Southern dining room decorated in Americana style with traditional furnishings, layered textiles, vintage flags, and collected antiques

Americana Style in the Southern Home: Decorating with Tradition, Comfort, and Character

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, patriotic decorating is appearing everywhere from retail displays to magazine covers. Yet some of the most enduring expressions of Americana are not seasonal at all. They are the everyday objects that tell the story of a place, a family, and a nation.

The latest edition of my favorite magazine is telling me that Americana style is back. There is a resurgence of patriotic themes and symbols in retail spaces this year.

But true Americana style is not found on an aisle of Hobby Lobby. It’s an enduring design perspective that doesn’t need to be changed out with the seasons. At its core, Americana style reflects a distinctly American approach to home, one rooted in comfort, tradition, individuality, and a connection to place.

Traditional Southern living room with Americana-inspired summer decorating, blue and white porcelain, patriotic bunting, and layered textiles
Americana style often blends traditional furnishings, family collections, and seasonal patriotic touches into spaces designed for everyday living.

More Than Flags and Fireworks

Our little town is having a decorating contest to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial anniversary this summer. Participants are encouraged to decorate their homes or businesses with red, white, and blue for the 4th of July. Throughout town, buntings and flags are being used in various ways to celebrate the season.

As I sat outside one evening after decorating our own home for the contest, I heard a lady walking by remark to her friend that she loved anything Americana. People often associate patriotic symbols with Americana, but those are only one expression of the design style.

Americana style isn’t limited to the era or architectural style that a home was built in. Homes ranging from historical to newly built traditional homes can be decorated through the lens of Americana style characteristics.

The Characteristics of Americana Style

At the heart of Americana style is a reflection of the people who live there. It’s a design perspective that is built around characteristics shaped by the lifestyle of American people.

Americana style adapts traditional lines in furnishings to more softened edges with comfort in mind. Formal floor plans in Americana homes become more approachable because the function of these spaces has been adapted for everyday modern living rather than special occasions.

It’s common in Americana style for both soft and hard furnishings to be made from durable materials. Hardwood construction, combined with elements such as leather, brass, or canvas, are characteristics of Americana style furniture. Linen, wool, and various types of cotton weaves in fabrics reflect the materials sourced from American lands.

Classic patterns and textiles are layered in a manner that welcomes everyday living. Instead of holding beautiful finishes at arms-length, Americana style homes are hospitable and inviting.

As each space reflects the family within, Americana style homes characteristically feature personal collections that are often shaped by the specific place the home is found in.

Traditional bedroom featuring blue and white textiles, antique furnishings, layered rugs, and Southern Americana decorating
Americana style is often expressed through traditional furnishings, heirloom pieces, and layered textiles collected over time.

A Style Shaped by Place

Americana style encompasses a group of styles that are specific to the regions they represent. America has never had one singular decorating style. Each region reflects local influences, climates, and cultures of the people living there.

Southwestern Americana style is largely influenced by the climate of the region with color palettes that are inspired by desert sunsets. Soft furnishings and art are heavily influenced by Native American patterns, the landscape, and Colonial Spanish equestrian themes.

Coastal Americana designs are heavily influenced by maritime life. Artwork, color schemes, and soft furnishings mirror the colors of water and the ecosystems dependent upon it.

Furnishings for Mountain Americana homes are usually in natural wood tones, and it’s common for them to have roughly hewn edges and visible construction.

Here in the South, homes are traditionally designed with hospitality in mind. Homes feature both formal and casual gathering spaces, and additional entertaining spaces are created by using the garden or front porch as an extension of the home.

In Southern Americana homes, rooms are often designed around heirloom pieces of furniture because these homes place a significant emphasis on heritage and tradition.

Regardless of which regional style of Americana design is found in a home, the strongest designs reflect the traditions of the people who live in them.

Southern Americana decorating featuring a vintage American flag, sporting art, game plates, and collected decorative objects
Regional expressions of Americana often draw inspiration from local traditions, landscapes, and cultural influences.

The Role of Tradition in the American Home

When I travel, I like to tour historic homes that have been opened to the public. In Savannah, the Green-Meldrim House is a wonderful example of historic Southern Americana Style. In Santa Fe, the Palace of the Governors features classic Southwest Americana style.

I enjoy integrating vintage and antique pieces into my home, but Americana style doesn’t require us to cling to outdated traditions or live in the past. The modern role of tradition in American homes is to reflect on the history of the region, while moving forward with traditions of people currently living there.

Rather than focusing on strictly using pieces in our homes that fall under a specific design label, use the characteristics of Americana as a jumping point to create character in your home over time.

The most successful Americana designs combine treasures discovered over time and new pieces that will stand the test of time.

Implementing an Americana style in your home may begin with a collection of books on your coffee table, a china cabinet passed down from a grandmother, or a favorite recipe you share with your friends every year on the 4th of July.

Patriotic mantel display with family artwork, American flags, blue and white porcelain, and collected heirloom accents
Collections gathered over time often become some of the most meaningful expressions of Americana style.

Seasonal Americana Décor for Summer

Shortly before Memorial Day, I begin to decorate our home for summer. Since I’ll leave these “decorations” out until mid-July, I tend to steer clear of decorative pieces that feel trendy.

I don’t want to feel like I’m putting a patriotic costume on my house for the summer, so I usually begin by choosing items from each room that will have a summer aesthetic when they’re gathered together.

Baskets of seashells that my children have collected over the years are placed next to a stack of vintage books about American government and history. A small white ironstone pitcher holds blue hydrangeas from my garden with a little flag tucked inside as a nod to the season.

Southern dining room decorated in Americana style with traditional furnishings, layered textiles, vintage flags, and collected antiques
A Southern Americana interior combines traditional furnishings, collected objects, and seasonal patriotic accents without losing its timeless character.

Outside we have hung red, white, and blue buntings from the railings on the top floor. Flowerpots have been filled with red, white, and blue annual flowers.

The way we have decorated the outside of our house could have been from 1980 or 2026; it is timeless and restrained. Americana style has endured through the ages.

Why Americana Style Endures

As America prepares to mark 250 years, the enduring appeal of Americana style may lie in its ability to honor the past while continuing to adapt to the present.

Today, Americana style reflects the people living inside each home. Because America is a melting pot of people, Americana designs allow room for individuality and collections from personal life experiences.

Implementing this design style into a modern home is an act of layering unique perspectives and experiences in home décor, while combining it with a sense of place that echoes the culture and the landscape of the region.

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Wide view of a Southern garden in late spring with growing vegetables and flowers in Georgia

A Southern Garden in Late Spring

If a Southerner is going to give you their opinion on something, it’s going to be the weather. If it’s too cold, we’ll cry, “I wasn’t made for this!” But, on certain days when the weather feels just right, we’ll sigh and say, “If only the weather was like this all the time.”

Many of those “perfect days” of Southern weather happen in late spring.

While the weather at this time of year is perfect, my garden leaves me a little impatient. It is a period of waiting for the next big show.

The seeds in both the vegetable and flower gardens have all been sown. Plants are growing their vines, stems, and leaves until the early weeks of summer give us pops of color from zinnias and tomatoes alike.

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Birdbath surrounded by flowers and pollinator plants in a Southern garden during late spring
A garden is never just about the plants. Water, pollinators, and wildlife all play a role in late spring.

The Vegetable Garden Requires Patience

You may have heard the expression, “a watched pot never boils.” I think a better saying would be, “a watched tomato never ripens.”  During late spring, the tomatoes in my vegetable garden are lingering in their own space-time continuum. The vines are loaded with handfuls of green tomatoes that can’t be rushed to reach their full ruby-colored potential.

Clusters of green tomatoes growing on the vine in a Southern vegetable garden during late spring
Tomatoes spend much of late spring suspended between promise and harvest, testing the patience of gardeners eager for the first tomato sandwich of summer.

As I look from the kitchen window, I can see yellow flowers on my zucchini and cucumber plants. Big flowers on the zucchini invite a whole host of pollinators to join the party at once, while the small flowers on cucumbers only have room for one bee at a time.

The pollinators are working and having their feast in my garden, but my vegetable feast won’t begin for a few more weeks.

While I wait, I’m closely watching the colors of the leaves on my young vegetable plants. I’ll take clues from them to see if the soil needs fertilizing or amending. On many mornings I trudge to the garden carrying my largest watering can. It’s full of diluted fish fertilizer or calcium, food for my young tomatoes.

I’m bribing them with, “Tomatoes, if I do this for you, what will you do for me?” And I hope the reply will be more tomatoes than I can eat or give away.

Cucurbit bee gathering pollen from a cucumber flower in a Southern vegetable garden
While gardeners wait for vegetables to ripen, pollinators are already hard at work among the blooms.

In addition to feeding the growing plants, I also watch for signs of unwanted bugs, and I take preventative measures to keep them at bay for the rest of the season. When the sun goes down, an eerie purple glow from my black light flashlight scans the plants up and down for the dreaded tomato hornworm.

Pampering these vegetable plants now means that in a few weeks my patience will pay off as I take a bite of my first tomato sandwich of the summer.

