A Time to...CELEBRATE!!!!

I had an exasperating questionnaire posed to me recently. She meant well, I guess, but it hit a nerve nonetheless. “Which book is your favorite? Haven’t you written like a DOZEN or so?” All I could hear was her tone in the word “duzzzzzzin” – how her eyes rolling when she said it. Mama used to tell us that if we “looked at her again in that tone of voice, we’d be in trouble.” How can someone “look” in a “tone of voice?” I now know and understand. Sorry Mama.

Without hesitation (or filter on my lips) I extemporaneously blurted out, “SEVEN!!!” I raised my eyebrows, lifted my chin and proceeded my proclomation.

“Actually, I’ve written seven. And EACH one is as unique and special as children are to a parent – do YOU have a favorite child? Hmmmmm???!!!???” I felt my cheeks flush from that fit of flustering, uncontrolled exclaiming, right there on Carroll Street, Downtown Perry. She probably did have a favorite child –  and I now somewhat remembered this woman and her brood and further recalled that she probably had a least favorite child … a rank that interchanged daily depending on her offsprings’ doings. Anyways… I digress…

Southern-boy guilt welled up and seeped into my psyche – that guilt of being bred to always be polite and say “yes ma’am” drilled into us by a childhood immersed (literally if you’re a Baptist) in Sunday School, cotillion, elderly unmarried aunts, little ol’ ladies and our mamas – who were simply keeping the tradition from which they learned.  I sheepishly had to grin across gritted teeth and say, “Yes ma’am. This is my seventh book.” I took a deep breath. “A Time to  Celebrate is my seventh book, and I could not be more excited, thrilled or honored to share with the world recipes, photos and stories of my life. May I reserve you a copy, ma’am?

She nodded, vexed at the honey-tongued charm I was ladling. “I’ll come by the shop one day soon” she said. “Thank you ma’am. And I look forward to signing a special copy JUSSSSSST for you.”

As she walked one way and I walked another, I laughed out loud to myself right there on the herringbone-patterned brick sidewalk as I walked back to my shop and office. I laughed because my first reaction was to be defendant and adversarial when someone referred to my tome – to my literary and culinary accomplishments. I need not have to defend anything I’ve accomplished. I should be proud. Not a negative sort of pride, but a sort of pride that comes from deep within – confidence and assuredness maybe? Regardless, I am  well-stocked in pride for my culture that I cannot wait to share it with everyone I meet. I mean, come on y’all, who doesn’t want a piece of Carmel Cake? Right?

What I need to do is celebrate my accomplishment – celebrate my history, my heritage and my legacy with my people – literally celebrate how I’ve just written about in the book – celebrating life’s grandest and humblest moments in true Southern-style. And that is what I plan to do. Today is October 1, 2015, and my seventh book is officially released! Yay!!!!! And that my book is released in my favorite month, in my favorite season! And, that tonight, I’ll have great folks from all around The South with me – at a favorite shop in Buckhead, Lucy’s Market. There is nothing to ruffle my feathers about a day like this! This pride is a good feeling and I really do want to share it with y’all!

Yes, I have written seven books. Wow!!! I honestly cannot believe that the dream I had in college to write a series of lifestyle books has come to fruition! Thank you all for supporting me and encouraging me. I had amazing photographers (Emily Followill and Kristen Scott) working with me and my sweet friend Jenna Bush Hager wrote the foreword! My incredible team at James Farmer Inc showed nothing but noteworthy and stellar talent, dedication and perseverance every step of the way. My Mimi and my Mama instilled in me grace and appreciation for our Southern legacy, and my sisters, Aunt and Uncle, Grandfather and cousins continue to motivate and keep the feast with me – each and every day. “Thank you” are two little words to cover a broad range, but I mean them.

The subtitle of the book is from the Book of Common Prayer – Let us Keep the Feast. Long after the celebration is over, I want nothing more than the sustenance from that celebration to keep – to stay, to dwell, to grow and to live – within our hearts and souls. So, it is a TIME TO CELEBRATE, y’all! I know I am! I look forward to celebrating with y’all! And that is definitely something to be proud of – great friends and family and reasons to celebrate!

Basic Chocolate Cake

Recipe from Sip & Savor: Drinks for Party and Porch
Serves 12-16

As featured on Instagram! 

Farmer's Note: I nearly always substitute buttermilk for milk in batters (pancakes, other cakes, etc.), even in scrambled eggs. Since chocolate's natural flavor is enhanced by coffee, I use one cup of hot coffee in the batter as well. 

