Toast 2019 Fall/Holiday Edition

FA L L /H O L IDAY 2 0 19

“

LOSE THE DESIRE FOR PERFECTION SO YOU CAN ENJOY BEING IMMERSED IN THE MOMENT - THAT IS TRULY THE

spirit of celebrating every day. ” Laura Johnson, Founding Artist & CEO

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Letter from Laura

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.

As fall peeks around the corner, the impending season of event hosting and party-hopping gets many of us feeling overwhelmed. But here’s a simple truth: You can make the holidays as daunting or as joyful as you want to make them.

It’s all about how you frame things. I know, it’s easy for me to say it. After all, I am a “Just come on over” type of host, never rattled by the act of impromptu entertaining. The key is to lose the desire for perfection so you can enjoy being immersed in the moment - that is truly the spirit of celebrating every day.

Try a new holiday cookie recipe from page 25 - all kitchen-tested and approved by our CC crew. So what if your version of these baked goodies doesn’t end up looking exactly like the ones in this issue? I encourage you to veer off the recipe a little bit and add your own spin.

After all, the fun is kneaded in the process - and in the compliments from loved ones after a job well done. You can apply this exercise to all our guides. Enjoy the moment. Make it your own.

Sit back, relax, and unwind as you flip through these lovingly put together pages. I hope With this quest in mind, we’ve curated a they inspire you to see a little celebration in selection of articles to guide your experiences this everything you do during this magical season.

Fall/Holiday season. We show you how to host an effortless tailgate party, anywhere, on page 04.

Cheers!

Enjoy a stroll through your local farmers market and shop like a pro thanks to the tips on ““Meet Me at the Market” on page 12.

We’re Coton Colors.

We are a lifestyle brand and designer of products created to inspire celebrations.

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. The Coton Colors Company consists of two brands: Coton Colors by Laura Johnson and Happy Everything!™ by Laura Johnson.

The Toast Crew FOUNDING ARTIST/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Laura Johnson CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND DESIGNER Kyle Johnson Smith PHOTOGRAPHER Sara Kate Johnson COPY EDITORS Maki Segovia Blair Davis Alison Leavitt COLLECTIONS EDITORS Brittany Perkins Courtney Munroe DESIGN TEAM Whitney Borkowski Abbie Hutchins Emily Hudson VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Ashley Trafton VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING Cindy Sullivan Catch up on all our past editions of Toast Magazine on ISSUU at issuu.com/cotoncolors

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TR AVEL 16 Christmas Around the World

Never miss an opportunity to celebrate…

12 Meet Me at the Market

PAGE 25

20 A Very Vintage Christmas

PAGE 08

HOME

PAGE 33

EN T ER TA ININ G 04 Tailgating: Outdoor vs. Indoor 08 Spooky Soirée 33 Making Spirits Bright 24 Cozy Up

FA M I LY & F R I E N D S 25 The Great Coton Colors Bake Off PAGE 12

28 Your Tree Tells the Story of Your Life

PAGE 23

15 Everyday Ways to Lend a Helping Hand 18 Be Their Guest

DESIGN 23 Color Crush: Metallic Gold

@COTONCOLORS COTON-COLORS.COM PRODUCED BY COTON COLORS, INC. 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, OUR BLOG BLOG.COTON-COLORS.COM THE NEXT ISSUE OF TOAST WILL BE AVAILABLE SPRING 2020 TALLAHASSEE FLAGSHIP STORE 1355 MARKET ST TALLAHASSEE, FL 32312

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tailgating O U T D O O R VS I N D O O R

In the South, especially in the college towns peppered throughout, fall is synonymous with football - and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Even those of us who are not exactly “sports savvy” look forward to the leaves turning because it signals tailgate season. No matter which team you’re rooting for, you’re bound to enjoy {or host} a tailgate. From small watch parties at home to full-fledged tailgates at the stadium, we’ve got the inspiration you need to create a winning spread.

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OUTDOOR It’s always so exciting to create new memories at the stadium with the simple pre-game tradition of eating and drinking by a truck’s tailgate. We love the ease and fuss-free atmosphere of this type of gathering - but that shouldn’t hinder the ability to celebrate with style.

You too can easily create an effortlessly beautiful outdoor spread. You’d be surprised at how much a chic picnic basket and a colorful blanket can set the mood. Serve your favorite tailgate treats on durable melamine plates with bold designs and show up prepared with pre-mixed beverages to twist-the-top-off-and-go. That’s it! It only takes a few simple pieces to create an elevated feel.

