One of life’s simplest pleasures is cultivating our surroundings with the little things that inspire us. Many of us have our own collections of special items that we consider to be exquisite or rare, and certainly of great personal interest. I have a fondness for vintage sewing tools, which I’ve written about before. My son, Brian Hart Hoffman, has a broad and remarkable collection …
This time of year, when gardens are in full bloom and the weather is mild, my thoughts always turn to entertaining. There’s just something special about inviting guests into your home to share hospitality and warm conversation. To welcome the season, I’m giving away Volumes 1 and 2 of The Entertaining Cookbook from Southern Lady magazine. I hope that you will find a …
Mother’s Day is tomorrow and I wish all of the mothers a very happy day spent with those you love. I am so blessed to have my mother still with us. Last year on Mother’s Day, I wrote about the fun times that my children and I had growing up with her. For these memories I will be forever grateful. Mother’s …
Summer in the south will be upon us in no time, and with the gorgeous weather comes the urge to entertain. Hospitality meets casual comfort during the summer, and nature provides us with an abundance of inspiration. I caught up with Southern Home Editor Lynn Lee Terry to provide a few tips for decorating your home for the season. 1. Lighten up, and …
Cinco de Mayo is this week and it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in one of my favorite snacks: tortilla chips with a savory dip. Here are two recipes for delicious Mexican-inspired dips that are sure to please everyone in your household. And for those who don’t drink alcohol, I’ve included a recipe for a refreshing Cantaloupe Agua Fresca Fizz …
By now you probably already know that I love beautiful gardens and have a special affinity for artists. You can imagine my excitement to read this article from the Cottage Journal Summer 2016 issue about Sus Miller and her gorgeous dahlias. She is a Maine-based artist who brings her colorful garden to life through watercolor. Text by: Tovah Martin Photography by: Kinda Clineff Sus Miller admits that she’s …
I wanted to share with you this beautiful farmhouse that is featured in our latest Southern Lady Classics issue, Southern Style. I hope it will inspire you to pursue a home full of life and style! And if you’re a fan of the Southern Lady Classics collection, you’re in luck. Southern Lady is now offering a subscription to the six special collector’s issues produced each year. …
With the entire world celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, I thought I would share with you this delightful tea, developed by TeaTime magazine. It is truly fit for royalty, whether the queen of England or a special lady in your life. Enjoy! From TeaTime March/April 2016 Although the birthday of the British monarch, whoever he or she may be, is …
With the advent of modern day home sewing and embroidery machines, you can create your own linen collection by purchasing monogram designs and embroidering your own linens. For the sewist today, monogram designs can be downloaded to an embroidery sewing machine, and very quickly a set of beautiful linens can be created. Here are some “tips” for creating your own: …
With the Kentucky Derby only a few weeks away, I thought I’d share this fun recipe for Derby Bars with you. These sweet squares, featured in Paula Deen’s Southern Desserts 2016, are full of chocolate, pecans, and a little bourbon. You’ll find similar desserts served all over Kentucky, especially in pie form. Whether you’re looking for cool, no-bake treats that are …