The vegetable garden requires surprisingly little equipment, but there are a handful of tools, fertilizers, and amendments I reach for throughout the growing season.

Recommended vegetable garden supplies including tools, fertilizers, and garden essentials
Click the image to browse the vegetable garden tools, fertilizers, and supplies I use throughout the growing season.

A Season Between Blooms

While I wait for my vegetables to grow, the flowers have a time of transition, too. Early spring gives the South flowers with soft and delicate blooms. In summer, flower varieties have transitioned to hardier and sturdier stems that can withstand the heat that settles in at the hottest part of the day.

Unopened zinnia flower bud developing in a Southern cut flower garden during late spring
The first zinnia blooms of summer are still forming in late spring, building anticipation for the season’s brightest display of color.

The peonies, which bloom in early spring in the South, have come and gone weeks ago. The tiny pink blooms on my Peggy Martin roses and the fuzzy, purple alliums have finished their shows as well.

In late spring, my flower gardens will not only be a source of blooms to bring indoors, but they will also attract important pollinators.

Spires of salvia and lavender dance and sway as the bees crawl from flower to flower for their next treat. Hummingbirds flit in and out of gladiolus flowers.

During this time, the zinnias and dahlias are still growing their stems. Flower buds are beginning to form, and anticipation builds for when they decide it is time for a chorus of color.

As the flower garden begins its summer display, these are a few of the tools and containers I use for harvesting, arranging, and enjoying blooms indoors.

Recommended flower garden supplies for growing, cutting, and arranging blooms
Click the image to browse the flower garden tools, harvesting supplies, and floral essentials featured in this article.

Learning to Wait

After the long and dark months of winter, spring brings new growth and excitement. But it also requires a great deal of waiting and patience.

Gardener harvesting gladiolus stems in a Southern flower garden during late spring
Gardening requires both patience and participation, rewarding careful attention with flowers to bring indoors and moments spent outdoors.

It’s a good thing the weather is so ideal in the South during late spring, because I spend a lot of time checking on the gardens.

I drink my morning coffee hovering over my pepper plants like a helicopter parent. I’ll take another stroll through the rows in the evening after dinner. Have the seeds germinated since I last stared at the dirt six hours ago?

Gardening is both about myself and something bigger than myself. I am nurturing these plants with water, food, and protection. But I’m also connecting to the earth as a whole.

These days of perfect late spring weather in the South are fleeting with every rotation of the Earth. And while we often wish these perfect days could last forever, would we really want them to?

Soon the mild temperatures of late spring will give way to the humid heat that is necessary for a watermelon to ripen and a dinner-plate dahlia to unfurl in summertime.

Afterwards, shorter days will trigger the reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn leaves.

Each season requires patience for what is still to come and an appreciation for what is here now, because neither lasts forever.

The sun, the dirt, and the pollinators are all reminders that it’s never just about the little seeds we sow in spring.

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Lemon thyme mahi mahi served with green beans and tomato salad for a summer supper

Lemon Thyme Mahi Mahi

I step out of the car to unload my groceries, and the hot, humid air of the north Georgia summer envelopes me in a blanket that I don’t want to be wearing. I feel the thickness with each intake of breath, and the humidity immediately reminds me that summer in the South is not interested in appearances.

It’s ironic, really, that I have a trunk full of groceries, but I can’t bear to cook in a hot kitchen on a day like this. I scan my purchases for something I can prepare for the table quickly, and thankfully, some mahi mahi fillets are tucked into one of the grocery sacks.

With a bit of lemon juice, butter, and a sprig of lemon thyme that I can snip from my herb garden on my way inside, I’ll have everything I need to make lemon thyme mahi mahi in under 10 minutes. This will be the perfect solution for dinner on a hot summer day in the South.

Gathering fresh lemon thyme from the garden on a summer afternoon in north Georgia
Fresh lemon thyme clipped from the garden just before dinner.

The Kind of Meal Summer Calls For

My tastebuds change with the seasons. In the colder seasons I crave rich, decadent meals that provide comfort and warmth. While I truly love summer in the South, the stifling heat brings me to crave lighter fares with ingredients that are fresh and require less time in front of the stove.

Lemon thyme mahi mahi is more than just a dish that I can pull together quickly for a weeknight dinner. Although the ingredients are simple, the result is something you can also be proud to serve while entertaining guests.

Fresh lemon thyme, citrus, salt, and pepper prepared for lemon thyme mahi mahi
Lemon, thyme, butter, salt, and pepper keep the flavors simple and fresh.

Lemon Thyme Mahi Mahi

Served with a few simple sides, it is the sort of dinner that slips easily between ordinary evenings and informal entertaining.

Seasoned mahi mahi prepared for cooking with lemon thyme and butter
A quick seasoning is all the fish needs before cooking.
Lemon thyme mahi mahi served with green beans and tomato salad for a summer supper

Lemon Thyme Mahi Mahi

A simple, herb-forward mahi mahi made with fresh lemon thyme, butter, and lemon juice; a clean flavorful dish that comes together quickly.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 mahi mahi fillets
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1-2 tsp lemon thyme, chopped
  • 1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Pat the mahi mahi fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Reduce heat and add butter to the pan.
  5. Once melted, spoon the butter over the fish and add the chopped lemon thyme.
  6. Remove from heat and fish with fresh lemon juice before serving.

Notes

  • Lemon thyme adds a subtle citrus flavor, so additional lemon can be adjusted to taste.
  • This recipe works well with other firm white fish if mahi mahi is unavailable.
  • Serve with simple vegetables, rice, or fresh tomatoes for a light summer meal.

What to Serve with Lemon Thyme Mahi Mahi

To keep the entire meal satisfying and fresh, I like to serve it with simple sides. Today I have a few handfuls of cherry tomatoes, some fresh basil from the garden, and a bit of red onion. I slice the tomatoes in half and mix them with the shredded basil, chopped onion, salt and pepper.

The mahi mahi and tomatoes will go perfectly with some green beans sauteed with butter and garlic, as well as some crusty bread.

Everything is fresh and uncomplicated. With the exception of the mahi mahi, nearly all of the ingredients in our meal have been provided by our gardens. This is one of my favorite meals of the season.

Lemon thyme mahi mahi served with green beans and tomato salad for a summer supper
Served with green beans and a simple tomato salad, this meal comes together quickly on warm summer evenings.

A Simple Summer Table

As our dinner is ready, a shiver runs through me. The sun is lingering on the horizon before it slips away, and the air conditioning in the house now feels too cold where sweat has gathered at the base of my ponytail.

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I grab a few things to set the table outside the kitchen door for our dinner. I place some melamine plates, a linen tablecloth, and a citronella candle into a basket, along with white wine and some wine tumblers.

My husband follows me with the platter of fish lined with lemon wedges and another with our tomatoes and green beans.

By the time we finish our meal, the sun has set completely. We sip our wine and talk about our day with the candle between us. The meal has been perfect. The same summer heat that felt oppressive in the grocery store parking lot now settles around us differently. Moments like this make the sweltering Southern summers easier to forgive.

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Zinnia arrangement in a blue Ball jar from a Southern cutting garden

How to Grow Zinnias in a Southern Cutting Garden

I spend a lot of time thinking about flowers. There are times that my mind wanders while I’m doing other mundane tasks, and my thoughts drift away to varieties, colors, and bouquets.

It all started years ago with one little seed packet of zinnias that I planted to attract pollinators to my vegetable garden. At the time I didn’t even know how to plant a zinnia cut flower garden, but it was the start of my flower gardening journey.

Over time I shifted my focus from growing vegetables to growing flowers. I get a lot of joy growing things whose sole purpose is to bring beauty into the world. What a pleasure to walk outside and take my pick of which stems to bring into my home.

Zinnias are blooms full of cheer, and they make the perfect addition to any Southern cutting garden.  

This article was created in partnership with Eden Brothers. Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Why Zinnias Belong in a Southern Cutting Garden

It turns out that the little packet of zinnia seeds that I picked up at the garden center to attract pollinators is one of the best choices for a Southern flower garden.

Why Zinnias Thrive in Southern Summers

On the summer days when the heat feels oppressive, zinnias are thriving. They don’t need a lot of maintenance, like other cut flowers, and when the sun beats down, the flowers come up.

Zinnias are often a choice flower for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.  As long as you have enough sunlight, you’ll be able to cut blooms for flower arrangements all summer long. In fact, the more you cut, the more flowers you’ll have to bring inside.

The hardest part of growing zinnias is usually deciding which varieties to buy.

Choosing the Right Zinnia Varieties

There are over one hundred varieties of zinnia seeds sold in the United States. With so many choices available, there are a few things to consider when choosing which seeds to plant in your Southern cutting garden.

Zinnia seed packets for a Southern cutting garden before planting
Choosing varieties is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning a cutting garden.

Some varieties of zinnias are more tolerant of Southern growing conditions than others. Varieties that have high humidity tolerance and resistance to diseases do well in the South.

