Ice ½ ounce St. Germain ½ ounce mint simple syrup (see kitchen tip) 4 ounces prosecco, chilled 1 ounce soda or sparkling water, chilled Garnish: lemon wheel and mint sprig
Add ice to the glass, at least halfway full. Add the St. Germain and mint simple syrup to the glass.
Add the prosecco and the soda water, and stir briefly and gently to combine.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon wheel.
Cheers to any holiday the Italian way! Photo by Mary Fehr.
Kitchen Tip:
To make simple syrup, bring 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add 1 bag of mint tea in the hot liquid for 5 minutes. Remove and store in a glass in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. My favorite mint tea is Pukka Three Mint for its balanced flavor. Your syrup won’t taste like a candy cane or chewing gum!
Chef Liz Stringer adds a final flourish of fresh thyme and rosemary to her Tuscan roasted chicken. Photo by Mary Fehr.
Tuscan Roasted Chicken with Pancetta & Olives
SERVES 6-8
2 small OR 1 young chicken, about 6-7 pounds of meat total backbones cut out and cut into 12 pieces (see Kitchen Tip) ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon fine sea salt ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 10 garlic cloves, peeled 3 (¼-inch-thick) slices pancetta, cut into 1-inch pieces (see Kitchen Tip) 1 cup dry white wine, such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc 24 olives of choice (Liz loves Castelvetrano.) Garnish: thyme and rosemary
Kitchen Tip: For pancetta, ask the deli counter to slice it “dinner cut.” That way you only buy exactly what you need. Don’t use the pre-diced pancetta—it’s too small and will burn. Thick-cut bacon is a better substitute.
Preheat oven to 450ºF, with rack in center position.
Toss chicken in a bowl with oil, thyme, rosemary, sea salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, rubbing mixture into chicken.
Arrange chicken, skin side up, in 1 layer in an 18-by-13-inch heavy baking sheet or roasting pan.
Scatter garlic and pancetta on top, and roast until chicken begins to brown, about 20 minutes.
Drizzle wine over chicken, and roast 8 minutes more.
Scatter olives over chicken, and roast until the skin is golden brown and chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165ºF near the bone, about 10 to 15 minutes more.
Garnish with fresh herbs and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Click here for more of Liz’s signature Italian dishes.
Note:If Liz doesn’t have time to bake, she purchases Trader Joe’s brand ladyfingers as a substitute for homemade. Photo by Mary Fehr.
Ladyfingers
SERVES 6-8
½ cup or 50 grams cake flour 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon or 50 grams cornstarch 4 large egg yolks or 85 grams, at room temperature 1/3 cup or 64 grams granulated sugar, divided into 1/3 and2/3portions ½ teaspoon or 2.5 grams vanilla extract 4 large egg whites or 114 grams, at room temperature
Preheat the oven to 360ºF, and line 3 sheet pans with parchment or silicone.
Sift together cake flour and cornstarch into a small bowl; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip egg yolks and 1/3 portion sugar until pale yellow, thick, and ribbon stage (falls off attachment in a ribbon-like trail that sits briefly on the surface).
Fold the flour mixture into the yolk mixture, and add extract.
In another bowl with whisk attachment, whip the egg whites to a medium-stiff peak while adding the remaining 2/3 portion of sugar, about a spoonful at a time. Fold the egg white mixture gently into the yolk flour mixture until just combined.
Using a pastry bag fitted with large round tip (802 or 804), pipe the mixture on parchment paper to desired length of ladyfingers (3 to 4 inches), and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake 7 to 8 minutes until just beginning to turn golden brown. Let cool completely on pan.
Mascarpone Mousse
SERVES 6-8
6 large egg yolks or 102 grams, at room temperature ½ cup or 95 grams granulated sugar, divided in half 2 (8-ounce containers) or 452 grams mascarpone cheese, cold 4 large egg whites or 114 grams, at room temperature
In the bowl of a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip egg yolks and ½ portion (¼ cup) of sugar until pale yellow, thick, and ribbon stage (falls off attachment in a ribbon-like trail that sits briefly on the surface).
Whisk in cold mascarpone, a little at a time; set aside.
In another bowl with whisk attachment, whip the egg whites and remaining ½ portion (¼ cup) of sugar, until stiff glossy peaks form. Fold the egg white mixture gently into the yolk mixture until just combined; set aside.
