Innholdsfortegnelse for September - October 2010 i Southern Lady

Don’t you just love that first crisp day of autumn? It’s such a welcome relief after months of summer heat, and we know the spectacular show of fall color is just around the corner. Soon we’ll see neat bales of hay in the fields and pumpkins piled high at the curb market—all signs of this wonderful season. I can hardly wait to bring home pots of my favorite bronze mums to put in all the nooks and crannies of the ranch. Fall is delightful in all parts of the South, and we rejoice in the splendor of the season. We continue our historical series with a visit to Richmond, Virginia, home to some of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever seen. Travel with us to North Carolina to pop into…

In a small space, espaliers show off your imagination, raising the garden to new heights—up walls and fences. In large spaces, espaliers can create dramatic backgrounds, focal points, or accents. “ ” Espalier Explained There are many different methods of espalier from very formal to quite informal. Perhaps the most common design is the cordon, a versatile style formed by horizontal tiers. In larger gardens and landscapes, the cordon form, along with the Belgian Fence, make great living screens or dividers. Other widespread designs include the fan, the candelabra, and archways. Fruit trees, such as crabapples, dwarf apples, apples, pears, quince, and figs, are among the most popular espalier plants. Others to try include camellias, cotoneasters, viburnums, forsythia, flowering quince, witch hazels, and Magnolia grandiflora. For detailed instructions on getting…

In November, women from coast to coast will gather in Atlanta for our annual Southern Lady Celebration— and you’re invited! In addition to a dynamic speaker lineup, the event will include a special Saturday morning presentation all about preparing for the holidays—and it will be hosted by yours truly. I’ll share some of my favorite decorating and entertaining ideas, and along with help from my dear family and our talented staff, I’ll give you lots of tips and tricks that you can use to make the season bright for you and yours. No one celebrates quite like Southern Lady, and this is an exclusive opportunity you won’t want to miss. To learn more, see page 4, and visit southernladymagazine.com to see my special video invitation for the event. Hope to…

FROM THE RAFTERS Rays of sun, rustic lanterns, and a simple chandelier shed some light on an oft-unexplored entertaining ground: the barn. Blanketed in rust-colored cloth and a burlap overlay tied with twine, round tables provide plenty of seating for this casual yet classy occasion. New plaid rugs serve as runners on the table and can be repurposed post-party, while julep cups and painted pails become clever containers for cheery floral arrangements. HORSING AROUND Make the most of autumn’s inviting atmosphere, and stage the party inside and out. Serve this spread buffet style, and round up some of Mister Ed’s favorite treats—orchard-fresh apples—and place basketfuls along the table for decoration and delectation. Cowboy boots discreetly hiding vases of flowers remind hungry riders that this is a time to kick back…

This is still very much a “yesteryear” village—although the train rarely runs and many of the 28 dwellings dating from 1878 are now shops and B&B’s. They are operated by “folks who weren’t born here, but got here as fast as they could,” as Brenda Anders, the unofficial town cheerleader, is fond of saying. Brenda is right. My wonderful husband, Paul, and I heard heartwarming stories of folks who’ve come here to discover their entrepreneurial and creative spirits and the simple joys that mountains and rivers can inspire. Along the way, they’ve become part of a vibrant community family. Bob and Tonya Williams thought this was a good place to raise their children, and along with Tammy Sessoms, they opened the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory and Espresso Bar in the 1888…

“Your magazine is such a pleasure to read! My mom and I have both been getting Southern Lady for a few years now, and we absolutely LOVE it! Thank you for your hard work—Southern Lady has touched my life.” Emily Snowden Atlanta, Georgia Praise for Poundcakes I wanted to comment on your story about the Incredible Southern Poundcakes [“Baking the Incredible,” May/June 2010]. My lovely daughter sent these to me for Mother’s Day, and they are truly WONDERFUL! What a joy to see your article about them in the May/June Southern Lady. I had already read your beautiful issue but decided to read it again, and there was the article about the Incredible Southern Poundcakes. To think we are so very fortunate to live right next to Stockbridge, Georgia! Thank…

