Innholdsfortegnelse for March/April 2020 i Southern Lady

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Phyllis Hoffman DePiano EDITOR Lisa Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marie Baxley ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ashley Shaw ASSISTANT EDITOR Elizabeth Bonner Czapski SENIOR COPY EDITOR Rhonda Lee Lother COPY EDITORS Meg Lundberg, Barbara McCarthy EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Dorothy Walton CREATIVE DIRECTOR/PHOTOGRAPHY Mac Jamieson SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER John O’Hagan PHOTOGRAPHERS Jim Bathie, William Dickey, Nicole Du Bois, Stephanie Welbourne Steele CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Marcy Black Simpson SENIOR DIGITAL IMAGING SPECIALIST Delisa McDaniel DIGITAL IMAGING SPECIALIST Clark Densmore GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR Deanna Rippy Gardner SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Tracy Wood-Franklin CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR Judy Jamieson SENIOR STYLIST Sidney Bragiel STYLISTS Caroline Blum, Courtni Bodiford, Lucy Finney, Mary Beth Jones, Melissa Smith TEST KITCHEN DIRECTOR Irene Yeh FOOD STYLISTS/RECIPE DEVELOPERS Laura Crandall, Kathleen Kanen, Tricia Manzanero, Vanessa Rocchio, Elizabeth Stringer, Taylor Franklin Wann ASSISTANT FOOD STYLIST/RECIPE DEVELOPER Anita Simpson Spain CONTRIBUTING RECIPE…

Felicitous for the season of grand reawakening, Sarah’s Garden collection by Wedgwood endures as a traditional anchor for endless tableaux this time of year. A woven raffia mat with scalloped edges recalls a flower in full bloom, an idyllic place for butterflies to preside. The ornamental creature front and center doubles as a napkin ring for a pale green, lace-trimmed linen and coalesces with stainless steel flatware. Coupled with the inspiration charger, matching plates that bear a floral motif and hints of gold further the theme of springtime finery. Add a dash of sunshine to the scene in the way of cheery posies and a yellow-tinged highball glass etched with a pebble design. (Page 29) Showcase other lovely components of the dinnerware suite by layering them atop the complementary foundation…

CAPTURE THE SEASON Mealtime in the company of a few close friends is even sweeter amid the invigorating air of spring. Garner inspiration from the lush flora all around for a harmonious color scheme of green and purple interspersed with off-white. A gold-rimmed place setting festooned with swirling leaves befits the garden ambience, while the chargers’ amethyst brushstrokes complement berry-hued napkins and fuchsia flowers. Brimming with parrot tulips, fern fronds, star of Bethlehem, and delphinium, a mint-green pitcher ties together the charming scene. Oak flatware and chevron-patterned wooden napkin rings keep the overall look natural and easygoing, as clear glass tumblers etched with a prism motif reflect the final rays of lingering sunshine. Artful wrought-iron chairs lend a feminine sensibility to the brick patio, and mismatched throw pillows are a…

HAPPY HUNTING On this lovely day, invite friends to delight in a charming alfresco affair planned with the whole family in mind. This most-anticipated occasion epitomizes spring’s sense of renewal, and an organic mix of décor brings it to life with the help of pastel flora and verdant accompaniments. Stock, fern, and hydrangeas soften the hearth of a rustic stone fireplace while roses, ranunculus, and Queen Anne’s lace keep company along the mantel with ornamental egg-filled nests. Linens introduce dynamic patterns; china bearing bamboo borders and resembling artful cabbage leaves helps further the natural motif inspired by the open-air setting. As children with baskets in hand take to the yard in search of treats and treasures, guests can indulge in simple bites like creamy Granola Parfait Cups and flavorful mini…

COVER See BASKETS & BOUNTY MIX & MATCH: FLIGHT OF FANCY Pages 27-29: Wedgwood Sarah’s Garden dinner plate in yellow, Wedgwood Sarah’s Garden dinner plate and rice bowl in green, and Wallace Silver Golden Corsica (stainless, gold accent) flatware; Replacements, Ltd. Kensington Bright Satin 5-piece place setting; Juliska. Blue Pheasant Vera Bleached Flower place mat, Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo napkin ring, Moser Pebbles highball glass, and Arthur Court Butterfly napkin ring; Gracious Style. Butterfly tray in gold; Annieglass. Lorisa place mat in natural; Blue Pheasant. INSPIRED DESIGN: GRACE MEETS GLAMOUR Pages 33-34: Interiors by Tracy Dunn Design. Brighton Pavilion wallpaper in peacock designed by Miles Redd; Schumacher. Tole Pagoda Lantern Cream; Chelsea House. White lamp; Wildwood. Console table; Phillips Scott. Side chair; Ballard Designs. SEASONAL SETTINGS: GARDEN REVERIE Pages 35-41:…

