I love winter, and as I write to you, it is over 100 degrees here. My first conversation this morning was about my longing for cold weather, Christmas trees, and hot apple cider by the fire. Christmas in July has become a celebrated time here. For truly in Editorial Land, we are having Christmas in July. As I walk through …
We Southern women love to decorate our homes in our favorite colors and patterns. If you know anything about me, you know mine has a lot of blue and white porcelains, fabrics, upholstery, and dishes. When I saw the cover of our new Southern Home special edition, I went completely starry-eyed over the large blue and white striped chairs. Immediately …
I am fortunate to live near Clanton, Alabama, where the most scrumptious peaches are grown. It is always a special treat to get a basket of delicious peaches from one of the growers. When peach harvest occurs, there are two things I look forward to: Peach Ice Cream and Peach Cobbler. Peach Ice Cream is one of my favorite ice …
I met April Cornell when she was a featured speaker at Southern Lady Celebration. Her linens have been on my tables for years. I have collected them and use them constantly. April is the kind of person that when you meet her, you feel as though you have known her for years. Her grace and charm are so inspiring, and …
I love the way using light neutrals in home décor lends an uncomplicated elegance to a room. In my home, I use pale, creamy tones on the walls for an effect that I find both soothing and classic. Since writing my first post about the lovely book Cottage Style: A Palette of White, I have heard a number of compliments …
I am in love with hydrangeas. My bushes are in full bloom right now, and I wish they stayed that way year-round. I started my hydrangea garden after listening to my dear friend Alexandra Stoddard speak of her writing room. The white-drenched room, complete with open windows and billowing curtains, overlooks her French hydrangea garden where the beautiful blue blossoms nod …
I love the drivability of the South. Within several hours, you can pack your bags, hop into the car, and explore so many different things. Among my favorite road trip destinations is West Virginia. State highways winding among the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains beckon you to pull off the road and enjoy the view or take a casual stroll, …
I love to have individual bouquets at my guests’ places when they are seated, especially when it doubles as the place card holder as well. The little bouquet is perfect to take home as a party favor and can be enjoyed for several days. You will need: 1 orange, completely scraped clean inside 4 small green leaves 1 bunch of …
Fireworks bursting, American flags flying, good old-fashioned cookouts—there is so much to love about the Fourth of July. When it comes to decorating for the holiday, I love to draw on my love for blue and white and use bright red blooms and accents as celebratory complements. Over the years, we’ve had a variety of opportunities to experiment with red, …
The Fourth of July is a special kind of celebration. It’s about tradition and love for country, and at the same time, it’s a summer holiday that calls for something fresh and new. I love to serve Southern staples on the Fourth, like some of the favorites featured in Taste of the South. But I’m also fond of new recipes …
