Innholdsfortegnelse for May - June 2012 i Southern Lady

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 ONCE THE WEATHER HAS MADE THAT MUCH-ANTICIPATED TURN TOWARD SUMMER, Southerners can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the balmy temperatures and sunny skies. This issue of Southern Lady is filled with ideas to welcome the season in all its glory and ways to blur the lines between indoors and out. We visit the beautiful home and gardens of Bayou Bend in Texas, spend the weekend puttering about in Pensacola, Florida, and retreat to the restful Bed & Breakfast on Tiff any Hill in North Carolina. If you’re planning to stay closer to home, we have fabulous ideas for you, too! Invite your kin to a family reunion meal served on the grounds of the…

Mother's Day Gifts TO PAMPER & DELIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Lend a nostalgic touch to presents with these lovely motherand- daughter gift tags. Mother’s Day Tags, $4.50 for set of 6; tinkerbellshop, etsy.com. LINKS OF LOVE A personalized bracelet lets Mom wear her heart on her wrist. Spoon EndZ Family Silverware Bracelet-Mother’s Day, $59.99; SpoonerZ, etsy.com. AROMA THERAPY Enjoy hours of fragrant bliss with scents, such as Egyptian Jasmine, Washed Cotton, and Peony. Screen Printed Candles in Assorted Scents, $34 each; K. Hall Designs, khalldesigns.com. TWEET ALL ABOUT IT A locket composed of a copper nest and a silver dome holds Peruvian opal “eggs.” Nest Egg Necklace, $68–$74; Uncommon Goods, uncommongoods.com. DAILY DEVOTIONS Glean inspiration from both Scripture and excerpts from the works of Jane Austen. A Jane Austen Devotional, $15.99;…

Though only a few steps from the backdoor, a summer garden in full bloom presents a worldsaway, Eden-like escape from everyday cares. While away an afternoon in this idyllic spot, allowing each of your senses to fully appreciate the beauty of this day. See the intricacies of each vibrant flower and curling tendril, every blade of grass and verdant leaf. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face and the fuzziness of lamb’s ears plants. Smell the richness of the earth, the fragrance of roses and sweet alyssum. Listen to the gentle thrum of bees’ wings and the song of cascading water. Taste just-picked blackberries, fresh-squeezed lemonade, ripe peaches dripping with juice. Breathe deeply, savor every tranquil second, and experience the simple poetry of living in the moment. PEONIES…

Sun-washed linens, white enamel pitchers, weather-worn wooden furniture— the concept of “vintage” encompasses so much more than Grandmother’s floral china and flour-sack towels. In her lovely book Vintage Chic, author Christina Strutt easily persuades readers that this truly timeless and unmistakably cheerful style is as equally at home in urban apartments as it is in farm cottages. From the opening page to the last, the book treats readers to a Sunday drive of beauty images, each one fresh, inspiring, and completely captivating. If you could wave a magic wand and pop inside the book, where a world of comfy slipcovered sofas and skirted vanity tables awaits, you surely would. The gorgeous textiles seen throughout the book are from Christina’s own company, Cabbages & Roses, and they beautifully underscore the essential…

THE FRIENDLY LITTLE CHICKADEE whistling its morning song outside your window is letting you know that this day is just too pretty to waste. Take your cue from his encouraging tune, and plan a gathering for the ladies that takes full advantage of the spectacular June weather. Start with a few games of tennis or a brisk walk through the neighborhood, then end this get-together on a high note with a lovely brunch served outdoors. The menu needn’t be complicated—think finger sandwiches, fruit salad, and snack foods that can be made the night before. Of course, I like to finish with a little something sweet, like these Frosty Lemonade Cookies that pay homage to Mister Sunshine, who lends a warm glow to an outdoor gathering of friends. FROSTY LEMONADE COOKIES…

