Nora Murphy Country House Holiday 2015 by Nora Murphy Country House

HOLIDAY 2015

COUNTRY HOUSE

Christmas at

COUNTRY HOUSE NANTUCKET STYLE

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE 1

Welcome

The Country House lifestyle – inviting and relaxed, at one with its surroundings, a celebration of warmth and comfort, a home of every season – is something I’ve always loved, even before I could name it. And it’s so easy to live the Country House lifestyle, wherever you call home. It thrives one little moment at a time. It’s not a location; it’s not a point on the map. It’s a little romantic; a little nostalgic; and all about a simplicity that everyone can share. Let me show you how. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re an old friend, welcome to Nora Murphy Country House and to the wonderful treats, tips, ideas, and inspiration this issue has in store! Happiest of holidays to you! Love,

Nora 2

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Nora Murphy Founder and Editor in Chief

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

We can never go back to the way it was W H E N T H E B O Y W A S L I T T L E A N D O U R FA M I LY W A S N E W, T O T H E F I R S T S U M M E R O N N A N T U C K E T, T H O S E G I D D Y D AY S . WE DIDN’T KNOW IT COULD GET EVEN BETTER; EACH YEAR WE GREW AND CHANGED, YET DEEPLY LOVED WHAT STAYED THE SAME.

Why go back? we take the best parts with us! T H I S Y E A R WA S E X T R A - S P E C I A L , T H E B O Y O N H I S WAY T O C O L L E G E . I R E L I S H E D E V E RY M O M E N T. I S T I L L A M , & T H AT ’ S

WHEN SUMMER JOY became HOLIDAY CHEER. P R E P P I N G T H E H O U S E F O R T H E S E A S O N I S A N A C T O F L O V E . I A D O R E C H R I S T M A S W I T H I T S C O Z I N E S S , T H E WAY T H AT EVEN WITH A CROWD, EVERYONE IS FAMILY. AND TO MY SURPRISE, INSTEAD OF REACHING FOR MY BELOVED TARTAN PLAIDS,

I IMAGINED SAILCLOTH AND STRIPES, GARLANDS O F R O P E A N D T W I N E . C H R I S T M A S S TA R S T U R N E D I N T O S E A S TA R S , S N O W B E C A M E S A N D . S I M P L E A N D H O N E S T.

THE PLEASURES OF CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT B Y W AY O F A V I N TA G E C O T TA G E O N A T I N Y I S L A N D . N O T H I N G FA N C Y, B U T W E W O U L D N ’ T T R A D E I T F O R T H E W O R L D . THE MORE I PICTURED A HAPPY HOLIDAY, THE MORE NANTUCKET IT WAS. WELL! A GOOD DESIGNER GOES WITH HER INSTINCTS.

THIS YEAR WE HAVE SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE — I’LL COUNT IN MY BLESSINGS MEMORIES OF THE OCEAN AIR AND PICNICS AND BEACH GARDENS I’VE ADMIRED —

A N D M Y H A P P Y H E A RT I S F U L L O F L OV E . W E C A N L I V E O U R B E S T D AY S E V E RY D AY W I T H A L I T T L E I N S P I R AT I O N !

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Christmas at

COUNTRY HOUSE NANTUCKET STYLE

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

CONTENTS NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

CHRISTMAS DAY 10 HOW TO SET A BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY TABLE 36 COMFORT & JOY 42 PRETTY PACKAGES 56 ELEMENTS OF A COUNTRY HOUSE WORKING KITCHEN 68 FESTIVE EVERGREENS 78 SWEETS IN THE SUMMER ROOM 82 RECIPES 92 WINTER BLOOMS 100 NEW YEAR'S EVE 108

Â© 2015 Connecticut Country House LLC All rights reserved. Follow NMCH on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Please direct all inquiries to media@noramurphycountryhouse.com or contact@noramurphycountryhouse.com.