Coffee Soak
1½ cups or 355 milliliters very strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled 2 tablespoons or 30 milliliters dark rum ormarsala
Combine coffee or espresso and chosen alcohol in a shallow bowl and set aside.
Begin by quickly dipping ladyfingers, one at a time, into the coffee soak.
Note: Resist the urge to leave them in any longer than a quick “dip” so they won’t get soggy and lose their texture. They will soak just the right amount! Arrange one layer in the bottom of your dish, and break some up to fill in gaps if needed.
Spread ¼ of the mascarpone mousse over the ladyfingers. Repeat for the second layer.
If desired, dust this second layer with cocoa powder for a tiramisu that has more chocolate flavor.
Repeat layering until the last portion of the mousse is left. Place mousse in a pastry bag fitted with a round tip or simply cut the end off creating a ½-inch opening. Pipe rounds of mousse, starting with the outside, for the final layer and sprinkle with cocoa powder. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Chill 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Note:Most recipes say to wait to dust with cocoa powder until serving, but I prefer to let it sit on the mousse and “bloom” for better chocolate flavor!
Click here for more of Liz’s signature Italian dishes.
The dish is garnished with bright green arugula leaves, delicate shavings of Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Photo by Mary Fehr.
Beef Carpaccio
SERVES 6-8
2 hard-boiled large eggs, quartered ½ cup minced radishes (about 4) 2 tablespoons capers, drained, rinsed, and chopped 2 tablespoons minced cornichons 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black peppers 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 6 ounces thinly sliced air-dried beef, such as bresaola or substitute prosciutto (found in the deli section at Publix, Trader Joes, and Whole Foods) 5 ounces baby arugula Fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, as desired
Force eggs through the garlic press into a medium bowl. Add radishes, capers, cornichons, and chives to eggs. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper followed by 2 tablespoons olive oil. Arrange slices of bresaola, overlapping slightly, to cover a large platter or individual plates. Place handfuls of arugula over beef. Drizzle with remaining olive oil. Spoon egg mixture over arugula and beef. Use a microplane to grate Parmigiano-Reggiano over top, and serve.
Click here for more of Liz’s signature Italian dishes.
8 ounces slow-dried flat noodles such as fettuccine or tagliatelle ½ cup heavy cream ½ stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Garnish: fresh herbs
Chef Liz Stringer lifts the fettuccine from the pan to the bowl, coating each strand in velvety sauce. Photo by Mary Fehr.
Bring a 6- to 8-quart pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and set timer to 6 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring the cream and butter to a simmer with salt and pepper in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat, then move off heat and cover to keep warm.
Reserve 1/3 cup cooking water, then drain pasta and add to skillet with reserved water and Parmigiano-Reggiano; toss well. Let stand a couple minutes for the sauce to thicken. (It will be very liquidy at first but trust the process!)
Stir again and plate it once the sauce has thickened. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper and more cheese as desired.
Click here for more of Liz’s signature Italian dishes.
Liz Stringer moves with grace and ease around a kitchen—any kitchen.After winning cake contests in high school, she enrolled in culinary school at Johnson & Wales University, earning an associate’s degree in baking and pastry arts later followed by a master’s in food science with a minor in education. After graduation, Liz spent her culinary career developing specialty drink recipes for restaurants across the U.S. and serving in test kitchens for multiple national magazines. She’s also chef to her own family with her young children sometimes being her toughest clients.
My ultimate goal is to share my knowledge and kitchen skills so that you are comfortable in your own kitchen and equipped with tools that make sense and recipes that never let you down.
Liz Stringer
Now, she’s bringing her skills to your table with a menu of classes tailored to both beginners and connoisseurs alike. No matter how adept you are in the kitchen, Liz has something to offer—and plenty of fun to be had. Whether you’re looking for a class on knife skills, easy gourmet dishes that are crowd-pleasers, or a specialty menu, Liz has you covered. Here, she shares an easy-to-please dinner for everyone—ideal for family dinners or holidays.
Discover a stunning, easy-to-make appetizer featuring paper-thin air-dried beef topped with zesty eggs, capers, and fresh arugula. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating any meal, Chef Liz Stringer’s Beef Carpaccio is a fresh take on an Italian classic.