Color is another big consideration when planning a zinnia cut flower garden. Varieties come in colors ranging from muted pastels to bold summer hues. The colors you select will not only impact your garden outdoors, but they’ll also be present inside your home. If you’re planning to bring your zinnias inside, it’s important to consider if your garden color palette integrates well with your home’s color palette.

One of the most important things to consider is how your zinnias fill a vase. I like to use a mixture of varieties so that I have variations in texture, color, and size of blooms. If you’re only planning to grow zinnias for cut flowers, you can create a well-rounded arrangement by planning variation carefully.

The Best Zinnias for Cutting Gardens

Eden Brothers has been an excellent resource for recommending zinnia varieties to me. I partnered with them to grow several varieties in my garden this year.

Wooden garden markers labeling zinnia varieties for a Southern cutting garden
Keeping varieties labeled makes it easier to compare performance throughout the season.

One of their top recommendations for zinnias in the South is Benary’s Giant, which is mildew resistant and excellent for cut flowers. Benary’s Giant Zinnias are the workhorses of the zinnia world with big, strong blooms that will fill a vase.

Oklahoma zinnias are like Benary’s Giant, but slightly smaller, fuller, and excellent for bouquets. These zinnias are what I lovingly refer to as “reliable” because they are useful for filling in blank spots of flower arrangements. They’re there when you need something extra.

Queeny zinnias also do well in the South, and they provide interesting pops of color. For smaller scale zinnias that do well in pots and borders, Eden Brothers recommends Profusion and Zahara varieties. My raised vegetable garden beds are the perfect spot for the smaller varieties.

When to Plant Zinnias in the South

Once you have your seeds in hand, there are a few important things to know about when to plant them.

Hand holding zinnia seeds before planting in a Southern cutting garden
Zinnia seeds germinate quickly once the soil has warmed in late spring.

Why Timing Matters More Than Most Gardeners Expect

Although growing zinnias from seed is easy, issues can be triggered by planting seeds at the wrong time.

It’s considered safe to plant seeds directly in the ground after the last danger of frost. But I recommend waiting just a little while longer to sow them. Zinnias are heat-loving plants. Your zinnias will have the best chance of germination once the soil temperatures are consistently 70-80 degrees.

Planting too early can result in stunted growth or weaker plants that are susceptible to disease. Since zinnias love warm temperatures, you can plant them every few weeks through July to ensure you have blooms until fall.

If you’d like to keep these planting recommendations handy throughout the season, I’ve put together a free printable Southern Zinnia Planting Guide with my favorite varieties, planting reminders, and harvesting notes.

Get the free zinnia guide

There’s not a hard and fast date for planting zinnias each year. It’s important to look at soil temperatures and weather forecasts before putting your seeds in the ground. Even so, Mother Nature has a mind of her own.

I’ve had an unusually warm spring, but night temperatures have been cooler than normal. After my seeds germinated, they were slow to grow this year. Now that temperatures have heated up, their growth is booming. Even an experienced gardener like me is dependent on Mother Nature to behave herself. 

Planting Zinnias Successfully in Southern Soil

Once you know what you’re going to plant and when to plant it, you need to decide on where the best spot in your yard will be to sow your zinnia seeds.

Preparing soil for a Southern cutting garden before planting zinnias
Preparing the garden bed helps improve drainage and airflow before planting.

Zinnias require full sun, so you’ll need a place in your yard that receives at least six hours of sun each day.

Zinnias also need good air circulation. It’s important that their leaves are given the opportunity to dry off. Air flow is vital in humid climates in order to keep plants healthy.

The South is known for red clay soil. While zinnias can grow successfully in poor soil, they do need proper drainage. If your soil is compact, consider amending it with compost to improve drainage.

Hand holding soil amendment used to improve soil in a Southern cutting garden
Improving soil texture and drainage helps zinnias thrive through the Southern summer heat.

Zinnia seeds should be planted about one-half inch deep. They’ll sprout rather quickly in just 4 to 7 days if the soil is warm.

Once sprouted, zinnias should be watered at the base of the plant. Keep the leaves dry to prevent moisture-related diseases.

It feels counter-intuitive, but to give your zinnia seedlings the best chance of success, you’ll need to thin them out. You’ll want to gently remove seedlings so that there’s one growing about every 12 inches. Choose the healthiest looking stems as you go through this process.

Rows of young zinnias growing in a Southern cutting garden
Proper spacing allows zinnias to receive sunlight and airflow during the humid Southern summer.

Thinning seedlings is necessary to maintain a healthy garden. Too many seedings creates unnecessary competition for nutrients and light. While it feels strange to pull up seeds that you planted, you’ll be rewarded with better blooms.

Why I Prefer to Direct Sow Zinnias

Zinnia seeds should be sown directly into soil outdoors. They germinate quickly and do not like to be transplanted. Therefore, it’s best to plant them in the soil.

The only time that I would start zinnia seeds indoors is if I was going to sow them in a large planter that they were going to stay in all summer.

The One Step That Makes Zinnias More Productive

I like to pinch my stems. Pinching is a practice that is done to create a bushier plant that will produce more blooms.

How and When to Pinch Zinnias

Zinnias are ready to be pinched once they’ve reached about 12 inches, before they have developed any flower buds. The plant should have at least 4 sets of leaves at this point.

Remove the center part of the flower down about 3 or 4 inches, right above a pair of leaves. This should leave at least 2 sets of leaves on the plant.

Close-up of young zinnia seedlings growing in a Southern cutting garden
Young zinnia seedlings beginning to establish in the warm spring garden.

Once they’re pinched, the zinnia plants will start to branch out to create more stems. Many gardeners hesitate to pinch off growth, but pinching prevents plants from getting leggy or top heavy. Each plant will produce more flowers than they would’ve otherwise.

Common Problems Southern Gardeners Should Expect

Zinnias may be uncomplicated to grow, but they aren’t free from problems.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is one of the biggest concerns for a Southern cutting garden. It’s not a matter of if you’ll get powdery mildew in a Southern garden, it’s a matter of when. The Southern climate is notoriously humid, so when leaves get wet, they tend to stay wet longer.

In addition to proper spacing of plants, zinnias should be watered at the base of the plant, instead of on the leaves.

If powdery mildew is present, products like neem oil or fungicide should be used to get it under control before it affects production and spreads to other plants. Neem oil can be a solution for many gardening issues, so it’s always the first thing I try when combating powdery mildew.

Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles love to make a buffet of a flower garden. Neem oil can be used as a deterrent to prevent beetles from eating. Some gardeners find that planting things like chives and marigolds will deter them as well.

If Japanese beetles have found their way to your garden, they can be brought under control by hand picking them and placing them in soapy water. I’ve even used milky spore to eradicate a Japanese beetle infestation.

Other Problems to Anticipate

Many of the problems that zinnias experience can be prevented with intentional spacing, thinning, and pinching. Without pinching, plants can get top-heavy, which can cause them to fall in storms or weight of blooms.

Zinnias can experience heat stress if they aren’t receiving adequate water. If they’re overcrowded from lack of thinning, they’ll be competing for water and nutrients from other zinnias.

With a bit of care and prevention, you’ll be rewarded with armloads of zinnias, ready to be brought inside your house to enjoy.

Harvesting Zinnias for the House

It doesn’t take long for the first zinnia blooms to appear. When the time is right, you should cut them to bring indoors.

Butterfly resting on a pink zinnia in a Southern garden
Zinnias attract butterflies and pollinators throughout the summer season.

When Zinnias Are Ready to Cut

Some flowers can be cut before they’ve fully bloomed, but zinnias should be fully bloomed before cutting. Once the bloom is fully opened you can test whether the stem is ready to be cut.

Gently hold the zinnia stem about 8 inches below the bloom and gently give it a wiggle test. If the bloom flops as you wiggle it, it’s not ready. If the stem stays firm under the bloom, you’re ready to cut your flower.

Zinnias prefer to be cut in the morning. To cut, reach down deep into the plant and cut above a set of leaves across from each other. Immediately remove most of the leaves and place them into a bucket of water.

Some zinnia gardeners like to condition their blooms by placing them in a cool, dark spot for 3-4 hours. Letting zinnias rest will extend vase life, and they should be given another cut before arranging them in a vase.

Zinnias are an important flower in a Southern cutting garden because they’re “cut and come again” flowers. Don’t be hesitant to cut them to bring them inside, because cutting encourages your plant to produce more flowers.

My favorite vessels to hold zinnias are everyday kitchen containers. I love to fill a milk pitcher or antique ball jars full of these simple blooms. Zinnias have a homespun appeal to them, which makes them perfect for everyday moments throughout the house, instead of fragile, special occasion arrangements.

There are a handful of things that make me feel rich in life, regardless of how much money I have in the bank: clean sheets on my bed, spending time with family, and fresh flowers in my home.

Zinnias are so abundant that even after I have filled my own home with them, I have plenty to share with my friends and neighbors. I’ve shared on Instagram that one of the main reasons why I grow flowers is to give them away.

If you’ve never grown zinnias before, why don’t you pick up a packet? But be warned, once you grow them, they’ll have a spot in your Southern cutting garden every year.

