and the seeds look dry, add a little cold water. Process the mustard in a food processor or blender. Add water if needed to reach the desired consistency. (I added about 1 cup.)

Add optional honey or horseradish, if desired. Place the finished mustard in jars; seal, and chill. The homemade mustard will be kept in the refrigerator for 6 months.

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Red Pepper Jelly Recipe

By
Leslie Byars Register
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Makes 9 Cups

Homemade red pepper jelly

Ingredients

  • 4 red bell peppers
  • 3 jalapeño peppers
  • 61⁄2 cups granulated sugar
  • 11⁄2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 (3-ounce) pouch liquid pectin

Directions

Remove seeds and stems from peppers, and roughly chop into 1-inch pieces. (You should have about 2 1⁄2 cups chopped red peppers and 1⁄4 cup chopped jalapeño peppers.)

Place peppers in a food processor, and pulse until peppers are very finely chopped but not pureed. Measure out 2 3⁄4 cups of this mixture.
Place 2 3⁄4 cups chopped peppers, sugar, and vinegar in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil where it can’t be stirred down, and boil for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Quickly stir in the pectin pouch, and return to the full rolling boil for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, and skim off and discard any foam that has formed on the surface.

Ladle into clean jars, and cool to room temperature; seal jars with their lids. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Serve over cream cheese with crackers, or use as a glaze for meats and vegetables.

Learn from Leslie:

It can take up to 24 to 48 hours for the jelly to fully set.

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Recipe: One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

By
Leslie Byars Register
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One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

MAKES ABOUT 5 MINI LOAVES

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread mini loaves

Ingredients

  • 6 ripe bananas
  • 2/3 cup melted butter
  • 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mini chocolate morsels, plus more for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.

Add the sugars and the next 5 ingredients, and stir until the batter is smooth. Stir in chocolate morsels, and pour into 5 lightly greased mini loaf pans. Top with additional chips.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.

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Homemade Crème de Menthe Recipe

By
Leslie Byars Register
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MAKES 6 (8-OUNCE) BOTTLES

Homemade Crème de Menthe for gifts

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups vodka
  • 2 teaspoons pure peppermint oil
  • 4 to 6 of green food coloring

Directions

  • Boil water and sugar together over low heat until sugar dissolves to make simple syrup. Set aside, and cool.
  • In a glass container, stir together cooled simple syrup, vodka, peppermint oil, and food coloring.
  • Funnel the crème de menthe into bottles for gifting.
  • Serve over ice cream or in your favorite Grasshopper drink recipe.
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How to Stock the Bar Like a Pro

By
Catherine Romero
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home bar in kitchen
Design: Kate Hartman Interiors / Photo: Jean Allsopp / Click to view home
home bar stocked with drinks
Design: Kelly Neely Interiors / Photo: Hector Sanchez / Click to view home

Much like a well-stocked pantry, every home needs a well-rounded bar equipped with the basics to craft a few classic cocktails. Stock the bar with all the essentials needed to create a few favorite cocktails that you enjoy and know how to make like a pro. Think classics such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Martini, Margarita, Daiquiri, Whiskey Soda, Mint Julep, Bloody Mary, Whiskey Sour, Gin & Tonic or Tom Collins.

Stock the Bar 101: Liquor Recommendations

Jose Medina Camacho, co-founder and beverage director of Adios, shares his choice liquor recommendations:

Bourbon

  • Old Forester 1920 or Old Forester 100 proof (budget choice)

“Old Forester as a brand has something for everyone, hits all price points and all palates.”

Scotch

  • The Balvenie Caribbean Cask or Monkey Shoulders Blended Scotch (on a budget)

“Monkey Shoulders is great for your everyday drinking and mixing and Balvenie is good when you want to treat yourself.”

Rye Whiskey

  • Pikesville straight rye or George Dickel Rye (on a budget)

“Again Dickel Rye is great for cocktails and Pikesville for when you want something neat.”

Gin

  • Beefeater gin (on a budget) or Plymouth gin

“Plymouth Martinis are my jam. I don’t always drink cocktails, but when I do it’s a 50/50 martini equal parts dry Vermouth and Plymouth.”

Rum

  • Don Q Cristal (on a budget) or Plantation 3 star

“These are best for Daiquiris.”

Vodka

  • Cathead Vodka (on a budget) or Absolut Elyx

“Cathead is a great choice for the everyday drinker. Absolut Elyx is just clean, almost like water.”