Grandparents know that one of the best perks of the job is having little ones come for overnight visits. It’s nice to have a room that is decorated with them in mind but still suitable for other guests. This homeowner has two adorable granddaughters that occasionally spend the night, so she decided to furnish a room filled with feminine details— ruffles, buttons, bows, and plenty of pink. Leigh Pate and Caterina Meadows of Pate-Meadows Designs (patemeadows.com) took that idea and created a window treatment that incorporates all those details in a beautiful way. They used white matelassé yardage from Pine Cone Hill (pine conehill.com) to fashion panels, a valance, and bows, then added covered buttons and ruffles sewn from fabric bearing a pink rose pattern. The result is a fabulously…

menu Peach Melba Champagne Cocktail Roasted Beet Bruschetta Lobster Tails with Lemon-Tarragon Butter Pappardelle Pasta with Mushroom and Pea Cream Sauce Roasted Tomato Salad Strawberry Tiramisu Offer a toast with a cocktail that marries the flavors of peaches and raspberries. PEACH MELBA CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL Makes ? servings ? ounces cranberry-raspberry juice, chilled ? ounces peach schnapps ½ ounce fresh lime juice ? ounces Champagne, chilled Garnish: fresh raspberries, peach slices ?. In a ?-cup glass measuring cup, combine cranberry-raspberry juice, peach schnapps, and lime juice. Carefully pour in Champagne, stirring gently to combine. Pour into two Champagne flutes. Garnish with raspberries and peach slices, if desired. ROASTED TOMATO SALAD Makes ? servings White Wine Vinaigrette (recipe follows) ? (??-ounce) package gourmet medley tomatoes ? tablespoons olive oil ? tablespoon minced…

Often we get so caught up in day-to-day tasks that we forget to enjoy the day itself. In this issue, we decided to focus on some of the simple things that make living lovely. We hope it inspires you to look for joy all day long—why you may just find it in the rhythm of chopping vegetables, the sizzle of the iron, or the warming rays of the summer sun. SUMMER LOVIN’ PAGE 26 I am in love with the incredibly versatile Aqua Baroque dinnerware from Vietri that served as our “inspiration plate” for this issue’s installment of Mix & Match. I am also completely head over heels for the striped napkins, floral place mats, chalkboard rings, gingham napkins, birdie accent plates, and every other table accessory we used. Clearly,…

There is a sporty convertible with painted flowers and bright green hubcaps “planted” in front of Sweet Peas in Homewood, Alabama. It’s just the first hint that this is no ordinary garden center. Take a look inside, and that impression is confirmed in spades. Owner Jon Culver’s passion for plants and sense of whimsy rule in this land of enchantment. Flowers sprout from rustic twig chairs, and myriad vines twirl their tendrils toward the sun on the back fence. A meandering pebble-dotted walk is lined with hydrangeas in cotton-candy colors, and sweet potato vines tumble exuberantly from pots, as do scores of other Southern favorites. Jon’s beloved succulents grow in the covered greenhouse along with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants. The quaint house original to the property is now…

THE INSPIRATION This handmade dinnerware in timeless Tiffany blue blends old-fashioned Italian artistry with contemporary design and everyday convenience. Incanto Aqua Baroque Dinner Plate, $46, Salad Plate, $40, and Stripe Footed Bowl, $32; Vietri, vietri.com. ELEGANT OPTIONS Clear skies and blushing gardens are reflected in this display that features peach linens in coordinating patterns. Add crystal goblets and a scattering of bud vases for a glimmer of formality. Madeline Quilted Place Mats in Terracotta, $98 for set of 4, and Madeline Stripe Napkins in Terracotta, $48 for set of 4; Pine Cone Hill, pineconehill.com. Blue Metal Flower Napkin Ring, $15.96 for set of 4; World Market, worldmarket.com. Waterford Alana Goblet, $150, and Iced Tea, $150; available through Bromberg’s (special order), brombergs.com. CASUAL POSSIBILITIES Mix in a playful songbird salad plate,…

HONOR THE SEASON’S crescendo of gardens by bringing their unrivaled beauty and fragrance to interior adornments. For a creative alternative to tabletop centerpieces, try encircling the arms of a chandelier with garlands of boxwood branches. Tuck in aromatic herbs like rosemary to heighten the sensory experience, then add wax flowers, fern fronds, or other freshly snipped foliage for textural interest. A few nosegays tied in ribbons and draped from the center boughs form the final touch to this chandelier crowned in garden glory.…

