Southern Lady May/June 2022

With summertime right on our doorstep, it’s the season to get outside! I love a beautiful garden, and I spend as much time as possible in mine, whether that means pruning rose bushes and pulling weeds or relaxing with a glass of sweet tea on a warm weekend afternoon. Beginning on page 39, step into one of the most glorious private gardens I have ever seen, an Atlanta stunner that calls to mind a French château. From its manicured courtyards and herb-filled kitchen plot to a secluded, expansive lawn crowned by a fountain at one end, it is simply magnificent. In keeping with the alfresco theme, our Seasonal Settings story on page 33 takes inspiration from its picturesque natural surroundings. This issue also celebrates one of the South’s finest traditions: the…

LOCAL COLOR One of the most fun things for all of us at Southern Lady is happening upon hidden gems right near our hometown. Case in point: the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, which is just a short drive from our offices in Birmingham. This aquatic preserve is home to Alabama’s largest stand of Cahaba lilies, those luminous star-shaped beauties that blossom every May and June, and crowds of nature enthusiasts descend each year to wander and wade among them. Turn to page 59 to see the lilies in all their radiance. Their blooming season is brief, so if you’d like to admire them in person, plan early! We also welcome the chance to show a little love for the places that make Birmingham such a special city in which to live…

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? WE’D LOVE TO SEE—TAG US IN YOUR PHOTOS! 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: Bedecked in sunlight, this table by @everydaylivingblog accentuates the vibrant hues of a favorite flower. A show of luscious berries stars in @bykatherineanne’sget-together on a balmy afternoon. Royal Collection teacups in a variety of styles and an arrangement of magenta florals take center stage on @ribbonroundit’s tabletop. Middle row: Soft pink blossoms add a dab of color to the classic blue-and-white décor of @chapplechandler’s living room. A lush backyard setting is the perfect spot for @sparrowhomedesign to spend time relaxing with a furry friend. Bottom row: Inspired by a citrusy summer palette, this…

Polly Singer is no stranger to wearing multiple hats—all while crafting and selling them. After years spent in jobs that spanned the music industry, nonprofit organizations, and other realms, the celebrated designer behind Polly Singer Couture Hats has found her calling in artful headwear, plus complementary ventures such as tea, etiquette, and travel. It all started in the early ’90s when the Kentucky native was working at a performance rights company in New York City. Craving a creative outlet, she began taking millinery classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) after a hair catastrophe led her to don an over-the-top hat that elicited unexpected raves. “It was funny the way people reacted to the hat. They were like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s so cool.’ It just hit me that hats are…

Like a bright and cloudless day, the Historia Blue Cashmere dinner plate by Skyros Designs presents broad possibilities. Let the season’s garden grandeur be your muse for tabletop décor that highlights the shade of the inspiration dish. A casual look takes shape atop a pale blue-and-white cloth, as an accent plate in similar hues and an ecru salad dish with a gently scalloped edge lend interest. Tucked into a woven ring, a napkin depicts painterly blooms in complementary tones. A tinted tumbler and an etched wineglass bear dainty floral designs as charming as the petite fresh posy. In a fanciful scheme crowned with gilded details, various botanical motifs grace a duo of fine china plates and decorative accessories, such as a purple goblet, a soup tureen, and a vase brimming with…