Southern Lady Celebrate Special Easter Issue 2012

It has been a quick 30 years since Eric and Brian were born. I remember being in the hospital for weeks waiting for their arrival—they were coming early. I went into the hospital when it was still winter, and when I was discharged, it was spring. Th e flowers seemed so vibrant and alive; I felt that way, too. Bringing home two small bundles was a dream come true. I could write pages about the wonderful times we have had during their 30 years. Every year, their birthday was a big event. I always had two cakes (one for each) and a theme for every party. We have had clown parties, airport parties, limo rides from school, and so many other themes, I can hardly count. When their 30th was fast…

“Along with love and a sense of security, the best thing we can give our families is good memories.” —Alyce Head, Editor All of us hope that along the way, we will find ourselves doing what we truly love in our careers. Today I am living my dream. For more than 25 years, I have worked in publishing, and I must say this is a magazine that cuts to the heart of who I am. I thank Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, a tremendous mentor, for giving me an opportunity to work alongside her and be a “party planner.” Both she and my mother have been such an inspiration to me, and they continue to encourage me to grow in doing what we all three love. I come from a large, loving family. Every…

We often make excuses for why we aren’t interested in entertaining. Our house needs to be redecorated, we don’t know how to cook a gourmet meal, we can’t afford it, and we simply don’t have the time. In her book Th e Reluctant Entertainer, Sandy Coughlin encourages readers to stop thinking negatively and to abandon these “joy busters.” Entertaining is not about every last detail being perfect; it is about connecting with friends and family and simply enjoying each other’s company. What a relief! I love that Sandy takes the weight of perfection off our shoulders and helps us realize that at the end of the day, the way guests feel is much more important then the menu or the tablescape. She offers helpful tips on how to simplify entertaining, from…

SPLENDID SIGN Brilliant quince is one of the first indications of the season’s change, so arrange a few branches to announce the arrival of spring. Use a tall transparent container to display the twigs’ natural twists and turns. UPDATED CLASSIC Give traditionally elegant calla lilies modern appeal by placing them in a rectangular vase at a fanning angle. Once blooms are positioned, carefully fill the vessel with water. NEW LIFE To communicate the budding sentiment of the season, start with a faux nest, which can be purchased at craft stores. Embellish with branches, greenery, and leaves from the yard, and finish with two speckled brown eggs. WARM WELCOME This gathering of daffodils offers greetings as guests enter your home—a sure way to let them know you’re celebrating spring. Simply place potted bulbs in a basket, cover with…

“A bright arrangement of seasonal beauties is a gorgeous way to jump-start spring.” —Phyllis Hoffman DePiano As soon as I see the first sign of spring, I am ready to shake off those winter blues and bring some color into my home. If you’re like me, you might not have had time in the fall (or room in your garden) to plant spring-blooming bulbs. But don’t fret—now’s the time to purchase all sorts of varieties of these bright buds from your local garden shop. These already-potted bulbs can be easily placed in any vessel to create your own magical mini garden. Mix them up with other seasonal annuals, and finish by covering the plastic potting containers with sheet moss. Whether you are entertaining or not, simply place these arrangements around the house…

THE VENUE LEONI USED already had a stock display cart (much like a mall kiosk) that was ready to use. For a similar look, she suggests buying a garden cart secondhand, spray-painting it to match the party decor, and adding fabric for the canopy. When Leoni Jena was planning her daughter’s first birthday three years ago, she pulled together all the details while sticking to her minimal budget. But as the party neared, she realized she had one more expense that was slightly out of reach. “I was desperately searching for some fondant farm animals for a cake I planned to make, but everything was just too expensive,” she recalls. “My budget was tapped, so I decided to attempt to make the figurines myself. To my utter surprise, I found I could…