Innholdsfortegnelse for May - June 2010 i Southern Lady

Don’t you just love the beginning of summer? The warm weather seems to bring with it big smiles and fresh ideas. I’m reminded of a May moment, quite some time ago, when now-editor Andrea Fanning joined our staff. During a recent photo shoot, we reminisced about some of our favorite Southern Lady moments, and photographer Kimberly Davis captured the fun. We’ve been working together for almost seven years, and our shared passion for the South and all its wonders plays out on the pages of our publications, especially in our new special issue, Simply Southern. (See Editor Favorites, right, for more information.) Our mutual penchant for beauty and bliss is also evident throughout the May/June issue. Take a look at our staff’s picks for pampering in Lady’s Choice. Then, revel…

Double Bubbles 1. Luxurious ingredients and lovely packaging make these soaking solvents perfect for giving. Breathe Tranquil Bubble Bath, $34, and Wish Foaming Bubble Bath, $49; Lollia, lollialife.com. Summer Dreams 2. Slather on summer with a lotion of linden flower and honey. Summer Hill Scented Body Lotion by Crabtree & Evelyn, $18; Christine’s, 2411 Montevallo Rd., Birmingham, AL 35223; 205-871-8297. Leafy Clean 3. A gentle cleanser ideal for sensitive skin, this shower gel features verbena extract for a fresh, light fragrance. Verbena Harvest Shower Gel, $20; L’Occitane, 888-623-2880; usa.loccitane.com. ophisticated Soaps 4. Milk has been a choice ingredient in soaps for years, but it’s never felt—or looked—better. TokyoMilk Wrapped Soap in Cream, $11; Anthropologie, 800-309-2500; anthropologie.com. Fresh Milk Soap, $13; Sephora, 877-737-4672; sephora.com. Smooth & Lively 5. A great refresher for parched skin, the cream’s tart and citrus scents…

MANGO GREEN TEA SPRITZER Makes 4 to 6 servings 2 cups cold water 4 regular-size green tea bags 1/2 cup sugar 2 (11.3-ounce) cans mango nectar* (about 3 cups) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 cups sparkling water, chilled Garnish: mango slices, mint sprigs 1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, and add tea bags; cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain tea into a large container, and stir in sugar until dissolved. Add mango nectar and lemon juice, stirring to mix well. Cover and chill. 2. To serve, add sparkling water, and stir gently. Garnish with mango slices and mint sprigs, if desired. *For testing purposes, we used Jumex mango nectar.…

Growing Together GARDENING TIP: Give your child a sense of ownership with a set of tools just for her; a hand trowel and watering can will get her started. Grow a Pizza Garden Most children, including my daughter, love pizza. This is one of the reasons we grow fresh herbs and tomatoes; it’s so much fun to make our own pizza at home. Here’s what you need to make a pizza garden: First, select a large weatherproof container or window box with drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the container halfway with a potting mix. Add a handful each of compost and coarse sand. Choose a few herbs in about 4-inch pots—we like thyme, oregano, and basil. (Note: Rosemary performs best in its own container.) Gently remove the herbs from…

Close your eyes and picture a quaint farmhouse in the Loire Valley—climbing roses infusing the air with their heavenly fragrance, sunlight streaming through open windows, a rustic table set for a modest meal. Capture the blissful spirit of the French countryside with a setting every bit as bright and beautiful. Begin this carefree tablescape by choosing china in pristine white; Country Heritage by Villeroy & Boch combines curves and swirls in a pretty variety of patterns. For linens, use place mats in a soft, whitewashed botanical print and napkins with yellow swirls. Play up the saffron shade with pops of it throughout the setting—juicy lemons piled high in a bowl, tulips and daylilies in the floral displays. Echo the casual country ambiance with simple nosegays of grasses and tiny buds…

Though she studied art history under Yale’s legendary Vincent Scully, North Carolina writer Susan Sully considers herself more of an “architectural medium” than a historian. The author of several books that survey Southern architecture and design, she says, “I go in and I read the aura of the house.” Susan admits it sounds a little strange, but perhaps it’s a fitting description for the way she conducts research and interviews, considering each residence as a witness to time, a canvas for trends, and a player in the day-to-day life of its owners. In other words, it’s not simply a factual framework she seeks. “It’s the romance. It’s the story,” she says. The story of Susan’s own Blue Ridge Mountain home includes a chapter on the living room, a favorite space…

