Innholdsfortegnelse for November/December 2024 i Southern Lady

SINCERELY GRATEFUL “She moves fast and forward in the modern world while holding tightly to the culture of the South. She remembers her roots, treasures her traditions, and cherishes her family and friends. She looks for reasons to celebrate each day. And throughout it all, she keeps a sense of gentle grace. Who is she? She is a Southern lady—the one for whom this magazine is named, the one for whom this magazine is written. You. And me.” These words, penned 25 years ago by our founder, Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, for the premiere issue of Southern Lady, ring just as true today. It’s incredible how much the world has changed since 1999. Yet the dedication of this magazine’s many stewards has been steadfast, inspiring readers to find beauty in life’s…

When entrepreneurs insist they fell into their business, it’s rarely a literal expression. But for Mary Kathryn Kendig, her namesake jewelry endeavor truly began with an unexpected tumble. Creative at heart, Mary Kathryn had stepped away from medical sales to pursue painting after her twins were born in 2016. Things took a turn one afternoon while she attempted to photograph a piece for her website. “I was trying to get on a good level for the picture and stood on this little dinky stool, which was a horrible idea,” she says. “It fell out from under me and completely broke. The fact that I didn’t break anything is kind of a miracle.” The leather seat of the stool caught her eye. “Being an artist, I thought ‘Let me save this…

“CHRISTMAS WAVES A MAGIC WAND OVER THIS WORLD, AND BEHOLD, EVERYTHING IS SOFTER AND MORE BEAUTIFUL.”—NORMAN VINCENT PEALE, AUTHOR Basking in serene natural light, a tranquil breakfast nook reprises the beloved blue-and-white scheme. Antique china, collected on the homeowner’s travels to Scotland, layers seamlessly with more contemporary pieces—from burl wood chargers to bamboo-style flatware. A trio of miniature ginger jar ornaments hung from satin ribbon in navy and dusty blue hues embellishes the classic cedar wreath dotted with dried orange slices. Below, a twosome of ironstone cachepots houses rosemary topiaries, while simple arrangements of orchids and creamy roses garnished with fresh greenery ground the table’s center.…

“MY IDEA OF CHRISTMAS, WHETHER OLD-FASHIONED OR MODERN, IS VERY SIMPLE: LOVING OTHERS. COME TO THINK OF IT, WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS TO DO THAT?”—BOB HOPE, ENTERTAINER…

Pretty packages tied up in bows evoke the excitement of childhood mornings spent eagerly unwrapping the bounty left by Ol’ Kris Kringle. What better way to kindle those memories than by wrapping presents in vintage papers tinged with Christmas nostalgia? Like many of the holiday traditions we cherish today, decorative gift wrap was popularized in the 19th century. Upper-class Victorians were known to affix ribbons and lace to parcels bedecked in colorful wrapping. In 1917, stationery shop owners and brothers Rollie and Joyce Hall dreamed up a clever way to meet the public’s demand for festive paper goods. After running out of tissue sheets during the holiday rush, they began selling French envelope liner paper as an alternative. The thicker printed paper was a hit, and their company, Hallmark Cards,…

GRACEFUL WONDERS Page 27: Christmas stockings, gold doves, and Acrylic stocking holder in brass; Fig & Dove. Page 28: The Illustrator large hatbox, mini bag, and check in spinner; SteamLine Luggage. Page 29: Acrylic handle clutch in blue/green, Calypso studs in gold/pearl, Bow earrings, and Soho studs in blue and green; Beth Ladd Collections. Rialto flute and Dove of Peace linen towel; Arte Italica. Lorenzo Bowl; Bromberg’s. Soho Emerson Large Rectangular Tray; Beatriz Ball. Fringe place mat in gold & silver; Kim Seybert. Blissful Holiday Gift Wrap; Southern Lady. Page 30: Chinoiserie border table runner in ivory; Fig & Dove. Charger, dinner plate, and wineglass; Bromberg’s. Exclusive Busatti Linens Constantinopoli and Victoria X Arte Italica Laurel Wreath Collection salad plate; Victoria. YULETIDE VERDURE Pages 45–46: Spode Royal Windsor dinner plate…

Southern Lady FAVORITES Visit southernladymagazine.com to read this issue’s online stories and to find more of the content you love. Take a look at some of our favorite November/December web features: Deck the Halls with Fruit From clove-studded oranges to cranberries cloaked in sugar, citrus and berries conjure romantic visions of bygone holidays. We’re sharing a bounty of ideas for incorporating natural accents into your décor, such as the pomander topiary on pages 61–68. DIY Marzipan Pine Cone Follow along with a Southern Lady food stylist in this simple video tutorial to learn how to craft the whimsical and tasty place setting topper featured on page 43. A Feast for the Season A table swathed in evergreen hues presents a spread of seasonal fare, including Herb Dry-Brined Turkey with Apples,…

