You’ve hung the lights, decked the halls and are ready to show off your festive decor to all your friends. When hosting a house party, do you ever run into the problem of everyone congregating in the same room as the food? The guests completely miss the rest of the house!
We have that problem, too, but fortunately, the entertaining experts at Table & Thyme have some easy solutions to help spread your guests out throughout your merrily-adorned home.
1. Set up different food stations in separate rooms. This cuts down on long lines and congestion and helps guests see the other decorated rooms. For example, have your kitchen island set up as a grazing table for people to nibble on as they mingle with other guests.
Mini Red Velvet Bundt Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
2 large eggs, room temperature and separated 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup cornstarch ½ teaspoon baking soda 4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar ½ cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla ½ teaspoon white vinegar 2 tablespoons red liquid food coloring ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows) Assorted white and gold sprinkles
Preheat oven to 350°. With a handheld or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat egg whites on high until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.In a medium-size bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt with a whisk to make sure thoroughly combined. Set mixture aside.
In the mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat the butter on high until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, beating until combined, and oil; beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the egg yolks and vanilla. In a small bowl, combine vinegar and food coloring; add to the mixer, adjusting color as needed.
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in whipped egg whites, and pour into greased pan about two-thirds of the way full.
Bake about 18 to 21 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Drizzle with Cream Cheese Frosting, and decorate with sprinkles.Makes 6 mini Bundt or 12 cupcakes.
Cream Cheese Frosting
4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup sifted powdered sugar 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
Combine cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar in a mixer. Beat on low speed
1 minute; increase to medium-high until thoroughly combined and smooth. Gradually add milk until frosting is at drizzling consistency.
Gingerbread Granola
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats ¾ cup whole walnuts ¾ cup whole pecans ¾ teaspoon fine table salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ cup coconut oil ¹/³ cup real maple syrup ¼ cup molasses 1 teaspoon vanilla ¹/³ cup unsweetened coconut flakes ¹/³ cup chopped dried cranberries ¹/³ cup chopped candied ginger
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 12-inch by 17-inch (half baking sheet) with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Stir to combine.
Stir in oil, maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla. Turn the granola out onto your prepared pan, and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes; remove from the oven, and top with coconut flakes. Stir up the mixture to make sure the granola cooks evenly.
Return the pan to the oven for 8 to 11 more minutes or until the granola is lightly golden on top. It will continue to crisp as it cools.
Top the granola with the chopped cranberries and candied ginger. Let the granola cool before breaking it into pieces.
Store the granola in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for 1 to 2 weeks. Makes 8 cups.
Dark Chocolate Pistachio-Almond Bark
3 (3.5-ounce) good-quality dark chocolate bars ¼ cup chopped shelled pistachios ¼ cup sliced almonds ½ teaspoon flaky salt, such as Maldon
Line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a small overhang.
Break chocolate bars into several pieces, and place in a small bowl. Fill a saucepan with water (about 2 inches); heat on medium-high heat. Place bowl with chocolate inside saucepan, and stir until melted. A double boiler will also work for this.
Pour chocolate onto parchment-lined pan, and smooth with a spatula into an even layer.
Sprinkle with pistachios and almonds; then sprinkle with salt.
Chill in refrigerator until completely set, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Peel off parchment, and break into pieces.Serves 8.
Missie’s gallery wall includes pieces by local artists Karly Martin, Annie Kammerer Butrus, and McKenzie Dove, as well as paintings by her mom and sister. She scored her coffee table from an auction sale at The Club. The gilded Victorian chair next to the tree was discovered at a booth manned by local artist Patty B. Driscoll. “It’s a little worn and weathered, but that’s what I love about it,” says Missie. Photos by Jean Allsopp
My goal is to use the best of what’s already there, add to it, and make it better,” says photo stylist Missie Crawford. And nowhere is that more evident than inside her own home that she shares with husband Sims and teenage sons Nelson andTucker. “I’ve always had an appreciation for antiques and art, so I’m constantly working with favorite pieces and heirlooms I have collected over the years,” she says.
For the holidays, Missie takes that approach one step further as she incorporates seasonal décor that complements and highlights her collections. “I’m drawn to navy in a lot of ways, whether in my interiors or my wardrobe,” she says.
“My wedding china (Bernardaud Ithaque Gold) has a navy polka dot pattern, and I used that as the inspiration for my holiday palette. I also mixed some grays into the scheme, especially in my dining room tablescape. The color combination creates a sense of warmth that welcomes guests.”
