In the meantime...... I was so excited to bring you this amazing interview with PhyIlis Hoffman! I had ordered Southern Lady Gracious Tables and literally fell in love with every single page (doesn't happen very often) I have since given this book twice as a gift. Then I found out about Southern Lady Gracious Spaces, her newest book, filled with devine pictures and insider tips on how to create beautiful tablescapes, vignettes and table settings both indoors and out.There is no doubt that Phyllis Hoffman, is a legend in publishing with too many successful magazines, publications and books to name, but her latest books have really knocked it out of the park. I say this in part because I have southern roots myself, but mostly because I love love love beautiful things, elegant entertaining and creating a tasteful and refined feeling home.
And any chance for me to gain some insight and insiders tips from an entertaining guru like Phyllis I make sure I am standing at attention to take in every word. I had mentioned her book by chance, on one of my Things I am loving Thursday posts because I was that excited over it and got a message from her thanking me for the mention.(imagine how over the moon I was to know she read my blog)!!!! Well, one thing led to another and she so graciously accepted my invitation to do an interview! Party like a rock star.....yep, I landed a great one! In addition to her interview, she has so generously donated 2 signed books, one of each of her amazing new books!! This will become one of those "go to" books we all cherish and uphold, I assure you. Click here to go to Amazon to purchase.
To be eligible to win, all you have to do is leave a comment here today about how you like to entertain and I will announce the two lucky winners on Friday's post! (if you sign in as anonymous or with just a name you must include an email address)
Good luck and hope you enjoy what Phyllis has to say, truly a wealth of information and a well stocked vault of tantalizing tips, excellent advice and more than a few helpful hints. Enjoy and Phyllis, many thanks again for participating!! It was truly an honor to have you here today and I just know everyone is going to savor reading all about you as much as I have!
Phyllis you are a legend in the publishing world and your empire centers around fine southern living and gracious entertaining. How did you come to create Hoffman media? The first magazine we ever published was Just CrossStitch…..a counted-cross stitch magazine for consumers that contained charts, stitch instructions, and news of the great products in the needlework industry. From that we have added one magazine at a time. Now we have 11 !
I just love one of your newest books, Southern Lady Gracious Tables, and am wondering what inspired you to write it? I think time spent around the table, enjoying wonderful food in a beautiful setting is a very important time. I love collecting place settings, especially those that belonged to my family. I have a passion for blue and white and as you can imagine, I have been given fabulous blue and white dishes! My mom always had great flower arrangements that she did from her garden. So I have been inspired by a beautiful table setting my whole life. The book was created to inspire women to use the dishes they have and make every meal special.
What do you think it is about the South and how they have managed to cherish and uphold the traditions in entertaining for which they are famous? I think that it is the traditions that make the South. It’s funny how we always return to the things that are familiar. Traditions vary between families, but the return to traditional events and celebrations are what define us southerners! We are all taught from the beginning of our lives just exactly how things should be done……and we just carry on, generation after generation.
What's your most favorite tradition? My most favorite tradition is decorating my house for Christmas. And within that is putting out the hand-painted nativity that my Mom made for me. She hand-painted each piece. Dad made the cattle stall from tiny branches. I just love it. When Neal and I married a year-and-a half ago, we had a Christmas stocking personalized with each child’s name on it that hung on the mantle. We stood by the tree and the room was lit with candlelight. So hanging the stockings has become a new tradition that is so meaningful.
Do you have a favorite holiday or time of year and why? Christmas!! We were married on December 23 and so it is magical in many ways. I love to play Christmas music on the piano, my second CD that I recorded with the Nashville Strings is the Magic of Christmas. I always wanted to be a Christmas Bride and Neal made my dreams come true! Our tree was decorated with Tartan Plaid bows and ornaments. We had cream roses placed in the branches for the ceremony. It was just perfect! So I love Christmas…
Being an entertainer extraordinaire, give our readers two or three tips to help set a beautiful and Southern lady worthy table.