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Zinnia arrangement in a blue Ball jar from a Southern cutting garden
Fresh-cut zinnias gathered from the garden and arranged in an antique blue Ball jar.

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Traditional home design with connected rooms, layered rugs, and warm natural materials.

Traditional Home Design: Five Foundational Elements That Last

The highest compliments I have gotten as an interior designer were when my grown kids asked me for advice when decorating their own homes. Even when they were very small, I took them with me to go sourcing antiques for our home and my retail spaces.

Over the years they absorbed the importance of quality construction and materials. They know that if you buy a quality piece of furniture or decor, that you may not ever have to replace it in your lifetime.

People often confuse traditional home design with being old-fashioned. On the contrary, timeless home design is created by using classic elements that never go out of style.

The homes that stay relatable throughout the decades often have less to do with trends and more to do with the decisions that shape them over time.

What Defines Traditional Home Design

Labels are used frequently when talking about interior design. Contemporary, minimalist, and traditional are all terms you’ve likely seen online and in magazines. So, what exactly is traditional home design?

The word traditional is used to describe decor that often has a European influence. Traditional home decor often emphasizes symmetry.

Other elements that are trademarks of traditional interior design are layering of fabrics and patterns, curved and ornate wood carvings, and pieces that have been collected over time.

Spaces with traditional home design are a reflection of who lives there. At the heart of traditional home design is an understanding that rooms should feel visually balanced before they are ever fully decorated.

Proportion and Scale in Traditional Interior Design

If you’ve ever walked into a room and felt something about the decor was amiss, but you couldn’t put your finger on what it was, it was probably because something was off with the proportions or scale in the room.

Traditional dining room with carved wood table, patterned rug, and collected wall decor.
Traditional interiors often rely on proportion, natural materials, and collected details that feel layered over time rather than purchased all at once.

After moving into a new house, a friend told me, “I love this sofa so much, but no matter where I put it in the new living room, it just doesn’t look right.”

The problem wasn’t finding the right space for it, and there was nothing wrong with the sofa itself. The issue was that the sofa was purchased to fit in her last house, and it was entirely too big for her new space.

In traditional decor, designers often use the 2/3 rule of scale and proportion. This rule gives a pleasing sense to the eye as you take in the space as a whole. Large rooms can handle larger pieces of furniture, and in turn, smaller spaces need furniture on a smaller scale.

When scale is handled well, a room feels comfortable almost immediately, even if the viewer can’t explain exactly why.

Materials that Shape Timeless Home Design

The most successful traditional designs use materials that could have either been installed yesterday or one hundred years ago, and it’s difficult to know which it is.

Many of the materials associated with traditional homes share two qualities. First, they’re made of something found in nature, like wood, stone, linen, or leather. Second, they’re crafted from something man-made that can stand the test of time, like brass, copper, bronze, or nickel.

Choosing materials that are often found in traditional home decor will result in a timeless home design. As a bonus, these are often superior materials that not only withstand trends, but also physical wear and tear.

Over time, these materials also help create continuity throughout a home, allowing rooms to feel connected rather than separate from one another.

Creating Continuity in Traditional Home Decor

I remember watching the television show Trading Spaces, where neighbors would swap houses to redecorate one room with the help of a designer. As seasons went on, the designs became wild and unrealistic for everyday living.

The room reveals on the show often featured an outlandish space that the designer used to showcase their own creativity, instead of the tastes of the homeowner. As a result, these new rooms never blended with the rest of the house.

Traditional home design showing continuity between adjoining rooms with layered artwork and warm wood tones.
One of the defining characteristics of traditional homes is the sense of continuity between rooms rather than dramatic shifts in style or color.

In traditional homes, rooms are rarely treated as isolated spaces. Whole house color palettes create a smooth flow without disruptive color changes.

Using uninterrupted flooring finishes and repeating decor elements throughout homes also  creates continuity in traditional home decor. Traditional homes are often memorable not because of a single room, but because the entire house feels connected in both design and purpose.

Functional Layouts in Traditional Homes

In traditional interior design, floorplans have dedicated spaces for each living function. Rooms are designed to fulfill a purpose in the home, and the purposes of adjoining spaces are considered for how they relate to each other.

A kitchen will be designed for optimal workflow, but the kitchen design will also consider the placement and decor of the dining room, since the two often function in tandem.

In a classic home design, a living room layout will function to encourage conversation, and a bedroom layout will be designed to be peaceful and relaxing.

While decorating styles may shift over time, the ways people gather, cook, rest, and converse remain remarkably consistent.

A Collected Sense of Time in Traditional Homes

I love watching renovation shows on TV that surprise the homeowners with a brand new, completely styled room that they always fall in love with at the end. But the truth is that’s not always reality.

Traditional bedroom with antique wood bedside table, patterned textiles, layered artwork, and soft lamp lighting.
Traditional homes often feel collected rather than perfectly coordinated, with furnishings, artwork, and personal objects accumulated gradually over time.

Some people hire an interior designer to redo an entire room in their home. But there are far more people who call designers for help with one thing: draperies for a bedroom, a new sofa and loveseat with custom fabric, or flooring.

As you are making changes to your home, you’re also picking up a piece of art here and there, a basket to hold throw blankets in the living room, or a secretary desk to organize books and stationery in the corner of a study.

Classic home elements aren’t just beautiful; they tell a story that’s been written over time. Perhaps this is why traditional homes rarely feel finished all at once; they are shaped gradually through years of living.

Vintage books and blue-and-white ceramics styled on built-in shelving in a traditional home.
Collected interiors rarely feel overly matched; instead, they reflect years of retained books, furnishings, and meaningful objects.

How to Apply Traditional Home Design in a Real Home

Traditional homes tend to resist short-lived trends in favor of choices that remain appealing over time. In recent years there was an explosion of popularity in barn doors and vinyl plank flooring. These were new and exciting ways to decorate a home, but they weren’t enduring. Classic home decor is beautiful in any era, regardless of what is trending on the internet.

Traditional homes rarely feel assembled all at once, which is one reason perfectly matched furniture suites can feel overly uniform. Unmatched pieces can beautifully complement each other for a more collected look.

The most important thing to remember when creating a home with classic pieces is to go slowly. It’s okay if rooms are incomplete while you search for the right pieces to tell your home’s story.

Why Traditional Home Design Endures

As trends move faster online, interiors have also become more vulnerable to cycles of rapid consumption and replacement.

With instant access and saturation of influence on the internet, home furnishings and décor have become disposable. Composite materials and cheap construction mean that many things purchased today won’t be around in ten years.

Timeless home design endures because of quality craftsmanship and materials that last a lifetime. Traditional interior design considers functionality and cycles of everyday living, not what savvy influencers tell you is trending. Homes built slowly and thoughtfully often remain relevant far longer than those shaped by rapid cycles of consumption.

Check out these other reader favorites:

Traditional home design with connected rooms, layered rugs, and warm natural materials.
Traditional homes are often memorable not because of a single room, but because the entire house feels connected in both design and daily living.

Abby Smolarsky1 Comment
herbs planted in terracotta pots arranged on steps near a kitchen door in a Southern home

How to Grow Herbs in the South: A Guide for the Southern Kitchen

A Kitchen That Begins Outdoors

The morning sun is streaming through the windows as I open the kitchen door to reach for herbs growing in terracotta pots just outside. It takes me less than a minute to snip some chives for our eggs and pinch some basil for our lunch later. Herbs are something I use almost every day, and most people don’t realize how simple it can be to learn how to grow herbs in the South.

Homegrown herbs add a lot more than flavor to our food; they add a connection to the way we cook and eat each day. Learning how to grow herbs in the South is something anyone can do. You can cook differently, without changing much at all.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

fresh culinary herbs including parsley basil sage chives and lavender arranged on a wooden surface
A simple mix of herbs, gathered and used in everyday cooking.

The Best Herbs to Grow in a Southern Garden

The South has a long growing season, which means we can grow a wide variety of herbs successfully. There are a few key things to keep in mind before deciding which ones are best for your garden.

Everyday Culinary Herbs to Keep on Hand

The most common herbs to grow are ones that you’ll use frequently in your own cooking.

Basil is one of the most common herbs to grow in the Southern garden. It’s extremely easy to grow, and it appears often in summer dishes. Pinch leaves from the top of your basil plant as you need them.

Parsley is another garden favorite. It tolerates heat well and can survive mild winters in the Southern climate. Harvest parsley for your recipes by trimming the outer stems.

Chives are a beginner-friendly herb if you want to start an herb garden. They can be cut frequently, and even the flowers are edible.

Heat-Tolerant Herbs That Thrive in Southern Climates

The Southern summer heat is something to consider when you start an herb garden in the South. Heat-tolerant herbs will thrive and reward you with abundant flavor.

Plants like rosemary, thyme, and oregano prefer full, direct sun. These are heat and drought tolerant options if you’re looking for plants that do well under the Southern sun.

sage growing in a raised bed with lettuce and tomato plants in a Southern garden
Sage adds structure to a raised bed and pairs well with both vegetables and heartier dishes.