From carefully stitching delicate dollies as a young girl to cleverly sewing a whimsical wardrobe as a teenager, Debra Hayes has had a lifelong fascination with crafting and creativity. “I’ve had a needle and thread in my hands for as long as I can remember,” recalls Debra, who says she couldn’t wait to take home economics in the 7th grade so that she could learn to design her own clothes. “I consider this all a gift—a passion I was born with.” As she got older, Debra’s creations matured. She began crafting original purses as a free-time hobby four years ago. Soon after, she added jewelry to her repertoire. Today, her budding accessories business, dubbed Lavinia’s, is a manifestation of her enduring passion. From burlap bags punctuated with brooches and beads…

Wedding cakes are wondrous things. Over the decades, the confections have become more and more interesting, and today’s brides often view the frosted finales as a way to share small slices of personal style. Pastry artists at Edgar’s Bakery in Birmingham designed this tiered cake using inspiration from the Nashville bride’s Greek heritage, lacy gown, and autumnal wedding theme. Crimson dots illustrated the bride’s colorful personality, a shimmery fondant letter represented her new last name, and the top was layered with roses for a classic touch. To present this edible work of art, friends crafted a tuffet-style cake stand from a wooden box padded with cotton batting, covered with satin fabric, and finished off with pretty trim. The result? A sweet ending for a beautiful beginning. For information, contact Edgar’s…

sylvan chic Set this resplendent china amidst rustic details for a table that exudes both elegance and warmth. Add cosmopolitan flair with animal print napkins and tortoise shell stemware, and continue the tenor of downhome sophistication with a farmhouse basket brimming with bunches of sunflowers and long-lasting alstroemeria. CHINA Shangri-La Presentation Plate, $275, and Dinner Plate, $175; Jacqueline Cambata Designs, cambatadesigns.com. NAPKIN & PLACE MAT Safari Napkin and Safari Place Mat in Paprika on Ivory, $56 for set of 4 napkins; $64 for set of 4 place mats; Home, James!, homejameseasthampton.com. SILVERWARE Buccellati Inc., $995 for 5-piece place setting; Bray-Farmer Associates, brayfarmer.com. upscale charm Pair this gorgeous golden place setting with sparkling crystal and gleaming silver for a timeless, formal look. Then, accent these classic pieces with contemporary twists, such…

Almost all Southern kitchens have them—those much-adored miniature plants that sit along sinks or window ledges and brighten our days through the heat of summer and chill of winter. Requiring minimal care, succulents are a popular choice for these indoor “gardens.” As charming as they are on a ledge, however, I’ve found they can also serve as an interesting and unexpected element in floral arrangements. You could incorporate the small, potted plants with most any season’s blooms, but I especially like succulents for fall displays since many of the varieties exhibit rose- or bronzetinged foliage. The plants don’t need to be removed from their original pots in most cases; simply nestle the individual containers into florist foam and build the arrangement around them. For an elegant centerpiece like the one…

“KEEP CLOSE TO NATURE’S HEART. . . AND BREAK CLEAR AWAY, ONCE IN AWHILE, AND CLIMB A MOUNTAIN OR SPEND A WEEK IN THE WOODS. WASH YOUR SPIRIT CLEAN.” —John Muir Cabin Accoutrements A decorating theme can be a unifying thread in home design. Bears appear throughout this cabin—in some rooms taking the form of whimsical end tables and in other places woodsy pelts and pillows. Be sure to incorporate textures in your design. Mountain homes welcome woven rugs in warm hues as well as smooth, earth-toned pottery pieces and a mix of wooden furniture and accessories. First, think cozy; then search for elements that add elegance and style.…

