It certainly is a magical time of year.  Each December, as trees are wrapped in baubles and tinsel, wreaths are hung and lights are strung, I am always flooded with memories of my favorite Christmas tradition:  baking homemade sugar cookies.  Growing up in Jackson, one of my dearest friends and I made countless batches of warm, gooey cookies, and coated them with icing and Christmas sprinkles.  Every December, we looked forward to filling our homes with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cookies.  It was a time to relax, catch up, and truly enjoy the Christmas season.  Even now, my friend and I get our little girls together to carry on our special holiday tradition! 

Delight your children with a new holiday tradition this year – baking and decorating delicious cookies, then celebrating with cookies, cake and milk!  For an extra treat, surprise little ones with a visit from jolly old Saint Nicholas!

If you would like to have Santa come from the North Pole and visit your friends and family this holiday season, contact Santa T at (662)544.7669.

If you need a quick and delicious sugar cookie recipe, we recommend Great Grandmother Doty’s Sugar Cookies from the Junior of League of Jackson’s Southern Sideboards Cookbook: 

    1 cup butter or margarine, softened
    2 cups sugar
    3 eggs
    2 teaspoons vanilla
    4 cups sifted flour
    2 teaspoons baking powder

Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs and beat until fluffy.  Add vanilla, flour and baking powder.  Refrigerate until dough is quite firm. Roll about ¼ of dough out at a time on a floured board.  Roll about 1/8 inch thick.  Do not overwork dough or it will stick to the board.  Cut out cookies with cookie cutter and bake on cookie sheet in preheated 325F oven about 10 minutes or until light brown.  May be sprinkled with colored or plain sugar before baking.  Makes about 80 (2 inch) round cookies.  Decorate with your favorite holiday toppings!

Christina Foto for capturing these precious moments

Bella Bridesmaids for the lovely little frocks

Fresh Cut Catering and Floral for the dreamy white table setting

Cakes by Iris for the magnificent cake

Table and Chair Rentals provided by Kendall Poole Event Planning 

Santa T for providing a warm and friendly Santa Claus (662.544.7669)

We guarantee this will be a fun tradition to continue each and every holiday season! 

“People come to the Chimneyville Festival year after year because they know they will find something of value.  Everyone is selling handmade, quality items!”
Andrew Young, Owner and Chief Designer of Pearl River Glass Studio. 

The 38th Annual Chimneyville Crafts Festival will be held in Jackson this weekend, from December 5th through the 7th.  Customers will flock to the Trade Mart to purchase impressive handmade items such as pottery, jewelry, glass, wood and basketry.  Pearl River Glass has been selling their stained glass creations since 1977 and looks forward to the event every year.  Young and his company create exquisite stained glass pieces for churches and homes.  For Chimneyville, they scale down and create beautiful ornaments (look for their angel this year!), bowls, flower vases, and many other pieces.  

In 1973, Governor William Waller created what would become the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.  Governor Waller believed that organizing and nurturing Mississippi craftsmen would help our state’s economy and image.  And he was correct!  For over four decades, the Guild has helped craftsmen make a living from their craft, include Young.  He says, “I graduated from LSU with a degree in landscape architecture.  When I was in school, I took a lot of art classes, and I took a stained glass class.  After college, I decided to open up a stained glass studio instead of what I was trained to do.  I have been doing it full-time since, and now I am doing all of the fun projects I dreamed about!” 

We spoke with Nancy Perkins of The Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi to learn what makes the Chimneyville Crafts Festival so special and the Guild so prestigious. 

"The high level of craftsmanship and the abundance of finely crafted items. There are numerous festivals and shows in the state with excellent craft but not ones where all of the exhibitors are skilled craftsmen who have met the high standards of the Guild. The Festival represents some of the best artisans in the region and the nation."

"As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so the answer is it depends who you ask. Most of our regular patrons have their favorites but they also love discovering new craftsmen. The other reason is so difficult to pick standouts is it is difficult to compare one artist's work against another.  There are such a variety of mediums - glass, wood, clay, metal, mixed media, jewelry and more - as well as different styles, Some craftsmen create functional, some whimsical and some museum quality craft. The truth is we have standout craftsmen to appeal to all tastes."

"The Guild was a pioneer. There were no organizations or associations available for craftsmen and not even recognition that many of these crafts should be valued as an art form. The creation of the Guild gave craftsmen recognition, standards to achieve and maintain, a vehicle for camaraderie with other talented, like-minded people and, most importantly, opportunities to make a living from their craft."