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INDOOR For away games, rainy days, or to beat the heat, a watch party is a fun option to cheer on your team while also bringing friends and family together. Indoor tailgates are the ideal avenue to serve an elevated spread since hosting from the comforts of your own home allows for more creative freedom.

So go ahead, serve football-themed small bites on your ceramic platters and make that trendy recipe you’ve been eyeing. Or try our personal favorite: a pop-up Bloody Mary Bar, complete with all of the fixings. Guests will be so delighted by your hostessing skills, that they won’t mind the outcome of the game either way! {P.S. To learn how to create your own Bloody Mary Bar, visit the Coton Colors blog, Toast blog.coton-colors.com}

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WE ’ VE GOT SPI RIT, YES WE D O !

Tie your tailgate together with festive collegiate dĂŠcor to represent your favorite team or alma mater. coton-colors.com

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SPOOK Y Mischevious trick-or-treaters are roaming the streets, while the cauldron in the kitchen is bubbling with the night’s feast. A moody table has been set with dried wheat stalks, gourds, and ferns and now all that is left is to wait for the guests. Come join our spooky soirée. Slide into the soft velvet chair and cozy up closer to the table.

Enjoy the visual enchantment of the candlelight as it dances across the faces of friends and gleams off the decorative dishes. Take your turn detailing eerie stories as you sip a glass of mulled wine with no hurry; this celebration will go on until the witching hour. And when the clock bells alert you in a chiming chorus to bid goodbye, we hope this spellbinding night has inspired you to host your own hauntingly beautiful gathering in time.

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soirée

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“

Even indoors, you can bring those October nights to life.

”

-SARA KATE JOHNSON, Photographer

Want to recreate our Spooky Soirée? Get the how-to details on the Coton Colors blog, Toast, blog.coton-colors.com

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MEET ME A T

T H E

MARK ET

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From pumpkin patches to apple picking, the crisp fall air lures all of us out to explore local scenes. Our favorite autumn activity? Visiting the farmers market. Not only is it a great way to support the local community, but also a fun way to get a little shopping done - especially if you’re looking for organic vegetables, fresh flowers, local honey, grass-fed beef, or just about anything else. Read on for our top tips to navigate a farmers market with ease this season and see our favorite regional picks from the cities we are rooted in.

FARMERS MARKET

FIELD

GUIDE Our tips for mastering your local market THE E ARLY BIRD GE T S THE WORM The old saying is true - particularly when it comes to shopping for fresh produce. Since many markets open to the public early in the morning, it’s best to arrive shortly thereafter to beat the crowd and the heat of early fall so that you can score the freshest veggies and meats possible.

KNOW WHAT ’S IN SE A SON If you head to the market looking for summer squash in the middle of October, you’re going to come home disappointed. With this in mind, make sure to know what is locally available during any given season. Most importantly, leave your shopping list at home and don’t be afraid to try something new {purple carrots, anyone?}

TAKE A L AP Shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. Grab a cup of coffee from a local vendor, stroll around at your own pace, and compare prices of your must-have items to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Odds are you’ll find some hidden treasures and leave with a sweet surprise - like a bouquet of fresh flowers from a farm down the road.

KNOW WHAT MAT TERS TO YO U Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the things you care about. Is it organic? When was it harvested? What kind of pest-control measures do you take? What do you feed your livestock? These farmers take pride in the quality offerings they provide; they’ll be happy to answer you and you’ll probably learn something new.

S TR AIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOU TH To broil, sauté, bake, or fry? Step outside of your comfort zone and find out the farmer’s favorite way to prepare their meats and produce. After all, they’re the experts.

SE ARCH FOR S AMPLES Rest assured, the vendors want you to love their product and will more than likely be happy to oblige in providing a sample if you just ask. Plus, the sample can help you gauge freshness and allows you a chance to learn more about the farmer and their growing practices.

HELPFUL HINT: S TOCK UP ON LOC AL HONE Y If you live in the south, you’re no stranger to the allergies that plague us. But fear not - we’ve got a sweet solution. By purchasing and consuming local honey, you’ll be ingesting local pollen, too, which can lead to a decrease in seasonal allergy symptoms over time.

BRING THE ES SENTIAL S While a basket is a must, don’t forget to bring a cooler, too. Depending on what’s offered at your market, you may wind up bringing home fresh milk, homemade cheeses, or other perishable goods.

