Innholdsfortegnelse for July - August 2011 i Southern Lady

IN THE LIGHT of recent events, it’s evident yet again that the South is resilient and its people strong. We’ve weathered many storms, and as we start the rebuilding process, we find that this truth pertains not only to businesses and homes but also to the sense of community in our beloved towns and cities. In this issue, we focus on beautiful places and spaces and on the joys that abound all around us—a meal with friends, a found seashell, a garden in bloom. We invite you to join in the celebration of the South’s enduring charms and wonders. Sincerely, Phyllis Hoff man DePiano More to love We are proud to introduce you to our free weekly e-mail newsletter, The Cottage Journal. You’ll get recipes, ideas, and insider information about…

Having come from a line of strong, gracious, and artistic Southern women, Emily Wheat Maynard says she fell in love with finer things at a young age. But it was perhaps the advice of her college professors that gave the accomplished jewelry designer the nudge she needed to be where she is today. Following a fascination with auction houses and art, Emily studied French and art history at Hollins University. It was there, on the Roanoke, Virginia, campus, that a mentor first suggested Emily pursue the decorative arts to “interact with the objects that make a life.” From there, she went on to Th e Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture in New York City, where she was coached: “If you find an affinity for something, stick…

BLUE-SKY SETTING Capture summer’s elegant simplicity by mixing fine pieces with casual details. Enhance the warm glow of the dinnerware’s countryside scenes by setting it against solid yellow dinner plates. Then continue the jubilant palette in striped tumblers, beaded napkin rings, and deep-blue linens. Sara’s Vista Assorted Salad Plates, $46 for set of 4; Vietri, vietri.com. Server Plate/Charger in Fantasia Yellow, $50; Vietri, vietri.com. Napkin Rings, $28 for set of 4; Bluma Project, blumaproject.com. Home Chambray Place Mats, $15.99 for set of 4; Target, target.com. FIESTA Sunny Stripes Tumblers, $12 each; Tervis, tervis.com. SUNDOWN STYLE Like twilight hushing a vibrant August day, cool tones show off this scene in a completely different light. Choose colors like indigo, stone, and crisp white for the remaining table dressings, and add the classic…

Simple curtain panels off er lots of versatility. Be creat ive with the possibilities—add ruffles or trim, or change out the rods. IT’S AN INDISPUTABLE FACT that Southern ladies love having options. Just walking into a closet filled with shoes makes our little hearts flutter. And dessert? Cake or pie? We’d rather spend 20 minutes debating the merits of each than have only one, take-it-or-leave-it option. One of the reasons we love these curtains from the material mavens at Pate-Meadows Designs is the option to gather up the ready-made panels and slip them onto a rod or attach them via clip-on rings. The other reason we’re crazy about them? The added ruffles, of course. Simply order a little extra yardage, and stitch them on. Visit patemeadows.com for curtain panels and…

Menu Mango Salsa Crab, Tomato, and Avocado Towers Flounder with Passion Fruit Sauce Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes Tropical Sunset Coconut Panna Cotta with Forbidden Fruit and Rum-Sesame Tuiles mango salsa Makes 4 cups 1 cup fresh corn kernels 1 cup chopped fresh tomatillos 3⁄4 cup seeded chopped fresh tomatoes 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh mango 1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1. Preheat oven to 500°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. 2. Spread corn on prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until corn appears blistered; cool for 10 minutes. 3. In a medium bowl, combine corn, tomatillos, tomatoes, mango, green chiles, cilantro, lime juice, and granulated garlic. Cover, and refrigerate for…

Nancy Clarke Former White House florist Nancy Clarke, who wowed the crowd last year, is coming back to dazzle us once more! With more than 30 years of experience, she will share stories about Christmases at the White House and will teach us how to make arrangements for our homes. You'll also get a sneak peek at the specialissue magazine she has authored for us. Debbie Jones Just wait till you meet Debbie Jones, the talented woman behind one of the nation’s most popular home décor lines: French Laundry Home. Her beautiful bedding, linens, and furniture have been featured in countless magazines and catalogs, and we love that all of her wares are made in America. Entrepreneur inside and out, she will encourage us all as she shares her story.…

