Innehållsförteckning för Celebrate Spring Favorites 2014 från Southern Lady

A beautiful pastel palette surrounds us in spring. From flowers to décor, we gravitate toward these soft shades as a sign of the new season. And what a time to celebrate! There are so many wonderful events worth marking during this time of year. Easter and Mother’s Day top our list, and we feature lovely ways to gather for both special days. From decorating a table to planning a delicious dinner to hosting an egg-dyeing party, we are all about Easter! Discover four different ways you can use seasonal candy to decorate an Easter cake—on the cover and on page 64. It’s also time to show Mom how much she means to you. Gather everyone for a thoughtful brunch filled with scrumptious recipes and a setting that will have her…

CLASSIC EASTER BASKET Whether you’re gathering a basket for your child or your grandchild, styling one for a new baby, or presenting one to a neighbor, this basket is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Begin with a base of paper shreds, and place a cute plush animal inside. Package candy in a clear bag, and secure with a pastel ribbon. Tie a bow on the handle to complete the look. PICNIC FOR TWO Let your basket serve as a housewarming gift or simply a thoughtful present for a friend or neighbor. Look to elements of a relaxing picnic to inspire the contents. A bottle of wine with two plastic glasses, cheese and crackers, and a petite cutting board are perfect for an afternoon in the sun. CREATIVE CADDY Make a…

create th e look Set a table outside adorned with beautiful blooms that capture nature’s glory. Gardenias, lily of the valley, and stock are stunning against greenery that fills a spring garden. Florists like fiftyflowers.com are great places to purchase lovely blossoms. Continue the floral theme in the place setting. Use an antique floral frog to hold the place card, and put a delicate gardenia bloom at each plate. Add a lovely personal touch by bringing out your monogrammed linens for this special occasion. Give each guest an herb favor to take home as a reminder of the day. PARTYART Download, and print out our Treasuring Mom paper package at celebratemag.com/party-art. Place Card Menu Favor Tag Invitation SPRINGTIME SETTING Bud vases with delicate blooms, a floral frog, and a gardenia…

TRADITIONAL ELDER-FASHIONED Makes 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes 4 cups ice, divided 2 ounces bourbon ½ to 1 ounce St. Germain Dash Angostura bitters Garnish: orange zest, cherry ONE In a cocktail shaker, combine 3 cups ice and next 3 ingredients. Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds. TWO Fill glass with remaining 1 cup ice. Strain mixture into glass over ice. Garnish with orange zest and cherry, if desired. SPICED PEAR PUNCH Makes 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes 3 cups ice 1½ ounces pear vodka 1 ounce fresh orange juice ½ ounce St. Germain ¼ ounce Angostura bitters Garnish: fresh thyme sprig ONE In a cocktail shaker, combine ice and remaining 4 ingredients. Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds. Strain mixture into chilled glass. Garnish with…

For Lizzy and Timmon, their freshman year at the College of Charleston was more than just moving to a new city, meeting new friends, and learning new things; they started a new chapter with each other. During their very first weekend at school, the two became fast friends, and after hanging out a few times, they began dating. It was eight years later that Timmon popped the question, and, of course, Lizzy said yes. As the wedding planning began, the couple decided to celebrate their nuptials in the town where they first met. “There are so many beautiful places in Charleston,” explains Lizzy. “We knew it had to be there.” They decided that the carriage house at Magnolia Plantation would be the perfect spot. Overlooking the Ashley River, this antebellum…

Jean Chatzky is a wonderful entertainer, both on The Today Show giving financial advice and in her home hosting dinners. The celebrity financial contributor shares with us her love of cooking and her top ways to pinch pennies while hosting a fantastic evening with family and friends. Q WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST MEMORIES OF COOKING? A. My first are of cooking with my mother. I’m Jewish, and a lot of memories revolve around the Jewish holidays—making chicken soup, matzo balls, and brisket. They are really strong memories. But, I also have this other set of memories. My parents were Philadelphians transplanted to the Midwest, so we lived in Wisconsin, West Virginia, Michigan, and Indiana. I remember my grandparents coming with suitcases full of Tastykakes, and my mom trying hard to…

SPRING • One of the most beautiful times to visit the gardens is in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom. Don’t miss the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, where more than 3,000 azaleas burst with color. • Music lovers, be sure to schedule a trip when the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs on Robin Lake Beach. Visitors can listen to beautiful music under the stars while enjoying the warm springtime weather. SUMMER • The Florida State University Flying High Circus, in residence at Callaway, does weekly performances. Kick off the summer holidays with the Memorial Day Weekend Festival that features the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament. The Fourth of July Star Spangled Beach Party is full of fun activities, live music, and, of course, fireworks. Summer comes to…

ONLINE INVITATIONS For casual events, many people are now using e-mail invitations through online services. Quick, easy, and free, these invitations are also environmentally friendly. Though they are inherently less formal than a handwritten version, the fundamental rules of etiquette still apply. Including the same pertinent information as on a formal invitation is necessary. Be sure to double-check date, time, and location, as well as e-mail addresses, to avoid any miscommunications. Once you have sent an e-mail invitation, you can check to see who has opened it. If you see that an invitation is unopened in someone’s in-box, you may want to call in case it got lost in a spam folder. Many services also offer event reminders, maps, and weather updates, so take advantage of these to help you…

A TIME TO TOAST A birthday party calls for a festive beverage, like Champagne or sparkling grape juice. Keep the bottles chilled in an ice bucket, ready to serve. create th e look Fashion a festive yet relaxed setting where everyone can chat and enjoy time with each other. The beauty of the season calls for a tablescape of elegant pastels and floral prints. Delicate, feminine dishes and linens in soft pinks and greens are juxtaposed with gold geometric glasses. Create charming place-card holders from pretty drawer pulls, and use a gold marker to write guests’ names. A large floral centerpiece with blooms in shades of peach, green, and white mirrors the cheerful setting. Ask guests to bring a funny photo of the birthday girl to tape in a notebook…

LETTUCE WRAPS WITH BEET RELISH Makes 1½ dozen Prep time: 20 minutes Oven Roasted Beets (recipe follows) 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 (4-ounce) log goat cheese, softened 1 head butter or Boston lettuce, leaves separated ONE Cut Oven Roasted Beets into ¼ -inch pieces. In a small bowl, combine beets and next 6 ingredients. TWO Spread goat cheese down center of each lettuce leaf. Spoon about 2 teaspoons beet mixture over cheese; wrap up leaves to enclose filling. Serve immediately. OVEN ROASTED BEETS Makes 5 beets Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes 5 baby beets 3 thyme sprigs 1 clove garlic, minced 1 cup water ONE…

ORANGE ZEST MADELEINES Makes 18 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes 1 cup all-purpose flour ? cups granulated sugar 1 tablespoon orange zest . teaspoon salt 2 large eggs, lightly beaten . cup butter, melted and cooled 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice . teaspoon vanilla extract Confectioners’ sugar ONE In a medium bowl, stir together sugar and next 3 ingredients. TWO Add eggs, and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add melted butter, stirring to combine. Add juice and vanilla extract, stirring to combine. Cover, and chill batter for at least 1 hour. THREE Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 2 madeleine pans with baking spray with flour. FOUR Spoon batter into prepared pans. Bake for 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven, and let…

DARLING DÉCOR Some celebrations call for big pops of decorations, like balloons. Create a modern look by filling clear balloons with confetti. Using a funnel, pour desired amount of confetti into deflated balloon (not too much!), and have them blown up with helium. PRETTY PAPER I love seasonal paper products, like invitations, place cards, and tags. Find these, along with other floral-themed products, from Rifle Paper Co. See the selection at riflepaperco.com. SEEDS OF LOVE Nothing says spring like a garden full of flowers, so carry this theme into a tablescape. Let your place card double as a favor by tying the name around a vintage seed packet. THE BEE’S KNEES Honey is a versatile natural sweetener that I adore. Package this delicious treat in small jars as party favors…

ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE Makes 6 to 8 servings Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 3 minutes 2 (1-pound) bunches fresh asparagus, trimmed 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced 1 cup sliced radishes ½ cup thinly sliced red onion 1 shallot, thinly sliced ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Dijon Vinaigrette (recipe follows) Garnish: fresh dill, fresh mint, shredded and toasted almonds ONE Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat; add asparagus. When water returns to a boil, immediately drain, and plunge asparagus into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. TWO In a large bowl, combine asparagus, fennel, and next 5 ingredients. Drizzle with Dijon Vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat. Garnish with fresh dill, fresh mint, and almonds, if desired.…

CRÈME CARAMEL Makes 8 servings Prep time: 35 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Cool time: 1 hour Chill time: 6 hours 1½ cups sugar, divided ½ cup water 4 large eggs 3 large egg yolks 1 cup half-and-half ½ cup whole milk ½ cup heavy whipping cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, seeds reserved Garnish: fresh edible flowers ONE Preheat oven to 350°. Place 8 (6-ounce) ramekins in a roasting pan. TWO In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine ¾ cup sugar and ½ cup water. Cook over high heat until mixture registers 365° on a candy thermometer (sugar will be a medium amber color). Remove pan from heat, carefully swirling to distribute heat evenly. Carefully pour hot caramel into ramekins. Let stand for…

HAS PARTY DESIGN AND PLANNING ALWAYS BEEN A PASSION OF YOURS? Yes. I’ve always been interested in both, but didn’t think of putting the two of them together until the idea of Hostess with the Mostess came to be. I studied graphic design in college and have loved anything arts and crafts related for as long as I can remember. I also loved decorating parties for my friends in high school and college, but didn’t really think of it as a career option at that time. It was just something I had a ton of fun doing. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE PARTIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH A BLOG? In 2006, blogs were not a standard thing in the party industry like they are today. I was working as…