Winter is my favorite time of the year. There is something enchanting about evergreens and snow, just a slight dusting will do. The fragrance of fires burning in the fireplace is wonderful. Winter is a calm season to me. The plants are asleep waiting on their spring entrance, but right now the world is quiet. The sunsets are brilliant in …
Tonight’s the night to sing “Auld Lang Syne!” It is always sung in holiday movies, in Times Square, on popular TV shows, and many times at New Year’s gatherings. But what does it mean? I did a little research and found this on www.Scotland.org. In sentimental American movies, Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne is sung by crowds at the big …
January is the perfect time for warm comfort food. You would be hard-pressed to find an easier way to make a hot and delicious dinner than with your slow cooker. This winter, the editors of Taste of the South have collected some of their best recipes for slow cookers in their latest special edition, Southern Slow Cooker. They’ve included some …
The new issue of Southern Home came out just before Christmas, and I couldn’t be more pleased with this new title. The interiors are so splendid. I find fresh inspiration on each page. This year, Southern Home received a special honor. Mr. Magazine™ named it one of the “30 Hottest Consumer Magazine Launches of 2015.” Here’s what he had to …
Mom always had Cookie Day when we were growing up. It was a whole day dedicated to making her sugar cookies and icing them! Her recipe for these classic Christmas cookies had to be made a day ahead so that the dough could be refrigerated before we rolled it out for cutting. Fast forward many years when we were publishing …
Christmas is just a few days away. Excitement is growing among our children and grandchildren, isn’t it? I truly love the holidays but not because of the hustle and bustle but for the quiet times by the tree with lights twinkling. The truth is—I love Christmas movies! I have taped every one of the movies I can find, and when …
Did you know we have some expert hostesses in our midst? After reading your responses to my last etiquette post, I can only imagine how wonderful being a guest at one of your homes would be. Your thoughts on how to be a perfect hostess are too good not to share. Graciously opening your home to others is as much …
Tomorrow, I am playing the piano for one of the most exciting events in Birmingham, the annual Samford Legacy League Christmas Home Tour. I love this event and every year some of the most beautiful homes in our city are open for tours. I get some great Christmas ideas. It is always inspiring for me to see the work of …
When I posted a series of etiquette tips for being the perfect guest last month, I was so impressed to see your responses. We all know that good manners are essential at any time of year. The busy holiday season—with all of its parties and occasions for entertaining—means we have more reason than usual to be on our best behavior. …
I love the holidays and look forward to gatherings of friends and family. I have been asked by several people to write some etiquette suggestions for being a well-mannered guest this holiday season. Now, I do not profess to be the holiday etiquette queen, but I have learned a few interesting things in my life. Watching guests arrive and seeing …
