Toast 2017 Fall/Holiday Edition

FALL HOLIDAY EDITION FA L L / W IN T ER 2 0 17

“

EMBRACE WHAT MAKES YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS, MAKING EACH CELEBRATION

your own.”

Laura Johnson, Founding Artist & CEO

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Happy Everything!™ – a Coton Colors Collection, founded in 2003.

from Laura There’s something about the start of fall that I just love. The changing color of the leaves, the drop in temperatures (even if only a slight drop for us in Florida!), and knowing that the holiday season of gathering together and celebrating is just around the corner, gets me so excited for this time of year.

Laura Johnson, an entrepreneurial artisan inspired by the celebrations of her own life, founded Coton Colors in 1989. Influenced by a childhood immersed in the colorful culture of Old Miami and engrained with the Southern charm of her current home in Tallahassee, Laura has created a leading lifestyle brand in the giftware, dining and décor industries.

@COTONCOLORS | @HAPPYEVERYTHINGCC COTON-COLORS.COM | HAPPY-EVERYTHING.COM PRODUCED BY COTON COLORS, INC. PUBLISHED BY P2P PUBLISHING 2718 CENTERVILLE RD. | TALLAHASSEE, FL 32308 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES CALL (877) 801-1292 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES CALL (877) 801-1292 OR VISIT WWW.COTON-COLORS.COM FOR MORE ON COTON COLORS AND THE JOHNSON FAMILY, VISIT TOAST, BLOG.COTON-COLORS.COM TALLAHASSEE FLAGSHIP STORE 1355 MARKET ST | TALLAHASSEE, FL 32312 TAMPA FLAGSHIP STORE 1716 S DALE MABRY HWY | TAMPA, FL 33629 PRINTED IN THE USA THE NEXT ISSUE OF TOAST WILL BE AVAILABLE SPRING 2018

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After a summer spent unwinding and relaxing, it’s easy to slip right back into routines once fall begins. It’s like a habit.

Schedules pick up, school is back in session, more get-togethers are penciled in your agenda and your to-do list grows. It’s easy to go from zero to 60 quickly once the season arrives. And with exciting developments for our team with the opening of our third flagship store (stay tuned for where and when we open!) and a busy travel schedule filled with lots of events and signings, I know that this season will pass in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, it will be January and we’ll be putting the Christmas decorations away. It’s so often these special times of holidays and celebrations pass us by in the blink of an eye.

In the spirit of “never missing an opportunity to celebrate every day,” we wanted to dedicate this issue to helping you take time to truly enjoy this season whether that’s having a go-to recipe handy when you don’t have time to run to the store or being ready to gift all recipients on your list this Christmas. It’s important to take time to enjoy the magic that is the holiday season. Take time daily to sit back and celebrate each and every day.

Cheers!

We’re Coton Colors.

Never miss an opportunity to celebrate…

We are a lifestyle brand and designer of really stylish products. Our Founding Artist and CEO, Laura Johnson’s motto “never miss an opportunity to celebrate every day,” has inspired her to create pieces that elevate everyday moments with ease.

Coton Colors consists of three collections for all {and we mean all!} of one’s celebrating needs: Kitchen + Home, Ornaments, and Happy Everything!™. All three collections are designed to encourage people to celebrate all of life’s milestones – big and small.

The Crew FOUNDING ARTIST/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Laura Johnson CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND DESIGNER Kyle Johnson Smith PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Sara Kate Johnson CONTRIBUTORS Laura Johnson | Kyle Johnson Smith | Sara Kate Johnson Taylor Gwynn | Courtney Munroe | Julianne Taylor EDITORS Molly Corder | Kirsten Phelps

HOME 06 Trick or Treat Yourself to Festive Home Décor 20 A Gift Closet How-To

TR AVEL 24 B on Voyage – The Gift of Travel

FOOD & DRINK 22 V ersatile Essentials

EN T ER TA ININ G 10 Eat, Drink and Be Thankful 13 One Holiday. Three Ways.

