boxwood wreath place setting

My friend, Kristy Woodson Harvey wrote a book.

It’s called Dear Carolina.  I read it months ago and I couldn’t put it down.  As in stay-up-all-night-when-you-should-be-sleeping-and-glance-at-the-clock-at-3:45-in-the-morning-and-wonder-where-all-the-time-has-gone kind of book.

It’s about a beautiful designer named Khaki who is a blogger with an incredible sense of style and it follows her incredible, poignant journey to becoming a mother.  So to help promote the book, we thought it would be fun if we partnered with Mikasa and challenged some bloggers to create a table decorated from the perspective of Khaki, the southern designer.

So with much fanfare and milk glass….

…..you know your place setting is southern when….

place setting dining room

place setting nest

1.  Your place cards have two namers

As in Mary Caroline.

Or Elizabeth Grace.

Or KariAnne.

Yep.  That’s me.

I’m a two namer.  My mother didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to add one more family name to the mix.

place setting stemware

2.  You use your dessert fork for pecan pie

Pecan pie that your grandmother made.

And her grandmother made before her.

With real sugar, extra butter and pecans your dad shelled from the yard.

nest place setting

dining room summer table setting

3.  Your glasses are full of sweet tea

Brewed that morning and poured over extra ice.

And served with lemon wedges.

And when you finish the tea and get up from the table, you’re “fixin’ to go get some more.

monogrammed linens

4.  The linens are monogrammed

And you got them from your mother.

Or grandmother.

Or bought them at your best friend’s sisters boyfriend’s mom’s with the same initial’s yard sale.

And they are crisp and white and starched to perfection.

dining room place settings

And when you set the perfect southern table and pour the sweet tea and set out the cornbread and the biscuits and homemade strawberry preserves with corn casserole and green beans and chicken and dumplin’s and your guests oooh and ahhh over the food and the table….

….you pause for a moment and then duck your head and sigh.

And tell them all you ordered out from the Cracker Barrel.

Then you truly know your table setting is southern…..

….when it (and all your guests) “blesses your heart.” 🙂

summer place setting

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Comments

  1. Image for Deb Miller Deb Miller

    OOOH, KariAnne! I would love to be at your Southern table! (Alabama girl, here). To the party, I would bring my Grandma's famous squash casserole!

  2. Image for Edwina Edwina

    Thank you for sharing so much beauty and humor! Thanks also for this giveaway. If I'm responsible for one of the menu items you mentioned, I'll be bringing the corn casserole! Otherwise, I think I'm in the mood for a spinach strawberry salad. :)

  3. Image for Mo Mo

    I loved looking and reading about this beautiful place setting!! Also, the 2 names on place cards.....how interesting! I never would have thought of that.

  4. Image for Design Chic Design Chic

    What a beautiful table, KariAnn - adore the chargers!! Thank you ever so much for helping to pull this giveaway together and most of all for loving Dear Carolina - you're the best!!

  5. Image for Lisa Howard Lisa Howard

    I now have another book to add to my ever growing stack. With your stamp of approval, this one will make its way to the top of the heap the second it arrives. LOVE your tablescape...place settings. As always...you are the true rock star!

  6. Image for Sarah P. Sarah P.

    I found Dear Carolina in the Beaufort Linen Co. a few weeks ago. SUCH a good book! The kind you grieve a little when it is over because you miss everyone so much! Read this book - you will love it!

  7. Image for lela lela

    First of all, this table is gorgeous! Second, I can totally relate to every single thing you mentioned above. Especially the sweet tea. I've always got a glass in my hand. Love this post!

  8. Image for Robin Madden Robin Madden

    These dishes are beautiful! I absolutely love them with these white linens and reminds me of the ones my cousin just brought me back from Italy! Thank you for the inspiration!

  9. Image for Jane B Jane B

    Love all of your posts and this one in particular. It reminds me of when my Mom used to always say "bless his/her little heart" - she would say that at least once a day. Now that I'm "at that age" I find myself saying it too--hah! Thanks for inviting me to the party, I'll bring some black eye peas and rice!

  10. Image for Amy K Amy K

    I love that white china. Simple and classic. You can use it for most anything. It's a work horse on the table. So pretty.

  11. Image for Peg Peg

    Hmmm, I would make a delicious bread pudding made with Kentucky bourbon sauce! I adore this table setting and the cute polka-dotted china! : )

  12. Image for Alex Alex

    I just swooned at this post. Being Canadian, I feel like I need to visit and experience everything first hand. What to bring... what to bring... I'm sorry, I still can't wrap my head around shelled pecans FROM the yard!. AMAZING. Back to: ... what to bring?, what to bring?... Wine. I will bring wine. (I am totally that type of person... wine and chocolate for all!)

  13. Image for Jody P. Jody P.

    Your blog has the perfect combination of inspiration for the soul, and inspiration for the home! I look forward to every post!❤️

  14. Image for Donna Donna

    Mikasa is a great brand & I had already been checking their china earlier this week. Sweet table arrangement, it is something that makes a dining room pop.

  15. Image for Yvonne Yvonne

    Bless your heart! And, the monogrammed linens don't have to have the same initials -- they could be your great-grandma's twice-removed cousin's nephew's daughter's before she married that no-good.... Just sayin'! Love your morning post as usual!

  16. Image for Becky muckenthaler Becky muckenthaler

    I (Becky Sue) would bring my Grand- Mother's (Helen Lilian) Cranberry Sherbet. She would freeze this yummy goodness in her metal ice trays. Do you remember the ones with a handle that would pop the ice right out and if you didn't hold it with a tea towel, your fingers would adhere to it? She always served the cubed sherbet in eched crystal dessert goblets and had Cranberry Sherbet available all season long.