Those beautiful gray hues flow into the family room, where the painted fireplace adorned with custom-made stockings takes center stage. “The stockings are from Julie Terrell Interior Design,” says Missie. “They each have hand-stamped porcelain charms with our initials on them. It’s a fun way to change up how you personalize your stockings.”
To counterbalance the gray tones, Missie worked with friend and fellow stylist Kay Clarke to cover the mantel in an abundance of garland and accessories. “Sometimes, it helps to have a set of fresh eyes when you are decorating,” Missie says. “I can always count on Kay to discover a new or unique way of arranging things that I may not have seen since I’m living in this space all the time.”
For the family’s Christmas tree this year, Missie chose a new place for it—the living room. “It just felt right to have it in this space surrounded by so much of my art collection,” she says. “I decorated the tree with white lights and a variety of sentimental ornaments—silver ones from godparents, recycled cardboard ones from Food 52, and an abundance of crosses, guitars, and handblown glass balls.” The newest additions to the tree are stars carved from local wood. “Cliff Spencer of Alabama Sawyer made them, and I love how they perfectly nestle in between the lights,” Missie says. “They really add a unique element to the tree.”
When it’s time to entertain family and friends, Missie loves seating guests in her spacious, oval-shaped dining room. “Five of my Chippendale dining chairs belonged to my grandfather,” she says. “I salvaged them from my mother’s attic during Hurricane Katrina. Then I found three more at Chelsea Antiques that were a perfect match!” She adds that the table is a relatively new purchase from an estate sale. “It took almost 10 years to come across just what I wanted, but it was worth it to find the right piece for this space.” For a punch of color, Missie brought in a piece of modern art by Betty Freeman that she bought at Arceneaux. The art also adds a casual element to the room, as do the simple linen drapes. “We use this space for more than just special occasions, so I didn’t want it to be too fancy,” Missie says. “On any Friday night, you might find a group of teenage boys in here chowing down on pizza.”
As much as she loves her dining room, Missie says her newly renovated kitchen may be her new favorite spot in the house. “Everything in here is tailor-made for how we cook and live—right down to the beverage fridge that I keep full of soft drinks and waters for the boys,” she says. “We also took out the upper cabinets and replaced them with open, wooden shelving to create a more spacious feel—and to force myself to get rid of clutter.”
Like the other rooms in the house, the kitchen displays some nostalgic pieces. “My everyday dishes belonged to my great grandmother,” Missie says. “And I love to use the checked cloth napkins that were hers as well.
I always keep them on the counter right beside jars full of snacks. That way, the boys and their friends can grab something to eat whenever they want to.” It’s just one more way that Missie ensures a welcoming home full of style, comfort, and collections—during the holidays and year-round.
Natural Wonder
Never underestimate the beauty of a wreath made from magnolia leaves. “I continue to use these wreaths even after the leaves turn brown,” says Missie. “I’ve even spray-painted the leaves gold and changed the ribbon to get another year out of them.”
How To Wrap the Perfect Gift
“Wrapping gifts is one of my favorite parts of the holidays. I grew up wrapping gifts for customers at my dad’s store in Mississippi, so I guess you could say it’s in my DNA.” Here, Missie offers advice on how to ensure your gifts look beautiful.
Missie Crawford
Choose quality paper
Well-made, sturdy paper makes all the difference. “I like to buy the one-of-a-kind sheets at Paper Source,” says Missie. “I also love the papers at Alabama Art Supply and the new line at Ami à Vi. (amiavie.com)”
Invest in ribbon
“I prefer a thick satin or grosgrain ribbon,” Missie says. “I usually findthem at Midori (midoriribbon.com) or locally from Cocoon Silk Ribbon (IG: CocoonSilkRibbon).
Add an embellishment Missie likes to tie a piece of greenery or an ornament into the ribbon to give it a little extra flair. “It’s almost like a gift on top of the gift,” she says.
Use colors From Your Decor Since her décor includes navy and gray, Missie uses those colors in her gift wrap. She also mixes in marbled papers from Alabama Art Supply.
Recipes from Missie
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing and Candied Orange Slices
4 cups water 4 cups sugar 3 navel oranges, sliced ¼-inch thick 1 cup sugar
Bring water and 4 cups sugar to a boil in a wide Dutch oven. Add orange slices, and simmer over medium-low heat about 45 to 60 minutes, gently stirring occasionally. (This works best in a shallow layer, so it can be done in 2 batches.) Add more water to prevent burning if it evaporates before the slices are tender.