COLLECTIONS EDITOR Brittany Perkins

30 S ee How Others Celebrate with Coton Colors

PRODUCTION EDITOR Sara Gottfried

32 H appy New Year!

WEB EDITOR Samantha Pappas DESIGN TEAM Elizabeth Anderson | Sara Gottfried | Lizzie Moore | Laura Patrick RESEARCH EDITORS Meghan Browning | Sarah Beth Carlson | Lauren Lee VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES STRATEGY Kristin Hendrix

FA M I LY & F R I E N D S 04 G eneration Next 21 A sk the Coton Colors Crew

DESIGN 12 C olor Crush: Mint 28 History of an Ornament

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING Cindy Sullivan VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Ashley Trafton

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generation next meet

SINCE ITS INCEPTION, COTON COLORS HAS BEEN A FAMILY BUSINESS. FOUNDING ARTIST AND CEO, LAURA JOHNSON, ATTRIBUTES THE COMPANY’S SUCCESS TO THE CONTINUED SUPPORT SHE RECEIVES FROM HER FAMILY. In fact it was her family, especially her daughters and nieces (six girls in all) who inspired the original colorful and celebratory designs. These girls grew up in the business, spending their early years painting ornament boxes before playtime and wearing the colorful cotton dresses from Laura’s very first business quest. Fast-forward 20 some odd years, and all six girls have graduated and matured, with four taking on integral roles

within the company. Some having begun their careers in the corporate world and others having worked at Coton Colors since college, these girls (we refer to them here at Coton Colors as Generation Next) bring to the table a lifetime of creating and living the Coton Colors brand.

Through their fresh outlooks, keen eyes for design and their youthful energy and tenacity for success, they are the future of Coton Colors.

“I have to say, I was pretty smart when I recruited these girls to officially work for the business. Not only do I selfishly love being able to see them every day, but it brings me so much joy to see each of them truly living out their individual talents. They are each so different and unique, and I am honored that they have chosen to use Coton Colors as their platform for contributing their expertise and growing in their career fields.”

- Laura Johnson 4

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By joining the Coton Colors ranks and standing alongside Laura, these women help run one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing companies and truly put the “family” in family business.

KYLE JOHNSON SMITH, Design Manager For the past eight years, Kyle, the oldest of Laura’s three daughters, has worked in the Design Department to contribute a fresh perspective in product design, graphic design, photo shoot styling and merchandising. Today, as Design Manager, she has now taken the reigns of product design from her mother (though Laura is always glad to lend her perspective!) and has designed thousands (literally!) of products that are stylish, unexpected, always colorful and insanely creative.

SARA KATE JOHNSON, Photographer Over the last four years, Sara Kate has taken Coton Colors’ photography to new heights. As resident photographer, she uses her lens to bring our products and celebrations to life.

Sara Kate is a creative genius who has found her place in the company.

She is always up for hand making one-of-a-kind props for shoots (her specialty), and is fueled by the endless innovative pursuits of Coton Colors.

COURTNEY PARKS MUNROE, Product & Process Manager Joining the team after a career in corporate finance, Laura’s niece Courtney has assumed the role of Product and Process Manager overseeing and directing all aspects of a product’s life cycle. She also has led the implementation of our software platforms which is IT speak for the extremely essential tools in keeping our business in business.

TAYLOR PARKS GWYNN, Event Coordinator As the master of event planning and celebrations and the first to give a friendly hello, Laura’s niece, Taylor, exudes Coton Colors hospitality. Taylor joined the team after working in the corporate world for a number of years and now leads our company celebrations, events, and market shows. She’s a type-A personality mixed with just the right dose of creativity. With that unique combination, she is growing our brand presence by opening a new Coton Colors Flagship store this fall in Atlanta.

To the eye, Kyle and Sara Kate may look pretty similar as sisters sharing a plethora of creative talents. But much more than age separate these two with each of their distinct personalities.

See exhibit A. Q: WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT OBSESSION? KJS Amber

SKJ Botanicals

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? KJS Make it happen for yourself

SKJ A vision without action is only a dream

Q: WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? KJS Brush my teeth

SKJ Complain {I’m so not a morning person}

Q: WHAT IS CREATIVITY TO YOU? KJS Finding inspiration in unexpected places

SKJ The ability to express yourself with no rules

Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH? KJS Turkish Towel

SKJ A backup phone charger

Q: WHAT ARE THREE THINGS IN YOUR PURSE RIGHT NOW? KJS Sunglasses, Vaseline Chapstick, vitamins

SKJ Gum, socks, a lemon

Q: BESIDES DOING INTERVIEWS LIKE THIS, WHAT DO YOU DO ON YOUR DAYS OFF? KJS Work. {Good thing I enjoy it, and love what I do!}

SKJ Take pictures, lay around and look for furniture on Craigslist

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trick or treat yourself to festive home dĂŠcor.

