Country Living articles from December 2008

Country Living archives from December 2008

I was moved by the story in your October 2008 issue on what "country living" means.(THE COUNTRY CLUB)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I was moved by the story in your October 2008 issue on what "country living" means. It validated my belief that country is felt first in the heart. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DIANE GLAND, SAN DIEGO

From our table to yours.(THE COUNTRY CLUB)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... The stuffed roast pork shoulder in "American Harvest Table" in the October 2008 issue looked so appetizing that my husband and I fixed one for ourselves. Our meal was fantastic! After a few bites my husband, Craig, returned with a camera to...

Great find.(THE COUNTRY CLUB)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I picked up the September 2008 issue before boarding a plane to visit my mother in Rathdrum, Idaho. Imagine my surprise when I discovered your article on the Vintage Barn Antiques Show, which is located in the same town! The sale was fantastic...

Christmas tree central.(THE COUNTRY CLUB)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... View a collection of 31 of our favorite Christmas trees (including this year's gorgeous cover tree) at countryliving.com/trees. See what inspired us, then share images of your own holiday decor. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * For more...

A gift for Quilters.(THE COUNTRY CLUB)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I love your features on crafts and quilting, and I just ordered the Anniversary Quilt kit for my daughter. Can you tell me the name of the book mentioned in the October 2008 Quilter's Journal column? I gave my issue away, and I want to give the...

At home; "after spending more than a year renovating our house, I look forward to enjoying--and sharing--its comforts with family and friends.".(EDITOR'S JOURNAL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It has been our family tradition to enjoy the holidays on the West Coast. This year, however, we are celebrating the season at home. Truth be told, I'm somewhat relieved. I'll miss the time with our extended West...

Holiday gift guide: here, budget-friendly presents to satisfy everyone on your list--from crafters to collectors.(HOME FRONT)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2008... (1) Hand-painted in Germany, this ornament securely clips to branches. RED MUSHROOM WITH RED BEADS, $28; CONRANUSA.COM. (2) Hang ornaments from this tinsel wreath for a dazzling door--or tree--decoration. SILVER TINSEL WREATH, 24 "D, $50;...

Christmas tablecloths: vintage linens, with their vivid motifs, recall childhood memories and Yuletide traditions.(antiques)
December 1, 2008... When introduced in the 1930s, these so-called "lunch cloths" enabled Depression-era housewives to enliven their kitchen tables--and family's spirits--for the price of a dollar and change. And for the next four decades, companies like Simtex,...

Silver menorah: professional appraiser helaine fendelman evaluates and appraises your collectibles and antiques.(what is it? what is it worth?)
December 1, 2008... WHAT IS IT? The menorah is a nine-candle candelabra that is used during Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights. Candles in the menorah are lit to commemorate the Jews' rededication of their temple after...

Tartanware: admired for their colorful utility, these tartan souvenirs from the mid- to late 19th century make special gifts.(seen & noted)
December 1, 2008... 1 Prince Charlie barrel-shaped double pincushion, $350, Beverly Bernson Antiques: (617) 332-6747. 2 Stuart card box. $925, Sallea Antiques; (203) 972-1050. 3 Prince Charlie ruler and pencil eraser holder, $495, Beverly Bernson Antiques. 4...

Holiday wreaths: the winter garden offers fresh and thrifty materials for decorating.(in the garden)
December 1, 2008... JUNIPER AND EUCALYPTUS Build a heart-shaped frame with wire and cover with straw. The bunches of moss, eucalyptus, and juniper greens and berries to the frame with floral wire. This season, look no further than the backyard to find...

Garden chic.(tips & tools)
December 1, 2008... Warm, breathable, and completely waterproof, these handsome leather boots from Dubarry of Ireland go from the garden, through a snowstorm, off to town, and back again, stylishly. Simply hose them down when they are dirty. Available in three...

