Southern Lady: Gracious Tables: The Perfect Setting for Any Occasion

by Phyllis Hoffman

In Southern Lady: Gracious Spaces, Phyllis Hoffman showcased dozens of gorgeous tablescapes in some of the most beautiful homes in the South. Now, Phyllis, publisher of Southern Lady magazine, is back with Southern Lady: Gracious Spaces, a lushly illustrated celebration of pretty, soothing, and intimate domestic spaces—both indoors and outdoors.

In Southern Lady: Gracious Spaces, Phyllis takes readers on a tour of more gorgeous Southern homes—her own as well as those of a few close friends—to feature areas that have become sanctuaries, treasured spots for retreating from the world and finding solace. In her warm, encouraging voice, Phyllis explains how to employ a personal touch to craft and embellish a space that's both inspirational and functional.

Through personal anecdotes and narratives, Phyllis recalls how she developed her own personal style—and how you can develop yours. She advises readers to:

Showcase items that reveal your passions, such as music, needlework, or the outdoors Make more of everyday events: for example, turn a picnic into something special by dressing it up with antique linens Find new ways to display your most beloved treasures: why keep your china collection hidden in the cabinet? Turn to nature for inspiration in choosing your color scheme: whimsical lilac, sunny lemon, or soft magenta Set a table for two in unexpected areas, such as a private study, bedroom, or even a foyer

There are also two dozen recipes for delectable Southern treats, including Strawberry Patch Cake, Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs, and Raspberry Lemonade Punch, along with tips for casually elegant entertaining.

In building your own space, bear in mind that it's not just a physical area but, as Phyllis says, "a canvas for your heart and soul." The more of yourself you put into it, the more the space will please and comfort you and your guests. And that is the essence of graciousness.

Genres: Nonfiction, Interior Design

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian's note: There is more than one author on Goodreads with this name.

Reviews

[Denise Spicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet décor book features mostly interior spaces (some patio/pool/yard examples) and has some lovely photos to illustrate. The accompanying text (a quick read) promotes the author’s philosophy of home as a refuge which reflects one’s personal style. There are chapters on dreamy designscapes, enchanting details, and artful embellishments which give interesting and intriguing examples of furniture, table settings, window treatments, cut flowers, libraries full of books, desks or nooks for reading and writing letters, and especially how to showcase personal collections. Interspersed throughout are festive dining examples from tea time, southern tapas, or beverages to picnics for one. Includes 16 pages of recipes which were featured in the text.

[Alix Stricklin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really a "coffee table book," not a book intended to help you with table settings. There are some terrific photographs, several good tips, and some creative ideas - - but very low on "how to." The main thing that I learned from this book is that the author collects china and anything monogrammed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas and beautiful pictures

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, if you filter out the moonlight and magnolias...

[Ricki Treleaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Gracious Spaces by Phyllis Hoffman. As you probably know, Phyllis Hoffman is the editor and publisher of Southern Lady Magazine, and she made so many of us happy when she brought back Victoria Magazine. This book reflects her style, elegance, and attention to detail that we have come to expect from her stunning magazines. Gracious Spaces is such a treat! Although it has been out since 2009, I had not read it until recently. The book is so inspirational, and it's practical. Journal pages and recipes are included, and the photography is breathtaking.

Two of the larger sections in the book are entitled "Enchanting Details" and "Artful Embellishments." Although many styles are represented in the book, Hoffman is definitely an anglophile at heart. The English are so astute at adding lovely finishing details to their designs, and this book illustrates this tradition beautifully. Like the accessories we wear, our rooms' finishing touches are what make them unique and reveal much about the personalities who inhabit them. I was so inspired by the "Put it in Writing" pages with its gorgeous writing desk and antique desk accoutrements that I decided to use my tiny secretary for correspondence. I do agree with Hoffman that personal, hand-written letters should be valued and treasured.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out from the library with the intention of just looking at the pictures; maybe getting a few ideas. Little did I know that I would sit and read the whole book this evening! This book gave me so many different ideas and even some neat quotes:

"Look at each room not as a place with four walls, but rather as a canvas for your heart and soul. Constantly seek and find new sources of inspiration; accrue not only things but ideas and memories."

"I believe you should surround yourself with colors you love."

"That which stirs us transforms us.....let those things you love do the same for all of your gracious spaces, inside and out."

"Whether a castle or a cottage, your home should be a harbor not only for your body, but also your soul; a place that provides shelter and solace from the rest of the world."

"TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A QUEEN, AND YOU WILL FEEL LIKE ONE."

"Think outside the box and you will be amazed at the possibilities you can envision!"

I definitely recommend this book especially for those of you interested in decorating and home improvement. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at the library along with some other books to inspire and inform me as I decorate the new house.

This northerner (with an aversion to most things "southern") just spend a pleasant hour turning the pages of this book and falling in love with the author. The book includes lots photos, decorating tips and the author's running commentary on different types and uses of spaces. Letter writing, tea and boardgames with girlfriends? Yes, please!

One thing that really impressed me was that each space felt personal and tailored to a specific person's thoughtful taste. Some of the decorating was a bit old-fashioned and fussy for me, but that is okay. To each his own. It all felt elegant and gracious. Also, it was clear that an elegant space isn't a "prefect" one. In the photos of rooms, "imperfections" could frequently be found, but that added to the authenticity and comfort of the space.

I would like to own this book.

[Brenda Grizzle]

Everyone wants their home.... or at least one room to be a retreat. Can't wait to get started on this one. Lots of beautiful pictures from Southern Lady/Victoria magazines, which help calm, temp the taste buds and transport to a retreat only if in your mind for as long as you like with ideas to use in your own home.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book, but has a life like that? Yes, coming home to a glass of wine and some tasty home-made goodies on the patio where the table is all set with linens and silver and china would be great, but it would require magic fairies to set it all up and my life is a bit short on magic fairies.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom recommended this book, and I read the whole thing. It was very enjoyable, and I will refer it often!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. The ideas are fantastic.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely book that encourages hospitality and reveals ways to make a house a home.

[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relyn Rating 3.5 stars
If you love Victoria magazine, this is probably the book for you. It looks and reads just like a gorgeous magazine.