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Spooktacular Shelving Decorating your living room for Halloween doesn’t need to look like you paid a visit to the seasonal aisle of your local dollar store.

Create an elevated look with classic touches.

Take a trip down memory lane and pull out some old Halloween photos of family and friends carving pumpkins or dressed up in their costumes of the past.

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Get Spooky Clean Some festive Halloween touches in the bathroom are always a fun surprise for guests and family members alike. All it takes is a holiday-ready soap pump and a couple decorative hand towels to complete the look.

Create a Spooky Spread For most, the kitchen is the family hub for gathering. Don’t leave it feeling haunted. Add in some holiday touches with festive serveware, putting your sweet treats on display. Stack a few bold plates encouraging people to dig in and enjoy themselves.

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Sip Up Spooky A bar cart is the perfect accessory to dress in its Halloween best. With fun lighting, paper bats, and some black gauzy materials, you can create a playful look that’s also tasteful. Don’t forget a good selection of spirits and a festive container to ice down your bubbly!

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be thankful.

EAT, DRINK AND

We’re joining the “Friendsgiving” movement. Not to take the place of Thanksgiving, mind you.

We cling to our traditional Thanksgiving rituals like cornbread dressing clings to roasted turkey.

In fact, our Friendsgiving dreams were born from our desire to extend the Thanksgiving holiday to consist of two celebrations instead of just one. Because we love Thanksgiving that much. And we’re thinking it’s the perfectly unique setting to gather with those you love.

Since our traditional Thanksgiving contains all of the traditional fixings, we’re thinking less conventional for our inaugural Friendsgiving by hosting a Friendsgiving Sushi Night. Making sushi can sound intimidating, but it’s actually simple, and we’ll walk you through it. Sake anyone?

Here’s everything you need to know to host your own Make Your Own Sushi Friendsgiving:

W h at shou ld b e on you r ba r c a r t for you r Su sh i Fr iend sg iv i ng?

• Sake • Kirin Ichiban ( Japanese beer sold at your local grocery store) • Wine and beer for those less daring

1.

Planning:

Keep things casual. You’ve got the real deal (Thanksgiving) just around the corner, so create a relaxed atmosphere for this celebration. Clear your counters (or coffee table if that’s more your thing) so your guests have their own sushi rolling station. At each station, add a special touch - maybe a quick note to people sharing why you’re thankful for them. After all, this is a Friendsgiving. Have some funky tunes playing and the bar stocked.

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2.

Tools:

3.

• Bamboo mats for sushi rolling • Chopsticks (You probably have a few disposable sets in the back of your silverware drawer for starters.)

• Small bowls for soy sauce

Ingredients:

Have these items out and ready for guests to start assembling.

• Sushi rice (You can buy it or make your own by combining rice, vinegar, sugar, salt and water.)

4.

• Sushi-grade fish of choice (Get two or three options for guests. Our favorites are tuna, shrimp and salmon.)

• Vegetables (Carrots, cucumbers and avocados are our go-tos.)

• Nori (thin sheets of seaweed prepared and ready for wrapping) • Soy sauce

Ready to roll: • Lay the nori (rough side up) on the bamboo mats • Spread the rice on the nori (Be careful not to use too much rice. You should still be able to see the nori through the rice.)

• Add your fillings to the bottom of the nori.

(Only about a quarter of your nori sheet should be covered with the fillings. If you have too much, you won’t be able to roll it.)

• Roll your sushi halfway using the bamboo mat, compressing the roll along the way to keep it tight.

• Remove the mat, and roll it the rest of the way.

• Slice and enjoy!

• Spicy mayo • Ginger and wasabi if you really want to go all out

Helpful tips: • Want to make a Uramaki roll (sushi on outside of the roll) instead? Once rice is applied to nori, flip nori sheet over to have rice facing down on bamboo mat.

