Country Living articles from December 2004

Country Living archives from December 2004

My country wedding.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2004... We wanted to share our Country Living-inspired wedding, which took place this year. I read "A Country Wedding" in your September 2001 issue and saved the pages as I hoped to someday recreate it. Then it happened! Our wedding took place at...

New traditions.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2004... As soon as I received my October issue in the mail, I sat down and read it cover to cover. I especially enjoyed "Cook Book: Sunday Dinner" by Russell Cronkhite. Since my husband and I have recently relocated to Indiana, we don't have the chance...

Home run!(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2004... I wanted to thank you for the wonderful magazine you put together for October. Not only did I enjoy it, but so did my teenaged son, especially David Masello's "Play Ball!" (Antiques) article about baseball memorabilia. TAMMY MCDANIEL,...

Great online support.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2004... I recently purchased a badly stained white ironstone pitcher at a local garage sale. I needed to clean it before I could display it in my antiques booth. I remembered reading an informative article about ironstone care in Country Living. Even...

Seasonal inspirations.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2004... I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the 1950s and '60s. Fall was always a favorite time of year, especially Halloween when my three sisters and I would don our costumes and go trick-or-treating. Now I live in Houston where a change in seasons...

Vanity query.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2004... I am currently remodeling a small farmhouse and have been looking for a bathroom vanity that would "work" with the rest of the house. I was very pleased to open the September 2004 issue and see an article on page 70 entitled "Vanity Fair." My...

A shopping guide.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2004... Will you please tell me where I can find the upholstered sectional couch and red leather chairs on pages 154-155 of the "More for Less" story in the October 2004 issue? KAREN MILLER, OLYMPIA, WASH. EDITOR'S NOTE: We have received...

December.(editor's journal)(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... One of the greatest joys of the holiday season is being home--spending time with family and friends and reconnecting with those who are dear, but not always near. As I glance through this issue I'm reminded of how personal a role style plays in...

Holiday trees.(out & about)
December 1, 2004... This holiday, set off in search of the perfect Christmas tree at a local choose-and-harvest tree farm. At Ben's Tree Farm (benstreefarm.com), outside of Chicago, a horse-drawn carriage transports visitors to the fields, where hand-pruned,...

Inn of the month.(buzz)
December 1, 2004... With its sweeping views of the Green Mountains, impressive Nordic ski center, gourment restaurant, and blazing fireplaces, the inviting 33-room Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden, Vt., is a cozy spot to while away a winter weekend. When you visit,...

From Feliz Navidad to Happy Hanukkah.(buzz)
December 1, 2004... From Feliz Navidad to Happy Hanukkah, the possibilities for edible holiday greetings are endless with Ateco's stainless-steel three-inch-high alphabet cookie cutters ($32 for 26); (800) 645-7170. For our favorite sugar-cookie recipe, visit...

Festive frames.(buzz)
December 1, 2004... To decorate their mantel for the holidays, California designers Louise and Daniel Schridde of O'Brien/Schridde Designs outfit the distressed-wood frames they handcraft with vintage ephemera and holiday photographs, then display them en masse....

Noel, noel.(buzz)
December 1, 2004... Since the 1930s, folks have routed their Christmas cards through the post office in tiny Noel, Mo. (pop.: 1,480) to have the municipality's charming "Christmas City" postmark stamped on their holiday greetings. In the spirit of the season,...

Sweet deliveries: satisfy everyone on your list with rich mail-order chocolates and old-fashioned candies.(confections)
December 1, 2004... A dusting of sanded sugar gives these fruit gumdrops holiday sparkle (32 oz. for $4.10; blaircandy.com). Great for gift giving, Candy Creek's festive peppermint follipops come in green or red tin buckets (2 Ibs. for $24.95; candycreek.com)....

Caramels.(impossible to resist)
December 1, 2004... A tiny ribbon of sea salt tops the buttery chocolate-covered Fleur de Sel Caramels handcrafted by Recchiuti Confections, in San Francisco. A 16-piece box of the chocolate caramels retails for $20; recchiuticonfections.com. [ILLUSTRATION...

