|
|
 |
 | | 'Tis the season! A festive wreath adorns this historic Charleston home. December 2014. |
Seasons Greetings, Friends!
I can hardly believe it's December (and the impeccable 70 degree weather this week is only furthering my disbelief).
What a year this has been! This holiday season, I am so thankful for family and loved ones who have been so supportive this year.
And thank all of YOU for being so supportive of my e-newsletters! I'm already looking forward to topics for 2015, but for now... please enjoy this month's holiday-themed edition.
Best wishes,
Leize Gaillard
William Means Real Estate
leize@williammeans.com
|
Special Holiday Events in the Lowcountry (Lights & Parades!)
|
There are plenty of events to keep us all busy throughout the month of December, so I'll keep this list short and sweet. Here are a few local, family-friendly holiday events you might want to add to the calendar.
 | James Island Festival of Lights, now through January 1.
Photo credit: Charleston County Parks & Recreation |
|
 | |
Ever the example of Charleston glamour and hospitality (and sass!): My paternal grandmother, Lucy Gaillard, in 1950.
|
A Holiday Recipe from Grandma Lucy Gaillard
This recipe for "Sands" (pecan shortbread cookies) was passed down by the always glamorous and preeminent Charleston hostess, Grandma Lucy Gaillard. It's a classic holiday recipe in the Gaillard household; my mom often bakes large batches of these 2-bite treats to give to friends as a little holiday circe. They travel well and are simple to make. Enjoy!
SANDS 1/2 lb butter 1/2 lb sifted powdered sugar 2 cups sifted cake flour 1 cup chopped pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Additional powered sugar for coating cookies Waxed or parchment paper Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter. Add sugar and cream well. Add flour, nuts, and vanilla. Shape into balls. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until very light brown (avoid overcooking). Remove from oven and slide cookies onto waxed or parchment paper, allowing them to cool slightly. Roll in powdered sugar and return cookies to waxed or parchment paper, allowing them to cool completely before storing in a tightly sealed container or bag (put waxed or parchment paper between layers).
|
A Charleston Gift Guide: My top 10 ideas for 2014
For this month's newsletter, I knew I wanted to feature a local gift guide. As I got started, the ideas just kept on coming... and coming... and coming. It was really hard to narrow this down to my top picks! But here they are... my top 10 holiday gift ideas for 2014. Whether these or other ideas, can I challenge you to make at least one of your gifts a local buy this holiday season?
|
 |
|
This makes my list every year (hint, hint to my family members!).
Photo credit: Spoleto USA.
| |
|
|
|
Croghan's Gold Bug Collection is a new Charleston classic. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets available, but get yours fast--these bugs are "flying" out the doors.
Photo credit: Croghan's Jewel Box
| |
|
|
| |
|
| 3. Handmade plush friend from Finklestein's Center |
Adorable. Locally designed and crafted Swimsuit Pig Friend. More friends available online!
Photo credit: Finklestein's Center
| |
|
|
|
ibu's swing vest is universally flattering, one-of-a-kind, and locally sewn. Prepare to get compliments.
Photo credit: ibu
| |
|
|
|
On-going & one-night classes for adults and youth in a variety of media. A great gift for the person in your life who's always saying they should be making more art.
Photo credit: Redux Contemporary Art Center
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Print of Bird's Eye View of Charleston, 1872. Other historic map prints available.
Photo credit: The Preservation Society.
| |
|
|
|
Is it spring/summer farm share season yet? (Winter shares also available!)
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Candy Shop Vintage has re-imagined the classic Charleston rice bead necklace, in traditional gold & silver tones as well as fun coral & turquoise colors.
Photo credit: Candy Shop Vintage
| |
|
|
|
"Edisto Study" by Charleston Artist Guild member (and my mom!), Susan Gaillard. This one has sold, but there are some beauties still available. Photo credit: Susan Gaillard
| |
|
|
|
So... this isn't a locally-made gift, but... I recently spotted it at locally owned-and-operated children's boutique, Sugar Snap Pea, and I'm still thinking about it! Stop in to the boutique for unique and hard-to-find books, toys, and clothing items for babies, toddlers, and children--there are too many fun things in stock to list them all here.
Photo credit: Sugar Snap Pea
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you for reading!
Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
