A Review: 2023 Christmas with Southern Living Decor, Recipes & Making a Fruit Tree Centerpiece

[@alexandra2jerry]

Over the years, (I’m 71) I’ve bought so many good ornaments which I treasure. But you are teaching me how to decorate using nature, fruits and flowers which adds so much charm to my porcelain collections. The greenery cut from my own evergreens and pine cones are even more special plus it was fun to do. The compliments from my husband proved I created a hit. Thank you so much Mary, you are such a gem. 💕🥰👏💕🥰👏💕

[@thetartantopiary]

Wow- what a wonderful comment- thank you! Yes, when the husband compliments a decor choice, we must be doing something right. 😁

[@d.l.n.7133]

I usually buy a Southern Living book every year, but l wish that Southern Living would publish a book of only the beautiful interiors.

[@kathleendaugherty4218]

I am 70 years old, and I remember in the 1960's my mother making a Della Robia Wreath (she used artificial fruit) for over our fireplace. It wasn't Christmas until that wreath was hung. Thank you for reminding me of that. I also love ALL the Christmas Classics, even now.

[@dianewatier50]

The 1954 movie White Christmas with Bing Crosby is always my Christmas go to. I always enjoy your DIY projects. Congratulations on 20k subscribers Mary 🎉❤!!! Thank you for your continual hard work 🙏❤️.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for that. I really appreciate it. White Christmas is my husband's favorite!

[@user-es9mb8wi3m]

So many sweet Christmas shows. Loved Charlie Brown, especially the music. The Bishop’s Wife, a Christmas classic. Ah…Cary Grant. Southern Living has been a part of the Christmas season for decades. Your home is lovely, Mary. Thank you for The Tartan Topiary. It is one of my favorite channels. One day, I hope to visit your area and would love to treat you to lunch and girl talk about all things home and garden. I’m only 2 hours away. Merry Christmas to you and to your family. Many Blessings in this Holy Season.

[@tc7486]

I have to say Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer was my favorite too! And still is at 72! When I watch I feel the same way I did as a child the first time I ever saw it, and my children and grandchildren love it too. That was my plan! 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

Great plan! That is sweet to hear. I keep that inner child inside my soul alive and I feel the same way you do about Rudolph. 🎄

[@tc7486]

@@thetartantopiary ☺️🎄

[@virginiagallegos1379]

I think one of my all time favorite Christmas ( made especially for TV) was The House Without A Christmas Tree.., with Jason Robards. Mildred Natwick. The Era it took place, I believe the 30s or 40s. It's a precious movie ..I never tired of it. It was such a time of innocence.

[@Rj4cg]

Mary, Our family loves “Miracle on 34th St” to watch for our Christmas tradition. I like the end where little Natalie Wood gets her wish for a new home! Thank you for sharing your “projects” with us! I am making the carols wreath this week and the topiary orange tree soon!

[@thetartantopiary]

I wanted to Natalie Wood to come over and play after watching that movie. ( I was probably 6 years old) I remember my mom told me that she was an adult. I didn't believe her. 😁

[@patmiller774]

There is nothing I find more pleasing than bow-embellished pine wreaths hung from every window on a symmetrical house. You did a wonderful job on your topiaries. I collected teasels to make a kissing ball this Christmas.

[@thetartantopiary]

The kissing ball sounds beautiful. Where did you find the teasels?

[@janicekeisler9225]

Hi Mary! Thank you for reviewing Christmas editions and your preparations for the holidays. I was surprised that you didn’t use orris root on the oranges to slow molding. I haven’t done them in years but remember using that addition. I have done the apple-pineapple tree for several years and still have the form-need to find it and use it again. Your home is so beautiful and I look forward to seeing the tour.

[@MarySchlotter]

I love Christmas as much at age 69 as I did when I was 5. My parents always went over the top to decorate and bake , setting the table and of course the tree. We used tinsel and I remember my mother and my sister painstakingly threading each piece around the glistening ornaments. My father loved the Ray Coniff Singers Christmas album so he would play that. His voice sounded like Dean Martin and could sing just like him . He came home from work one day with a huge reindeer that was used in a store front window , it needed repair and he did a wonderful job, painted him white ,gave him a red nose, silver garland for the reins. Then he decided he needed a sleigh and so he built one and painted it red. My mother wrapped empty boxes with foil gift wrap and big bows. Every year at Christmas we took a family photo in front of it. My brother and I also text one another when Rudolph is on. Thank you Mary, a lovely video as always.