Enjoy tender chicken roasted with savory pancetta, olives, and fragrant herbs, finished with a splash of white wine. Chef Liz Stringer’s Tuscan Roasted Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Indulge in creamy, rich Fettucine Alfredo made with slow-dried noodles, velvety butter-cream sauce, and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Chef Liz Stringer’s simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for a comforting meal at home.
Celebrate the season with Chef Liz Stringer’s elegant Hugo Spritz. This bright and bubbly prosecco-based cocktail features floral elderflower and fresh mint for a festive toast everyone will enjoy.
Stringer’s multi-step recipe brings together classic flavors and textures in a dessert perfect for any special occasion or family gathering. Layered, chilled, and dusted with cocoa, this tiramisu delivers chocolatey, coffee-infused bliss in every bite.
Liz offers private in-home cooking lessons and fully customized experiences with a 2-hour minimum.
Class Offerings Include:
Kitchen Basics (techniques like sautéing, roasting, boiling, etc.)
Knife Skills
Meal Prep
Specialty Diets
Baking
Cooking for Guests
Quick Weeknight Meals
Cuisines offered: Italian, French, American, Southern, Mediterranean, and Tex-Mex. For baked goods, Liz teaches everything from fluffy pancakes to intricate wedding cakes.
Biscuit Brunch
Comfort food to share with friends, family, or any hungry visitor that stops by.
Game-Day Gourmet
For football season or any casual gathering.
Sugar Cookie Decorating
A monthly 2.5-hour decorating class with seasonal themes—perfect for a fun and relaxing night out! (Adults Only)
Summer Coastal Kitchen Party
An elegant, capri-inspired menu.
Southern Caramel Cake Class
A nostalgic baking class that teaches the lost art of a true Southern caramel cake—six layers of buttery cake with rich, slightly grainy caramel icing you can’t fake or shortcut.
Cut the Chaos: Busy Family Meal Prep
A two-part class featuring six semi-homemade recipes ideal for busy families. Think smart use of convenience items without sacrificing quality.
Dinner & Date Night
Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be the only time you impress your sweetheart! Learn to cook a romantic, restaurant-worthy, 3-course dinner together.
For many families, a professionally trained service dog feels out of reach. The average cost of a fully trained service dog can exceed $20,000 and often comes with waitlists stretching a year or more.
But what if families could train their own service dog—affordably, effectively, and from the comfort of home?
Aaron and his team believe that service dog training doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. Their doctor-endorsed program teaches owners how to train their own service dogs through personalized, one-on-one instruction—available in-person or online anywhere in the U.S.
Each plan is custom-built for the family’s needs and the dog’s abilities. Whether it’s supporting a child with autism, alerting to diabetic changes, or providing comfort through PTSD or anxiety, the training focuses on strengthening trust, communication, and emotional stability between dog and handler.
“We teach people how to train their own dogs to meet their needs,” says Aaron. “It’s empowering for the family, and it builds a deeper bond with the dog.”
At less than $2,000, the program costs more than 90% less than most pre-trained service dogs—and because it can happen in person or online, training fits easily into everyday life.
The Heart Behind the Training
Aaron’s philosophy is simple but powerful: misbehavior is a language of unmet needs. He’s spent over two decades helping dogs and their families build understanding through patience, positive communication, and practical techniques.
That same approach carries into every service dog case.
“Dogs are intelligent, emotional beings,” he says. “When we address anxiety or stress and help them feel secure, we unlock their potential to help their people thrive.”
The Three Dimensional Dog team also offers private obedience and behavior programs—helping dogs overcome leash pulling, jumping, or fear-based behaviors—but their passion for life-changing service dog work shines brightest.
Available Anywhere
Three Dimensional Dog works with clients across the country through live online lessons that deliver the same results as in-person visits. Each session is interactive, personal, and designed to help families succeed regardless of location.
Enter to Win a Free Service Dog Training Program
In partnership with Birmingham Home & Garden, Three Dimensional Dog is giving away a complete Service Dog Training Program including 1 task—a $1,850 value.
It’s the perfect opportunity for a family ready to begin the journey toward greater confidence and independence.
Enter here: Giveaway page Contest runs through: 11/5/2025
A Life-Changing Partnership
From autism support and diabetic alerts to PTSD and balance assistance, Aaron’s work helps families gain freedom, stability, and peace of mind—one dog at a time.
“Your power as a dog parent is greater than your dog’s genetics,” Aaron reminds his clients. “When you understand what your dog needs emotionally, amazing things happen.”