• Avoid sticky fingers (which can make assembly a bit more of a challenge) by keeping a small bowl of water at each person’s station for easy hand rinsing.

Shop place settings at Coton-Colors.com.

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m int

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This season we’re mad about mint. If a color could be bold yet also tranquil, this is it.

We’re grabbing at all things mint this season not only for its refreshing shade but because it will easily transition us from everyday to holiday. Offering up the unexpected pop among the traditional greens and reds that we love, mint adds a touch of modern to your Christmas essentials giving you a fresh take on the season.

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O NE H O L IDAY.

WAYS.

We’re pretty passionate about never missing an opportunity to celebrate every day, and we design all of our products around that concept. We want you to feel inspired to celebrate, and we want it to be easy for you to do so. Go ahead, play designer, and create a Christmas tabletop unique to you.

Here are some table settings we love for this upcoming holiday season.

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FRESHLY MODERN

A more modernized approach to home dĂŠcor is no longer just a trend. More and more people are looking to freshen up their homes with a contemporary look. Interested in taking a walk on the modern side this holiday season? For your table, think clean lines and touches of abstract design as your starting point.

Build on that base of dinner and salad plates by bringing in pops of untraditional holiday hues like persimmon, peach, teal and chartreuse for your glassware, serving pieces and centerpieces. Add a mix of classic and contemporary by incorporating a more traditional style Christmas tree (seen on the salad plates here) with a sleeker, chic design of trees like these bottle brush Christmas trees we used as centerpieces.

Add a bright linen in an unconventional color, and you’ve created a table ready for a fa la la celebration.

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2 REL A XED FORMAL

Rela xed formal is a combination we love. It’s the perfect mix of time-honored traditional with a dose or two of comfort and approachability.

Drawn to the “relaxed formal” style this holiday season for your tabletop? Think somewhat messy linens and mixed metallics. For starters, there’s something about using silver glasses and white linen napkins atop an imperfect, slightly wrinkled tablecloth that gives you a finished yet inviting look. Pair that with an updated take on a neutral color palette for your dishes and top each place setting with a metallic ornament, and you’ve created a look that will have your guests feeling ready to cheers!

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WARM AND TEX TURAL

Earthy textures and warm color palettes create an inviting home. When brought inside, there’s something about live greenery and natural elements that offer up a simplistic feeling while being far from boring.

Want to design a table this holiday season that creates an atmosphere promising a warm and enjoyable experience? Focus on the basics. Start with a bare wood surface that provides a woodsy textural base. From pine needles and pinecones to festive red berries, layer on the natural elements to provide color and freshness. Choose a neutral dinner plate and top it with a traditional holiday salad plate that ties the table together.

And just like that, you’ve designed a Christmas table that is laid-back yet festive.

Find these tabletop options and more at Coton-Colors.com.

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a gift closet H O W -T O Often times, gifting is just as good (if not better) than receiving. So with the gift-giving season quickly approaching, we’ve got the 4-1-1 on creating a go-to abode for all things wrapping related as well as the place to store a few gifts for when an unexpected gifting need arises.

Gift giving should be about feeling celebratory and happy – not stressed.

A space to keep your wrapping essentials and some gifts on hand will decrease your stress level and help you feel prepared for whatever last minute birthday or Christmas party you find yourself attending. Don’t have the space to dedicate a whole closet? Find a shelf or two in your home that you can convert to your gifting headquarters.

RIBBON: Have a few neutrals that go with everything, plus a bold pattern or two. We also like to incorporate some different textures like raffia, twine and satin to add a pop.

GIF TS: Select gifts that document and celebrate exciting milestones in the lives of those you love. When purchasing – think purposeful and personal. Throughout your travels, think about those hints and clues someone has mentioned and keep an eye out for the perfect something.

GIF T TAGS: Have a stack already hole punched, threaded and ready for addressing. Store by occasion in a set of file folders for easy access.

GIF T WR AP: Make sure you have a variety on hand. In addition to your holiday wrap, choose a few fun patterns or stripes along with a neutral solid that can be used long after the holidays are over.

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Love this gift wrap? Shop it on Happy-Everything.com.

