Southern Living's Tips and Tricks for a Festive Christmas Season

CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK
Southern Living celebrates the holidays with their annual holiday book, Christmas Cookbook. The Southern Living team didn’t want the party to end after the holidays are over so they put together some spectacular menus and parties to throw throughout the year. As the Editor-at-Large for Southern Living, Kimberly contributes to the magazine, shares the message of the magazine, and contributes to special projects such decorating ideas and more.

HOLIDAY DECORATING (LIVE SHOW)
When getting ready for your Christmas party, Kimberly says it is important to create a warm welcome for your guests by adding simple touches of greenery to your home.

• Winter tablescape will be done already (p. 8)
• Simple floral centerpiece will be made ON AIR
• Proper place setting on table (p. 8)
• Decorate a Holiday Mantel

HOLIDAY PARTY FOOD (TAPED SEGMENT)
Kimberly suggests the following ideas from the latest Southern Living cookbook to help you kick off your Holiday gathering:

• Assembling a cheeseboard (p. 228-229)
• Make brie bites ON AIR (p. 47)
• Mini biscuits with ham, white cheddar, and sweet shallot relish (p. 43)
• Southern Russian Punch (warm/non-alcoholic) (p. 39)                        

CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY
Kimberly says her parents taught her the importance of remembering the “reason for the season” at Christmas. As a family, they would always attend the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, Kimberly’s father would always read the Christmas story from the Bible before presents were opened. She says her dad still continues this tradition today. Christmas is a busy time, but Kimberly encourages families to do the same. “Take a moment to remember what the season is all about,” shares Kimberly.

PARTY PLANNING
Kimberly grew up in Dallas, Texas. Her mom had pretty dishes and linens and her friends would always borrow them for special occasions. Kimberly realized there was no place in town where you could rent pretty pieces for events.  She told her mom that they should start charging people and so they did.  Kimberly started a party rental business which she ran for 3 years.  When she was 24, Kimberly had the opportunity to write her first book on entertaining.  Then one day a friend of hers told her a Southern lifestyle magazine was looking for an entertaining expert.  After a 9-month application process, Kimberly finally met with the editors and was offered the job.  Today she represents the magazine on television and in the media.  She also contributes to the magazine regularly. Kimberly says, “She is thankful to be able to make a profession out of something she is passionate about.”