Ready to learn more or enter the giveaway?
Visit ThreeDimensionalDog.com or click below to enter for your chance to win a Service Dog Training Program including 1 task valued at $1,850.
Three Dimensional Dog is a Birmingham-based training academy specializing in service dog programs, obedience training, and canine behavior rehabilitation. Their personalized, doctor-endorsed programs are available in-person or online nationwide, helping families build lasting trust and independence with their dogs.
Designed with gathering in mind, the layout of this lakeside retreat strikes the perfect balance between comfort and connection. With three bedrooms and three baths on the main level—and two additional bedrooms, two baths, a bunk room, and a secondary living space below—it’s a home that easily welcomes a crowd. // Photos by Hector Sanchez, Styling by Christina Brockman
Florida natives Brandon and Heather Huff may have quick access to the beaches, but the lure of a second home at Lake Martin (not to mention having two children at Auburn University) proved more than they could resist—especially because Brandon grew up with freshwater in his blood. An Auburn alum himself, Brandon had been keeping tabs on The Heritage well before the lots were ever released, drawn to the idea of a place that offered both community and convenience where the family could easily relax, play, and reconnect. When the opportunity finally came, the couple jumped at the chance to be part of a waterfront neighborhood that combines the serenity of lake living with top-tier amenities.
“The Wicker Point Golf Course and Clubhouse are incredible, but what really fits our lifestyle best is The Benjamin,” says Heather of the new lakefront club by Russell Lands. “It’s been so easy and fun for us—you can just pull up on your boat in your bathing suits, swim, hang out, and order food. Plus, having access to a gym, tennis courts, and pickleball courts is a huge bonus for our family. It’s everything we were looking for in a lake community.”
The home’s design strikes the perfect balance between comfort and connection. A curated mix of custom-stained cedar, moss rock, Indian bluestone floors, and dark oxidation gas lanterns creates an exterior that feels both timeless and tailored to its surroundings. Every material—down to the custom iron railings and Brandino Brass hardware—was chosen with intention, combining rustic charm with modern sophistication.
To bring their lakefront vision to life, the Huffs turned to Francis Bryant Construction, a team that not only brought craftsmanship to the table but also introduced them to interior designer Laurin White. Laurin immediately understood their desire for a home that felt both rooted in its lakeside setting and refreshingly refined.
To make that vision a reality, the designer leaned into layered textures—wood, stone, patinaed metal, and linen—both indoors and out to ground the home in its natural surroundings. In addition, she brought in polished finishes and artful details that give the space a fresh edge.
In the main living spaces, Laurin found the ideal balance by using natural materials in a way that feels elevated rather than expected. Poplar planking covers the foyer, living room, and kitchen walls, as well as the vaulted living room ceiling, while moss rock frames the fireplace and the stone mantel. Sleek concrete sconces, antiqued hardware, and bronzed accents bring a refined polish to the kitchen. “I wanted the materials to feel purposeful and cohesive—not competing for attention,” Laurin says. “It’s about being really discerning, using each element purposefully so it feels thoughtful and classic rather than trendy or overdone.”
The dining area features a handcrafted live-edge table made of ebonized white oak. Leather chairs offer durability and contrast. A backless bench on one side keeps the room open and airy. LEFT Custom white oak cabinetry by Cotton Woodworks, painted in a custom charcoal brown, conceals the Sub-Zero refrigerator. Thoughtfully planned drawer storage keeps everything from spices to serveware within easy reach, while Wolf double ovens stand ready for hosting a crowd.
CENTER Laurin designed the breakfast nook with both comfort and versatility in mind. A custom U-shaped banquette—upholstered in a soft, water-inspired performance velvet and crafted by MDM Design Studio—offers the depth of a sofa, making it suited for morning coffee or curling up with a book. Dual pedestal tables allow for easy flow through the space, while a pair of chandeliers adds sculptural interest.
RIGHT Designed for gatherings of family and friends, the living room is a cozy haven layered with soft textures and rich materials that still allow the lake to take center stage outside the expansive windows. Dark green mohair sofas, a bouclé ottoman from Patina, and leather recliners from Seibels offer plenty of places to perch. A custom light fixture made of delicate milk glass adds intrigue, especially when seen from the water at night.
