Most Southern hostesses believe in going to great lengths to make their guests feel special. When entertaining, unless they are hosting a small group of very close friends, most hostesses will add a little extra color to their platters or plates to present food in its most favorable light. As we all know, even take-out [...]

My junior year in college was spent studying outside of London in the quaint town of Reading. As I settled into life abroad, I found it charming when my new British friends would call to invite me to enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit with them. Since I was there to learn all [...]

Simple. Elegant. Gracious and charming…these are conditions the consummate Southern hostess aims for in home and entertaining. How fitting that these qualities can also be attributed to orchids—the subtle plant adorning more and more homes in our area as their popularity takes hold. Once only a hobby for the wealthy, orchids are now widely available [...]

One of the first home-cooked meals I ever had as a newlywed with my stepmother-in-law was breakfast. She’s a gifted cook and fabulous entertainer, and makes every meal special—including breakfast. On our first occasion, she served us scrambled eggs—on a silver platter. Noting this humble food on a fancy dish, I looked at my husband, [...]

A wise friend once told me that if you have fresh flowers around the house, you will no longer notice the imperfections of your home. (What dust bunnies under the couch?) The loveliness of the flowers helps you focus on the beauty of nature and the happiness in your home. My friend was on to [...]

By Jen Brestel
Indeed, properly polished silver is a tradition in many Southern homes, and it would be considered gauche to use tarnished silver. And many of us are fearful to use our wedding gifts or family heirlooms because of the dreaded upkeep. However, this is a common misconception; with proper care, your
silver will sparkle and [...]