Remove slices from syrup, and let dry overnight on a wire rack. Toss in 1 cup sugar, and place in a single layer on parchment-lined baking pans.
Note: Any remaining orange syrup can be used in cocktails. Slices can also be dipped in chocolate for another treat.
Whisk together flour and next 4 ingredients. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat oil and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until well combined. Slowly add flour mixture. Stir in remaining ingredients by hand.
Divide batter evenly between 3 (8-inch) metal pans coated with vegetable cooking spray and lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, and turn out onto a wire rack or parchment paper. Let cool completely before icing with cream cheese icing.
Cream Cheese Icing
¾ cup butter, softened 12 ounces cream cheese, softened 1½ to 2 pounds powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gently beat butter and cream cheese at low speed of an electric mixer until combined. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
Christmas Cheer Punch
1 cup orange syrup from candied oranges or simple syrup, chilled ½ cup 100% pure cranberry juice, chilled 3 cups ginger ale, chilled 2 (12-ounce) bottles sparkling water, chilled Fresh cranberries for garnish
Stir all ingredients together and serve. Makes 6 servings
Sugar Cookies
Recipe from Southern Living
1½ cups butter, softened 1½ cups sugar 2 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt
Beat butter and sugar in a stand mixer on medium speed until light and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Gently add flour and salt at low speed. Divide in half, and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill at least an hour.
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness, and cut with your favorite cookie cutter (or biscuit cutter). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until barely brown around the bottom edges. Let cool 5 minutes and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely. Decorate to your liking.
The “Polo” lounge is home to the antler-themed tree, which features more than 200 gold-leafed antlers and a selection of family heirlooms (like the red wooden birds). The gold-glitter deer topper was a special gift from Doug’s beloved grandmother. The lighted star—signed by the artist who made it from reclaimed wood and other materials sourced from an old home in L.A.—adds extra sparkle to the wood-paneled space. Photos by Jean Allsopp
Every year, even before the Thanksgiving plates have been cleared, Doug Sutton and Andrew Nix begin hanging garland, decorating trees, and throwing open their bright blue front door to an almost endless cavalcade of guests. “Forget the 12 days of Christmas. For us, it’s more like 112 days here,’ says Doug. “We host tons of small dinners and cocktail parties, as well as fundraisers and events for organizations like Better Basics, Smile-A-Mile, and the Birmingham Bar Association.” Last year, the couple even opened their home for the Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour. “We also host a big annual Christmas party for as many as 200 guests,” Doug says.
Andrew, a lawyer, and Doug (seated), a renovation/design consultant and professional legal recruiter, take time to embrace the fanfare of the holidays and ring in the season with friends, family, and their English bulldog, Bob.
The way Doug and Andrew see it, they are simply carrying on a tradition that comes with ownership of the “Hiden House,” a historic home in Redmont Park. Designed by architect Hugh Martin for Birmingham News associate editor Robert Hiden and his wife, Anne Earl, in 1923, the grand Georgian-style home has seen its fair share of dancing in the attic, intimate gatherings for visiting coteries of artists, and star-studded dinner parties through the years. “Julia Child even cooked in the kitchen when the Robertsons lived here,” says Doug of the former owners’ famous houseguest.
The history of the house—along with the idyllic mountain-top setting overlooking English Village—appealed to Doug and Andrew from the very start. Still, as with any historic home, there was work and restoration to be done and prior renovations to undo. “Everything was very fancy, very ornate,” Doug says. “The chandeliers were huge, all the walls were tea-stained, and someone had added Victorian moldings. It wasn’t right for us.” Luckily, with eight previous renovations under his belt, he wasn’t at all intimidated by the scope of the project. “When we left the closing table, we immediately gave the keys to the painters, the tile guys, and the electricians, and we started the process of stripping back the layers to get it closer to its original finishes,” says Doug.
After returning the home to its earliest incarnation (and adding a few modern updates), Doug and Andrew now find that the house truly shines during the holidays. Elaborately themed trees, designed with more than a little help from Doug’s grandmother who is a retired florist in North Carolina, complement the couple’s mix of antiques and eclectic art. Fresh garland pops against the pristine palette, and a plethora of plaid stockings are right at home on the mantel in the wood-paneled “Polo” lounge. And the best part? A steady stream of the homeowners’ nearest and dearest friends mingling all season long. Says Doug, “There’s always something going on here from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, and we try to add a little element of surprise at each and every turn.”
