Southern Lady Celebrate Winter Parties 2013

I love Valentine’s Day. I think heart-shaped sweets, vintage cards, beautiful flowers, and handwritten notes are wonderful. My sons used to write me precious notes when they were young. I have kept them and cherish them. When you express love to someone, it makes a memory that will last a lifetime. Neal and I always stay home on Valentine’s Day evening. We celebrate what we treasure most in our lives. We cook our favorite dishes, sit by the fire, and finish the evening by watching a movie. He always has a surprise for me that makes the day perfect. Whether just for you and your beloved or a gathering of close friends this Valentine’s Day, we have put together a romantic dinner party on page 51 to celebrate love. This year, I…

We have had an amazing time putting this issue together for you. Choosing which party themes to present each time can be a challenge, but we hope we have inspired you to host your family and friends this winter. And remember, entertaining is just like anything else—the more you do it, the more comfortable you will become opening your home. To send off this new year, we give you our favorite tip for planning a successful event. First, establish your theme and color palette, and stick with it. Th en, let all the other details unfold as you research and explore the menu, the tablescape, and other little “wow” factors that will make your guests feel welcome—no matter how simple or extravagant. Although my grown children have often teased me over the…

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“Monograms give familiar items a means to elegance.” —Phyllis Hoffman DePiano One of my favorite design elements that never goes out of style is a monogram. Timeless and elegant, monograms are the perfect way to make a statement that is uniquely yours. Whether personalizing family heirlooms or giving a gift, adding this touch lends something special to everyday objects. Traditionally, monograms have been used to adorn family heirlooms such as silver and serving pieces, which is not only elegant but a special way to remember items that have been passed down from generation to generation. Personalized objects make beautiful gifts for newlyweds as they begin their own collection of family keepsakes. And monograms have again become a fashionable element in entertaining—dinner or cocktail napkins embroidered with initials add chic sophistication to a…

Twelve years ago, little Olivia “Lulu” London Senese was about to turn 1. Her mother, Jessie Senese, spent months putting together the perfect birthday bash, giving it her all and leaving no detail unattended. “I took a cake-decorating class for three months just so I could make her cake,” she says. “I learned how to make her dress. I even made the invitations. I loved it.” Jessie quickly recognized her passion for party planning. So began a 10-year journey that ultimately ended with her owning and managing an online shop filled with entertaining items such as striped paper straws, crepe-paper fringe, and chevron-patterned spoons and forks. In a sense, Shop Sweet Lulu (named after Jessie’s oldest daughter, of course) rooted itself with that first birthday party. In that span, Jessie tried more than…