Southern Spring Menu

By
Leslie Byars Register
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Southern-Style Deviled Egg Crostini

6 hard-boiled eggs
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chives, plus extra for garnish, finely chopped
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Dash or two of hot sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Herb-buttered Saltines (see recipe below)

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the cooked yolk from the eggs, and place yolks into a medium-size bowl, mashing together with a fork until they are a fine crumble. Finely dice the cooked egg whites.

Add the celery and next 6 ingredients to the mashed egg yolks. Add the diced egg whites to the mixture. Mix together well, and adjust seasonings if needed. Refrigerate while preparing the crackers.

Herb-buttered Saltines

½ stick butter (4 tablespoons)
1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives and parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
30 Saltine crackers

Preheat oven to 325°. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in next 3 ingredients. Place Saltines on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush evenly with butter mixture, and bake 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown. Serve egg mixture on Herb-buttered Saltines. Makes about 30

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Paper muffin liners
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ cup canola oil
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ teaspoon vanilla
1½ cups shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts, divided

For the frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened and at room temperature
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. Line muffin tins with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and next 4 ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, brown sugar, and eggs. Stir in unsweetened applesauce, vanilla, and shredded carrots. Add the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Stir in ¼ cup chopped walnuts.

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake until a cake tester inserted comes out clean, about 10 to 12 minutes for mini cupcakes, 20 minutes for regular. Let cool completely. Makes 24 mini or 12 regular size

Make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla on medium-high speed until very light, creamy, and smooth. On low speed, gradually add the sugar, and beat until fluffy.

Frost cupcakes, and decorate with remaining chopped walnuts or decorative candies. Serve or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Easy Asparagus Tart

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 bunch asparagus, tough ends trimmed
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Use a rolling pin to gently roll out puff pastry to an 11- by 15-inch rectangle. and transfer to the lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the pastry dough 1 inch from the edge to mark a rectangle. Using a fork, prick the pastry around the center (not the edges). Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly browned. Remove from the oven. Deflate any bubbles in the pastry, if needed.

Combine olive oil and mustard in a small bowl; spread evenly onto the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.

Sprinkle the Gruyère over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Arrange asparagus spears to be parallel with each other or in a decorative manner.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, rotating pan halfway through the baking process. Slice into squares, and serve. Serves 8

LEARN FROM LESLIE The easiest way to thaw puff pastry is to place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Pimiento Cheese Baked Grits

5 cups water
3 cups half-and-half
2 cups stone-ground yellow grits
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
20 ounces (1 1/4 pounds) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1 (7-ounce) jar pimiento slices, drained and chopped
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 large eggs, beaten

In a Dutch oven, bring water, half-and-half, grits, and salt to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 40 to 45 minutes or until thickened and cooked.

Remove from heat, and add the cheese and next 6 ingredients. Allow to cool slightly for 10 minutes; add the eggs, and combine thoroughly.

Place in greased ramekins or in 1 large 3- to 3½-quart baking dish. Bake individual ramekins for 40 to 45 minutes. For the larger baking dish, bake 1 hour and 15 minutes or until almost set. Allow the grits to cool for 15 minutes before serving. They will be very hot. Serves 8 to 10

LEARN FROM LESLIE This recipe can be made ahead and simply warmed (covered with foil) before serving.

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Blissfully Bold

By
Julie Gillis
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Wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light to fill the master bedroom. Photos by Jean Allsopp
The zero-entry shower includes a waterfall bench for a flawless look.

Things We Love

Soaking Tub as the Centerpiece “The tub was the most important thing to the homeowner,” says designer Danielle Robin of Twin Interiors. “It’s an acrylic tub from Ferguson with a wall-mounted tub filler rather than a floor-mounted fixture.”

Showstopping chandelier “I wanted something that was eye-catching,” says Danielle. “This chandelier gives off a unique reflective pattern when the other light fixtures in the space are turned off. It perfectly illuminates the tub.”