"To be a member of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi means you have shown a mastery of your medium; it is a mark of excellence. Our craftsmen are able to offer their work for sale exclusively in our retail galleries at the Mississippi Craft Center in Ridgeland and our satellite galleries in the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl and the Arts District in Biloxi. We recommend our craftsmen to those seeking artisans for commission work and custom projects. We pay our members as teachers for craft classes, craft camp and school field trips. They can do demonstrations and sell at any of our facilities and can host exhibitions in the George Berry Gallery. We also share information with our members about shows, competitions, available grants and provide workshop opportunities. And, only our members can participate in the Chimneyville Crafts Festival and other Guild sponsored events."

"Twice a year – March and August, the Guild Standards committee reviews applications for new Guild members. Those applying must submit samples of their work, photos of additional pieces, information about themselves and their work. The review is conducted by the committee made up of two members from each medium who use a numerical system to determine results."

"You cannot find a large selection of exceptional craft work like this anywhere in Mississippi, and few other states have anything like this. The Festival reinforces Mississippi’s status as one of the best producers of fine craft in the country and should be a source of great pride. We have people who fly in for this every year, because they recognize our craftsmen are offering unique treasures that are unique and will stand the test of time."

"You cannot find a large selection of exceptional craft work like this anywhere in Mississippi, and few other states have anything like this. The Festival reinforces Mississippi’s status as one of the best producers of fine craft in the country and should be a source of great pride. We have people who fly in for this every year, because they recognize our craftsmen are offering unique treasures that are unique and will stand the test of time."

Thank you so much, Nancy!  For more information on the Guild and the Chimneyville Crafts Festival, visit their website here or Facebook page here!

{Bride}  Tana Jane-Louise Graham
{Groom} William Daniel Burroughs
{Hometowns} Tan- Jackson, MS   Will- Ellisville, MS
{Wedding Site}  Oxford University Methodist Church, Oxford, MS
{Reception Site} The Lyric, Oxford, MS
{Bride’s Bouquet} The bridal bouquet was a hand-tied mix of white hydrangea, Mondial roses and Patience David Austin garden roses.  White Freesia, sweet peas and stephanotis blooms reinforced the traditional sentiment of the bouquet, which was also textured with spray roses, dusty miller and calla lilies.
{Bridesmaid Bouquets} bouquets of white hydrangea with blush and white roses, Juliette garden roses and white ranunculus.
{How did the two of you meet?} Will and I first met  at the Florabama while I was at Lee Wooley Russell's bachelorette party with a big group of girls. Due to the size of the group I was with, we were only able to get a quick introduction in. We then saw each other at Double Decker  later that Spring and briefly spoke, but never had the chance to have a conversation. The first night we were able to spend time and get to know one another was at Lee and Jordan Russell's  "after rehearsal dinner" party at River Hills Club in Jackson. He came to the bar with the wedding group after, and we talked and hung out all night. We weren't able to talk much at the wedding that Saturday, but it's safe to say I had formed a little crush. That Sunday, I got a call from Will asking if he could come to Oxford and take me on a date (he lived in Laurel at the time.) I said maybe. He came to Oxford, where I met him for drinks with his brother and the rest is history!  Soon after the drinks in Oxford, Will moved to Orange Beach, Alabama. Wanting to spend all of our weekends together, months later will convinced me to move to Orange Beach.
{What is your proposal story?} I had a bad day, so Will wanted to do something special for me for dinner. We decided to go to the grocery and cook rather than go out. As we were cooking out, Will asked me if I would come with him to a nearby marina and look at some boats after we ate. Well, the boat that he wanted to show me wasn't docked there anymore (wink wink...it was all fake). So we left the marina and went for a sunset walk on the beach.  We began our walk on the beach and Will began to talk about all the ins and outs of our relationship. He started to ask if I still loved him and if i still wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. I kept reassuring him and telling him that I loved him more than he knew! At that moment, Will asked me to get a shell from the sand, and as soon as I turned around he was down on one knee and I FROZE! I literally couldn't form words, but picked him off his knees and couldn't stop saying "WHAT"!! I finally said yes and COULD NOT BE ANY HAPPIER!!!
{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?} I lived in Oxford when Will and I first met. We both graduated from Ole Miss and the town was very special to both of us. He would travel to visit me all the time, so we have alot of memories in Oxford. It was really an easy choice on what town to have the ceremony. My family were members of this church and I have always loved it. I always wanted to have my reception at the Lyric and try something different with the space. We decided to drape the space and it made it so much more intimate.
{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?} Blush tones. I wanted the only pop of color to be the bridesmaid dresses.
{How did you pick “the dress?”} My mom, aunt, cousin, and I went to Birmingham, AL. The first day I thought I had found “the dress” and begged my mother for it. It was “slightly” over my budget and of course my mother being the amazing woman she is, said “if we go to the next appointment and this is still “the dress” it is yours”. Well of course we went to the next store and I literally found the PERFECT dress. It was everything I wanted. I especially knew it was the dress because I looked over and my mom was crying.
{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?} My favorite accessory were my earrings. They were diamond studs with drop attachments. The drops were made from some of the diamonds from my grandmothers wedding ring. She had passed away the year before. My mom surprised me with these the Christmas before our wedding.
{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?} Surprising Will with “Will’s World” which was a part of the reception with all of his favorite things. It included his Cake (replica of his boat in Orange Beach with Colonel Reb fishing), Mexican Kitchen Dip (favorite rest. in Hattiesburg, MS), and his favorite drink.
{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?} The best part was seeing my husband for the first time. It was away from everyone (other than the photographer of course). I had been looking forward to finally seeing him and talking to him. We then went and took our pictures (just the two of us) around town. It was by far the best time of the day.
{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?} My favorite part was the “Late night food and drinks” that my mom surprised us with. We had hotdogs with all the “fixins” and Bushwhackers- inspired by the grooms favorite beach drink!
{Your favorite picture from the big day?} Our first dance picture, and when we saw each other for the first time that day!
{The picture that represents the two of you best?} Our first dance picture, and when we saw each other for the first time that day because we are laughing in both and he constantly makes me laugh. It fits us perfectly!!