[@thetartantopiary]

What great memories. We were both fortunate to have special fathers. The older I get the more I realize that.

[@sherrycatanese4312]

Mary how soon did you make the tree & will you have to refresh the fruit later? Lovely video! Looking forward to seeing all your Christmas videos! Happy Advent season!🤗

[@thetartantopiary]

The fruit that I place cloves in will only last about 2 weeks. The unadorned fruit will last a little longer.

[@lianeabeyta4515]

I am 72, and my favorite Christmas movie when I was young was Heidi starring Shirley Temple.. The snowy mountains, Grandfather, the cozy cabin.. it all just captured my imagination. As an adult, my favorite Christmas movie is Prantzer!!! If that little girl doesn't make you believe... nothing will. Your topiaries are beautiful. I always put cushioned bandaids on my thumb and forefinger whenever I have to push those cloves in.

[@patmiller774]

Quilters have a wonderful resource for their fingers, made of leather, they are much better than a metal thimble.

[@thetartantopiary]

I could have used that. I can imagine that leather would work better than metal.

[@pattifeatheringill8129]

I do hope you, “The Card”, aka Daniel, and your children, had wonderful Thanksgiving! This review has special meaning to me as a once-upon-a-time food photo stylist for Southern Progress in B’ham. Every day I was in awe of the enormous talent gathered there. Thank you for sharing with us all. I was so moved by your advice to be kind to ourselves in your last video. We, “Southern Girls”, are so hard on ourselves. Until next week, take care my sweet friend! Merry Christmas from the MS Gulf Coast!🏝💚

[@thetartantopiary]

What a fun job that must have been! Yes, we should be kind to ourselves. In this day and age we encounter so many unpleasantries (unkind people) we should treat others AND ourselves with kindness. I'll see you next week, my friend!

[@joemccarthy4532]

I always decorated Christmas before Thanksgiving . The Thanksgiving feast is at my Home . When my Guests arrive they get so happy and the Joy continues for the rest of the day . Mrs. M

[@Tomalav]

Wow. I'm surprised to not like much of the decor in the 2023 Southern Living volume though it's always interesting to see what's out there. As usual I enjoyed the post-book portion of the video.

[@rosariopaiz6158]

Love the decorations on your outdoor windows the green and red wreaths. Thank you for your inspiration for Christmas.

[@joyceschneider8377]

Just found your video. Loved seeing all your ideas. I wanted to do the fruit outside one year so like you, I made my own form. Oval spray painted green , added finishing nails, stapled magnolia leaves our outside edge , pineapple in the middle ( with a little wire for extra strength) then apples and boxwood branches. It was a hit. Thank you for reminding me , I think I will do the cone inside this year. Looking forward to more of you videos.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I'm glad you found my channel. I appreciate your comment.

[@annmiller7977]

And of course we can’t forget Lawrence Welk!! All your Christmas decorations are gorgeous! Thank you for walking down memory lane!!

[@thetartantopiary]

Lawrence Welk was one of a kind!

[@bluemoon472]

New subscriber here.☺️Just watched this plus your Victorian video & related so much to slowing down & going back in the store to get those lovely roses! And my favorite Christmas special? Well, it’s gotta be good ol’ Charlie Brown! Merry Christmas!🎄❄️

[@thetartantopiary]

@bluemoon472 Hi- thanks for the comment and welcome to the channel. ❤️ Charlie Brown seems to be a perineal favorite!

[@cathyhermanson10]

I love all the UK ornaments on your tree and, especially, your tartans everywhere. My grandparents were from Scotland and I love to visit all of the UK. It is beautiful and you have made me want to go back ASAP. We have never been there at Christmas, but I have watched many videos of people filming within the large department stores and the streets and buildings of London and Scotland. Your home is so pretty and I love your kitty cats! My favorite movie is always been...."It's a Wonderful Life. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you also and the kitty cats say hello. 😺

[@jillflores3076]

The Walton's Christmas Special

[@thetartantopiary]

YES!