Deck the Door An abundance of garland wraps columns candy-cane style, while an evergreen wreath adorned with silver baubles on the bright blue front door (Blue Danube by Benjamin Moore) signals the beginning of holiday party season.
A faux owl stands watch among willow branches on the banister in the entry hall. More feathered friends settle on upper branches to create a tree topper.
Let It Shine Guests are greeted with a healthy dose of Christmas spirit as soon as they walk through the front door, thanks to the “silver-and-gold” tree in the wide entry hall. Trimmed with mercury glass ornaments that Doug has found “here, there, and everywhere,” the tree shimmers day and night in front of the stretch of windows along the staircase. The banister and antique table are twirled up with magnolia garland from Leaf & Petal. “We put all of the magnolia out early,” says Doug. “It browns out after about a week or two to a really pretty color. This year, we’ll save it and spray-paint it to reuse next year.”
Set a Jolly Table In a nod to the antler-themed tree in the “Polo” lounge, Doug selected a pair of large glass-and-iron-clad vases (“They look like antlers,” he explains.) for the table and filled them with red and yellow roses, eucalyptus, and cypress. He surrounded the centerpieces with more greenery and ornaments and then set the table with a mix of festive dishware that’s potluck-inspired. “We often borrow from our friends—they have 40 or 50 sets to choose from,” says Doug.
Make Tree Decorating a Team Sport
Doug always wanted a tree inspired by his alma mater, North Carolina State, but he was worried it might be tacky. Enter his grandmother, a retired North Carolina-based florist, and those tacky notions turned elegant. Working with the school’s colors (red and white), as well as with the memory of a cardinal and dogwood stained-glass piece designed by Doug’s parents, Doug and his grandmother spent two days sourcing red mercury glass ornaments and another two days looking for the birds. The topper is a moss basket, found at a floral wholesaler, with more birds attached. The theme continues with presents wrapped in NCSU Wolfpack colors.
In lieu of a tree in the sunroom, Doug and Andrew draped the entire space in lights and garland. “Pam Clark at Leaf & Petal helps me with greenery every year,” says Doug.
Home(made) Is Where the Heart Is
When Doug was in search of the perfect tabletop décor (above), his grandmother’s floral talents came to the rescue once again. She sourced each and every pine cone strip from her yard and spent hours hot-gluing them to Styrofoam cones. “I told her I would love to
have three, but I didn’t realize how much work went into them,” says Doug. A red tailgate from an old Chevy truck stands in for Santa’s sled. The sunroom’s windows are draped with garland and bright white lights.
Christmas morning is met with a festive breakfast. “Our AGA ovens are on all the time, so you can lay some bacon on a tray on Christmas Eve, and when you wake up, it’s ready!” Doug says. “We also make biscuits and gravy, eggs, Bloody Marys, and mimosas. Then we get to work opening our Christmas presents.”
Red & Green A spray of garland from Leaf & Petal and hand-blown hurricanes filled with hundreds of red cherries and white roses (thanks very much, Publix and GreenWise Market) add holiday cheer in the totally renovated kitchen (above), which features a custom island, limestone countertops and backsplash, crisp cabinetry painted in Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore, an AGA stove, and classic brick floors. Red-hot tip: “If you use real cherries, don’t plan on them lasting for more than a few days,” says Doug.
Hang Stockings With Care
In addition to garland crafted from cranberries, Frasier fir, gold-leaf pomegranates, and giant sparkly balls, the mantel in the “Polo” lounge is adorned with personalized plaid stockings for every member of the family, which includes Doug, Andrew, and English bulldog Bob. Andrew found the painting above the fireplace on his travels to Vietnam.
Branch Out
Visions of sugarplums dance more easily in heads when there’s greenery in the bedroom. The mantel is trimmed with magnolia and evergreen, while a Charlie Brown Christmas tree at the foot of the custom built bed (designed by Doug) is adorned with antique nickel-plated-and-copper ornaments and handblown glass pieces. The tree topper is a red glitter Star of David.
Checking It Twice
Andrew and Doug are very specific about what makes their holiday “nice” list. Doug shares a few of their holiday traditions and favorite things.
Go For The Green. We like to make hot toddies and go to the Birmingham Zoo with our former neighbors to pick out a tree.
Playlists with Patina. I have to confess that Christmas music is not my favorite—unless I’m decorating Christmas trees. That’s the only time I turn it up and play it in every room. I prefer the older stuff—the songs that my mom and dad and grandparents play. (Try “Holiday Pops,” Channel 783 on XM Radio.)
