Autumn and the Things That Matter Most

Phyllis Inspiration, Lifestyle 18 Comments

November has arrived with all the beauty of an autumn season. We usually don’t get the gorgeous leaves until November here in Alabama. Some of you have had them for weeks in your area of the country. And some of you don’t have any at all…beach friends! But this season is always special. Thanksgiving was always a special time for …

Treasured Thanksgiving Memories

Phyllis Lifestyle 19 Comments

Thanksgiving week has always been a favorite of mine. When I was a schoolgirl many, many years ago, I remember with great fondness the pine cone turkeys we would all make. This signified that a wonderful season was ahead. Then the Pilgrim hats would be made next, and the Thanksgiving season was officially underway. We rode to our grandparents’ homes …

Chocolate pie and trifle

Two Chocolate Desserts That Kids and Adults Will Love

Phyllis Lifestyle 8 Comments

When planning a holiday menu at my house, it is important that I have plenty of kid-friendly dishes. Especially in the dessert area. And what child doesn’t just love chocolate? Actually, what adult doesn’t love chocolate? Simply put, chocolate is a crowd-pleaser. Time and time again I’ve seen rows of nut-studded pies, spiced cakes or cookies, and cheesecakes galore. But …

Gift Giving

’Tis the Season for Giving!

Phyllis Lifestyle 5 Comments

This time of year brings joy, memories, and restless excitement in preparation for Christmas Day. Shopping for presents is always a fun experience, and I have so many delightful memories of picking out the perfect gifts for my family and friends. The anticipation of keeping each gift a secret before the big day makes this month one of the most …

Thanksgiving Table

The Table’s Set—Happy Thanksgiving!

Phyllis Lifestyle 9 Comments

To all of my Ribbon friends— Happy Thanksgiving! I pray your Thanksgiving is a beautiful day. No matter how you celebrate or with whom, please know that you are loved and you make a difference in our world. In a world of unexpected events, as we have experienced this past year, may we all find bright moments of happiness and …

Table Setting

Etiquette Q&A: Table Setting Tips from Southern Lady

Phyllis Lifestyle 11 Comments

With Thanksgiving next week, I wanted to share some table setting tips to help you prepare for the holidays. I wear many hats and am always involved in many projects. As editor-in-chief of Southern Lady magazine, I enjoy hearing readers’ questions and responding with solutions and tips. Getting everything ready for Turkey Day can sometimes be daunting, but these table setting …

Thanksgiving

Give Thanks and Make Delicious Thanksgiving Dishes!

Phyllis Lifestyle 15 Comments

When we were kids, going to our grandparents’ house was the Thanksgiving tradition that we loved. It was always fun to catch up on the latest boyfriends, school news, and plans for the future. We had three boy cousins and seven girl cousins. The guys would get away from us as quickly as possible to toss the football or talk …

The Cornucopia: A Thanksgiving Symbol

Phyllis Décor 15 Comments

My mother always has a marvelous Thanksgiving table. It is piled high with the classic food of the holiday causing the delicious aroma of turkey and pie to fill the house. Her table is not only full of delicious food, but is always decorated beautifully. Since I was a child, I have admired the cornucopia my mother used to decorate …

Green Bean Side Dish

Last Minute Side Dish Inspiration

Phyllis Lifestyle 8 Comments

Thanksgiving is a big holiday at my house! I love the magic of autumn leaves falling and the crispness in the air. I especially enjoy savoring all of the extraordinary foods prepared with traditional recipes passed down to each generation. Grandmother Norton’s dressing was always a favorite. My all-time favorite was her icebox fruitcake; I still have her handwritten recipe. …

Thanksgiving Memories - The Ribbon in My Journal

Childhood Thanksgiving Fondly Remembered

Phyllis Lifestyle 18 Comments

Thanksgiving was a big holiday when I was growing up, and it still is today! Some things never change. When I was a little girl, we always went to our grandparents’ homes for Thanksgiving. The ride through the country was magical, and the autumn leaves were picturesque. When we arrived, we knew we had two wonderful family gatherings waiting—one with …