Innholdsfortegnelse for March - April 2012 i Southern Lady

I LOV E THE WAY SPRING TIP TOES IN, w ith a scattering of snowdrops here and a handful of hyacinths there. Then she throws her ar ms open wide to reveal an amazing abundance of blooms that delights us right down to our winter-weary souls. Our annual entertai ning issue of Southern Lady is filled with that same exuberance, from our trio of fun-filled birthday parties to an elegant i nn nest led in Virginia’s Tidewater area to a scrumptious Ea ster meal with all the trimmings. We also introduce you to Belle Chèvre proprietor Tasia Malakasis, a woman passionate about cheese ma king, and whisk you off to Marietta, Georgia, in Two Days Aw ay. So take full advantage of these lovely spring days— maybe even set a…

GET GROWING Give the gift of green with these gardening kits. Gingko Tree-to-Be, $22.50, and Forget-Me-Not Gardenin- a-Bag, $9; Potting Shed Creations, pottingshedcreations.com. LADLE LANDING This ceramic utensil rest combines fine art with folksy appeal. Pink Bird Spoon Rest, $38; Jonathan Adler, jonathanadler.com. SPRING CHICKENS If life is like a box of these chocolates, we’ll all cheep with delight! Spring Chocolate Chicks, $21 for set of 6 or $28 for set of 8; French Broad Chocolates, frenchbroadchocolates.com. THROW IN THE TOWEL Whimsical designs turn these tea towels into kitchen art. Whisk Illustration Towels in Pink and in Yellow, $15 each, and Pod Border Illustration Towel in Moss, $15; Tartella, tartella.com. TAKE ONE Even the frothiest pie arrives safely at the party with this colorful conveyor. And use this handy server…

That first soft breeze that signals the turn of the season inspires Southerners to bring out the brooms and dustpans for that time-honored tradition of spring cleaning. We go to work with a singleminded purpose, and nothing can deter us from our mission—until we glimpse a saucer magnolia in all its pretty pinkness just outside the window. This glorious gift from Mother Nature captivates us so completely that, in a matter of moments, we’re searching cabinets and gathering all the makings for an impromptu picnic. A table for two beneath the branches honors the season with a tableau. Flowershaped salad plates that resemble the blooms above look lovely, but any dish will do. Contrasting dinner plates add extra color—we used emerald green—and a vintage touch, such as hobnail tumblers in…

AFTER MONTHS SPENT BUNDLED UP in coats and scarves, there is such delicious freedom in donning lighter attire and celebrating the arrival of springtime. When the warmer weather returns to our beloved South, I can hardly wait to set a table in the garden and invite a few friends to revel in this annual jubilation. One of my favorite color schemes brings together spring green, peony pink, and pristine white for a fresh and feminine setting. I like to start with a beautiful cutwork-lace cloth, then mix vintage floral china with pretty green Depression glass. I choose delicate stemmed crystal for water and footed tumblers—to hold pink lemonade, of course! To finish off this lovely ode to spring, I gather a variety of white blooms into a centerpiece and float…

FEEDING THE SENSES Tasia loves to arrange a beautiful cheeseboard for her guests. For the perfect spring display, she suggests a log of chèvre rolled in dried or fresh herbs; Belle Chèvre’s Greek Kiss, sprinkled with pepper and drizzled with olive oil or honey; and an assortment of honeycomb, almonds, crusty bread, and tea biscuits, such as Effie’s Homemade. Awarm spring day begs for venturing outside and reconnecting with friends and neighbors after a long winter indoors. An easy, breezy appetizer spread served in a casual setting is just the thing for such an occasion, and that’s precisely how Tasia Malakasis likes to entertain. The charming Alabama native enjoyed a fast-paced career in New York City until she picked up a log of Belle Chèvre goat cheese at Dean &…

CAPTURE THE COLORS From vibrant fuchsia to bright tangerine to lime green, the happy hues of springtime enliven this outdoor setting. Anchor the table with one extravagant centerpiece, then give each guest a mini arrangement to call her own. As time goes by, birthdays become less about the number of years we’ve marked and more about measuring the love and joy that abounds in our lives. Whether it’s the first smile from a dimple- cheeked daughter, a hand squeeze from a devoted husband, or the giggle of a cherished grandchild, these are the things that keep our hearts young regardless of what the calendar might show. With that thought in mind, plan a party that is certain to make the birthday girl’s spirit flit and float like a sparrow in…

