101 SOUTHERNLADYMAGAZINE.COM
SOUTHERN HOSTESS
M
ake yourself at home” isn’t just a
phrase, but a way of life in the South.
We treat our friends like family, so
it makes sense they have no qualms about
dropping by unannounced. That’s when
Southern hospitality kicks in, and entertaining
at home is easier when you don’t have to start
from scratch. With a little foresight and a
well-stocked party pantry, you’ll be able to
spend less time preparing for friends and
more time enjoying their company.VARIE T Y OF GL A SSES
“Can I get you something to drink?” is
usually your first question after welcoming
company into your home. Having a collection
of glasses in which to distribute beverages is
essential, but some can serve dual purposes,
like water glasses that work equally well for
sweet tea. Expand your collection over time
by adding glasses made for specific drinks
you enjoy.LINEN NAPKINS
Classic linen napkins are a timeless way to
bring sophistication to any gathering. While
they require a bit more care than their paper
counterparts, cloth napkins serve as an
inexpensive way to inject a little panache into
your place settings. Stock up on neutral
linens that mesh well with your dishware and
flatware. Add some extras in festive colors,
such as red for Christmastime and pale blue
for Easter, to prepare your party pantry for
any season or holiday. There’s nothing quite
as Southern as a monogram to dress linens
up even more.SERVING PLATTERS
Serving pieces are heavy-hitting
multitaskers for any hostess. A large platter
can be used to quickly and creatively
arrange everything from sweets to
appetizers. Collecting varied sizes of platters
and bowls ensures you’ll have a dish to hold
whatever nibble you choose. White porcelain
can easily be dressed up or down and will go
with everything while providing an
appealing presentation for foods of all kinds.VA SES
Fresh flowers are a surefire way to add color
and elegance to your surroundings. It’s not
uncommon for visitors to gift these to a
hostess upon arrival, so make sure you have
a few vases of varying sizes and shapes on
hand to hold beautiful blooms. No need to
break out the crystal—pitchers, jars, or even
glass bottles work well for displaying a
bouquet at a moment’s notice.CANDLES
Details make the difference and a delightful-
smelling candle is the perfect finishing
touch. For a coffee table or open areas, a mild
scent will make your home inviting and cozy.
If you’re using candles on a dining table, opt
for unscented ones that can be placed in
votives, as they add ambience yet don’t
conflict with food aromas.NONPERISHABLE SNACKS
In the South, a gathering isn’t really a party
without food. Whether it’s two people or 200,
hostesses love to leave their company well fed.
Keep shelf-stable noshes in your pantry and
freezer: jarred olives, dried fruit, nuts,
crackers, cheese straws, and other favorites
that keep well. You can easily supplement
them with items like cheese or raw vegetables
that are already in your refrigerator.Stocking
Your Party
Pantry
Prep your cupboard with entertaining
essentials that will have you eager to
welcome guests when opportunity knocks.
BY Dorothy Walton | PHOTOGRAPHY BY William Dickey