“The homeowner wanted blue cabinets with brass details,” says designer Danielle Robin of Twin Interiors. “I felt like the layout of the space also called for a tiled feature wall.” Curved, brass-framed mirrors mimic the curvy pattern of the tile.

Tiled vanity wall Patterned tile covering the entire vanity wall brings an unexpected element to the room. “When you walk in the door, you have to turn before you see it,” says Danielle. “It’s really a pleasant surprise.”

Stylish yet hardworking storage shelves Three wooden niches beside the tub offer plenty of storage (15 inches deep!) for towels, bath products, and an array of decorative accessories.

The hall to the master suite includes a table vignette with a floral wallpaper behind it. “I love that this fun, patterned wall is the first thing you see as you enter the suite,” says Danielle. A door to the right of the hallway leads to the master bath while the bedroom sits to the left.

RESOURCES
Interior design: Danielle Robin, Twin Interiors, 205.802.3920, twincompanies.com Builder: Twin Construction, twincompanies.com Tile: Triton, 205.592.0202, tritonstone.com Plumbing fixtures: Ferguson, 205. 254.3454, ferguson.com Cabinet hardware: Brandino Brass, 205.978.8900, brandinobrass.com Cabinet paint color: Mount Etna by Sherwin-Williams, sherwin-williams.com Countertop: Surface One, 205.621.1125, surface1.com Bedding: Three Sheets, 205.871.2337, threesheetslinen.com Mirrors, sconces, fabric for shade, furniture, rug: Twin Interiors

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Living Inspired

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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Virginia designed the bar and conversation lounge around the pink and burgandy-veined marble-topped buffet. Her carpenter built the cabinets on each side to fit perfectly next to the antique. Formerly the dining room, this space is now used by Virginia and her husband, Marc, to relax and entertain. “My husband is an amateur mixologist,” she says. “We love collecting all the little accoutrements that go along with a bar. It’s fun to look at, and it’s a nice way to welcome guests.” Photos by Jean Allsopp

If you even think you found a deal on any of Birmingham’s trading sites, you better snag it before designer Virginia Volman sees it. With an eye for “potential” and “possibilities,” Virginia isn’t timid about clicking the “interested” button. Most everything in her mélange has been upcycled, re-covered, or reinvented in some way to create a custom look that is at once fresh and familiar. “A home is meant to be lived in, not looked at,” Virginia says. “If it looks good in a photo, that’s great—but it’s even better when people feel at home.”

Virginia Volman Talks Fabulous Finds

STARTING POINTS
When designing a room, Virginia begins with a base layer. “This usually includes your initial investment pieces, the bones of the room,” she says. In her dining room, it’s the brown furniture. Once that’s in place, she adds a secondary layer of wallpaper, lighting, and architectural accents, such as the chair rail. Finishing touches include art, colorful accessories, and finally, flowers and live plants. “Even after the layers are in, I’m constantly editing,” Virginia says. “If I don’t feel a tie to something or I don’t enjoy using it, I will find someone who will.”

SHOPPING LOCAL
“I love supporting local businesses and local artists,” Virginia says. “When I buy something, I want to see it, sit on it, and try it out. You can’t do that when you order something from a website. Plus, many of the local merchants will let you try something in your own home before you actually buy it. And the service is so much better when you shop local.”

LIVE FULLY
“Life isn’t perfect. When things do wear and tear, consider it the patina of a life enjoyed,” Virginia says. “I don’t spend crazy amounts on fabrics, and I usually opt for the five- to seven-year sofa—especially when buying for families with kids and pets.”

Virginia shares her home with her husband, five children, three rescue dogs, and a cat (the chickens stay outside). An enthusiastic entertainer, she converted her home’s designated formal living room into her dining room and the former dining area into a bar and conversation lounge. “I like to create places where you can sit and linger,” she says. Mismatched antique chairs pull up to the Craig’s List dining table. Garage-sale finds, the wing chairs were picked up for $70 (for the pair). “When something doesn’t cost much, I don’t mind spending the money on fabric and labor,” Virginia says.

