Text by Cindy Cooper
The Christmas tree is flocked and festooned with brightly colored baubles, and the stockings are sweetly hung from the kitchen island—all that awaits are a dozen or so of the family’s favorite holiday dishes to line the white marble countertops and this heart of the home will be filled with the sights and smells of Christmas. Every year, homeowner Eedie Hyde pulls out her favorite recipes and the preparations begin.
When the Hydes moved into this 90-year-old cottage, they were pleased that the kitchen had been remodeled, and found its charming size and design suited their every need. While cozy, the large wooden island comfortably seats six, allowing ample space to share stories and holiday memories as the baking begins.
Thoughtful design and organization make room for treasured heirlooms in the upper cabinets while the pantry displays glassware and stainless and pewter pieces in an open, charming style. When storage space is limited, the Hydes have found that hanging large trays is both a practical and a pretty solution, leaving space on their shelves for other serving staples like pitchers and cake stands.
“Our first Christmas [in this kitchen] was a whirlwind,” Eedie says. “Our second Christmas was a totally different story. Our son, Gabe, and his new bride, Taylor, were out of the country from mid-December until mid-January. It was odd, but to be honest, we weren’t stressed out with the normal holiday frenzy. We left our decorations up [inside] until they returned and had a belated Christmas. It was actually very nice.”
Eedie says that having her family together during the Christmas season is always a special treat—and one that’s celebrated in the kitchen. “My family is small, and we enjoy being together on Christmas Day. I make our traditional favorites: turkey with cornbread dressing, ham, a variety of salads, casseroles, and desserts,” Eedie shares. “Everyone has a specialty, and if it’s not there, it is definitely missed. My grandmother passed away many years ago, and she made a delicious cranberry salad. I looked for a recipe similar to her salad, but none compared to hers. Finally, I found a recipe that brought back that wonderful memory of her cranberry salad. I make it every year.”
