Innholdsfortegnelse for March/April 2022 i Southern Lady

I’ve always thought that a big part of Southern hospitality is grace under pressure. When guests come calling on short notice, we don’t let ourselves get flustered—we just fluff the house, swipe on some lipstick, and open the door with a smile! A well-prepared hostess is a gracious hostess, and a smidgen of advance planning goes a long way toward remaining cool and composed. On page 97, you’ll find our best tips for staying company-ready, from stocking up on nibbles and treats to keeping your good linens pressed. If you have extra time to set a pretty table, don’t miss New Looks for Old China on page 53, always a March/April highlight. It never ceases to amaze me how our talented styling team can make an aging pattern look young…

As founder of Bailey Boys, a line of classic children’s wear that has become iconic throughout the South, Diane Bailey enjoyed a three-decade career rich in the creative fulfillment she’s always craved. When she turned the business over to her sons several years ago, the thought of retiring to a life of leisure held little appeal. “I’ve always been a piddler and a doer,” says Diane, who has loved design, sewing, and artistic pursuits since she was a child. “Creativity is a blessing and a curse.” She dabbled in baking pound cakes and cookies to give away, but soon tired of that. Then, inspiration struck right in her own closet. “Several years ago I met a wonderful lady, Lisa McSherry, that I purchased blouses from,” Diane says. “One day I…

A pretty pastel sunburst pattern fans across the versatile Tokusa Lavender dinner plate by Miya. Pair it with a salad plate that captures the essence of warmer days, featuring butterflies afloat in a tangle of cornflowers and wispy fronds. A fanciful napkin ring encircles a pale blue monogrammed linen; ornate silver falls in step with a foliage-etched tumbler and graceful goblet. Ground the setting in simplicity with a shapely white place mat against an understated coral cloth. For a casual affair, bring the inspiration plate to life with citrus notes and exuberant splashes of yellow. Leafy lemon napkin rings complement a runner and napkins strewn with the same fruit, while blue-and-white ceramic vessels and basket weave flatware enhance the relaxed aura. Layer in butter-hued salad plates and soft ocher glassware…

SPRIGHTLY SCENE A raised design of birds and blossoms swirls along the rim of Ellesmere Pink by Crown Staffordshire. Combine this 1977 showstopper with playful cabbage leaf dishware, a flowery napkin, and bamboo-handle utensils for a look that’s as fresh as a spring garden. GENTLE OPULENCE A braided place mat tempers the formal air of Derby Panel Green, a 1961 favorite from Royal Crown Derby. Bring out the gilt notes in its stylized motif with modish flatware and a salad plate bearing a ruffled rim; dabs of sunny yellow and a morning glory napkin ring imbue the setting with cheer. SWEET & SIMPLE Beloved for its feminine appeal, the 1940 Sunnyvale pattern by Castleton bears a pearl edge that’s echoed in a luminous napkin ring. Bow-bedecked linens, a tinted tumbler,…

TEE TIME As the azaleas unfurl beneath sunny April skies, golf aficionados look forward to watching the Masters Tournament and participating in the fanfare that surrounds this Augusta, Georgia, tradition. Set the stage for a luncheon that pays homage to the sport, whether you plan to view the rounds together or prefer to chat about the highlights over Masters-inspired treats, like pimiento cheese bites and a heavenly Sweet Tea Poke Cake with Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting. Ground the tablescape with a gingham cloth and a centerpiece teeming with golf balls and radiant blossoms. Textured gold chargers underscore a pairing of porcelain plates rimmed with a grass-green pattern and accent dishes designed with the activity du jour in mind. A clear glass votive holder filled with sand and a readied tee…

RISE AND SHINE Whether you’re hosting overnight guests or dining en famille, an exquisite table turns the first meal of the day into a special occasion. A crisp blue-and-white palette amplifies the sunlight streaming in, while creamy anemones nod from bud vases and a regal orchid presides over the scene. Treat everyone to a menu of classic fare that includes warm cinnamon apples, Maple Candied Bacon kissed with spice, and a fluffy asparagus frittata topped with arugula and tomatoes. Asparagus, Arugula, and Tomato Frittata MAKES 1 (10-INCH) ROUND 2 tablespoons unsalted butter1 cup diced yellow onion1 cup (½-inch) sliced fresh asparagus10 large eggs½ cup half-and-half1¼ teaspoons kosher salt½ teaspoon ground black pepper2 cups fresh arugula, divided1½ cups grape tomatoes, halved and divided1 tablespoon olive oilGarnish: ground black pepper 1. Preheat oven…

GARDEN GOODNESS Springtime has arrived in full bloom! Flowers get most of the attention this time of year, and deservedly so, but I get excited when the first crop of fruits and vegetables hits my local farmers’ market. Watercress, leeks, raspberries, Meyer lemons, and so many more—after a winter of hearty stews and casseroles, I can’t wait to load up my table with these colorful just-picked gems. In this issue, you’ll find lots of recipes that make the most of spring’s harvest with a generous helping of Southern flair, starting with our annual Party Time entertaining feature on page 59. Host a golf-themed brunch inspired by Georgia’s legendary Masters golf tournament, with the menu on page 73 that honors the signature flavors of the state. The alfresco porch party on…

“THE SPRING CAME SUDDENLY, BURSTING UPON THE WORLD AS A CHILD BURSTS INTO A ROOM, WITH A LAUGH AND A SHOUT AND HANDS FULL OF FLOWERS.”—HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW…