{Photographer} Scott Burton Photography
{Event Planner} Katie Naron
{Dress} A cream silk shantung gown overlaid with champagne re-embroidered Alençon lace. The gown’s  fitted bodice reversed to a delicate keyhole back opening.  An ivory satin ribbon encircled her waist, flowing into a slim, flared silhouette skirt which fell into a chapel length train.  Completing her ensemble was an imported English veil of ivory illusion scattered with coordinating lace appliques and seed pearls, formerly worn by her mother and two aunts. 
{Bride’s Jewelry} She wore a pair of diamond drop earrings fashioned from her grandmother’s collection.
{Hair} La Rousse Salon and Spa
{Make-up} Ashton Mathis
{Bridesmaid Dresses} Bridesmaids, Inc.
{Tuxes} Thomas Brothers Formal Wear
{Videographer} Will Reedy
{Venue} The Lyric and Oxford University Methodist Church
{Lighting} Details Specialty Rentals
{Rentals} Details Specialty Rentals
{Florist} David Naron- Oxford Floral
{Catering} Elizabeth Heiskell Catering
{Bar} The Lyric
{Band} Az-Izz
{Bride’s Cake} Alice Chow of Clarksdale
{Groom’s Cake} Kim Manheim of Nashville
{Print Material} Nest Studio- Oxford, MS

Are you dreaming of the perfect floral arrangement for your wedding or event?  Whether you prefer simple and sweet or vibrant and grand, Au Courant Haute Events and Florals creates awe-inspiring designs that will surely take your breath away. 

Each beautiful piece is created under the artistic direction of Matt Nicholas of Jackson’s M. Nicholas Collection and Meredith Young.  Au Courant is nestled in the heart of the thriving Fondren neighborhood in Jackson.  In an area filled with talented artists, Au Courant stands out with their ability to turn simple flowers into something truly magnificent.  We spoke with Meredith Young to learn a little more about her impressive company and their incredible gift for floral design.

What was the inspiration behind starting your company?
“Matt and I both have creative backgrounds and we LOVED going to the Grove and producing Large arrangements with a "wow" factor.  We began to get noticed and it went from there.”

Tell us about the name, Au Courant!
“Matt has an Aunt that owned a store with the same name and he always loved it.  It's hard to pronounce but it sets us apart.  It's a French term that means Fashionable, stylish.”

Your floral arrangements are simply exquisite.  What inspires you to create each piece? 
“We are inspired by our clients, fabrics, nature, other designers, etc.”

Where do you get your gorgeous flowers?
“We get our flowers from all over.  Sometimes we purchase from our local wholesaler or we use wholesalers in California to get the products we want.  I log a lot of hours trying to track down the best product for my clients.”

Tell me about Matt's role and his artistic direction with the company
“Matt has a great eye for design as you can see in his interior design work.  Everything he does is from natural talent. Matt's main concentration is his interior design work but when I ask him to help with a large event, he usually jumps right in and we make a perfect team.”

Tell me about your role with the company
“I run the company!  I meet with clients, come up with color schemes, find and purchase flower varieties and produce and deliver designs with my team."

You are located in the heart of Fondren.  It seems to be such an artistic, thriving community.  How did you choose that location?
“Matt's business was located in Fondren when we decided to start Au Courant.  It was natural to open Au Courant near M. Nicholas Collection.  In February, our lease ran out in Fondren Village and we both decided we wanted to stay in the area. Most of the stores and people in Fondren appreciate art and creativity and we love being in such an environment.”

What is your favorite part of your job?
“I LOVE designing, especially when I get to come up with my own unique designs.”

Thank you, Meredith, for sharing your story and these gorgeous photos! Your work is truly magnificent!