  17. Image for Teresa Harral Teresa Harral

    Beautiful Southern tables--for everyday!!Dinner ain't ready till the table is properly set. I would bring potato salad and not just any potato salad. It would have to be my mother in law's because she makes the best with her secret ingredients that keeps people at her table sneaking just one more little spoonful! I would also ask to invite my mother in law to the party for I know that Brenda Sue would be a delight and have so much to share with us of true Southern cooking!

  18. Image for Jenni Farnes Jenni Farnes

    Bless your little ole heart....thank you foe the fabulous giveaway...all this reminded me of my grandmother....who didn't have a single southern gene in her body, but should have been a southern belle. she had all the right stuff....bless her heart..

    1. Image for Jenni Farnes Jenni Farnes

      dang....i forgot to tell you what i would bring to the table...i hope this doesn't cancel me out....i would bring a peach croustada l(ala ina garden's apple one, only peach) and homemade vanilla peach ice cream to go on the top.

  19. Image for Kristie Kristie

    Hmmm....I think I would bring deviled eggs and a chocolate dessert. Must have chocolate. I'm partial to polka dots so these plates....LOVE THEM!

  20. Image for laura laura

    Good Morning! I love your tablesetting! It's probably a good thing i don't have a bigger budget because I would need to have a much bigger home to house all the dishes I like!! Since I'm from Southern California I would like to bring Coco Meringues and strawberries. But not just any Coco meringues Vegan Coco Meringues. Believe me, you wont know the these aren't the real things!!

  21. Image for Carrie Carrie

    Love all white dishes, and these are so beautiful! I'd make my almost famous, loved by many macaroni salad! My mother always had linen napkins at the table, even at lunchtime. She didn't like paper napkins, and she loved to iron. (Good thing!)

  22. Image for mary mary

    I would bring a big white platter of Brandywine, black Krimm, green zebra, Carolina gold and rainbow tomatoes, garnished with purple basil. (I assume you have the Duke's mayo in the fridge)

  23. Image for Ren Ren

    Your table is beautiful and so are the dishes! Dots are always in style at my house. The book would make great summer reading.

  24. Image for Patty Patty

    I am as Yankee as can be but my ancestors came from the Southern Part of Ireland so that is where I must get it. I starch and iron ALL my tablecloths and napkins. I love to iron (don't ask, it is a sickness) and what could be better than beautiful dishes. I would probably bring rice pudding with chocolate sauce and whipped cream served in those beautiful bowls.

  25. Image for Sally Christiansen Sally Christiansen

    What a pretty table, I am the Activity Director at a nursing home in Iowa and we are hosting a table setting contest in July. I would bring Southwest Chesecake to the party.

  26. Image for tracy henderson tracy henderson

    I always enjoy your posts. They make me smile to myself and a truly feel as if you are a close friend. Thank you.

  27. Image for Kari Cox Kari Cox

    This Kari wants to come have lunch with KariAnne at your gorgeous table; I would bring my mom's recipe for pickled cucumbers and onions and a squash casserole with a Premium Saltine topping! Thanks for the opportunity! Kari Dawne Cox p.s. I'm just called by my first name, not both :)

  28. Image for Susan Susan

    Hmmm, since it is strawberry season here, I would bring fresh strawberries with sour cream in a blue bowl and brown sugar in a milkglass bowl, so you could dip those berries, if you wished.

  29. Image for Karie Karie

    If I was lucky enough to attend I would bring my corn salad.... 5 ears of corn (cooked for 3 minutes - placed in cold water- taken off the cob) 1 small red onion fresh basil (cut from the garden) 3 Tbs olive oil 3 Tbs apple vinegar salt and pepper to taste Awesome! I love your setting and what fun it would be to arrive and have that table waiting!

  30. Image for Sheila Sheila

    I love Mikasa dishes! And white dishes are the best! These would be great for serving a good old fashioned Southern Sunday dinner. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Oh yum. :-) Sheila

  31. Image for Casey Casey

    I would bring macaroni salad! What a sweet evening it could be filled with wonderful friends, delicious food and thoughtful book discussion!! Love the dishes and the birds nests.

  32. Image for Cindy Cindy

    I love white dinnerware...your blog and all things Southern!!!!! Thanks for the great giveaway and the tons of inspiration along the way!!!

  33. Image for Rebecca Rebecca

    Love the table settings. Love ALL china from antique Haviland to Pier One funky. I would bring homemade peach ice cream, hand cranked in the backyard of course. (The linens look too fancy for watermelon LOL)

  34. Image for Jordan Troublefield Jordan Troublefield

    Roasted baby potatoes in a homemade mushroom sauce. DELICIOUS. Beautiful plates. White is so sleek.

  35. Image for Dinelle H Dinelle H

    Your table looks wonderful. I really love the simplicity of the white dishes, I don't have any but do love the look. I would bring deviled eggs to this party.

  36. Image for Terri Terri

    Ordering a copy of the book today! I love reading! Oh, and using great-mamaw's sterling silver with every family dinner~

  37. Image for Anne G. Anne G.

    I'll bring a rum cake or a corned beef brisket (marinate for a week, slow cooked, finish in oven w/ a bourbon mustard glaze). YUM!

  38. Image for patti patti

    Beautiful table! I would bring pimento cheese and my very Southern, precious grand baby Ruthie-Kate named after her 94 year old, recently deceased great great grandmother <3

  39. Image for Leona Leona

    I was "made in Virginia, but born in Connecticut" maybe thats why I love all things southern. Only given a "one namer" I would love to be your guest at dinner and listen to your stories over sweet tea.

  40. Image for Francesca Mahoney Francesca Mahoney

    The table is gorgeous!!! If I were lucky enough to receive an invitation, I would bring a sweet potato casserole!