Virginia Volman Designs: [email protected], IG: Virginia Volman

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What Meets the Eye

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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Photos by Jean Allsopp

Architectural details are especially important when building a new home into a storied neighborhood like Homewood. For Whitney and JJ Thomas’s cottage, designer Jessica Conner inserted style, texture, craftsman details, and super-smart functionality into every nook and cranny. “They didn’t want a cookie cutter house, but they also didn’t want their house look out of place,” Jessica says. “They loved the Arts & Crafts bungalow style but were looking for a fresh, modern take on it.”

The two-story cottage is essentially two-rooms-wide with an open living room and kitchen. To delineate spaces, Jessica added curved arches to the opening of the dining room. The curves are repeated on the kitchen island and in the custom front door. “Because you can see all the way to the living room through the open front door, I painted an accent wall the same color as the dining room,” Jessica says. “I wanted the eye to have a stopping point.”

“Bringing a designer in during the floorplan stage is crucial. It’s a lot easier to make a change before construction than to stand in a space and realize something doesn’t work. You can also add some interesting design elements during the planning stages and have those priced in the bid rather than adding them later and finding yourself over budget.” — Jessica Conner

Because the dining room is just inside the front door on the right, Jessica wanted it to have a major visual impact. “It wasn’t large enough for a lot of furniture so we added interest with the arched opening and the X-shaped cedar beams on the ceiling,” Jessica says. “The dark walls (Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore) really draw attention to the architectural elements and the art from At Home in Homewood.”
Paneled walls in the TV room add visual interest.
Jessica designed the powder room sink from a remnant of Alba Vera marble to save on costs. “The wonderful fabricators at CR Home brought it to life,” she says. “I loved the idea of the sink to one side instead of centered so you could have some countertop to the right.” The wallpaper is a Wayfair find by A Street Prints Wallpaper. “I love using wallpaper in a small space,” Jessica says. “It really adds a punch of style.”
Invest in good cabinets. They make up 75% of your kitchen and are used day in and day out.
A Target run yielded the landscape art in the master bedroom.
Wall-mounted faucets offer a unique element that saves space and makes counter cleanup easy! The fabricated design on the marble backsplash is a statement maker.
A child’s bath showcases big style with a built-in cabinet, tile floor, and oversize tile for the bath surround. “It still has that great subway tile look, but the larger squares make it easier to clean,” Jessica says.

Jessica Conner

TIPS FOR PLANNING AHEAD
Before we started buying anything for the interiors, I made a furniture plan and went room by room with a spreadsheet of each item we needed, down to the throw blankets and curtain rings. I created an allowance for each item so I could make sure the grand total did not exceed the budget. This helped us stay focused while shopping. I updated the spreadsheet as we made selections, and because we started early, we were able to wait for sales on some items. At the end, we were a couple thousand dollars under budget!

RESOURCES
Architect: KYLEStudio, 205.965.6777 Interior design and elevations, cabinetry and millwork design: Jessica Conner,  jessicaconner.com Builder: Saunders Bradford, saundersbradford.com Custom front door: Webb Concrete & Building Materials, webbconcrete.com Cabinets: Hamm’s Custom Wood Products, 205.229.1839 Countertops: CR Home Alabama, 205.943.0680 Hardware: Brandino Brass, brandinobrass.com Plumbing and appliances: Southern Bath & Kitchen, southernbathandkitchen.com Doors and windows: Webb Concrete & Building Materials Dining room chandelier: Mayer Lighting, mayerlighting.com Sofa, chair in master, ottoman in living room: Barnett Furniture, barnettfurniture.com Kitchen rugs: Hazel House Collective, 205.908.7755

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Q&A with Paige Drummond of 18th Street Orientals

By
Brierley Horton
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More than three decades ago, Paige Drummond’s parents and brother, Jim, opened 18th Street Orientals in what’s now the space that sells shoes to Birmingham’s running community—Trak Shak.

Fast-forward 30 years: The store’s location has changed, and Paige now runs the family-owned business alongside her brother and a few longtime employees. “Because our employees have been here for so many years, this has become more like a family environment,” she says.

