Southern Lady: Gracious Spaces: Creating the Perfect Sanctuary in Every Room

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.

Phyllis Hoffman is majority owner and president of Hoffman Media, LLC. She serves as the creative engine of the company, producing an ever-widening range of beautiful magazines including Tea Time, Southern Lady, Just CrossStitch, Sew Beautiful, and Taste of the South. She is also a sought-after speaker across the country, a devoted wife and mother, and a church and community leader. Hoffman lives with her family in Birmingham, Alabama.