Paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus) Photo courtesy of Catherine Novak
Paperwhites bloom throughout the colder months and thrive indoors when placed in a bright, sunny window. The blooms denote purity and innocence due to their delicate white petals. They also often represent renewal since the plant is associated with the beginning of spring. Paperwhites don’t require soil, so you can grow them in a glass bowl or vase filled with gravel, marbles, or polished glass. If you do use soil, good drainage is key. Use a lightweight potting mix with excellent drainage, and be careful not to overwater.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) Photo courtesy of Nataliavo
With heart-shaped leaves and sweetly scented flowers, cyclamens produce the perfect bloom to brighten up the home in midwinter. A sign of sincere, lasting affection, they are often given to loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The blooms come in various colors, including white, pink, red, magenta, or lavender. Known for being hardy and easy to grow, cyclamens typically bloom from early winter to early spring and then go dormant during the summer. The plant prefers rich, well-drained soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid watering the crown of the plant, which can result in the tubers rotting. Water it only when the soil feels dry.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum ‘Exotic Star’)
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum ‘Exotic Star’) Photo courtesy of Olesia Sarycheva
This amaryllis cultivar is a showstopper with its striped red-and-chartreuse petals that look almost like an orchid. The plant symbolizes strength, beauty, pride, and love. It often produces two to three stems per bulb, with each stem producing four huge, trumpet-like flowers. Plant the bulb with at least the top quarter or third of it above the surface of the soil to avoid water collection in the sprout. Amaryllis tend to produce the best blooms when their roots are kept cozy in a small pot. They are one of the most long-lasting cut flowers.
Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) Photo courtesy of Alisha Julia
Despite the orchid’s reputation for being fussy, the moth orchid is easy to grow and care for—some might even say it thrives on mild neglect! It often bears multiple flower buds on arching stems that can last for two to three months throughout the winter. Choose a location with plenty of bright, indirect light, and use a special orchid-growing medium instead of potting soil. Water about once a week, allowing the growing medium to dry out between waterings. The root system needs air circulation and benefits from a light misting only at the roots in between waterings. Once the blooming cycle is complete, you can prune the stems back to one inch above a node to encourage a new stem section and even more lush blooms for the future. With proper care, Phalaenopsis orchids can live for 15 to 20 years in your home.
Primrose (Primula)
Primrose (Primula) Photo courtesy of Kagab4
These brightly colored blooms showcase a variety of colors. They will bring sunny cheer to the dreariest winter day. Sometimes called “first rose,” they are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring, but they will bloom even earlier when cultivated indoors. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, plenty of humidity, and well-draining soil. Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity, but don’t allow the roots to sit in water.
Note: Some of these winter flowers can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Modernizing the exterior without compromising the home’s integrity included updates such as the cedar shake façade and roof, along with larger scaled windows and doors trimmed in black. Photos by Laurey Glenn
When Kim and Bayless Ydel first walked into their Cape Cod-style cottage, “it had an energy that’s hard to describe, even now after four years,” Kim says. “It just felt like home.” But while the connection to the house was there, its functionality was definitely lacking. The flow of spaces didn’t fit the needs of this family of four. With a list of desires—the most important being a larger kitchen—the Ydels called on Leigh and Kevin Misso of River Brook Design & Construction for a makeover.
The Riverbrook team created a new formal entry by enclosing the front porch. “I am a lover of flea markets, estate sales, and antiques malls,” Kim says. “I had a bunch of treasures I wanted to highlight in this space.” A few of note: framed family crests that hang on the draped wall (opposite), and a large white lamp (above) perched on an antique buffet in front of a bank of windows.
Many of the home’s rooms were bathed in light, but the small kitchen only had a single window. Reorganizing the floor plan and bumping out walls here and there gave the family the space they wanted. Now, the new kitchen features windows on two sides and 22-foot vaulted ceilings. “There are no upper cabinets, so our view is not obstructed,” Kim says. “It feels more likeva living space than a typical kitchen. That has changed the way we live in the house.”
In addition to the kitchen overhaul, the Missos created a new entry by enclosing the original front porch. “I wanted a place to welcome guests that speaks to who we are,” Kim says. Leigh draped the walls and dressed the room with a custom-skirted table and a bench upholstered in navy velvet. The oak floor is stained to create a checkerboard pattern. Navy leather upholstery elevates a coat closet door. A hallway with a barrel-vault ceiling and architectural paneling extends to the rear of the house. “Scale-wise, it really makes a big impression,” Leigh says.
