The Southerner's Y'allmanac

No matter where you live, Southern is a state of mind that knows no boundaries. This sweeter-than-tea compendium from Rachel Hardage Barrett, editor-in-chief of Country Living, celebrates the diverse melting pot (or should we say gumbo?) of this region, including the spaces, places, and people who call it home. Everyone is welcome! Inside youll find: Standout Southern interiors that are warm, welcoming, and most likely feature a monogram on a pillow or dog on a porch, Entertaining ideas for any occasion, from casual porch parties to the ultimate Kentucky Derby Party and spirited football tailgates, Whats in bloom in the garden every season, plus recipes for those bumper crops, including Southern staples like tomatoes, Finger-licking recipes that look as good as they taste, whether its a batch of biscuits or Pimento cheese dip, Southern sites, including small towns to visit, historic dance halls for a two-step, and roadside boiled peanuts worth making a detour Organized by seasons, this guide includes time-tested wisdom (when to plant cucumbers, how to grow azaleas) along with plenty of inspiration (create a party-ready porch, host the definitive Derby party or the ultimate cookout) as well as quirky tidbits and Southern I-never-knew thats. (Did you know cotton candy was invented by a Nashville dentist?) With beautiful photos and charming original illustrations by Melinda Josie, it's the perfect gift (including a housewarming present!) for anyone who identifies as a Southerner.