The style of your home is a personal decision. Some pieces in our homes are gifted or passed down, others are instant favorites that were worth the splurge, but they are all a piece of the larger puzzle we call our lives. A great interior designer beautifies and enhances this style without losing the true feel of a home. Too …
Fresh corn is one of the many perks that summer brings. The golden kernels are a juicy and sweet delight that I enjoy to this day. There isn’t much that’s better than farm fresh corn on the cob. As a child we used to help mom by shucking the corn for dinner. We’d huddle on the porch around a sheet …
The idea behind this serene wonderland in Birmingham, Alabama, all started with a simple T-shirt. When a dear friend of mine, Diana Hansen and her husband moved into a beautiful older home, they acquired a spectacular garden. Diana says, “I was so inspired by the flowers there, I began to draw them.” Her husband, a professional photographer, took pictures of …
When my friend Lucy Buffett called to tell me about her wonderful new book, I couldn’t have been more pleased. Gumbo Love—what a brilliant name for a book! One of my favorite dishes of all time is gumbo. Now there are a million versions of this favorite, so I was thrilled to know she was sharing her recipe along with …
It sure feels like summer time here, and when its particularly warm I can’t help but think of afternoon escapes. One of my favorite ways to escape is with a delightful cup of tea in the cool shade. This summertime tablescape perfectly embodies the dreamiest of summer afternoons. Touches of traditional seersucker and delicate eyelet are perfect embellishments for a …
I love sharing my family with you. Today I asked my son Brian Hart Hoffman to write a blog post about baking. He has turned out to be quite the baker, and I’m proud to say he is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Bake From Scratch magazine. I hope you enjoy: I love to bake, but I’m sure you already …
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 weekend is Memorial Day, and I imagine many of us will be headed to the beach or to the backyard for some quality time in the sun to kick off summer! It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring the family together. When planning for such an event its important, for your sanity and energy, to find easy recipes to satisfy …
Van Atkins is a premiere jewelry store in New Albany, Mississippi, and they are a favorite of mine. Many of you who have read the pages of our magazines for years will recognize their work. Chuck Cooper and his staff have graciously worked with our editorial staff when we have needed beautiful Jewelry to feature on our pages. When Neal …
I’m always looking for quick and easy ways to create a personalized gift. In the new summer issue of Classic Sewing Magazine, there is a fun appliqué project that is perfect for those occasions. Appliqués are a wonderful way to embellish anything from a cloth purse, to a cozy pillow, or even a plush blanket. In this Summer Fun project, …