Fall Salad with Molasses Vinaigrette Makes 4 servings 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 4 cups mesclun greens 2 cups baby arugula 1 cup shaved fennel 8 fresh figs, cut into quarters 1 recipe Molasses Vinaigrette (recipe follows) Garnish: shaved Gruyère cheese, toasted cashews 1. Preheat oven to 450°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. 2. In a small bowl, combine red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Place on prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned around edges. Set aside to cool. 3. In a medium bowl, combine mesclun greens, arugula, and fennel. Divide mesclun mixture evenly among 4 salad plates. Top each salad with roasted…

Standing atop Shockoe Hill, this classic stucco-covered structure was designed by Thomas Jefferson, who modeled it after the Maison Carrée at Nimes, an ancient Roman temple in France. Skylights illuminate an interior rotunda, and the Capitol’s chambers hold a collection of historical paintings and statues. Among them is a perfect likeness of George Washington carved of the finest carrera marble. At the formal entrance to Capitol Square stands a granite statue of our first president on horseback. Designed by sculptor Thomas Crawford, the monument honors the commander-in-chief as well as Virginia’s contributions to independence.…

Visit southernladymagazine.com/links to order FREE information from our advertisers and to link directly to their Web sites. OR, CLIP OUT THE COUPON ON THIS PAGE, check the advertisers from whom you would like to receive FREE information, then fill in your name and address and mail it to the address provided. 100 APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES SEND ALL FROM CATEGORY SEND ALL FROM CATEGORY 1 LAYLA GRAYCE An online retailer offering chic furnishings, gifts, and design assistance for home, women, and children. laylagrayce.com. 2 LOLLY GAGS Lounging dress, bath wraps, (men and women), cover-ups, travel pillows, skirts, and monogrammed bags. All can be personalized by color choices and monogrammed. mylollygags.com. 3 MISS LUCY’S MONOGRAMS A too cute online store offering unique, monogrammed accessories for every occasion! Free personalization on all of…

With its wraparound Victorian porch and classic Queen Anne architecture, the 19-century home built by an Asheville mayor still proffers the impressive hospitality for which it was built. The stately rooms and historical details of the now-named Beaufort House Inn remain the picture of grandeur, while vignettes on the veranda, throughout the garden, and in the gazebo invite guests to share conversation or quiet sunset views. It is a destination Jim and Christina Muth often dreamed of as they stayed in one hotel after another during corporate trips. As their three children began heading off to college— in three different states over a span of 12 years—the Muths received a bit of a travel reprieve, enjoying the opportunity to stay in cozy bed-and-breakfasts when they went for visits. Before long,…

As a crisp autumn evening falls over the Carolinas, the view is picture perfect. The silver threads of the setting sun pierce the clouds in one last hurrah, and you think how blessed you are to have front row seats to this spectacular show. Gather everyone outside for the awe-inspiring scene, lit only by the waning rays and a few candles artfully arranged among fruits of the fall harvest. Then sit back and watch the amazing curtain call while the hum of nature’s chorus provides the soothing soundtrack to a most memorable evening.…

Rust, bittersweet, gold—the shades of autumn glow with a warmth singular to this season. All of the ingredients for a beautiful dinner setting are simple to find and assemble. An outing to the country yields Indian corn and pumpkins aplenty, and you can gather pinecones, acorns, and fall foliage while enjoying a walk in the woods. Look for a tablecloth in a bright color, then add an unexpected traditional touch in the form of a monogrammed linen table runner. Choose place mats with a pretty pattern woven in neutral hues, picking up the gray threads in the mat with gunmetal napkins trimmed in ivory. Hand-thrown pottery in appealing earth tones lends interest to the scene, and, for sparkle, add simple crystal glasses and metallic accent pieces. As a finishing touch,…