[@staceytaylor1502]

So many specials come to mind, but we always start with Christmas in Connecticut!

[@thetartantopiary]

I've only seen that once, but I do love Barbara Stanwyck!

[@revonda5204]

I was born in the 50's and could not wait for Dean Martin, Andy Williams....sometimes with his brother and / or the Osmonds (!), Bing Crosby & Bob Hope Christmas specials. I love a variety show...comedy, singing, dancing... great tv. Fell in love with Dean when i was about 10. 🤣🤣🤣 Still adore his music. Loved Rudolf, 34th Street, and Frosty! Cried during all of them. The sad bits & the happy ones. I can't wait to see your home decorated for Christmas. 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

That's funny, I had a crush on Dean Martin too! He was my introduction to the "bad boy". My mom had a thing for Andy Williams. Such great memories, and yes, I cry too. Sometimes my happy tears are worse than my sad tears!

[@sharonchilds3871]

Great video. Love the topiaries! A Christmas Story is the movie that does it for me every year. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

That is definitely one of the best! Did you see the sequel that came out last year? Nothing compares to the original, but it wasn't bad.

[@kayjongsma4485]

Always so inspiring,thank you for sharing your time,effort and creative talent! I also really appreciated that you shared your faith with us, it’s encouraging to me and I know our creator takes pleasure in our joy endeavor to provide warm and welcoming atmospheres in our homes

[@debbibenedict7346]

Even though I still get the annual Southern Living Christmas book every year, I don't seem to enjoy them as much as I used to 30 years or so ago. I used to pore over them for decorating ideas and recipes, but it seems to me, that the ideas don't appeal to me as much anymore. Your fruit topiary was just lovely! I can't wait until next week to see your home tour!

[@vickeypierce293]

Christmas is my favorite time of the year!!! I start decorating early because I put up several trees...ornaments I have inherited over the years and absolutely cannot part with them. I have everything on timers and I laugh at myself every night and think my neighbors must think of Christmas Lapoon movie. My favorites are Rudolph, The Christmas Story and The Christmas Carol with George C. Scott Love the fruit trees...beautiful ❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Your many ornaments sound lovely and special. I love taking each ornament out and placing them on the tree. Each one comes with a special memory and a moment of reverence. Thanks for sharing!

[@psin0373]

Mary, I comment back to you, as if we're in a real conversation throughout your videos. Haha. Especially this one! It's as if we had the same experiences growing up. My personal favorites include: Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, A Charlie Brown Christmas and of course, It's A Wonderful Life. Merry Christmas, Mary and thank you so much for all your much appreciated efforts in creating this fabulous channel; it's like a ray of sunshine, I look forward to each and every Friday. Truly.

[@thetartantopiary]

You always make me feel special with your comments. Thank you for your kind words. Johnny Mathis was my moms favorite. Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra did a Christmas special together with their families one year and this one was superb! I'll leave a link to it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y32rnWOwm5Vspqcsi=XKDeyOCADSfgMYvw

[@psin0373]

Thank you!!! @@thetartantopiary

[@mouriefeeney1903]

Mary just looking good on the roof top. We have talent, vivid colors, cooking, yummy things we love to eat, a little humor, beautiful decor, Christmas ideas....where else can you find so much except here with Mary each week ~ oh, and great book reviews. The Tartan Topiary. Thank you!

[@mouriefeeney1903]

I forgot to add my Christmas story: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

[@dulcerush735]

Last week, you said you would be reviewing Southern living, but my ears heard, Southern Lady one of my favorite magazines. I too love celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior and I to can wait for Christmas so I can decorate. I love your channel. Can’t wait till next week, you’re home looks lovely like always. ❤ Your Christmas tree looks lovely ;)

[@thetartantopiary]

There is also a "Southern Home" magazine that is good too. Thank you for your kind words. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'll see you next week!

[@jeaninesarrge8159]

Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, Donnie and Marie had some good Christmas specials, too 💕 This is a beautiful book... A nice mix of old and new styles. And your home looks so festive 🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much. I enjoyed Donny and Marie also.

[@laurabyrd9903]

The bishops wife was my favorite movie! Thank you, Mary You make life, so lonely! Love you🌹❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

I don't think I've seen that one. I'll have to look for it. ❤️

[@catwomen3557]

Thank you, I love all of your videos and decorations

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that!