HONEY PISTACHIO CREAM Makes 1 1/4 cups 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup very finely chopped roasted and salted pistachios 1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and honey. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add cream; beat until stiff peaks form. Cover and chill. Immediately before serving, stir in pistachios. DRIED APRICOT SCONES Makes 8 scones 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar, divided 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces 1 cup finely chopped dried apricots 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream, divided 1. Preheat oven to 375º. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.…

Apalachicola, Florida Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour: April 30–May 1, 2010 This 18th annual Trinity Church celebration gives visitors a peek into Apalachicola’s prosperous past and is a show of gratitude to the current owners who’ve been so dedicated to preserving that history. America’s Great Plein Air Paint-Out: May 7-17, 2010 Who better to record all that is charming, picturesque, authentic, and colorful about this area than dozens of artists competing in Florida’s Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational? If you aren’t familiar with this format, plein air is French for the act of painting outdoors. It’s fun to watch art happen as nationally acclaimed artists plant their easels all along the coast from Mexico Beach to Alligator Point in this fifth annual event. When Apalachicola was left off an…

Volumes of Inspiration I have been reading your magazine since 1999. I have saved every issue and have referred to them for ideas numerous times. I have had the great fortune of having my dream home built; I knew exactly how each room was to be decorated because of the ideas I obtained from your magazine. I have learned so much by reading Southern Lady and feel that my life has been enriched in more ways than one because of it. Thank you. Renee Chesnut Leesburg, Alabama Cover-worthy Confection I just received my March/April Southern Lady issue with the beautiful pastel cake. It made my mouth water by just looking at it! What a great cover—people will buy the magazine just to look at and dream about eating that little…

When Christophe-Phillipe Oberkampf began producing a high-quality cotton cloth at his factory in Jouy-en-Josas, France, he could not have imagined just how popular it would become. Called Toile de Jouy, the fabric took its name from toile, the French word for cloth, and referenced the town where it was first made in 1760. Initially, designs were applied to the fabric with 10- inch wood blocks engraved in the mirror image of the design. Later, engraved copperplates replaced the blocks, and eventually a Swiss machine that produced more detailed designs was used to print the cloth. Drawing inspiration from snippets of pastoral life in the French countryside, charming scenes danced across muted backgrounds of cream and white. As more and more companies began producing similar fabrics, the designs featured scenes from…

For Kathy Shepherd, reminiscing about childhood summers at her great-grandmother’s house in Savannah, Georgia, brings to mind sand, salty breezes, and a classic confection. Her great-grandmother always capped off a day at the beach with a slice of pound cake. “You could never go in the kitchen without opening the cake dome and there’d be a homemade pound cake right there. It was her tradition,” Kathy says. It was never meant to be a business, though. Kathy and her husband, Tim, of Incredible Southern Poundcakes in Stockbridge, Georgia, had no idea what lay ahead. A childhood love of the Southern treat and a major disappointment in a pound cake lauded on a television food program launched them on a journey to pound cake fame. Kathy originally baked pound cakes at…

THE BEAUTY OF JASMINE HILL Classical Inflfluence Welcome to Jasmine Hill. In this tuckedaway haven near Montgomery, Alabama, magnolias and oakleaf hydrangeas mingle with Greek art. Entrepreneurs Benjamin and Mary Fitzpatrick began developing the property in the 1920s and made dozens of trips to Greece to study the culture and fifind statuary for the gardens. The Fitzpatricks’ legacy continues today, thanks to the support of Jim and Elmore Inscoe, who set up a nonprofifit foundation to share the outdoor museum with future generations. Southern Seasons A stroll through Jasmine Hill’s 20 acres reveals an ever-changing landscape of azaleas, daylilies, and crape myrtles, while man-made marvels like The Marathon Boy and the winged Nike of Samothrace keep watch through the shifting seasons. The gardens are open on announced weekends March through…

As May breezes in each year, my mailbox seems to fill with wedding invitations. If I know the bride and groom well, then choosing the right gift is a fairly easy task. If I’m not as familiar with them, I rely on the couple’s bridal registry to guide my selection. And more often than not, I choose stems of sparkling crystal as my gift to them. Newlywed or not, a homemaker is best served with a comprehensive collection of glassware. In addition to casual glasses for everyday use, a variety of stemware—from water goblets to Champagne flutes—allows a hostess to serve drinks in the vessel best suited to each beverage. For example, a sparkling wine should be served in a narrow rimmed glass to maintain its effervescent quality, while a…

