Innholdsfortegnelse for March - April 2010 i Southern Lady

March at last! Every time I look at that brilliant blue sky overhead and the gardens bursting with tulips and daffodils, I am head over heels for this season all over again. Spring may turn a young man’s heart to fancy, but it turns my heart to parties! And, dear readers, you’ve proven that you feel the same. That’s why we love putting together our annual entertaining issue with ideas galore for any kind of occasion you dare to dream. We make party planning easy with tablescapes and menus for everything from a special shower for a bride-to-be and a 50th anniversary celebration for a couple who have reached a marvelous milestone to a surprise baby shower and a birthday bash for a sporty little gentleman. We provide the ideas;…

1 Natural Charm With a motif of chirpers and trees, contrasting feminine lining, and a scalloped closure flap, this bag is just spacious enough for all your necessary niceties. Lizzie Pouch in Fuchsia Pussywillows, $15; Bari J., 925-785-5469; barijonline.com. 2 Spring Rings Discover the best of both purse worlds with brightly patterned wristlets that, while small and chic like clutches, still offer the handsfree convenience of shoulder bags. Bangle Wristlet in Yellow Damask and Vintage Floral, $44; AO3 Designs, 763-300- 3453; ao3designs.com. 3 Pocketbook of Posies This petite purse is the ultimate in practical sophistication. It opens to reveal card slots and a built-in coin purse, and even better— you choose the fabrics. Custom Carolina Clutch in War of the Roses/Strawberry Daiquiri, $95.40; 1154 LILL STUDIO, 773-696-3660; 1154lill.com.…

At first sight, it’s practically impossible to keep from being captivated by The Empress of Little Rock. A bed-and-breakfast in the city’s Quapaw Quarter Historic District, the circa-1880s structure commands attention with each and every architectural detail, from the intricate woodwork and wraparound porch to the exquisite front tower. For Sharon Welch-Blair, who owns and operates the bed-and-breakfast along with her husband, Robert, it was certainly instant fascination. “One day while driving through the area we saw this house, and my jaw just fell open,” she says. “Even though it wasn’t as pristine as we restored it to be, it was still an impressive structure. I knew that if I ever wanted a bed-and-breakfast in Little Rock, that would be it.” Sharon patiently waited two years for the home to…

MISSISSIPPI QUEEN of entertaining Patty Roper has made a career of hostessing and hospitality. Believing that the tradition of entertaining should be both approachable and affordable, she penned her fourth book, Easy Parties and Wedding Celebrations, to include realistic tablescapes and simple but impressive party fare for 34 themed parties. “This book,” she says, “is about doing things at home and doing them practically.” Those looking for a new way to mark birthdays will appreciate Patty’s hat-themed soiree, which features flower-filled hat boxes and chapeau-shaped cakes. Then there’s the guest-tested recipes like her own Mini Tomato Tarts, an hors d’oeuvre that she claims is so popular, there are never any left after a party. And while food and decorative details certainly get their due, the author underscores that the main…

When this time of year arrives, I’m always reminded of that special spring Saturday spent searching for Easter eggs on the church lawn. The thrill of discovery and the promise of prizes were always entertaining, but in addition to that, I loved the way a pile of colorful eggs could make my plain wicker basket come alive with wonder. Of course my days of egg hunting are well behind me, but each spring, I still look for ways to enjoy that well-worn basket once again. Most often, I place it on a table by the window and, instead of the vibrantly colored Easter eggs of my youth, I fill it with favorite flowers “hunted” in my garden. To create your own spring basket arrangement, first insert soaked floral foam to…

Almost the second the ring is on her finger, a bride-tobe starts the all-important selection process for choosing her china patterns. Whether she yields to the practicality of simple white—think of the endless variety of linens and accent plates—or indulges her love of vivid hues, the patterns she has adopted kindle a love for beautiful table settings that only grows with time. And just as she would build a clothing wardrobe from basic pieces, she should use those initial china choices as the foundation for a collection that will serve her well throughout years of entertaining. Since I often have dinner guests, I have garnered a number of sets of china through the years, both formal and everyday. Pieces made from bone china and porcelain may be more durable than…

