Nora Murphy Country House Holiday 2015

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE 1

COUNTRY HOUSE

Christmas at COUNTRY HOUSE

N A N T U C K E T S T Y L E

HOLIDAY 2015

2 NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

Love,

Nora

WelcomeThe 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 sim-

plicity 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!

P

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015 3

Nora MurphyFounder and Editor in Chief


We can never go back to the way it was WHEN THE BOY WAS L ITTLE AND OUR FAMILY WAS NEW, TO THE F IRST SUMMER ON NANTUCKET, THOSE G IDDY DAYS.

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!THIS YEAR WAS EXTRA-SPECIAL, THE BOY ON HIS WAY TO COLLEGE. I RELISHED EVERY MOMENT. I ST ILL AM, & THAT’S

WHEN SUMMER JOY became HOLIDAY CHEER. PREPPING THE HOUSE FOR THE SEASON IS AN ACT OF LOVE. I ADORE CHRISTMAS WITH ITS COZINESS, THE WAY THAT

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 BY WAY OF A V INTAGE COTTAGE ON A T INY ISLAND. NOTHING FANCY, BUT WE WOULDN’T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD.

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 BLESS INGS MEMORIES OF THE OCEAN A IR AND P ICN ICS 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 LOV E .WE CAN LIVE OUR BEST DAYS EVERY DAY WITH A LITTLE INSPIRATION!

Christmas at COUNTRY HOUSE

N A N T U C K E T S T Y L E


CONTENTS

© 2015 Connecticut Country House LLC All rights reserved.

Follow NMCH on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Please direct all inquiries to [email protected] or [email protected].

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

8

NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015

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 MurphyFounder and Editor in Chief

Carol HubnerArt and Features Director

Stephanie FudaWeb Producer

Deborah GoldenCopywriter

Robyn Szarka RoosContent Producer

Sister Linda BocciaCopy Editor

Darryl ArbesmanDuanne SimonNora MurphyContributing Photographers

Aida KiernanStyling Assistant

9

VisitNMCH.COMfor more inspiration

http://www.noramurphycountryhouse.com/


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

Christmas DayZ



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 Re-

fresh, the old house feels happy for the change. And why not? The Country House lifestyle is about celebrating what moves you.

https://www.1stdibs.com/

http://noramurphycountryhouse.com/magazine/autumn-2015/country-house-paintbox/#.VlIngaSU5AM

http://noramurphycountryhouse.com/magazine/autumn-2015/country-house-paintbox/#.VlIngaSU5AM


“Set the mood by simply stringing lights casually over greens gathered

from the forest.”


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. I’ve bought a couple of them over the years, so when I saw these placemats last summer I

was crazy for them – 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.

https://seabags.com/


Buckets from the Paris flea market, sea fans, and fresh moss. That's topiary with a new twist!

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



As a collector, keeping

the house edited is not

always easy. It can be hard

to pare down to my most

loved pieces when there’s

just so much to love!

I decided on lush but

unadorned fresh cut

branches and roping to

honor the simplicity.


“Like color, form can

be a powerful tool .”



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.


“Remember these four words, and you’ll always have what

you need: Live what you love!”

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 –

love that place!).

How to set a beautiful Holiday TableNora's Notes

36

http://www.homegoods.com/

How to set a beautiful 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.

37

https://seabags.com/

http://www.colonialcandle.com/

http://www.shopterrain.com/

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. - Peg Bracken

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.

38

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic 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.

39

http://www.michaels.com/


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.)

1 23 4

41


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

COMFORTLJOY


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.

http://www.ethanallen.com/


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.


“Country House, where putting up your feet is encouraged.”

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!

http://www.noramurphycountryhouse.com/magazine/autumn-2015/country-house-paintbox/#.VlNSraSU5AM

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/welcome-to-benjamin-moore


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 orna-

ments 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.

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


SPARKLE

KEEPSAKE

WHIMSY

FAMILY


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.

pretty packages


pretty packages


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!

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.



“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa


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.


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.


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!

http://connecticutcountryhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/epub/holiday2015/NMCH_Holiday2015_Tags_template.pdf


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 it’s also a natural

gathering spot – a hub.

ELEMENTS OF A COUNTRY HOUSE

Working Kitchen


“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, that’s cutting boards and antique

baskets. Two of my favorites are pretty

unusual: an American tobacco drying bas-

ket and a French prune drying basket; I love

to display them to show off their texture

and scale.

72


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

– William Morris

Time to showyour metal.