Love the reference to "building a wardrobe for the table"…….If someone is to invest in one or two entertaining pieces, whether it be china, silver, serving pieces, linens which do you think they should start with? I would invest in a set of monogrammed napkins that you love. I prefer white with a blue monogram to use with my blue and white china. And if you are just beginning, invest in a nice set of white china or dishes. Food looks great on white and white will go with anything.
What's your feeling on mixing and matching new pieces and old family heirloom type pieces? I love to mix and match. Old is beautiful when mixed with new as long as the styles are similar. I love it when I set every place with a different china pattern. Guests love it!
You are throwing a summer party with no budget, what would your "dream theme" be? I would have a Party with the Royals…I think a grand ball would be wonderful. Outside in a cool, formal garden, with tiny lights, grand floral arrangements and fabulous food. I think this is every girls dream!!
What is your favorite flower to use when creating centerpieces? My new favorite flower changes hourly…..right now I am in love with hydrangeas in all the various shades of blue. They look stunning in a blue and white containers. They also pull apart into small bunches of flowers that can be used in small vases at each place setting.
Should a hostess always assign seats for a dinner party or allow guests to choose the seats themselves? I usually don’t assign seats. I like for my guest to make themselves at home and choose. Sometimes people will ask me where to sit, and then I will say “why don’t you sit here…”. Now if I have a cleaver place card I will definitely use them. That is fun creating unusual place settings!
Any southern dish that you think the whole world should know about? Cheese and garlic biscuits…..enough said. Just add a teaspoon of minced garlic and ½ cup of cheddar cheese to your biscuit dough and bake as usual. Your guests will be addicted!
Tell me what’s on your plate for the ultimate dinner menu........ One of my favorite menus: stuffed pork tenderloin with a mustard pecan sauce, pineapple casserole, green beans with garlic and bacon, beer rolls, and molten lava cakes for dessert. This is my most requested meal from family and friends.
What are one or two current trends in entertaining? I think the strongest trend in entertaining is casual gatherings with a theme. People are shying away from formal dinners and opting for casual table settings and relaxed events. Another strong trend is outdoor entertaining. I love the entertain on the terrace in the fall when it is just beginning to be cool in the evenings. We also have breakfast on the screened in porch when it is cool.
Why do you think beautiful formal dinner parties are not as "in vogue" as they once were? (which on a side note, I still love doing and will never stop) I think formal parties frighten many hostesses. Formal dinner parties have been perceived as executing formal rituals rather than setting a formal table. Formal tables are stunning. I love the glimmer of candlelight on the silver and crystal. I love hosting them. The more you do, the easier they are. I think it is all about planning. Once the food has been planned, the china pieces needed are next, then the centerpiece and linens.
What is a great hostess gift? I love taking simple things as hostess gifts. Leather journals, candles in a festive color for the hostess to use later, flowers from my garden in a fun vase, and beautiful soaps. Many people make a mistake by taking food expecting it to be served at the party. Please don’t do this unless you are asked to bring a dish. Your hostess has already planned the food for the event. I take something personal.
You are able to have any two people in the world over for dinner this weekend. Who are the lucky two getting to sit at your table? I would love to have Prince and Princess of Cambridge: Williams and Catherine. I find them the most refreshing, stylish, delightful couple in the news today. I would love to ask about their entertaining and parties at their home. I think her style is elegant and she is destined to be a style icon for centuries. They are so in love and the bubble with happiness. That is the kind of people I love to be with….people that brighten your day!
Who is your ultimate design/entertaining icon? Carolyne Roehm. Period. I love everything she does from the way she dresses to her exquisitely decorated home. When she wrote “Passion for Blue and White”, she exceeded all expectations at that point. I would love for her to be a part of one of our magazines….in fact I wish we could start a magazine called Carolyne! When she authored the Notebook series, which celebrates the seasons, I would read and re-read those for hours. She is really my icon. I hope to meet her someday. It would be a privilege to have tea with her…….just once would be a dream.
Thanks you Phyllis once again.....I will cherish this interview as my own personal "how to" from the ultimate Southern hostess. I so appreciate you taking the time to do this interview and generously donating two books that will go to two lucky winners who no doubt will enjoy the books as I have. Hope everyone has an enchanting day!
