Southerners are known for theirhospitality, and when company comes knocking, we’ll never turn them away. From charming cabins to modern farmhouses, these tinyhouse plansare totally customizable to fit a homeowner’s specific needs. You’ll see that thesesmall dwellingsdon’t sacrifice an ounce of comfort or style. Credit: Southern Living After you build one of these cozy guest cottages, your guests might never want to leave. Boathouse & Bunkhouse, Plan #49 Take in the view at this welcoming cottage....

Whether you’re cruising for the first time or fiftieth, these mistakes could single you out as rude. Getty Images New to cruising? Ready to get your sea legs and have your first floating hotel experience? Credit:Getty Images Being a courteous cruiser helps everyone maximize their vacation enjoyment. In some cases, you may even be denied entry into a restaurant or lounge. Most of them truly love working in hospitality and strive to make your vacation special....

Turn your backyard into a secluded hideaway. Fast-growing privacy trees will give your yard a natural barrier that makes it feel like aprivate getaway. Some privacy trees will grow upwards rapidly, reaching heights of 30 feet or more. Credit:freemixer/Getty Images Others will spread into a shrub-like habit unless pruned. Assess the space you have and decide the best shape and mature size for your yard. Then, think about sun exposure and soil....

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn about the national parks of Florida, which encompass marshes, forts, and beaches. Its national parks, memorials, and preserves pay homage to its histories, both human-made and natural. Credit:Tetra Images/Getty Images It is also a habitat for the states wildlife, including the Florida panther. In fact, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is close by. It’s a popular spot for boating and fishing, as well as scuba diving among the underwater wonders....

You don’t have to wait until May for April showers to bring beautiful flowers to your garden. For most Southern gardeners, April brings a floral showcase ofbulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees. sericea) offer outstanding color in a winter garden in addition to their springtime blooms. Credit: UrÅ¡ka Batistič/Getty Images This perennial sends up spikes of blue or lavender flowers in a spreading form. Foxglove Common foxglove’s tall, bold blooms appear in many colors in April....

A cultivar, ‘Multiplex,’ is double-flowered for even more drama. The name comes from the bright red root sap that can be used to dye wool. That is Carolina Jessamine, a vine so significant it is the state flower of South Carolina. Credit:Getty Images Daffodils / Jonquils I spent many March mornings pickingdaffodilsfrom the old homesite of my great-grandparents. The bulbs naturalized through the years, and the field was full of bright yellow single and double-bloom flowers....

#8 will surprise you. Southerners often pride themselves on being good cooks and eaters. All that said, there are always exceptions. Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living Its impossible to like every pop in of food, after all. We got curious about those least-liked dishes, so wesurveyedour readers and ourstafferstoo. The results were both surprising and predictable. White Bean Soup.Credit: Alexandra Grablewski/Digital Vision/Getty Images Okra, one of the most maligned and divisive foods, came up again and again....

Clear out space for the turkey by storing these items elsewhere. If only every food and drink came with care instructions, like whats listed on ourclothing tags. But just because its always been done that way in your household doesnt mean it must stay that way. Credit: Sean Malyon / Getty Images Refrigerating bread tends to dry it out faster and can affect the texture. Recipes likecornbread, zucchini bread,banana bread, andmonkey breadshould be stored in the fridge....

Furniture style is taking a thoughtful turn in these top trends for next year. “And always remember, if you love it and it speaks to you, then do it! Custom Furniture Approaching 2024, Ramsey reveals that furniture is more widely being considered a long-term investment. Credit: Mary Britton Senseney; Styling by Dakota Willimon Unless it is a vintage find, I would say that impulse buying of immediately available furniture is out....

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shop classic and botanical-inspired pieces. Each piece is home to scenes of butterflies and flowers in soft pastel hues ideal for a garden party. Credit:Southern Living / Madison Woiten One shopper even said they never get tired of looking at them. You could even make them an heirloom piece. Use the layers to showcase a different food, or fill them all with a single dessert....

Make these fruit-filled pies throughout the season. From classic to creative, we have apie for every bakerneeding a staple apple pie recipe. Or, take your pie up a notch by making a flakyhomemade pie crustfrom scratch. Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox Top with another crust and bake. Granny Smith Apple Pie Roasted Granny Smith apples are the wow factor in this seemingly humble pie....

It’s not all hats and hot browns. The first Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs inLouisville, Kentuckyin 1875. With history comes tradition, and the Kentucky Derby has no shortage of that. Credit:Getty Images In 1896, a horse named Ben Brush was given a collar of white and pink roses for winning. TheBenedictine Sandwichwas invented by Louisville native Jennie C. Benedict in the early 20thcentury. Seersucker is another popular pattern....

It’s time to move the furniture away from the wall. Harper Harris / Laurey Glenn Living room layoutmistakes can throw off the entire experience of a space. Here are the eleven living room layout mistakes to stop making today. Credit:Harper Harris / Laurey Glenn But pushing your furniture against the walls can actually create a space that feels cold and uninviting. Michael Mitchell, principal and founder ofMichael Mitchell, points out that it can make a space feel disconnected....