Old-Timer. For an extra special, one-of-a-kind gift, look to Levy’s (levysfinejewelry.com) for a great selection of vintage men’s watches.
Fine Papered Packages. I always had to wrap my dad’s gift to my mom, so I learned how to wrap a pretty package at a very young age. I’ve gotten even better at it through the years. I like to use beautiful ribbons, and I always try to include a cool Christmas ornament on top as a special touch.
In a busy world, we often find ourselves looking for an escape from the pressures of everyday life. In 2005, Ray & Poynor realtor Lacy Waters’ clients found themselves in that situation. They were looking for a place where they could leave the pressures of their demanding careers at the door and truly be able to relax. When they found the neighborhood of Woodridge in Vestavia Hills, they found an opportunity to make a home that was truly special and unrivaled by anything else they had seen.
As working professionals, the owners needed to be close to the city but also wanted to have enough space to feel as though they were far away from everything. The home and grounds they crafted at 1635 Woodridge Place are exceptional, and they succeeded in creating one of the most unique estates in all of Birmingham.
Set on over eleven acres, the home rests on a mountain top with stunning views and amazing sunsets. From the moment you walk through the wrought iron gates, you feel as though you have been transported to an old-world manor in the English countryside. Ornamental gardens cover the landscape and beckon you to stroll through them to smell the fragrant flowers. A passion for gardening shines with every step you take, and you can feel the love that has been poured into every plant. The terrace in the front gardens calls to visitors to sit and unwind with a glass of wine as they enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them.
Upon entering the arched doorway into the home, it is evident that it was built with expert craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail. As parents of small children, they wanted to make the home well-suited for raising a family without sacrificing stunning finishes and modern design. The owners wanted the home to have every amenity that a young family could ever need, so they used the abundant space to include a gourmet kitchen, wine bar, resort-quality workout facility and a fully finished basement with an entertaining kitchen.
No expense was spared in appointing the home, from the sliver leaf paint in the dining room to the linen wallpaper in the guest bath. The owners carried their desire for an exquisite living experience outside and designed a pool and spa that was recently recognized by a local media outlet.
The flat backyard, including an ornate greenhouse complete with chandelier, made for the perfect place for their family to enjoy each other’s company while watching the sun set behind them. As their children grew, the owners enjoyed exploring trails throughout the eleven acres surrounding the home and feeling what a private estate is meant to be. They dreamt of creating a home like no other, and their home at 1635 Woodridge Place accomplished that in stunning fashion.
Click here to see additional photos and learn more about this listing. If you would like to see this home, please call Lacy Waters (205.305.0123) at Ray & Poynor to schedule a private showing today.
The white-flocked tree shows off a melody of silver and gold decorations. Photography by: Jean Allsopp
When Jeffrey Dungan talks about his clients, he sometimes sounds more like a psychologist than an architect. That’s because, in addition to thinking about his clients’ lifestyles, he thinks about their personalities. So when describing client Charlie Israel, he says, “Charlie is a man’s man kind of guy with a bit of a cowboy, all-American attitude. I wanted the house to reflect that, so we chose stone and reclaimed wood for the exteriors to create a more masculine appeal. Charlie is also a big-hearted guy, so I wanted the whole place to be warm and inviting throughout.”
Graceful arched detailing provides separation in the largely open floorplan. The round dining table expands for a crowd but is perfect for more intimate meals. Floral designer Buffy Hargett Miller wrapped the tiered chandelier with a garland of cedar. Photography by: Jean Allsopp
Inside the house, however, there’s a subtle shift to a feminine perspective in the midst of the stone pavers, stucco, and stained pecky cypress. It appears in the chamfered openings, the sinuous staircase, and the fluting details on the front door and bar cabinetry.
The sinuous staircase with its curving rail is a foil to the stone floors, stucco, and reclaimed wood risers. Perky pots of amaryllis and gold beribboned packages add Christmas cheer. Photography by: Jean Allsopp
“I was thinking of Linda [Israel] when you first step inside, but I still wanted the interiors to relate to the façade and the outdoor rooms,” says Jeffrey. “Indoor/outdoor living is a strong presence in the design.
As empty nesters, the Israels downsized significantly, but the house still lives large.”
A rectangular coffee table (Tavolina from Formations through Jerry Pair & Co.) anchors one of two seating areas in the living room. Photography by: Jean Allsopp
Jeffrey and Atlanta interior designer Beth Webb have worked on many projects together, and they speak the same language when it comes to beautiful bespoke finishes and details. “Jeffrey is incredible at creating the perfect canvas, which makes anything we do look good,” says Beth. But the interior designer is adept at making it look easy as well, as evidenced by the seamless flow throughout the open floorplan.
