Innholdsfortegnelse for Autumn in the South 2015 i Southern Lady

as the branches begin their annual turn to scarlet and gold and the air takes on that telltale crispness, I am once again amazed by the beauty of autumn in the South. The gentle rustling of the leaves seems to issue an invitation to come celebrate the harvest, to revel in the splendor of golden days, to enjoy every single moment of this wondrous time of year. As we welcome fall, the staff at Southern Lady happily embraces all the delights that abound in this colorful season. Influenced by the vibrant palettes and resources found in the great outdoors, we have created an issue that showcases our favorite decorating and entertaining ideas, as well as offers fun ways to get out and enjoy the world around you. With this special…

Southern Classic Antique cypress doors fitted with wrought-iron grids open into the home of Pam and Tony Gann in North Alabama. From wooden beams to painted bead board, classic elements of Southern design are found throughout their inviting abode. A palette of warm tones infuses each and every space with an air of comfortable elegance that’s just right for a young family. Designer Beverly Farrington from Accents of the South helped shape the vision by highlighting architectural features of the house while also including the Gann’s personal collections and treasures to ensure a welcoming feel. Timeless Beauty The sitting room is anchored by a rug in muted shades, echoing the quiet color scheme. Paneled walls and the mantel above the Carrara marble fireplace bear a lacquer finish in warm white.…

Subtle Splendor For this tablescape, rely on a mostly neutral palette, and introduce color into the scene through natural accents and fruits of the harvest. Burnished hues and rustic materials add to the understated elegance of the autumnal setting. A vibrant floral arrangement composed of dahlias, calla lilies, protea, thistle, eucalyptus, and other fall beauties brings jewel tones to the table. Grapevine wreaths on each chair and handwritten details infuse the scene with a spirit of thoughtfulness and thankfulness.…

RUSTIC BREAD MAKES 1 LOAF 31⁄2 cups bread flour 1⁄4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 21⁄2 teaspoons active dry yeast 21⁄4 teaspoons kosher salt 11⁄3 cups cold water Cornmeal 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine flour, cheese, yeast, and salt, stirring to combine. Add water, and beat at low speed until dough forms a ball, about 90 seconds; let dough rest for 5 minutes. Beat for an additional 60 seconds. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and let rest for 2 minutes. Knead vigorously until smooth and elastic. 2. Place dough in a clean, dry bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, for 1 to 11⁄2 hours, or until dough…

Inspiration Abounds Autumn in the South is a magical interlude—the sweltering summer sun has cooled, but winter has not yet willed its chill. As the landscape changes from verdant greens to rich hues of yellow, orange, and red, embrace the moment and venture into the great outdoors. Gather friends and family for a visit to a local farm, where you can make some furry friends, take a hayride, and perhaps pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch. Everywhere you look, signs of the season abound, inspiring day trips, long walks, outdoor get-togethers, and picnics, and the more you explore, the more you discover the many enchantments of this special time of year.…

Outdoor Beauty Leaves fall on the tree-lined paths that pass through acres of forest. Here, visitors can casually stroll among the autumn colors or sit with friends and take in the beauty of the scenery. A perennial showcase of nature’s beauty, exhibits at the Butterfly Center offer a kaleidoscopic display year-round, while events such as early-September’s Hot Air Balloon Festival create a special spectacle. “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” —EMILY BRONTË Southern Escape Tucked among the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Cason and Virginia Callaway established their gardens in the early 1950s as a place for people to experience and learn from nature. Today, visitors can relax among the many joys of this woodland setting with a stay at the Lodge and Spa…

Rustic Realm From cotton to pumpkins, the harvest provides hearty inspiration for seasonal décor. Greet guests with a basket of autumn delights by the front door, or compose a collection of gourds and pinecones in various candleholders for a simple yet pretty tabletop display. Festive Flourish An arranged basket of flowers in jewel tones brings the richness of autumn hues to the garden gate. Continue the seasonal theme with mini arrangements in hollowed-out pumpkins at each place setting. A few strategic bits of grapevine or twine lend a “nested” feel to the look. Autumnal Accents Add signs of fall to everyday décor around the house. Incorporate subtle yet festive frills by draping a chandelier in vines of bittersweet. Further the fall transformation by including accents of the season on a…

