A Southern Christmas

There's nothing quite like a Southern Christmas. It's filled with whimsical decorations, honored traditions, and vintage recipes passed down through the generations.

The Magic of The Holidays

In addition to recipes, several folks have asked me to share decorating tips for the holidays. I hope my ideas inspire you to create a little magic in your home during this special season of love and wonder.

Santa's jolly old self influences how I decorate and what I cook this time of year. It's all about the possibilities...and I get excited just thinking about new ways to bring joy to others. Join me as I share what a Southern Christmas looks like in my little southern town.

How to Decorate An Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree

Let's talk about Christmas trees. Are you team artificial or team freshly cut? To be honest, I'm a little of both. The tree in this photo is freshly cut, so it has several imperfections. There are holes in several places and the branches can't be twisted to make it work. I love that about fresh trees. What you see is what you get.

I also love the old fashioned look of glass ornaments. Most of the decorations on our tree are vintage Santas, gingerbread men, and snowmen. Talk about a whole lot of chubby dudes who love to eat! They fit in perfectly around here.

When I decorate a tree, I usually buy at least six of each ornament to create cohesiveness. Even though the tree looks random, each ornament has at least five identical buddies. This gives the tree its old fashioned feel, and promotes friendship amongst the chubby dudes. (lol)

How to Make a Galvanized Tier Centerpiece

Have you seen the galvanized tiers in your local stores? They're all the rage, and the perfect way to create a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.

What You'll Need

• artificial greenery in various sizes and colors
• cute little sign
• star for the top
• variety of shiny balls
• galvanized tier
• hot glue if you're making it a permanent fixture

Start Creating!

• Bend each stem of greenery into the tiers and fold it under. Add extra greenery to hide the stems and build up the base for the ornaments.
• Place the ornaments on alternating sides of each tier. This makes a nicer presentation and is easier on the eye than lining them up in a row.
• Fill in any holes with extra greenery. Top with a star and a small sign and you've made a masterpiece!

A Beloved Christmas Village

Every Christmas for 10 years, my mother bought me a village from the North Pole collection. Now that she's gone, unwrapping those lighted cottages each season brings her right back into my life.

I can hear her laughter, and see the glow of joy in her eyes. My beloved Christmas Village is a gift I will cherish forever.

Are you a village collector too?

Bringing the Outside In

An unusual thing is happening in our little mountain town...wildlife is starting to appear from every direction! We've seen everything from deer and bears to fox and coyotes in our backyard. And, the cardinals are so beautiful! It's a regular Wild Kingdom around here.

As you can see by how I decorated this hall tree, I was inspired by the beauty outdoors. Bringing the outside in is a fun way to decorate for the holidays. Rich greenery, whimsical animals and lifelike trees are just a few of the natural items I like to use in my arrangements.

My Favorite Things

Below are a few of my favorite holiday things. I love my KitchenAid mixer more than any other appliance I use. And, to own a good sheet pan is as good as it gets.

I'm also a lover of unique bundt pans, boxes, glasses, stickers and napkins!

The items below are products I have used and loved, so I wanted to share them with you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Southern Christmas Baking Traditions

Those of you who read this blog faithfully have heard all about the Cooks Before Me. These women taught me how to cook, and are the true inspiration behind my recipes.

But, there was another incredible woman in my life named Aunt Julia who took me under her wing when I was just a newlywed. She taught me the secret to making the best sweet and savory Cheese Biscuits you will ever taste.

I'm sharing her recipe below, along with 3 others I make every single Christmas.

Holiday Recipes My Family Loves

• Aunt Julia's Cheese Biscuits - for my husband's family
• Coconut Rum Cake - a tradition for our son's Christmas birthday
• Salted Chocolate Toffee Bars - my favorite holiday candy
• Santa's Chocolate Chip Cookies - my family loves these!

Merry Christmas, friends. I hope you experience a miracle in the New Year!