Innholdsfortegnelse for July - August 2008 i Southern Lady

Summer is certainly in full swing. Ladies everywhere are traveling to fabulous vacation spots, spending a few lazy hours reading by the pool, delighting in full-to-bursting gardens, and trying to gracefully navigate the humidity that is the signature of summer in the South. We take things more slowly, inhale more deeply, and enjoy each day more fully. This issue of Southern Lady embraces summer classics. Inspired by the watermelon, that striped staple of outdoor get-togethers, the deliciously refreshing sorbet on our cover is just the first taste of what lies within. Strolling through the garden, partying by the pool, lounging on the porch—we give these timeless activities a fresh twist to inspire you to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. And speaking of twists, we remember the days of Chubby…

The easy pace of summer leaves us lots of time for daydreaming, but don’t stop there. Make the leap from daydreams to reality with a living room revamp. A splash of island inspiration and the zing of zebra print add pizzazz to a polished palette of solids and patterns. The bold floral offers a plethora of colors from which to pull coordinating fabrics and trims, and the eyecatching animal print brings its own brand of chic sophistication. designer’s notes…

Sally Powell is keen on color. The bright and fanciful chapeaux seen at the Kentucky Derby caught her eye and served as inspiration for her wildly successful series of paintings known as the Hat Ladies. In a myriad of cheery hues, the lovely ladies dance across the canvas in brilliant swirls of color. “Women are always telling me that certain ladies remind them of their sisters or particular friends,” says the Georgia artist. Sally grew up taking drawing lessons and wandering the aisles of a local art supply store, inspired by creative atmospheres of any kind. After college, she made her way to Atlanta for a stint as an interior designer with the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). It was there she met her husband, Eddie, an art director and…

Summer doesn’t tiptoe in. It bursts forth with an eagerness unmatched by other seasons and gives us a reason to indulge in extravagance. Perfect for outdoor dining, this display begins with an array of fruity vessels. With a little creative knife work, watermelons, cantaloupes, and pineapples become clever vases. Choose a medley of beloved blooms—roses, hydrangeas, and such—then add the unexpected punch of flamboyant birds of paradise for a truly exotic touch. Tuck in a few wispy blades of ornamental grass for visual effect, and use yellow pompons to fill in. Crinkle-cut kiwifruit and grapes galore spill from the containers, and little oranges, leaves intact, are sprinkled about as if they’ve just dropped down from the tree. A little over the top? Perhaps. But, after all, it’s summer, the time…

Skipping rocks by the creek banks, lazing on the dock, casting lines in the river, strolling barefoot in the surf—yes, the best of Southern summers is found by the water. Whatever pool of refreshment beckons you back each hot July, you’ll appreciate the maritime marvel of this tablescape awash with the very best elements of ship and shore. Let a formal white tablecloth form a neat and elegant base, then build this summertime setting around the traditional nautical colors of red and blue. A china pattern that mixes and matches oceanic motifs serves as the perfect anchor for the table, especially when set atop a net-inspired, sand-colored macramé place mat. Complement both the seafaring theme and color scheme with apple green napkins embroidered with an anchor and fastened with boating…

A Month of Summer When Rebecca’s parents divorced, her mother demanded complete loyalty from her only child. Obedient to her very core, Rebecca complied and cut her father, Edward, out of her life. Rebecca certainly had no desire to get to know his new wife, Hanna Beth, and her mentally disabled son, Teddy. Though the courts ordered a monthlong visit with her father, Rebecca refused to go, and Edward did not push. Flash forward 30-plus years. Rebecca is married to a fellow lawyer, and they share a busy practice. Since her mother’s death, Rebecca also oversees the boutique her late mother left behind, a responsibility that has grown increasingly onerous. Factor in a strained relationship with her husband and a 9-year-old daughter with a jam-packed activities schedule of her own,…

The inaugural season of HGTV’s Design Star featured a fresh-faced designer with an unmistakable Southern drawl and a knack for creating lovely and livable rooms. Alice Fakier captured viewers’ hearts with her imaginative style and enviable composure in an incredibly competitive arena. She took her delightful charm and design talents all the way to the finals, gathering a loyal following in the process. Alice grew up in Shreveport and earned a degree in psychology before returning to school at Louisiana Tech for her interior design degree. “I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was young,” says Alice. “My mom would put fabric scraps, scissors, and thread in my Christmas stocking so I could make all of my Barbie clothes.” Between classes, she worked at fabric stores, indulging her…

WATERMELON SORBET Makes 1 1/2 quarts 2 cups sugar 1 cup water 6 cups seeded and diced watermelon 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons lime zest 1/4 teaspoon salt Garnish: lime zest, fresh mint In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and cool completely. In the work bowl of a food processor, puree watermelon until smooth. Strain juice through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing solids; discard solids. In a medium bowl, combine sugar mixture, watermelon juice, lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Cover, and chill for 4 hours to overnight. Pour mixture into a gel-type countertop freezer. Freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. (Note:…