Truffles.(impossible to resist)
December 1, 2004... Since 1982, Fran Bigelow of Fran's Chocolates in Seattle has been tempting chocoholics with her silky, hand-dipped dark-chocolate truffles filled with chocolate ganache. A box of 18 is $26; franschocolates.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Holiday.(impossible to resist)
December 1, 2004... Saxon Chocolates in Toronto offers a full complement of handmade molded Hanukkah icons, including creamy milk-chocolate dreidels, Stars of David, and gelt. Prices range from $8 to $10; marshallfields.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Assortments.(impossible to resist)
December 1, 2004... Based in St. Louis, Bissinger's has been making fine chocolates by hand since 1863. Try the Signature Classic ($28), a 25-piece box of rich caramels, cremes, truffles, nuts, and fresh fruits; bissingers.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Web sources ...(confections)
December 1, 2004... web sources... For 58 years, the Vermont Country Store has stocked hard-to-find classics like milk-chocolate Wilbur Buds, vanilla creams, and ribbon candy (right); vermontcoun trystore.com. Around since 1919. bob scandies.com specializes in...

Toffee to go.(confections)
December 1, 2004... In Lenexa, Kans., candymaker Jo Ann Mow of Tall Grass Toffee sticks to what she does best--handcrafting deliciously rich toffees studded with nuts and dried fruit. Based on old family recipes, Mow's sweet, buttery candies are available by the...

Festive finds: celebrate the season with gifts, accessories, and decorations that suit your budget.(country classics)
December 1, 2004... $10 and under seeing sequins Add sparkle to your tree by hanging sequined ornaments such as Anokha. Inc.'s Ice Cube in sea green (2"D; $5); (518) 756-7909. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] star bright Let Pier 1 Imports' cheery...

Colds, the flu, and you: we've got the lowdown on these bugs--and how to keep them at bay.(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... One thing you won't want to share with your family and friends this holiday season is a cold or the flu. We spoke with leading infectious disease expert Dr. Winkler G. Weinberg, author of No Germs Allowed! How to Avoid Infectious Diseases at...

Christmas for keeps: one collector's stash reveals the range of mid-20th-century material available on today's market.(christmas decorations)
December 1, 2004... It's rare to find an area of collecting in which popular pieces are not only abundant but affordable. Yet, Christmas decorations and accessories from the 1940s through the 1960s are just that. Overlooked by serious collectors (who instead focus...

Concerning value.(christmas decorations)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Rarity is one of the most important factors affecting the price of Christmas collectibles. Manufactured items such as this plastic light-up Santa and pipe-cleaner elf band (both from the 1950s) sell in the $10 to $30 range. One-of-a-kind crafts...

Demand for Christmas items.(christmas decorations)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Demand for Christmas items peaks around the holidays, so be on the lookout year-round. Ornaments spotted at a flea market in May, for instance, are sure to be marked lower than they would be in November. Ask dealers what they have in storage...

Resources for collectors.(christmas decorations)
December 1, 2004... Collectibles shops, antiques malls, and treasure troves such as Darlene Duggan's store. Nanny's Attic, are great places for vintage ornaments, decorations, drinking glasses, china, linens, and other goods bearing Christmas imagery. Look for...

Wooden nutcrackers: professional appraiser Helaine Fendelman identifies and evaluates your collectibles and antiques.(what is it worth?)
December 1, 2004... valued at: left, $100; right, $1,000 In the United States, the nutcracker has been considered a cherished holiday motif ever since the 1954 debut of George Balanchine's namesake ballet. Classic figural nutcrackers can be found in various...

Merry and bright: rejoice! Surprisingly simple projects and subtle touches of color help you welcome the spirit of the season.(holiday decorating)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... a lovely wreath Lush greenery inspires feelings of life and renewal indoors, particularly at Yuletide. In her home, stylist Sunday Hendrickson starts with artificial branches instead of pine boughs, fills in with real leaves (fastened with...

Festive flowers.(simple projects)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Single out a few perfect roses from a bouquet. Knot lengths of rich satin ribbon around the lower stems and suspend from the top of a cabinet door. Save the ribbons and hang favorite ornaments from them next year. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Garlands.(simple projects)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... garlands made of faux greenery then filled in with fresh leaves and fruit further the festive effect. Create a holiday display inside a cabinet or cupboard by replacing everyday items with angels and apples. Finish with a handmade antique lace...