We sat down with Paige to talk about her love of her business, what’s trending in the industry, and what in home décor excites her right now.

You just celebrated your 30-year anniversary at 18th Street Orientals. Congratulations! What makes your shop stand out from others in Birmingham—and how have you kept it unique for three decades?

My brother and I choose every rug in our store, so we really know what we’re selling. Also, our customer service is spectacular: We offer free delivery, but more than that, we go to customers’ houses and look at their spaces and fabrics to help them come up with a plan and select a rug. It’s easier if we have something we can see and visualize, but it also allows up to get to know our customers and their tastes better.

When your parents opened the shop, you were getting your master’s degree in education. That’s pretty different from what you’re doing today. What about this business drew you in?

In this business, you meet so many different people. Every day is different, which is exciting to me. When I was in school to get my master’s degree, I dreaded Sundays because I wasn’t excited about going to class. I started working at the rug shop on the side while in school, and I realized that when I was there, I didn’t have the “Sunday blues.” I ultimately had to make a decision to either pursue education or the rug industry. It was this, hands down.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I’m a magazine person. I do look at Instagram, but I really love magazines. I started my own old-school version of Pinterest about 25 years ago by ripping pages out of magazines and putting them into a binder. I just find that much more enjoyable than looking at Instagram. 

What are some trends you’re seeing—or following?

More color! The great thing about rugs is you can add color to a space by layering a colored rug over a neutral one. Another trend is mixing modern pieces with antiques. In my opinion, if you find something you love—whether it’s modern or antique—you need to buy it because it will go with the other things you love. People are also repurposing pieces. Right now, I’m using my parents’ china from when they got married. It’s kind of modern and beautiful and cool. The china isn’t a trend, and it’s not my style either. But it’s fun, personal, and repurposed. 

What’s the most common mistake you see people make when shopping for a rug?

Looking for a rug that’s too small for their space.

Buying a handmade rug—whether it’s your first purchase or you’re adding to your collection—is an investment. How can customers make the most of the experience?

Unless you’re starting with a completely clean slate and the rug is your first decision, you’ll want to bring with you as many factors and already-made décor decisions as possible—pictures of your space; sample fabrics of other materials in the room; information about your lighting, art, and room size. Also, don’t be afraid to try the rug in your house. We let our customers do this. A rug is a little bit like a dress: You love it on a hanger, but you put it on and it’s not quite right. Or there’s one that maybe isn’t your favorite, but you try it on anyway and realize “Wow!”

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Pretty and Practical

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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“I thought we should get rid of the coffee table, but Jennifer suggested we keep it—for now,” the homeowner says. “It’s been a great teether for the puppy. A new one would have been destroyed.” Photos by Mary Margaret Chambliss

Jennifer Reese

Jennifer Reese

It’s rare that a homeowner can completely start fresh. That’s not a bad thing, though, because there’s a lot to be said for the stories that follow our furnishings and finds. Jennifer shares tips for deciding what to keep, purchase, and toss as our families and budgets change.

THINK LONG-TERM FOR BIG EXPENSES
“Invest in things that will last,” Jennifer says. “For this house, artwork, light fixtures, and custom finishes, such as the teak detail and bench on the fireplace, are statement makers that will stand up to, or be out of the way of, dogs and boys.”

CUSTOMIZE STORE-BOUGHT
“I added trim to ready-made drapery panels in the dining room to make them unique,” says Jennifer. She also gave a facelift to the head chairs at the dining table using upholstery. “I combined two fabrics so that I could insert the bold green stripe,” the designer says.

CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE
“My client needed a home where she wouldn’t lose her mind chasing after four boys,” Jennifer says. That meant keeping some of her existing items until the boys—and the dogs—get a little bit older.

BE SPONTANEOUS
Accessories are an easy thing to swap out if you want to change up the look of a space. For the family room, Jennifer opted to use store-bought pillows instead of custom-made ones. She chose bright colors and lively patterns to keep the space fun and relaxed. “Because the pillows weren’t very expensive, my client will feel more freedom to change them out with the seasons,” Jennifer says.