SUPPLIES: Have a set of these items assigned to only your gift closet. And it doesn’t hurt when your supplies are chic and stylish. There are some delightful choices out there that will add a bit of personality to your closet.

THE CREW

IN GEARING UP FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON, WE POLLED THE COTON COLORS CREW TO FIND OUT THEIR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS. TAKE A PEEK.

Read more from the Coton Colors Crew on their favorite holiday traditions on the Coton Colors blog, Toast. Blog.Coton-Colors.com

Every Christmas Eve growing up, my parents would have my sister and I read the story of Christ’s birth from the Bible. Then we would be allowed to open one of our gifts. I loved the tradition growing up, and I look forward to passing it down to my children.”

– CARRIE MELENDEZ, DATA PROCESSOR

“I love when our whole family goes down to the beach for some R&R after the Christmas buzz. It’s usually too cold to do anything but snuggle around the fireplace and play cards.”

– SARA KATE JOHNSON, PHOTOGRAPHER

“Living in Florida you don’t see a lot of snow, so we always made paper snowflakes and hung them in one window of the house. I’ve continued this with our girls and hope they keep the tradition of making their own snowflake window!”

– NICOLE DAVIS, ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Ever since I was little, we’ve had an art table at our Thanksgiving celebration for the children. On the table are apples, toothpicks, cloves, marshmallows, olives, pecans and assorted candies. Each child creates a turkey out of the apple by poking the toothpicks in the bottom as feathers then adding candies and marshmallows for feathers, pecans as wings and feet and the olive and cloves for the head and eyes.

It’s always funny to see these creations!”

– LAURA PATRICK, DESIGNER

“ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRADITIONS COMES FROM COLOMBIA, AND IT INVOLVES MAKING A WISH FOR EACH MONTH OF THE NEW YEAR RIGHT AS THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE. EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY IS PASSED A PLATE WITH TWELVE GRAPES, AND AS YOU EAT THEM, YOU MAKE A WISH. THE TRICK IS, YOU CAN’T EAT THEM USING YOUR HANDS! – SARA GOTTFRIED, GRAPHIC DESIGNER

“When my husband and I started dating, he surprised me that Christmas by taking me to go look at Christmas lights. We grabbed hot chocolate and cake pops and spent the night walking around admiring the lights and listening to Christmas music. We’ve done it every year since then, and now take our son with us too!”

– MISSY MILLER, ACCOUNT MANAGER

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Lemons A splash of lemon juice brightens up just about everything. Plus, they last up to two weeks when stored on your counter, so we’re always sure to grab a few when we’re at the grocery store.

Rosemary Plant somewhere sunny in your yard. It’s nearly impossible to kill and you’ll always have fresh rosemary within reach.

Plus, it’s one of the few herbs you can freeze while still preserving the fragrance and taste.

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White Wine Tuck a bottle or two away in your pantry so you’ll always have a bit of this lively ingredient on hand. White wine adds a lot of freshness and great flavor when roasting a whole chicken for a crowd {which is less intimidating than you think!}. Find this recipe and others using these versitle ingredients for your holiday entertaining on the Coton Colors blog. Blog.Coton-Colors.com.

versatile

essentials Favorite ingredients to have you ready for any entertaining occasion

There’s always an occasion to prepare for when the holidays roll around. A dish to bring, a last-minute dinner to prepare, the list goes on. Everyone has their key staples on hand, but since we’re all about freshness right now, we’ve compiled a few more things to add to your grocery list that liven up any dish and please every palate. With umpteen different delicious recipes that use these ingredients, you are sure to create and prepare simple crowd pleasers through and through.

Garlic Who doesn’t have a few cloves of garlic around? We find we use garlic in just about every one of our dishes. Here’s an easy appetizer that will keep guests occupied while you whip up a main dish.

A SAVORY APPETIZER Lemon & Garlic Ricotta Mix 15 oz. ricotta, juice and zest of one lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and a generous quantity of fresh black pepper. Spread in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes and serve with crackers and a baguette.

A BAR CART ADDITION

Can’t seem to think of what to have for the main dish? Our Lemon Fettuccine recipe from the Happy Everything!™ Cookbook is super simple to make and is always delicious!