Final touches.(simple projects)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... sweeten up inexpensive store-bought stockings: Use a leftover swatch of ribbon, coordinating rickrack, or a string of beads for trim around the cuff. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] embellish plain pillar candles. Using a glue gun or tiny...

Good tidings to you.(get the look)
December 1, 2004... Enhance your existing decor with a luxurious accent or two, then let this room be a haven from the holiday hustle and bustle how to get the look [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Just for fun: make a big impression with these small yet sophisticated touches.(solutions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Add height and illumination to a buffet or dinner table, or brighten up a mantel with these stemmed crystal Ceremony votives from Orrefors (also available in pink and amethyst). Use as an alternative to traditional tapers to avoid messy wax...

The remains of the day: the garden might appear sparse in winter, but there's much beauty to be found, gathered, and then enjoyed indoors.(gathering)
December 1, 2004... gathering winter's bounty [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's become a career for Carolyn Gregg. Growing up in Idaho, she collected vestiges from garden and field to counterbalance the effects of long winters. Now, responsibly scavenged...

Holiday home safety: follow these safety and maintenance suggestions and make your home both festive and functional throughout the Yuletide.(safety)
December 1, 2004... Feet first It's the toughest time for shoes: Snow, mud, and salt will do their best to eat away at leather. Try Scotchgard Instant Shoe Shine Leather Wipes to clean and protect footwear and other smooth leather products, $.99 at Wal-Mart and...

Ohio Victorian: here, a look at properties for sale around the country. Please call the companies listed for details.(sampler)
December 1, 2004... This 1870s southeastern Ohio residence exudes elegance. It incorporates architectural elements typical of the era: eyebrow dormers, octagonal towers, shaded porches, balconies, and Palladian windows. The interior includes several parlors, a...

The light in the window: for a couple and their two young children, the candles on their menorah illuminate a holiday tradition while also brightening the dark, cold nights of early winter. This year, the festival of Hanukkah begins on December 7.(hanukkah)
December 1, 2004... Fifteen years ago I spent a month at a rustic arts colony that was situated far off the electric grid in the Southern California desert. Each night the residents gathered to watch the sun disappear behind the surrounding canyons, and before all...

Mix it up with KitchenAid.(holiday gift guide)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The KitchenAid[R] Stand Mixer has been an essential culinary tool for generations of professional and home cooks. This ultimate food preparation machine not only mixes, whips and kneads, but also grinds, slices, juices, rolls pasta, and even...

Meet Senseo[R].(holiday gift guide)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... We bet you can't find a better cup of coffee or better gift. Philips extraordinary European Brewing technology meets Europe's oldest and finest gourmet roaster Douwe Egberts. Together they create a one-of-a-kind cup of coffee and a perfect...

A furry Christmas to all; Never mind visions of sugarplums: here's what's dancing in your best friend's head at holiday time.(treats)
December 1, 2004... critter comforts 1 Portable pups go everywhere in Wagwear's canvas tote; $120. 2 Little Bones reversible wrapping paper by Christy Flora; $7 for two sheets. 3 Harry Barker's Peanut Butter Doggie Treats are so good. Santa might lift one:...

December: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and festive events.(country calendar)(Calendar)
December 1, 2004... If you would like to see your antiques show, fair, or other country festivity in our free listing, please send us a note at least four months before the event is to be held. Send information to Country Living Magazine. Country Calendar, 224 W....

Noel to the nines: in a joyous evocation of Christmases past, a home in Raleigh, N.C., gets the royal treatment at holiday time, combining the splendor of a Victorian Christmas with equal doses of opulence and all-American humor.(Brief Article)(Cover Story)
December 1, 2004... No corner of this home escapes the merry treatment brocante--French for "article of trifling value"--is the name of designer-decorator Ann Nicholson's business, and, fittingly, her talent lies in exalting humble objects. In a lifetime of...