There is nothing shy about a Southern springtime! This most gorgeous of seasons fairly explodes with sights, scents, and sounds, from brilliant azaleas and crisp white dogwoods to the gentle chirp of finches and chickadees. I especially love Easter time, which in childhood meant a pretty new dress, baskets of goodies, and rejoicing in favorite hymns at church. Our Easter egg hunt on page 81 makes me smile—it calls to mind the joy of looking for eggs as a little girl and, years later, watching my boys and my grandchildren carry on the tradition. Between baby showers, bridal luncheons, and impromptu porch parties, celebrations abound throughout the season. In addition to the egg hunt, our special entertaining section in this issue includes a floral-inspired fête with friends on page 63…

While the old adage of stopping to smell the roses rings ever true, this time of year flower aficionados follow the scintillating perfume of the Lone Star State’s most prized—and photogenic—bloom, the bluebonnet. “People are fascinated with them,” says Kim Winkler, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce in Burnet, the official Bluebonnet Capital of Texas. “It’s just the fields of blue that are breathtaking.” Every spring, thousands of visitors flock to the Highland Lakes region, distinguished for the area’s pristine lakes, to glimpse the rolling countryside swathed in the state flower. These blue-violet beauties take their name from the shape of their sunbonnet-shaped petals. Easily visible as you drive along scenic byways winding northwest of Austin, bluebonnets blanket the Texas Hill Country landscape between mid-March and mid-April when they…

Perky blooms reach toward the sun in an uplifting floral display that pays tribute to nature’s radiant seasonal beauty. Each blossoming variety abides in its own crystal-clear vase, with a mix of different heights for interest. Select from a multitude of strong stems that stand on their own, like daisies, as well as pretty posies such as kalanchoe, ranunculus, and stock. The elegant grouping offers a range of colors, from softest pastels to sassy yellow, all reflected in the shine of a vintage silver tray. Rest the spirited collection atop an intricate white lace linen that evokes the purity of spring’s ethereal light.…

SUBDUED DRAMA A whisper of white floral filigree on an ivory background graces the 1960s Moonspun pattern by Lenox. Enliven this restrained motif with a rich gray jacquard napkin and a free-form quartz napkin ring that holds a cluster of silvery stones. A lustrous place mat and pale wheat-hued cloth echo the neutral china, while a medallion-studded flute and a tumbler in smoky charcoal add upbeat flair. VINTAGE ELEGANCE Lively gilt scrolls dance along the pastel blue bands of Royal Doulton’s Melrose, which debuted in the late 1950s. A pair of matching plates appear to float above a glass charger layered over a vivid coral mat. The simplicity of the setting allows for an exuberant finishing touch: a large-scale petal napkin ring that encircles a linen embellished with aqua and…

BEVY OF BLOOMS An eye-catching floral wallpaper sets the scene for an ambience that captures the elegance of a traditional indoor tea party while also bringing in the beauty of the outdoors. Almost as if they’re blooming upward from the table, a profusion of tulips, sweetheart roses, peonies, butterfly ranunculus, carnations, variegated pittosporum, and seeded eucalyptus cascades down its center. This striking runner is interspersed with vintage birdcages and vases in varied heights bearing even more blossoms that add depth and distinction to the vivid display. GARDEN DELIGHTS Enhancing the air of femininity, polished tableware in rosy and ivory hues glistens amid dashes of silver and gold. These sophisticated pieces dress up garden-fresh fare like Asparagus-Avocado Bisque followed by a savory tart and buttery smashed green peas, both seasoned with…