Tickled by sunlight, this display summons an airy yet earthy aura, hailing the fresh foliage of nature’s garden. Juxtapose contrasting elements with a terra-cotta pot placed upon a lacy porcelain plate edged with a gilded ruffle. Pale pink cherry blossoms and spirea set in floral foam establish height, while muted green viburnum, lush lilacs, and sprightly anemones fill in to surround the gently nodding heads of cathedral bells and tulips. Sweet peas and raspberry waxflowers give depth to the buoyant vignette, ready for afternoon tea and tasty confections.…

PERENNIAL CHARM The shade and serenity of a veranda beckons companions to mingle a while in the springtime air. Tables draped in blue-and-white cloths anchor the laid-back scene that garners vitality from a towering centerpiece of sunflowers, double tulips, larkspur, and more. Handmade melamine dinnerware suits the occasion, as a gently scalloped plate layers with a lovely salad dish adorned with watercolor flora. Nostalgic flatware, woven accents, and ecru napkins stitched with multicolored threads impart whimsical flair; gold-rimmed glasses bearing a geometric bamboo pattern lend a hint of old-style glam. Offer noshes in the way of shrimp-topped deviled eggs and Avocado-Basil Dip served with veggies and pita chips alongside ice-cold Sparkling Blackberry-Ginger Lemonade. Slices of homespun buttermilk pie provoke smiles of sweet satisfaction all around. Avocado-Basil Dip MAKES 1¾ CUPS…

When a friend calls on you at a moment’s notice, the surprise may spur a frenzy of tidying up and rummaging for refreshments. Resist the urge to drag out cleaning supplies or apologize for seeming unprepared, and instead, relish the unexpected rendezvous by putting your best foot forward in a pinch. Adding a few simple tasks to your daily life and keeping delights on hand will ensure you are cool, calm, and collected when opening the door to drop-in guests. • Stock the kitchen with easy-to-serve goodies. Purchase nonperishable nibbles and various beverages now and then on routine grocery store trips. Nuts, crackers, and cheese straws are good pantry essentials, while shelf-stable dips and pickled tidbits can be kept chilled in the refrigerator. Pick up an assortment of teas, flavored…

Apricot-Almond Pastries MAKES 18 1½ cups whole milk½ cup sugar, divided4 large egg yolks, room temperature2 tablespoons cornstarch¼ teaspoon kosher salt2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed½ teaspoon almond extract2 (14-ounce) packages frozen puff pastry, thawed1 large egg, room temperature1 tablespoon water¾ cup chopped sliced almonds, toasted4 (15-ounce) cans apricot halves, drained and patted dry¼ cup apricot preserves, warmGarnish: sugar 1. In a large saucepan, whisk together milk and ¼ cup sugar. Heat over medium heat until steaming (do not boil). 2. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, salt, and remaining ¼ cup sugar. Gradually add warm milk mixture to egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan, and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and mixture starts to boil. Cook, whisking constantly, for 3 minutes.…

Top off a spring table with softly hued floral napkins folded into delicate bows. Lay the napkin with the pattern facing downward and fold it in half so two corners touch at the bottom, making a triangle. Bring the lower point to the middle of the triangle. Fold the top side halfway down to cover the point, and fold in half lengthwise again to create one long piece. Fold each end halfway toward the middle so that one is atop the other. Pinch the middle of the linen and slide on a napkin ring. Pull the tails down, fluff out the sides, and flip the finished bow over to showcase the jaunty design.…

SHADES OF GRACE Set amid a resplendent garden, a table poised beneath dappled sunlight offers a sublime place to rejoice and relax on this jubilant occasion. Let the natural palette of the surrounds guide the décor: sunny yellow linens, botanical place mats, plates depicting lavender butterflies, and a lavish centerpiece that harmonizes with the planted beauties swaying nearby. Atop a white cloth stitched with a flowering vine motif, polished goblets and silverware shimmer alongside elegant china and a ruffled cake stand presenting dainty confections for those gathered to make lasting memories. FESTIVE TOP NOTES Scatter signs of the season among the tabletop finery and beyond, such as fresh radishes, figurines shaped like bunnies and watering cans, and a stacked display of picnic baskets and blooms. Hand-painted wooden eggs, instead of…

COVER Styling by Sidney Bragiel. Photography by Jim Bathie. RADIANT CHARM Pages 35–36: Tokusa 11.25" plate in lavender; Miya. Faiencerie de Gien Azur salad/dessert plate, Reizart Charnia wineglass, and Towle Silver King Richard 5-piece place setting; Replacements, Ltd. Fez place mat in white and Butterfly Garden napkin ring in gold and silver; Kim Seybert. Linen Duet dinner napkins; The Horseshoe Crab. Agra Floral water cup; Land of Belle. Page 37: Royal Doulton Maze Buttermilk salad plate; Replacements, Ltd. Table runner and napkins in Mod Lemon and Candy Striped glass in amber; Pomegranate. Saro Lifestyle Plastic Lemon Design napkin rings; Target. Resin Basket-weave flatware set; Only On The Avenue. BLOSSOMING JOY Pages 41–44: Festival napkins in Canary; SFERRA. Gorham Silver Rondo 5-piece place setting; Replacements, Ltd. Royal Garden soup bowl, bread…