“Don’t shop until you know what you want. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of online flash sales, but if you don’t have a place for something, it will end up in the closet.” — Jennifer Reese

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On the Bright Side

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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Katherine likes to use designer fabrics in small doses. The sofa lumbar showcases a pricey Bennison print on one side. To save money, the back is finished in a simple white linen. Photos by Jean Allsopp

No matter the age of my clients, they all want a fresh look,” says interior designer Katherine Melvin. “My younger clients already have the white sofa and the side tables. They are looking to invest in things that are going to last and can grow with them.” On the other hand, she says established homeowners look at design from the flip side. “They have built their collections and have pretty antiques. For them, it’s a refresh or a lightening up.” But no matter what angle Katherine comes from or what stage of design her client is in, she says it’s imperative to find balance with old and new. “Everything doesn’t have to be fine,” she says. “You want a mix that is inviting and approachable—something with a little patina and something that tells a story.” Three key words guide Katherine’s design decisions: context, function, and aesthetic. “You have to understand your client’s budget, what they have, and how they live,” she says. “It’s not just about making a space beautiful. The home and the design have to work for the client’s lifestyle.”

Katherine B. Melvin

Lightening Up

Katherine says her personal style leans towards a light, nature-inspired palette. “I love working with the colors you would find in an English garden—blues, greens, creams, yellows, and blush.”

FOR YOUNG COLLECTORS:
• Invest in pieces that will last.
• For longevity and durability, opt for indoor/outdoor fabrics for upholstery.
• Mix in pieces that have a story and patina. “Things can still be fresh without looking too shiny or new,” Katherine says.
• Embrace brown furniture. Whether it’s antique, wicker, or rattan, brown furniture grounds a space and lends a natural feel to a room.

Katherine says contemporary prints and groupings of vintage illustrations in pretty frames make a grand statement when designing on a budget.

FRESH LOOKS FOR ANTIQUES:
• Complement the dark wood of antiques by painting walls in light hues.
• Simplify your space by getting rid of unused and under-appreciated items.
• Mix in modern accents and pieces with lighter finishes for a balance of styles and periods.
• Lighten up the space with airy linens and soft patterns in drapery and upholstery.

Katherine’s Favorite Local Shops

Antiquities
Circa Interiors & Antiques
Details
Firefly
Homewood Antiques
The Nest
Shoppe
Tricia’s Treasures
Unique Black Sheep

A little wallpaper, gingham cafe curtains, and new light fixtures go a long way (without a lot of cost) to revive a standard-issue 1950s bath.
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Room to Grow

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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While the modern light fixture is large, the white color keeps it from overwhelming the room.
Alison Smith

Alison Smith

Evolving Designs

START WITH A NEUTRAL BASE
“A neutral base allows you to add big or small doses of color all around,” says Alison. “The natural backdrop in this space includes a light stained floor, white walls, and metallic gold as a neutral accent.“

CHOOSE TRANSITIONAL PIECES
“I love to mix styles!” Alison says. “In this room, we combined furniture with straight lines and with curves. While the desk is more contemporary, the desk chair is an antique piece purchased from a local trading site and painted in a metallic gold. I covered it with a fresh herringbone chenille upholstery. The drapery panels have a more contemporary, metallic fabric, but the style is traditional with Euro pleating.”

SPLASH ON COLOR
“The starting point for this room was the navy-and-white fabric found at ADAC in Atlanta,” says Alison. “The idea was to add in a color or two with the navy to make it more feminine and playful. When we found the rug, it drove the design towards the orchid/lilac palette. Custom-made square pillows on the bed combine the colors with an orchid velvet fabric and a navy gusset, both from DSR, Inc.”

“It’s amazing how a room can evolve from a simple something that you love. In this room, it was the navy fabric of the bed pillow.” — Alison Smith
Sherwin-Williams Novel Lilac paint gives a contemporary twist to the more traditional design of the vanity.