At NoraMurphyCountryHouse.com, each seasonal issue is filled with a compilation of work (original design, photography and copy) that is produced year-round at Connecticut Country House, and on locations. This incredible body of work is the effort of a very small team, all fabulously talented and exceptionally dedicated. Nora Murphy Founder and Editor in Chief Carol Hubner Art and Features Director Stephanie Fuda Web Producer Deborah Golden Copywriter Robyn Szarka Roos Content Producer Sister Linda Boccia Copy Editor Darryl Arbesman Duanne Simon Nora Murphy Contributing Photographers Aida Kiernan Styling Assistant

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SEA STARS, SEASHELLS AND GARLANDS OF GREEN. IT'S ANCHORS AWAY TO A NAUTICAL COUNTRY HOUSE

Christmas Day

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NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Our last trip to Nantucket – the one before The Boy became The College Boy – was something special. I soaked up every detail – and when the holidays rolled around, they spilled back out! Also falling into place, my long search for a bigger, better farm table ended – and my new/old simple, hearty late 19th century French work table (found on 1stDibs.com) has 10 glorious feet of space. Love!! The more the merrier, that’s my motto – not a bad way to kick off the season. In its first Christmas after Project Refresh, the old house feels happy for the change. And why not? The Country House lifestyle is about celebrating what moves you.

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

“Set the mood by simply stringing lights casually over greens gathered from the forest.”

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Unusual finds and natural elements combine to create the perfect setting. Sea Bags handcrafts totes and bags of all shapes and sizes from recycled sails up in Maine. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve bought a couple of them over the years, so when I saw these placemats last summer I was crazy for them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; had to have. Little did I know that they would be the foundation for my Nantucket-styled holiday table. My homemade ice votives are filled with sea stars, and cedar sprigs that remind me of seaweed!. Learn how to make your own on page 40.

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Buckets from the Paris flea market, sea fans, 20

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and fresh moss. That's topiary with a new twist! NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

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Black adds a bold, graphic touch. Hoot the Owl, a fave from Rhode Island artisan Nancy Laboa, says “Use wisely!” NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

As a collector, keeping the house edited is not always easy. It can be hard to pare down to my most loved pieces when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just so much to love! I decided on lush but unadorned fresh cut branches and roping to honor the simplicity.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like color, form can

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be a powerful tool.”

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Some themes are absolutely timeless. My big glass vase filled to the brim with Nantucket beachcombing treasures is of the now. The engraving, believe it or not, comes from the Histoire Naturelle, an encyclopedia printed about 300 years ago! Old World and new blend beautifully to keep our coastal vibe in any season.

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“Remember these four words, and you’ll always have what you need: Live what you love!” NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Nora's Notes

How to set a beautiful

Choose a theme & color palette. I gathered and shopped for items with a nautical vibe and a red, white, and blue color scheme. Cheerful dish towels become generous napkins, and these bright crisp white plates are a natural fit (all from HomeGoods â&#x20AC;&#x201C; love that place!).

Holiday Table

Look for fun and functional items. My handmade recycled sailcloth placemats from Sea Bags in Maine are the perfect foundation for each place setting. Tapered ivory candles from Colonial Candle and Terrain's battery-operated string lights, bring illumination and sparkle.

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic

Always add a natural element. These ice votives (see directions on p.40), and a scattering of collected seashells are another way to convey Nantucket. I chose the cedar sprigs because they remind me of seaweed.

ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.

- Peg Bracken

Reswizzle your thinking on everyday things. Here, inexpensive rope napkin rings from Michael's are repurposed as place card holders. Make new combinations, like a well-used metal tray with your good glasses.