The Hermitage Whenever the scrutiny of public life weighed heavily on President Andrew Jackson, “Old Hickory” knew that he could find sweet solace at the home he built with beloved wife Rachel on more than 1,000 acres of Tennessee countryside. Christened The Hermitage, which means “rural retreat,” the original house underwent several renovations before achieving the present-day look. An impressive façade anchored by towering two-story columns with modified Corinthian capitals gives the illusion of a Greek temple. Continuing the theme inside, Rachel chose French wallpaper depicting scenes from Greek mythology as a backdrop to the cantilevered elliptical center staircase. Considered the most fashionable house in 1830s Tennessee, each room reflects the time period as well as the interests of our tenacious seventh president and his devoted wife. The Parthenon Standing…

Tiny fingers, tiny toes, little mouth, and a button nose. Count the blessings one by one, a babe on the way is so much fun! How exciting! A baby is on the way, and a celebration is definitely in order. Surprise the new mommy with a springtime shower filled with wild and wooly cuties and cuddlies. Perfectly suited to welcome a bouncing boy or a sweet little girl, the versatile animal theme inspires decorations as well as party favors, and the color palette of aqua and yellow provides a bright and cheery foundation for clever details and splendid displays. For this kind of event, buffet-style serving works well, so cover the table with a sunny cloth, and add an arrangement of lovely seasonal blossoms. A tower of ribbon-wrapped boxes—spray-painted aqua…

Easter Delights Embrace the magic of Easter, and plan an event fifilled with wonder. Picture the world through a child’s eyes, and stage the party near the backyard playhouse. A gussiedup, pint-size picnic requires only a small table, some tasty snacks, and a few creative accents. Cute and clever Easter eggs dressed as carrots and chicks are easy to make (see pages 89 and 90). Add whimsy with striped plates, patterned napkins, flflowers in birdcages, and handmade flflag garlands. Surprise one and all with a special delivery—a precious baby bunny! Then, enjoy some quality time with the ones you love on this afternoon of complete joy. Springtime Punch Makes about 1 1/2 gallons 2 (12-ounce) cans frozen limeade concentrate, thawed 1 (64-ounce) bottle red fruit punch, chilled 1 (46-ounce) can…

In 1783 two brothers, Paul and Jacob Walter, were searching for a summer retreatsafe from malaria-infested areas and found what they called Hickory Valley. Then in the 1920s through the 1950s, travelers found “The City of Hospitality” to be an accommodating halfway stop between New York city and Miami, Florida. Today, Historic Walterboro has been revitalized,and visitors are now coming to hunt for treasured antiques and finding treasured places and people. Like the Walter brothers, we discovered Walterboro by accident. Paul and I detoured through here on our way to Charleston, and all it took was one glimpse at the Historic Downtown area, and I knew this was a town to be explored. We were not disappointed. The town has come alive with friendly people who have made its revitalization…

Stuffed boiled eggs may have been introduced in the 17th century, but it wasn’t until years later when some adventurous cook added a little mustard and pickle relish that the dish took off, becoming a musthave addition to every Southern picnic and potluck. By the 1930s, deviled eggs’ popularity spurred the desire for a serving piece that corralled these slippery little treats. Manufacturers happily heeded the call with a variety of plates bearing ingenious egg-shaped depressions, and an instant collectible was born. Companies that produced Depression glass quickly added to their wares an assortment of egg plates in rainbow hues. As the demand for these unique serving platters grew, choices galore appeared in stoneware, porcelain, and eventually, mediums such as melamine and cast aluminum. In the 1950s, manufacturers began offering…

With a few cookie cutters and a reserve of brightly colored decorations, a classic sugar cookie recipe becomes fashionable party fare. Search craft and cooking stores for shapes like handbags, hats, high heels, and sunglasses, and adorn the designer cookies with frosting fabrics and sugary trims. You can even find edible embellishments from pearls to buttons to jewels at retailers such as fancyflours.com. Arrange the couture cookies on a cake plate or platter as part of the table décor, or match each accessory to a friend, and use the personalized sweets as place cards that double as favors. Another idea for spring soirees: Let your guests share in the fun, too, by setting up a decoration station where they can craft their own designs. For an easy shortbread cookie recipe,…