Not to mention it allows you to sit back and enjoy chatting with those around you without feeling rushed to get home.

PRESERVING IS YO UR FRIEND Sure, those green beans looked amazing, but did you really need to buy the entire bushel? Learning how to quickly pickle, can, or blanch and freeze your haul can save you money in the long run - and you may even find a new hobby out of it.

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TA LL A H A SSEE

T A M PA

AT L A N TA

A Tallahassee favorite for more than 40 years, the Tallahassee Farmers Market is one of the oldest in the state of Florida. Despite having roughly 30 vendors, the sheer amount of variety found here is incredible - especially considering that the market prides itself on only showcasing sustainable, eco-friendly, and locally grown offerings. With items like fresh bouquets of wildflowers from Quarter Acre Farm, seasonal vegetables from Orchard Pond Organics, or locally raised beef from Grady Ranch, you won’t leave this market empty-handed.

A must-visit in the Tampa area, the North Tampa Farmers Market offers a wide array of items ranging from produce and local delicacies to art. Held yearround on the second Saturday of each month, guests rave about the 70+ vendors and their delightful offerings - such as local honey from Bert’s Beekeeping as well as mustards and spreads from Tip Top Canning Company. After all, with a slogan of “Fresh, Lively & Local” - you know it has to be good! {P.S. Don’t miss out on the fresh springtime strawberries this region of Florida is known for}

Since opening in 2007, the Peachtree Road Farmers Market has become a Buckhead staple for fresh, certified naturally grown produce.

Besides being one of the largest producer-only markets in Georgia, meaning that every item sold at the market has been grown or made by the seller themselves, no resells, Peachtree Road also boasts chef demos every Saturday morning and hosts over 50 unique vendors each week - from 100% Artisan Foods’ handcrafted salsas and tamales to small-batch butters from Banner Butter to humanely-raised charcuterie meats from Pine Street Market.

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SP O N SO R Everyone has a wish list, and you can help. Play Santa all year long by crossing items off their lists. Whether you bring them a Thanksgiving meal or even a gift card for a haircut, find creative ways you can enhance someone’s life in your community.

E V E RY DAY WAYS TO L E N D A

helping hand We believe in celebrating all of life’s moments, big and small, every day. Thanksgiving serves as a reminder for all of the gratitude we have in our hearts, and there’s no better way to give thanks than by paying it forward. Want to participate in acts of giving?

Read on for a variety of ways to give back every day - not just during holidays.

H OST When hosting dinner parties or Thanksgiving, ask friends and family to bring canned goods instead of wine.

DON AT E Sharing your blessings can range from making cookies, buying new toys, or donating old clothes to a local shelter.

SERV E Get hands-on in your community by volunteering in a soup kitchen, building better homes with Habitat for Humanity, or testing skills new and old through tutoring at local schools.

DO N’ T FO RG E T Your local animal shelters are also in need of support.

These organizations are always grateful for donations, but they often need help with walking, fostering, and the overall care of these animals in need of a loving home.

CHALLENGE Show your kids the importance of giving back with daily chores. Let them research and determine a charity or organization they want to support with the money they earn from completing each chore.

SPE N D W ISE LY Purchase products from companies that give back to charities or causes. A Coton Colors crew favorite, Rothy’s, keeps single-use plastics out of landfills by repurposing them for stylish, durable flats.

At Coton Colors, we are proud of our 18-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Upon one of Laura’s many cherished visits and tours of St. Jude, she was drawn to the red wagons that transported their little patients to appointments. Being one of the many wonderful things St. Jude does to make serious treatments less scary, we honor this tradition with a classic red wagon design on the St. Jude Glass Ornament - with each purchase we proudly donate $6 to St. Jude. coton-colors.com

PAC K Send some love to others by making school lunches for children at shelters and care packages for soldiers overseas.

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LD

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‘Tis the most wonderful time of the year all around the globe! Take a trip with us across the continents as we journey through the many unique ways different cultures celebrate Christmas - no passport required.

E WOR

Christmas

TH

UND O R

CANADA : T H E N OVA S COT IA TREE FO R B O STO N Every December, the province of Nova Scotia donates its biggest Christmas tree to Boston, Massachusetts in gratitude for the city’s help during the tragic 1917 Halifax explosion. The Boston Red Cross and the Massachusets Public Safety Committee provided immediate help after the disaster and Nova Scotia has been thanking them ever since. Now, the Nova Scotia tree is part of Bostonian traditions as well.