  41. Image for COLLEEN COLLEEN

    Good Morning from WA. state; I would bring Salmon which would just pop on those white plates from Mikasa; set alongside a fresh salad of spinach & strawberries topped with pecans and a vinaigrette of rasberry & walnut. I am getting so I can not wait to read your post each morning it always brings a smile to my face . You truly are gifted person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas.

  42. Image for Ann weisman Ann weisman

    I would probably bring a layered salad. Mostly because people always say what is that and then they say "Wow, that is so good". I wish most of all that I could bring my dearly departed Granny so she could make sure everyone minded their manners!

  43. Image for Lisa Lisa

    Such a beautiful table KariAnne! Think I'd bring cornbread salad to this delightful potluck! Sounds like you've got all the majors covered!

  44. Image for Debrah Nash Debrah Nash

    This southern girl(born in Greenville Mississippi) loves your beautiful table!! I have my grandmother's damask table cloth that gets starched and ironed along with vintage napkins to be the beginnings of a table scape! I'll bring the Fried Green Tomatoes from a recipe found in a cookbook "Blue Willow Inn" located in Social Circle, Georgia. My husband and I ate there and met Miss Billie who has the restaurant in a beautiful old Antebellum home. You eat off of mismatched dishes and silverware. We heard of the "Blue Willow" from Lewis Grizzard's column many years ago.... Can't wait to sit down and share a meal, laugh, let my southern girl shine through along with my accent that emerges often and sip a Mint Julep on the Veranda!!

  45. Image for Marian A. Marian A.

    BEAUTIFUL!! Love the bird nests!! Very unique! And the dishes are classic and elegant! I would bring a cucumber summer salad!! YUM!!

  46. Image for Michele Michele

    WELL, I may be a Yank, but I tell you what - I have enough Belle friends to know you nailed it right on the noggin with your post here today. Well done. (And oh my golly what a beautiful tablescape!) The dishes are to die for awesome - I have chippy cream ones (should have gotten Mikasa to begin with, so much for cheap imitations) that I so need to replace, and my white plates I gave to my daughter who just moved back from years in SoCal who did NOT move her stuff back with her, and has started over in life close to home now and gets married in August....................as for the book, whether or not I win it I think with the kind of recommendation you gave it : stay-up-all-night-when-you-should-be-sleeping-and-glance-at-the-clock-at-3:45-in-the-morning-and-wonder-where-all-the-time-has-gone kind of book......tells me I need to just get it if I don't win it. Thanks to you and Mikasa for this opportunity.

  47. Image for Michele Michele

    PS OK: what would I bring to the party? I would bring my older sister's 6 layer pea salad. It brings lots of nutrition to the table but in a delectable yummy way - and looks so green and pretty and gets lots of OOHS and AHHHs too. : - )

  48. Image for Linda Linda

    From the Midwest and now the west coast, I was absolutely delighted reading your post "You know your place setting or table is southern when..." I have been using a set of Mikasa Just Flowers dinnerware since the early 70s. I now find all white dinnerware so appealing. Thanks for this opportunity to win.

  49. Image for Michelle Michelle

    Your table setting is so pretty! Light and lovely and welcoming...just perfect! I think I would bring Orzo salad. I don't think it's traditionally Southern, but I'd keep it light with fresh herbs and a lemon/olive oil vinaigrette. And smile and laugh the afternoon away :)

  50. Image for deal7isheaven@aol.com deal7isheaven@aol.com

    I would bring my favorite key lime bars. Love the white plates. They would go great with my Hartstone Posy patterned plates.

  51. Image for Joan Joan

    O, Kari Anne, this was the perfect post for my day. Bless your heart :0. I am hot and tired from working in the yard in these temps and humidity so if I came to a gathering I'd toss together a big fruit salad in clear glass bowl and call it good. O, yes, and I would wear big earrings, a cool cotton dress and my best red lipstick....

  52. Image for Tracey Tracey

    Thanks for such an inspiring post! I just love it. We may be moving soon, but I'll always be southern in my heart. Love you!

  53. Image for Dale Deacon Dale Deacon

    Delightful posting with such sweet pleasures from the gorgeous inviting table that makes you want to sit, take it all in, knowing this was created for you. The dishware looking quite cozy with the earthy touches of twigs and greenery, I can imagine the aroma from the kitchen would be just another layer of pure enjoyment and anticipation. I believe I would bring a sunny platter of devil eggs, totally down home but still leaving room for pecan pie. Oh yum!

  54. Image for Mary Mary

    KariAnne, I'm a Yankee but Southerner at heart.. Love your posts - everyday - and your table didn't disappoint. I'm not much of a cook, but a watermelon after all these delicious ideas sounds very refreshing to me! Would love the white dishes on my table too. Gonna have to look them up for a closer examination.

  55. Image for Patty Rusin Patty Rusin

    I would love to bring you some of my giant, fluffy, white hydrangeas to add to the tablescape. Then for after dinner, I would also bring some of my blue ribbon winning (Lake County Fair, Crown Point, IN) sour cream cinnamon loaf to enjoy on the porch as we watch the fireflies light the evening sky. Love your blog!

  56. Image for Tina@shopmarket51.com Tina@shopmarket51.com

    Oh I love a good southern meal especially on a beautiful table setting. Those dishes would be perfect for my dining room. I would bring y'all my hashed brown potato casserole and homemade cranberry butter to smother the biscuits.

  57. Image for GinaE GinaE

    I would bring a peach cobbler. Your table looks so great! Love the grapevine wreaths and I always love little nests. Many thanks for the chance to win.

