Southern Lady Entertain Decorate Celebrate May/June 2015

Who’s ready for warmer weather? I know my family is—we spend most of May and June outdoors. The anticipation of cookouts and picnics in the park makes me want to squeal with excitement. The next few months bring fun holidays and exciting vacations. It’s time to start planning our adventures to the beach, the lake, and the backyard. This issue is jam-packed with ideas to help you enjoy your time outside: a pool party worth flipping over, delicious grilled burgers on the deck, a lovely garden birthday celebration, a breathtaking beach picnic, and a seaside-inspired supper club. From decorating your table to delectable recipes to serve, get ready to celebrate the best summer ever. Bring the outside indoors. I will find any excuse to be outside, but if I must be inside,…

FROM OUR READERS... Instagram follower @HostessTori said, “My heart sings when I see friends succeed. Do y'all know Chris from @celebrationsathome? She's an entertaining rock star and a dear friend. I've loved watching her "do her thang" for the past 7 years and sooooo excited to see her on the pages of @celebrate_mag! I wanted to shout to the heavens, "That's my friend!!!" (And I did from the top of a mountain).” Instagram follower @travelgoddess5779 says “My favorite cookie!” Get the recipe at celebratemag.com by searching for World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. Twitter follower @JanUdlock said: @Celebrate_Mag Jan/Feb issue is absolutely beautiful! Loved all articles. Some of us are a bit reluctant to host a party...any suggestions? Jan: Try easing into it by hosting a lunch or a dinner. Scale down the décor…

produced by SOPHIA JONES…

Favorites from our Editor- In-Chief, Phyllis BUNCH OF LOVE (Opposite) There’s nothing wrong with staying with tradition— especially when it comes to flowers. Fill a basket with a variety of your favorite seasonal blooms. Then hang on the door of a cherished friend’s house, ring the doorbell, and run! She’ll love this delightful gesture. BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS For the gardener in your life, fill a cement pot with supplies to use in the garden—gloves, a small shovel, and seed packets will get things started. Since May baskets customarily included flowers, add a floral element to the pot by including bright and beautiful roses. CRAFTY CREATION Quilters will love this wicker basket full of supplies that pays tribute to their hobby. Include quilting fabric, cutting shears, drawing pencils, measuring tape, and an assortment of buttons. Give the basket…

SEW CRAFTY Create a perfect pincushion! Glue a colorful piece of fabric around a small tin can, and then wrap complementary fabric around a piece of polyfill. Tie off fabric at the bottom, stuff into the can, and then glue pom-pom-edged ribbon to the top of the can. POSTAL PLANTERS (Opposite) Give your boring plant containers the boot, and use tin cans to display your houseplants instead. Collect cans in various sizes, and then glue vintage stamps around the sides. Fill the cans with aloe, succulents, or other plants. (We found our stamps on etsy.com.) STIR IT UP You’ll love this simple update to your kitchen décor. Refresh a countertop by adding a rustic element to the utensil holder: Hotglue a strand of rope around a large tin can, then fill with spatulas, spoons, and…

Visual Appeal Create interest by arranging different textures together, like woven place mats, jutewrapped silverware, and striped linens and plates. All Adrift Write guests’ names on driftwood place cards to add a simple rustic detail to the décor. ALLAMERICAN Create a star-spangled feel by bringing in a mix of red, white, and blue. Red chairs complement bright place settings. To make the table even more inviting, set up a drink cooler with easy access to beverages. Guests can help themselves to whatever they like at any time. POPS OF COLOR Fun fish prints on dinnerware with classic all-American colors give this summer table a fresh look. Add natural elements to the setting by wrapping strands of jute around silverware, then either hot-glue or tie off each piece on the back. Wrap centerpieces with jute as well. We…