Herbs to Grow with Care in the South

There are a few herbs to carefully consider before deciding to include them in your Southern herb garden.

Mint is a favorite herb for gardeners to pick up at the garden center, but it should be planted with extreme care. Due to its aggressive growing habits, mint should never be planted directly into the ground. Mint is best planted in a pot and can even be grown indoors.

We often think of cilantro in dishes with summer tomatoes and jalapeños. However, cilantro is a cool season crop in the South. While you may see it being sold in the garden center each spring, in the South it is best planted in the fall.

Dill is a popular companion plant for summer garden vegetables, but it does have a few attributes to consider. Dill tends to bolt in extreme heat, and it can attract unwanted pests like aphids.

How Southern Climate Affects Herb Growth

The Southern climate makes it possible to grow herbs for much of the year, but it also requires a closer look at heat, sun, and moisture.

Understanding Sun, Heat, and Humidity in the South

Plants are often described as needing full sun or partial shade. The tags on many popular garden herbs will call for full sun. However, full sun in the South is vastly different than full sun in other parts of the country.

In the peak of summer, full sun can be damaging to some garden plants. Look into whether your plants could benefit from some afternoon relief from the heat by giving them shade cloths or finding an area that is screened from harsh sun at the end of the day.

The humidity is also something to consider in many areas of the South. When humidity is high, plants tend to stay wet, and that’s not a good thing.

Common Challenges When Growing Herbs in the South

A few common problems while growing herbs can be easily avoided by taking some preventative measures.

mint and lemon balm growing in a terracotta pot with visible plant issues in a Southern garden
Mint and lemon balm can grow quickly, but they also require attention to water and airflow in the Southern heat.

Bolting can occur if a plant gets stressed by too much heat or light. To keep plant production focused on foliage, and not flowers, check to make sure it is placed in the right light exposure.

Powdery mildew is very common, but it can be avoided by watering at the base of the plant and avoiding the leaves. Be sure to leave enough space in between plants so that air can circulate to dry leaves off properly.

Our instinct is to keep our plants watered, but overwatering can lead to big problems, including root rot. Research what kind of watering your herbs prefer. Some, like mint, prefer the soil to be moist. Others, like oregano, prefer dry soil.

Where to Plant Herbs: Pots, Raised Beds, or In-Ground

Sometimes the hardest part is deciding where to plant herbs. Depending on your soil and the space you have available, consider which of these options is best for you.

Growing Herbs in Pots Near the Kitchen

My favorite place to grow herbs is right outside the kitchen. I pick up terracotta pots as I’m out and about at thrift stores and estate sales. It’s so convenient to grab a handful of fresh mint right outside your kitchen door.

“Out of sight, out of mind,” often applies to the garden. When you can easily see your herbs from the room you spend most of your time in, you’re more likely to use them and remember to water them.

herbs planted in terracotta pots arranged on steps near a kitchen door in a Southern home
Keeping herbs close to the kitchen makes them part of everyday cooking.

Planting Herbs in Raised Beds for Better Drainage

We may be blessed with a long growing season in the South, but many of us also deal with difficult clay soil. One solution is to create raised garden beds with soil more suitable for plants to spread their roots and receive nutrients.

portrait view of basil and parsley growing in a raised bed with tomato plants
A raised bed allows herbs and vegetables to grow together in a manageable space.

Amend raised garden beds with aged manure and natural composted materials to give your herbs the best chances to succeed.

Growing Herbs In-Ground for Long-Term Growth

There are a few herbs that thrive when planted directly into the ground. Hardy herbs that can withstand mild winters and drought conditions are the best choices for planting in-ground.

rosemary plant growing in-ground in a Southern perennial garden bed
Rosemary is one of the most reliable herbs to plant in-ground, thriving in sun and well-drained soil.
lavender growing in a perennial garden bed in the South with surrounding plants softly blurred
Lavender benefits from space and good drainage, making it well suited for in-ground planting.

Rosemary and lavender can live for ten to fifteen years in the right growing conditions. Oregano can live for five to seven years as a perennial shrub.

How to Use Fresh Herbs in Everyday Cooking

Once the herbs are growing well, they naturally become part of what’s happening in the kitchen each day.

Cooking with What You Grow

The easiest way to use your fresh herbs is by swapping them out for dried herbs in recipes you already use and love. A roasted chicken with fresh sage or rosemary is a simple way to add depth without changing the dish.

Fresh herbs elevate everyday recipes like salads and roasted potatoes. Even a stick of softened butter can be transformed by mixing finely chopped herbs into it.

One of my favorite ways to use fresh herbs is also one of the simplest. Fresh tomato slices layered with mozzarella, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze are the simplest way to use what’s growing outside.

Building Flavor with Fresh Herbs

If you plant several kinds of herbs, you’ll have countless ways to create flavor combinations. A simple way to think about combing herbs is that woody herbs pair well with other woody herbs, and soft herbs pair well with other soft herbs.

Another way to combine herbs is to think about regional cuisines. Italian dishes often use a combination of basil, oregano, and sage. A delicious herb combination for fish is dill, tarragon, and lemon balm.

Use your favorite recipes as a guide for combining herbs and adding depth of flavor to your everyday dishes.

How to Start an Herb Garden in the South

Before you head to the garden center to buy seeds or plants, here are a few quick considerations to give you the most successful results for growing herbs in Southern climates.

herbs in plastic nursery pots placed closely together on outdoor steps before planting
Starting with a few herbs from the garden center is often the easiest way to begin.
  • Soil type matters. Clay or poorly draining soil may be better suited to pots or raised beds.
  • Water needs vary. Some herbs prefer dry soil, while others need consistent moisture.
  • Light exposure should be considered carefully, especially in areas with intense afternoon sun.
  • Determine what you’ll use. There’s no point in planting herbs that you won’t use. Stick to what you normally cook with.
  • Evaluate accessibility to the kitchen. Plant your herbs in a spot that is easy to reach when you’re cooking.

I’ve put together a simple, one-page guide you can keep on hand as you plan your herb garden.

Download the guide

I’ve linked helpful items here if you’d like to learn how to grow herbs in the South.

A Kitchen That Feels Lived In

Every time I bring herbs into my kitchen, I feel a little bit like a magician. The sprig of fragrant mint that I use in my summer garden sangria is just the trick I needed to create a refreshing treat to share with my neighbors on the patio during a hot summer evening.

Let herbs be your little magic tricks from the garden in your kitchen this summer. All you need is a little pot, a little sun, and the right amount of water for the herbs you choose.

fresh herbs from a Southern garden including parsley dill sage basil and chives spread on a wooden surface
A mix of herbs gathered from the garden, ready to be used in the kitchen.

If you’re learning how to grow herbs in the South or planning your next meal, you may also enjoy:

Southern Garden Sangria: A Vintage-Inspired Summer Sip

Fall Garden Prep: Essential Tasks for a Beautiful Start to Spring

Abby Smolarsky2 Comments
Lemon chess pie with slice removed

Lemon Chess Pie: A Classic Southern Recipe That Still Belongs on Today’s Table

In the decades that I’ve been collecting antiques, I’ve never forgotten the first piece of antique furniture that I fell in love with. It was a primitive pie safe with wood worn so soft from daily use that it felt like butter when I ran my hands across it.

The latch had been opened and closed so many times that the wood around the knob had grown deeper and darker. I’ve always wondered what kind of pies filled its shelves, and I think that surely a lemon chess pie was among the offerings.

Fresh lemons in natural light for lemon chess pie
Fresh lemons are essential for the bright flavor of a classic lemon chess pie.

I recently came across a classic chess pie recipe in a 1941 Southern cookbook I found at a local library sale. The recipe was rich, simple, and written in a way that assumed you already knew your way around a kitchen.

Encountering that recipe in the vintage cookbook brings to mind a Southern lemon chess pie recipe. Bright and satisfying, with a smooth custard filling and the tang of fresh lemon, it’s a pie that feels both simple and enduring on the table.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

What Makes a Chess Pie a Chess Pie

Chess pies are quintessentially Southern. There are varying opinions as to the origin of the name, but one of them says that it derived from “chest pie.” Chest, meaning that it could be kept in a pie safe at room temperature without spoiling.

All chess pies share a few basic ingredients to form a custard-like filling. Eggs, butter, and sugar are used in each version, and flavors like lemon, chocolate, and coconut are common because of how they cut the sweetness in this very decadent dessert.

Although all chess pies have a few basic ingredients in common, they often have many differences. Some use cornmeal, and some use flour. I’ve seen recipes that use neither. Some use buttermilk, cream, or no milk at all.

Why Lemon Chess Pie Feels Like Spring in the South

Chess pies are eaten all year long, but a chess pie made in the spring simply must be lemon. Spring brings brighter days and warmer temperatures, and a Southern lemon chess pie is the perfect dessert for this time of year.

Lemon freshens the taste buds and awakens our senses. Lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the sugar and decadence of the butter, which bring a brightness to the dessert.

Why This Is the Lemon Pie to Start With

I know there are people out there who don’t like lemon; I just haven’t met them yet. Since most people love lemon desserts, a classic Southern lemon chess pie recipe is a good place to start.

Chess pies aren’t complicated. With a careful hand, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious pie.

Ingredients You Likely Have on Hand

Chess pies are made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients for lemon chess pie including eggs, butter, and lemons
Simple ingredients come together to create a classic Southern lemon chess pie.
  • Eggs – allow them to come to room temperature first
  • Butter
  • Sugar – regular white sugar is best
  • Fresh lemons are crucial to the quality of this recipe
  • Cornmeal is traditionally used in many chess pies and acts as a thickening agent.
  • Pie Crust – I use premade pie crust to keep this recipe simple, but you can use homemade as well.
Mixing lemon chess pie filling
Whisk the filling until smooth before baking.

Lemon Chess Pie Recipe

This lemon chess pie recipe keeps the ingredients simple while relying on fresh lemon, eggs, butter, and careful cooling for the proper texture.

Lemon chess pie with slice removed
Abby Smolarsky

Lemon Chess Pie

A classic Southern lemon chess pie with a smooth custard filling, balanced with fresh lemon and a slightly set, golden top.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Rest Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 Tbsp fine cornmeal
  • 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • pinch salt

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Pie weights or dried beans

Method
 

Parbake the crust
  1. Preheat oven to 375 °F
  2. Line the pine crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes
  4. Remove weights and parchment, then let the crust cool for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the filling
  1. Reduce oven temperature to 325 °F
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and melted butter until smooth
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
  4. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, cornmeal, flour, and salt until fully combined
Rest the filling
  1. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the cornmeal to hydrate
Bake the pie
  1. Pour the filling into the parbaked crust
  2. Place the pie on the lower-middle rack of the oven
  3. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle
Cool completely
  1. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight
  2. The filling will continue to set as it cools

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice; bottled juice will not give the same flavor
  • The pie is done when the center moves slightly but is not liquid
  • Avoid overbaking; the filling will firm as it cools
  • A parbaked crust helps prevent a soft or soggy bottom
  • Fine cornmeal is recommended for the best texture
This lemon chess pie is simple in ingredients but rewards careful baking and proper cooling for the best texture.
Lemon chess pie with slice removed
A properly set chess pie will slice cleanly once cooled.
Close-up of lemon chess pie filling texture
The filling should be smooth, set, and slightly custard-like.

What Matters Most When Baking a Chess Pie

Classic chess pies have simple ingredients and uncomplicated directions; however, there are a few key steps that simply must not be skipped to have a successful pie.

Parbaking pie crust with weights for chess pie
Parbaking the crust helps prevent a soft or soggy bottom.

Par-bake your crust before adding the filling. This helps prevent a soft or soggy bottom and ensures the center sets properly.

Rest the filling for ten minutes prior to baking. My traditional recipe uses cornmeal. Cornmeal is included as a thickening agent. When the filling rests for ten minutes prior to baking, the cornmeal has time to absorb liquid and begin to thicken properly.

Bake your pie in the lower 1/3 of your oven. Baking your pies in the lower portion of your oven will make sure that the crust and filling are properly cooked in the center of the pie.

For the filling to fully set, the pie must cool on the counter for a minimum of four hours but overnight is best. When you remove the pie from the oven, the center will appear slightly set, but still a little jiggly. As the pie cools, it will fully set.

Chess pies can be made with pre-made crust or a crust you make from scratch. I like chess pies because of the simplicity, so I opt to use pre-made refrigerated pie dough that is rolled. If you like to keep ingredients on hand so that you can prepare something in a pinch, pre-made pie dough can be kept in your refrigerator or freezer.

Only use fresh lemons when you’re making a Southern lemon chess pie. The quality of your pie will be noticeably better, and the lemon zest is an important ingredient that shouldn’t be skipped.

How to Serve Lemon Chess Pie

Chess pies are best served at room temperature, like pumpkin pies and pecan pies.

You can garnish a Southern lemon chess pie with a dusting of powdered sugar and top each slice with homemade whipped cream as you serve them.

Slice of lemon chess pie with whipped cream
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a simple finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Chess Pie

Lemon chess pie cooling on counter
Allow the pie to cool completely so the filling can fully set.

Why is the top of my pie brown?

Classic chess pie recipes have a high ratio of sugar in them. The top of your pie will caramelize and often crackle, similar to what takes place with a crème brûlée.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, and you should. Chess pies must be allowed to cool properly before slicing, or you’ll end up with a runny pie. You can make this pie up to two days ahead of time.

Why is my pie runny?

There are a few reasons why a Southern lemon chess pie could turn out runny. Make sure you rest your filling for ten minutes prior to baking, measurements are followed precisely, and you allow it to cool for the proper amount of time.

Does it need refrigeration?

Old-fashioned chess pies can safely be kept on the counter for up to three days. For the safest food conditions, refrigerate your pie after two days.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze this lemon chess pie by taking a few steps to prevent it from drying out or getting freezer burned. First wrap your pie completely in plastic wrap and then wrap the pie completely in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month.

A Pie That Doesn’t Need Reinventing

I’m not a fan of changing things just for the sake of change itself. I take the expression, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” to heart. I know when I see something that’s been perfected by generations before me, and one such thing is lemon chess pie.

Just like my vintage 1941 cookbook shows, chess pies have been baked by Southerners for many years. There’s no need to reinvent the chess pie, because it’s already been perfected.

I’ve linked useful kitchen items here if you’d like to try this recipe.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out these other reader favorites:

A Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe from a Vintage Southern Cookbook

Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas: Easy and Delicious

Zesty Pickled Carrots (Easy Refrigerator Pickle Recipe)

Abby Smolarsky1 Comment
Living room end table styled with a painted tole tray, stacked books, and a large vintage silver trophy bowl

Decorating with Silver: Bringing Vintage Pieces Back Into Everyday Living

A shift toward more casual living gradually reshaped the American home; walls came down, dining rooms disappeared, and somewhere along the way, we stopped decorating with silver.

Silver has been considered elegant and formal. We often think of it as being reserved for special occasions, but in older homes, silver was simply used.

I don’t think silver ever stopped belonging in our homes; we simply forgot how to live with it. It’s time to reconsider how silver lives in our everyday lives.

Decorating with Silver in the Everyday Home

With the shift towards a more casual culture, silver pieces were discarded as people asked themselves, “When would I ever use this?” I think a better question is, “How are you going to use it?” The solution for how to decorate with silver is to find an everyday use.

Living room end table styled with a painted tole tray, stacked books, and a large vintage silver trophy bowl
Layering a silver trophy bowl over books and a painted tray creates depth, blending traditional elements with a relaxed living space.

Silver shouldn’t be kept at a distance up on a shelf or behind china cabinet doors. It should be touched, appreciated, and used as interactive pieces in your daily life.

When we stop looking at silver pieces as objects to be perfectly preserved, and we embrace their natural patina, the possibilities become endless for using silver in home décor.

The Working Kitchen: Where Silver Feels Most Natural

Decorating with silver starts in the kitchen. You’re probably not having guests over for a formal tea service, but you can still use those pieces in new ways to fit your lifestyle.

Decorating with silver in a coffee station using a vintage silver tray, white china cups, and a wooden plate rack display
A silver tray brings structure to an everyday coffee station, layered with white china for a collected, timeless look.

Sugar bowls can be repurposed to hold loose tea or kitchen twine. A petite creamer makes the perfect vase for small flowers picked in the garden.

Silver bowls that were once reserved for main dishes function perfectly for holding fruit, herbs, or other frequently used kitchen items.

Silver should be embraced in everyday spaces. It’s not a thing of the past.

Beyond the Dining Table: Unexpected Ways to Use Silver

The dining room was where we would’ve found the most abundant displays of silver. Today, those same pieces are used in new, creative ways when we incorporate vintage silver décor in our homes.

Decorating with silver using a vintage trophy tray styled with a Christmas cactus in a blue and white ceramic pot
A silver trophy tray grounds a simple plant display, elevating everyday greenery with contrast and character.

Trays that once held entrees become layering pieces on counters or islands. They’re designated places to organize everyday items like your coffee accoutrements or spice jars.

Silver doesn’t need its original purpose to be useful. A footed bowl becomes a beautiful vessel for holding fruit or a seasonal collection, like ornaments.

On the other hand, we can reinvent a silver piece that was never meant for the dining room, such as a trophy, and fill it with beautiful flowers for a centerpiece.

Antique silver teapot repurposed as a pencil holder on a secretary desk with a brass lamp and blue willow details
A small silver teapot takes on new life as a pencil holder, proving that even the most traditional pieces can be used in everyday ways.

Decorating with Silver in Living Spaces

Decorating with silver in living spaces is successful when it is blended with other objects, rather than being used as a featured object.

Vintage silver tray styled with a crystal decanter, cocktail shaker, lowball glasses, and a silver sugar bowl with pheasant feathers
A vintage silver tray anchors a layered bar arrangement, blending glass, metal, and natural elements for a relaxed but intentional display.

A coffee table is undoubtedly beautiful when layered with a silver tray topped with candles, books, and matches. Your side table is perfect for a silver bowl that acts as a catch-all for everyday items.