Southern Style Long before the foundation was poured, the homeowner began combing her favorite shops and antiques dealers for the beautiful furnishings and befitting accessories that bring both warmth and a relaxed elegance to the home. Inspired by Spode’s Woodland china pattern, the décor and the color palette throughout honor the cottage’s rural location, where wildlife and nature abound. From the snuggle-down bed in the master suite to the monogrammed wing chair beside the hearth to the personal touches in each room, this weekend place is every bit as polished and comfortable as the couple’s in-town residence. Porch Views The homeowners’ favorite feature is the screened porch, where a cushionplumped settee and a pair of spindle-back rockers offer a front-row seat to the symphony of evening sounds found only in…

Alfresco Elegance Who says your frilliest china, linens, and lace need to be reserved for indoor affairs? Transport all of the elegance of formal dining out to the lawn for this evening entertainment. Instead of paper or plastic plates, gather a few mismatched porcelain lovelies found at second-hand shops—or even deep in the recesses of your china cupboard—and ask your neighbors to do the same. Stack them atop layers of lacy and damask tablecloths for a gracious effect. The Iron Lady Like all potlucks, you’ll want to ask your friends and neighbors to contribute a tasty dish, but this fete has a twist, too. Invite each guest to bring along an ironing board and accompanying décor to set up on the patio. Candles, quilts, and clippings from the garden all…

FRENCH ONION SOUP MAKES 21⁄2 QUARTS 1⁄2 cup butter 2 teaspoons sugar 8 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 6 cups beef broth 1 (10.5-ounce) can beef consommé 11⁄2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme Toasted baguette rounds Shredded Swiss cheese Garnish: chopped fresh parsley 1. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and onions, in batches if necessary. Cook, stirring often, for 1 hour or until golden brown. Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Add beef broth, beef consommé, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add thyme, and simmer for 5 minutes.…

Around the Town Home to the breathtakingly beautiful campus of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, sits on the Southern portion of the Cumberland Plateau, halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga. Affectionately called the Domain, the property sprawls across more than 13,000 idyllic acres that include the village of Sewanee, as well as lakes, forests, and a ribbon of bluffs that offer scenic vistas of the surrounding areas. You'll find much to do in the way of outdoor activities—canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and biking—and the “Village” also offers dining, lodging, and shopping options that enhance any stay in the area. Though Taylor’s Mercantile is technically a florist, the shop’s inventory encompasses everything from plants and gift baskets to home décor and tabletop accessories. Walk through the sunny yellow door of The…

Pretty Perch Try this layered look with a stack of pumpkins separated with “nests” of pine straw. Be sure to choose gourds with relatively flat bottoms to keep things on an even keel. Also consider flanking the steps with assorted pumpkins and containers planted with bunches of mums. The Softer Side For a different take on autumn décor, try a display that uses groupings of gourds in the same color family. Popular pumpkin picks include ‘Green Hubbard’, ‘Blue Max’, and ‘Silver Moon’. This focused, monochromatic approach allows you to bring in subtle hues that nod to the season while also complementing your home’s exterior palette. Warm Welcome Visitors may never get past the porch when the spaces are this inviting! Mix a dozen or so plump pumpkins with several baskets…

PUMPKIN BRITTLE MAKES 21⁄2 POUNDS 3 cups sugar 11⁄2 cups water 1 cup light corn syrup 1 (12-ounce) package raw pumpkin seeds (about 21⁄2 cups) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1⁄4 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1. Grease two jellyroll pans; set aside. 2. In a Dutch oven, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer registers 234°. 3. Add pumpkin seeds; stirring constantly, continue boiling mixture until it reaches 300º. Remove from heat, and stir in remaining ingredients. Quickly pour half of mixture into each pan, and spread into a thin layer with a spatula. Let cool completely, and break into pieces. PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE BARS MAKES APPROXIMATELY 16 BARS 1 (9-ounce)…