Southern Lady Sept/Oct: Autumn in the South 2019

Autumn is not only one of the most beautiful times of year around the South, but it’s also one of our favorite seasons at Southern Lady. We delight in the brilliant colors and all the simple joys that arrive with these magical months. Our annual Autumn in the South special issue was created to celebrate all things fall, and we have plenty of ideas to inspire you, from beautiful china patterns (page 21) to pumpkin-bedecked porches (page 9). Nothing feels cozier than having a pot of soup or stew simmering on the stove, and the recipes on page 43 will warm you down to your toes on a chilly eve. I can’t wait to make a batch of the classic chicken and dumplings (page 48)—comfort food doesn’t get more comforting than that.…

Dazzling Variety Who can possibly choose among the veritable smorgasbord of pumpkins and gourds available when cooler days finally arrive? Gather up oodles of every color, shape, and size that strikes your fancy, and let them tumble down the front-porch steps like a multihued waterfall. Ornamental cabbages enliven the parade of eye-catching fall finds and evergreen potted arrangements. Round out the inspired composition with a door wreath composed of yellow leaves and scarlet blooms. Cozy Up Under the brilliance of luminous blue skies, autumn seeps into the South, emboldening trees to don radiant ruby, bronze, and crimson foliage. Take in this seasonal showcase while bundled up on the patio in Adirondack chairs draped in plush plaids—fall’s most cherished pattern. Relax amid pleasing pumpkins as you extend a welcome to all who’ve gathered. Merry Mix Grace…

Richly Refined Hail the arrival of autumn with settings united by the iconic tones October brings. Mottahedeh’s Palma design blends a global motif with timeless style. Highlight its distinctive palette by swapping a supporting cast of warm colors for cooler ones. (Opposite) With a shimmering gold rim trimmed in an abstract frame of orange, L’Objet’s Fortuny dinner plate captures a simple scheme ideal for a range of occasions and pattern pairings. Botanical Beauty Enjoy the earliest days of this evolution unfolding outdoors with china that reflects the shift from summer’s blossoms to emblazoned foliage. A graceful nod to the dainty flowers so beloved in the South, the Peony Mist salad plate by Caskata calls to mind the gentle fog of brisk mornings—a canvas for tablescapes that echoes the transition into breezier months. (Opposite)…

Natural Bounty Accentuate a woodland vista with a table setting that pays homage to the flora and fauna of the forest. Decorative twigs, ferns, and feathers intertwine for a dishware border that brings to mind the nesting instincts of busy birds. Highlight the woodsy motif with amber glasses and brown ceramic chargers bearing a subtle sheen. A serving board and coasters made from cut timber are apropos décor, while napkins cinched with leather rings top off the scheme. Mismatched candleholders create a concordant runner of midnight blue. Collected in a glimmering leaf-shaped dish, acorns showcase Mother Nature’s gracious gifts, along with fallen leaves scattered down the length of the table. Enchanted Forest A moss-cloaked tree stump makes a humble tabletop fit for serving dessert or storing spare place-setting accoutrements. Sunshine glints off of…

Bounteous Fare Plan a lineup filled with the savory flavors of fall, but keep them light and fresh enough for mild evenings. Dress the table with accoutrements like a cheese plate accompanied by figs, crackers, green olives, mixed nuts, and persimmons. Sweet Potato Chips with a delectable Thyme Ricotta Dip are perfect for nibbling and visiting before the main meal is served. At the heart of the menu, a flavorful Chicken Butternut Squash Soup enhances the warmth of the occasion. Add a side salad brimming with pears, cranberries, and a honey-infused vinaigrette, and give old-fashioned cornbread muffins an herbal update with rosemary. Finish the night on a sweet note with a harbinger of the turning season—Chocolate Bottom Pecan Pie. Chicken Butternut Squash Soup MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS 1 tablespoon vegetable oil¾ pound boneless…

Gumbo z’Herbes MAKES 1½ QUARTS ¼ cup canola oil½ cup all-purpose flour1 cup chopped yellow onion1 large green bell pepper, seeded and diced½ cup chopped celery2 cloves garlic, minced1 (32-ounce) carton vegetable stock1 cup water1 bay leaf¼ cup chopped fresh parsley2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning1½ teaspoons hot sauce½ teaspoon kosher salt1 pound collard greens, stemmed and finely choppedHot cooked rice, to serveGarnish: hot sauce, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh thyme 1. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook, stirring frequently, until light brown in color, about 7 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Add stock, 1 cup water, bay leaf, parsley, thyme, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and salt; bring to a boil. Working…