All calm and bright.
December 1, 2004... After many years living abroad, the Hardy family returned to the U.S. to settle into a historic home in Connecticut. There they celebrate the holiday season amid the warmth and serenity of a few simple Yuletide Flourishes as newlyweds,...

Blue Sky Farm: in Pennsylvania, tow homeowners welcome a country Christmas with authentic 18th-century touches.
December 1, 2004... a heritage reclaimed For two homeowners, the end of the 20th century marked a joyous return to the end of the 18th century. They closed on their historic house in the Pennsylvania countryside on December 31, 1999. In the years that...

Faery tale come true: with an elfin spirit, Ashley Carter works her embellishing magic, mirthfully merging inspiration and creativity.
December 1, 2004... all that glitters [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In Ashley Carter's world, even details are detailed. As the doyenne of Goldbug Studio, a Raleigh, N.C.-based collection of sparkling handmade follies, faery figures,...

Holiday puddings; 'Tis the season to rediscover the age-old comfort of homemade pudding. On these pages, you'll find a tempting array of family favorites--simplified, sophisticated, and dressed up for the holidays. The bonus: They're also surprisingly quick and easy.(holiday puddings)
December 1, 2004... DELIGHTFUL [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fragrant cinnamon. Sweet vanilla. Candied orange peel. Pungent bay leaf. The traditional tastes and aromas of the holidays are as much a part of its celebration as brightly wrapped presents and...

For the foodie: bring this season's crimson housewares to the holiday table--give a gift or just treat yourself.(gift ideas)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... CHILLED CHAMPAGNE or white wine becomes a fashionable tabletop centerpiece in Willow Specialties' painted tin bucket. $16.95 SMOOTH, SATINY whipped cream is most delicious when it's fresh. Charge up The Dessert Whip any time you want this...

Country holiday entertaining.(special advertising section)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... a country holiday: It's when you gather friends and family to savor the season's best sights, sounds, and scents. The aroma of a crackling fire. The sensation of shaking snow off your boots, then sitting down to hot food and warm laughter. The...

Snacks for the season: perfect for everyone on your guest list.(special advertising section)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... If each holiday season leaves you scrambling for just the right gift, this year make it easy (and yummy). Send friends and family a gift from your kitchen--your own sweet tidings of good cheer! Homemade snacks are easy to pack. They're sure to...

Keep your family fueled for the holiday with protein: party planner meals that are easy and delicious.(special advertising section)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Who has the strength and energy to keep up with all the holiday activities? You do. Thanks to the power of protein in Tyson's chicken, beef and pork. And there's no better, more delicious way to get your protein than with these fun, simple...

Hot ideas for a winter warm-up: outdoors, it's invigorating. Indoors, it's inviting.(special advertising section)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Winter holiday pleasures run the gamut. Step outside, and you can enjoy brisk walks through fresh-fallen snow, the glacial beauty of icicles on trees and breath that freezes at the first rush of morning air. Come in from the cold and enjoy the...

Holiday prep in a snap: a make-ahead strategy makes it easier on you.(special advertising section)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Between the cooking, the planning, the list-making, the chauffeuring, the crafts... there's no denying the holidays are hectic, and anything that streamlines the workload is welcome. One smart strategy? Use containers--in all shapes and...

A healthy holiday welcome: make your home happy and inviting for guests.(special advertising section)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Home for the holidays: The very phrase evokes a warm, inviting, welcoming picture. If friends and family are gathering at your house, you want the ambience to be just right. So where do you start? How do you create a setting that ensures...

The Woolrich Home Furnishings Collection at Woolrich.com.(country news)
December 1, 2004... With only a few clicks of a mouse, you can discover a world of classic comfort and timeless style with the Woolrich Home Furnishings Collection. From furniture, rugs, wall art, lighting, and accessories, to top-of-bed, table top, and table...

Win a rejuvenating weekend at Canyon Ranch Health Resort.(country news)
December 1, 2004... RoC[R] RETINOL CORREXION[TM] Deep Wrinkle Night Cream works through the night to visibly reduce even your deep wrinkles. Multiple clinical studies have proven that after 12 weeks use, skin appears up to 10 years younger.* [ILLUSTRATION...

