Short and Sweet...

I'm itching to get out in the yard, but Mother Natures seems to have other plans...Regardless of the chill and damp, happy weekend to you all.  Isn't this little guy cute?

Spirit of the South...

It's always a happy day when Garden & Gun drops through my mail slot; it's one of the best publications out there these days, and provides many happy hours of reading and armchair exploring.  Truly, there isn't much "gun" in it, and often not even the "garden" part either. But there are always great stories, interesting travel ideas, an article about a dog or two, and a column that I read first-thing from the witty and wry Julia Reed.  

Southern through and through, Julia is at once total southern bell steeped in tradition, and a thoroughly modern Millie.  Hailing from a fine, old, southern family, she has the two things I like most: a sense of humor, and great taste.  Therefore, I take great delight in stocking our shelves with her new book, Julia Reed's South.  No one embodies the rollicking spirit of great Southern party giving more than Julia Reed, the consummate hostess and go-to food and lifestyle expert.

Thrown everywhere from lush gardens and gracious interior spaces to a Mississippi River sandbar, Julia Reed’s parties capture the celebratory nature of entertaining in her native South. Here, her informative and down-to-earth guide to throwing an unforgettable party includes secrets she has collected over a lifetime of entertaining.

For this book, she offers up a feast of options for holiday cocktails, spring lunches, formal dinners, and even a hunt breakfast. Eleven seasonal events feature delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes, ranging from fried chicken to Charlotte Russe and signature cocktails or wine-pairings—she introduces her talented friends (rum makers, potters, fabric designers, bakers) along the way. Each occasion includes gorgeous photographs showing her original approach to everything—from invitations and setting a table to arranging flowers and creating the mood. 

Treat yourself, or a friend that likes to entertain to this book, and subscribe to Garden and Gun while you're at it!