Check out more great offers at hmfunfinds.com. ABOVE THE REST LUXURY CABINS Luxury Blue Ridge, GA, cabins. Exclusive private mountain. Hiking, fishing, boating, antiques, dining, waterfalls, rafting. Superior service. Stunning views. Experience the mountains in style! abovetherestcabins.com. BANKS ANTIQUES 818 Bank St. NE • Decatur, AL 35601 North Alabama’s best antique mall with 12,000 square feet of quality merchandise. banksantiques.com. CHARLOTTE, NC Look closely at Charlotte, NC, and you’ll discover a lot. From mind-blowing museums to exquisite entrées, visitors will find a lot to their liking—not to mention plenty of Southern comforts along the way. charlottesgotalot.com. FRENCH GARDEN HOUSE An online retailer offering antiques, French décor, furniture, and gifts to romance your home and garden. frenchgardenhouse.com. GEORGIA’S BLUE RIDGE Surround yourself with beauty and natural fun in Georgia’s Blue Ridge.…

For Mississippi’s Patty Roper, there is perhaps no greater joy than gathering loved ones for an occasion, whether it be casual or formal, great or small. After all, says Patty, “Many memories are created around the table sharing food and fellowship with people we love.” As such, the expert hostess has penned numerous columns and several books aimed at helping others view entertaining as an important yet approachable art. In her latest release, Easy Does It: Winners & Favorites, Patty shares hundreds of go-to recipes suitable for myriad occasions. Some were graciously shared by accomplished chefs and restaurants, while others were simply developed by home cooks for special occasions or special people. Dotted with color photographs and ideas for memorable presentations, Easy Does It promises to be one more great resource…

I love to play the part of the hostess. Yes, it means extra cooking and cleaning, but when my living room is filled with people and laughter, I get simply giddy. It reminds me of being in my grandmother’s house in Tennessee. Everyone who came to a party on Williams Street left with a smile, and it was because of the way she entertained. Whether serving or socializing, she did it all with such sweet grace and style, and I’ve never forgotten it. This issue was designed with her hostessing philosophy in mind: Every event is a special one. BEAUTIFUL & USEFUL page 20 On a rainy afternoon, I came across a charming tea towel that simply said, “Today is a good day.” And it was; I needed that little…

FLORAL PRO Create beautiful floral displays just like the pros with a set of metal arranging aids. Easy Arranger Gift Set, $24; Annabelle Noel, annabellenoel.com. ALL TIED UP Shiny silver-plated rings lend sparkle and charm to any table. Vera Wang Love Knots Napkin Rings, $39.99 for set of 4; Bed Bath & Beyond, bedbathandbeyond.com. TAKE A STAND Elevate confectionary masterpieces to a whole new level with a monogrammed blown-glass keeper. Cake Stand with Cloche, $79; Williams- Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com. POLISHED PRESENCE Add radiance to the table setting with a beautiful bowl crafted in easy-care aluminum alloy. Organic Pearl Chere Bowl, $100.99; Beatriz Ball, beatrizball.com. DISPLAY WITH STYLE A fluted pedestal and lattice motif result in an enchanting floral holder just perfect for a mini bouquet. Lattice Green Rose Bowl Vase, $60;…

There is a certain graciousness that pervades a well-appointed table. Food tastes better, laughter seems heartier, and memories richer. Jenny Davids treasured those details from her North Carolina upbringing, and she hoped to re-create such scenes for her own family someday. “I love this idea of tradition,” Jenny says, “in the sense of being connected to the people that we’re with, the people that came before us, the people that will come after us.” However, once the reality of a busy modern lifestyle set in—one with a day job as a navy helicopter pilot and a second “career” as a wife and a mother of three energetic boys—that longed-for tradition of a gracious table seemed always out of reach. So Jenny decided to start simply, with casual linens. Unfortunately, she…

THE PRETTY PAGEANT OF POSIES on display in this blossom-filled season tickles the flower fancier in all of us. Tulips, daffodils, irises—we love them all! While we admire them growing in the garden or bunched together in an extravagant arrangement, we can also subtly incorporate these sweet blooms in smaller ways. Simply gather a napkin with a ribbon, tuck a few flower stems in the bow, and you have a lovely addition to any springtime setting.…