Garden ornament: Lily pad birdbath.(tips & tools)
December 1, 2008... Both functional and decorative, this birdbath will stand out in the winter landscape. Place it in a bed or at the end of a garden path. The bowl is made from cast aluminum and has a verdigris finish. The stake is wrought iron. $78;...

Expert advice.(tips & tools)
December 1, 2008... For a dramatic holiday centerpiece, temporarily plant a footed compote or punch bowl with a mass of ferns, Christmas cacti, begonias, or narcissi or fill with mounds of citrus. FLORAL DESIGNER; ARIELLAFLOWERS.COM

Stay warm this winter.(tips & tools)
December 1, 2008... Cozy up with this recycled wool blanket or keep one in the car for impromptu picnics. Proceeds benefit the Royal Oak Foundation, America's conservation partner of the United Kingdom's National Trust. $29; royal-oak.org. [ILLUSTRATION...

Digging in.(tips & tools)(winter)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... 1 WINTER POT PROTECTION Keep the drainage holes of containers that will remain outside in winter free of debris. Raise them a few inches off the ground to further help with drainage. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 HOUSEPLANT...

Handmade holiday: Julia Szabo advises giving your pet the ultimate gift: something you make yourself.(pets)
December 1, 2008... cute cutouts Canine-themed cookie cutters make great holiday gifts--and copper ones double as tree ornaments! Schnauzer and dog-bone cookie cutters (left) are available at thecookie cuttershop.com. Another resource for home bakers: The Organic...

Prepare your house and garden for winter.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... The days may grow shorter and the air may turn frosty, but that's no reason to hibernate! Winter is the perfect season for a multitude of OUTDOOR TASKS, including pruning trees, cleaning gutters, and sealing drafty doors and windows. If you'd...

Smart switch.(THE COUNTRY LIVING HOME ALMANAC)
December 1, 2008... HELP SAVE TREES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AND REDUCE TOXINS CREATED BY WOOD SMOKE WITH THESE FIRE LOGS: JAVA-LOG. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Made from used coffee grounds destined for the landfill, Java-Logs produce 70 to 80...

On this home improvement.(THE COUNTRY LIVING HOME ALMANAC)
December 1, 2008... managemyhome.com On this home improvement site by Sears, register for e-mail chore reminders and find gardening projects, product manuals, and warranties, plus customized expert advice.

Led tree lights.(THE COUNTRY LIVING HOME ALMANAC)(light emitting diode)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... A money-saving option for holiday decorating, LED lights use 90 percent less energy than conventional incandescent versions. "LEDs reduce carbon emissions, and we love that we can string 80 strands together on a tree without a fire risk," say...

Amaryllis: forcing bulbs.(THE COUNTRY LIVING HOME ALMANAC)
December 1, 2008... Amaryllis, one of the easiest bulbs to grow indoors, features large, bold blooms that last about three weeks. Force bulbs in either soil or water. After planting, keep in a warm area and water as needed once the stalks and buds appear. ...

Dates to remember.(Brief article)(Calendar)
December 1, 2008... DECEMBER 5: International Volunteer Day Find ideas for community service events at worldvolunteerweb.org. 21-28: Hanukkah 25: Christmas While gift shopping, purchase toys for children in need; toysfortots.org. JANUARY...

Christmas tree farming.(OUR COUNTRYSIDE)
December 1, 2008... Can cutting down a tree ever be eco-smart? Absolutely, says Rick Dungey of the National Christmas Tree Assn., a Missouri-based nonprofit that represents America's 22,000 Christmas tree growers. "There's no reason to feel guilty about taking...

Tree recyling.(THE GOOD LIFE)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... TRIM the boughs from your Christmas tree and use them to blanket perennial beds and shrubs that need protection from harsh winter wind and extreme dips in temperature. CHIP the entire tree and use the wood chips to mulch flower beds or to...