I REALLY enjoyed this post! We absolutely LOVE to entertain. In fact, before we were married, my husband told me, in no uncertain terms, that we would be having people in our home, frequently. Thankfully, I grew up in a family where this was common, so I was prepared for that and excited about it too! We love to entertain in such a way that people feel comfortable and at home with us. For me, this means cooking something that I wouldn't normally make during the week, but not so extravagant that people don't know what it is. I also try to have everything ready, and my kitchen as clean as possible so that I can enjoy my guests. I love breaking out my china and using my cloth napkins (yay--I'm doing something right!!) so people feel special. My generation (late 20's) has lost the art of entertaining, I think, so I hope that people being in my home will inspire them to also entertain in their homes. Sorry for the long comment :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this post! Great advice and ideas! I love to entertain- and when I do I always have a theme. It could be a color theme or food theme- but no matter what it is it always keeps me organized while planning the event :)
ReplyDeleteLilac and Grey
Tina this is amazing!! You are quite the interviewer, a girl of many talents. I loved hearing what Phyllis had to say and am going to go check out these books (will first see if I win) I hope so. My favorite way to entertain is outdoors...we live on a lake so its a natural spot to bring family and friends together. My husband is a master bbq'er so we throw almost everything on the grill but I couteract this casual meal by setting a really pretty table, everything is in white, blue and yellow. Always have fresh flowers and candlelight too. It creates such a party mood!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Great interview Tina! The gifts of blogging strike again! So wonderful what happens in blogland, and this lady has wonderful advice on how to entertain...she seems really nice too. I loved her Christmas traditions and how she married at that time and had a christmas wedding!
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing interview with such an icon! She has been one of my "go-to" ladies for some time! I love the life, the style the books and magazine evoke!
Almost something forgotten!
Thank you Tina for doing another fabulous interview!
Thoroughly enjoyed this!
Donna
Hi Tina, I have been a fan of Phyllis for several years. I first discovered her when I took the Gracious Spaces with me on vacation and found I could not put it down. It is not often that every page of a book gives something to examine over and over, and the pictures are truly visual delights. My favorite way to entertain is outside on my deck with my many sets of beachy dishes, food on the grill, music, and good friends and family. I do still entertain with a formal table, especially in the winter. I also subscribe to several of the Hoffman magazines. Tea Time is one of my favorites! I would love to win autographed copies of these two books. Thank you for this inspiring post! Linda
ReplyDeleteYes, great interview and so fun to read! Some great ideas too. I love to entertain but in a casual way. I am always looking for new ideas. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic interview! Hrmmm there is a Borders right near work.....maybe I'll just have to stop by to pick up her book!
ReplyDeleteTina - what a score! Love your interview with Phyllis and her inspiring answers. I, too, love to mix and match china, crystal and silver and my favorite entertaining tip would be to plan a menu that gets you out of the kitchen when the guests arrive - a party isn't fun to throw if you can't enjoy it yourself!
ReplyDeletexxoo
Great interview! I am the queen of entertaining... I have to admit my husband is the one that chefs-it-up but you better believe I'm dressing up the table and arranging flowers all the more!
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteI need to thank you. Really, from my heart. You always give your 100% to every single post, you're always visiting us and leaving your wise point of view, you share this beautiful moment of your life of build your dream home and you always have a word to support us in whatever we're doing.
I felt so touched by your comment yesterday. I felt it came from your heart and I thank you for being such a good friend. Your friendship is really appreciated.
Now, look at this post! Wow! I'm so happy for this interview. It was so fun and informative, which is key! The giveaways are fantastic and I know I'd be over the moon if I win it! :-)
Wishing you a safe trip home.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
What a great interview Tina! I love the idea of having a wardrobe for the table! I'm working on mine :) Safe trip!
ReplyDeleteStacy
I am passionate about blue and white, I have pieces from my own family going back three genrations, mixed with 'modern' pieces. My other favourite is monograms,on linen, porcelaine and silver. Then I collect glass, I often use georgian salts ans tea light holders. I like my table to look different every time.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of a wardrobe is fabulous.