Ashland: T The Henry Clay Estate The Promised Land As hardworking attorney Henry Clay’s political star began to rise, the future statesman dreamed of acquiring land outside of Lexington to build a home that both reflected his success and gave his young family room to grow. He found the ideal spot a few miles from town, and began building a home in 1804 that would eventually be a full five-part Federal-style mansion To Henry Clay, Ashland became more than just a structure. The home and its idyllic setting became a sanctuary from the trials and tribulations of his life in the public arena. He was never happier than when at his beloved estate, often opining that unlike Moses, he had actually reached his Promised Land. In addition to his political…

When poet James Russell Lowell posed the question “What is so rare as a day in June?” this is the very day he had in mind. With skies as blue as a robin’s egg and gentle breezes carrying the sweet perfume of summer flowers throughout the air, it is the perfect time to gather the ladies for a luncheon outdoors To minimize the work and maximize the fun, keep the menu and setting simple. The predominantly pink color scheme of the table linens emphasizes the feminine nature of the occasion. Show off summer-blooming blossoms with floral arrangements both big and small. Then, turn your attention to the food. With the fresh taste of lime juice and a whisper of crisp mint, breezy beverages keep luncheon-goers refreshed and relaxed. To ensure…

FRESH BLACKBERRY NAPOLEONS Makes 8 servings 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, divided 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup seedless blackberry preserves Fresh blackberries Garnish: whipped cream, fresh blackberries, fresh mint 1. In a large bowl, beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, and cornstarch. Add flour mixture, 2 tablespoons cream, and vanilla to butter. Beat until well combined. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. 3. On a lightly floured surface, roll…

COVER Plate and Linens; Bromberg’s. COLLECTOR’S CORNER: TOILE DE JOUY PAGE 22: Vintage Toile Fabric; June Laval, author of Antique French Textiles for Designers published by Schiffer Books, available at bookstores nationwide or online at schifferbooks.com. New Orleans Toile; Hazelnut. ENTERTAINING TOUCHES PAGE 30: Miniature Urns with ivy; Old Time Pottery. Birds in urns and Flower Stems in watering can; Hobby Lobby. Lovebird Napkin Rings; English Ivy. Miniature Birdbath; Home Accent. Natural Chargers; Pier 1. SEASONAL SETTINGS: FRESH & SIMPLE PAGES 52-55: Country Heritage Dinnerware and Boston Highball and Goblets; Villeroy & Boch. Roman Antique Flatware; Vietri. Place Mats, Galvanized Floral Containers, and Mini Watering Cans; Pottery Barn. Napkins; Target. Herend Bird Figurine and Floral Arrangement Container; Bromberg’s. Floral Arrangement on Buffet; Flower Stems. FRESH LOOK: MY BLUE HEAVEN PAGE…

Cultivating Style 1. The picture of stylish practicality, this pretty-patterned apron features an assortment of pockets to keep your tools close at hand. Full Apron in Berries Print with Indigo, $29.50; Angela’s Garden, 215-629-0123; angelas- garden.com. Duck to Water 4. Equally charming when used to hold fresh-cut flowers, a playful watering can makes daily tasks more fun. Duck Watering Can, $19.95; Jackson & Perkins, 800-292-4769; jacksonandperkins.com. Helping Hands 2. Quality construction— which includes reinforced finger tips—and charming, feminine fabric make these gloves a hands-down favorite. Rendezvous Gloves, $20; Ethel Gloves, 877-384- 4587; ethelgloves.com. Savvy Sipper 3. Keep hydrated during a day of planting and pruning with an eco-chic water bottle. Designer Drinks Water Bottle in Green Parsley, $18; Uncommon Goods, 888-365-0056; uncommongoods.com. A Year of Cheer 5. Twelve colorful containers with…

Yazoo City, Mississippi—it’s a magical-sounding place also known as the “Gateway to the Delta.” Stars from Jerry Clower to Willie Morris have risen from this fabled town where verdant hills give way to stretches of flatlands. But for lifelong resident and artist Hope Carr, “It’s just home,” she says. “The people here have been my biggest support,” Hope continues. Starting with the local restaurateur who bought her first painting 25 years ago and still displays it in one of his dining rooms, this quaint town has been a great source of both encouragement and inspiration. Vast Southern landscapes of fields, forest, and riverbanks surround her, while even the backdrop of her back patio offers picturesque views. When cold or rain keeps her indoors, Hope often turns to stacks of personal…