December moon phases.(THE GOOD LIFE)
December 1, 2008... In 2008, the winter solstice--which is the shortest day of the year--will occur on Sunday, December 21. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

To build a snowman.(THE BEST WAY ...)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Got snow? Head outdoors and tackle the fun, kid-friendly task of creating this classic winter sentinel. This three-sphere method works best when snow clumps together easily but isn't too wet. [STEP 1] Mold a hefty amount of snow into a...

Assumption abbey fruitcakes.(MADE IN AMERICA)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... 'TIS THE SEASON when the Trappist monks at Assumption Abbey in Ava, Mo., are busy packing up the rich, slow-baked fruitcakes they make entirely by hand at their bake shop in the Ozarks. The delicious two-pound cakes are spiked with marinated...

The Wort hotel.(INN OF THE MONTH)
December 1, 2008... A LOCAL landmark in Jackson Hole, Wyo., since 1941, the Wort Hotel embodies Western style and hospitality. Located within strolling distance of the boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that border the lively town square, the historic hotel...

Bulb forcer.(MAKE DO)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Contributing editors Teri Edwards and Serena Thompson (a.k.a. the Farm Chicks) shared this resourceful idea for turning a used plastic water bottle into a bulb forcer. Just remove the label from a bottle, cut it in half with a sharp knife or...

The bean king.(NOTES FROM THE FARM)(Steve Sando's 'Heirloom Beans')(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... "Heirloom beans are romantic, beautiful, and actually good for the soil and your body," says Steve Sando, a gentleman farmer and man on a mission in Napa, Calif. Steve's passion for foods indigenous to the New World has fueled his search for...

Charcoal.(NATURAL BEAUTY)
December 1, 2008... CHARCOAL in a holiday stocking isn't necessarily a bad thing. A gentle exfoliant, charcoal draws impurities from the skin and soothes inflammation. Try Origins Clear Improvement charcoal mask ($21; origins.com) or Lush's licorice-infused...

Help families help themselves.(GIVING BACK)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Acting on the simple idea that hunger can be ended by giving food- and income-producing livestock to poor families around the world, Heifer International uses donations to send dairy cows, goats, chickens, even honeybees to those in need. "We...

Let it shine: At his Ohio farm-house, Kevin Reiner mingles fragrant evergreens with glittering vintage ornaments for a display that definitely dazzles.
December 1, 2008... Kevin Reiner, a horticulturist and designer, spends his days cultivating gardens, so at holiday time it's only natural he brings a love of all things green into his c. 1885 farmhouse in Granville, Ohio. "I try to create a connection between...

The spirit of Christmas past: when their 1777 Connecticut home is filled with the scent of pine boughs and baking, Leslie and Steven Powell know it's the holidays.
December 1, 2008... For years Leslie Powell held her love of Early Americana at bay. "We were living in a Victorian house, and I always like to decorate according to the architecture," she says. But when a Realtor friend persuaded her and her husband, Steven, to...

The search for the perfect tree: bundle up for a visit to a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm, where the air is brisk, the cocoa is hot, and a family holiday tradition is in the making.
December 1, 2008... The Christmas season officially begins for Nicole Esposito Polly and her family the weekend after Thanksgiving. Not with a mad dash to a shopping mall but instead with a leisurely outing to a cut-your-own TREE FARM. Bundled against the cold...

Something old, something blue: in this 1890s New York City brown-stone, buttery whites and robin's-egg blue are sparked with silver and gold for a romantic Christmas.
December 1, 2008... Even though they are on opposite coasts, homeowner Vicki Gordon, the executive story editor at 60 Minutes, and Lizabeth K. McGraw, an artist and designer in Venice, Calif., forged a wonderful partnership working on Vicki's 1890s brownstone on...

Yuletide reverie: with garlands, family traditions, and loads of good cheer, this New York home hosts a real country Christmas.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Christmas arrives each year on hooves at the upstate New York home of Bob and Caroline Boniello. Caroline and her daughter, Jennifer, are accomplished equestrians, so horses rear up in every room of the Georgian...