I usually entertain due to a holiday...(so then the theme is obvious---and I go with foods and table decorations related)or a special event such as birthday,anniversary or a celebratory event such as a new job or promotion. When these revolve around the special person..I consider their tastes, hobbies, interests etc...to plan the theme revolving around them. Love your interviews! Thanks Tina!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I loved Phyllis' answer to your second question and I totally agree. . . "time spent around the table, enjoying wonderful food in a beautiful setting is a very important time." Sharing time with friends is a Joy.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a book. Thanks.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Love the interview, and I agree that many hostesses are afraid of formal dinners--perhaps because they were not raised with the tradition?I'm just a Southern girl and LOVE to use my silver and crystal. My favorite dinner party is on a farmhouse table set up under one of our oaks, Southern comfort food, flowers in pale pink pitchers, and lovely silver flatware and sparkling crystal.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun interview. All sorts of great ideas. I'm also a lover of all things blue and white, so it seems that whenever I entertain there is some element of blue and white on the table, whether it's a set of rustic vintage plates or my Herend china. And now thanks to Phylis, I think I need to monogram our white Belgian linen napkins with blue. Thanks for the delightful post! XO
ReplyDeleteA lady after our own heart! We feel like entertaining is about making memories and spending quality time with loved ones. Such bonding takes place in the South over a great meal! We must purchase Phyllis' book if we are not the lucky winners. Thanks so much for the introduction!
ReplyDeleteXO Angela and Renee
Phyllis is my kind of person!!! You know that being a guest in her home would be such a treat. I registered for Wedgewood Blue Sapphire (no longer made) when I got married, which is funny b/c I'm not that much of a blue and white person. I think monogrammed linens with a Blue M might just make me use them more!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a fabulous interview, Tina. This is a keeper!!!
xo Elizabeth
Tina, I loved this interview. It makes me want to go and set a pretty table right now!!!I am with her when it comes to Carolyne Rhoehm. One of my favorite things to do with my Friend is in the winter we take a day and go to Barnes and Noble, get a coffee and a pile of books and read and visit and buy which books we love. I will never forget when I found Carolyne Rhoem's book on blue and white. I could not put it down. Amazing book. It would be such a treat to have one of these wonderful Southern books. I am from Calif. but I think my roots are in the South. It is funny most people in blogland think I live in the South and I was born and raised here in California. I just love Southern Sensibilities. It is what calls to me, so I know I would love one of these books. Kathysue
ReplyDeleteHi Tina! Absolutely loved this interview! Phyllis is so interesting and gifted! As a resident of the deep south, I was born to entertain! I have always enjoyed having Christmas parties in particular, anything from brunch to dinner and everything in between! One year, I baked seven different cakes and arranged them on various pedestals with evergreens and ornaments around each pedestal with a place card identifying each cake type. I served coffee, tea (hot and iced [we are down south] and water. My guests really seemed to enjoy this and I think it was one of the easiest, most rewarding parties I ever gave! Thanks! Karen Leverette (thekarrot457@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview! I love decorating for Christmas too.
ReplyDeletexo,
cristin
Hi, Tina. What an interesting interview. I agree with Phyllis about Carolyne Roehm; I have all her books and ordered many beautiful items from her when she had her online sales.
ReplyDeleteAs for entertaining, I prefer small dinner parties - between 4 and 8 people, or buffets. I like to entertain, whenever possible, on the lanai (I live in SW Florida), enjoying good company, good food and beautiful water views.
I cannot wait until tomorrow's house updates.
Victoria
I have this book and absolutely LOVE it- It is not often that I love EVERY page in a book but this is one of them- I just put it on my side table last night to look at tonight when I get home from work...All I can say is- great minds think alike!;>) xo Diana
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview. Our house faces the river, so our front "porch" is a partially covered extended brick/stone patio. We have a 12 foot table where we love to entertain guests while watching boats, ducks, geese go by. We usually set out numerous lanterns along the edge of the stone and when the weather is cooler, we use the fire pit as well. Looking forward to fall! (susancolley@bellsouth.net)
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic is this interview for you and us. We truly get what we give in life and our words have miraculous powers towards others. Loved the interview and really loved how excited you are to have had the opportunity to interview Phyllis. Good things will not pass you by!
