Southern Home

Holiday cheer I love Christmas! Many cynics say it is a “celebration of consumerism,” but I choose to think of it as a season of gratitude—an opportunity to welcome family and friends into our home and to tell them that we appreciate them with holiday cheer. I am admittedly one of those people who starts thinking about Christmas decorations the day after Labor Day. There are a few things like our Nativity set and a 5-foot-tall nutcracker that will always be permanent fixtures, but I am always on the lookout for ways to jazz up our holiday décor. (It is amazing how impactful and cost-effective dozens of ornaments in a single color can be.) I bring out the Christmas china, cut magnolia branches, watch Hallmark movies, and listen to my favorite…

The Mixologist The Traveler The Pet Lover…

In a relentlessly busy world, putting together a casual brunch or an intimate dinner party can feel overwhelming. In Entertaining by Design: A Guide to Creating Meaningful Gatherings, Lorna Gross, an award-winning interior designer, entertaining authority, and lifestyle maven, presents a unique blend of inspiration and manageable recommendations for hosting memorable at-home celebrations. Her book is not just about hosting, it’s about creating experiences that are remarkable, delicious, and joyful, inspired by her passion for food and beauty, her love affair with uniqueness, and her deep appreciation for human connection. With stunning photography, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to elevate their gatherings to a new level of style and meaning. Entertaining by Design is a practical guide that features helpful tips and instructions for 17 seasonal gatherings.…

wreaths ADD WARMTH, CHARM AND A TOUCH OF JE NE SAIS QUOI WITH THIS CHRISTMAS FAVORITE. mantels FRESH GREENERY IN ABUNDANCE TRANSFORMS A MANTEL DURING THE HOLIDAYS. garlands BEAUTIFUL RIBBON MIXED WITH MAGNOLIA LEAVES, EVERGREENS, OR EUCALYPTUS COMBINE FOR A DAZZLING EFFECT.…

Every interior designer has their own unique approach to helping clients achieve their dream home, but what measures do they take when it comes to dressing and furnishing their personal spaces? For Traci Zeller, being surrounded by beautiful things is important, but more than anything, she believes a home should feel like a sanctuary and a place to rejuvenate. “I love to be social, but I am a homebody at heart,” says Zeller. “It just feels good being in a pretty place, and I think subconsciously there’s something that feels better about being in a well-designed space. I wanted my house to feel like that, but at the same time, I needed it to be comfortable and not like a museum.” Nestled in a small development just four miles from uptown…