Southern Lady Mar/Apr - Spring in the South 2018

What a delight it is when springtime arrives in the South! I’ve always thought our region is at its beautiful best this time of year. I never tire of seeing the daffodils and dogwoods unfurl in my neighborhood after their winter slumber, or pausing on an afternoon stroll to savor the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle blooming on the vine. Simple pleasures such as these grace every page of this issue, from pretty tabletop touches and floral bouquets to weekend getaways and recipes that showcase the best of the garden’s first harvest. Join us as we rejoice in all that makes this season so wonderful to behold. Happy spring!…

Bevy of Blossoms (Top left) What better way to start your daily routine than with the loveliness and fragrance of fresh blossoms? Here, a single pale pink peony reigns over a silver vanity tray. (Top right) Greet guests with fragrant yellow spray roses that add a graceful note to an elegant setting. Pluck the short-stemmed buds and insert them into a foam ball, then tuck a place card between the flowers. (Bottom left) A few well-placed ribbons give this tray festive flair you can change out to fit the occasion. A happy blend of widths and patterns add interest to the simple bamboo weave. Line up the ribbons diagonally and secure them in place with double-sided tape. (Bottom right) Prepare a lovely centerpiece reminiscent of clear blue skies and ocean waves.…

In 20 years of marriage, Lisa and Tommy Broadhead have lived in 10 houses. As their family grew and Tommy’s career allowed it, the couple eventually felt drawn to spread permanent roots in Fairhope, Alabama, a charming town on the eastern coast of Mobile Bay known for its leisurely pace, harbor views, and watercolor sunsets. While the Broadheads and their four children can enjoy that view just by walking to the end of their street, life is anything but slow for this family on-the-go. Lisa traded a career in pharmaceutical sales for motherhood, seizing upon the extra time at home with her little ones to hone her penchant for decorating and design. Encouraged by her husband to pursue her passion, Lisa saw each move as a new project, another opportunity to…

Mike and Sue Darnell of Pike Road, Alabama, love taking strolls together and seldom leave their yard to do so. Waves of petunias, roses, clematis, and snapdragons are there to greet them every morning as they traverse stepping stones and grass-carpeted paths. “We walk there and you just can’t help but worship God because it’s so beautiful,” Mike says. “We’ve created a tiny little world that looks like the Garden of Eden.” The Darnells started plotting the suburban oasis before constructing their home in The Waters, a planned development located between Montgomery and Auburn. Twelve years later, more than 80 varieties of roses surround the picturesque cottage. Mike started growing roses 40 years ago and hasn’t stopped yet. “My wife hides the rose catalogs. She says I’m a rose-aholic,” he says…

Sprightly Spread Breathtaking daffodils enliven this design, and their strong yellow blooms are invigorated by white tulips and cool purple scabiosa. Raise the visual delight by grouping a bevy of blue-and-white containers to create an abundant floral flow that would be sure to attract nature’s wildlife. Burst of Blooms Nothing says spring in the South like a blue-and-white vase laden with fully open peonies. Perfect to cheer up any décor, peonies are spring bloomers, but if you plan carefully and plant in succession, they’ll last until the early days of summer. “ In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends " . — Okakura Kakuzo Lifted in Splendor Spring stands tall on the tabletop with lofty grape hyacinths and posturing daffodils, grounded by lacy sweet alyssum. (Opposite) Hinting at the season’s renewal with its brightly…

ENTERTAINING Glorious Gathering This white-and-pastel-infused setting signals the day’s splendor as it shines under the sun, giving off an effervescent feel that mirrors the spirits of all in attendance. Vintage white linens with subtle detailing set a pristine backdrop, while spring-inspired shades of blue and pink dance across the table. Dainty floral motifs abound, from timeless crystal patterns to an assortment of unique glass dinnerware in turquoise hues. Evoking an elegant yet cheerful ambience, a lively arrangement of tulips, snapdragons, and ranunculus spills from a refined silver vessel, extending the color and presentation of smaller pedestal displays filled with Jordan almonds and Easter eggs. Twist on Tradition Prepare a delicious lineup of creative dishes, inspired by Easters past. A Pineapple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin becomes the star of the menu, while lemony butter beans and colorful…