Materials such as stained pecky cypress and stone pavers from Firerock add a rustic tone. Photography by: Jean Allsopp
In her choices, she listened to Linda’s desires “to go in a new direction in this house, which is significantly smaller than her former traditional one,” says Beth. “She wanted a fresher, more fashion-forward palette and a more eclectic mix of furnishings.” The design includes two seating areas that can morph for larger gatherings and a dining table that expands. “While they are now living in a smaller house, the Israels still have a lot of family in town,” Beth says. “We needed to account for that in our selections.”
The covered patio welcomes guests with an explosion of garlands. Photography by: Jean Allsopp
Above all, the house exudes comfort, which is the linchpin of good design for Beth. “If it’s not comfortable, it’s not enjoyable,” she says. That’s certainly in keeping with Jeffrey’s philosophy. “I wanted to create a home that’s like a great-fitting pair of blue jeans that only gets better with time,” he says.
Buffy’s Brushstrokes
In keeping with the muted interiors, floral designer Buffy Hargett Miller employed varying shades of green punctuated with fruit, white flowers, and ribbons for a festive winter wonderland.
A grouping of small wreaths creates a big impact at the front door. Photography by: Jean AllsoppPotted amaryllis with moss pair with pretty packages to signal the season. Photography by: Jean AllsoppA standard wreath is customized with pears, tulips, dendrobium orchids, and succulents. Photography by: Jean Allsopp White ribbon spills off a mailbox arrangement of magnolia, mixed greenery, and foraged ligustrum berries. Photography by: Jean AllsoppBeautiful paperwhites are anchored with a base of green apples and moss. Photography by: Jean Allsopp
Double Up The living room mantel (above) features multiple strands of cedar and Frasier fir garland for a lush look. To create even more texture, Lisa added eucalyptus strands and then wove magnolia garland and gold satin ribbon along the top and sides. Clusters of silver balls and sugar pine cones finish the look.
Holiday Mix A white-and-green arrangement on the coffee table (above) includes both cut and planted flowers, such as amaryllis, tulips, hydrangeas, roses, and eucalyptus. Bare branches add texture and draw the eye up while also providing support to the amaryllis.
Winter Wonderland Lisa created an enchanting, wintry scene on the entry table (below) using a collection of wooden and bottle brush trees, along with candles and a sprinkling of faux snow. Pine cones and greenery fill a large bowl underneath. Evergreen wreaths hang on the doors, and sugar pine cones are tied to mirrored sconces. “The wreaths and pine cones are graced with knotted gold velvet ribbon,” Lisa says. “I’m not a great bow maker, so I often like to go with the simplicity of a little knot.”
Photography by: Hector Sanchez
Make A Statement Lisa likes to work with containers that enhance her designs.A sculptural gold vessel (below) cradles a red poinsettia nestled into reindeer moss and enhanced with white amaryllis, paperwhites, and ilex berries.
Photography by: Hector Sanchez
Highlight Interiors The study (below) showcases leather chairs and wood-paneled walls, so Lisa opted for rich golds and warm hues to complement the masculine tones. A garland gracing the carved limestone mantel consists of cedar; eucalyptus leaves and pods; glittered branches; sugar pine cones; and faux, decorative game birds that nod to the husband’s love of hunting. Magnolia leaves show both sides—shiny green tops and caramel-brown undersides. Green velvet ribbon drapes from a corner for a showy finish. A deer mount is set off with a wreath of cedar, Frasier fir twigs, and pine cones. An arrangement of Parrot tulips enhances the cozy scene.
Photography by: Hector Sanchez
Entry Point Lisa repeated materials inside and out for elegance and consistency. Garlands of cedar and magnolia frame the entry (below), while swags of sugar pine cones and satin gold ribbon adorn gas lanterns.
Photography by: Hector Sanchez
Lisa’s Decorating Tips
Help greenery last longer by keeping temperatures in the house a little cooler—heat dries them out more quickly. If possible, use a mister to lightly spray them daily.
Instead of stapling or pinning ribbon, hold it in place with florist wire. The wire prevents holes and allows you to reuse your ribbon each year.
When hanging fresh garland it’s ok to cut it. Don’t feel like you must use one long piece. In fact, when draping garland around a door, Lisa actually prefers to cut it to ensure that it hangs correctly. “And if you cut it too short, don’t panic,” she adds. “Simply use florist wire to put it back together.”
Lisa Bailey
LISA BAILEY Lisa Bailey is a magazine-stylist-turned-floral-designer and owner of Lisa Bailey Designs. She started her career working behind the scenes at Time Inc. For 10 years, she helped create the iconic Southern Living Christmas covers before venturing out on solo shoots for floral designs in catalogs such as Summer Classics and Ballard Designs. Today, Lisa provides floral design for practically any type of event, including weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, and, of course, Christmas parties in and around Birmingham. During the holidays, when she’s not decorating her clients’ homes, Lisa is likely to be found in the car with husband Chris and kids Ben, Ella Kate, and Anna—all with hot chocolate in hand and comfortable in pajamas—as they continue the annual tradition of checking out Christmas lights around the city.
Location: Birmingham Resources:Architects: Mark Pledger and Cristi Pledger, Pledger Architect Contractor:Mitch Bradford, Saunders Bradford Cabinets: Aaron Lane, Lane Woodworking Tile Installation: Somerset Tile Stone Installation: Alabama Stone WorksCustom Range Hood: Brady Jackson, Jackson Forge Plumbing Fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Location: Mountain Brook Resources:Designer: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Interiors of Twin Construction Construction: Twin Construction Cabinets: Parsons Custom Cabinetry
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Location: Crestline Resources: Interior Design: Jan Ware Designs Custom Paint Finishes: Paint Works
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Location: Vestavia Hills Resources: Architect and Interiors: Christopher Architecture & Interiors, Chris Reebals, AIA Cabinets: A-1 Cabinets Tile and Countertops: Triton Stone Appliances: Ferguson
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Location: Homewood Resources:Builder & Interior Design:River Brook Construction and River Brook Interior Design Kitchen Hardware: Brandino BrassAppliances: Allsouth AppliancesLighting Fixtures:Mayer Lighting Countertops: Maranatha
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Location: Mountain Brook Resources: Architect: Anna Evans, Anna Evans Architect LLC Builder: Chris Franks, Franks Building Company Cabinets: Custom-made and built to Anna’s drawings by Alan Deal • Deal’s Cabinetry & Fine Woodworking
Location: Homewood Resources: Plan Designer: Crystal Tucker, Twin ConstructionBuilder: Twin Construction Interior Designer: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Interiors Cabinet Hardware: Brandino Brass, Countertops: Surface One, Triton Stone
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Location: Vestavia Hills Resources:Builder: Clark Parker of Embassy Homes Cabinets: Treglown Construction Countertops: premiersurfaces.com Backsplash: Triton Stone Group Barstools: Ballard Design Pendant Lights: Gabby Home
This is the season for traditions. One of my favorites is taking a trip back home to the Black Belt to cut the deciduous holly berries along the fencerows and bring them back to Birmingham. It reminds me of being home for the holidays.
Another fun tradition a neighbor of mine started many years ago was asking to cut magnolia leaves for decoration off of my Little Gem Southern magnolias. The only thing I remind her each time is to cut the branches she needs as high up as she can reach. Why? Because allowing the limbs to grow all the way to the ground means that the lower branches full of foliage will cover up the constant leaf litter that collects at the base. In fact, I often just blow the falling leaves under the branches. The leaves and branches from these trees are perfect decorations because they last a long time if placed in water. They also glisten when the leaves are polished, which adds a beautiful effect to arrangements.
When it comes to cutting hollies with or without berries, always treat the plant as if you are pruning it. Like magnolia branches, hollies will last for weeks when placed in water. Conifers such as pine, junipers, and red cedar are also good for decorating; just make sure you do not make a cut that can be seen, even if you have to cut off more of a branch than you need.
Seasonal flowers are readily available right now at most food stores, big box hardware stores, and many local retailers that sell plants. While I love using poinsettias at Christmas, I prefer plants with fall colors for my Thanksgiving décor. One of my favorites is Kalanchoes. The common orange-colored ones are long-lasting plants that come in a variety of sizes and prices. The good news about this plant is that it’s easy to nurture—as long as you don’t overwater it. I don’t water mine until the soil is almost dry to the touch. Kalanchoes come in a variety of colors, so you are sure to find one that fits your décor.