I have been saying that our homes need a closet off the kitchen to keep all the items for entertaining. Entertaining books, linens, stemware, vases, dishes, chair slipcovers etc. and it makes for more efficient party planning. Also an inventory
database included so you know, what you have and what to add. Love the blue and white, Christmas, friends, family and any cause for celebration.
This giveaway is very exciting!
Have a great day!
Bette
I, for one, would love to win her book! Such a stylish and relaxed entertainer! I am sure her guests feel very special. We are having a party this weekend and I am going to use tip of mixing old and new and letting guest sit where they want.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview!!**!!
ReplyDeleteLoved the introduction, and her books sound like must haves. I have learned the great art of entertaining through my Altanta born mom and she sure has the gift as Phyllis does. I am going to print out this terrific interview as well as pick up these books to add to my library. Carolyn is also one of my favorite stlyemakers. Love the idea of adding a monogarm to napkins we already own. And blue and white is always so pretty and elegant on a table. Tina, thank for this marvelous interview, your questions were awesome.
Being taught how to cook and entertain by a wonderful southern mother and being inspired throughout the year with Ms. Hoffman's Southern Lady magazine, I have certainly honed my entertaining skills over the years.
ReplyDeleteActually, my husband and I entertained guests last night before church with a meal fresh from our local farmer's market (and...which was served on my Blue Willow dishes given to me by my mom!)
I have neither of the books you're giving away, so I would LOVE to be the lucky winner! Thanks for sharing your interview :-)
Patty (pmcanally@sextonsinc.com)
Tina,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wondeful interview. I have always considered myself someone who should have been born Southern. Unlike many other women my age I have and love to use my formal dining pieces. It is so sad that for so many that formal entertaining has become a lost art. It is nice to know that there is a strong and vibrant community of people here who love a good monogrammend napkin and are willing to shine their silver in the name of a formal but fun affair.
I would be thrilled to win one of Phyillis' books and learn more of her lovely tips and tricks. Email is Francesca.Molinari7@gmail.com
Thank you for all you do!
Love, Love the book, the pictures capture the perfect Southern day. I'm still old school and have a very formal dinning room that we use everyday! it's a nice place to gather with family and friends we love to gather for formal or informal meals and sometimes, just for pizza with the teenagers. I've started a book collection for my two daughters and this would be a lovely addition!
ReplyDeleteHere's to Great Entertaining!
Cheers,
Andrea Elliott
andreaelliott@earthlink.net
I love to entertain - love outside and beautiful but simple. Thanks for a great post and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous interview with someone who is clearly knows the market. I love her comment about 'traditions define the south,' that is so true. And we are very much of a like mind on quality time at the table with family and friends, there is nothing like it.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful interview Tina!
tp
Wow, Tina! What a great interview!
ReplyDeletePhyllis is a true 'Renaissance' woman! So accomplished and willing to share her great aesthetic, experiences and ideas with her readers. I love mixing old and new, large kitchen island set to the 'nines' with aged pots of flowers among the large platters and bowl of scrumptious
home cooking.
Count me in as a big fan!
I grew up w/Phyllis. Our families lived in the same neighborhood, we went to the same church, baptized the same day, etc. I was so jealous when she began to take piano lessons a year or so after me b/c it was so obvious she had so much talent. It has been a long time since I have seen Phyllis (I left B'ham after I married), so it was fun to read your interview. She had a big, fun loving personality then, so I am not the least bit surprised to see how well she has done. She graciously had Paula Deen sign one of her cookbooks for my daughter as a wedding gift. I am proud to call her friend. Phyllis, if you read this, Uncle Albert says 'hi!'
ReplyDeleteKathy
(khamff@pinelake.org)
Great interview! I enjoy entertaining and half the fun is setting the table and decorating. Seems so many people just "go out" now.
ReplyDeleteAs a former floral designer I always enjoy setting a lovely table with flowers, china and linens. I vary from formal to casual but always with those three! Would love to be a part of the drawing...
