The countdown to Christmas is on, and Tara – A Country Inn’s halls are decked with stunning holiday décor. Beginning in October, the Winner family begins their holiday decorating at the Inn featuring beautiful floral arrangements and classic holiday décor inspired by the southern charm of days gone by. Thousands of lights are put up outside on the property for a magical view of the charming southern-style Inn when night falls.
Holiday Decorating is a Winner Family Affair
At Tara – A Country Inn, decorating the trees throughout the Inn is a real family affair, bringing together Donna Winner’s family and friends for decorating and fun. With lush greenery and carefully decorated trees, Tara – A Country Inn is adorned in the holiday spirit from top to bottom, inside and out.
Featured Holiday Recipes from Our Family to Yours
Tara – A Country Inn also has some delicious holiday recipes in their cookbook that you and your family are sure to enjoy! Below are two of our featured recipes for the holiday season:
Scarlett and Emerald Soup
Scarlett Soup:
½ cup butter
1 small onion, minced
¼ cup flour
3 cups half-and-half
3 cups crushed tomatoes, pureed in blender
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt & pepper to taste
Emerald Soup:
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen peas
6 cups chicken broth
¼ cup soft butter mixed with ¼ cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt & pepper to taste
Scarlett Soup: Melt butter in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat and sauté onion for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with flour. Gradually stir in half-and-half. Stir over medium heat until mixture bubbles and thickens. Stir in tomatoes, basil, garlic and salt to taste. Emerald Soup: Combine peas and broth in a 2-quart saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes. Purée in blender, then return to saucepan. Add butter/flour mixture and stir over medium heat until soup bubbles and thickens. Salt to taste. Using two ladles, place at either side of the bowl, pour in soup simultaneously so colors remain separate. Sprinkle minced parsley down the center as a garnish, dividing the colored soups.
1850 Style Holiday Party Egg Nog Recipe
12 eggs, separated
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cup bourbon
½ cup brandy
6 cups whole milk
1 ¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg, plus nutmeg to garnish
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
With an electric mixer, beat egg yolks with sugar at low speed until thick and lemon-colored, approximately 15 minutes, scraping the bowl frequently. Very carefully beat in bourbon and brandy one tablespoon at a time. This is very important to prevent the eggs from curdling. Remove the bowl cover and chill. Once chilled, pour egg mixture into a large punch bowl and stir in milk and 1 ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and set aside. Use an electric mixer, with large bowl, at high speed to beat egg whites until soft peaks form. In small bowl with the same beaters at medium speed, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Now with a wire whisk, gently fold egg whites and cream into yok mixture just until blended. Sprinkle nutmeg over the top and serve.
Relaxing Spa Treatments to Cure Holiday Stress
At Tara – A Country Inn, we understand that although the holidays are fun, they can also be stressful. During your stay at the Inn, be sure to visit our sister property, Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa to take advantage of their many relaxing and rejuvenating spa services.
As an exclusive Pevonia® Spa, Buhl Mansion Spa offers 100% botanical, organic, gluten-free, and cruelty-free products. Buhl Mansion Spa provides massage therapy, body wrap treatments, facials, spa manicures and pedicures, and more to help you unwind during the holidays. They also offer spa packages that make for a couple’s retreat or girlfriends getaway. Tara houseguests will receive 10% off their services.
Downtown Shopping and Holiday Attractions
The Winner, located in downtown Sharon, is a world-renowned retailer featuring four floors of the latest fashions and accessories at discount prices. Year-round, the Winner offers a wide selection of cruise-wear, evening wear, and career wear. They also provide a fantastic selection of bridal wear and are famously known throughout the region as “Gown Town.” As one of Tara’s sister properties, The Winner offers 10% off for Tara guests.
After doing some shopping at The Winner, stop by Kraynak’s for even more holiday fun. Kraynak’s features their annual Santa’s Christmasland for visitors to enjoy. This attraction features traditional winter themes as well as nativity décor. Visitors can view over 70 decorated trees that each feature their own holiday theme. You can walk along the 300-foot long path through Christmasland featuring festive music and animated figures that will make the holiday experience extra special for you and your family.
Experience the Stunning Holiday Décor at Tara and Book Your Stay Today!
Tara- A Country Inn is the perfect place to visit for the holidays. With beautifully decked halls and intricately decorated rooms, every inch of Tara features the spirit and beauty of the holidays for a truly unique experience. Consider our Mid-Week Discount Special, where you can receive $50 off of the standard bed and breakfast rate when you stay any Sunday through Thursday. Contact us today to book your stay!