Create a lemon rosemary simple syrup and you’ll have an easy mixer to liven up your bar cart. Peel two lemons, and combine the peel with two sprigs of rosemary, 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Let cool, strain and refrigerate. Mix with your favorite liquor or spritzer.

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BON VOYAGE THE GIF T OF TR AVEL

by Laura Johnson Each year I struggle to find the one perfect gift for my daughters. You know the one, the big one, the real… “surprise.” One that hasn’t been on their list before, the one they perhaps never have thought of, one that will hold a special memory. After years of searching for that perfect gift that checks all of the boxes, I have found it – the gift of travel. Don’t get me wrong, the gift of travel doesn’t have to be an elaborate, planned affair complete with airline tickets and a big budget. It can be anything that takes you to another place or sends you on a journey, taking you outside of your daily life and providing a special memory.

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After a trip to Paris a few years ago, I caught the “everything français” bug. This meant that my cookbook collection (that I love reading cover to cover, scouring each page for inspiration) grew by a few more French titles.

In my search for additional French inspiration (I tend to seek out a certain theme or subject for periods of time. A tad compulsive, I know.), I came across A Kitchen in France, A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse, written

by Mimi Thorisson. I was instantly drawn to her story, perhaps because of her family, or was it the amazing photography? Maybe it was the farmhouse the pictures were taken in, or was it the incredible food?

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I connected with her style of cooking and entertaining because it’s exactly how I like to entertain. The table setting relaxed, but thoughtful. The recipes simple, yet unexpected.

We served her Endive Tarlets recipe to my brother Jay on one occasion, and after a single bite blurted out that he had “never tasted anything like it before.”

With some research, I discovered that Mimi and her husband host a myriad of cooking workshops in their nineteenth century home in Médoc, France. As luck would have it, they had just announced their very first photography workshop. I knew instantly that my daughters Sara Kate and Kyle would so enjoy the experience, so I gifted them a trip for their birthdays.

After the first iPhone photos came through on their first day there, I immediately became inspired (or was it jealous?). Numerous texts with incredible pictures (like the ones here from their trip – amazing, right?) and a few minutes on Facetime motivated me to cook something French immediately. Fortunately, I found myself with a free day, a visiting sister and my stateside daughter Mary Parker, so together we set out to pull together an experience that would transport us to France, all authentic of course. (Well, the closest we could get here in Tallahassee!)

Our first stop was at our local farmer’s market to see what we could find. Coincidentally enough, we found buckets of sunflowers, a perfect accompaniment to a French menu.

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(one of the only French café’s in town) with a glass of Rosé, we shopped their tiny store adding to our list of ingredients by selecting a few cheeses, a couple of baguettes and imported French butter. We grabbed a few bottles of wine (from Medoc, of course!) and some liquors for the makings of a historic aperitif (an Aperol Spritz!), then grabbed the remaining ingredients to complete our inspired meal.

Once home, we put on a French playlist, opened up Mimi’s cookbook, stirred a batch of this newly discovered cocktail, and started creating our own evening in the French countryside.

The next morning it became clear to me that we all went on a journey, a short day trip without ever actually leaving. We got to experience the joys travel brings, get inspired, try something new (I made my first ever soufflé!), gather up people and simply celebrate.

It was truly une très bonne nuit.

So I got to thinking, this fun day and evening would make a terrific gift.

A gift of travel doesn’t mean you even have to leave your hometown. How about gifting a day in France (or any distant country that appeals to you)? Start with lunch in a café that specializes in foreign dishes; spend the day together shopping for special ingredients to prepare unique and inspired meals. Research how the food is served and set your table accordingly (together). Shake up a new cocktail as well as your playlists. It doesn’t take much to be transported. You’ll likely learn and taste something new and your gift most likely will be one that will never be forgotten.

Read more from Kyle and Sara Kate about their trip to France on the blog, at www.Blog.Coton-Colors.com.

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TRIMMING the TREE,

A TRADITION

by Laura Johnson

Christmas is my family’s favorite holiday. Selecting the tree each year is my husband, Milton’s favorite Christmas tradition, and he loves when we add all the trimmings.

With his birthday falling on Dec. 22, it certainly is a season we love to celebrate with him.