That curated approach continues with some modern details mixed in—smooth plaster ceilings, a marble slab framing the kitchen windows, abstract artwork from the family’s collection, and eye-catching light fixtures that feel more like modern art than functional necessities. “Those touches keep the home from leaning too rustic, giving it a cleaner, more tailored look,” Laurin says.
The designer carried that sensibility into the bedrooms, where wood-paneled ceilings, linen headboards, and textured rugs add warmth, paired with antique brass lamps and steel light fixtures for a refined touch. “It still feels like a lake house,” Laurin says, “but in a way that’s uniquely theirs—comfortable, collected, and just right for their family.”
LEFT A guest room envelops visitors in moody hues.
RIGHT In the primary bedroom, subtle hues make the space feel like a true retreat. Vaulted ceilings clad in custom, stained poplar planking quietly contrast the smooth sheetrock walls painted “Ballet White” from Benjamin Moore, creating depth without distraction. A sculptural steel light fixture casts a soft shimmer that reflects off the lake just beyond the windows.The downstairs living room offers kids and guests a place of respite complete with a ping-pong table and an easy flow to the pool just outside the doors. Performance fabrics ensure durability without sacrificing style, while a monochrome sectional from Lee Industries outlined with custom trim adds subtle contrast. Art by Christina Brockman.
Designer Laurin White knows that the best interiors take design considerations from the environment—something especially true at the lake. Here are her strategies for keeping the spotlight on both the interiors and views.
Keep a low profile. To keep the furnishings from competing with view, Laurin chose pieces with low profiles. Notice how sofas, chairs, and built-in’s don’t cross the above window bases to preserve sight lines.
Accent elevated spaces. Poplar siding is hung vertically to point the eye up. The same wood fills otherwise white ceilings. Striking chandeliers overhead add proportion and interest. Tall windows banked together bring in lake vistas.
Opt for an earthy palette. Hard finishes exhibit natural materials such as stone, wood, and metal. The designer replicated these inside and out for a harmonious continuum. Furnishings and upholstery exhibit lake hues: dark mossy green, watery blues, and sandy neutrals.
Resources
Interior design and elevations: Laurin White, Cambridge Row, cambridgerow.com, [email protected]Builder: Francis Bryant Construction, francisbryant.comExterior elevations: Bart Miller, Studio Nettuno, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Custom cabinetry: Cotton Woodworks Stylist: Christina Brockman, [email protected]Architect: Bart Miller
Each fall, as summer whispers its goodbyes, something spectacular takes root in Harpersville, Alabama. Stone Hollow Farmstead’s “Dahlia Day”— now in its fifth year—is a jubilant celebration of beauty, bloom, and the rhythms of farm life. The stars of the show, of course, are the dahlias—frilly, flamboyant, and dazzling in their late-season glory.
Mother-daughter duo and owners Deborah and Alexandra Stone will lead visitors through the dahlia fields, sharing hard-won wisdom on growing these showstoppers at home. Guests can purchase mixed tuber bags and blooming plants to start their own garden masterpieces.
“Dahlias are simply extraordinary. Each variety feels like its own work of art with an amazing range of forms, colors, and textures,” says Alexandra. “They continue to bloom well into the season when other flowers have faded. While they don’t naturally love Alabama’s heat—and this year, all our rain— we’ve learned that with extra care and attention, they can really thrive.”
“Dahlia Day celebrates families, friends, and fellow flower lovers who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the fields and learn a bit more about these incredible blooms.” – Alexandra Stone
Alexandra “Alex” Stone, courtesy of Stone Hollow Farmstead Instagram
Dahlia Day Activities
Guided Farm Tours: Guests will be treated to a full sensory experience, beginning with guided farm tours where they’ll meet baby goats, visit the hen house, and learn about the egg-washing process that fuels the farm’s gourmet pantry line.
“Art in the Garden”: Budding artists can try their hand at natural dyeing and painting with local creatives during the “Art in the Garden” session.
Hands-on Insect Class: Curious minds, both young and old, will love the hands-on insect class—complete with a beneficial bug release of ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises into the garden.
Shopping: Browse and buy exclusive Dahlia Day merchandise and other farm goods. Sample and purchase preserves, pickles, vinegars, skin care items, and other offerings straight from the farm.
Entertainment: Be sure to bring a picnic blanket to enjoy the food truck and live music.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a powerhouse group of food and hospitality professionals turns their talents toward philanthropy, look no further than the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. With just the clink of a Champagne flute and the irresistible crunch of a fried chicken thigh, these women have quietly—and deliciously—raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars since their inception.