PARAGUAY: T HE T H REE WI SE MEN Paraguay is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, so it is no surprise that holiday traditions are deeply rooted in the Christian faith. The main icon of Christmas is not Santa Claus, but the pesebre or the Nativity scene, and presents are opened on January 6, during the Epiphany, when it is said that the Three Wise Men met baby Jesus with gifts.

“

Growing up in Asuncion, my siblings and I would leave “hay” (grass pulled from our yard) outside our bedroom doors for the camels of the Three Wise Men. Hard as we tried, we could never stay awake to catch those magical camels in action!

- MAKI SEGOVIA, Content Marketing Associate

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S I ER R A L EONE : SPECTAC UL A R M A SQ UE R A DE S Christmas in Sierra Leone is a lively time. Families and friends gather in the streets of the capital, Freetown, to partake in colorful masquerades and carnival processions where religious sermons are met with intricate costumes. This unique holiday celebration is the result of mixing longheld local traditions with post-colonial Christian ceremonies.

FI NL A ND : C H R ISTM A S E V E SAUN A One of the oldest Finnish Christmas traditions is the Joulusauna or Christmas Eve sauna, where the entire family partakes in a moment of relaxation before a night of attending church and feasting on a big dinner. The Finns see the act of taking hot saunas as a symbol of purity, so it is a fitting manner to bring cleansing and peace on Christmas Eve.

PHILIP PINES : GIA NT L A NTERN FEST IVA L Festivals of light symbolize hope and are common around the world, but no light celebration outshines the Philippine’s Giant Lantern Festival, held in the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando.

What started as a showcasing of small paper luminaries evolved over the years to the creation of enormous kaleidoscopic lanterns made of various materials, all beautifully illuminated with colorful electric bulbs.

Spectators fly from all over for a sight of these mighty lanterns.

AN TA RCTICA : S OUT H P O LE RACING There’s no Christmas build-up in Antartica.

No street decorations, no carols, no shopping hype... Well, there’s not much of anything out there but scientific research bases manned by scientists and military members from all over the world. Yet, one Christmas tradition has risen within this community: the “Race Around The World.” Aptly named since the race maps around where all lines of longitude meet at the geographic South Pole. So, one can technically run through every time zone in a few miles. The grand prize?

A five-minute hot shower! A real treat since residents are usually only allowed two-minute hot showers.

AUS T R A L I A : C A RO LS BY C A N DL E L IG H T Christmas in Australia looks very much like Christmas in the U.S., with the exception that the holidays fall in the midst of summer in that hemisphere! One of Australia’s biggest traditions occurs every Christmas Eve in Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

The “Carols by Candlelight” charity event consists of, you guessed it, carols being sung by candlelight. The televised event features celebrity performances and profits benefit Vision Australia, a non-profit that provides support for blind children.

Sources: momondo.com, cityofsanfernando.gov.ph, youramba.com/blog, recipesfromapantry.com, trappedouttravellers.com, Maki Segovia, saunaregion. fi, finnishtraditions.blogspot.com, Monique La Terra at theculturetrip.com, carols.

17 visionaustralia.org, Mis Cellania at mentalfloss.com, antarcticsun.usap.gov, coolantarctica.com

be their

guest

Let’s face it, the art of giving hostess gifts seems to be a forgotten one. Whether we get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and run out of time or we simply don’t know the appropriate item to get, it seems that in this day and age, we have forgone a traditional “thank you” gesture to those who open their homes to us. Fear not, we’re here to help revive this tradition to help you become a model guest with our hostess gift guide for any occasion or price point, just in time for the holiday season.

A HO LIDAY PA RT Y DRO P- IN O R A C A SUA L DINNER So you scored an invitation to the holiday party of the year, now what?

A safe bet - and one that always pleases the host - is a bottle of wine or champagne. While you don’t have to pick the most expensive option, a good rule of thumb is to choose a bottle between $15 - $25. Consider tying a thoughtful ornament to the bottle’s neck with a colorful ribbon or pairing with an appetizer bowl and spreader for a unique touch.

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A N OVERNIGHT STAY With all of the traveling that accompanies the holiday season, odds are that you’ll find yourself staying with a friend or family member at some point in the next few months. One solution? A charming set of mugs paired with a bag of freshly ground local coffee that you can enjoy together during your visit. Or, pair a favorite baked good with a stylish and functional tray. Tie it all together with a handwritten note thanking your hosts for their hospitality for an extra special touch that will make their day.