“We went contemporary with the casework, some of the furnishings, paint colors, and certain things that felt very bold. The introduction of antiques balances those modern appointments.” — designer Leigh Misso
An island with a built-in banquette serves as the main dining space. Appliances, other than the statement-making La Cornue range, are hidden but easily accessible. “There’s tons of storage and a built-in Meile coffee maker,” Leigh says, of the wall of black-painted cabinetry. An arched doorway leads to a butler’s pantry.
In the kitchen, white oak cabinets with a reeded detail by Refinery Custom Cabinets run beneath the bank of windows. On top, Leigh positioned a pair of antique urns-turned-into-lamps.
In lieu of a formal dining room, the Ydels opted for a TV lounge space. “With two teenage girls, it just felt right. And now we all spend so much time there and on the adjoining porch,” Kim says.
“This is the space I was so in love with when we first saw the house,” Kim says of the light-filled living room. Various conversation areas were created through furniture placement. A vintage Lee Industries sofa upholstered in blue velvet and white fringe faces the fireplace and divides the room in half. Behind the sofa, a secondary seating area includes McAlpine wingback chairs and an upholstered daybed, as well as a drop-leaf table that, when pressed into service, creates a formal dining area. The coffee table was a find from a local antiques shop. “I loved its blue patina and the sculptural bronze deer base,” Kim says. After research, she discovered that it is a collector’s piece by French furniture designer Armand-Albert Rateau. “I got it for a steal!” she says.
The couple found a new retreat in the primary bed-and-bath makeover. Working within the existing envelope, the Missos reallocated spaces to make way for a larger bath and closet. Then they cloaked the space in moody and glamourous finishes. While the house felt like home from first glance, the renovation and the decisions informed by how the family really lives in each space are what make it tailor-made for the Ydels. “The house always had good bones,” Kim says, “but now we have tweaked those bones to fit our family.”
A daughter’s bedroom offers a raspberry-pink tone that’s equally girlish and grown-up.
The primary suite’s bath features a contemporary freestanding tub (Fixtures & Finishes) as a sculptural statement. Custom drapery panels and a Visual Comfort chandelier add a bit of drama.
For Kim’s vanity, Leigh layered an antique mirror in front of a window.
The primary suite’s shower is wrapped in Calacatta marble. The floor’s soapstone and Calacatta mosaic has the look of a rug.
A daughter’s bedroom caters to her love for English style. A Capri Blue pattern by Ferrick Mason brings in the florals.
High design extends to the primary closet with center island, crystal chandelier, and Roman shade.
There’s just something special about a pot of soup simmering on the stove. It’s comfort food at its finest. January is the ideal month to simplify your meals (post-holiday indulgences) and make these one-pot wonders. They will keep for several days and provide a hot lunch too.
For those of you with a busy work week, I suggest prepping the ingredients the night before and have them ready to go in a large zip-top plastic bag. That really speeds things up if you are short on time. Most of these soups are ready in under an hour, except for the Hearty Ribeye Vegetable Soup. I highly recommend letting that one simmer for several hours to yield the most incredible favor.
So what are you waiting for? Pull out that Dutch oven and get chopping. Here’s to soup season!
Roasted Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Soup
SERVES 4 TO 6
6 red bell peppers 4 garlic cloves, peeled and whole 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided Salt and pepper 1 yellow onion, finely chopped 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil Juice of 1 lemon Pinch of red pepper flakes 3 cups vegetable stock, plus extra for thinning if needed Whipping cream and pesto for garnish
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roughly chop peppers, and place in a large, rimmed baking sheet. Add garlic; drizzle with about 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for about 45 minutes.
In a large pot, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to medium-high; add onion, and sauté until tender. Add the roasted peppers, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and vegetable stock.
Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, and puree in a blender. Return to the pot, and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with cream and pesto.
Learn from Leslie: Do not skip the pesto garnish. Store-bought is fine for this. The added flavor combines wonderfully with the roasted peppers and sun-dried tomatoes.
Chicken-and-Wild Rice Soup
SERVES 6 TO 8
2 tablespoons butter 1 onion, finely chopped 2 medium carrots, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 6 cloves garlic, minced 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, diced 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 6 cups chicken broth 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend, rinsed and drained* 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped 2 bay leaves 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half Celery tops or leaves for garnish
Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté for 3 more minutes. Add in the flour, and stir continuously for 1 more minute.
Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to incorporate with the flour without any lumps. Add the chicken breasts and next 5 ingredients. Let the soup reach a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 40 to 45 minutes until rice is tender. (Stir occasionally so that what is on the bottom of the pot does not scorch.)
Remove chicken breasts, shred the meat with two forks, and return to the pot. Add milk or half-and-half, stirring to combine. Remove the bay leaves, and season with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with celery tops or leaves before serving.
*Note: If you are unable to find a wild rice blend, substitute a (6.2-ounce) box of Ben’s Original Long Grain & Wild Rice, and reduce the cooking time to 20 to 25 minutes.
Broccoli-Cheddar Soup
SERVES 6
1/2 cup butter 1 onion, diced 3 celery stalks, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 1/3 cup flour 4 cups chicken broth 2 cups half-and-half 6 cups broccoli florets (about 3 medium-size crowns) 2 bay leaves 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 4 cups extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated, plus more for topping Salt and pepper to taste Crusty French bread for dipping
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven on medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir to combine, and cook for 1 minute or so. Add broth, and next 7 ingredients. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
Add cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Top with additional cheese, and serve with warm, crusty bread.
Leslie Likes: I highly recommend grating your own cheese. It will melt much better than the pre-shredded type.
Hearty Ribeye Vegetable Soup
MAKES 4 QUARTS
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 (16-ounce) bone-in ribeye 2 tablespoons Montreal seasoning 1 large onion, chopped 3 celery ribs, sliced 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes 2 (32-ounce) cartons low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup butter beans 1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 ears fresh corn, kernels removed 1 baking potato, peeled and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 cup Heinz 57 Sauce (do not substitute) 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle both sides of the meat with Montreal seasoning. Sear steak on both sides, and place in oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
In a large Dutch oven, heat remaining 1 tablespoon of oil on medium-high. Add onion, celery, and next 12 ingredients.
On a cutting board, cube the ribeye into 1-inch pieces. Add the ribeye and bone to the soup mixture. Simmer for 1 to 2 hours. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bone and bay leaves before serving.
Lemony Chicken-Orzo Soup
SERVES 8
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste 1/4 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste 2 tablespoons butter 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced 3 carrots, peeled and finely chopped 1 medium onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons flour 8 cups chicken broth Zest of one lemon 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 tablespoons fresh dill or 1 table spoon dried 1 bay leaf 3/4 cup uncooked orzo 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Place chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish; drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with foil, and bake 35 minutes.
While chicken is baking, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, celery, and next 3 ingredients. Cook until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with flour, stirring continuously for about 1 minute.
Shred chicken with two forks, and add to pot. Add broth, zest of lemon, lemon juice, parsley, dill, bay leaf, and orzo. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until orzo is cooked through.
Add spinach just to wilt, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
If you’re anything like us, driving around town to see all of the incredible holiday decorations on display is a must. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite exterior decorations featured over years so you can take your own virtual tour. Happy holidays from these beautiful homes to yours!
Photo by Jean Allsopp
Renowned architect James Carter’s Mountain Brook stunner is ready for the holidays with classic touches like fresh greenery, pinecones and red ribbon bows.
Floral and event designer Leah Hazzard affixed a garland of magnolia, boxwood and cedar along the limestone arch that defines the front door. The wreath is crafted from the same mix of greenery and is peppered with eucalyptus pods. Felt ribbon in Christmas-red with white stitching is the same Leah has used at this home for years—a tradition and homeowner favorite. Pinecone trees from the Red Mountain Garden Club sale at Birmingham Botanical Gardens rest on boxwood wreaths and flank the doorway.
Katty and Hunter Worley’s Homewood home by Architectural Cooperative and Ogle Construction keeps it simple with fresh greenery and a fun oversized nutcracker.
Mark Kennamer and John Paul Bruno’s 1920s Colonial home in Forest Park is ready for the holidays with classic magnolia wreaths and garland finished with red velvet ribbon.
An abundance of garland wraps columns candy-cane style, while an evergreen wreath adorned with silver baubles on the bright blue front door (painted Blue Danube by Benjamin Moore) signals the beginning of holiday party season at this Redmont Park home.
An unused alcove on the front stoop of this Forest Park townhome was the perfect spot for a metal storage display, built to hold 40 small terra-cotta pots. It provides an artful spot to display seasonal plants and clippings during the holidays.