ReplyDeleteMerci and
Hugs~
Wonderful interview!!! Her Christmas wedding sounds so romantic!!!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to win her books--timeless Southern classics!!!
Hugs,
Lana In Italy
wow, how wonderful!! i'm a soon-to-be newlywed, so we're just testing our entertaining wings. we had one of my bridesmaids and her boyfriend over for dinner one night. they brought their dog so that ours had a buddy, and we just spent the night enjoying good food, good wine, and good music!
ReplyDeleteFantastic interview! I agree with everything what she said. I wrote a book about entertaining, Entertaining from an Ethnic Indian Kitchen (http://komalinunna.com/). Instead of blue and white my book features mostly ethnic colored tablescapes.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your blog. We entertain often. My husband comes from a large family (9 siblings) and we seem to be the ones who has everyone over all the time. We enjoy it and of course do it southern style being from Texas. Take care Karen
ReplyDeletekallen1105@yahoo.com
I have worked hard all my life raising 5 children, working full time and now have 7 grandchildren. I have read the amazing interview with Ms. Hoffman. Now that I am retired I have time to entertain our friends. I love to cook, enjoy good food & wine. Would love to win one of her books. Your blog is the highlight of my day and I always look forward to reading it. Love your new home!! interiorsunique@cox.net
ReplyDeleteI'd love this book too! As far as entertaining, my first priority is having the food and drink taste great. Secondly, is having a relaxed atmosphere and interesting décor. In my 4-story townhouse I recently had a dinner party that started with cocktails on the top floor deck. Its sweeping views of the backyard wildlife preserve made for good conversation. We then moved to the 2nd floor deck for a candlelight dinner among the flowers and fountain. Finally it was off to the ground floor rec. room for dessert, after-dinner drinks, and a game of pool. Fun AND stimulating!
ReplyDeletedadler@conference.com
The best part of entertaining are the people sitting around the table. Next is beautiful table settings...fresh flowers, candlelight and great wine.
ReplyDeleteI've admireded Phyllis for many years are would love to win her book.
Since I am very Southern(born and raised in Mississippi) life revolves around food and family and friends. I have always loved to entertain by having simple food and lovely flowers from my own garden adorning every place setting. It seems to make people feel special when they have their own little bouquet by their lovely plate. Having a variety of wonderful cloth napkins is also a treat. Too many people today resort to paper napkins. I have also always, always been a fan of having each place setting different…..
ReplyDeleteAnthony
Anthony.weber@comcast.net
She had me at "passion for blue and white" :) I love to use my nice china when I'm entertaining, even if it's just another couple and we're eating fried chicken. I'm determined to throw a formal dinner party with our friends this year. It's time for us to move past the BBQs and onto something different (although I love a good bbq) What a great interview!!! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI LOOOVE to entertain!!! I love setting a beautiful table and making my guests feel as WELCOME and AT HOME as I possible can! I try to do something special, whether it is a small gift at each place setting or a take away gift when they are leaving. I also try to have special music playing (NOT loudly) while we eat. I pay special attention to the food, and get the best ingrediants. I also LOVE to try new recipes on my friends:):) Thank goodness it usually turns out well!!!!! Thanks for the opportunity for this GREAT give away! WONDERFUL interview, as only you can do!!! XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteBeing a child of the South, I completely understand everything Ms Hoffman has said. We cherish tradition which we learn from our grandmothers and mothers. And there are a few things so intrinsically Southern we could not possibly give them up. I haven't seen this wonderful book, so I happy to read the interview and OMG, I would love love love to win the book.
ReplyDeleteGive me a book with pretty pictures and I can be happy for hours. Sending love, Tina.....
this interview was a treat Tina! The book is worth purchasing-i'm sure it would be an enlightening read! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview and giveaway! She truly sounds like a beautiful party planner. I love the the idea of adding the cheese and minced garlic to the biscuit dough! Yum-o!