E A SY A S PIE No matter the season, one sweet gift that’s sure to be well-received by most any hostess is a delicious pie kit. Simply place a favorite pre-made jarred pie filling {we love cherry for the holidays} in a darling casserole dish and add a rolling pin for good measure. Finish it off with a recipe card detailing how to make the perfect pie crust.

A N U N E XPECT E D SURPRI SE One thing is certain when it comes to the holidays - you’re bound to have a surprise visitor or two with gifts in tow. This year, prepare ahead of time for unexpected gift exchanges by keeping your gift closet stocked, wrapped, and ready to go! For gifts that they’ll be delighted to receive and actually use - have seasonal favorites like decorative salad plates or festive candles on hand. Place it all in a holiday gift bag for a truly cheerful present.

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a very

VI N TA G E

christmas

CHR IST MAS PAST I S HERE TO STAY. The cheerful illustrations and playful colors of Christmas décor in the 1940s and 50s continue to be the sought-after look for the holiday season. Now you can find contemporary twists on this timeless trend. Here are a few of our favorites...

CHRI STMA S C A RD S While the original holiday greeting card was created in 1843, the Christmas card industry we know and love today started in 1915 when the company Hall Brothers {aka Hallmark} published its first holiday card. Now, these cards come in a variety of styles. One of our favorites, Janet Hill Studio, designs holiday cards with a nod to vintage Christmas prints. janethillstudio.com

C H R ISTM A S V IL L AG E S Originally used to tell the story of nativity scenes, Christmas villages, also called putz houses, were made of cardboard or thin wood. As their popularity grew, more details were added to the villages, such as figurines, trees, cars, and even mica glitter, “snow.” Now villages have become treasured collections in many homes {including ours!}

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H A N DM A DE DÉC O R For centuries handcrafted pieces passed down through generations or brought home from elementary school have been proudly displayed as holiday décor - no matter their age or state of appearance. Before the days of Amazon and mass production, homespun crafts were more commonly used in seasonal décor. There’s truly something special about handmade pieces - not just how unique they are but the story behind them. It’s the memories and the charm from these handicrafts that make them a favorite in our seasonal décor collections.

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C H R ISTM A S O R N A M E N TS The colorful splendor of vintage ornaments continues to be treasured holiday décor items today. These ornaments feature bright colors, unique twists, and a variety of fun shapes that embody the charm and style of a mid-century American Christmas.

O R NA ME NT WRE AT H Inventive décor ideas have also stemmed from classic Christmas pieces, such as a modern take on the traditional wreath. Coton Colors Creative Director and Laura’s oldest daughter, Kyle, created her first ornament wreath last year with both contemporary and vintage pieces from her treasured collection. Mixing in bright colors and fun shapes give this masterpiece an intricate yet playful look.

“

I made this ornament wreath last year from a mix of old and new ornaments I had been collecting for a while. I finished it just a few weeks before Christmas and it brought me so much joy to see it on my front door {pictured here} to celebrate the season. I already can’t wait to bring it out again this year!

”

- KYLE JOHNSON SMITH Creative Director

TIN SE L TR E E S

Tinsel, a holiday staple, has continued to adapt and change since it was first invented by Germans in the 1600s. However, this trim didn’t receive popularity until it appeared on the Christmas trees of the British royal family in the 1800s. Now tinsel has become a big craze in the artificial tree market. While some may think the excitement of hunting for the perfect tree at the farm is now a thing of the past, finding the right artificial tree can be just as much fun.

Silver tinsel tree available at coton-colors.com and gold tinsel tree available at happy-everything.com

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Sources: smithsonianmag.com, corporate.hallmark.com, southernliving.com, theholidaybarn.com, historytoday.com, and techtimes.com

color crush

gold The glimmer, the glamour, oh my! Mark our words: metallic gold will never go out of style. Mainly because its greatest strength shines through as an accent to many color palettes - just ask our designers.

Season after season, you can find golden touches weaved through our designs in innovative ways. It brings out a little fun in everyday moments and there’s no better time to add a little shimmer to your décor than the holiday season.

From the Christmas tree to the table, elevate your look with small touches of metallic gold.

“

There’s no better time to add a little shimmer to your décor than the holiday season.

