Happy holidays from your Haute Hostess! In this month’s issue, we celebrate all things holiday. And what could be more holiday than my line of Haute Hostess Aprons? I was inspired to create the Haute Hostess Apron line after finding my grandmother’s holiday apron among the family’s treasures. I always adored them. She and my Mother were the consummate southern hostesses, and loved answering the door on Christmas Day in these beautiful netted aprons with gold rickrack and gold bells on the tips of the sashes that tinkled when they walked in their crocodile high heels. They wore the aprons over their chic sheath dresses and sometimes a cocktail dress, on New Year’s Eve. Those aprons from my childhood days were the inspiration from which evolved the collections of Haute Hostess Aprons. Now the company is celebrating its ninth year in business.
In this season of oft-indulgent holiday shopping, it’s nice to remember that there are other ways to give. My favorite charity has always been Meals on Wheels. It speaks to me. Providing a hot meal to an in- bound senior citizen is an act of God’s love. Share a smile, bring a meal, and be a friend. You may be the only person they see and talk to all day. Also remember to check on your elderly neighbors and invite them for tea and cake. Listen to their stories of life. Make sure they have someone to share the holiday with. We are our brother’s keeper. Wishing kindness and a safe holiday to you all!
Since Elizabeth is the most fabulous of holiday hostesses – we decided to turn the tables and the interview questions on her as well for this issue!
YW: What are your holiday party tips?
ES: I use only unscented candles on my dinner table and throughout my home with the exception of my entry hall and bathrooms. Also, I change my light bulbs to pink and amber. I hire a professional bartender and DJ, plus I bring on my own glam squad, so I don’t have to leave my home to get party ready. I love to cook, but I don’t sweat the small stuff. If I don’t have time to make the dessert, I order it.
YW: What is your favorite holiday cocktail?
ES: The Poinsettia in a perfect crystal coupe’, made with 1 oz. Cointreau, 1 oz. cranberry juice, and champagne to fill the glass, garnished with pomegranate arils.
YW: Which five fashion items are on your holiday haute list?
ES: I have to have seven: A little black cashmere cardigan, black strappy diamanté four inch sandals, a fabulous evening gown, a chic black cocktail dress, an ink green faux fur stole, black cashmere slacks, plus pearl and diamond earrings will take you everywhere.
YW: Do you have a new take on holiday appetizer?
ES: They should be tres’ chic. Delicious and stylish canapés are a must. How about a tiny bit of meatloaf on a potato slice, crabmeat and avocado toast, or a mini piece of tenderloin of lamb on a leek pancake with black trumpet mushrooms? All of these are instant fashion comfort food.
YW: What is your Christmas wish?
ES: I wish for an entire night and day of my childhood with my grandparents and parents, who are no longer on this earth. That would be pure joy.
Fabulous Holiday Hostesses
Marty Ligon, Nancy Smith, and Mary Ellen Tyson exemplify the art of holiday entertaining. Truly gifted tastemakers, their parties are beyond holly and mistletoe. These ladies can mix it up, make it fun, and also make their festive gatherings look stress free, all the while, looking glamorous fluffing the flowers. Their stylish and colorful soirées always light up the season in Williamson County.
Marty has lived in Williamson County for fifty years. She loves to entertain and decorate for the seasons. Marty is grandmother to six girls and one boy.
ES: What is your holiday cocktail?
ML: Eggnog with Prichard’s Rum.
ES: Tell us about your #1 holiday entertaining tip?
ML: Plan ahead! Early planning of your event is so important. Do as much as you can before the event day. The day of your party should be a rest day.
ES: What is your favorite family holiday recipe?
ML: Fudge Pie topped with peppermint ice cream and chocolate sauce. Pie can be frozen and pulled out the day of party.
ES: What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
ML: Family Christmas Dinner. We celebrate the Sunday before Christmas with a seated dinner and enjoy each other’s company. Gifts are exchanged at another time.
ES: Your Christmas china?
ML: Christmas Tree by Spode.
Nancy is a resident of downtown Franklin and an avid community preservationist and volunteer. She is the mother of three daughters.
ES: What is your holiday cocktail?
NS: Rye Old Fashioned.
ES: What is your favorite family holiday recipe?
NS: Side dish created with our vegetarians in mind such as Asparagus Roll Ups.
ES: Your Christmas china?
NS: Vintage Noritake Gold & White.
ES: How are you decorating your house
this year?
NS: Greenery, chartreuse, gold and white.
Mary Ellen has lived in Franklin for five years, is the widow of a Supreme Court Justice, and is a fabulous hostess and fashionista.
ES: What is your holiday cocktail?
MT: Brandy Milk Punch, a New Orleans Tradition.
ES: What is your favorite family holiday recipe?
MT: Waldorf Salad. My mother and I used to make it every Thanksgiving and Christmas.
ES: What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
MT: Mass at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, followed by Milk Punch at Tujague’s, the oldest bar in the Quarter, followed by Christmas dinner at the Royal Orleans.
ES: Your Christmas china?
MT: Tiffany Holiday