  58. Image for Robin Stephens Robin Stephens

    I would bring two things. I'd bring Tangier Island Corn Pudding. My momma always made this for special events. Pretty sure it dates back to the 70s. Best corn pudding ever. I'd also make Lavender Limeade, a newly found drink that is amazing. Steep for 15 minutes 1/4 cup edible lavender buds and the zest of two or three limes with 1 cup sugar and 2 cups boiling water. Cool. Strain, pressing buds/zest through a sieve. Add the juice 3-5 limes, depending on size and add to the cooled base. Add more water until you have the sweetness level you desire (2-4 cups). The light lavender color and amazing taste is incomparable! And, thanks for the chance to win!!

  59. Image for Candice Candice

    Love the table, the China and the sweet tea! I would bring a big 4 layer Coconut Cake to enjoy out on the porch after dinner.

  60. Image for Michelle Michelle

    I would bring a rum cake, made from my German Oma's family recipe that has been handed down for generations!! It is AMAZ-BALLS!!! ;-)

  61. Image for Sue Sue

    Karianne, since I live in Georgia,I would bring lemon for our sweet tea. Maybe some chicken salad for those who don't eat chicken and dumplings. Also think a fruit salad with whipped cream would be striking on those dishes. I would bring extra whipped cream for the pecan pie.

  62. Image for Darci Darci

    I would definitely bring Bourbon Slush. Contains all that is good, sweet tea, lemonade, orange juice, bourbon and a hint of mint. I'm not really a fan of bourbon, but when frozen and shaved into a pretty glass, this concoction is SO delicious! Also, I've been wanting to go all white with my dinnerware (inspired by you :0) so this would be the perfect start!

  63. Image for Geneva White Geneva White

    ....and also fried okra and black-eyed peas. Love your sense of humor as well as your decor ideas. I do have a few mismatched pieces of Mikasa (Goodwill) and would like to have more. ThANK YOU FOR SHARING!

  64. Image for Cindy Cindy

    So inspirational!! I'd bring my Mother's Should Be Famous Blackberry Cobbler for dessert....and vanilla bean ice cream (that I'd confess I bought at Kroger).

  65. Image for Tess S. Tess S.

    I would say that your table is probably the most beautiful, romantic, "Southern" with a capital S, gorgeous I've ever seen!!! I LOVE it!!! Thank you for the darling story and beautiful pictures. And by the way, I'm a "one-namer" with a "two-namer" heart!

  66. Image for Mary Diesner Mary Diesner

    Dear KariAnne, Such fun to read your blog each day. I would bring my Homemade Ziti in a beautiful white dish. I know, I'm so New York. Mary

  67. Image for Carla Carla

    The book sounds amazing and I am over due to have some of those "get lost in a book and don't care what time it is" nights! I would have to bring some baked mac and cheese. YUM!

  68. Image for Jackie Jackie

    Oh I am so in need of a new set of china and white would be my choice. I love Mikasa too. I would bring some cheese grits and a fresh spinach salad and a corn casserole. I have a two part southern name too. Jackie Lou(after both my mom and dad). I immediately ordered Dear Carolina and read in a couple of days after you mentioned it on your blog. I LOVED it and have recommended it to all my "readin" family and friends.

  69. Image for Mercy Mercy

    I'd bring my family's traditional dessert--lime Jell-O with cream cheese, pineapple, & crushed walnuts sprinkled on top. It's at literally EVERY holiday meal & they just wouldn't be the same without it!

  70. Image for Lourdes Garcia Ambrosio Lourdes Garcia Ambrosio

    You continue to inspire me all the time! Every time I want to change something around the house and need a little inspiration, I immediately log on to your blog! I'm crazy about this set! So beautiful!

  71. Image for VintageBeachgirl VintageBeachgirl

    I'd bring a scrumptious tart sweet lemon meringue pie piled high with a lightly browned fluffy top, it will look lovely on those white plates. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

  72. Image for Gloria Y. Gloria Y.

    Love the table setting and I would bring me, myself and I because it would be so much fun to be sitting there at that beautiful table!!! Thank you for the giveaway!!

  73. Image for Lisa Cooper Lisa Cooper

    I love your blog, KariAnne! I have Mikasa china and love it. I would love to add this design because white goes with everything! I would bring another gallon of sweet tea (there is never enough) and pecan pie bars.

  74. Image for Sherry Sherry

    Oh my...those little nests are just adorable! And I love the monogrammed linens. The whole affair is just stunning. Bravo, sweet KariAnne. I would love to sit at your table and bring some lemon amaretto scones drizzled with a bit of honey and confectioner's sugar.

  75. Image for LisaBinAr LisaBinAr

    I will bring over Peach Sweet Tea made with the sweetest peaches in Ruston, La. And perhaps, a peach cobber for dessert!

  76. Image for jae jae

    Just love the fresh green and white with those twig chargers! I would bring ambrosia...i cant remember a time when we have not had it at family get-togethers in the south! Thanks for a great post and giveaway.

  77. Image for Nancy Nancy

    Love your name. My daughter is Nancy Ellen, but I am the only one who uses both names. We are from Philadelphia. I would bring a bowl of strawberries.

  78. Image for chrissi chrissi

    i usually arrive with two dishes.....a huge, healthy green salad filled with fresh veggies and a most decadent dessert♥

  79. Image for Mary Ann Mary Ann

    What a lovely table setting...bird's nests are one of my favorite things to decorate with, too! The white dishes would be so cool...

  80. Image for michele michele

    I love the BEAUTIFUL table setting a little country,milk glass classy and gorgeous with those lovely white dishes... I've perfected a great mac-n-cheese recipe and maybe some banana bread too!

  81. Image for Denton Denton

    On behalf of the rest of the Thistlewood family, anyone bearing homemade food is welcome at our house at any time, no questions asked. Chick-Fil-A and Cracker Barrel are also accepted.

  82. Image for Jennifer Jennifer

    I chuckled and nodded my head in agreement as I read this. Being a southern belle myself I could totally relate. American by birth, southern by the grace of God!