”

Cozy Up

1. TH E SA N TA C L AUSE (1994) In this movie, divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) dreams of visiting the North Pole, where an elf explains he must fill the shoes of Santa. Except this wasn’t a dream at all.

TO TH E S E FAVO R I T E S Spend the holidays listening, reading, and watching the best of the best! This list of hits has the Coton Colors crew’s seal of approval.

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2 . “J IN G L E B E L LS ” by Lauren Daigle If you feel your holiday melodies could use a little infusion of New Orleans jazz, look no further than this modern and joyful song.

3. T HE BES T CHRIS T M A S PAGE A N T E V ER

by Barbara Robinson The Herdman kids, who have never heard the Christmas story before, suddenly take over the church’s Christmas pageant. Despite the laughout-loud shenanigans, the true meaning of the season still shines through in this book.

4. TH E H O L IDAY (2006) Two women swap homes from across the world for the holidays to find an escape from their ordinary lives. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz star in this romantic comedy movie.

5. “SA N TA TE L L M E ” by Ariana Grande Bop your head as you decorate the tree to this sweet and catchy pop tune.

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WA I T - T HE RE ’S MORE! We couldn’t fit ALL our favorites on one page.

To see the complete list head to Toast, the Coton Colors Blog at blog.coton-colors.com

6. TH E DO G W H O FO UN D C H R ISTM AS

by Linda M. Jennings Buster the dog is in search of a new home after he has been abandoned on Christmas Eve. The kindness of strangers shows him the way in this delightful book.

7. M IR AC L E O N 3 4TH STR E E T (1947) When a Macy’s store Santa named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwen, who won an Acadamy Award for this movie performance) claims to be the real Santa Claus, a young lawyer defends him by arguing in court that he is not insane - he’s the real deal.

8. “ TH E C H R ISTM A S SO N G” by Nat King Cole The ultimate Christmas song. The second this song comes on, you can’t help but be transported to a holiday scene.

9. TH E P O L A R E X PR E SS by Chris Van Allsburg A holiday storybook that will stand the test of time.

Ride aboard this magical railroad adventure to celebrate what it really means to believe.

TH E G RE AT COTON COLORS

Bake Off

WE’ VE P UT O UR FAVO RITE R EC IPE S TO TH E TE ST TO MA KE YO UR HO L IDAYS E X TR A SW E E T. Who says Christmas cookies are just for Santa? This year, we called upon the Coton Colors crew to bake and taste test these delicious creations to determine once and for all who has the best Christmas cookie recipe. We've narrowed down our favorites for you to enjoy during the holiday season.

CHAI SHORTBRE AD CO OKIES Taste: Christmas Feels: Texture:

I NG RE D I E NT S ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ cup whole milk 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 ½ tsp cinnamon 1 tsp earl grey tea leaves ½ tsp cloves ½ tsp allspice ½ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp kosher salt 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp powdered sugar for decoration

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IN S T R U C T I O N S Preheat oven to 350°. At medium speed, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add milk, vanilla, spices, and salt then mix until combined. Reduce the speed to medium-low and then add the flour, a little at a time, until a smooth, thick dough forms.

Roll dough out on a floured surface until ¼ inch thick. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookie shapes and place them on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on pan. Sprinkle with the powdered sugar.

Super easy to make. They taste just like Christmas in a bite and I love the adorable star shape and powdered sugar topping!

- E M I L Y H U D S O N , Designer

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ITALIAN BU T TER CO OKIES WITH R A SPBERRY JAM AND CHO COL ATE Taste: Christmas Feels: Texture: INGRE D I EN TS ( FOR TH E C O O K I E S ) 3 ¼ cups cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp baking powder ½ cup unsalted butter, softened ½ cup shortening 1 ⅛ cup powdered sugar, sifted 3 oz almond paste 4 egg whites 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp almond extract INGRE D I EN TS ( FOR TH E TO P P I N G S ) 10 oz dark chocolate melting wafers or chips, melted 1 jar seedless raspberry jam red sprinkles IN S T R U C T I O N S Preheat oven to 350°. Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder and set aside. On medium-high speed, beat the almond paste until soft. Add butter and shortening then cream until smooth. Reduce speed to medium and add sugar, followed by the egg whites and extracts. Add flour mixture until well combined.

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Fit a pastry bag with a large star tip and fill with dough. Pipe into circle shape onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

T O D E C O R AT E: At low heat, melt chocolate.

Spread jam on bottom of a cookie and top with another cookie, pretty side out.

Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate and place on wire rack.

Immediately decorate with sprinkles and allow chocolate to harden.

So delicious! Not too sweet and such a unique presentation with the sprinkles and raspberry jam.

CHRIS TMA S CRINKLE CO OKIES Taste: Christmas Feels: Texture:

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“

I N G RE D I E N T S 1 box vanilla cake mix 1 egg, lightly beaten 8 oz Cool Whip 1 tsp vanilla red & green gel food coloring 1 cup powdered sugar

So soft, wonderful, and festive!

They remind me of "The Grinch" and would be fun to make with your little ones. I could eat a million of these.

COTON-COLORS.COM 877 801 1292

”

- B L A I R D A V I S , Content Marketing Associate

- A B B I E H U T C H I N S , Designer

IN S T R U C T I O N S Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cake mix, egg, Cool Whip, and vanilla. At medium speed, beat until dough is thick and sticky. Divide the dough into two bowls, mix in a couple of drops of food coloring into each bowl until you achieve your desired shades of red and green.

In a separate bowl, add the sugar. Scoop one tablespoon of dough and shape into a ball. Roll in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on pan.

NU TELL A-S T UFFED BROWN BU T TER + SE A S ALT CHO COL ATE CHIP CO OKIES Taste: Christmas Feels: Texture: INGRED I EN TS 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 ¼ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp kosher salt 1 cup unsalted butter 1 ¼ cups cups packed dark brown sugar ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 Tbsp plain greek yogurt ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ cup milk chocolate chips ½ cup dark chocolate chips 1 jar Nutella, chilled coarse sea salt for sprinkling IN S T R U C T I O N S Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside. Over medium heat, melt butter in a saucepan, whisking constantly. As soon as the butter begins to brown and give off a nutty aroma, remove from heat and immediately transfer to a bowl to prevent burning. Set aside and cool for a few minutes.

On medium speed, cream butter and both sugars until thoroughly blended. Beat in egg, yolk, vanilla, and yogurt until combined. Reduce to low speed and add flour mixture slowly until combined. Gently fold in all of the chocolate chips. Chill for two hours.

Once dough is chilled, preheat oven to 350°. Scoop 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten the dough ball very thinly into the palm of your hand.

Place 1 teaspoon of chilled Nutella in the middle and fold dough around it. Gently roll into a ball - it doesn’t have to be perfect, but make sure the Nutella is not seeping out. Add more dough if necessary.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart and flatten with your hand VERY gently. Bake 9 to 11 minutes. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and cool 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack.

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“

You won't get coal in your stocking if you leave this cookie out for Santa!

”

- N I C O L E D A V I S , Finance Manager

SNICKERDO ODLES Taste: Christmas Feels: Texture:

IN GREDIEN T S 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp kosher salt ½ cup unsalted butter, softened ½ cup vegetable shortening 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar, divided 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 tsp ground cinnamon

IN S T R U C T I O N S Preheat oven to 375°. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. At medium speed, beat butter, shortening, and 1 ½ cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each until well incorporated. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture and mix until just combined.

Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar in a bowl. Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls with moistened hands, toss in cinnamon sugar to coat, then place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Love that these have a snap to them. I don't love snickerdoodles as a general rule, but I'm considering re-evaluating my stance after having these!

- A M A N D A C L E M E N T S , Strategic Marketing Manager

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YOUR

TREE TELLS THE STORY OF

your life

by Laura Johnson

Dust off the ornaments awake from their attic slumber, Christmas is on its way! Nothing marks the official start of the holiday season in my home like trimming the tree, and ornaments are at the heart of this celebration. Many people enjoy beautifully color-coordinated ornament ensembles while others lean towards creating themes with their ornament collection, like “beachside” or “winter wonderland.” In my family, we collect ornaments as milestone markers. This act transforms ornaments from simple decorations to small remembrances of the happy times in our lives, each telling a piece of our story. It’s great to collect by color or by theme, but consider taking this approach as you enjoy all of the celebrations in your life. Commemorate those anniversaries or travels and any joyous occasion in between with an ornament. Don’t worry about how they will all harmonize together on the tree, somehow they just do. The end result is your family’s personal storybook weaved through the branches of the Christmas tree - and what a lovely story it is.

On the next pages, my daughters and I share our favorite ornaments collected over the years and the special meaning behind some of them.

