Southerners are known for their gracious hospitality.  I can attest that everything said about southern hospitality is true, as my mother's family is from the south, and over the years I've had numerous friends from the south.

It's very much a come and sit, have a drink (and food) and tell me all that's going on kind of welcoming.  And the food!  No one leaves without having eaten something.  You have to - it's simply bad manners to refuse.  Do you remember the aunt, in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, upon learning that that the fiance didn't eat meat?  And her response - "No problem, I'll make lamb."

I laughed out loud in recognition - very much like a southern hostess.  And the southern table is famous not only for massive amounts of food and lots of laughter - but for being a beautiful tableau of flowers, china, crystal and silver (usually the family silver.)

So, I was charmed by this Florida dining room I found in Coastal Living magazine.  Decorated for the holidays - it's lovely - but definitely laid back.  No heavy linens, just simple decor that reflects the region.  Very fresh, but still very holiday festive.

(And I love the silver ornaments hung from the chandelier - so simple and so fun.)




Photo by Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn