Southern Lady May - June 2014

Dear Friends, With summer knocking at the door, I’m enjoying more time outside, strolling around my backyard and breathing in the sweet mingling of floral fragrances. Is there anything more wonderful than a garden in full bloom? In this issue of Southern Lady, we are celebrating all the loveliness this glorious season brings. We tour a gracious home, complete with a gorgeous rose garden, and in both Summer Color (page 55) and In Bloom (page 31), we offer ideas for displaying your own blossoming beauties. I’m also excited to share a glimpse of my precious granddaughter’s room, all dressed in her favorite color (page 35). Jump into entertaining with a refreshing pool party, or invite the ladies over for a delicious luncheon in the garden. We even teach you how to…

GEORGIA ON MY MIND, PAGE 41 While we love the nostalgia of exploring Southern campuses for our current travel series, we have discovered there’s so much more to these fascinating places than grand traditions. Beyond their beloved Bulldogs, Athens, Georgia, also boasts an inviting downtown, a vibrant music scene, and a truly scrumptious and diverse culinary landscape. LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE, PAGE 89 The charming burg of St. Francisville first turned the head of our managing editor, Kathleen Whaley, upon her discovery of Afton Villa Gardens, an almost-ethereal paradise situated in the midst of the ruins of a 19th-century mansion. Don’t miss her tour of the town, along with exquisite photos by the one and only John O’Hagan. HOMETOWN VISIT, PAGE 49 I first met designer Beverly Farrington about a year ago in my hometown of Huntsville,…

We’d love to hear from you! Write to us to share your thoughts. Love for Heirloom China I was so pleasantly surprised to open your March/April issue and see my mother’s china pattern [“New Looks For Old China,” page 53]! Don’t let that china sit in a cabinet somewhere—it is meant to be used, with love and memories. Dianne Ely Smith Columbus, Ohio From our friends on Facebook ELIZABETH ALCORN My only complaint is that you don’t publish an issue every month. This is my favorite magazine! NANCY KIRK STARNES I love this magazine—beautiful pictures, wonderful stories, and the best recipes! LOURETTA EVANS Wonderful magazine, makes me happy! Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/SouthernLadyMag.…

FLORAL FOLIO Take this bouquet to go with a tablet cover that is practical and pretty. Tablet Folio in Clementine, $58; Vera Bradley, verabradley.com. GARDEN GADGETS Mom can get a handle on her gardening with this tote that stores everything needed to make her work easier. Picnic Plus Trellis Deluxe Garden Tote, $99.99; Brookstone, brookstone.com. PRETTY IN PINK Handmade stylish serving pieces in pink hues add a touch of feminine flair to the table. Peony Salad Serving Set, $99, and Rose Platter, $220; Julia Knight, juliaknight.net. SWEET DREAMS Slow things down in this cute capri pajama set with eye-catching snail print. Deco Snail Capri Set, $78; The Cats Pajamas, thecatspjs.com. BEAUTIFUL BLOSSOMS Bring these perennial favorites adorned with ruffles, ribbons, and pretty peonies on your next adventure. Peony Stripe Cosmetic Bags and Shower Cap, $16-$28; Jessie Steele, jessiesteele.com.…

SWEET & PETITE Handcrafted soaps look lovely in a powder room. Rose Topiary Bar, $19.95; Chelsea House Soaps, chelseahousesoaps.com. SWEET GESTURE A clever tulip design on these delicious chocolate treats satisfies a sweet tooth and a love of nature. Spring Truffles (8 pieces), $15; Edward Marc, edwardmarc.com. CARRY ALL Trimmed in pink magnolias and Southern charm, this summer accessory will hold all the essentials. Beach Bag in Pink Magnolia, $43; Jessie Steele, jessiesteele.com. CIRCLE OF LOVE A one-of-a-kind keepsake ring with interconnecting bands keeps your dear ones close. Triple Name Ring, $109; Nelle & Lizzy, nelleandlizzy.com. TAKE NOTE These bright and cheerful cards will inspire handwritten correspondence. Note Cards, Sticky Notes, Correspondence Cards, $15-$18; Anna Griffin, shop.annagriffin.com. FANCY FEEDER Bird lovers will be attracted to this filigree glass feeder with lovely aquatic colors. Parasol Filigree Hummingbird Feeder in Ocean, $34.99; Best…

With childhood and family ties to the South, aspiring innkeepers Vicki Hadley and Nina Belott were drawn to Sarasota’s enchanting combination of tropical romance and cultural sophistication. During a particularly bitter New Jersey winter pelted by 17 snowstorms, Vicki and Nina decided to make a change. They began looking for an inn to call their own. They were smitten when they first saw the old Vernacular-style Sarasota home under a canopy of palms, mango trees, and live oaks cloaked in Spanish moss. Along with Nina’s husband, Robert, they bought the property, moved to the sparkling seaside, and opened The Cypress Bed and Breakfast Inn. “I love the small-town feeling where neighbors look out for each other,” says Vicki. “And the sense of history,” Nina adds. This reverence for history is evident…