Love Letters Curls of antique “love story” ribbon give this hand-tied bouquet both a nostalgic and romantic presence, while ruffles of pink lisianthus and pearl accents are fitting complements to the raw silk Leanna Ross gown from Heidi Elnora’s latest collection. Blushing Bride A monofloral bouquet in gradations of pink is the perfect partner for an elaborate dress. Here, more than 75 Dutch tulips, ranging in hue from demure to dramatic as they extend from the center, create a stunning visual impact without competing with the dreamy Geneva Estelle handmade crinkled chiffon skirt. Garden Fancy Succulent plants have become an in-demand detail, lending an organic, fresh-picked charm to wedding day displays. The addition of mountain mint, craspedia accents, and a striped grosgrain ribbon softens the organza tiers and Italian alençon…

VINTAGE LOOK A handsome burnished finish gives the illusion of a rich, timeworn patina. Sideboard in Vanilla Cream, $499; Alabama Furniture Market, alabamafurnituremarket.com. RECYCLED CHIC Reclaimed wood from old barns and buildings lends character and warmth to this distinctive piece. Sideboard, $1,595; Woodland Creek Furniture, woodlandcreekfurniture.com. CLEAN LINES Adjustable shelves and a cord outlet in back make this lovely piece perfect for the dining room or the den. LIATORP Sideboard, $350; IKEA, ikea.com. TUSCAN SUN This impressive sideboard sparkles with classic curves and old-world elegance. Grand Continental Tuscany Console, $2,079; Stanley Furniture, stanleyfurniture.com.…

Can you hear it? The roar of laughter rises high above the trees, declaring this is indeed where the wild things are. Party animals from near and far have assembled for a jubilant jungle-themed birthday celebration, and the rampage of fun is about to begin. A handmade sign on bamboo poles and lots of balloons show the way to the safari-style shindig on the deck. Adventurers stop at a craft station to make name tags—straw hats bearing paper leaves with their respective monikers—as well as a pair of binoculars using recycled cardboard tubes and string. After slipping on festive blue leis and sipping on a refreshing blend of the same hue, they go in search of more birthday shenanigans . . . Get those cameras ready! You’re sure to capture…

Laura Johnson and Susie Murray have enjoyed nearly a lifetime of happy occasions together, from birthday barbecues to Easter egg hunts to impromptu dinners at the beach, so it was only a matter of time before these two friends collaborated on a cookbook. The pair have long shared a passion for turning annual and everyday moments into joyous festivities, and their respective talents—Susie’s natural culinary aptitude and Laura’s eye for color and design—fill The Happy Everything Cookbook with all the necessary tools to host your own memorable celebrations. Equal parts menu planner, hostess guide, and personal scrapbook, the collection is organized by specific parties, most of them based on Laura’s and Susie’s own favorite gatherings. The Cajun Sunday Supper, for example—a spread that includes Seafood Gumbo, Swayze’s Cajun Crawfish Boil,…

When avid traveler India Rows journeyed to Asia in 2006, she, like most tourists, picked up a few souvenirs along the way. But instead of postcards or snow globes, this smart Southern lady went straight for the jewels—more specifically, pearls—and lots of them. When she returned home, she partnered with her sister, Molly, to sell the pearls in Molly’s art studio, and they dubbed the endeavor the Pearl Girls. Though Molly has since returned her full attention to her art, India is carrying on solo, and the seed they planted has developed into a gem of a business. India couldn’t be happier about the outcome. She is able to indulge her love of travel when she makes buying trips to China, and her iridescent inventory is enough to make a…

GARDEN JOURNEY A few years ago my sister introduced me to Southern Lady, and I have been a subscriber since then. As a young bride I lived in Columbia, South Carolina, and thoroughly enjoyed the South. However, circumstances dictated a move back up north. For years, I longed to leisurely follow spring and the spectacular Southern flowers from Florida’s tip northward. This past year from February through April that dream finally came true! Janet Lerch Sartell, Minnesota SPECIAL GIFT I cannot say enough about the beautiful magazine that you present to the public. Not many magazines are left that have that “special gift” Hoff man Media off ers. I especially enjoyed “Movie Night” in your January/February 2012 issue with The Phantom of the Opera (the very old version with Lon…

WRAP STAR A good bottle of wine is a perfectly wonderful gift on its own. But when you wrap it in a pretty dish towel imprinted with a cheery sentiment and secure that with a ribbon, the presentation makes the gift twice as special. CASSEROLE COZY Try this two-in-one offering that employs a linen towel as a wrap for a casserole dish. Center the dish on the towel, fold the sides of the towel to fit your dish, and bring the ends through the handles for a neat finish. BEST SELLERS LIST Cookbooks are always-appreciated gifts for home chefs. Instead of using the expected wrapping paper, bundle cookbooks in botanical-print linens. For an extra organic touch, slip a leaf or flower under the ribbon. TUCKED IN TIGHT A little creativity…