ALISON SMITH INTERIORS // 205.427.3547, alisonsmithinteriors.com

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Happy Hunting

By
Christiana Roussel
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Photos by Mary Margaret Chambliss

Take the backyard of 100-year-old Homewood home with a new-to-look-old carriage house. Add a layer of found treasures from two talented designers. Style those finds in well-curated vignettes that others can picture re-creating in their own spaces. Layer in scads of vintage and antique rugs. Garnish with fun grazing tables, and invite your favorite friends and design enthusiasts. Mingle and watch the magic happen.

This is the “recipe” that played out on a recent fall weekend when friends and fellow tag-sale enthusiasts Elizabeth Lee and Beth Hubrich joined forces for their first ever pop-up shopping event they called The Upstairs Collection. As friends and owners of two separate design businesses—Elizabeth runs Hazel House Collective while  Beth owns Mary & Wilma—the pair found themselves in the enviable position of wanting to share their respective troves with more people. Beth says, “Our goal with The Upstairs Collection was to have a way to show people how they could use these pieces in their own homes, whether it be rugs or furniture or pieces of home décor. It has been a nice ‘landing spot’ for both of us.” Neither wanted to dive headlong into an all-out retail space. “This was the perfect way to present these finds,” says Elizabeth.

The two met through a small business group in Homewood and immediately clicked, finding friendship and a sounding board in one another. Design is a side hustle for both (Beth is a registered dietitian while Elizabeth is in surgical sales), but they each crave the creative outlet that comes with filling a home with intentional care and great style. The idea for hosting The Upstairs Collection came together as organically as their friendship. Beth recalls saying to Elizabeth, “I have this idea…,” while Elizabeth laughs and traces that idea back to the Saturday morning Beth rolled up to her house with an empty U-Haul truck and a plan to scour Montgomery for storied finds. The truck came back filled to the brim, and The Upstairs Collection was born. The women picked a date in October (mid-week to avoid any conflicts with children’s activities or football tailgates) and then set about creating the right mood for their event.

Beth and Elizabeth thought through every detail for their inaugural sale, including tips for shoppers on how to snag their finds.

Elizabeth and Beth worked with entertaining expert Marie Wright to execute the atmosphere they had in mind, adding one more layer to their fabulous concoction. Marie has a knack for transforming and elevating a space with her collections of place settings and entertaining accoutrements. Noting that “details matter in entertaining,” she enjoys bringing a hostess’s vision to life in color, texture, and thoughtful particulars. Event planner and caterer Courtney Wright of Savor Style oversaw the culinary aspect of the event. Known for creating spectacular grazing tables, Courtney made sure no one went hungry while shopping for that perfect new find.

And shop they did! Months of collecting followed by days of staging paid off in spades. Elizabeth and Beth loved seeing so many treasures in the hands of new owners eager to create their individual design stories.

Temperate fall weather provided the perfect backdrop for Beth and Elizabeth’s backyard treasure hunt which took place in the carriage house behind the Hubrichs’ Homewood home.

On the Board

What’s a backyard party without drinks and treats? Courtney Wright of Savor Style put together a magnificent grazing board for the launch of The Upstairs Collection by layering various cured meats and cheeses between toasted baguette slices and crisp crackers. While this particular spread skewed toward the traditional, Courtney notes that there is no wrong way to graze. “Grazing boards and tables are such an easy way to entertain,” she says. “There is something for everyone, and a beautiful spread invites everyone to connect at the table.”

Good for grazing

These are some of Courtney’s favorite grazing board items:

  • A range of cheeses—soft to hard
  • Cured meats—mild to spicy
  • Castelvetrano olives for their bright green color and buttery finish
  • Local honey and honeycomb
  • Cheeses from Big Spring Dairy and Stone Hollow Farmstead
  • Holmsted Fines chutneys
  • Pickled vegetables and crudités
  • Yogurt-based dips and spreads
  • Macarons for a touch of sweet
  • Susan Gordon pottery for serving
  • Logo cookies by Kat Jones

Setting the mood, one plate at a time

When was the last time you were wowed by a paper plate? Or a recyclable bamboo fork? Marie Wright knows the answer—never. Through her home-based business, she provides interesting plates, silverware, lighting, and glassware for exceptional parties. For the launch of The Upstairs Collection, Marie chose blue-and-white pieces and then rounded out the setting with layered lighting, lanterns, and centerpieces. The end result of a Marie Wright-festooned fete is undeniable: Guests feel intimately engaged for this moment in time.