Cucumber-Radish Toasts with Chive Butter MAKES 12 SERVINGS 8 slices thinly sliced white bread, crust removed and halved diagonally4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened2½ teaspoons chopped fresh chives½ cup thinly sliced radish½ cup thinly sliced English cucumber, halvedGarnish: chopped fresh chives, fresh lemon zest, flaked sea salt 1. Preheat oven to broil. Place bread in an even layer on a baking sheet. 2. Bake until toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. 3. In a small bowl, stir together butter and chives until smooth. Spread chive butter on toast. Divide radish and cucumber slices evenly among buttered toasts. Garnish with chives, zest, and salt, if desired.…

BLOOMING INTO LIFE Spring in the South is short and sweet, so when it arrives, I’m ready to make the most of it. Despite the abundant occasions and warm-weather escapes this time of year—more on those in a moment—I treasure the simple joys of home above all: snipping daffodils from the backyard to bring inside; potting a new crop of herbs; basking in the first mild days on the porch. Perfection! In Texas, there’s extra cause for celebration as the state's glorious bluebonnet season is upon us, and I am enjoying it vicariously through our piece on these blossoming beauties (page 13). The region where they flourish is tailor-made for a leisurely road trip, with stops in bustling Austin and smaller towns like Fredericksburg and Marble Falls. Be sure to…

Let these fashionably dainty eggs proclaim the Easter season on your tabletop, nestled in moss beneath a spectacular floral array of midnight purple stock, deep pink tulips, and mauve lisianthus. Speckled faux varieties are encircled with lacy ribbons, tiny flowers, and other accoutrements affixed with a hot glue gun. Scatter them upon a crisp linen or under the blooms atop a wire pedestal reminiscent of a white wicker basket. Just beware young fingers that might mistakenly pluck them up amid the joy of an egg hunt!…

In vibrant Fort Lauderdale, Florida, designer Tracy Dunn infuses her interiors with a timeless yet comfortable aesthetic that embraces the beauty of her bright, sunny surrounds. For this showstopping dining room, Tracy adeptly blended traditional elements with modish details and unexpected accents that bring in a bit of alfresco whimsy—a layered look she calls “chinoiserie chic.” “I like to go all out in dining rooms and make them dynamite, because you entertain in there,” Tracy says. “It’s where people have conversations, socialize, and so forth. Most of the time dining rooms are close to the foyer, so when you walk in, you can see them. That was the case for this [one]. It takes center stage.” Tracy worked with owners Maria and Chris Selwood on their previous home, and Maria’s…

SOMETHING BUBBLY, SOMETHING BLUE Raise a glass to the couple headed for wedded bliss at a festive party imbued with refined touches that shine as brightly as the happiness that emanates from the guests of honor. A palette of blue, yellow, and gold sets a classic and celebratory tone. Scattered about the scene, fine china coordinates with mismatched chinoiserie vessels holding assorted white flowers and contrasts with chic contemporary serveware. With an array of sippers and hearty finger foods for the free-flowing social, invitees can mix and mingle on the breezy patio with Prosecco sangria, stop in the dining room for hors d’oeuvres, and linger in the den for coffee as the get-together winds down. Sparkling Grapefruit Sangria MAKES 1 GALLON ½ cup sugar½ cup waterRind of 1 grapefruit30 fresh…

Asian Beef Salad MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar¼ cup soy sauce1 tablespoon dark sesame oil1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided1 teaspoon garlic powder¾ teaspoon ground ginger1 (1-pound) flank steak, about 1 inch thick2 tablespoons vegetable oil1 (5-ounce) bag spring lettuce mix2½ ounces rice noodles, broken in half and prepared according to package directions1 cup fresh sugar snap peas, halved lengthwise2 large carrots, shaved¼ cup chopped fresh cilantroLime-Cilantro Vinaigrette (recipe follows) and lime wedges, to serve 1. In a resealable plastic bag, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and ginger. Add steak, tossing to coat. Seal bag and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove steak, and discard marinade. Pat steak dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with remaining…

In good times and bad, sickness and health, or simply to show appreciation, a gift of blooms can convey a multitude of sentiments—all it takes is a little forethought to be sure your dispatch fits the occasion. “I think flowers are the perfect gift,” says Lisa Brooking, designer and owner of Petite Fleur in New Orleans. “They help us celebrate the occasions of our lives and connections to each other. Even when they mark a death, the sentiment expressed through the flowers is to celebrate life.” But not every variety or display is appropriate for each event, and that’s where a little floral etiquette can be useful. “You should consider the color and style of the arrangement you’re giving because it relays a message. Nobody wants to send anything that…