CITRUS & SPICE All hands will applaud the return of this favorite scent. Hand Lotion, $14, and Hand Wash, $12, in Mandarin Coriander; Thymes, thymes.com. “MANI” THANKS Keep up that snazzy manicure with this handy tool. Squeeze & Snip Hangnail and Cuticle Nipper, $ 25; Tweezerman, tweezerman.com. HEAVEN SCENTS Enjoy the pleasures of a spa wherever you may roam. Posh Pink Citron Spa, $138; Olive & Cocoa, oliveandcocoa.com. A BIT OF FLUFF No need to count calories—enjoy this dessert guilt free. Skin Indulging Body Soufflé in Citron, Honey & Coriander, $32; Crabtree & Evelyn, crabtree-evelyn.com. LIP SERVICE Six yummy shades protect your kisser from the summer sun and wind. Tinted Lip Balms, $7; Burt’s Bees, burtsbees.com.…

On South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island, natural beauty is everywhere. From the majestic live oaks that line the quiet, car-free streets to the sun-kissed shoreline and the calm blue water of Calibogue Sound, it’s hard not to be inspired by this place. Kay Stanley and her husband, Curt Seymour, find a creative muse in every aspect of the picturesque island they call home. Th eir handbag and accessories company, Spartina 449, is a celebration of the island itself, right down to the name. “Spartina is the marsh grass that grows on the island, and 449 stands for the lot number where we built our seaside cottage,” says Kay. Th e island’s influence is evident in the collections, from bright poppy pink and sunset orange florals to chestnut and sage green paisleys.…

JUST AS AN ARTIST dips into his favorite paints to create a masterpiece, Nature seems to choose her most vibrant hues for summer. From deep fuchsia to bright orange to sunny yellow, the signature shades of the season leave no doubt that summertime is here in all its glory. Let these brilliant colors inspire a setting that rejoices in the beauty of the summer garden. An eye-catching china pattern, like Floral Fusion Aqua by Lenox, off ers the perfect start. Because the dinnerware has so much color, choose a neutral shade for the linens— crisp white place mats and napkins are the ideal complement. Add shiny silver napkin rings and etched glassware for a bit of polish and floral place cards to match the theme. Unique artichokeshaped candleholders bring a…

MODERN MOTIF This bold-patterned rug in cool hues doubles as a lively and contemporary statement piece. The visual impact lends an air of sophistication to an office or a guest room. Millennium Hawaiian Breeze Rug, starting at $49; Modern Essentials, modernessentials.com. NOTICEABLE BY NATURE Every time you set foot on this tufted wool and viscose rug, you’ll notice how plush it is— not to mention the lovely branch design in inviting hues. Locust Leaves in Blush, starting at $525; Company C, companyc.com.…

seaside serenity Visitors to Seaside feel as if they have been transported back to a simpler place and time. Colorful cottages—some snug and petite, others several stories high and crowned with widow’s walks—line the cobblestone streets where automobiles are tolerated but bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation. The pace is slower—a welcome respite from the hurry-up tempo of everyday life—but there is still plenty going on. One day might bring a concert on the green, while another off ers wine-tasting or sand-sculpting lessons. There are shops and art galleries galore, from clothing boutiques to home décor stores. And if your tummy is guiding your steps, duck into any of the fabulous restaurants to enjoy Southern cuisine and fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood. One must do: Pick up coffee and muffins from Modica…

Summer is made for fun, and we took that philosophy to the kitchen, where we turned Key lime pie into cupcakes, built strawberry shortcake into a tall treat, and transformed banana pudding into baked Alaska. Yum! key lime cupcakes Makes 1 dozen 3⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened 3⁄4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon Key lime zest 3 large eggs 11⁄4 cups all-purpose flour 1⁄2 cup graham cracker crumbs 2 teaspoons baking powder 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 cup half-and-half 2 tablespoons fresh Key lime juice Key Lime Filling (recipe follows) Key Lime Buttercream (recipe follows) Garnish: fresh Key lime slices 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners; set aside. 2. In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, and lime zest. Beat at high speed with an…

Mobile, Alabama mobile, alabama, is an easy place to miss. We’ve done it all too often. Traveling west along I-10, Paul and I always admire the skyline mirrored on Mobile Bay, but after we emerge from the George C. Wallace Tunnel that runs under the Mobile River, we find ourselves suddenly out of town! But recently, we took the Bankhead Tunnel and popped out onto a shaded avenue of massive oak trees casting lacy shadows on magnificent mansions. Needless to say, we were amazed to find ourselves so quickly and delightfully plunged into a city with the charm and hospitality of a small Southern town. DAUPHIN STREET, THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN After lunching in the park at A Spot of Tea, we meandered on down the street to our hotel,…