For the uninitiated, Les Dames d’Escoffier is an international nonprofit organization of women in food, wine, and hospitality whose mission is to mentor and support others in those fields. The Birmingham LDEI chapter awards a number of entrepreneurial grants and educational scholarships each spring, with funds raised from their must-attend fall fundraiser, the Champagne & Fried Chicken Picnic.
What started as a humble gathering at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in 2017 gained real momentum during the pandemic when the event pivoted to a drive-through model on the streets surrounding Pepper Place. That shift not only broadened its reach but also gave the Dames space to dream bigger.
This year’s event, scheduled for Sunday, October 19th, will still feature that drive-through model for supporters wanting to grab-and-go. But guests are also invited to park their cars, settle in at picnic tables, enjoy live music, and have their flutes refilled all in the name of supporting the next generation of female chefs, food writers, caterers, photographers, stylists, sommeliers, and restaurateurs.
And the menu? It’s just as stellar as the women producing it. Rounding out the fried chicken, the picnic includes a vegetarian Tomato Pie option from Tre Luna, a Fall Root Vegetable Salad with Lemon Walnut Vinaigrette from Sorelle, Crudités with Dill Ranch from Feast BHM, Watermelon ‘Carpaccio’ with Shallot Vinaigrette and Feta from Bitty’s Living Kitchen, Pimento Cheese and Crackers from Ashley Mac’s, Fire Chex Mix from Tina’s Market, Bronnie’s Brittle, and a French Chocolate Cake from Telia Johnson Cakes. Pardis Stitt has worked with International Wines to secure an incredible Champagne Veuve Doussot Brut Selection. In addition, a number of signature cocktails will be available, curated by Sol Y Luna, Sloan’s, and FoodBar.
Champagne & Fried Chicken Picnic 2025
October 19, 2025 // 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. // Pepper Place BUY TICKETS
How Dames Entertain at Home
Whether personally or professionally, this group of women know how to entertain and have a good time. Here are some of their best tips:
“I always have something on hand that I can serve when an impromptu get-together happens—some great cheeses, some smoked trout, nice crackers.” – Leigh Sloss-Corra, LDEI Birmingham past president and Executive Director of The Market at Pepper Place
“When I host at home, I’m thoughtful about who I invite. I love bringing together people who may not know each other but share common interests or could really hit it off. That kind of compatibility makes the night flow effortlessly, and it’s so fun to watch new connections spark and grow even after the party’s over.” – Gia McCollister, Fork Voyager
“I always have a playlist going before the first guests arrive. The right music helps set the tone for the whole night.” – Lindsey Noto King, Feast Birmingham
“My advice is to not overdo it so you can enjoy your guests. I always say to prepare as much as you can ahead of time so that you aren’t spending the whole evening in the kitchen.” – Anne Born, Certified Spirits Specialist (ret.)
“If it looks like I didn’t lift a finger, then I’ve done it right. Great entertaining is part magic trick, part dance party—and always comes with good bubbles.” – Colleen Duffley, owner Andiamo Lodge
LDEI Birmingham
This year alone, LDEI Birmingham awarded a record-breaking $47,000 in scholarships and grants to women across Alabama pursuing careers in food, beverage, agriculture, and hospitality. That includes six scholarships of $4,000 each, three grants at $5,000, and one at $3,000—all painstakingly reviewed by a devoted team of Dames who volunteered to score a record number of applications. “We had an exceptional group of applicants this year,” says scholarships chair Anna Theoktisto.
The chapter’s giving has always been thoughtful and mission driven. One standout: a scholarship awarded in partnership with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, earmarked for a woman tackling food insecurity in her own neighborhood. Another $5,000 award is slated to be given this fall in collaboration with Fiesta, celebrating Alabama’s Hispanic community. Since that very first $1,000 grant to WE Community Gardens in Birmingham’s West End, the Dames have awarded 70 scholarships—including five to teachers—and 26 grants, several to nonprofits. ldeibirmingham.org
Three Dimensional Dog is a Birmingham-based training academy specializing in service dog programs, obedience training, and canine behavior rehabilitation. Their personalized, doctor-endorsed programs are available in-person or online nationwide, helping families build lasting trust and independence with their dogs.
