January has always been a month where simplifying and reorganizing is on my mind. I don’t know if I long for quiet, simple surroundings after the wonder and excitement of the holidays or if I realize my home is in need of its annual face lift. I read somewhere (wish I could recite the source) that a beautiful home is …
Tea party planning tips from Tea Pleasures
I so enjoy a tea party. There’s nothing quite like it. The diminutive fare, each course specially crafted and then paired with a delicious tea—there’s so much to love. It’s an especially great way to teach children proper manners. The ceremony of tea captures their young imaginations and allows them to enjoy each step of the process. For those of …
Blue and White Interiors from Decorating Expert Phoebe Howard
The recent issue of Southern Lady features a special look into how interior design maven Phoebe Howard got her unexpected start in professional decorating. Among the rooms included in the magazine are a series of blue and white interiors that I absolutely love. Of course, you know my love for blue and white china. I so enjoyed seeing that aesthetic replicated …
Starting the New Year Right
Oh my goodness, it is time for New Year’s resolutions! Or maybe you have already made yours and have already broken them. Of course, the first one is to lose weight. Ok that’s over. Then, to get organized is a popular one. That will take time. But it’s doable, maybe. How about writing the date correctly before March? 2016 not …
Merry Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve — it is the most enchanting night of the year. I can only imagine how cold it was centuries ago in Bethlehem when Christ was born. A little baby born in a stable was wrapped and placed in a manger while his mother, Mary, and Joseph hovered over him. Many times in the Bible it is noted that …
Celebrating with a Hanukkah Tea
The editors of TeaTime Magazine have created a beautiful Hanukkah tea for their recent Teatime Holidays special edition. With this evening marking the fifth night of the Festival of Lights, I wanted to share some of the beautiful décor and delicious recipes. Get the full menu and pairings for this Hanukkah tea on the TeaTime website. From the editors of TeaTime. As the Festival of …
Holiday Inspiration from Christmas with Southern Lady, Vol. 2
Each year I look forward to getting out my Christmas decorations. While it’s not yet Thanksgiving, I am already looking forward to all of the favorite things I’ll unpack. Sometimes the anticipation is half the fun. With ornaments, our Nativity, and all of the other holiday items, there’s something so special about adding festive touches to our homes. This year …
Right Now: Thoughts of Encouragement
I have the great fortune of being asked to speak at many events each year from civic clubs to women’s ministries. Each group is unique, and it is enjoyable to meet people and hear their experiences in life. I love to share my life’s story in hopes that someone will find encouragement in it. Every time I speak, I close …
Easy and Fun DIY Halloween Treats
With Halloween a few days away, it’s time for some special DIY Halloween treats. In the recent issue of Entertain, Decorate, Celebrate, we created a few special ways to gift your favorite goodies. These are the kinds of simple and fun DIY projects that you can enjoy with your children and grandchildren. All it requires is a quick trip to …
Tips for Decorating for Fall from Victoria
Guest post from the editors of Victoria From breathtaking vistas of changing leaves to the radiance of afternoon sunlight that will soon give way to striking ocher sunsets, nature brims with beauty during the fall. The kaleidoscope of hues and textures evident in our surroundings offers inspiration for bringing the splendor of this glorious season indoors. Our latest Victoria Classics …