Southern Lady Autumn in the South 2013

When color comes to town, dancing on branches in crisp, cool breezes, I am dazzled by the glory on display and the invitation to celebrate it extends. It’s as if the very leaves are calling as they rustle, “Come into the fields and forests; come celebrate the harvest; come sit among the splendor; come taste and see how lovely today can be.” As we welcome fall, the staff at Southern Lady finds great delight in embracing the color palettes and resources found in the great outdoors. Throughout this issue, you’ll see autumn’s enchanting offerings in a showcase that includes our favorite decorating and entertaining ideas, as well as inspiration for things to do and see during this wondrous time of year. As you read through these pages, we hope you’ll see the…

WELCOME FALL Hot-glue lacy layers of dried leaves to fashion a long-lasting laurel. Loop ribbon through the opening, top with a bow, and hang from the front door or a tree in the backyard. OPPOSITE: Assemble a beautiful arrangement of autumn blooms and berries in a planter to welcome the season. CURB APPEAL Start at the street with an eyecatching welcome. Tie a wiremesh ribbon into a big fluffy bow, and use small-gauge wire to attach mini pumpkins and berry branches. FLORAL CORNUCOPIA Gather all your favorite fall blooms—sunflowers are especially cheery symbols of the season—plus a few pretty feathers and cedar sprigs, and tuck into a cone-shaped basket for a gracious greeting. HARVEST ARRAY Incorporate the season’s signature produce into a display for a covered porch or patio. Choose a colorful medley of pumpkins and gourds…

ONWARD & UPWARD Pedestals normally used to anchor urns and flowerpots are perfect for displaying pumpkins on steps. Tuck in some mums, and scatter a few fall gourds for good measure. OPPOSITE: Extend a warm welcome: Place a balanced stack of pumpkins on either side of a front door that bears a wreath made of seasonal berries and foliage. SPICE IT UP For an unusual front door display, arrange a mix of autumn gourds in a woven basket shaped like a pouch. Fill in with bunches of red, yellow, and orange hot peppers with stems and leaves still attached. SITTING PRETTY Pull up a front-row seat to fall by staging a cozy corner, starring a rocking chair and a knitted throw with colorful mums in a supporting role. Lend an air of romance to October evenings…

RITZY RUSTIC On the mantel, a pair of sleek-feathered pheasants mixes with metal lanterns, a bucolic painting, and a branch with scarlet-hued foliage for a brilliant combination of sophistication and rusticity. NATURAL STYLE Anita allowed the intrinsic beauty of the building materials to shine by leaving the wood walls and ceilings unpainted. Twisted branches— still bearing their bark—form a unique and whimsical balustrade along the staircase. ALL TUCKED IN Imagine snuggling into a cozy bed layered with quilts and plumped with pillows! Ruffled shams featuring embroidered flowers and the phrase “Sweet Dreams” complete the enchanting look. ROOM WITH A VIEW The natural tones, textures and materials used on the screened porch seamlessly blend the space with its surroundings and ensure that the beautiful views are always the focal point. “ We need the tonic of wildness . .…

KEEPING COMPANY A country kitchen takes on a sophisticated look with gleaming hardwood floors, ceiling, and cabinetry and a handsome rug in deep red and blue. A sitting area at one end encourages everyone to gather around the hearth and visit. OPEN HOUSE Floor-to-ceiling windows allow sunlight to drench the interior spaces in a dreamy glow, especially in the family room, an ideal spot for musical and literary pursuits. Equine accents abound throughout the house, reminders of the pastoral setting just beyond the walls. DINE IN STYLE Buttery-yellow walls lend warmth to the dining room. Chairs upholstered in red toile circle a coversationfriendly round table, and a wrought-iron chandelier offers a rustic touch. EASY BREEZY A screened porch that catches the coastal breezes is yet another place to enjoy meals and get-togethers. Accessories, such as branches of…

GREENS AND RA DISH SALAD WITH WARM RED WINE VINAIGRETTE Makes 8 to 10 servings 3 medium heads Bibb lettuce, torn 3 cups torn red leaf lettuce 1½ cups thinly sliced radish 1 cup extra-light olive oil 3 tablespoons thinly sliced shallot 1 cup medium-body red wine 5 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper 1. In a large bowl, combine Bibb lettuce, red leaf lettuce, and radish. 2. In a small saucepan, heat oil over mediumhigh heat. Add shallot, and cook for ? to ? minutes, or until tender. Add red wine, and bring to a simmer. Cook for ? minutes. Pour mixture into the container of a blender. Add vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pulse until mixture is emulsified and smooth. Serve warm over salad. PULLED PORK Makes 8 to 10 servings ?…