MMaking jams, jellies, and preserves can be a rewarding but intimidating experience. “Jamlady” Beverly Ellen Schoonmaker Alfeld has taken her years of experience and love for all things “spreads” and condensed this knowledge into a cookbook that equips both new cooks and seasoned chefs with the information they need to tackle the task. With her affinity for canning spilling off each page, Jamlady takes cooks through the entire process, starting with the science behind it. She explains each member of the spread family, defining jelly, jam, preserve, butter, marmalade, conserve, spread, and chutney, and she provides well-researched recipes for each. Every section of the cookbook offers its own important—and delicious—information. The author grew up surrounded by her family’s commercial greenhouse and nursery, meaning she was also surrounded by pristine produce.…

There is something romantic about the written exchanges from years past. But until the mid-19th century, mail was often refused because recipients did not want to pay the costly and irregular postage prices. This began to change when England issued the world’s first stamp, the Penny Black, in 1840. The first American stamps were introduced seven years later, and a craze for communication by post rapidly developed. With correspondence costs suddenly much more affordable, the public became particularly interested in exchanging quick written messages. Precursors to the present-day postcard appeared in forms such as lithograph prints and envelopes with pictures printed on them. The evolution continued, and by the 1870s, the post office offered “postal cards” preprinted with a one-cent stamp. With European countries leading the way, “souvenir” cards, or…

A cherry red paddlewheel trails streams of bubbling Mississippi as passengers stroll the decks and wave farewells toward passing shores—this postcard picture may as well be from 1948, when the Delta Queen began offering luxury tours on the Great Mississippi. Since then, the iconic paddlewheeler, the last of its kind, has become a symbol of a vanishing world, one full of adventure and mystery and a culture so originally dynamic it inspired many of our favorite books, movies, musicals, and songs. Built in the late 1920s and deemed the “milliondollar boat” because of its costly construction and lavish appointments, the Delta Queen is the last operating steam paddleboat that carries overnight passengers. The historic vessel served in World War II, transporting U.S. Navy troops to ships, and is the only…

“The flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days.”—Robert Leighton “The flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days.”—Robert Leighton If you are looking for a flower that instantly says summer, think hibiscus. Also called rosemallow, this plant of the Malvaceae family shares its tropical heritage with other heat-loving relatives—cotton, cocoa, and okra. A native of China, the flower lollopped its way around the world via the South Pacific and Hawaii. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the “Chinese” or “tropical” hibiscus, is the most popular variety. It’s the state flower of Hawaii and is often found tucked behind the ears of the lovely island ladies. The hibiscus is easily identified by large, trumpetshaped flowers in bright, vivid colors. Besides its usual hues of white, pink, purple, yellow,…

Charcoal clouds roll in wispy spirals through a wideopen North Alabama sky the color of cornflower and thistle. Sparse raindrops, illuminated like prisms by fragments of sunlight, plummet toward the red clay. Art is all around. From the shelter of her studio entryway, Natalie Chanin leans against the doorframe and watches the show. She has just taken a break from signing her newly released Alabama Stitch Book and from chatting with giddy shoppers who are perusing the wealth of wares at the Alabama Chanin annual sample sale. Delicate beading and precision embroidery define motifs of stylized leaves, flowers, birds, and swirling shapes on everything from T-shirts to throw pillows, but it’s Natalie’s signature reverse appliqués that truly set these items apart. Made from a combination of new, organic, and recycled…

Gidget Glow 1. Here’s a fast and healthy way to get that kissedby- the-sun look guaranteed to have Moondoggie howling. Bronzing Face Luster by Fresh, $45; Sephora, 877-737-4672; sephora.com. Quick Fix 2. Get an all-over tan in minutes with this lightweight, tinted lotion. You’ll be out the door and on your glowing way in a snap. Jiffy Tan, $24; Benefit, 800-781-2336; benefitcosmetics.com. Que Sera Sera 3. These chic shades come with an easygoing attitude—whatever will be, will be. Channel your favorite ’60s movie star and filter the sun at the same time. Doris sunglasses, $118; Banana Republic, 888-277-8953; bananarepublic.com. Carried Away 4. These versatile retro-fab bags are sleek enough to tote every day, but roomy enough to be carry-ons. Vinyl tote, $39.99; Express; expressfashion.com for store locations. Route 66 5.…