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Laura JOHNSON Founding Artist & CEO

Needlepoint ornament in memory of our very first pet, Casey.

My oldest daughter, Kyle, gave me this while planning her wedding.

I hand sewed this heart ornament and my husband, Milton, stuffed it to celebrate our first Christmas.

Shells collected one summer from our local beach.

A visit to an elephant rescue in Thailand. I also gave one to my sister, Marcie, as we shared this trip together. It makes me happy to know it’s on her tree as well.

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Kyle

JOHNSON SMITH {Laura’s Oldest Daughter}

My husband, Warren made this ornament when he was little. It was so fun to combine our collections of ornaments that our parents saved for us.

To mark my very first trip {of 6 so far!} to China.

To remember the exact day we got engaged.

To commemorate the year we got our sweet pup, Milly.

The silhouette resembles her perky face perfectly!

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I have hung this Corduroy Rabbit Ornament on our family Christmas Tree for as long as I can remember. One year, I pulled him out of the storage box to find his right leg nowhere in sight! We still hang him on the tree, though, because ... it’s tradition!

Sara Kate JOHNSON {Laura’s Middle Daughter}

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast! An identical ornament hangs on the Christmas trees of my closest friends, who are a part of our Breakfast Club.

I know the tradition “says” two turtledoves, but for me, it’s two llamas. One for me and one for my mom.

She’s always talking about her dream to own a llama - it seems every spring I have to talk her out of buying one!

My mom made this for me to celebrate one of my favorite hobbies in high school. I loved being really active in the theatre program and have very fond memories of my time spent there.

I made this ornament in school when I was in fourth grade {circa 2001}.

My first trip to Paris.

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Mary Parker JOHNSON

{Laura’s Youngest Daughter}

To celebrate the purchase of my first house in Atlanta, GA where I live now!

We received this gift when we were initiated into the same sorority as our mom, whose mascot is an angel.

We have a running joke that even though I am the baby of the family, it is rare to see baby pictures of me. So, having an ornament with a baby picture representing my first Christmas is always fun to hang on the tree!

It’s hard to believe that this paper ornament is still with us year after year. It has some wear and tear, but that’s why I love it.

It’s fun to see my artwork from third grade.

One summer, my sisters and I made our own paper angel ornaments, complete with our individual photos. Each Christmas thereafter, we have a little friendly competition to see who could place their angel ornament on the top center of the tree, where everyone can see it the best. Each year I seem to win.

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M UL L E D C IDE R

M A KING

Spirits

Add 1-gallon cider or unfiltered apple juice, 3 cinnamon sticks, 4 star anise pods, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, 1 tablespoon whole allspice, and 1 inch sliced ginger root to a large saucepan.

Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2 hours. Add in 1 ½cups dark rum, brandy, or bourbon.

Then simmer an additional 10 minutes.

B R IGHT

Give your holidays a kick with these festive cocktails to take you from fall to New Year’s Eve.

E SPR E SSO M A RTIN I Pour 2 oz vodka, 1 ½ oz coffee liqueur, and 1 oz fresh espresso into a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover and shake to combine. Pour in the martini glass and add chocolate-covered espresso beans {optional}.

SPIKE D S N OW B A LL Combine 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup coconut cream, mix well. Pour mixture into spherical ice cube molds {2 1/2 inch diameter}. Place into the freezer and allow at least 5-6 hours to freeze.

Add 1 oz vodka, 2 oz pear nectar or juice, and 3 drops clear vanilla extract in a shaker. Note: Regular extract will muddy drink if used. Cover and shake to combine. Pour into a champagne coupe and place snowball inside. Garnish with pear slice.

C H A M PAG N E P UN C H Combine 1 ½ cups white rum, 1/2 cup club soda, 1 ¼ cups pomegranate juice, and 2 bottles of chilled brut Champagne in a punch bowl.

Add enough simple syrup to sweeten to taste. Mix in thin lemon slices, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves.

Add ice to bowl.

NEW YO RK SO UR

F R E N C H 75

Pour 1 oz gin, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, and one sugar cube into Combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz a cocktail shaker. Cover and fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz simple shake to combine. Strain into syrup or 1 sugar cube in a cocktail a champagne flute. Then top shaker. Fill with ice, then cover and with Champagne and a shake until the outside of the shaker slice of lemon to garnish. is frosty - around 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Lightly pour 1 oz of a fruity red wine over the back of a spoon right above the drink's surface so the wine floats on top.

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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.