The Target GiftCard.(country news)
December 1, 2004... Spreading holiday cheer is easy with Target GiftCards. You choose the perfect GiftCard and they choose the perfect gift. Holiday shopping just doesn't get any easier. And best of all, they never expire or have any fees. Check out the...

Almay's Capturing Beautiful Moments Sweepstakes.(country news)
December 1, 2004... Enter Almay's Capturing Beautiful Moments Sweepstakes for your chance to win everything you need to capture your beautiful moments this holiday season. One grand prize winner will receive: * A digital camera * Photography lessons ...

House plans you can buy: to order plans for either of these houses, call (800) 839-0084 or see the coupon on page 165. You can also browse more than 100 additional houseplans on the House Plans Finder at countryliving.com.(homes to build)
December 1, 2004... THE HUTCHINSON [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Distinctive dormers, double chimneys, and a second-floor deck add charm to Hoyt Murphree's design. Inside, the living room includes a hearth fireplace next to a wall of built-in cabinetry. The...

Write-away.(reader's resource)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Write away, right here for information to enrich yourself, your home and your family with products and services from Country Living's advertisers. To order, circle the corresponding numbers of the brochures and catalogs listed in this section...

Shopping guide.(reader's resource)
December 1, 2004... out & about PAGE 24: Paper packaging (as noted) is available from Parcel, 559 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, N.J. 07042; shopparcel.com; (973) 744-7700. To order Candy Creek lollipops, call (800) 636-1299. Contact Hammond's Candies at (888)...

Heartland appliances.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The Classic Cooking Centre boasts a commercial quality cooktop in gas or electric, state-of-the-art convection oven, powerful vent hood, warming drawer with humidity control, utensil drawer and a tray storage compartment--all in one amazing...

Colonial braided rugs.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... This traditional braided rug is both durable and affordable. Rich color and sturdy construction insure it will be a favorite for years to come. Yankee Pride offers many other flat braided rugs. Custom colors & sizes tool Also wool handhooked...

Spiral stair kits.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Since 1931. The Iron Shop* has enjoyed a reputation for quality and value in spiral stairs. As the leading manufacturer of spiral stair kits. The Iron Shop* offers its customers the very best in selection, quality and prices. Spirals are...

Sundance catalog.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Shoppers are passionate about enhancing their home, lifestyle and environment with things that add texture, excitement and resonance through handcrafted artistry. Home furnishings, handcrafted jewelry, contemporary clothing....

zappos.com.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... THE WEB'S MOST POPULAR SHOE STORE. Over 250 brands of shoes--all sizes and widths! Hassle-free online shopping with FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURN SHIPPING. 365 day return policy--only at www.zappos.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Vixen hill.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Create an Outdoor office with a Vixen Hill Garden-Houses. Artistically balanced and skillfully constructed of the finest materials available. For a complete brochure, contact Vixen Hill Gazebos, or visit our web site www.vixenhill.com. ...

Carlisle wide plank floors.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... For nearly 40 years, this family-owned company has finely crafted authentic, traditional wide plank floors in hand-selected Antique and Old Growth pines and hardwoods. 800-595-9663. www.wideplankflooring.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Work at home.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Experienced Medical Billing Specialists earn up to $40,000 a year! Train in the comfort of your own home to prepare medical claims and billing for doctors, hospitals and clinics. Get free facts and color brochure! Call 1.800.388.8765, Dept....

Add-on window panes.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Make plain windows beautiful with decorative grids. Patio Doors, too! Easy, inexpensive, removable, durable. Brochures show how, prices, and other homes. Call New Panes Creations for a free catalog 800.382.7263 or visit our website:...

Hunt galleries.(country store)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Celebrating our 60th year in the business... manufacturing heirloom quality upholstered and leather furniture from our factory direct to you. We offer thousands of fabrics and leathers or send us your own fabric. We also represent over 100...

Country living directory.(reader's resource)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Use these convenient toll-free numbers to obtain information about quality products and services listed below. decorating and remodeling American Blind & Wallpaper 1-800-454-0248 Andersen Windows & Doors ...

Simple country pleasures.
December 1, 2004... I walked abroad in a snowy day; I asked the soft snow with me to play... --WILLIAM BLAKE [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]