Doing Something Nice for Ourselves

Phyllis People 24 Comments

This past weekend, I went to Atlanta to the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo. Our company bought this event company last fall, and this was the first event of the year. I was thrilled to attend! I sat down in the lobby to take a break, and a wonderful lady named Linda Hudson came over and asked if she could …

living room from Classic COttages by Cindy Cooper Smith

Classic Cottages: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

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Classic Cottages is a book that inspires me all over again every time I open it. Flipping through, I seem to fold down the corner of a different page than the last time—does anyone else do this? Anyway, be it a corner shelf with collected treasures, a simple floral arrangement, or a flourishing garden, I always discover something beautiful that …

hands joined together

Living With a Tragedy

Phyllis Inspiration 1 Comment

This past weekend, our state of Alabama was hit by ferocious tornados. There are 23 fatalities as of this writing. Our hearts are broken for the families that lost loved ones and for people who survived but lost everything they have. For some families it’s both. You can’t dry tears and say anything that can help ease their pain. You …

Southern Lady magazine spring tablescape

A Springtime Tablescape from Southern Lady Magazine

Phyllis Inspiration 18 Comments

The first official day of spring is not until March 20, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start getting ready! This year, I have found myself more excited than ever to change seasons. Fresh flowers, light and bright recipes, and plenty of color are all ways I try to embrace the arrival of springtime. And not to mention, who doesn’t …

white and green hospitality tray

Hospitality Trays 101

Phyllis Lifestyle 13 Comments

It is often the simplest of gestures that let people know you care. Hospitality trays might sound elevated and fancy, but the truth is, they could not be any easier to put together! Create this special experience for your guests just one time, and you’ll never turn back after seeing how surprised and delighted they are. Having one of these trays …

lane cake

Can You Guess This Classic Southern Dessert?

Phyllis Lifestyle 4 Comments

Layer cakes are absolutely essential to Southern culture. It is completely acceptable and quite common, actually, for more than one layer cake to appear on dessert tables at holiday gatherings, baby showers, church suppers…you get the idea! One of the more discrete Southern classics is the distinctive Lane Cake. Also referred to as Prize Cake or Alabama Lane Cake, this …

“Do something you love…”

Phyllis People 9 Comments

I absolutely love when people use their creative talents to elevate something so simple. Many of you requested more posts about female artists, so this is a story from Victoria magazine that I am thrilled to share with you today! Donna Stevens’s dazzling range of ribbons has been bringing touches of glamour to home décor since 2008, when, along with …

You’ll Be Ready for a Beach Trip After Reading This

Phyllis Inspiration 9 Comments

The sea, for so many of us, represents tranquility and peace. For others, it is a wonderful color palette that inspires beautiful design work. Such is the case for Tracey Rapisardi, and we were absolutely thrilled to publish her new book, Simply by the Sea. Tracey grew up in New England, meaning the coastline and the ocean were influential in …

Phyllis and son Brian Hart Hoffman speaking at the Southern C

Meeting Challenges Head On: A Recap of the Southern Coterie Event

Phyllis Inspiration 20 Comments

I was privileged to speak at The Southern Coterie gathering last week in Sea Island, Georgia—The Southern C for short! It is an annual conference where hundreds of entrepreneurs gather and share ideas, advice, and experiences. My goodness, there were mostly young people there, and I felt rather “mature!” My son Brian and I were the keynote speakers, together on …