Southern Lady Celebrate Spring Favorites 2014

A beautiful pastel palette surrounds us in spring. From flowers to décor, we gravitate toward these soft shades as a sign of the new season. And what a time to celebrate! There are so many wonderful events worth marking during this time of year. Easter and Mother’s Day top our list, and we feature lovely ways to gather for both special days. From decorating a table to planning a delicious dinner to hosting an egg-dyeing party, we are all about Easter! Discover four different ways you can use seasonal candy to decorate an Easter cake—on the cover and on page 64. It’s also time to show Mom how much she means to you. Gather everyone for a thoughtful brunch filled with scrumptious recipes and a setting that will have her feeling…

ONLINE INVITATIONS For casual events, many people are now using e-mail invitations through online services. Quick, easy, and free, these invitations are also environmentally friendly. Though they are inherently less formal than a handwritten version, the fundamental rules of etiquette still apply. Including the same pertinent information as on a formal invitation is necessary. Be sure to double-check date, time, and location, as well as e-mail addresses, to avoid any miscommunications. Once you have sent an e-mail invitation, you can check to see who has opened it. If you see that an invitation is unopened in someone’s in-box, you may want to call in case it got lost in a spam folder. Many services also offer event reminders, maps, and weather updates, so take advantage of these to help you and your guests. Whether…

DARLING DÉCOR Some celebrations call for big pops of decorations, like balloons. Create a modern look by filling clear balloons with confetti. Using a funnel, pour desired amount of confetti into deflated balloon (not too much!), and have them blown up with helium. PRETTY PAPER I love seasonal paper products, like invitations, place cards, and tags. Find these, along with other floral-themed products, from Rifle Paper Co. See the selection at riflepaperco.com. SEEDS OF LOVE Nothing says spring like a garden full of flowers, so carry this theme into a tablescape. Let your place card double as a favor by tying the name around a vintage seed packet. THE BEE’S KNEES Honey is a versatile natural sweetener that I adore. Package this delicious treat in small jars as party favors for a luncheon or birthday party— or…

CLASSIC EASTER BASKET Whether you’re gathering a basket for your child or your grandchild, styling one for a new baby, or presenting one to a neighbor, this basket is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Begin with a base of paper shreds, and place a cute plush animal inside. Package candy in a clear bag, and secure with a pastel ribbon. Tie a bow on the handle to complete the look. PICNIC FOR TWO Let your basket serve as a housewarming gift or simply a thoughtful present for a friend or neighbor. Look to elements of a relaxing picnic to inspire the contents. A bottle of wine with two plastic glasses, cheese and crackers, and a petite cutting board are perfect for an afternoon in the sun. CREATIVE CADDY Make a clever utensil holder for an…

create th e look Evoke a classic Easter setting by using a pastel color palette in the linens and table runner. Add in gold and silver accents for an elegant touch with your upscale tabletop pieces, like fine china and silver. A variety of silver vessels filled with peonies, tulips, hydrangeas, and other in-season blooms complement the table. As a nod to Easter tradition, weave a mix of pastel and metallic dyed eggs among the décor. create th e look Keep the children in mind, and set a table just for them. A wide runner of craft paper and pastel plaid place mats keep the color palette consistent with that of the main table and add fun accents. Create a kid-friendly place card by writing names on a pastel egg, and place it in a little…

create th e look Use the kitchen table to set up an art station. Line the table with white craft paper. Then use a fun roll of gift wrap to create a festive table runner. Give each child an apron to wear during crafting. Set out glasses of dye and bowls of decorating accessories like tape, glitter, markers, and stickers. Arrange hard-boiled and predyed eggs in cute bowls of varying heights and sizes filled with green paper grass. Layer additional grass in mounds at the base of the bowls to hold eggs. Put the finished eggs in their own carrier. Using scissors, cut an egg carton in half, and tie a small twine ribbon around it to keep it secure. Guests will love a sweet treat to take home. Put a Peep on a lollipop…