Tucked away in the garden, a birdbath beckons our sweet-tweeting friends to lark about in the cooling water. Capture the spirit of woodland charm with an enchanting tablescape that ingeniously brings the outdoors in by featuring a birdbath centerpiece. Snip several beautiful blossoms from the backyard, and gently flfloat them in the bowl of the bath. Then, nestle a pair of lovebird salt and pepper shakers beneath as if they had just scampered into the shade to escape the heat of the day. Continue the botanical bliss with variegated ivy potted in tiny urns—these adorabale accents can also double as place card holders by adding guests’ names to spoon-shaped plant stakes. With nature as the source of inspiration, this sylvan scene is sure to please.…

“This is a book about how not to arrange flowers,” writes floral and interior designer Jane Durbridge in the introduction to Easy Flowers, the book she has co-authored with Antonia Swinson. By way of explanation, the two have filled the book with ideas for creating floral displays that are simple enough for anyone to reproduce. Gather a large bunch of backyard blossoms into an airy bouquet, tuck into a fabric shopping bag, then place on the hearth for an informal but impressive look. Or slip a variety of long-stemmed blooms into a collection of clear glass bottles in an eye-catching array atop a dresser or bookcase. The possibilities are limitless! At the authors’ urging, your creativity is set free, and you confidently become the floral genius you’ve always aspired to…

morning glory See what all the buzz is about and make a beeline for flower-shaped salad plates in four different designs. Place them atop bead-rimmed plates in soft sage, then anchor the settings with bold-patterned linens in bright asparagus green. A twistedfork ring adds a bit of whimsy to this lighthearted brunch tablescape. CHINA Milestone Tulip Collection Dessert Plate, $56 for set of 4; Mottahedeh; mottahedeh.com. Emma Dinner Plate in Green, $12; Pottery Barn, 888-779-5176; potterybarn.com. STEMWARE Handblown Green Rim Goblet, $8; Pier 1 Imports, 800-245-4595; pier1.com. NAPKIN Lattice Napkin in Too Green, $8; Patricia Spratt, 800-964-9291, patriciasprattforthehome.com. Flatware Napkin Ring, $2.99; Bed Bath & Beyond; bedbathandbeyond.com. PLACE MAT Lattice Place Mat in Too Green, $13; Patricia Spratt, 800-964-9291; patriciasprattforthehome.com. sitting pretty Porcelain songbirds perch on ruffled floral-print napkins in…

Ah, summer. The frothy white clouds and Carolina blue skies of this sultry season put you in a vacation frame of mind. And even if you can’t physically get away, you can create a restful hideaway right in your own home with easy-to-make accents that update and uplift the bedroom. This time of year is ideal for trying your hand at those projects on your to-do list, like making an upholstered headboard or sewing a monogrammed pillow or two. Bearing in mind that clean lines and simplicity have a calming effect, our savvy specialists at Pate-Meadows Designs fashioned a headboard of plywood and foam, then covered it in durable and versatile burlap. Its neutral color goes with any palette—especially the tranquil blues and creams seen here—and buttons add a finished…

Mary Todd Lincoln House Future First Lady The two-story brick Georgian on West Main Street in Lexington was built just after the turn of the 19th century as an inn called “The Sign of the Green Tree.” One of the town’s most distinguished citizens, Robert Smith Todd, purchased the inn in 1832 as a home for his rather large family, which included 14-year-old daughter Mary, future wife of Abraham Lincoln. The Todd family was very involved in the political scene, and Mary grew up listening to some of the most noted names in American history—including Henry Clay and John Wesley Hunt—discuss the issues of the day. At the time, Lexington was considered every bit as cosmopolitan as Philadelphia or Boston, and the Todds’ circle included those in the highest ranks…

We’ve heard the mantra countless times and have probably repeated it ourselves on occasion: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Pastry chef and restaurateur Gale Gand wholeheartedly agrees, but she has reasons beyond just good nutrition. Since she’s also a busy mother of three, inviting guests for fancy dinner parties is often out of the question. “Brunch can be so much easier and more relaxed than dinner,” Gale writes in her new cookbook, Gale Gand’s Brunch! “If I’m going to entertain at home, it needs to be easy and relaxed!” Gale created and compiled 100 mid-morning recipes that are spectacular in their simplicity, focusing more on quality ingredients in fresh combinations and less on difficult techniques. Many of the selections, she points out, can be prepared in…