The women created vignettes in various parts of the house, as well as in the backyard, to show customers how they might use these finds in their own homes.

Beth Hubrich’s Mary & Wilma

A dietitian by training, Beth fuels her creative side with design projects under the moniker Mary & Wilma, a business she named after her grandmothers.

Favorite find: That is a hard question. I feel like they are all my children! But there was a pair of faux tortoise bookshelves that I found at an estate sale that were covered in seven layers of dust. When I got home, I discovered they were made by Lane.

Always looking for: Finding a pair of anything at an estate sale is kind of like finding a unicorn—especially in the vintage and antique world. Smaller chests are also elusive (like the size that fits perfectly between a pair of twin beds). That height is trickier to find, but a bedside chest can be so great for storage and hiding the day-to-day stuff of life. And because I am from Florida, I am a sucker for anything rattan or bamboo.

Cannot resist: Anything with a great story behind it!

Personal style: I love an eclectic mix. I like to throw in an old family heirloom with a modern lamp. I am drawn to color and have never met a pattern I didn’t like. Colorful, livable, happy, Floridian.

Best advice: People often think they don’t have room for a found item, which I totally get. We don’t want things to feel cluttered. But I do believe that if you fall in love with a piece, there is a reason. You may go into an estate sale looking for a twin beds but find a piece of art you love. There IS a spot for it.

IG: @maryandwilma // [email protected] // 404.392.5572

Elizabeth Lee’s Hazel House Collective

Elizabeth might get caught looking down at her feet more than looking up—rugs are her passion, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge and design tips with clients to help them feel at ease with a big investment like an antique rug.

Favorite find: I found an antique Mahal runner at an estate sale. I’m pretty sure I will never get rid of it!

Always looking for: Antique Persian rugs. When I say “‘antique,” I mean over a hundred years old. About 80% of the rugs I sell are vintage ones from the 1930’s–1970’s. But antique rugs are what I am really drawn to. I think about where they’ve been  and the stories they could tell. The best ones have patches and holes and maybe even fringe that is coming off. 

Personal style: I am way more traditional than Beth. Sometimes I’ll ask her opinion on something and she’ll say, “That’s very brown.” That’s when I know it’s very me! I lean towards traditional English Country.

Best advice: Rugs are a big investment, but a great rug will be around forever. And don’t be afraid to use blue Dawn dishwashing soap to occasionally clean your rug! I will take mine outside and spray them down. As long as they get fully dry, they will last!

Always wearing: I have a pearl bracelet that my husband gave me on our wedding day. I wear it every day. Sometimes I mix it up with brass bangles or a leopard cuff.

IG: @HazelHouseCollective // [email protected] // 205.908.7755

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Winter Roses and Other Surprises

By
John Floyd
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Lenten rose

Lenten roses create bright spots in my winter garden. Even on the coldest January day, I will see some of their nodding flowers appear. And by mid-February, almost every plant produces shoots that range from pure white to various shades of pastel blooms. The colors actually show in the plant’s sepals during the flowering season rather than in its petals. I am particularly fond of the old-fashioned Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), not only because it’s very easy to grow, but also because it seeds readily and gives us new plants with slight variations of the typical white sepals.

Many people don’t realize that the Lenten rose is not really a rose but is instead part of the buttercup family. Therefore, it’s important not to treat it like a rose. The Lenten rose prefers light to heavy shade locations. And while rich soil is a key to success for some plants, the Lenten rose is very happy with fertile, well-drained soil. Once established, it can take dry conditions to some degree. When cold weather arrives, some of my friends remove all of its foliage to increase the flower display since the plant is less than a foot tall. I prefer to simply prune out the dead and damaged foliage because I think its course leaves are a nice contrast to the delicate blossoms.