As my three daughters grew up, I wanted to create a Christmas tradition that commemorated all of the memories we made as a family the past year.I began looking for Christmas ornaments that would help make our favorite tradition of decorating the tree special, but I couldn’t find any that captured all of our family’s celebrations.

After countless searches, I was unable to find any ornaments that were just right. So, as an artist, I created ones that were exactly what I wanted. The ornaments I made celebrated the different occasions and memories made with our family that year. From my youngest, Mary Parker’s, “My First Christmas Ornament” personalized with her name and 1995, to the various hobbies and interests that Sara Kate and Kyle had, we created ornaments that covered all our milestones and happy moments from the year.

Thanks to these ornaments, decorating the Christmas tree became much more than another thing on a holiday to-do list. It was a time of storytelling and remembering happy memories from each year as we decorated.

Our tree now holds celebrations of graduations, birthdays, family vacations and many other “firsts,” with even more celebrations added each year. Decorating the tree continues to be our favorite Christmas tradition year after year.

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Shop Ornaments Collection at Coton-Colors.com.

Milton joined me on a recent business trip to Germany, and while there, we ventured out on a day trip to a historic German town. There we discovered a small museum devoted to the history of the Christmas ornament. It was a fascinating visit, and we learned more about the origins of this Christmas tradition, one that began back in the 1500s.

Allow me to share...

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS: A HISTORY Devout Christians in Northern Europe started decorating evergreen trees around Christmastime in the sixteenth century to represent the promise of life to come after months of a cold winter. They decorated the tree in simple ways, often with candles. Families eventually brought the Christmas trees indoors, with each family beautifying theirs in their own way.

Up until the mid-1800’s, it was the creative efforts of the family to decorate their own Christmas trees with things made or baked in their homes. Apples were often a decoration added, which was said to represent the story of the paradise tree in the Garden of Eden. Soon, other items began to make their way onto the tree, like handmade paper streamers or tiny bits of tinsel (then made from actual silver!). Cookies or pastries were baked into shapes of angels and bells that adorned the trees to add even more festivity.

Entrepreneurs from Lauscha, Germany, a small town that was known for its glass making, saw the opportunity to create glass ornaments of all different colors to adorn trees, rather than decorating trees with perishable items year after year. Initially creating fruits, stars, and bells out of glass, they soon saw great opportunity and created molds of children, saints and animals.

German makers were met with a huge demand, with each ornament becoming highly prized possessions of the family.

One of the first American merchandisers, F.W. Woolworth began importing German glass ornaments to sell in his Woolworth’s Five and Dime Stores. Since then, Americans have collected these keepsakes to help trim their trees and reflect their personality and holiday memories with their ornament collections.

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SEE HOW OTHERS

celebrate WITH COTON COLORS

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT DESIGNING PRODUCTS IS SEEING THE CELEBRATIONS THAT YOU CREATE. SO WE DIDN’T WANT TO MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW YOU HOW ONE OF OUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS, JULIANNE TAYLOR OF TAYLOR BURKE HOME, LOVES TO ENTERTAIN USING COTON COLORS IN HER CHARLESTON HOME WITH HER FAMILY OF FIVE. LEARN MORE ABOUT HER ENTERTAINING STYLE.

Read more about Julianne Taylor, founder and designer of Taylor Burke Home at www.TaylorBurkeHome.com.

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“Casual entertaining is my favorite way to throw a party with friends. While running a furniture design company by day and a family of five at night, it’s so enjoyable to take some time for family and friends. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top fancy; just some quality down time with friends does the trick.

“SETTING A BEAUTIFUL TABLE IS ABOUT SHARING WHO YOU ARE WITH YOUR GUESTS. MY RULE IS THAT THERE ARE NO RULES. MIX AND MATCH WHAT YOU LOVE - EVEN WITH METALS. GO AHEAD, USE GRANDMA’S FAVORITE PLATTER WITH NEW ITEMS - THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO THE CREATIVITY THAT YOU CAN EXPLORE.”

I love nothing more than a mix of old and new when I’m setting the table. You can find a mix of old and new throughout my house as well.

I frequently like to use these gold rimmed glasses that were my parents’ from their wedding registry over 40 years ago.

Similarly, the black handled lunch knives have been with my family for decades. These vintage pieces mix beautifully with the bold patterns that Coton Colors is known for.