1. Don’t wait until your home is perfect or you have enough china or silver to begin entertaining family and friends. 2. Enjoy the process of planning and preparing, and invite friends to help share the fun and divide the work. 3. Mix china and serving pieces, and be creative out of necessity or invention. Crystal compotes are perfect for serving salads, and teacups make fun dessert containers. Chargers are great serving pieces, and teapots and tureens work well for special flfloral displays. 4. Pay attention to details. Place lemons and mint in tea glasses, or use shells or vintage jewels for napkin rings. Cut and plate individual servings when possible—they always make guests feel special and honored. 5. Be flflexible; if the lemon soufflflé falls, serve it in a…

Gracious Elegance On a gently sloping hilltop a few miles down the road from Columbia, Tennessee, sits a breathtakingly beautiful mansion that surveys a lovely panoramic scene. The curious name, Rattle and Snap Plantation, originally referred to the nearly 6,000 acres of land won by William Polk in the same-named game of chance. When his sons later divvied up the property to build houses, George Polk kept the peculiar appellation for his share. Traditional stone fences of stacked limestone meander through the property; the sharp lines of the rocks contrast with the rolling hills and billowy trees that abound. The house itself is considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. Though there is no architect on record, the design is generally credited to noted…

America’s favorite pastime inspires fans of all ages—especially the young ones who look forward to putting on their caps and swinging their bats each week at the neighborhood ballpark. To turn their love of the game into a springtime celebration, step up to the plate and take a swing at a baseball-themed birthday blast guaranteed to make your little slugger’s big day a smash-hit. This party offers a chance to be both creative and playful with the setting and décor. Start with a classic color scheme of red, white, and blue. Turn the dining table into home base with buffet-style serving that features nostalgic nods to the game: a child’s first pair of cleats, his grandfather’s glove, even boxes of Cracker Jack and pieces of bubble gum. Atop layered runners,…

PINK LEMONADE CAKE Makes 1 (9-inch) 3 layer cake 1 1/2 cups butter, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 cup pink lemonade drink mix* 4 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract 4 cups cake flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups milk Lemonade Buttercream (recipe follows) 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with baking spray with flour. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and lemonade drink mix at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon extract. 3. In a medium bowl, combine cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. 4.…

COVER Cake and Dessert Plate; Chelsea Lane. Floral Napkins; At Home Furnishings. Cookie Plate; Bromberg’s. Lemonade Glasses; Pottery Barn. COLLECTOR’S CORNER: EGG PLATES PAGE 26: Egg Plates; Replacements, Ltd. ENTERTAINING TOUCHES PAGE 32: Mini Terra-cotta Pots, Ribbons, and Wooden Eggs; Michaels. MIX & MATCH: EASTER POLISH PAGES 44-45: Floral Designs; Flower Stems SEASONAL SETTINGS: SPRING FLING PAGES 46-49: Royal Crown Derby Salad Plates, Place Mats, and Napkins; Bromberg’s. Carlton Gold Dinner Plates; Royal Crown Derby. Lotus Shaped Floral Vases and Turquoise Votives used as floral vases; At Home Furnishings. Ceramic Lemon Baskets; Tricia’s Treasures. Mini Pitcher Sets used as vase place-card holders; HomeGoods. Floral Designs; Flower Stems. FRESH LOOK: BEDSIDE MANNERS PAGE 52: Braemore Somerset Jade Fabric; Fabric Farms Interiors. PARTY TIME PAGES 68-71 (BOUQUETS OF BLISS): Laque de Chine…

So goes the legend behind the Tennessee T-Cake, a curious baked good that Nashville’s Frances Barkley finally decided must be shared. Over the years, it has been compared to all sorts of classic treats from cakes to cookies to candies, but with a shape akin to mini-muffins and a texture much like brownies, Frances’s Tennessee T-Cake is in a confectionary category all its own. The sweet is so original that in its early days, finding the right tools for large-scale production proved tricky. That meant that each task, like coating the tins with nonstick spray and dipping the batter, had to be painstakingly performed by hand. “Needless to say there were a lot of rejects,” recalls Frances, explaining that the less-thanperfect system often yielded broken T-Cakes unfit for selling. Still,…

