Southern Lady March/April 2022

I’ve always thought that a big part of Southern hospitality is grace under pressure. When guests come calling on short notice, we don’t let ourselves get flustered—we just fluff the house, swipe on some lipstick, and open the door with a smile! A well-prepared hostess is a gracious hostess, and a smidgen of advance planning goes a long way toward remaining cool and composed. On page 97, you’ll find our best tips for staying company-ready, from stocking up on nibbles and treats to keeping your good linens pressed. If you have extra time to set a pretty table, don’t miss New Looks for Old China on page 53, always a March/April highlight. It never ceases to amaze me how our talented styling team can make an aging pattern look young again!…

GARDEN GOODNESS Springtime has arrived in full bloom! Flowers get most of the attention this time of year, and deservedly so, but I get excited when the first crop of fruits and vegetables hits my local farmers’ market. Watercress, leeks, raspberries, Meyer lemons, and so many more—after a winter of hearty stews and casseroles, I can’t wait to load up my table with these colorful just-picked gems. In this issue, you’ll find lots of recipes that make the most of spring’s harvest with a generous helping of Southern flair, starting with our annual Party Time entertaining feature on page 59. Host a golf-themed brunch inspired by Georgia’s legendary Masters golf tournament, with the menu on page 73 that honors the signature flavors of the state. The alfresco porch party on page 61…

Get a glimpse of the beautiful images our social media friends have shared with us, capturing their own inspiration from the pages of Southern Lady. Top row: On @carnedesigns’s porch, cheerful blooms and fragrant lavender provide the backdrop for curling up with a good book. Dabs of turquoise add fun flair to@oliviapitts1014’s garden party. Surrounded by classical outdoor elements, bold blossoms sit center stage in an alfresco tablescape from @everydaylivingblog. Middle row: A lemon cake cloaked in spring sunlight brightens this scene presented by @frenchcountryorchard. A wicker table pairs perfectly with the mint green palette of @societysocial’s entryway. Bottom row: Accompanied by bouquets of flowers and a comfy robe, breakfast in bed is all the more luxurious for @bygeorgiagrace. Crisp linens, wooden tones, and fresh farm eggs bring a seasonal…

As founder of Bailey Boys, a line of classic children’s wear that has become iconic throughout the South, Diane Bailey enjoyed a three-decade career rich in the creative fulfillment she’s always craved. When she turned the business over to her sons several years ago, the thought of retiring to a life of leisure held little appeal. “I’ve always been a piddler and a doer,” says Diane, who has loved design, sewing, and artistic pursuits since she was a child. “Creativity is a blessing and a curse.” She dabbled in baking pound cakes and cookies to give away, but soon tired of that. Then, inspiration struck right in her own closet. “Several years ago I met a wonderful lady, Lisa McSherry, that I purchased blouses from,” Diane says. “One day I mentioned to…

“THE SPRING CAME SUDDENLY, BURSTING UPON THE WORLD AS A CHILD BURSTS INTO A ROOM, WITH A LAUGH AND A SHOUT AND HANDS FULL OF FLOWERS.”—HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW…

Top off a spring table with softly hued floral napkins folded into delicate bows. Lay the napkin with the pattern facing downward and fold it in half so two corners touch at the bottom, making a triangle. Bring the lower point to the middle of the triangle. Fold the top side halfway down to cover the point, and fold in half lengthwise again to create one long piece. Fold each end halfway toward the middle so that one is atop the other. Pinch the middle of the linen and slide on a napkin ring. Pull the tails down, fluff out the sides, and flip the finished bow over to showcase the jaunty design.…