Make your very own

Ice Hurricanes

WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Large plastic containers Smaller plastic or metal containers Weights of some sort (rocks, nuts & bolts, etc.) Duct tape Sprigs of cedar or pine Assorted sea stars or seashells Water Votive candles Small trays for water as ice melts Place smaller container centered inside the larger one, and fill smaller container with weights. Position greens and sea stars/seashells between the 2 containers. To keep smaller container centered in the larger one, add a criss-cross of duct tape on top. Add water to just below the top of containers. Store carefully in freezer overnight. When ready to use, fill a large bowl with hot water, and one at a time, immerse the frozen containers. When loosened, remove the ice from its container. Remove weights and pour hot water into smaller remaining container. As it loosens, separate. Place hurricanes on trays and add votive candles. (Please note: Ice hurricanes, like any ice sculptures, will start to melt in a warm environment.) 40

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COMFORT L JOY

K E E P I N G I T R E A L I N T H E H O L I D AY H U B NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

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Just off the kitchen is the family room – though if she could talk, my pup Fi would tell you it’s a Fiona room! There’s no room in the house that’s more us. It’s where we play games and watch TV, or read and enjoy the view through the oversized windows that make us feel like we’re outside and inside at the same time. With Conor’s childhood art on the walls, a rug that’s been in Murph’s family for decades, my big, comfy Ethan Allen sofa and chair, and my very favorite pillows and throws. Full of warm finishes and even warmer memories, the family room is a hug from an old friend.

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Always have a soft spot. One reason the family room is so welcoming and cozy: Layers of softness are everywhere. There are even some plush touches on the tree! To get a look like mine, mix, don't match – that goes for textures (a soft washed cotton slipcover, a stack of wool throws, a nubby kilim pillow) as well as patterns – and use multiples. Go for it.

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Country House, where putting up your feet is

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

encouraged.”

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Deep colors, warm hearts. Since Project Refresh, this is the most deeply colored room in the house. Benjamin Moore’s Cromwell Grey on the walls sets the quiet, cozy stage, and pops of warm color – a red between persimmon and pomegranate – play across the space. I love the charm and whimsy that comes through using an accent color in a bunch of patterns – “picnic table” plaids, wooly tartans, a nautical note, even old tin painted buckets that can be planted up in a snap!

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Trim your tree Country House style. I LOVE TRIMMING OUR CHRISTMAS TREE IN A WAY THAT MAKES EVERYONE SMILE.

For me, it’s all about using a variety of ornaments, and lots of things that end up on our tree aren’t ornaments at all. As a rule of thumb, the largest ornaments go up first. Next I always place my most precious FAMILY memories, like childhood photos and crafts. Whenever we travel, I pick up a little KEEPSAKE to hang on the tree as a happy reminder; those go on now. Finally, for touches of WHIMSY, I tuck quirky little stuffed people and animals in to peek through the branches. And as I go along, I add SPARKLE here and there with pretty pieces of hand blown or pressed glass.

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W H I M SY

S PA R K L E

K E E P S A KE

FA M I LY NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Nora's Notes

Wrapper’s delight. I’m a big believer that “it’s all in the packaging.” A beautifully dressed gift makes the recipient feel special, and I love to put that extra bit of care into each one.

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

pretty

packages

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A good mix of papers. I have to have the great basics on hand – for me, that means rolls of white glossy and brown craft papers. They’re the perfect foundations, and no matter what the theme, mixing matte and gloss is a fresh, modern touch. For our Nantucket -style Christmas, I combed the aisles and bins for papers with a nautical vibe. That doesn’t have to mean boats and anchors. Think classic patterns – you can’t go wrong with stripes, plaids, and polka dots (my faves!) – and find one theme-related novelty pattern – here, a metallic coral. Bring in a couple of colorful solids, and you’re ready to go!

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Get the look all tied up.