Silver is easily incorporated into home décor by mixing materials. The formality of the metal is toned down by mixing it with other materials like wood, linen, glass, or even paper objects like books.

Decorating with silver using a small vintage bowl placed on books on a white nightstand in soft evening light
A simple silver bowl layered over books adds a quiet, reflective detail to a softly lit bedside space.

Mixing Old and New: How Vintage Silver Works in Modern Homes

A more modern and relaxed aesthetic is achieved by avoiding the tendency to match each piece with another. Silver pieces can be mismatched or stand on their own.

Vintage silver mint julep cup used as a vase for red roses on an antique desk styled as a nightstand
A vintage mint julep cup becomes an unexpected vase, adding a refined touch to a personal, collected bedside vignette.

Vintage silver décor is modernized by intentionally pairing it with modern pieces. Silver candle holders with black taper candles or a silver tray topped with a modern piece of art are examples of how to blend different styles when decorating with silver.  

Find Pieces to Use, Not Just Display

You will find silver pieces in antique stores, thrift stores, and estate sales. Silver pieces, which were unremarkably lurking in the background, will now jump out at you, ready to be found.

Check your silver pieces for damage before purchasing them. If silver plated pieces are polished too harshly, there will be places where the silver has been removed. Check for wobbly candleholders or broken feet. Damages like that are difficult to repair.

Vintage silver pedestal bowl displayed for sale in an antique store, suitable for decorating with silver in the home
A silver pedestal bowl spotted in an antique store; pieces like this are often waiting to be brought back into everyday use.

Once you find pieces to love, let your imagination flow on how to use them in your home.

A collected home comes together when we buy with intention. Choose pieces you’ll use in your home and avoid buying for the sake of buying.

A More Collected Way of Decorating with Silver

At some point, we forgot that beautiful objects weren’t just for guests; they are for us to enjoy in our homes as well. Vintage silver is meant for everyday use.

So, here’s your permission slip: Start with one silver piece that you love and incorporate it into your daily life. You deserve to have a bit of elegance in your own home.

There’s more to explore, try these articles next:

Patterns & Patina: How to Layer Like a Southerner

How to Style Vintage Blue and White China for Summer Entertaining

Abby Smolarsky1 Comment
Chalreston antique shops in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston Antique Shops: A Guide to Antiquing in Charleston

I just returned from an antiques road trip to Charleston, South Carolina, and I’m sharing a curated selection of the best Charleston antique shops and vintage stores.

If you’re planning a trip to do some antique shopping, make Charleston your next destination. Charleston has been a major port city since its founding, which means the city is rich in antiques that have both European and Southern influences.

Why Charleston, SC is One of the Best Cities for Antiquing

The people of Charleston love their city. This is evident by the preservation of the buildings, history, and culture throughout the town. While many cities bulldozed historic architecture to make-way for modern ones, Charleston’s historic buildings are living and breathing examples of how history can be preserved and lived in today.

The preservation culture in Charleston didn’t just apply to buildings. Beautiful furniture and art with patina and history fill antique shops there. Pieces can be found for every shopper, whether on a high-end budget or a more modest one. Explore different neighborhoods and shops to find your favorite place to treasure hunt.

Five of the Best Antique Shops in Charleston, SC

George C. Birlant Antiques & Gifts

Exterior of George C. Birlant antique store on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina
George C. Birlant Antiques & Gifts is a well-established antique store on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina.

Located in the bustling King Street shopping district, this longstanding shop is known for museum-quality English and American antiques. Inside, you’ll find the fine traditional furniture, art, and accessories. Scattered throughout, there are affordably priced trinkets and glassware. This shop epitomizes Charleston’s historic character.

Interior photo of George Birlant antique store in Charleston, South Carolina. Fine traditional furniture and porcelain accessories.
George C. Birlant Antiques & Gifts features some of the finest antiques available in Charleston, South Carolina.

Whether you’re buying or just window shopping, you don’t want to miss this stop. It’s the kind of place to study quality construction, materials, and proportions of antique investment pieces.

Wynsum Antiques & Interiors

Exterior of Wynsom Antiques, a Charleston, SC antique shop
Wynsom Antiques on King Street in Charleston has parking available.

Just beyond the main King Street stretch, you’ll find Wynsum Antiques & Interiors. This shop blends top quality pieces with more approachable ones for everyday living.

Interior photo of Wynsom antiques store in Charleston, South Carolina. Furniture, quilts, art, and accessories are available for purchase.
Wynsom Antiques is one of the best antique stores in Charleston for fine furnishings, art, and other decorative pieces.

Consider stopping into Wynsum Antiques & Interiors for accessories and artwork. We were especially impressed with the selection and quality of oil paintings available here.

Detail photos of an art gallery wall at Wynsom Antiques store in Charleston, South Carolina on King Street
Traditional, framed art at Wynsom Antiques on King Street in Charleston.

Antiques of South Windermere

A short drive from the walkable downtown district, you’ll find Antiques of South Windermere in the Windermere district of Charleston. This shop may seem small and unassuming from the sidewalk, but inside you will find it well stocked with a mix of vintage and antique finds.

Interior look at Antiques of South Windermere Charleston antique store, showing various art, furniture, and accessories.
Antiques of South Windermere has a well curated mix of traditional and unique antique pieces.

If you’re looking for unique and one-of-a-kind pieces, this is worth the short drive. While you’ll still find the usual antique store merchandise here, we were amazed at the cool finds that were available here.

Close-up of antique accessories found in the South Windermere Charleston antique shop. A jug, figurine, brass tray, and candleholder.
Unique art and accessories can be found in the best antique stores in Charleston.

Mount Pleasant Mall Antiques

Exterior photo of Mount Pleasant Mall antiques, a Charleston antique store on the antiquing guide.
Just outside of Charleston, SC, Mount Pleasant Mall antique store has a wide selection and approachable pricing.

A short drive outside of Charleston, you’ll find Mount Pleasant Mall Antiques in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This is a very large antique store with many different dealers. You’ll find a wide variety of styles and price points here.

A silver pedestal bowl in front of a silver tea service set, found at Mount Pleasant Mall antiques while antiquing in Charleston.
Timeless silver pieces are worth looking for while antiquing in Charleston, South Carolina.

This was one of our favorite stops on our trip. While we don’t usually prefer antique stores that carry new merchandise, we found there was a nice balance between antiques and high-quality gifts available.

East Cooper Home Store

Exterior of East Cooper Home Store in Mount Pleasant, a stop on our Charleston Antiquing Guide.
Outside of Charleston in Mount Pleasant, East Cooper Home Store is a stop on the Charleston Antiquing Guide.

While you’re in Mount Pleasant, you’ll want to stop at East Cooper Home Store. This nonprofit thrift store made our list because you’ll likely find one of the most affordable selections of vintage finds here.

Proceeds from sales at the East Cooper Home Store Benefit Habitat for Humanity. You’ll find everything from vintage and antique dishes to furniture, art, and plumbing fixtures. This is a stop where someone else’s donation could be your treasure to take home.

What to Look for When Antiquing in Charleston

Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect pieces for your home.

Detail of handmade dovetail joint construction on a classic antique side table found in a Charleston antique shop.
Quality, handmade furniture will usually be evident by dovetail joinery.
  • Open drawers to inspect the joints. Well-made pieces will have visible dovetail joints. Glued joints are a telltale sign of modern construction.
  • Look for furniture with classic shapes and finishes.
  • When traveling, focus on pieces that can be easily packed, such as brass, silver, oil paintings, and small decorative accessories.
  • Pause before purchasing, especially in downtown shops. You’ll find higher prices in the historic downtown district. Research to compare prices.
  • Check for damage and poor repairs before falling in love with a purchase.
  • Save the haggling for garage sales and swap meets. This isn’t the time for negotiating.
Detail closeup of a group of antique decorative accessories made of brass.
Antique accessories made of brass are easily packed into a suitcase for safe travels home.

A Simple One-Day Antiquing Route in Charleston

With a well-planned route and list of what you’re looking for, you can easily visit multiple stores in one day. Try this route when visiting Charleston antique shops.

A view through a historic gate in downtown Charleston while shopping for antiques
History, architecture, and preservation make Charleston the best place to go antiquing in the South.

Morning

Begin in historic Charleston along King Street and surrounding areas. This is the best place to see a concentration of traditional antiques and well-established shops.

Midday

Stop for a quick lunch, then head to West Ashley and the Windermere area for a second round of shopping. This area offers a strong mix of furniture, larger pieces, and more approachable pricing.

Afternoon

If you still have time for more shopping, explore the areas just outside of Charleston, like Mount Pleasant. This is where you’ll find lower prices and affordable pieces for everyday living.

Pro Tip: It’s standard for antique stores to be closed Sundays and Mondays, as well as to close each day around 5 pm. Be sure to check store hours before heading out.

If you’re planning a trip, I’ve put together a printable Charleston Antiquing Guide with my full list of antique stores, organized by area, along with a simple route you can follow. You can download it here.