Brooke McAfee, of Lilt Florals, showcases her deft use of cut blooms, houseplants and foraged branches in this stunning garland at Brooke and Porter Mason’s Mountain Brook home.
Elizabeth Adam’s living room Photography by Jean Allsopp
We overcorrected,” Elizabeth Adams, owner of and designer behind ExVoto stores, says of her and husband Patrick’s move from a large family home to a small condo after their children were out of the nest. During the first holiday season when the young adults came home for an extended stay, the couple realized just how tight their quarters were. Soon after, they and their two dogs found a better fit in a 100-year-old Hollywood Spanish-style home. “It feels like the perfect size when it’s just the two of us, but it also has plenty of space for overnight guests,” she says.
For the family’s first Christmas in their right-sized house, Elizabeth echoed the home’s historic character with her holiday décor. “I didn’t want a strict red-and-green palette,” she says. “I don’t superimpose Christmas in my home. I don’t rearrange everything or undo and upend.” As Elizabeth explains, she prefers to layer on the merry. “I take what I love—my all-the-time furniture, art, pillows, and throws—and ‘holiday-ify’ it.”
Last season, she used vintage and new mercury glass ornaments, dried citrus slices, and magnolia garlands and wreaths. “I bought rolls of velvet ribbon in the colors found in the rugs and art in my house,” she says. This year, however, Elizabeth’s home will look completely different for the holidays. “I never do Christmas the same way twice,” she says.
The Meaning of ExVoto
Elizabeth Adams created ExVoto in 2009 as a form of creative therapy after she and her husband’s youngest daughter passed away from a brain tumor. The Italian word means “a testament of gratitude.” ExVoto specializes in timeless jewelry to encourage conversation and gratitude, as well as to inspire a creative spirit. A portion of each ExVoto sale goes to The Cure Starts Now Foundation for pediatric brain cancer research.
Warm Welcome
On the front porch, the 100-year-old home’s history meets Elizabeth’s modern and traditional mix. “My aunt loved antiques, and she always displayed an antique sled at Christmas,” she says. “I couldn’t let my cousins put it on Facebook Marketplace. That sled holds a lot of my childhood memories!” A mid-century modern design touchstone, the Bertoia Diamond Lounge Chairs serve as contemporary treasures next to the home’s original cast-iron mailbox.
Floral Creations
Florals throughout the home were created by Elizabeth and her friend, Mary Blake Williams. Elizabeth ordered 100 red roses shipped from Greenrose farm in Ecuador to create arrangements in her house for the Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour.
Global Mix
“There’s a small painting of apples on the countertop that my father [modern artist Phil Coley] did in the 1960s,” Elizabeth says. “The blue glass vases in the window are water bottles I brought home from a trip to Italy last summer. The stack of blue glass dishes called ‘Slumped Glass,’ is by an artist out of North Carolina. We visited his studio on our first anniversary,” She adds that the bowls are a virtual European tour: Turkish, Spanish, and Moroccan. “The fruit pie on the cake stand is a candle by an Italian maker from John Derian in SoHo,” says Elizabeth. Colorful candy and Christmas crackers amp up the playful vibe, while red blossoms echo the living room’s décor.
Blue Christmas
“The Ladies’ Lounge has a different color palette than the rest of the house,” Elizabeth says. “While the other rooms are hot with orange and red, this one is cooler. But I created some continuity throughout the house with the holiday touches.” She used some of the same elements— velvet ribbon on a Silvertip Fir skirted with a Kantha blanket (Indian quilt) topped with the same gift wrap patterns but in different colorways. “This tree has white lights, white and clear glass ornaments, metal sacred heart ornaments, and dried lemon and lime rounds instead of the oranges I used in the living room,” says Elizabeth. “Large glass orbs on the tree are filled with straw and air plants.”
“My sense of decorating is not about the trends or what’s cool. Its what’s comfortable, personal, and meaningful—and what my kids love.”
—Designer and Homeowner Elizabeth Adams
Pretty in Pink & Orange
“When she’s home from school, my daughter stays in this guest room, so I made it feminine and youthful,” Elizabeth says. “The mask is something she made in elementary school. It inspired the room’s décor.” Elizabeth crafted candy-covered trees out of papier-mâché cones. “And we put a tiny Silvertip tree with fun felted ornaments from Nepal in the window.” A magnolia crown over the headboard completes the holiday décor.