ReplyDeleteFantastic interview! I have been a fan of Southern Lady Magazine and a subscriber for about a year. I savor every single issue. It is chock-a-block full of so much eye candy that my senses have a sugar coma. LOL Thanks for the great give-away opportunity. Would love to win, but if not I know what will be at the top of my shopping list. :)
ReplyDeleteTina, I knew I would love her books the moment I read Phyllis loves blue and white! I love traditional formal entertaining but I am also comfortable with hosting an outdoor barbeque. Thanks for the wonderful interview and the chance to win these beautiful books.
ReplyDeletexo,
Sherry
Tina, I think if we lived near each other we would be such great friends. I can't wait to scurry over to EH and find out what wonderful and informative things you are posting about! You have such inspiration going on over here!!
ReplyDeleteI am a subscriber to Southern Lady Magazine and your interview is just fabulous! Phyllis is a class act Southern lady!!!!
I am sure to get her book... one way or another.
I adore entertaining and showing hospitality to everyone who enter StoneGable, so this book would be a goldmine of creativity and a resource book.
One of my dreams is to someday write my own tablescaping/ entertaining book!
Thanks so much for the chance to win Southern Lady Gracious Spaces!
xo Yvonne
ina-
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!
I love Phyllis and her publications. Being from Alabama, I keep up with what they have going on in the "neck of the woods" and I love her magazines.
I love entertaining casually most often. There are times, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, that I follow more formal rules. I love using fresh flowers and crisp linens with a laid back setting.
Have a great evening.
Teresa
xoxo
Lovely interview. Her ultimate meal sounds divine! I love to entertain any chance I get and it doesn't need to be because it's a holiday.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great giveaway!
How lucky for you that Phyllis found you through your gorgeous blog? That is so wonderful!
Love reading all of her comments.
There is nothing better than gracious southern style entertaining!
Would love to win one of these.
xox
Alison
Wow! Phyllis Hoffman is editor of my all time favorite magazine, Victoria. My style of entertaining is always outdoors and the beautiful ideas in Victoria inspire me to use nature as the backdrop.Thanks for the chance to enter your lovely contest. I look forward to your blog daily and feel like it is a much needed break for me. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteGreat, great post and giveaway! Being a Southerner, I agree with so many of Phyllis' ideas about entertaining. I also love Carolyne Roehm and have two of her books. I would absolutely love to have either of Phyllis' books!
ReplyDeletejkg4121@att.net
I prefer entertaining outdoors, particularly if it’s near a garden in full bloom! I would love to add Phyllis Hoffman’s wonderful ideas to my collection. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWow! Look at all the comments! You have wonderful interviews and this one is terrific! I, too, agree with Phyllis - I love and own all of Carolyne Roehm's books!! Like you, I love the formal entertaining and dinners as well! I am teaching my 3 young granddaughters and they love to help! One of them, at age 8, said to me, "Grandma, you have beautiful things!" Made my day!
ReplyDeletehihosilver@cyg.net
Nice interview. I'm familiar w/ Phyllis because she brought VICTORIA MAGAZINE back...my favorite. I have seasonal afternoon teas...over the last 17 yrs, I have had them all....Valentine's Day, St Paddy's Day, Easter, Fall tea, Halloween w/ spider webs on the candleabras & spiders on the table, & of course, Christmas. My Wedgewood Queensware matches them all & I love dreaming up a tablescape. Hope to have a chance to win one of the books!
ReplyDeleteCharlene
rfarraro@sbcglobal.net
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've been at your blog, but I have to say, I'm in love! Great content, wonderful interview! I love what I see, and you have so many adoring fans! I love entertaining, but am currently living in a two-bedroom apartment, so I keep my dinner parties to a 6 person limit. Usually 3 couples, and I do a lot of quick, easy centerpieces with an emphasis on the cooking! I would love to have one of these books so I can oomph up my apartment and my dinner table for more impromptu dinners and entertaining!
ReplyDeletexx
PS-Wiliam and Catherine would be my pick for dinner guests as well!
Erin @ http://www.trufflesnruffles.com/
erinkathleencouture@yahoo.com
Great interview. I do like a good read ill have to add this to my wish list
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on such a great interview! We have friends for supper every other Sunday night, and about half the time I choose some sort of theme for the food and decor--it just makes it fun! I also love tailgate entertaining during football season!
ReplyDelete