BIG CEDAR LODGE America’s Premier Wilderness Resort where your experiences, memories, and family fun will turn into year-after-year traditions. bigcedar.com. CHARLOTTE, NC Look closely at Charlotte, NC, and you’ll discover a lot. From mind-blowing museums to exquisite entrées, visitors will ? nd a lot to their liking—not to mention plenty of Southern comforts along the way. charlottesgotalot.com. CONVERTIBLES FOOTWEAR Just pop the top and go. Designer sandals with interchangeable, decorative, snap-on accessories. All leather and many styles to choose from. Great for travel—one pair of shoes—all the tops you need. convertiblesfootwear.com. FRENCH GARDEN HOUSE An online retailer o? ering antiques, French décor, furniture, and gifts to romance your home and garden. frenchgardenhouse.com. THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS Plan your perfect Texas getaway. Call 800-8888-TEX, ext. 6123, or visit traveltex.com for…

1. SEE ROCK CITY Growing up, we took a lot of trips to visit my grandparents in Tennessee. On the way to their house, we passed countless signs that never failed to pique my interest: See Rock City, Ruby Falls, Chattanooga Choo Choo. Those attractions still draw lots of visitors to The ’Noog, and we’ve found plenty of other reasons to travel to this vibrant Southern city. 2. LADIES IN WONDERLAND When our crew ventured to the Beaches of South Walton for some summertime photography, we quickly discovered that this area was like no other. From the comfortable cottages at family-friendly Seaside to the exquisite abodes at Mediterraneanmodeled Alys Beach, we found everything we could possibly need—including beautiful, snow-white beaches. 3. GOING COASTAL Regular contributor Diana Gessler has a knack…

WHEN YOU’RE OUT AND ABOUT seeing the sights on vacation, take time to check out local antiques shops. If your travels bring you to Chattanooga, drop by and visit with Jo Althaus and Connie Knox at their emporium on Williams Street. They have a wonderful array of 18th- and 19th-century American, English, and French antiques— including what just might be the Chattanooga Choo Choo!…

Colleen Duffley’s career has taken her all over the world, to places most people visit only in their dreams. Th is former shy violet found her voice behind the camera, bringing her passion for creativity to various media. Whether she was shooting fashion models, movie stars, famous chefs, or sleek automobiles, Colleen’s talent for capturing beauty shone through. “Th e camera is a connector,” she explains. “It opens doors; it allows you to become close to your subjects.” Even after 25 years in the business, Colleen never failed to appreciate how blessed she was to have this exciting life of traveling and meeting fascinating people. Oftentimes, she wished her friends could share in these experiences. Enter “Plan B.” After living in big cities from Pittsburgh to Dallas, Colleen fell in…

grandmother lorraine’s monogrammed cake server. Aunt Elizabeth’s fancy pickle fork. A pair of pretty gravy ladles from the 1930s. Whether you are the lucky recipient of passed-down sterling silver family heirlooms, or have discovered some lovely items at antiques shops or estate sales, you’ll certainly want to enjoy those pretty serving pieces. Gather up a selection—pie servers, knives, sugar tongs, and such—and create an artistic presentation for the dining room. You can purchase premade shadow boxes at an arts and crafts store, then cut fabric to fit inside each box as a backdrop and hot glue it in place. Arrange the pieces in a pleasing pattern, and tack them to the fabric with needle and thread. Add a ribbon adornment, looping and tying it around each piece. Th e boxes…

Though multifaceted designer James T. Farmer III grew up in the “peach laden fields and muddy river portion of south central Georgia,” he claims more than just geography in his Southern identity. “I’m connected to the land, to nature and its timing,” he says, describing his days growing up in a farm community called Kathleen. He spent many early years helping his Mimi prepare meals (and a pretty table) from garden- fresh produce and leaving Dixie cups and dandelions as a daily trail of his whereabouts. He also remembers that before church each Sunday, his minister grandfather would stop off in the garden to clip a rose for his lapel. Later, as a college student pursuing landscape design and art history, James always kept something green or blooming about, believing…