No need to wait for the holidays to build your collection of ribbons and ties! I keep my eye out year ‘round for interesting colors, patterns, and materials. I especially love satin and grosgrain ribbons in solids and patterns – like the papers, you can’t go wrong with stripes, plaids, and polka dots! Natural materials like raffia and jute and cotton string add a fresh, sophisticated casual look.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;It's not how much we give but 62

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how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

For finishing touches, think outside the store. In fact, just think outside! In keeping with our theme, I’m in love with greens like the ones we’ve swagged all over Connecticut Country House. To finish off my wrapping, I’m reaching for snips of rosemary, boxwood, and that wonderful seaweed-inspired cedar. From my Nantucket beachcombing trove, I’ll select sea stars and shells of all kinds. (Most shellers don’t think hole-y scallops are keepers, but to me, they’re treasure!) Use jute or raffia – something simple and natural – to tie it on.

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

I love the quiet elegance of an embossed, tone-on-tone card – so classic and timeless! – plus they do their job without conflicting with the wrapping. Vintage postcards are another go-to of mine – they’re a little unexpected, yet they mix beautifully. Keep a hole punch on hand so it's easy to string the cards and attach them to your bow.

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Tag, you’re it! (Sharpie not included.) Classic blue-and-white is a palette I adore, and it never fails to put me in a summer frame of mind! Our Nantucket holiday gift tags were inspired by some of my favorite 19th century engravings. These tags, designed exclusively by and for Nora Murphy Country House, make a package truly one of a kind – and I’d like to share them with you. Download any or all. Happy holidays!

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Fresh white paint and a skylight that floods the room with southern light makes the space feel bigger than it is. The island is key for working and storage, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a natural gathering spot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a hub.

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

ELEMENTS OF A COUNTRY HOUSE

Working Kitchen

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“An organized spice rack makes cooking so much easier.”

Want to make some big changes in the kitchen without spending “big changes” time or money? Renovate your spice rack! Toss what’s old, restock what’s missing, and repackage them if you like. Don’t forget the fresh! My bay topiaries started at a foot tall and now they’re almost 3 feet— they love their sunny spot in the kitchen. And small pots of oregano and thyme from the garden are always at the ready.

For me, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cutting boards and antique baskets. Two of my favorites are pretty unusual: an American tobacco drying basket and a French prune drying basket; I love to display them to show off their texture and scale.

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris

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Time to show your metal.

The sconces by the old Viking stove are 18th c. reproductions handmade in Vermont (authenticdesigns.com). Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re perfectly sized and their tarnished steel finish echoes the stove and hood. Look around a little, and more metal pops out of the woodwork: the ancient mezzaluna, the metal pie plate tucked into the rafters. Metallic elements tie the whole room together.

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Beautiful, useful, and standing by Calling all collectors! Stop struggling to keep a fabulous collection of dinnerware organized and out of sight. Instead, give it a starring role. This antique pantry shelf used to live at the far end of my kitchen, but now it’s center stage. I love the pop of red and white, and I’m ready to entertain at a moment’s notice!

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Nora's Notes

Festive

EVERGREENS

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“Foraged mixed greens create generous garlands that add holiday spirit to every room in the house.”

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What you'll need: Pruners Floral Wire Mixed Evergreens

1 2 3 4

Trim the greens to 10"-12".

Wrap stems with floral wire.

Overlap bundles and join with more wire.

Combine sections to achieve desired length.

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Sweets in the e e summer room WITH SILVER BELLS & COCKLE SHELLS & COOKIES

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More is more on the mantel and less is more everywhere else. Even a cozy room like this one can carry off a big display as long as thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s balance.

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Talk about farm to table! The gateleg, tea, and end tables are all early New England originals, farm tables that have put in plenty of hard work over the centuries. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re timeless, like Connecticut Country House; mismatched, but matched in feeling. I love their wear and tear and how function is the essence of their beauty.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sea, once it casts its spell,

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holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – J. Cousteau

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Like the sugar on our cookies, twinkling lights and glass beads add sweet sparkle. 90

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Nora's Notes

Recipes

D E L I C I O U S T R E AT S F O R A H O L I D AY T E A

Molasses Ginger Snaps Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 cup granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F.