– Julianne Taylor

While my design projects often take a lot of prep time, I’m actually a huge fan of recipes that require little prep time especially once guests arrive. The fall is still pretty hot in Charleston, and there is nothing worse than sweating in the kitchen while tending to guests. One of my go-to dishes that is always a crowd pleaser is a slow roasted pulled pork for sliders with yummy sides. The meat roasts in the oven all day and is pull-apart-juicy just in time for the guests to arrive. Throw in my favorite salads from the local deli, and voila! Supper is ready.

While I save time on the actual food prep, I do love to put in the extra effort to set a beautiful table. I can’t help it. It’s like a fun design project for your table.

I truly believe this is a way to welcome guests and make them feel special. Plus, I find it’s easier to be more adventurous and bold when designing tabletop as opposed to furniture. Throw in something funky - in the end, there’s nothing like sitting down at a beautiful table, don’t you think? This sets the tone that you are in for a real treat.

And can we talk about these adorable bee plates?! They had me at buzzzz. Paired with a black and white stripe dinner plate (my personal favorite pattern) and the Persimmon Loop de Loo charger is perfection.

Because I never shy away from a monogrammed napkin, these banana leaf ones were the perfect match with my place settings.

Bold, sophisticated, and unexpected – this look is a perfect alignment with my design aesthetic.”

Share how you entertain with Coton Colors, using the hashtag #CelebratewithCC.

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HAPPY NE You’re coming off the heels of Christmas and have been to at least a half dozen Christmas parties and most likely mingled with the same people at each one. You’ve listened to Christmas carols on repeat and eaten more than your share of traditional Christmas fare. From the day after Thanksgiving to December 25 you’ve not only embraced the season - you’ve loved every minute of it. But come December 26, you are ready to hit the refresh button.

If you ask us, a celebration is the perfect way to say sayonara to the past. What better time to celebrate than New Year’s Eve? It’s officially the final celebration of the current year and the very first celebration of the New Year.

Now that’s a big deal! A celebration to kick off a year full of new adventures and fresh starts is always a good idea.

We get it though. Sometimes expectations can be high for how you choose to celebrate, and the past month has left you over indulged and tired. Don’t worry that your New Year’s plans aren’t fabulous enough. Embrace what makes you feel excited about the New Year and make your celebration your own. Whether your New Year’s Eve style is a cozy dinner for two at home with some confetti or an all out bash, don’t miss the opportunity to start the New Year off with some happy.

Seen too much of crazy Uncle Gary over the holidays?

Invite an unexpected group to your celebration to keep it interesting. Think co-workers, old college friends, or your new neighbors down the street.

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Not sure how to pass the time until the ball drops?

Have everyone bring over their favorite game to play as a group.

One of our favorites? Charades.

It is the perfect icebreaker for a new group.

Don’t think you have it in you to make it till the clock strikes midnight?

Kick start the New Year by hosting a New Year’s Day (or even Eve) morning brunch for all your favorite early risers.

Invite friends to join you for a decadent spread, mimosas and resolution making. Another idea for brunch activities? Put on your travel agent hat and brainstorm a group vacation together to get a head start on yearly travel plans.

EW YEAR!

Add a playful and festive touch by making gold crowns for your guests out of pipe cleaners.

Display them at each place setting for guests to wear for dinner.

Don’t have the time to make one for each guest? Have the supplies ready, and have guests make their own. It only takes a couple minutes, and it’s a fun activity leading up to midnight.

GOLD CROWN HOW TO: This design takes six pipe cleaners, but if you want to get creative and add more to your crown, be our guest.

TO MAKE THE CROWN BASE: Take two pipe cleaners and attach the ends together by twisting.

Once connected, form a large circle and twist to fit onto your head.

TO MAKE THE POINTS OF THE CROWN: To make the center point (the largest), connect two pipe cleaners by twisting the ends together and create a triangle shape.

To make the two shorter points of the crown, bend a pipe cleaner in half to create a triangle shape.

TO ATTACH THE POINTS OF THE CROWN TO THE BASE: Attach the ends of the crown points to the base of the crown by twisting the ends around the circle base. Voila!

NE V ER M I S S A N O PP O R T U NI T Y T O C EL EB R AT E E V ERY DAY.