“I’m okay with something that is imperfect and has patina and scratches. Those things authenticate an antique and make it more interesting—it’s a story not an imperfection.”
—Elizabeth Adams
The Slice on Dried Citrus
Elizabeth’s formula for this holiday: dried orange and lemon slices + velvet ribbon + magnolia leaves. The result is pure Christmas magic. Here’s how to dry your citrus rounds:
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Use convection settings if available.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or use an ovenproof wire rack nestled in a baking sheet.
Thinly slice the citrus. Tip: A mandoline guarantees uniform slices.
Add slices to the tray or rack with at least 1⁄2 inch of space between each, and bake. Be sure to remove the tray at the two-hour mark and flip each round over, as well as rotate the tray for the best results.
Lemons & Limes: 2-3 hours
Blood, Cara Cara, Navel Oranges: 3-4 hours
Grapefruit: 5+ hours
5. Once cool, use a large needle with twine or sturdy thread to create a loop for hanging each round. They can be used as ornaments, gift toppers, additions to garlands, wreaths, and more!
Front entrance to Brooke and Porter Mason’s home. Photos by Art Meripol
Ribbons, bows, greenery, and all the trimmings! For Porter and Brooke Mason’s Mountain Brook home, floral designer Brooke McAfee played to her client’s striking interiors and topped them off with a statement-making style. While she often gets compliments on her garden-style arranging, Brooke says that it’s her client’s personality and style that truly drives her designs. “I like to meet with my clients, tour their homes to assess their needs, and get their input,” Brooke says. “After that, I can generate the design scheme.”
While some floral designers lean into themes, color or otherwise—something Brooke also enjoys—she doesn’t believe they are a must for a successful design. “Things don’t need to match perfectly, but everything needs to work well together, especially in the space where it’s placed,” she says. “I love how fluid design is, and I enjoy the story that layering colors, textures, and elements tells.”
Brooke McAfee of Lilt Floral // Photo by Mary Fehr
A culmination of experiences led to her holistic approach to integrating design and florals. “I started decorating and doing window displays at an antique store in my home state of Oklahoma when I was 19,” Brooke says. “A lot of interior designers shopped at that store, and I began working with them to create unique vignettes. That led to interior styling which made florals a very natural transition.” Brooke’s trajectory led her to Birmingham, and she opened Lilt Floral (liltflorals.com) in 2016.
Signature Floral Defining Style for the Holidays
“I do get complimented on my love for garden style arranging but honestly, I like to get as much of my client’s personalities incorporated into whatever I’m working on for them—whether that be their home, holiday décor, or wedding,” Brooke says. For this house, she leaned into the dramatic color contrasts and modern details topping them off with sweeping garlands, vibrant red blooms and bows, and a statement-making entrance.
Incorporating Personal Keepsakes into Your Holiday Decor
“I love incorporating keepsakes that already have special meaning to them,” Brooke says. For example, one of Brooke’s clients has a collection of silver bells, items her mother gifted her every year since she was born. “It’s always fun to come up with new and different ways to display them each year,” she says.
Enduring Holiday Floral Styles That Never Go Out of Fashion
“Live green and flowering plants will always last,” says Brooke. Some of her favorites include amaryllis, cyclamen, orchids, seasonal herbs, and topiaries. For cut greenery, she advises spritzing it with water. “Just be careful with your furniture,” she adds. “Evergreens do tend to dry out, but they manage to last just long enough.”
Adding Dazzling Touches to Your Holiday Floral Arrangements
“The Masons love to entertain. Most years we do a different tablescape for each dinner party that they host,” Brooke says. This year, her decorating schedule fell weeks before their first event so she created a striking but sweet centerpiece using candlesticks tied with thin red velvet ribbon. “I had to think of something impactful that would last and not be too campy,” she says.
How to Create Visual Impact with Holiday Florals
“I love statement arrangements on kitchen islands, coffee tables, and dining tables. And I enjoy adding different materials to one vessel,” she says. “Playing with varying heights and different textures always adds interest, I think.” For this kitchen island arrangement, Brooke filled a large white vessel with red-blooming cyclamen, amaryllis supported by bare branches, two variations of moss, and tucked in tiny red ornaments.
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!
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
“Vintage Christmas cardsfrom an antique shop and afew berries are the perfect complement to go with this‘almost glowing’ red jelly.”
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.
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.