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native Mark Mason and his sand-sculpting group, Team Sandtastic, have always been right at home in the sand, designing and building larger-than-life sculptures that are far from ordinary. These works of art depict almost anything and everything the mind can imagine—ornate castles with towers and drawbridges, 100-ton sand villages with dancing townsfolk, creatures and critters from the sea or the jungle, and even replicas of national landmarks such as Mount Rushmore. “Sand sculptures bring everyone back to their childhood— good memories of having fun on a family vacation or time in the sandbox,” says Mark. “Our sculptures also show that sand is a viable art medium.” Mark formed Team Sandtastic almost 20 years ago, but he has had his head in the sand since he was a…

initial reaction ABOVE: At first glance, it’s the elegant monogrammed china that jumps from this true blue tablescape. Set in the center of the plate and surrounded by an elaborately scrolled border, an initial of your choosing brings a gracious note to the table. Upon closer inspection, an additional layer of interest emerges—a delightful diversity of textures. Begin with a simple bare-wood table, then add a soft ecru place mat and a woven rattan charger that tie in with tones of the table. Slip a creamy linen napkin into a handsome wooden rooster ring, and add daisy glassware with a raised floral motif. A centerpiece of brilliant blue completes this breakfast-time look. a twist of lemon ABOVE: Eschewing a cloth in favor of a table runner, set your chosen china…

Materials • Pail or container with red gingham ribbon • Soaked floral foam • Green viburnum • Blue gentiana • Lily grass • Red gerbera daisies Step-by-Step: Step 1. Fill pail or container with floral foam. Insert clusters of viburnum around rim of container and throughout center, nearly to cover. Step 2. Place gentiana vertically to create height. Then, add pieces of grass so that they bend away from center of arrangement. Step 3. To finish, insert gerbera daisies near base.…

While other antiques enthusiasts search for rosewood armchairs or Victorian sofas, Nicki Huggins has her sights set on a different sort of seating. Inspired by the old glider from her grandmother’s front porch, where she spent Southern summer evenings watching fireflies and eating watermelon, Nicki is interested in the American-made steel patio furniture of the 1920s to 1960s. The restored gliders and chairs headline her company, Retropatio, as well as a unique style we thought perfect for summertime spruce ups. After all, Nicki has become a pro at creating outdoor spaces that feel like rooms, indoor spaces that feel like porches, and an overall design scheme that feels like there is no great difference between the two This easy-to-achieve style relies heavily on hues. Nicki says, “Don’t just think in…

Without question, I love blue and white. It is absolutely my favorite color combination. I love it on curtains, sofas, clothes, containers, and especially on china. In fact, my brimming with cups and saucers, bowls and plates, teapots and serving pieces all illustrating this affinity. Though I enjoy using my blue and white dinnerware year-round, I think it looks best in the summertime. The bright and bold motifs look lovely at brunches and lunh ons, and they also work nicely for the annual celebration of my husband’s birthday, which just so happens to be in July . While the addition of simple—and patriotic—redaccents makes a dramatic and inviting presentation,variety of colors pair well with the timeless appeal of blue and white. Golden yellow, lemon yellow, sky blue, apple green, and…

Menu Cherry Limeade Ande’s Fancy Burgers Parmesan Onion Rings with Roasted Red Pepper Dipping Sauce Banana Split Ice Cream Dessert “Honest to goodness, it’s the absolute ultimate!” —Gidget CHERRY LIMEADE Makes about 1/2 gallon 3 cups water 1 cup fresh lime juice 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup maraschino cherry juice 4 cups lemon-lime-flavored carbonated beverage, chilled Garnish: lime slices, maraschino cherries, fresh mint sprigs In a large pitcher, combine water, lime juice, sugar, and maraschino cherry juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Chill until ready to serve. Slowly add lemon-lime-flavored carbonated beverage to pitcher, stirring gently to combine. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices, cherries, and fresh mint, if desired. ANDE'S FANCY BURGERS Makes 4 servings 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 tablespoons Worcestershire…

COVER Yellow napkins; World Market. Cups and table linen; privately owned. Floral design; Flower Stems. SOUTHERN SPOTLIGHT: BRIMMING WITH SUCCESS PAGE 24: Galleries: Art Alley, Homewood, Alabama; 205-879-1105, artalley.net; Big Mama’s Hula Girl Gallery, Grayton Beach, Florida; 850-231-6201, bigmamashulagirlgallery.com; and Gregg Irby Fine Art, Atlanta, Georgia; 404-941-9787, greggirbyfineart.com. ENTERTAINING TOUCHES PAGE 32: White linen runner; Pottery Barn. Banana leaf ottoman table; At Home Furnishings. Floral fruit arrangements; Flower Stems. SEASONAL SETTINGS: ANCHORS AWEIGH PAGE 38: “Seaport Collection” dinner and salad plates; The Dish. Wooden buoys and netting; Seibels. Antique glass buoys and netting; Tricia’s Treasures. Green cotton napkins with anchor embroidery— napkins from Chelsea Lane; embroidery by Top Stitchin’. Red napkins; Target. Lantern; Stein Mart. Decorative seagull; HomeGoods. Driftwood pieces and place mats; Pottery Barn. SET TO SERVE: TWIST &…