“Among the first harbingers of spring, flowering bulbs bring welcome cheer to the garden in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.” Tulips Tulips have a long and varied history, and during Tulipomania in the 1630s, they were sold for mind-boggling sums. Today, gardeners need not be wealthy to enjoy these colorful and often fragrant flowers. Combine them with other bulbs like hyacinths, daffodils, and iris. For drama combine Tulipa ‘Professor Rontgen’ (pictured) with orange tones and the sweet-smelling rich navy blue hyacinth, Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Crystal Palace’. A favorite for forcing in pots, the single early T. ‘Apricot Beauty’ is also deliciously fragrant. For tulips that perennialize and make good cut flowers look for Darwin hybrids such as T. ‘Appledorn’. Daffodils It’s hard to pick a favorite bulb, but…

Spring is such a jubilant time of year that it’s difficult to contain our joy. Gardens are just bursting with blossoms of every description; daffodils and tulips, hyacinths and dogwoods greet us at every turn. It’s only natural to want to bring that bounty of beauty to the heart of our entertaining world, the dining room table. Fresh green napkins pull their hue from bloombordered place mats, a color also echoed in the flower arrangements scattered about the table and sideboard. Pops of citrus bring a mouthwatering addition to the palette, while touches of clear blue are reminiscent of a brilliant spring sky. In a perfect tribute to Mother Nature’s glorious offering, vibrantly hued patchworks of posies are splashed across gold-trimmed china. With a variety of patterns that mix and…

The arrival of spring in all its glory often inspires a face-lift of sorts for the garden. You prune back a scraggly limb or two, plant your favorite annuals, and add a fresh layer of mulch to the flower beds. But now is also the perfect time to rejuvenate the inside of your house. Welcome the freshness of this season right through the front door and throughout your home in both big and small ways. For ideas on how to renew your décor, we turned to our decorating medics at Pate-Meadows Designs. The ladies were happy to suggest a few remedies to spruce up your bedroom for spring. Beginning with a basic glasstopped table, they fashioned a fabulous skirt from two coordinating designer fabrics. First, they made a full, gathered…

Love is in full bloom, and a wedding is coming soon. Show the bride-to-be how happy you are for the forthcoming nuptials with a floral-filled bridal shower designed to showcase springtime’s brilliant hues and blossoming beauty. For a small but dear assembly such as this, host a luncheon with fare that is light and fresh like our Grilled Chicken Salad (see page 71 for recipe). Plan ahead, and be sure to decorate and prepare as much of the food as possible before the day of the shower, ensuring that you will be able to spend plenty of quality time with the lady who will soon be going to the chapel and your shared circle of friends. These special guests will certainly appreciate the entertaining extras you include, such as charming…

Lasting love is wonderful indeed. When a couple reaches a milestone anniversary, it presents the opportunity for a truly special celebration. Drawing from the timeless beauty found in the great outdoors, host a dinner to honor the man and wife who have stayed true to the commitment they made so many years ago. Nature’s lush and picturesque landscape provides the perfect backdrop for such a party, so stage the scene on a screened porch or patio. Rely on white linens for the right measure of ease and elegance, and look to shades of green to signify the couple’s growth through the years. Leafmotif accents, such as an embroidered tablecloth and artful salad plates, act as subtle reminders that the relationship is healthy and thriving. Add to the ambiance by placing…

When it comes to homemade sweets, most any Southern hostess will agree it’s hard to top a soaring cake, stacked with layers and spread with scrumptious fillings. As Alisa Huntsman and Peter Wynne write in their cookbook, Sky High, any baked good is an edible wonder, but “cakes, especially, amuse us . . . and if a simple layer cake is one of the loveliest, most enticing desserts to set before a loved one or guest, how much more entertaining the drama of one that is three stories high.” Thus, Alisa—the pastry chef at Nashville’s famous Loveless Café—and her journalist uncle, Peter, coauthored this sweet compilation that sets the sky as the limit. With triple layers as their sole measure, the recipes range widely from traditional to creative. The Fabulous…