  83. Image for Trudi Trudi

    The two name thing made me smile. My Mississippi born and bred Mom came from a family of six kids and they ALL had double names (even the boys!)....except her. She was the baby. I guess they were plum worn out to come up with another name combo. I'm all about dessert so I'd bring something yummy.

  84. Image for Becky Becky

    The use of the two-namer meant I was in some kind of trouble - Rebecca Lynn - usually followed by a stern, hand-on-hip, finger-wagging tongue lashing ...or worse. I don't know what the dish is actually called, but for me, no Southern style dish is truly complete without marinated cucumbers and onions. Some people add tomatoes too, but we never did. Thanks for the opportunity to win such lovely dishes!

  85. Image for Cinda Cinda

    Love your beautiful summer tablescape! I would bring a crunchy green pea salad with cashews and bacon. Thank you!

  86. Image for Anna Starner Anna Starner

    Such a pretty nature inspired table. I have been assigned the baked beans for so many different gatherings so I believe you will enjoy them.

  87. Image for Peggy Rickard Peggy Rickard

    I would dearly love to have a set of dishes like that. I would bring pork roast with artichokes and cornbread.

  88. Image for Susan M. Susan M.

    I have a to-die-for chocolate cheesecake recipe that I would bring. Thanks Mikasa for the opportunity - my fingers are crossed!

  89. Image for Pam Pam

    Well, I might be a Yankee transplant who loves the South, and I giggled all the way through your blog. It sounds like many of the beautifully decorated dinner parties I've been to since moving here. Bless their hearts!! I sooooo enjoy your blog. Beautiful writing. Beautiful design. Thank you.

  90. Image for Jonell Harrison Jonell Harrison

    Easy to do...great, fun post and on my to do list of things I do NOT need but really really WANT...to add some all white dishes to all of my generous collection. My Fiesta Colors make everything work together no matter what and some incredible WHITE would be the perfect FINISH to a lifetime of collecting dishes I don't need but so enjoy using.

  91. Image for Melissa Richardson Melissa Richardson

    I would bring a sweet potato casserole to add to the very Southern table!! Great food served on beautiful dishes!!

  92. Image for Melissa Melissa

    I would bring a fresh fruit tray with our family's famous fruit dip. It is sweet and has pineapple, coconut and lime in it... SO good!

  93. Image for Patty Soriano Patty Soriano

    Oh, couldn't I use a new set of dishes! The set I have is chipped and scratched, having been bought for my hope chest long before I was married 30 years ago. I'd bring a fresh corn salad made with tomatoes, green onions and bell peppers! All the dishes sound so yummy!

  94. Image for CG in AZ CG in AZ

    Thank you, KariAnne, for the lovely posts every day, as well as a thank you to Mikasa. I'd like to bring you a delicious Ambrosia Salad.

  95. Image for Karen Karen

    KariAnne! What a stunning table! You have as always, done it again! I can't wait to read the book. By the way, I just picked some collards out back and would be more than happy to make a nice mess of greens to add. Also, I think a gelatin would be appropriate. Just let me know when to bring it on by! Thanks, KarenLynette

  96. Image for Cate Cate

    I would have bring a dessert, maybe a trifle of pound cake cubes, fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries and freshly whipped cream.... and of course served with some dark chocolate syrup on the side... yum!

  97. Image for Karen H Karen H

    My dad was military, so we lived all over. But I'm a southern girl.... always will be! I would make my mother's chicken and dumplings! They are delicious!! Awesome giveaway! Those dishes would look so great with a big ole' serving of chicken and dumplings ladled onto them! :)

  98. Image for Carol Bray Carol Bray

    Your table is just waiting for good company and food to arrive. White, classic and I love the nesting look. I'll bring my Southern biscuits, which everyone loves. They are the best of the best!

  99. Image for Jane Jane

    This is gorgeous. With the talent you have for making sweet tea and setting a beautiful table, you could totally make Chicken'n Dumplings if you set your mind to it! Hmmmm,..I'd bring my Triple Delicious Strawberry Pie. It actually won 1st prize at the Cass County Cooking Contest in 1992!

  100. Image for Sharon Sharon

    KariAnne...wow what a fabulous dinner party and based on all of the comments I might need to invest in some stretch pants...seriously good food will be enjoyed! I think I would have to bring my sweet mamas banana pudding and homemade cheddar bread...they will both make you swoon! You nailed the perfect southern table... Takes me back to my childhood...thanks for that! Have a wonderful day and know that so many of us are thrilled when we read your lovely, funny blog! Bless your heart you are the best!

  101. Image for Lisa Lisa

    I must confess . . . I 'm not a Southern girl . . . I just can't do the sweet tea thing. But I would still love to come and I'll bring a cold fresh corn and tomato salad.

  102. Image for Debra Milam Debra Milam

    I would bring my bread pudding made with French bread and warm bourbon sauce, or maybe Mama's banana pudding, of course my Red Velvet cake is always a big hit. OK, I'll bring all three.

  103. Image for Monica Monica

    The tabletop is gorgeous and I love a pretty table. It just makes the food and fellowship more fun. If I were coming to your dinner, I would most definitely have to bring my Mama Kelly's homemade Caramel Cake. It would defnitely make you "slap yo Mama"! I too enjoy reading your blog - keep those posts coming.

  104. Image for Jolyn Jolyn

    I couldn't believe you didn't include "using bird nests as placeholders" in one of your you-know-your-lace-setting-is-southern-when... Love your words and the dishes. I have some ALL-colors fiesta, but am pining over changing to an all white!