House plans you can buy: harmony point: geometric rooms rejuvenate a classic.(HOUSE PLANS)
December 1, 2008... The bay window, L-shaped porch, twin dormers, and multiple gables of this one-story home accentuate its country style. From the front door, the foyer opens up to a great room, which has columns, a cathedral ceiling, and a fireplace. An...

Handmade holidays: with this inspired crafting kit from Stampin Up! And country living, the possibilities for creative decorating, entertaining and gifting are boundless.(crafting)
December 1, 2008... This time of year more than any other, we think about giving: giving thanks, giving gifts, giving parties, and giving time to loved ones. In that spirit, Country Living partnered with Stampin' Up! again this year to give you, our readers, a...

Christmas sweets: ideal for hostess gifts or a child's favorite teacher, these simple candy recipes produce delicious peppermint treats that are merry, bright--and irresistible.(candy-making)
December 1, 2008... Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Sticks To make these treats, dip 12 five-inch peppermint sticks, one at a time, into 7 ounces of melted white chocolate; transfer to a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to set slightly,...

Festive flourishes: dress up holiday baked goods with these quick-and-easy embellishments.(baking)
December 1, 2008... 1.Add reindeer TOPPERS ($1.50/six) to cupcakes covered in coconut "snow." 2.Customize sweets with edible--and kosher--MOLDED SUGAR poinsettias, dreidels, and candy canes; from $5/12. 3 Make snowflakes with reusable STENCILS ($13.50/set of...

Special delivery: personalize holiday gift wrapping with fabulous, fun-to-create adornments.(wrapping)
December 1, 2008... 1 Create your own CUSTOMIZED GIFT TAGS with Felix Doolittle's illustrated stickers ($15/25). Layer two shades of blue ribbon, such as Carta's Italian cotton ribbons ($9/five yards), then add the tag for a special Hanukkah gift. 2 Fancy That's...

Shopping Guide.(wrapping)
December 1, 2008... NOTE: ITEMS FEATURED IN ISSUE BUT NOT LISTED ARE PRIVATELY OWNED OR UNAVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. marketplace PAGE 23: Baroque cast candle, #CT90W, $112; Colonial cast candle, #CT80W, $84; Tuscan cast candle, #CT91W, $104: Et Al Designs....

Home decor.(marketplace)
December 1, 2008... 45 Slip this small wreath around a pillar candle for a natural look. CANDLE RINGS, $6 TO I $9; WILLIAMSBURG MARKETPLACE.COM. 46 Hong jingle bells on a doorknob and let your home fill with the sounds of Christmas. RED LEATHER...

Nine events not to miss.(COUNTRY CALENDAR)(Calendar)
December 1, 2008... CALIFORNIA ART DECO AND MODERNISM HOLIDAY SALE Dec. 6-7; Concourse Exhibition Center, San Francisco. In addition to Art Deco and modernist pieces, more than 200 dealers will sell furniture, accessories, art, and jewelry dating from 1900 to...

Milestone.(the good life)
December 1, 2008... Thanks to more than 1,300 phone requests and a 1,000-signature petition sent to the Kellogg Co. by consumers, Hydrox cookies are back--just in time for their 100th anniversary. Pick up the classic cream-filled chocolate snacks, a favorite...

Light festivals.(ON THE ROAD)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Watch the night sky light up at these dramatic outdoor displays: FLORIDA At the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights held at Disney Orlando's Hollywood Studios, watch animated light displays twinkle along to holiday music;...

Museum watch.(the good life)
December 1, 2008... Through Jan. 4 in Wilmington, Del., view more than 70 vintage posters featuring artwork by Norman Rockwell, Joseph Pennell, and other American artists at Hagley Museum and Library's exhibit Give It Your Best: Workplace Posters in the United...

Trees for Troops.(GIVING BACK)
December 1, 2008... Brighten the holiday season for troops serving abroad by donating a Christmas tree to Trees for Troops. Part of the Christmas Spirit Foundation, this three-year-old charity sends live pine trees, via Federal Express, to nearly 40 army bases in...