WHO COULD RESIST this charming chirper perched so sweetly amid creamy and fragrant blooms? Designers at Flowerbuds (flowerbudsinc.com) began with angel vine circled atop a concrete basket. Then they further feathered this dreamy nest with French tulips, anemones, hydrangeas, Casablanca lilies, snapdragons, gerbera daisies, stock, and pittsoporum.…

IT’S ALWAYS TEATIME with this clever wall clock fashioned from collected cups and saucers. Begin by searching estate sales, flea markets, or your very own cupboards for 12 teacups too pretty to hide away. Then prepare a base on which to mount them—we chose a painted piece of plywood inserted into a ready-made 20-inch square frame. Play with the position of the pieces on the base until you find the most pleasing arrangement of color, size, and pattern. Then glue the saucers in place using a heavy-duty adhesive, such as Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix 5 Minute. Let dry for 10 minutes, glue the cups to the saucers, and let dry an additional 20 minutes. Finally, follow package directions to add the clock hands and movement, and you’re ready to hang…

THE MALE ROOM Just imagine the after-dinner conversations that took place in the gentlemen’s parlor, a cozy room that gleams with polished wood and a marble mantel. Note the intricately carved moldings and candle-lit chandelier. TOYS FOR TOTS The children’s bedroom at Houmas House features period furnishings and a number of vintage toys, like the wooden rocking horse and child’s walker, that would have amused the younger residents in bygone days. The “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road” rises from fertile farmland along the banks of the Mississippi River, just upstream from New Orleans. In 1810, Revolutionary War hero General Wade Hampton acquired the property, which had once been the home of the Houmas Indians, and began construction on the magnificent Greek Revival–style mansion. It grew to its present size…

CHEF SALAD Makes 12 to 16 servings 1 head green leaf lettuce, washed and torn 1 head iceberg lettuce, washed and torn 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved 4 large carrots, thinly sliced 1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced 1 (6-ounce) package radishes, thinly sliced 1 pound smoked turkey, cut into ¼-inch cubes 1 pound deli ham, cut into ¼-inch cubes 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 8 hard-boiled eggs, sliced Thousand Island Dressing (recipe follows) 1. In a large bowl, combine lettuces, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, and radishes. Top with turkey, ham, cheese, and egg. Serve with Thousand Island Dressing. Thousand Island Dressing Makes 3 cups 2 large eggs* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 cups extra-light olive oil…

Some may think of Marietta, Georgia, as a fairly recent result of nearby Atlanta’s growth, but this modern-day suburb set its roots nearly two centuries ago. Though only a few miles from its metropolitan neighbor, Marietta enjoys a heritage all its own, including a series of dramatic events in its first 30 years that could rival the plot of a best-selling novel. Marietta experienced its initial boom around 1837, when it was selected as the headquarters of the Western and Atlantic Railroad project. Shaped in the beginning by roadbeds and trestles, tanyards and taverns, the town soon grew to include a variety of businesses and the Georgia Military Institute. Then in the 1850s, the thriving burg rebuilt three times following widespread fires only to be destroyed by flames once again…

To purchase items featured in our articles, please refer to the information below. If an item is not listed, it is privately owned and not available for purchase. To contact the manufacturers and retail stores referenced below, see DIRECTORY OF COMPANIES. COVER Floral Design; Tana Avery of Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market. Yellow Primrose Napkins; Simon Pearce. Farmer’s Market Basket (stoneware) holding Easter eggs; Anthropologie. SINCERELY PAGE 10: Stationery; Wiley Valentine. EDITOR FAVORITES PAGE 12: Hair and Makeup Styling by Celine C. Russell. ENTERTAINING TOUCHES: SIMPLE ELEGANCE PAGE 32: Juliet White Napkin; Pine Cone Hill. WEDDING BELLES PAGES 37-40: Gowns from Heidi Elnora 2012 Collection; Heidi Elnora. Bouquets; Mandy Majerik of Hothouse Design Studio. FRESH LOOK: SPOT OF COLOR PAGE 42: White Frame; IKEA. Serpentine Clock Hands (#66914); Klockit. PARTY TIME…