A TISKET, A TASKET An eco-chic basket! Colorful woven baskets from Hobby Lobby are made of recycled materials so you can be environmentally responsible and brilliantly stylish at the same time. They look quite fetching when planted with a mix of bright blooms and displayed on a patio or porch. BLOOMING BOX Transform a rustic wooden crate into a portable planter with the addition of rolling casters. Simply fill the crate with an eye-pleasing collection of plants and flowers, then take it for a spin to find the best location to soak up the sunshine—and to attract appreciative oohs and aahs. HANGING AROUND Though intended to hold votive candles, these wire baskets make attractive hanging containers for succulent plants. Line the inside of each basket with florist’s moss to contain…

From hand dipping caramel apples to selecting garnishes for hors d’oeuvres at the White House, Calder Clark has just about done it all in the world of event planning. She certainly got an early start, growing up in a “very social” family that entertained often. Her mother taught her to appreciate the finer things and, as she recalls, “always made me set the table, which I hated at the time, but now I thank her for.” It was in Calder’s first job out of college, however, a position with a Washington, D.C., catering firm, that the budding event planner truly honed her craft. “If someone brought me an etched glass and said we love this, I’d go to Hungary and design a line we would use in our rental business,”…

SUMMER SUCCOTASH Makes ?? to ?? servings ? cups fresh or frozen baby lima beans ? tablespoons olive oil ? tablespoons butter ? bunch green onions, chopped ? tablespoon minced garlic ? cups fresh yellow corn kernels (about ? ears) ? zucchini squash, diced ? cups heavy whipping cream ?½ tablespoons chopped fresh thyme ?½ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ? pint grape tomatoes, halved ? pound thick-sliced peppered bacon, cooked and crumbled ?. In a medium saucepan, combine lima beans with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat, and simmer for ?? to ?? minutes or until beans are tender. Drain, and set aside. ?. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until butter melts. Add…

Calling CARDS Designed for faith as much as business and for livelihood as much as art, Peru Paper cards are more than just sweet greetings. It all started when Grace Bateman Greene of Jackson, Mississippi, made her first trip to Peru with her church. The community, especially its women, instantly captured the then 17-year-old’s heart, and as she returned over the years for mission work and to teach English, she sought to form not only lasting relationships but a plan to help her new friends long term. Spurred on by a simple paper craft project—well-received by both the Peruvian women who loved making the cards and the visiting church group who quickly bought them up—Grace formed Peru Paper. The women are able to work out of their homes, allowing them…

“‘Mommy’ is forever. It’s such a powerful name. Mommy means ‘I trust you.’ Mommy means ‘you will protect me.’ Mommy is for shouting when you need someone dependable and for laughing with when you are excited. Mommy is for crying on and cuddling with when you are sad, or giggling and hiding behind when you are embarrassed. Mommy is the fixer of booboos and the mender of broken hearts. Mommy is a comfort place — a safe place. Mommy means ‘you are mine and I am yours and we are family.’” —from Kisses from Katie by Katie J. Davis, amazima.org…

RAVE REVIEWS I want to express my great enthusiasm in receiving your magazine as well as in preparing the Ham, Asparagus, and Mushroom Bread Pudding [“Baskets of Joy,” March/April 2012]. I made half the recipe, and it looked like the picture, which astonished me—it almost never happens! And I had rave reviews! It was simple to do, and the flavor was delightful. Great for a potluck dinner—has all that one needs for a complete, tasty, and colorful balanced meal. Thanks again! Audrey via Email INSTANTLY CAPTIVATED Does living in Southern California make me a Southern lady? I certainly hope so. I recently came across your magazine and was instantly captivated in every aspect of what your magazine represents. I immediately subscribed and was also compelled to order back issues as…

