Happy Autumn!

Happy Autumn! I am thrilled that after a very busy summer it is time to get down to the business of readying for the holidays and a cozy winter at the cottage. As we head into the first week of fall there is much to do, but what I look most forward to this week, is making my order for the Thanksgiving turkey order at the butcher's shop.

The Merriest Time Of Year

The trees are up, the stockings are hung and we are putting the final touches on our decorations.  We are very excited to welcome family and friends into our home as we celebrate our first Christmas in the cottage.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Preparations are well underway......wreaths are hung, roping is ready to be draped over doorways.....it's time to welcome family and friends.

So Much To Be Thankful For.......

As we move into the holiday season, I am reminded of so much to be thankful for.....we are truly blessed.

Mrs. Magnolia’s Holiday Oyster Dressing

In anticipation of the holidays, I would like to share a favorite recipe of mine.....

The following recipe is a family tradition that has been passed down through generations in my family.  

First, prepare the seasoned stuffing mixture.  I   use:

 10 oz.  DRY white bread and 6 oz DRY wheat bread, process gently in food processor. Season with salt, pepper, sage and poultry seasoning.

For 12-14lb Turkey

16oz homemade seasoned stuffing mixture

1 ¾ c. very hot water

8oz plus 3 T. (I use high quality butter such as Keller’s or Plugra)

2 stalks celery and celery leaves

1 large onion

2 pints fresh oysters in their liquor

Sea salt

White pepper

Sautee celery and onion in 3 tbsp. butter until soft and translucent. 

Mix sautéed onions and celery into the stuffing mix, add remainder of butter to hot water, stir to melt.  Add to stuffing mixture and mix gently.  Fold in oysters and oyster liquor

Salt and Pepper to taste

Stuff into turkey and roast accordingly.

The Antique Chair

After several years I finally got this chair re-done.  I wanted a fabric to give it a contemporary pop, and I believe this Trina Turk design, by Schumacher fits the bill!  Re-Upholstering by Miles Upholstery.

A Trick and Treat

A rare nor'easter brought several inches of snow to us causing   minimal damage; although one of the large tree limbs nicked the top off my  beloved magnolia tree.  Aside from that, it was a beautiful cozy day by the fire...... capped off with a fresh turkey , stuffed with  my special oyster dressing  for dinner. 

First Of The Season

A Pleasant Way To Start Sunday .  Yesterday I ordered new stockings to hang on the mantle and my first holiday cards to.be sent from Magnolia Cottage!

Holiday Countdown

The countdown begins.....6 weeks from today the holiday season kicks off.......and it's a long one this year!  Spencer and Henry are trying as hard as they can to behave.  I have started my planning and can not wait to begin.....our first Christmas in Magnolia Cottage!

Firewood Delivery Means It Is Official!

The boys from Anderson Farm delivered the firewood yesterday. In my opinion, nothing starts a cold morning off better than a cup of coffee by the fire, as I plan the day ahead. Today I am starting outside to clean up the flower beds and ready for the holiday decorations. It is also the day to order my Thanksgiving turkey from my butcher. The holidays are just around the corner, and I can not wait for the smell of Christmas greenery and the comfort of cocoa by the fire.