    1. Image for Jolyn Jolyn

      I'd bring a bottle of wine and a cooler of cold beer. Yes, that's how we roll... And my name, although crammed together in one, technically, word, is pronounced like two: Jo Lyn

  105. Image for Lana Mitchell Lana Mitchell

    Having now lived in North Carolina for the past ten years I equate "Southern" with great hospitality , family and fun. I am right now infatuated with tomato pies, and would also bring a berry pie made with berries we picked ourselves from a local farmers patch. Pies just taste better when made from fruit you and yours picked.

  106. Image for Celeste Celeste

    My daughter is getting married in October and I keep telling her to register for white dinner plates because they never go out of style. Hope she listens to motherly advise.

  107. Image for Deb McKathan Deb McKathan

    Just lovely! The dishes would fit very well into my southern home - yes ma'am, they would. Thank you for the opportunity and hope to see you again at Chapel Market!

  108. Image for Janice Janice

    Thank you for reminding me how special it is to live in the south. Love the rustic with delicate white. Thank you for the inspiration to use our china and linens. Can't wait to set the table and hopefully win...lol...

  109. Image for Chrislyn Chrislyn

    What a beautiful table setting! And those dishes are wonderful! Such a generous giveaway...keeping my fingers crossed! LOVE your blog and following you on Instagram!!!

  110. Image for Fran Gospodarek Fran Gospodarek

    The family prayer would be said. "Father we thank thee for this food, And all the blessings of the day. Help us to give our love and thanks, By being kind and good we pray. Amen."

  111. Image for Debbie adair Debbie adair

    I so know the 2 name thing you can't say mine without a southern tone to it deborah jean. I would bringyou banana pudding .

  112. Image for Linda Southworth Linda Southworth

    I am coming to the party! Bringing my mom's warm mashed potato salad. Looks like there will be plenty to eat!

  113. Image for The Vintage Vixen The Vintage Vixen

    LOL the Cracker Barrel!!! Your table is so beautiful & inviting!!! I am an Italian girl from the east coast but I think I have a touch of the south in me because I love pecan pie and like my hair big hair so I think I would fit right in!!! :) I would bring white lilacs to match your beautiful place settings!!! The book sounds great!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

  114. Image for Svetlana Svetlana

    Hi Karianne ! Well going with gorgeous theme that I've never seen anywhere before, I would bring Bird's nest sandwiches with Turkey, cream cheese, swiss cheese, cranberry sauce and alfalfa sprouts for the nest effect and Bird's nest soup. :)

  115. Image for Christine Christine

    KariAnne, What a nice cozy post. I love to read and the book sounds right up my alley! And dishes too! Winner winner chicken dinner! Christine

  116. Image for Kay Kay

    Hey -I'm a Southern Georgia girl and love everything you write -- and iit is so true! My name is Southern because it is my middle name, and nobody ever uses my first name/Linda. My aunt taught us early about a proper 'table setting' and wish she could have seen all your articles, she would have LICvED them. When we visited her we would always drive around and look at beautiful homes in Atlanta, and she would take us shopping for beautiful bedspreads, things for the home -- and to this day -- I love all things for the home and looking at yours -- and everything you write - bless your heart!! Thamk you so much......

  117. Image for Rosie V. Rosie V.

    Kari Ann, you're a Southern belle and then some. My morning isn't complete until I read your blog. Thank you for sharing yourself. I feel like we're sitting at the breakfast table together. Your table is so great. I collect milk glass too!! The white china with polka dots would complement my settings wonderfully and I plan to bring the corn bread casserole. Yummy!!!

  118. Image for Sara Sara

    Stunning! Beautiful! Inspirational! I'm moving to the south (after living my whole life in NY) this weekend! I can't wait to use some of your ideas.

    1. Image for Sara Sara

      Oops! I forgot to tell you that I'd bring a big bowl of salad from organic garden I've planted in my dreams (and can't wait to start next spring once I have my new yard!) and some Hawaiian ham sliders.

  119. Image for Sharon H Sharon H

    Oh, Bless your heart, Miz karianne.....one doesn't have to BE from the South, or LIVE in the South....to be "Suthun"....LOL Or to have a drawal.....this is a true story: many years ago when I was a young working mother, a salesman was calling on my boss and I needed to interrupt them for something. As I was turning to leave the room the salesman said to me, "what part of the South are you from?". I was slightly taken back with that, and I slowly replied, "ummm....the South part of Kansas City....". He burst out laughing and said, "No, really...where?". My turn to laugh because I was born and bred in Kansas City, MO. And yes, it is pronounced Mizzuruh! From that day on I knew in my heart I was truly Southern!

  120. Image for Jennifer Essad Jennifer Essad

    I'd bring along my Nana's recipe for Peach Cobbler, this time of year the peaches are amazing - this is an awesome contest thank you!

  121. Image for Debra W Debra W

    I would bring Potatoe Salad and Cole Slaw. Yum. I would love the dinnerware and I do enjoy books that keep me reading until the end.

  122. Image for Janis Janis

    Oh My Word! Thanks for the delightful post, views of an absolutely gorgeous table setting and the opportunity to win a set of dishes I have dreamed of owning.

  123. Image for Susan Susan

    Kristy's book sounds like a really fun read...I'll have to check it out! But oh m'gosh...what a breathtakingly beautiful table you have set here...I would've never thought to have added wreaths to the table, but I love how they set off the lovely white dishes! And, please forgive me, but I had to laugh when I saw the thistles on the table...I just spend the later part of the afternoon digging thistles out of my yard...there were enough there for a hundred such table settings! But you know what...I really do love the look of them and the uniqueness of them and since they are the namesake plant of your blog, that alone makes them special! I just dig how you think, girl! ~Susan Dawn~

  124. Image for Lizzi Galland Lizzi Galland

    That table is awesome and being southern is so much fun! I'm in love with the wood limb chargers! Where did you find those??? So cute!

