Southern Lady

It’s been more than two decades since I first visited Davidson, North Carolina, but I remember clearly how it charmed me from the start. I arrived on a mild, sunny day in late March, and both the town and its namesake college campus were lush with az

Restaurant owner, successful entrepreneur, wife and mother, active community member—these titles can all be attributed to Birmingham, Alabama, native Ashley McMakin. Now, the mastermind behind Ashley Mac’s café can add cookbook author to that list. “

When Anne Neilson painted her first angel, the lifelong creative was at a crossroads. Then, a day volunteering at a homeless shelter inspired her career path that led to a gallery, home goods line, and her latest book Entertaining Angels: True Storie

Peddling handmade ribbon belts and artsy home goods back in 2003, Elizabeth Hoenscheid and Karena Rasser never imagined their budding accessories business, Top It Off, would eventually pique the interest of celebrity Oprah Winfrey. “We were both work

The charming Basket pattern by Villeroy & Boch from 1983 adds a cheery splash of sunshine year-round. Bright scalloped linens and glassware in citrus shades pair with a tablecloth bearing lemons and large-scale blossoms; woven-handled gold flatware c

Davidson, North Carolina, harbors not only a prestigious liberal arts institution in Davidson College—the alma mater of NBA star Steph Curry, crime writer Patricia Cornwell, and former president Woodrow Wilson—but also a tight-knit village of neighbo

CONGREGATE IN THE GARDEN TO MAKE USE OF THE SEASON’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST OFFERINGS AT A FLORAL-ARRANGING FÊTE. Amid the flourishing beauty of an airy backyard, conversation flows freely as guests follow a demonstration in crafting a beautiful bouquet,

Convivial chatter echoes among companions in a space cloaked in a dreamy palette. Blue-and-white dishware lends classic elegance alongside floral arrangements tinted with feminine shades of fuchsia and blush. Candlesticks modeled after feathered frie

The heady scents of fragrant petals swirl through the air as well-wishers celebrate a bride’s upcoming nuptial bliss at a honeymoon-themed affair. A fern pattern on the tablecloth accentuates the verdant setting where invitees partake of a honey-infu

Zebra cabinet handles and bright animal-print wallpapers aren’t typically the fountainhead of designer Melissa Hall Simmons’s style, but for a pet-loving homeowner who wanted “bold, colorful, and wild,” she found a way to oblige. The client, a longti

In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, soulful tunes and rich history flow freely throughout the streets of Cleveland. Whether traipsing along the Mississippi Blues Trail, touring the Grammy Museum, or devouring delicious cuisine, this tiny burg sits

Gone are the days when a white-gloved butler received calling cards to help the mistress of the house discern who might visit, but the shining silver tray he held to gather them is now a collectible with a fresh role in modern hospitality. “I have pe

LEARN TO CREATE OUR BUNNY EAR NAPKIN FOLD AT SOUTHERNLADYMAGAZINE.COM. Rejoice alongside loved ones at a table bedecked in pastels and ready for a menu of holiday favorites. Springtime fancies inspire this resplendent tablescape, from flowery accents

MAKES 4 SERVINGS 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped1 pound crawfish tails, rinsed and drained2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning½ cup sliced green onion1 large head iceberg lettuceCajun Buttermilk Dressing (recipe follows)1 cup h

When I was growing up, luncheons were a celebrated event. They meant beautifully set tables, cloth napkins, charming flatware, and gleaming stemware. It was such a treat watching my mother get ready for a lunch party she was giving—usually in honor o