Get the printable guide here

In Closing

Collecting antiques over time fills a home with stories of adventure and exciting finds. When you take your trip to explore Charleston antique shops, avoid buying just for the sake of making a purchase.

In the spirit of Charleston history and tradition of preservation, one antique piece with a story to tell is worth more than a trunk full of hurried purchases.

Happy antiquing!

Check out these other articles that you may be interested in:

How to Create a One-of-a-Kind Father’s Day Gift from the Antique Store

Abby SmolarskyLeave a comment
cherry blossom tree in bloom against blue sky for spring floral arrangements inspiration

Spring Branches in Bloom: Easy Spring Floral Arrangements from the Garden

Bringing Spring Indoors with Simple Branch Arrangements

When spring arrives, you’re likely to find something unusual in my car. Open the glove box, and you’ll find a pair of bypass pruners tucked between a stack of old church bulletins and a handful of well-used lip glosses.

Don’t mistake these garden tools for personal protection, but as a sign of the season. Across the South, branches are just beginning to bud, and it becomes second nature to keep pruners close at hand.

In this region, flowering trees and woody perennials offer some of the most beautiful materials for spring floral arrangements. When branches are cut just before they bloom and brought indoors, they make a big impact that can rarely be replicated with store-bought flowers.

A row of bright yellow forsythias in the yard may draw attention outdoors, but a few thoughtfully clipped branches can create an even more remarkable display inside your home.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you choose to shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Why Branches Make the Most Beautiful Spring Floral Arrangements

We love a decorative moment created by a dainty vase filled with early spring daffodils, but have you met her flamboyant older sister, the blooming branches? Budding branches cut from the yard to bloom inside make a dramatic statement to take center stage in your spring décor.

Blooming branches are perfect for spring floral arrangements for a variety of reasons. These stems can be displayed on their own as a complete flower arrangement, or used to create structure when paired with additional flowers and greenery.

When cut and cared for properly, branch arrangements can last for weeks in your home. These blooms are longer lasting than many of the cut flowers found in other spring flower arrangements.

We think the top reason to love blooming branches in an arrangement is that they’re cost effective. You can often cut them from your own yard or a friend’s for free.

With just a few branches, you can create an arrangement that feels both effortless and intentional.

The Best Flowering Branches for Spring Arrangements

If you’re deciding which plants will provide you with beautiful flowers, keep an eye out for these showy bloomers in your yard or local nursery.

close up of cherry blossom branches in a spring floral arrangement indoors
A close look at delicate cherry blossoms, one of the easiest branches to bring indoors for spring arrangements.

Eastern Redbud Tree

The Eastern Redbud tree can be found in many areas of the United States. It’s extremely successful in the southeastern region, and it’s one of the first signs of spring in the South.

The Eastern Redbud has showy flowers in various shades of magenta pink. It’s a striking choice when you want an arrangement that feels both seasonal and distinctive.

Forsythia

Forsythia is a woody shrub often seen used in borders, roadways, and city parks. The bright yellow flowers are unmistakable.

Forsythia is one of the earliest bloomers, sometimes called “Easter tree.” If you want to force Forsythia buds to bloom indoors, you’ll need to start looking for buds very early in the season.

Japanese Cherry Tree

Cherry blossoms are synonymous with spring throughout the world. The blooms can vary from pale to saturated pink.

Japanese cherry trees bloom sometime between March and April. In our experience, these are especially long lasting when forced indoors.

Dogwood Tree

These native trees are often found at the edges of wooded areas. You may not even know you have one in your yard until it blooms in spring.

Dogwood blooms can be seen in varying shades from creamy white to bright pink. The stems tend to be more delicate than others on this list, giving arrangements a softer, more relaxed shape.

Magnolia

Magnolia is often associated with summer blooms in the South. However, there are many spring blooming cultivars.

Look for varieties such as ‘Jane,’ ‘Ann,’ and ‘Butterflies’ if you’re selecting a spring-blooming tree for your garden.

A Note from the Garden

Another favorite bloomer that works well to force indoors is Spirea. These delicate and airy blooms are a wonderful addition to your spring floral arrangements.

One to avoid: We advise against using Bradford Pear. While beautiful, the blooms create an offensive fish-like odor. This invasive tree is structurally weak and not one to include in your garden.

How to Force Flowering Branches in Early Spring Arrangements

Once you’ve identified a spring blooming tree or shrub in your yard, there are just a few simple steps before you can enjoy them indoors.

spring branch arrangement in glass vase by window with natural light
A simple vase of flowering branches brings natural light and softness into the room.

Choose branches before they bloom.

Depending on when your buds bloom naturally outdoors, start looking at your branches in late winter to early spring. Once you see buds are fully formed, it’s time to cut your branches.

Cut with intention.

There are a few things to consider when deciding which branches to cut. Look for small, healthy branches with an abundance of buds on them. Avoid cutting branches larger than appropriate for your vessel. Take cuttings from several areas of the plant so that you don’t cause damage or create a noticeable hole.

Using sharp pruners, create a clean, angled cut on your stem. Doing so will prevent damage to the host plant and give your buds a healthy start in the vase.

Bring them into warm water.

To encourage your buds to bloom, place them into slightly warm or room temperature water. Avoid giving them water that is too hot or cold. Give your branches fresh water every few days.

Encourage the branches to open.

A variety of methods can be used to encourage your branches to open. One method is to use your pruners to create a vertical split at the end of each stem. Another method is to use a floral hammer to lightly crush the end of each stem.

This step is optional, but it can help encourage the buds to open more quickly.

Give them time in the right place.

After you’ve cut your stems and placed them in water, find a nice spot away from direct light and heat. It may take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, but with proper care and conditions, your buds will bloom indoors.

Once the branches begin to open, the arrangement itself becomes simple.

How to Create Easy Spring Flower Arrangements with Branches

Now that you’ve collected your spring blooming branches, there are a few simple steps to follow for a beautiful floral arrangement.

how to arrange spring branches indoors in a vase by a window with natural light
How to arrange spring branches indoors for a simple, natural arrangement using just a few cut branches and a vase.

What You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Arrangement

Choose a vessel that supports the branches.

Your branches will be taller and heavier than flowers typically used in spring flower arrangements. Be sure to select a vase that will be able to support their height and weight without tipping over.

Trim branches to scale.

Compare the size of your vase to the length of your branches. You’ll want to make sure that buds are above and branching from the top of the vase.

Make a clean cut to shorten your branches to the ideal size for your particular vessel.

Clear the lower stems.

Using sharp pruners, trim away any lower stems, leaves, and buds that will be below the water line. Remove any bulky lower stems that will crowd the vase.

Start with your strongest branches.

Beginning with your biggest branches first, begin to place your strongest stems into the vase. Use several of these to create a structure that will support the smaller stems.

Layer naturally and step back.

After creating structure with your larger branches, begin filling in the arrangement with smaller stems.

Be sure to occasionally turn your vase to add stems at all angles. Step back regularly to look for any areas that need additional branches.

Styling Notes for a Natural Look

Due to the nature of spring blooming branches, your floral arrangement will likely have an organic, asymmetrical form. Look at your arrangement from a distance and determine if the shape is nicely arranged while keeping with the characteristics of the stems.

These types of spring floral arrangements should feel gathered, not arranged. Let the branches be the statement in your design.

styling spring branch arrangement at home with flowering branches in a white vase
Styling a simple spring branch arrangement at home using flowering branches and garden greenery.

Where to Style Spring Floral Arrangements in Your Home

Once your arrangement is complete, placement becomes just as important as the arrangement itself.

I enjoy placing a vase of cherry blossom branches on my kitchen counter. Since I’m in this room several times a day, I’m able to see the natural progression of the buds turning into beautiful flowers.

This year I created a spring flower arrangement for my Easter table. I purchased this extra-large vase recently, and it was the perfect vessel for an arrangement I created with some eastern redbud branches from my backyard.

We also enjoy bringing in some Japanese cherry buds to bloom on our fireplace mantel each year at the start of spring. They would even look beautiful on an entry table to impress your guests as they come in the door.

spring centerpiece with flowering branches and white hydrangeas on dining table
A layered spring centerpiece using flowering branches and seasonal blooms for a full table arrangement.

A Simple Way to Welcome Spring into Your Home

If you can look out your window and see branches beginning to bloom, you already have everything you need.

With a simple pair of pruners and a bit of patience, you can bring that same beauty indoors and enjoy it for weeks to come.

Flower arrangements don’t have to be expensive or difficult to be beautiful. A few carefully chosen branches can transform a room, bringing in a sense of the season that feels both natural and lasting.

If you enjoyed this article on how to create an early spring floral arrangement from your garden, you’re invited to stay awhile and read some of the other spring articles from Belle Antiquarian. Here are a few others we suggest:

A Beautiful Easter Table: How to Set a Class Spring Easter Table

The Southern Easter Menu: Classic Southern Easter Recipes for a Traditional Holiday Meal

How to Create a Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement

Fall Garden Prep: Essential Tasks for a Beautiful Start to Spring

Abby Smolarsky3 Comments