Calling to mind a Fraser fir trimmed in golden lights, Spode’s Royal Windsor pattern nestles into Christmas tablescapes with ease. Rings of red ribbon entwined with holly and mistletoe grace a salad plate, saucer, and teacup that bolster this look’s lighthearted charm, crowned by a tiny hand-stitched stocking. Alongside a sentimental silver bell, sugar-dusted treats herald holiday revelry. Emphasize the inspiration plate’s gilded detailing by layering it with metallic-edged finery and gleaming fancies. The tablecloth’s vine motif makes way for the sophisticated setup, which is topped by an avian-inspired accent dish embellished to mimic old-world tapestries. Further the sense of opulence with svelte wineglasses and two-tone silverware; add textural interest with sprigs of fragrant cedar and a variety of shiny baubles.…

For decades, Dana and Bruce Larson spent every December amid the joyful revelry of hosting family flocking in from far away. Following many a busy season in the house where they raised two sons, the empty nesters are soaking up the serene bliss of a new chapter in their golden years. Their fresh start began with a new home imbued with traditional flair in The Preserve, a quiet wooded comm-unity in Hoover, Alabama. “It’s kind of an old-fashioned little town,” Dana says of the neighborhood where they’ve lived since their sons Ian and Jake went to college. “Everybody decorates for Christmas.” Festive accoutrements complement Dana’s fuss-free approach to design, centered around prized antiques colored with personal significance. “It’s just a lot of cool stuff I’ve collected over the years,” says…

LET YOUR HEART BE LIGHT Hand-painted Fraser firs, encircled by pine branches and berries, festoon the dinner plates for this cozy occasion. Red-and-white embroidered linens harmonize with the subtle centerpiece of luxuriant roses, surrounded by a charming runner of greenery and strands of ruby beads. A hearty supper of pork chops, mashed potatoes, and citrusy roasted beets offers comfort during these chilly months. While enjoying a cup of Creamy Vanilla Tea and a slice of scrumptious Apple-Almond Cake, savor these serene moments in the company of those near and dear. Pork and Mushroom Fricassee MAKES 4 SERVINGS 4 (6-ounce) bone-in pork chops, ¾ inch thick2½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided½ teaspoon ground black pepper¼ teaspoon ground red pepper¼ teaspoon paprika¾ cup all-purpose flour, divided¼ cup vegetable oil4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped¼ cup…

Nothing sets the stage for an event like an elegant paper invitation. Amid the rise of digital communication, New Orleans stationery studio Scriptura holds fast to an old-school approach with superlative panache. “With our illustrations, we aim to capture the exact experience that the recipient of the invitation is going to walk into. So, it’s a little foretaste of the event that is to come,” says Margaret Jones, who founded Scriptura with her sister, Sallie, out of their shared love for fine European paper goods. The storefront, situated on lively Magazine Street, makes a first impression as charming as the products. Stepping inside is akin to the thrill of breaking the seal on a beautiful envelope; visitors are transported into a romantic world by way of floor-to-ceiling reclaimed cypress wood,…

PEACE & JOY After an eventful morning of gifts and glee, delight in gathering at a table brimming with Christmas cheer. Atop a snow-white linen, daubs of red and green offer a classic palette for the occasion. Miniature toy soldiers and ornament-laden trees gleam along the rims of dishware. Ruby wineglasses and water goblets accentuate beaded napkin rings circling sage green napkins; matching scalloped place mats bring the table to life. A ginger jar of pink hypericum berries and a bevy of greenery sit front and center, while gold julep cups hold bouquets of alabaster ranunculus and roses. Nearby, a grouping of vintage nutcrackers awaits the grand finale: a chocolate fondue board with plenty of sweets to enjoy.…

Shortly after autumn’s pumpkins and pine cones are tucked away, the Christmas spirit begins to fill the Booker home with warmth and joy. “We start on Thanksgiving night. It’s one of my daughter’s favorite traditions,” says Deidre Booker, whose family of four looks forward to bedecking a farm-fresh tree together every year. “I love it when the whole house is decorated, and I can just stand back to enjoy it. I’m very sentimental about different pieces from my childhood or that I’ve collected or bought somewhere special, like on our honeymoon,” Deidre says. “I know where every ornament is on the tree.” In addition to the grand holiday centerpiece, swags of greenery lend flair to everyday décor throughout the house. From lighting to paint colors, Deidre curated the home to…

Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars MAKES 24 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened1¼ cups granulated sugar¾ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar½ cup unsulphured molasses2 large eggs4 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons ground cinnamon2 teaspoons ground ginger1½ teaspoons kosher salt1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg⅛ teaspoon ground allspice⅛ teaspoon ground cloves3 tablespoons minced crystalized gingerCheesecake Layer (recipe follows) 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, letting excess extend over sides of pan. Spray foil with baking spray with flour. 2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugars at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl. Add molasses, beating until no streaks remain. Add eggs, one at…