¾ cup Crisco solid shortening 2 cups all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until the dough forms.

1 egg

Roll pieces of dough into 1" balls.

¼ cup molasses

Roll balls of dough in sugar, if desired.

¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves Additional granulated, demerara or sparkling sugar for decorating.

Place 12 balls of dough on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the underside begins to color. Remove from cookie sheet and allow to cool on a wire rack. Store by themselves, in an airtight container.

(You can also download this recipe here.) 92

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Orange Madeleines Makes 24 madeleines.

Ingredients: 2

3 cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder ½ cup butter, melted and cooled 2 large eggs ½ teaspoon orange extract ½ teaspoon orange zest, freshly grated 1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional for dusting Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 2, 12 cavity, madeleine pans, with non-stick cooking spray. In a small bowl, sift together the flour and the baking powder. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the eggs, orange extract and orange zest on high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add and beat in the powdered sugar, for 5 minutes, or until thick. Gently fold in the flour mixture, then the melted butter. Mix until smooth. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans, filling the cavities about ¾ full. Bake approximately 8 minutes, or until the edges are light brown. Allow to cool in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes. Loosen cookies with a knife and invert pan on a wire cooling rack. Store in an airtight container. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar. (You can also download this recipe here.)

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Country House Peanut Brittle Recipe makes 3 lbs. of brittle.

Ingredients:

Combine the baking soda and salt in a small bowl; set aside.

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water and bring mixture to a boil.

1 tablespoon baking soda 1 tablespoon salt ¾ cup butter, divided – ¼ cup to butter the sheet pan, ½ cup to make the candy 3 cups granulated sugar

Attach a candy thermometer and cook over medium-high heat until the syrup reaches 240°F. Stir in the peanuts and continue cooking and stirring until the candy reaches 300°F.

1 cup light corn syrup ½ cup water 3 cups raw peanuts, shelled Directions: Prepare a rimmed 12" x 17" baking sheet, by generously coating it with ¼ cup of butter; set aside. Place vanilla extract into a small bowl; set aside.

Immediately remove from the heat, and quickly add the remaining ½ cup butter, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Stir until the butter melts. Quickly pour the candy onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading the mixture evenly. When the brittle has completely cooled, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

(You can also download this recipe here.)

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Seashell Sugar Cookies Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.

Ingredients:

Add eggs, one at a time.

1 cup butter, salted or unsalted, slightly softened

Mix in cream of tartar, salt, nutmeg and vanilla extract.

1 cup granulated sugar

Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add and incorporate into the dough.

3 cups all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon cream of tartar ¼ teaspoon salt 1

8 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon hot water Directions: Preheat oven to 300°F. Lightly grease at least two, or more, cookie sheets. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the slightly softened butter with the sugar. Gradually work in the flour. It will be dry.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 18", and cut out shapes. Arrange on lightly greased cookie sheets. (Rotate the use of your cookie sheets so that cut out dough is always placed on a cool pan.) Decorate before baking with sugars, nonpareils, sprinkles or dragées, or ice with Royal Icing, as desired, after baking. Bake at 300°F for approximately 10 minutes, or until a delicate brown around the edges. Remove from pan, and allow to cool on a wire baking rack. Store in their own airtight container.

(You can also download this recipe here.) NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

COUNTRY

HOUSE

GARDENS

winter blooms 100

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Claude Monet wrote, “I must have flowers always and always.” Me too! Connecticut Country House would not be the same without flowers growing outside and, now, in. Portraits of my winter bloomers keep me happy and in the nurturing groove until spring!

CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS

Soft light keeps these ladies in bloom for almost 6 months. Instant wow!

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Potted up in clusters of mossy clay pots and weathered wicker baskets, paperwhites add incredible freshness to any room. After the holidays, when they get leggy and fade, I start new batches for the new year.

PAPERWHITES Containers full of fragrant ‘Ziva’ blooms announce that the holidays are here!