[@amberpolk]

What lovely decorations in your house! My families holiday season traditions is playing board games while listening to Christmas music and we always make homemade cocoa and decorate the tree.

[@thetartantopiary]

We love board games as well. We just get a little too competitive sometimes!

[@clairekalemkeris4606]

Love your Christmas spirit. The book looks like a winner. As a kid was inspired by Williamsburg natural decorations,and appreciate how you bring your living garden inside. Love the books your soothing voice and lovely family and home. The taste test with your husband was great. Grateful for the recipe tips.Sending warmest regards from a northern gal who lives in Greece now!

[@thetartantopiary]

Oh, to be in Greece! Williamsburg has always been very inspirational in creating my Christmas decor style also. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@angiean8793]

I love the windows decoration. Great job! 🎄

[@sherriianiro747]

My favorite by far is "Charlie Brown Christmas". Charles Schulz fought to get it on the air and even threatened to quit because of the network not wanting the religious parrt The older I get it reminds me what Christmas is really all about and keeps us grounded! 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

YES- I remember hearing this about Charles Schulz. Thank you for reminding me.

[@sherriianiro747]

@@thetartantopiary You're welcome! Btw - Rankin Bass' Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is a close second!

[@suzieq2493]

Thank you for an honest review of this weeks book. Love the apple topiary best. I made the orange and cloves one year but they got moldy! Your house already looks very festive. Looking forward to the Christmas tour

[@thetartantopiary]

I was shocked at how quickly the cloved fruit had to be thrown out (although the wildlife enjoyed it). That is the main reason I made the topiaries this year without cloves.

[@angelamonson]

I watched all your Christmas videos today... I have been so sad. My beautiful cat (we got her in Oman) has gone missing. We live on 5 acres of property but we back up on 10 acres of federal land...we suspect Coyotes. We had her 11 years....your videos bring me comfort.

[@thetartantopiary]

@@angelamonson oh dear- I know you are distraught. Check your vehicles. Sometimes my cats like to jump in when I’m getting groceries out or anytime the doors are open for an extended period of time. Just out of curiosity, what were her eating habits like just prior to her going missing?

[@pcrice-lr2dn]

Great memories of the Christmas specials of my Childhood,too .Some years the Southern Living Christmas books are better than others,over the years I have kept 3 that I have really enjoyed actually had them out last night ,the others I have passed them on . Everyone’s taste is different. I have collected so much Christmas that hasn’t seen daylight in years ,between things from my yard and our local Nursery,I use a lot of flowers,and natural greens ,ivy topiaries,white orchids, and fruit topiaries,I have a collection of Simon Pierce crystal trees,I call my forest that always go out and things I rotate,but always wreaths outside ,yours were gorgeous .❤️ This weekend I want to watch the Hallmark movie that was filmed at Biltmore ,since I live so close and love the place. Hope you have a wonderful weekend 🌿🍃 I will be decorating 🤣

[@thetartantopiary]

So glad you mentioned the Hallmark movie. I'll watch it too! You are right about Southern Living. All the volumes are different and we all have our opinions, but the SL test kitchens are always on top of things!

[@thedailymakermaking]

Your cats added a very real charm to this segment! ❤

[@thetartantopiary]

I will say, cats have a way of doing that.

[@lisaroberts1729]

You are describing my exact childhood memories of Christmas- you must have been born in the 50s. I enjoyed this video

[@thetartantopiary]

I was born in 1968, but honestly I have always felt like I was a combination of the 50's and 80's. My parents always described the 50's as the best time to be alive. I embraced that era, especially music and cinema. ❤️

[@robertwessels9827]

A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim!

[@thetartantopiary]

He was the best Scrooge EVER. George C. Scott wasn't bad, but Alastair Sim was by far the best.

[@brenschilling3529]

Mary, thankful for you and your always lovely vlog! Your work and home and crafting projects are always an inspiration. Enjoy the beauty and meaning of the 23 Holiday Season. I am pulling out old Christmas treasures and enjoying the process instead of rushing through it all. Sending blessings to you and yours, Hugs, from the Golden Isles of GA.

[@thetartantopiary]

Slow and easy wins the race. Enjoy the process. Blessings and hugs in return.