  125. Image for Phyllis Phyllis

    Thanks for the chance to win. Such a great gift! I would bring my homemade coleslaw, tastes like the one from Kentucky fried chicken.

  126. Image for nicola nicola

    I would bring scones with real clotted cream and put the jam on first as is only right. But only right in Devon or is it Cornwall but as I'm from Sussex it doesn't matter . Now for all you not from the UK you will now have to google what I mean

  127. Image for Barbara Barbara

    How about a healthy salad balanced out by yummy lemon bars.... I love any white dish with detailed edging! Thank you for the opportunity.

  128. Image for Julie N Julie N

    Hailing from "SOUTHERN" Minnesota, I would bring my often requested chocolate cake and vanilla bean ice cream. Loved your tablescape and storytelling.

  129. Image for Ter'e Lyn Ter'e Lyn

    I'll go slow, as this is hard to follow. I am from the south. So. California. I live in the south. Florida. I'm marrid to a real southerner. He's from Tennessee. I'm going to be moving back to Missouri.........oops, that's midwest. Dang!!! I need new white dishes.........as we are retired and I desparately need a change! LOL I would bring my much loved Texas Cavier. Go figure. I've never lived in Texas!!!! :-) Ter'e Lyn

  130. Image for Sarah Fink Sarah Fink

    Oooo..so pretty! I think I might bring strawberry cream cheese bread, in honor of the strawberries. Or maybe grilled peaches and vanilla ice cream. Love the south!

  131. Image for Jolene Jolene

    Strawberry Rhubarb "topping". It's a mixture of strawberries and rhubarb (obviously) that my grandma use to put on top of summer desserts like shortcake and ice cream. We also use to pour half and half in it and just eat it like that. Mmm...

  132. Image for Jane Hansen Jane Hansen

    You know it's old south southern when your plate is full of fried food like fried fish, fried okra, and hush puppies. But I would probably bring strawberry cake.

  133. Image for beverlee beverlee

    Nothing is as good as white china! and this is beautiful! Since everyone is bringing such delicious things, I would add my Aunt Estelle's lime pickles, sliced 'real' tomatoes, pickled onions and cucumbers. and another Ice Box Cake.....the one on the 'Famous Chocolate Cookie' box. and enjoy all of it. With home made lemonade with sparking water. Reminds me of our country 'Old Folks Singing and Dinner on the Grounds'....everyone's best dish

  134. Image for Barbara Barbara

    Love your tablescape and wonder how difficult your men would find eating their collard greens (which I'd be bringing) with those grapevine wreath chargers????????????

  135. Image for Jocelyn Trimbach Jocelyn Trimbach

    For your beautiful table, I would add my delicious cherry pie with the sparkle sugar lattice top. The ruby red color of the cherries really stands out when plated on an elegant white dish. . . . Sweetness!

  136. Image for liz piccione-volger liz piccione-volger

    I would bring a peach cobbler and to add my own little italian "country" twist I would bring a caprese salad. That white china with polka dots from Mikasa is super sweet. I love it!!

  137. Image for Anne Marie Petralia Anne Marie Petralia

    Kari Anne - I also read Dear Carolina & wish I could join your party. As you can see I have the required two names. When I lived at home, my father would say they had the wrong number if anyone called and asked for Anne instead of Anne Marie. I would bring strawberry shortcake (you can never have too many deserts). I'm sure it would be a great time. I would love to have the Mikasa dishes to compliment my tables. Wish you lived closer to New York.

  138. Image for Deb Henderson Deb Henderson

    Why honey, I'd bring my sweet self! I'd sashay in, wearing my white cotton faille dress--the one with the fluttery skirt and the glorious pink roses and pink piping and tiny, apple green leaves. Mama's pearl necklace--the one she gave me for my Sweet 16--looks so pretty with it and I'd wear my pearl earring studs Mama and Daddy gave me. Pink Pout lipstick and Passionate Pink on my nails and nude ballet flats would have me out the door in nothin' flat. Oh, and I'd take a plateful of crinkle-top molasses cookies with a dustin' of powdered sugar. Grannie and Mama would already have everything else!

  139. Image for Janis Janis

    Oh my, I was so enthralled with the place settings yesterday I failed to say what I would bring! I would bring Waldorf Salad and a stacked Refrigerator Cookie Cake made with chocolate cookies and homemade whipped cream.

  140. Image for Christa D Christa D

    I'm not much of a cook, though I love setting a table and planning a party, so I'd bring my corn, avacado and tomato salad. And just because your so sweet I'd spend a little more time in the kitchen and make a peach cobbler.

  141. Image for Deborah Wilkins Deborah Wilkins

    Love the tablescape, KariAnne! I would bring my "world famous" potato salad (wink, wink)! Love the wreath charger. So fresh! Enjoy your weekend! Deborah

  142. Image for Terri Terri

    In keeping with "southern" where is the pig? lol. I could bring it....A big old shoulder roast- cooked all day smothered in bbq sauce......with a side of cucumber and onion salad. Our southern table has several canning jars full of goodness--- bread and butter pickles, pickled beets, corn relish. honey. Ok so now you have motivated me into having all the kids home for the weekend....

  143. Image for Laurie t Laurie t

    I would bring shish k bobs with chicken and veggies on them plus some sweet corn from the Mitten state with fresh strawberry pie for dessert. Yum!

  144. Image for Lyn Lyn

    Love to read blog from Southern Ladies and I would bring to the table skillet fried sweet corn, homemade muscadine jelly for those hot buttered biscuits , chocolate pie. Will be buying the book and thanks for the suggestion

  145. Image for Keasha Keasha

    I'm a Southern Mississippi girl who LOVES being from the South. I would probably bring a casserole or my famous potato salad and some sweet tea and a peach cobbler! Absolutely love your blog and all your wonderful stories. Your home is gorgeous too.

