It always makes my day when I open my mailbox to a handwritten letter from a friend. I have always loved writing and receiving notes and I intend to keep handwritten correspondence a priority in my life. With the speed of technology, it is becoming more and more rare to receive words written by hand. There is still a simple …
Do you remember seeing a dish for the first time and instantly falling in love with it? I vividly remember one such experience that I had when I first saw my mother’s cake stands. She had several ones that were all beautiful in their own way, but the one that instantly caught my eye was her Fostoria cake stand. I …
There’s nothing quite like the flavors of fall. As August heat hits its peak, I begin to look forward to cooler afternoons and all of the wonderful tastes and scents that come with them. This anticipation is no doubt familiar to many across the south and it’s the inspiration behind Editorial Director Brooke Bell’s newest book, Fall Baking. I sat down with Brooke …
Anyone who has ever shared a meal at my home has probably eaten on some of my blue and white dishes. This color combination is one of my all-time favorites, and so many beautiful dishes are available in these classic colors. My love affair with these dishes began when my grandmother Norton introduced me to the Blue Willow pattern. Since …
I have always enjoyed baking, especially when I am able to bake with my family. I loved teaching my sons, Eric and Brian, how to bake when they were young. Brian especially took an interest and before long, he wanted to try his hand at baking solo. My friend Barbara was coming over for dinner one evening and he wanted …
I have always been a dreamer. It is such a blessing that so many of my dreams have come true. Being a wife, mother, grandmother, and doing what I love every day with Hoffman Media are all so much more than I deserve. There are other life experiences that I still daydream about, and I write them down in my …
There is a group of remarkable and unique women that have always fascinated me: the First Ladies. These women have a role unlike any other, and each one brings her own flair to the White House. American women look to them as examples and as leaders. Out of all these amazing women, the First Lady that has inspired me the …
Summertime brings with it such a beautiful vibrancy. When I think summer, I think sunshine and the bright colors of the outdoors. What better way to bring the colors of summer to life than a party? No matter what the occasion of your gathering is, let the energy of summer inspire a lively palate of color. For the pictured party, …
Drinking a cup of hot tea has always been relaxing for me. I especially love taking afternoon tea. TeaTime magazine’s new book, Taking Tea, is a celebration of this art. I have experienced afternoon tea at several of the establishments featured in the book, such as the Willard, Windsor Court Hotel, the Peabody Memphis, and the Grand America Hotel. Lorna …
One of my favorite parts of summer mornings is stepping out into my garden and savoring the scents of flowers in bloom. Here in the South, fresh flower bouquets are a summer must-have and can dress up even the simplest tablescape. Arranging flowers is a perfect way to repurpose unique containers that you already have. One type of container that …
