For Oprah, the holidays are about making family and friends feel at home by gathering around the table for a bountiful meal. In the festive dining room, even the chandelier gets dressed up with a boxwood-and-berry garland. Oprah's cocker spaniels, Sophie and Solomon, lay low.
Katy Rose, Oprah's goddaughter, tears into her gift.
In the living room, hand-crafted glass ornaments, a swath of satin, peppermint- striped balls, candy ribbons, candy canes and glittering amber lights give the tree a spectacular old-fashioned appeal. A garland of cedar, red berries and lady apple crowns a mirror, and a boxwood wreath hangs in the window.
Glass ornaments, Christopher Radko. Candles, Hammond's Candles. Striped-ball ornaments, Jim Marvin. All floral and evergreen designs, Crest of Fine Flowers.
This table is set with goblets, beaded silk placements and candles the color of Christmas. Presents wrapped in toile paper and golden ribbons tied with bells are placed on each plate. Evergreens and fruit adorn the crystal hurricanes and a ruby crystal urn.
Placements and napkins, ABH Linens. Crystal goblets and hurricanes, William Yeoward. Service plate, Mottahedeh. Paper, Caspari. Ribbon, B&J Floral Supply.
Vernon Winfrey, Oprah's father, enjoys the conversation before dinner.
When the appetizer of drop biscuits with ham and cabbage slaw appears from the kitchen, you know the party's started.
Crystal plate, William Yeoward.
At the sideboard, where dinner is served, Stedman Graham makes sure Barbara Winfrey gets a full plate.
Silver serving pieces, Posh.
The spicy winter squash soup is inspired by flavors of the Caribbean—curry powder, bananas and a dash of red pepper sauce. You can garnish the soup with sage leaves or toasted pumpkin seeds.
China soup bowl, Marc Blackwell. Plates and silver spoon, Tiffany & Co.
Mary Kay Clinton helps herself to the feast.
Gayle King and Calvin Eddins unwrap the party favor, a red crystal ornament with a gold ribbon bow.
Ornament, Dorian Webb. China soup bowl, Marc Blackwell. Plates and silver spoon, Tiffany & Co.
Two delicious slow-roasted chickens have a stealth weapon: a garlicky herb paste that's been rubbed beneath the skin to give the birds a savory flavor and a crispy golden skin. Says Oprah, "It's the perfect 'I'm sick of turkey' choice."
Oprah and Stedman toast the occasion with vanilla citrus punch. The drink, a non-alcoholic take on the classic planter's punch, is made with orange, pineapple, lemon and lime juices.
Crystal goblets, Cristal St. Louis.
Glimmering jewels for the tree.
Ornaments, Jim Marvin.
You don't have to be from the South to love this traditional three-layer coconut cake. Dense and moist inside, it has just the right ratio of tangy to sweet: lemony custard filling and fluffy, sugary icing topped with shredded coconut.