  146. Image for Karen Karen

    Because it's so blazing hot here in the Portland, Oregon, area I would bring a pasta salad to go with the sweet tea. Blessings, Karen

  147. Image for Renea Renea

    I'm a little late to the party it seems. I know these two words don't sound like they go together but I'd show up with cornbread SALAD. Google it ya'll.

  148. Image for linda melz linda melz

    Youre table is so lovely I would bring my glazed fruit salad It really would go down with that sweet tea YUM thanks for the giveaway please enter me Linda m

  149. Image for maggie maggie

    I love white dishes! Oh who am I kidding? I love dishes period. Now after reading all this I'm SO hungry and it's 9:30 p.m. :( I would make a hummingbird cake. You cannot have a southern party without a hummingbird cake!

  150. Image for Debby Debby

    What a clever table setting - of course I would bring grits! Please enter me in the giveaway! Thanks so much for an awesome website!

  151. Image for Lori Lori

    It seems like Loria Dinnerware should live in the house of A Lori, don't you think??!! You made a beautiful table. I would bring Strawberry Pie!!

  152. Image for Vanessa Vanessa

    I love being a sweet tea-loving southern girl! Love the southern garden them table! I love how the plants make it look so fresh and alive!

  153. Image for Peggy Peggy

    Your table is lovely and inviting! I love dots! The dishes would be the foundation for beautiful tablescapes. If I were coming to dinner, from Michigan, I would bring a cherry or blueberry pie. Maybe some fresh caught lake perch lightly fried in coconut oil.....yum! And my 2 name tag would say Peggy Marie.

  154. Image for Kay Kay

    What a beautiful table you've set! Love the white dishes with natural greenery & vines; so fresh! I would bring slow cooked BBQ green beans to your dinner.

  155. Image for Susan Susan

    Thank you for the giveaway, KariAnne. I would have to bring my mother in law's world famous potato salad. It's famous in our little corner of the world anyway. :-)

  156. Image for Nancy Nancy

    I am not much of a cook, but I make a mean vegetable plate (not the pre-packaged, store bought kind). I prefer to pick out my own veggies, wash, and slice.

  157. Image for Kari S. Kari S.

    My name's Kari Lynn! So nice to see someone spell the Kari part the same way! I would bring homemade mac-n-cheese.

  158. Image for Pendra Pendra

    Beautiful table scape! Love the birds nest... that's kinda my thing! I think anything would look good on this beautiful setting... but I do make a lovely quiche that would look great!

  159. Image for Shelley Shelley

    When I meet someone with two names I always ask where they are from, knowing it's the south! I would bring watermelon to take outside and eat on that cute swing you painted with ruffles!!

  160. Image for karen@somewhatquirkydesign karen@somewhatquirkydesign

    In my southern home our place settings never looked like this (lovely). And when we said bless your heart it was genuine...Only when you say it behind someone's back is it said in that catty way. But we had a lot of cornbread! And biscuits. And red velvet cake. And big Southern Baptist churches.....

  161. Image for kathy kathy

    Since we are talking Southern, I think I would bring deviled eggs. And, I would sit at the placecard with the name KathyBeth...which is what my cousins, aunts and uncles used to call me.

  162. Image for Claudia Claudia

    Louisiana girl l would bring my mom's and grandma's buttermilk southern fried chicken and yee haw deviled eggs .

  163. Image for Diana Diana

    Love the post and idea - hadn't thought of ordering a takeout dinner from Cracker Barrel. Bless your heart indeed!

    1. Image for Lisa Lisa

      OOPS!!! I'm sorry!!! When I entered the first entry it said duplicate entry, so I tried my other entry!!! Sorry!!

  164. Image for donna donna

    I would bring hash brown casserole,chess squares(dishes I BEST HAVE at our family get-togethers) and sweet tea with lime wedges!!My new favorite drink , i learned from someone around here,LOL

  165. Image for Nellie Nellie

    Hi Kari Anne, This was a darling post, really enjoyed it, and the table is gorgeous. Great job! and how exciting for your friend to have published a book, that sounds awesome, and to have the great support of friends. That is just how it should be.........but so often isn't!! Those Mikasa white dinnerware takes my breathe away, as I love white dishes.......as does most of blogland I think!! lol Let's see think I would make for a summer party?? I think a 24 hr. salad, some call it a 7 layer salad, because any time I have make it for any event there is never anything left!! or a jello type salad, called Strawberry Fluff, it is awesome and has the same affect on people..........lol Bessings, Nelllie

  166. Image for nancy jo nancy jo

    From someone who spent every Sunday at her Granny's house with 50 other relatives, I'd have my Granny's fried chicken and home made biscuits, red velvet cake and Mississippi Mud pie. I miss her....love the dishes!

  167. Image for Susan McCabe Susan McCabe

    Beautiful dishes...lovely table settings...gorgeous room. Sure would love to see my name on one of those place cards!! I love the warmth and humor of all your posts, KariAnne. It's like getting a daily letter from your good friend--you know, the funny one.

  168. Image for Mrs. Z Mrs. Z

    I would gladly bring blackberry cream cheese squares, delicious! They would also look great on a dessert dish! :)

  169. Image for Julia Molewyk Julia Molewyk

    Thanks for the chance to win some beautiful dishes. I would bring my fluffy sweet potatoes with orange flavor. I made them for the holidays last year and they were a hit. Beautiful table!

  170. Image for Traycie Traycie

    I just love your table, it's absolutely beautiful. I would bring fruit salad, the kind with little marshmallows :-)

  171. Image for Megin Megin

    Your table is simply stunning! I would bring Graham's Tawny Port to go with the lovely desserts! Thank you for sharing at Brag About It link party (Monday's at Midnight) on VMG206. ~ Megin of VMG206

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