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Amaryllis bulbs love small spaces. In a pot just a little bigger than the bulb, bury the bottom third of the bulb in soil. Water well and place in a sunny spot. The gorgeous flowers will emerge in 5 to 8 weeks.

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AMARYLLIS A grouping of ‘First Love’ in full double-flower on the old potting table. NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

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HELLEBORE A typical March bloomer, my Lenten Rose is ahead of schedule!

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This evergreen plant loves a partly shady spot in the garden year round. In October, I spied new flower buds and decided to move her to a favorite Guy Wolff pot. So glad I did! Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll return to the garden in spring.

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Nora's Notes

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NewYear's Eve THE PERFECT SETTING FOR A

GATHERING

WITH FRIENDS

Welcome one and all. A tradition at Connecticut Country House – it’s funny, we always start out inviting just a couple or two, thinking we’ll keep it quiet and intimate. Before you know it … well, who needs quiet that day? We end the holidays the way we start them: The more the merrier! Both fireplaces crackle through the night, and it’s all about milling around and catching up. Nothing fancy, just laid back and real.

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Timing the celebration. Everyone starts arriving around 7, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a while ahead of us until midnight. The gallery (the space between the dining room and the kitchen) is the hub for early nibbles and sips arranged on my 18th century Nantucket Red farmhouse table. A festive vintage quilt sets the tone for the star of the table: an overscaled antique pine board thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laden with artfully styled cheeses and treats.

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“To share something beautiful from my heart is my most sincere ‘I love you.’” NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best meals are delicious

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before we ever take a bite.”

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Mass, color, and texture are key to a well styled cheeseboard. A parchment-covered antique wood board is defined by abundant MASSES of pink seedless grapes, assorted pears, and lady’s apples. The rich COLORS of the fruit, along with the prosciutto and salami work together beautifully. An assortment of interesting crackers – date/walnut, rosemary/pistachio – add rich TEXTURE and depth of flavor.

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“Reswizzle your thinking on everyday things…reach for new combinations.” 116

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Buckets of crunchy, salty & sweet. For these delicious nibbles, I fill small metal buckets from the Dollar Store with a variety of delectable things â&#x20AC;&#x201C; good quality mixed nuts, dried fruit, shards of homemade Country House Peanut Brittle. Using these simple buckets puts the focus on the tasty treats inside!

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Let’s talk cheese. It’s good to vary the selection as well as the presentation. I was delighted to find tiny seashell-decorated toothpicks to serve my tiny olive oil–marinated mozzarella balls! I like to set out gracious wedges of cheese – here, Jasper Hill Farm's Bayley Hazen Blue and an aged manchego – make the grade. I also stacked two different-sized rounds of brie, and to change it up, made one cow’s milk and the other, goat.

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“Plump blackberries nestled into Nantucket clamshells… succulent sliced figs… add delight with unexpected details.”

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There’s always POPCORN FOR FUN and fantastic flavor – especially when it’s just come off the stove! (A tried-and-true crowd pleaser at Connecticut Country House!) Enamelware mugs from Terrain are a whimsical and practical way to scoop and nosh. ASSORTED LOCAL WINES add a personal note to the table while saving the bubbly for midnight!

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“We sail into the New Year guided by the twinkling lights of my vintage boat and the scent of freshly cut dill.”

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& PINTEREST: pinterest.com/ctcountryhouse i INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/noramurphycountryhouse r BLOG: connecticutcountryhouse.com

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There are a thousand ways to put Country House style into your life – and the season. It comes down to the details. All those thoughtful littles add up to One. Great. Big! Browse the photos. Try something – just one thing – today and see if it doesn’t change your POV. Explore new pics and ideas daily, and make these your most beautiful holidays yet!

VISIT THE BLOG

ConnecticutCountryHouse.com

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Wishing

you O yours

a very Happy

New Year!