The sconces by the old Viking stove

are 18th c. reproductions handmade

in Vermont (authenticdesigns.com).

They’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.


http://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/index.jsp

http://www.authenticdesigns.com/


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!

Beautiful, useful,and standing by


FestiveE V E R G R E E N S

Nora's Notes


FestiveE V E R G R E E N S

“Foraged mixed greens create

generous garlands that add holiday

spirit to every room in the house.”

1234


What you'll need:

Pruners

Floral Wire

Mixed Evergreens

Trim the greens to 10"-12".

Wrap stems with floral wire.

Overlap bundles and join with more wire.

Combine sections to achieve desired length.


Sweets in the eesummer roomWITH SILVER BELLS & COCKLE SHELLS & COOKIES

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 there’s balance.



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. They’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.


“The sea, once it casts its spell,


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

Like the sugar on our cookies, twinkling lights and glass beadsadd sweet sparkle.



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

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar

¾ cup Crisco solid shortening

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 egg

¼ cup molasses

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.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

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

Roll pieces of dough into 1" balls.

Roll balls of dough in sugar, if desired.

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.

RecipesMolasses Ginger Snaps

Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.

Nora's Notes

(You can also download this recipe here.)

http://connecticutcountryhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/epub/holiday2015/NMCH_Recipe_MolassesGingerSnaps.pdf


Ingredients:23 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:


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.

Orange MadeleinesMakes 24 madeleines.


http://connecticutcountryhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/epub/holiday2015/NMCH_Recipe_Madeleines.pdf


Ingredients:

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

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

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.

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

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

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.

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, spread-ing the mixture evenly.

When the brittle has completely cooled, break into pieces.

Store in an airtight container.

Country House Peanut BrittleRecipe makes 3 lbs. of brittle.


http://connecticutcountryhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/epub/holiday2015/NMCH_Recipe_CHPeanutBrittle.pdf


Ingredients:

1 cup butter, salted or unsalted, slightly softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

¼ teaspoon salt18 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon hot water

Directions:


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.

Add eggs, one at a time.

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

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

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 18", 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 approximate-ly 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.

Seashell Sugar CookiesMakes approximately 4 dozen cookies.


http://connecticutcountryhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/epub/holiday2015/NMCH_Recipe_SeashellSugarCookies.pdf


winter blooms

C O U N T R Y H O U S E G A R D E N S

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 ORCHIDSSoft light keeps these ladies in bloom

for almost 6 months. Instant wow! winter bloomsNORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE Holiday 2015 101


PAPERWHITESContainers full of fragrant ‘Ziva’ blooms

announce that the holidays are here!

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.

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.


AMARYLLISA grouping of ‘First Love’ in full

double-flower on the old potting table.



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


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! She’ll

return to the garden in spring.

http://www.guywolff.com/


Nora's Notes


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.

NewYear's EveT H E P E R F E C T S E T T I N G F O R A

G A T H E R I N G W I T H F R I E N D S


Timing the celebration. Everyone starts arriving around 7, so there’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 that’s laden with artfully styled

cheeses and treats.


“To share something beautiful from my heart is my most sincere ‘I love you.’”


“The best meals are delicious before we ever take a bite.”


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.


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


Buckets of crunchy, salty & sweet.

For these delicious nibbles, I fill small metal

buckets from the Dollar Store with a variety

of delectable things – 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!

connecticutcountryhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/epub/holiday2015/NMCH_Recipe_CHPeanutBrittle.pdf


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.

http://www.jasperhillfarm.com/bayley/


“Plump blackberries nestled into Nantucket clamshells…

succulent sliced figs… add delight with unexpected details.”


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!

http://www.shopterrain.com/


“We sail into the New Year guided by the twinkling lights of my vintage boat

and the scent of freshly cut dill.”


Country House Communityf FACEBOOK: facebook.com/noramurphycountryhouse

& PINTEREST: pinterest.com/ctcountryhouse

i INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/noramurphycountryhouse

r BLOG: connecticutcountryhouse.com

J O I N T H E

https://www.facebook.com/noramurphycountryhouse/

https://www.pinterest.com/ctcountryhouse/

https://www.instagram.com/noramurphycountryhouse/

http://www.connecticutcountryhouse.com/

V I S I T T H E B L O G

ConnecticutCountryHouse.com

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!


http://www.connecticutcountryhouse.com/

Wishing you O yoursa very Happy New Year!

VisitNMCH.COMfor more inspiration


Nora Murphy Country House Holiday 2015

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