Mezcal/Tequila

  • Vida Mezcal (on a budget) or Ilegal Joven
  • Lunazul Blanco (on a budget) or Siete Leguas Tequila Blanco

“Mezcal and tequila, both made from agave varieties, are some of my favorite libations. I love vegetal notes, funk and smoke, making agave my go to choice.”

Vermouth

  • Punt E Mes Italian Vermouth (for the Manhattan, Negroni, Americano)
  • Dolin Dry French Vermouth (for the Martini, Vermouth and Soda)

Amaro/Amari

  • Campari
  • Aperol

Bitters For the Home Bar

  • Angostura
  • Peychaud’s Bitters

Mixers for the Bar

  • Fever Tree Tonic
  • Fever Tree Ginger Beer
  • Topo Chico Mineral Water
  • Charleston Bloody Mary mix

“Santa Cruz Lemon and Lime juice are great when you don’t have time to juice. When it comes to syrups, I like to go by weight: Simple Syrup 1:1, Demerara Syrup 2:1”

If this list seems overwhelming, just start small and buy those items needed to make a few of your favorite drinks and then you can expand if you’d like to experiment with more trendy libations. Cheers!

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Create an Elegant Holiday Tablescape with Designer Sandra Lynn

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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Holiday tablescape in formal dining room
Photography by Jean Allsopp / Styling and florals by Sandra Lynn

Tradition matters— especially during the holidays when family and friends gather. “It gives us a sense of belonging and reminds us of where we come from,” says designer Sandra Lynn of Lynn Allen Design. “Compassion and being grateful is what the holidays are all about.”

To that end, Sandra says there’s no better time than the holidays to pull out all the finery: the wedding silver, the crystal and china, heirlooms passed down, and the pressed linens that have been patiently waiting on the sideboard. For Sandra and her Mountain Brook client, the dining room was the perfect venue. With holiday celebrations and family occasions in mind, the designer worked with the homeowner to create a dining space that would welcome all these events yet remain fresh and relevant for generations to come.

Holiday tablescape set in formal dining room

Cocooned in dark colors with a slate floor, mirrored accent wall, crystal chandelier, and silver-leafed ceiling— elements from the previous owners that Sandra and her client embraced—the space feels intimate yet grand thanks to a mix of wood and painted finishes and antique and modern appointments. “The mahogany table belonged to the homeowner’s parents,” says Sandra. “We gave it a fresh look by adding the painted cane-back, antique French chairs.

We then repeated their lighter tone with a modern X-base server and an antique painted and gilded French mirror.” A French buffet from Henhouse Antiques fits perfectly between wood columns on the mirrored wall. A family portrait is a reminder of one of the client’s three, now-grown children in the younger years.

Full silver service and fine china for Holidays.

Creating a Playful Yet Elegant Holiday Tablescape for Gatherings

To welcome the family home, Sandra created a traditional holiday tablescape yet a little bit playful. Starting with the homeowner’s Royal Crown Derby China, she mixed the pattern with the Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf gold chargers and soft blue, round, woven placemats.

Tapping into the colorful place settings, the designer leaned into earth tones and fall notions for the centerpiece and accouterments. Pinecones and feathered birds nestle into a long, low arrangement of dried blue hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, creamy white and rust-colored roses, and sprigs of dried white snowberry and eucalyptus, along with a variety of greenery cut from the homeowner’s garden.

White pumpkins scattered at the base further nod to the season, and twig candles in a collection of silver holders repeat the earthy feel. All prepared in anticipation of another cherished year, there’s nothing more for this family to do except enjoy being together.

Sandra’s 4 Holiday Tablescape Tips

Sandra Lynn of Lynn Allen Design
Sandra Lynn of Lynn Allen Design

Sandra Lynn shares her style tips for creating an elegant holiday tablescape that nods to formality with minimal fuss.

Don’t cover a beautiful table with a white tablecloth.

“So many of us grew up with our moms using tablecloths,” Sandra says. “I believe you should be proud of your wood table and enhance it with the right colors and tablescape.”

Always use cloth napkins.

“If you don’t own them, invest in them,” advises the designer. “You can’t go wrong with monogrammed, traditional white or cream dinner napkins, but don’t be afraid of color or patterned linens.”

Polish the silver.

An heirloom tea set on the sideboard and silver water goblets gleam against a warm wood table. “If you don’t have a complete collection or full silver service, use what you have and add to it over time,” Sandra says.

Layer in the texture.

Monogrammed linens tied with ribbon, silver pieces, decorative glass, and candles can fill in the spaces between a centerpiece and place settings.

Lynn Allen Design | lynnallendesign.com

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