The other day, I was in a conversation about setting an elegant coastal-themed tablescape and what dining options were available. It’s hard sometimes to find pieces that enhance the theme without being over stated. After a roundabout of sorts we landed on the topic of Oyster plates. I love Oyster plates! The sizes, shapes and patterns amaze me. Did you …
This past weekend, Birmingham got a bit of rain, and with it we got a gust of cooler weather. Generally, my preference is to have cold weather because I HATE to sweat, but I wondered about our delicate new blooms and if they would survive the chill. Each year, the weather is a little different, and I started think about …
We are still there, and sister is at the beach! While she’s been gone, I’ve had full run of the house, and full parent duty. Last week, my Dad was in the hospital and I stayed there to help both my mom and him if they needed it. Hospitals are a very interesting place. When I was a child, I …
What better way to say Happy Valentine’s Day than with a beautiful love letter? I just treasure the little notions of love that I have been presented with from those closest to me. Love notes can be elegant or even crafty and fun. Both are a beautiful way to portray how much that special someone means to you. You can …
This post is part of the Southern Lady Magazine’s “Gracious Living in the New Year” web series. When we were designing our new home for the remodel, Neal and I planned one large room to serve as the living room, dining room and piano room with the kitchen opening right into the family room. It’s one room for all. I …
Spring is always a delightful time at our home. The tulips that we labored to plant in the fall are popping up all around. And the daffodils are competing for the first bloom! When we had our ranch (it came with Neal when I married him!), I got this bright idea that we would plant daffodils all over the meadows …
January is the month to get organized, as well as to simplify our minds and lives. For me, this means I start cleaning out my kitchen. After the holidays I find extra tools, pans, and books cluttering my cooking space. Those over sized pans are essential when serving the family come Christmas dinner, but during the rest of the year …
Timeless interiors evolve around key furnishings that anchor the room—allowing colors, fabrics, and accessories to create visual interest that can easily and affordably be changed with the seasons or trends. With 35 years of experience designing well-appointed homes, design expert Deborah Hastings shares her favorite style secrets to achieving good design that can be applied to any home on any …
Happy New Year! When I count my blessings during this time of the year, I count each one of you who constantly encourage me with your lovely comments. Together we can challenge each other to remember our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future with great hope. At Hoffman Media, we try our best to give back to …
These quick and easy made-in-the-hoop gift card holders are so fun to spiffy up. You can make them cute and clever or elegant bits of art. These crafty card holders make it fun to give the gift that never gets returned and always is appreciated—gift cards! The free embroidery designs come with the purchase of a Classic Sewing Holiday issue. …