If you are looking for a beautiful plant that will last throughout the entire holiday season, select Phalaenopsis orchids. When shopping for orchids, it’s important to look for ones that still have many blooms to open and also have leaves that appear glossy and slick. Once you get the plant home, water it right away and make sure the water drains through the pot. If the pot does not have a hole in it, turn the pot upside down and drain out all of the water. I water mine about every 7-10 days and always make sure they are drained well and not sitting in water. If you choose any of the other exotic orchids on the market, be sure to water them in the same way. And keep in mind that they generally do not last as long as Phalaenopsis.
I can’t talk about holiday plants and trees without mentioning the most important one of all—the Christmas tree. As you are wandering your local tree lot, be aware that price is not always an indication of quality. If the needles feel dry or the tree seems off color, it is probably not a good one to purchase.
The first thing I like to do before I start shopping is figure out how tall of a tree I need. Remember that you will have to cut some of the trunk off at the bottom to get the tree into your holder, so factor that into the height of the tree. You also will want to make some deep crosscuts into the bottom of the trunk before placing it in the holder to ensure that the tree absorbs plenty of water. This trunk-cutting method, combined with keeping the water in the holder full at all times, is the key to helping your tree stay fresh. By doing this, I can usually count on my tree lasting about two weeks indoors with minimal needle drop.
Floyd’s To-Do List: November/December
Mistletoe is a Southern favorite for making kissing ballsor simply hanging over a door to promote “kissing under the mistletoe.” Remember that it is on the poison control list, so be sure to kiss the person under it and not the actual plant! When harvesting mistletoe, cut the whole branch if possible since it is a parasitic plant and is not healthy for the tree.
It is still fine to plant new shrubs and trees now. Just make sure that when planting, you make the hole one-and-a-half times the size of the root ball. Also, it is important that the hole drains well. A quick test is to fill the dug hole with water and see how long it takes to drain out. If the water does not drain out in a few minutes, then you need to dig a bigger hole. It especially helps to make it deeper and then add some gravel below the planting depth at the bottom of the hole to help keep the roots from sitting in water. Backfill with a mixture of soil from the hole and good organic matter mixed together, and then water when planted.
Since leaf fall is heaviest in our area around Thanksgiving, I always suggest that you keep removing leaves off your fine turf on a weekly basis. While raking leaves is a great way to get some upper body exercise, a quicker way is to use a bagging lawn mower. Just be sure the leaves have built up into areas over a couple of inches. While many folks use mulch mowers, leaf debris from mulching mowers should not remain on fine turf. That’s why raking or bagging is the best way for fine turf. Also, if you want to overseed your dormant grass with rye or fescue, remember the seeds germinate faster and better on leaf-free lawns.
Don’t Miss…
Wreath Making with Holly Carlisle. This Birmingham Botanical Gardens webinar will be held Wednesday, December 2, from 6-7 p.m. Floral designer Holly Carlisle will lead the virtual demonstration on how to incorporate foraged greenery and natural materials from your yard into a wreath that complements your décor. The $25 cost includes the demonstration and a 10-inch grapevine wreath to be picked up at the gardens before the session. Register at bbgardens.org.
John Floyd has been gardening in the Birmingham area for more than 30 years. In addition to his day-to-day experience, John has degrees in horticulture from Auburn and Clemson Universities and was editor-in-chief of Southern Living. For daily tips and more garden information, visit birminghamgardeningtoday.com.
The classic architecture of the Inspiration Home blends perfectly with the cottages of Homewood yet is updated for modern living. On the exterior, textural details such as rough-faced stone, cedar-shake roofing, and artisan siding add interest to this traditional home.
The front door opens to an entry hall complete with a library wall, window seat, and dramatic two-story staircase. The main-level master suite includes his-and-hers closets with smart storage ideas, a pedestal tub, and a zero-entry shower.
The living room, with its comfy seating and charming fireplace, offers room for the whole family to enjoy. The vaulted dining/kitchen space features beamed ceilings and a telescoping door opening onto the courtyard—a place that is sure to become a favorite hangout thanks to the fountain, outdoor kitchen, and cozy seating and dining area. Upstairs includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a cozy den perfect for movie nights or teen gatherings. A second interior staircase accesses bonus space in the form of a den and suite above the three-car garage.
Come on by. All ticket proceeds go to supporting the Ronald McDonald House. You’ll be helping a favorite local charity, and there’s no doubt you’ll leave inspired. You might even find some pieces for your own home. Did we mention that everything in the house is for sale?
3025 Firefighter Lane Homewood, Alabama
Open for tours: November 5 – November 29 Closed Thanksgiving Day
Dark Chocolate Pistachio-Almond Bark 
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing and Candied Orange Slices
Christmas Cheer Punch