Awash in Radiance A home should be a peaceful haven, and what better way to achieve that than with liberal doses of serene hues? Take advantage of the ample window light by bringing the most calming colors of nature—sky blue, mint green, sepia brown—into interior spaces to create a true family retreat. Though comfort is first priority, carefully chosen accents add considerable charm and interest. Peaceful Slumber However hectic the day may be, homeowners can look forward to a good night’s rest in a room designed to foster tranquility. Both the master suite and guest quarters employ a neutral palette and uncluttered décor to infuse visual harmony. Clean lines and an abundance of natural light in the master bathroom keep things open and airy, while simple monograms on towels introduce…

Re-create the ambiance of an exotic locale with ethereal elements. Echoes of the Shore Just as the sea spills its riches at the water’s edge, this setting brings aquatic wonders to the table in the form of exquisite shell-shaped dinnerware, goblets polished like tumbled sea glass, and place mats in shades reminiscent of sun-bleached driftwood. Marinated Olives Makes 8 servings 11⁄2 cups picholine olives, pitted 11⁄2 cups kalamata olives, pitted 11⁄2 cups nicoise olives, pitted 1⁄2 cup champagne vinegar 3 bay leaves 2 dried chile peppers 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1⁄2 teaspoon savory seasoning 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest 1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine olives, vinegar, bay leaves, chile peppers, garlic, oregano, savory seasoning, and lemon zest. Seal bag, and refrigerate for…

in her latest cookbook, A Southerly Course, Mississippi’s Martha Hall Foose writes, “Sentimentality and a heaping spoonful of nostalgia flavor our dishes as much as black pepper and Worcestershire sauce do.” Th us she continues the tenor set by her successful debut, Screen Doors and Sweet Tea, sharing the recipes of her Delta home along with the tales of its culinary heritage. Th e former executive chef of the Viking Cooking School, Martha prepares Southern staples with contemporary relevance: Asparagus with Country-Ham-and-Egg Gravy, Summertime Spaghetti Squash, Hominy Salad, Cantaloupe Mousse. Along with each dish, she reveals the intangible yet important flavorings that you won’t find on the ingredient list. Some are informational, some nostalgic—like the story behind the bean salad inspired by Yazoo City’s Black and White Store— but all…

GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME: Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream A black-and-white checkered floor, a pressed metal ceiling, a long marble countertop, and heart-shaped wire-back chairs—such features give Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream in Denton, Texas, all the charm of bygone ice cream parlors. Its expansive list of off erings, though, is full of modern-day delights. The 100 flavors—all made on site—range from traditional favorites like Chocolate, Strawberry, and Mint Chocolate Chip to imaginative creations like Coconut Cupcake, Pineapple Sherbet, Chocolate Jalapeño, and Beth’s Raspberry Truffle. While ice cream is certainly the main attraction at this parlor located on the courthouse square, Beth Marie’s also treats customers to floats, lemonades, limeades, shakes, and malts, as well as waffle cones and hot fudge topping made fresh throughout the day. For information,…

SINCERELY PAGE 10: Stationery; Wiley Valentine. EDITOR’S FAVORITES PAGE 12: Hair Styling by Valerie Echols & Makeup by Lindsey Garrett of Richard Joseph Salonspa. SEASONAL SETTINGS: SUMMER PALETTE PAGES 30-32: Rio Napkins in White; Bodrum. Incanto Stemware and Duetto Flatware; Vietri. Silver Napkin Rings; Bed Bath & Beyond. Floral Fusion Aqua Dinnerware; Lenox. Floral Designs; Tana Avery of Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market. FRESH LOOK: ARTFUL SERVICE PAGE 34: Antique Fish Fork, Knife Set, and Dinner Fork; Bromberg’s. All other pieces privately owned. MATERIAL MATTERS: QUICK-CHANGE ARTISTRY PAGES 44: Pre-Made Panels and Design; Pate-Meadows Designs. FROM FARAWAY SHORES PAGES 75-82: Coastal Collection Dinnerware, Shell Assortment, and Large Clam Bowl used for centerpiece; Beyond Jordan. Coral Silver Napkin Rings and Sparta Napkins in Ivory; Bodrum. Wellesley Goblets and Tumblers; Simon Pearce. Reed…