[@brenschilling3529]

@@thetartantopiary great words of advise dear one. Merry Christmas!

[@lavettamoff7883]

Looks cozy,and lovely. My favorite movie to watch every Christmas is It's a Wonderful life.

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes- I think I cry 5 times throughout that movie...happy tears and sad tears! When George Bailey gets slapped by the pharmacist, it KILLS me; then he immediately hugs him when he realizes that George was trying to help him!

[@amigadisadora]

Thank you! Magical! ❤✨🌟✨🌲🎄🌟🌟✨✨✨❤

[@DD-rs9zj]

Andy Williams Christmas special!

[@s.barlow7062]

Meet Me in St. Louis is my favorite holiday movie.

[@newfoundland3238]

When you mentioned Christmas specials and shows at Christmas!Ohhhhhhhh a flood of wonderful memories,truly is bygone area

[@grandaflora4191]

Holiday Inn is my favorite Christmas movie. Loved the topiaries!

[@pear_jules4013]

We always loved the Peanuts Christmas special. I’m just catching up on your videos I missed while away visiting family. I saw a new kitty! Is this a new member or have I just not seen her before?

[@joannlessner1551]

Who is the gray kitty? Loved seeing Roscoe when you were hanging the wreaths.

[@thetartantopiary]

That is Barbra McHairy Whiskerpants (Bobbie). She came to live with us as a foster cat and she loved us so much that she adopted us! Roscoe wanted so badly to get on the roof with me.

[@angiejones7401]

Oh, I love her name. I had the same experience. Geofferson Davis Jones, aka Geoffey, found d a home with us!

[@lindamiklos4964]

Thats a spectacular pomador!!

[@rinskeraphael8755]

Looking forward to next week😍🥰🌹

[@DebbieKnapp-xf6rd]

My brother always let me know when the Snoopy holiday programs come on. The fruit topiaries are beautiful ! My family always watches the traditional Christmas movies also. I really enjoy your videos.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoy the channel. I loved Snoopy also!

[@angeladaniels7159]

Can you share your sources for the gift wrap and ribbon you used ?

[@ronalddececco4662]

We loved Bell TELEPHONE'S TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and THE NATIVITY done by marionette puppets.

[@susanchase4839]

Mr. McGoo A Christmas Carol , Rudolph and It's A Wonderful Life! Oh, and Family Man with Nicholas Cage!

[@thetartantopiary]

Family Man was a great and under-rated movie, in my opinion...very sweet.

[@lizannestinson1765]

Hi Mary, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer was my favorite Christmas 🎄 special. I would like to say that your watch is beautiful, could you tell me where you bought it.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I love watches and this is the one I most often wear. It is a Michele Watch. I got it at Neiman Marcus several years ago. They have several styles available. Mine is the “Deco Diamond”. www.michele.com/en-us/products/deco-18k-gold-diamond-watch/MWW06A000777.html

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Oh I love your fruit topiaries! I like Miracle on 34th St. and Silver Bells

[@thetartantopiary]

I've never seen Silver Bells. I'll have to watch it.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

@@thetartantopiary I watched it again recently on KZbin.

[@bpwooten9539]

Mary, I saw your Tartan Topiary ornament on your tree at 10:20. Did you make this? Do you sell them? I would love to add one to my tree. ❤️🎄

[@robinrhea6125]

Your cat is so sweet, mine used to get under the tree and sleep

[@thetartantopiary]

They do love the tree. It's almost magical.

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

My favorite: *Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.* (It's nearly impossible to find though). We might be in the same cohort. I remember watching all of those you named.

[@thetartantopiary]

What a true classic!

[@kaywallace6139]

Beautiful book

[@thetartantopiary]

It really is. It will make you want to cook.

[@marymaddy7450]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for watching!

[@cristaylor5952]

Lovely !!!!

[@marilynrhoads5555]

Lovely

[@armandomolina-vv2dx]

I like your chistmas decoration, and also your tartan logo hanging in the christmas tree look so nice .... greetings from Sonora México

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, that ornament was painted by a very talented friend.

[@marywilson-gx8rx]

What is this lovely music?

[@michaelgillespie502]

So , you just show pictures from a magazine, 👎

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes- magazines. It’s my super power! What’s yours?