Wintertime is also when I like to enjoy cut camellias indoors. Camellias tend to bloom when we are not experiencing freezing weather. Once cut, the blossoms often fall off the cut stems in a day or two, regardless of how you condition them, so they only bring short-lived beauty to your interiors. For the best result, I try to cut the flowers when they are almost open and then provide some type of support beyond their own stems to keep them from falling off. A good way to do this is by using flower picks filled with water and laying the blooms down for display. A Charleston camellia vase works perfectly for floating the blossoms, but any shallow dish will also do. Sometimes I will cut the blossoms right before an event and simply lay them in a trug. They will hold up without water for three to four hours

Winter gardens in our area can also have an abundance of blooms with sweet scents, but these flowering plants are not necessarily showstoppers. Winter honeysuckle, with its clear to pale-yellow flowers, brings fragrance to my garden on most winter days. For an even stronger, perfume-like scent, try winter daphne. Other popular flowers with cold-weather scents include winter jasmine, some early daffodils, edgeworthia, and wintersweet.

For a twist on my traditional gardening tasks, I sometimes like to grow calla lilies indoors during the winter. I usually order the rhizomes from John Scheepers or Brent and Becky’s Bulbs to get the best quality. I plant them in a good potting mix, water them well, and place them in a sunny spot inside. If you don’t have a window with plenty of sunlight, place the plant in the brightest spot you have with some additional light from a fixture if possible. When planting the big white or yellow flowering calla lilies, expect the large, arrow-shaped leaves to appear within a week or two and the large bloom stalks in a month or so. While their blooms are sensational, the foliage is big, bold, and attractive as well. Keep in mind that they like damp, not wet, soil. When mine are finished blooming, I allow the pots to dry out and the foliage to die. Then, after the last frost date in the spring, I plant them in my garden where they can get plenty of moisture. They will usually bloom again in mid-summer and for many years thereafter.

Whether you are enjoying the outdoor scents and flowers of your winter garden or the indoor beauty of potted plants, the winter season provides plenty of blooming beauty—if you look carefully.

Calla Lilies

Floyd’s To-Do List: January/February

Roses need attention in February. Whether you grow the hybrid types or the drift, carpet, or knockout types, now is the time to remove all dead leaves from the plants. If you have a dense variety, use a blower to help make sure all the leaves have come off. Once the leaves are off, remove all the mulch and dropped leaves and replace with fresh, new mulch. This will limit diseases, such as blackspot, that really reduce the beauty of the plants. You can also shape and prune the plants as needed. Be sure to wait until the danger of frost has passed to fertilize the plants.

Rose pruning

This is the perfect time to prune and repair deciduous trees. It’s best to remove the crossed branches and damaged limbs first. Then stand back and observe the tree. Remove limbs that have created an awkward shape or are hanging too low. Be sure you don’t leave stubs from cut limbs.

Don’t stop watering your planted containers during cold weather. If the containers freeze, the water will be cut off from the plants. I always try to water before a hard freeze. This will provide the needed water, and the water also helps insulate the plant from the cold to some degree.

Go ahead and plant deciduous shrubs now. If you order bare root plants or buy package plants, soak the roots in water for several hours prior to planting. Dig big holes, and plant with the roots spread out in the holes. Use a good soil mix with some of the dirt from the dug hole included, as long as it’s not clay. Plant at the same level as the plant was in the ground before it was dug for sale. Pack soil well around the roots. Water well and mulch.

Winged elm, red stemmed Japanese maple, corky sweetgum branches, and beech tree limbs with their papery brown leaves still attached make excellent winter arrangements for indoors. They can be beautiful alone or mixed with evergreens and/or flowers. If you are not adding foliage or flowers, there is no need to add water to the vase when arranging.

John Floyd has been gardening in the Birmingham area for more than 30 years. In addition to his day-to-day experience, John has degrees in horticulture from Auburn and Clemson Universities and was editor-in-chief of Southern Living. For daily tips and more garden information, visit birminghamgardeningtoday.com.

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