Southern Lady Autumn in the South 2021

FIRST IMPRESSIONS From grand groupings to diminutive tabletop details, usher in fall with a range of captivating arrangements designed to greet those near and dear. A cascading effect accentuates lively blooms on a multi-staired entry, while shorter stoops achieve added dimension through layers of texture. Plump pumpkins offer a counterpoint to potted plants as a trio of wooden lanterns lends a natural aura. Admire the surrounding splendor from a festive front-row seat in the form of a rocking chair, where a plush pillow complements fruits in softer shades for harmonious fusion. PLENTIFUL TREASURES Pumpkins piled high flank the stairway leading to this welcoming retreat, where cozy cushions and a plaid throw infuse the space with warmth. Seasonal bounty in leafy shades embellish a display of Baby Boos and a spectrum of rich flat-bottom…

Stepping into Lynn and Steve Briggs’s inviting Birmingham home, it’s difficult to imagine the structure was once considered a teardown. But because it occupied a lovely tree-shaded lot on the couple’s favorite street, they were able to look beyond the less-than-flattering prior remodels and see the beauty in the bones. Lynn especially embraced the challenge of bringing it back to life. The first step to coaxing the charm from this hidden gem was to hire a design team that shared the couple’s respect for the history of the house. Local architect John Carraway, landscape designer Norman Kent Johnson, and interior designer Lyn Chappelle joined forces for an extensive two-year project. John opened up the foyer, and the front-porch-turned-music-room was restored to its original purpose. All parties were intent on maintaining the…

GLIMPSE OF MAJESTY As verdure is replaced by shades of crimson, amber, and gold, venture outside for a front-row view of the painterly scenes unfurling all around. Whether you drive through the mountains or stroll through a park, witnessing the leaves in their yearly transformation remains an exhilarating affair. Play up the excitement by hosting companions for a meal amid the splendor. Dress a rustic table with mismatched linens and trappings styled after forest finds, including timber-motif flatware and place mats that emulate entwined branches. Hammered copper mugs and vintage brass vessels reflect rays of sunshine washing over the setup. A few willowy arrangements of maroon flowers and berry-laden twigs complement the woodsy locale, while foraged treasures like pine cones and acorns, interspersed with a variety of gourds, top off the…

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Widely revered as America’s favorite drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches through the Appalachian and Great Smoky Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina for 469 miles. There’s no better time than late October to plan a jaunt along this scenic byway. Dramatic shifts in elevation combined with vast woodlands awash in autumn color make for sublime vistas. Innumerable natural wonders are accessible from the roadway’s exits, including Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. Break from your journey in Roanoke, Virginia, where urban amenities are saturated with Southern hospitality. Go to page 87 to help plan a visit. NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST Immerse yourself in this mountainous North Carolina playground. The park’s name includes a Cherokee word that means “land of the noonday sun,” a phrase that befits a…

BUCOLIC BRILLIANCE A wide array of foraged finds trails along this tableau, meeting at the center where a striking cornucopia spills forth with a bevy of jewel-toned blooms including garden roses, carnations, ranunculus, waxflowers, bunny grass, and more. Similar arrangements burst from a vintage vessel on a side table and in rustic vases and garland strewn across the mantel, anchored by a large kettle of mums below. White bone china bears differing borders with swirls of sage green that resemble leaves dancing in the wind accompanied by notes of rust, beige, black, and gold. The gilded touches are repeated on gleaming chargers and the rims of dainty glasses, while silver lends its own contrasting sparkle in classic napkin rings, flatware, and serving pieces. NATURE UNFURLS Find a restful spot beneath a canopy of…

SWEETS AND TREATS Affix seasonal fruits, like apples and pears, with personalized place cards for each guest. Incorporate the same colors in the table’s centerpiece and napkin rings to tie the look together. Pumpkin Muffins with Cinnamon-Honey Butter MAKES 12 1 cup all-purpose flour½ cup whole-wheat flour¾ cup sugar1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon ground ginger½ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon ground cloves½ cup dried cranberries (optional)1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon minced crystallized ginger, divided1 cup canned pumpkin2 large eggs⅔ cup whole buttermilk¼ cup vegetable oilCinnamon-Honey Butter, to serve (recipe follows) 1. Preheat oven to 400°. 2. Spray a 12-well muffin pan with cooking spray. 3. In a large bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and cloves, whisking well. Add cranberries (if using), and 1 teaspoon crystallized…