Southern Lady

Happy New Year! I always look forward to beginning anew as I turn the calendar page and imagine what is to come. Now is the time to dream and plan for the months ahead, and this issue is full of ideas to get you off to a splendid start, from simple t

A few years back, my husband and I initiated an annual tradition of hosting a New Year’s Day brunch. It’s always a casual drop-in affair, with a big pot of hoppin’ John on the stove and a steady stream of friends coming by to catch up after the rush

As you step through the front door of the Belleview Inn, the hotel’s namesake waltz emanates from a player piano, setting the tone for a relaxed getaway amid traces of Gilded Age glamour and Old Florida charm. Original details, painstakingly refurbis

As you reach the southern plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains, barren branches give way to breathtaking sights in a retreat that feels like an Old-World refuge but exists on a lively main street in charming Highlands, North Carolina. Whether you unwi

Bridal world giant Lori Allen is famous for getting people to say “yes.” In the midst of high drama and often tears, her distinctive voice coaxes, questions, and soothes emotional brides trying to select a gown for the big day. But “yes” takes on a w

Following the magical spell of year-end festivities, defy the idea of a dreary January and throw a party to keep the merriment alive. Borrow from winter’s naturally refined environs for a glamorous tablescape that projects interest through sparkle an

As the dawn of 2020 sparks renewed outlooks, reaffirmations, and hopeful plans, gather friends for an elegant New Year’s Day brunch. A hushed blue-and-white tableau echoes January’s subdued aura and feels perfectly on point with the room’s everyday d

A VIRGINIA-BASED ARTIST REDIRECTS HER CREATIVE FOCUS AFTER A MEDICAL SCARE, TRADING HER ARDUOUS WORK INDOORS FOR MYRIAD OUTDOOR MUSES. While recovering from surgery for ovarian cancer, Anne Blackwell Thompson happened upon a magazine advertisement fo

Against Galveston’s sea-misted sky, a revived rendition of Pleasure Pier’s amusement park glows brighter than a lighthouse. It’s a beacon that keeps company with spectacular, storm-surviving architecture and a flourishing entertainment district, all

MAKES 1 (9X5-INCH) LOAF 3 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon baking powder1 tablespoon sugar2 teaspoons garlic salt¼ teaspoon onion powder¼ teaspoon ground red pepper⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated1¼ cups whole mil

Banish any trace of seasonal drear with a setting cloaked in cheery splendor to share with someone you cherish. A polished palette of ivory, gray, and gold gets a lively spin with blushing top notes. Mix and match dishware for an interesting layered