“Stay is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary.” —Louisa May Alcott Oh, how ladies love pink! From the petal-soft blush of a ballet slipper to the rich rosy shades of a Gulf Coast sunset, this infinitely happy hue brings sparkle and spunk to any Southern setting. With that in mind, gather a plethora of pink pretties to create a tablescape that welcomes this sublime season. To anchor this summery setting, begin with a beautiful cloth or length of fabric, like the gorgeous pink piece used on this table. Since the 1930s, the numerous and varied patterns of pink Depression glass have graced many a mealtime, and they are a fitting choice for this roseate tableau. Mix and match the pieces at will—the patterns coordinate effortlessly—and use a medley of…

MASON JARS ARE AN ICONIC—and quite useful— mainstay of Southern culture, whether they are holding Granny’s peach preserves or the sweetest iced tea this side of heaven. Lisa Foster of Lisa Foster Floral Design in Knoxville (lisafosterdesign.com) has fine-tuned yet another use for this handy holder: flower vase. She lined a jar with a ti leaf and other greenery then filled it with an arrangement featuring pink Bonaparte gerbera daisies and green Kermit poms. A few lemon leaves and sprigs of Queen Anne’s Lace finish off this bright and bonny bouquet.…

Bring social hour outdoors with a garden table turned hostess station. THE SEEDLINGS CAREFULLY SPROUTED on the patio in spring have since burst forth in the garden as fragrant herbs and dainty blossoms. With the potting table now clear of cuttings and starter pots, it’s the perfect opportunity to put it to use for another purpose: an outdoor entertaining station. Remove any remnants of potting soil from the center well, and you’ll see it’s just right for icing down drinks. The trellis backing that once held spades and trowels keeps recipes for favorite refreshers at hand, while shelves allow space for baskets and trays corralling linens, serving pieces, and other hostess necessities. Once the transformation is complete, invite guests—or just yourself— to snip a handful of fresh mint for a…

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL Brighten up any spot in or around the house with this striking patterned pillow. Saphir Pillow, $337.50; Bliss Studio, blissstudio.com.…

Barefoot babes running around in the green grass, and faded floral tablecloths dancing in the breeze. The smell of fried chicken drifting over to the crowd gathered ’neath the ole shade tree, listening to Uncle tell the hilarious story of Father’s attempt to tame and ride Ace the Wonder Horse. Laughter erupts at the epic conclusion, and Momma informs everyone that dinner is ready. Excitement and anticipation ensue, and Cousin Tyler looks longingly at the ohso fluffy Peanut Butter Banana Pudding awaiting at the end of the dessert table. With a tip of the hat to all the aunts and cousins who spent the morning in apron strings and a prayer of thanks offered hand in hand, the scene for a truly splendid family reunion is officially set. Just as…

Though it boasts no fancy techniques or impressive sky-high layers, a basic chocolate tube cake remains one of the most important desserts in baker Julie Richardson’s recipe box. The cake of her father’s childhood, it flavored Julie’s memories as well. Her paternal grandmother, who originally got the recipe from a neighbor in 1949, continued to make and ship it to her sons even as they scattered about for college and military service. Over the years and down through generations, it came to be known simply, and adoringly, as Grammy Cake. Believing that we all, like her, are passionate about a cake in our past, Julie set out to celebrate such heirloom desserts in her cookbook Vintage Cakes. Alongside the Richardson family’s Grammy Cake, she reflects on the flips, rolls, chiffons,…

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. SINCERELY PAGE 10: Stationery; Wiley Valentine. EDITOR FAVORITES PAGE 12: Apron; Funktion. SEASONAL SETTINGS: TICKLED PINK PAGES 28-31: Marchesa Spring Lark Accent Plates, Continental Dinner Plates, and Bellina Flatware; Lenox. All Pink Depression Glass Pitchers and Tumblers; Replacements, Ltd. Salt Cellars; Bromberg’s. Ceramic Bird Vases; Four Seasons Antiques, Art & Botanicals. Juliet Napkins; Pine Cone Hill. Fabric used for tablecloth (Chivasso/Felicity two-tone damask pink fabric); JAB Anstoetz. Fresh Flowers; Davis Wholesale Florist. FRESH LOOK: GARDEN PARTY CENTRAL PAGES 50-51: Green Serving Tray and Wave Accent Bowls; Westech Trading Company.…