The changing scenery of this most colorful season has you gazing out the window in delight and awe—and prompting you to position your writing desk to take in the delicious sights. As the leaves turn from summer’s green to brilliant gold and blazing scarlet, the picture-perfect view resembles a great work of art, one worthy of framing. With this thought in mind, the window artisans at Pate-Meadows Designs created an adornment that not only frames the vibrant vistas, but becomes art in its own right. Co-owners Leigh Pate and Caterina Meadows chose beautiful fabric from Premier Prints’ Ozborne Collection in Phoenix/Linen for their creation; the rich brick red-andcream fabric bears a classic pattern that would complement most any décor, and it is trimmed in chocolate brown micro piping. With the…

light the way Step up your decorating savvy by placing flickering lights on an outdoor staircase. Begin with a variety of lanterns, found at retailers such as Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, and add pillar candles in varying heights or votive-filled mini pumpkins. As a safety precaution, take care to keep leaves and such away from open flames. happy hooting Who-o-o wouldn’t love this seasonal vignette featuring plump pumpkins, stems of berries, and the flickering visage of a squatty owl candle? Try your hand at any number of pleasing combinations. Stalks of wheat, bales of hay, pyracantha branches, gourds, and mums—use anything that strikes your fancy and also celebrates fall’s found treasures. Rely on candlelight and harvest elements to create autumnal ambiance. Hats off to dual-purpose décor. Simply turn over…

“Cinnamon. It should be on tables at restaurants along with salt and pepper. Anytime anyone says, ‘Oh, this is so good. What’s in it?’ The answer invariably comes back, ‘Cinnamon.’ Cinnamon. Again and again.” —Jerry Seinfeld CINNAMON ROLLS Makes about 2 dozen 2 cups warm whole milk (105° to 110°) 2 (¼-ounce) packages active dry yeast ½ cup sugar, divided 7 to 8 cups bread flour, divided 1 tablespoon salt 1 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 1 cup finely chopped pecans 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ cup butter, melted Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing (recipe follows) 1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and ¼ cup sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. 2. In a medium bowl, combine 5 cups bread…

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE BLACKBERRY FARM COOKBOOK. Serves 4 to 6 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon minced shallots 1 stalk of celery, minced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste Pinch of cracked black pepper, plus more to taste ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon black walnuts, lightly toasted 3 cups heavy cream 1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the shallots and celery, and cook, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes, until softened. Add the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth, bay leaf, 1 tablespoon salt, a pinch of pepper, and ¾ cup of the black walnuts, and…

STORYBOOK BEGINNING: Quail Ridge Press It all started with a manuscript that didn’t make the cut. When Gwen McKee’s husband brought home The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookbook, a charming collection that his university press couldn’t print, Gwen decided it was too promising to pass on. So she launched the title from her dining room table, and along with it, a new venture—Quail Ridge Press, named for the street she lived on in Brandon, Mississippi. Gwen soon invited her golf partner and friend Barbara Moseley onboard, and together they set out on a mission to not only produce great titles but also “preserve America’s food heritage.” Commonly known as The Cookbook Ladies, the pair have spent 30 years traveling from state to state and poring over regional cookbooks to compile…

ENTERTAINING TOUCHES PAGE 34: Birch Candles (seasonally available); Pottery Barn. MIX & MATCH: RUSTIC GLAMOUR PAGES 38-39: Tortoise Glass; Harmony Landing. Wooden Napkin Ring; At Home Furnishings. Shangri-La Coffee Pot, Creamer, Covered Sugar, Cup, Saucer, and Melon Bowl; Jacqueline Cambata Designs. SEASONAL SETTINGS: BY THE LETTER PAGES 40-41: Pottery Dinnerware, Dried Florals used in floral arrangement and in bowls, and Place Mats; At Home Furnishings. Vintage Silver Plate Flatware; Cake Vintage. Square Rust Tablecloth; Bodrum Linens. Monogrammed Table Runner, Towels used as napkins, Pheasant Nut Dish, and Apple/Pear Saltcellars; Bromberg’s. Napkin Rings; Bed Bath & Beyond. Spiced Oranges and Lemons; Harmony Landing. Pinecone Votive Holders (seasonally available); Michaels. Fresh Flowers in centerpieces; Lihmil, Inc. IN BLOOM WITH DOROTHY MCDANIEL: SUCCULENT DISPLAY PAGE 44: Aged Ceramic Planter; Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market.…