When I graduated from high school, my dad made me a blanket chest out of walnut wood. I had seen one in an antique store that was completely out of the question to buy. I took him over to see it and he made me my very own blanket chest that I still cherish today. It took the place of …
Magical Marriage of Serving and Centerpiece
It is no secret that I love beautiful serving pieces. I also love beautiful centerpieces. When I find both of those things combined into one, it’s even better. This magical combination comes in the form of the epergne. An epergne is a dining centerpiece that sits on four feet with a large central bowl and four or more smaller bowls …
Unique Centerpieces
It can be a challenge to keep your décor fresh and exciting. I can easily find myself falling into a rut with decorating, especially when it comes to decorating a tablescape. One way I have found to challenge myself and keep my skills sharp is to repurpose unconventional items as unique centerpieces for my table. Cream pitchers and sugar bowls …
Cottages of White
What is your personal style? I am often asked that question, and I have to stop and think about it. I love English-style furniture, French fabrics, and antiques. I went through a period in my life where every room was wall papered, and that phase lasted only a little while. Truthfully, I find that I like to make small changes …
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 …
Special Honors for Southern Home in 2015
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 …
Inspired Christmas Decor from a New Orleans Home
At Christmastime, I love to see beautiful decorations—fresh greenery over entryways and windows, wreaths on doors, and trees bright with lights and ornaments. While there are beautiful homes all over the country this time of year, you know I have a special place in my heart for a gorgeously decorated Southern home. This year’s Holidays special edition of Southern Lady captures …
Inspiring Interiors from Southern Home
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 …
Simple and Stylish Décor Ideas for the Fourth of July
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, …
How to Make a Caged Flower Bouquet
Flowers from the garden, especially roses, are a favorite of mine. The roses at our house are in full bloom, and I wanted to share with you a very special arrangement that is easy to assemble. The woody vines add the finishing touch to the creation. You can have fun substituting vines and branches from your garden as well. With …