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk (shaken, not stirred)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

Combine all the dry ingredients, except coffee, in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients and beat together for 2 minutes. (Sample the batter before you add the coffee). Add coffee and mix until incorporated; the batter will be thin. (Try the batter now; the chocolate has intensified.)

Divide the batter between the two pans and bake about 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes and then remove from the pans. Cool completely. Frost with the icing of your choice. Cookies and Cream Icing is one of my favorites!

Dinner on the Grounds - Southern Suppers and Soirées

I'm delighted to introduce to you...

Dinner on the Grounds - Southern Suppers and Soirées 

Pre-order your copy at jamesfarmer.com/store/books to receive in April. 

Thanks y'all!!

A Time to Cook

A Time to Cook is here!

Y'all can pre-order your copy by emailing me at orders@jamesfarmer.com

A Time to Cook

Ok, ya’ll, I am thrilled! Nothing like a fun trip to the mailbox. For this Farmer, a fun mailbox run usually constitutes new magazines to pour over, a letter from a friend or a lack of bills. Yet, the first copy of your cookbook sent from my publisher is a true treasure!

 

A Time to Cook – Dishes from My Southern Sideboard will be in stores this spring! Blood, sweat, tears and a great deal of butter went into the writing, cooking and photographing of this book. The fabulous Helen Norman photographed the book for me. She also photographed Porch Living and we have worked together with Southern Living photoshoots as well. We had a blast, and, ps, photographing a cookbook is tough work – it takes a great deal of will power not to swipe a lick of whipped cream or a bite of a biscuit!

Good Day Atlanta

I was delighted to be a guest this morning on Good Day Atlanta talking about wreaths, of course!

Check it out here.

To purchase one of my wreaths click here.

And if you are still doing some Christmas shopping click here to check out my latest book, 

Wreaths for all Seasons.

Put a Wreath On It

When it comes to the holidays, wreaths are the Pièce de Résistance! In this interview, written by the always lovely Danny Bonvissuto, I give you the run down on how to bring wreaths into your own holiday season.

Also, y'all come see me Sunday in Atlanta. I will be doing a book signing from 12 - 6 pm at Peachtree Battle Antiques & Interiors. For more information, check out this article in Atlanta's Neighbor Newspaper.

A Circle Through the Seasons

“They had mismatched manger scenes at incredibly low prices. I cleaned them out of Baby Jesuses, which I made into ornaments!” 

                               – Annelle, Steel Magnolias. 
                                      Annelle then proudly holds up her wreath of Baby Jesuses…

I guarantee ya’ll that when you think about wreaths, you think about the Holidays. If it is a post-Holiday time,  then the wreath is probably some tacky tribute to the season or holiday (we’ve all seen them and maybe even decked our doors with them – fake wreaths, with fake flowers, with fake greenery, with fake fruit… glittery shamrocks, or, “…mismatched manger scenes…”), but I truly wish for each season to have a symbolic representation in our homes. Wreaths provide that first and last impression at our doors, as tabletop centerpieces or wall accents.

My publisher, Gibbs Smith, and I had the idea for a book on wreaths. With the Southern Living story last December and many tv segments on the topic, I found that wreaths need not be just for the holidays. Wreaths can be for all seasons!  With that in mind, here’s a peek of the wreath book. Avaliable nationwide in home boutiques and bookstores alike, I hope ya’ll find a wreath for your door to welcome in any season!

Intro excerpt… 

“When Granddaddy performs marriage ceremonies, he always gives the couple these words, “The ring is an outward and visible sign…” an outward, visible sign – what lovely connotation for the description of a wedding ring!

A ring – whether made from metal, fibers, flowers or foliage – has been ceaselessly used as the symbol of eternal devotion – a circle neither ending nor beginning. They may be seen as a mark and token of victory, the crowing glories of a championship match, race or athletic feat or merely as a crown period – looping souvenirs of accomplishment and note.

The vows continue, for the ring – the circle – is a sign, “of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love.” The rings “represent something continuous like the unbroken circle that they are… something beautiful and lasting…”

I have always been fascinated by these words, by the imagery and symbolism rings represent. Granddaddy urges the newlyweds to “Look at the rings often and as you do remember the promises you make today…” which further delightful to hear. Hearing Granddaddy as celebrant commissioning new couples with such celebratory words, leads my imagination towards other rings of symbolism and meaning – wreaths…”

I’ll be traveling and speaking across the South this fall and hope to see ya’ll on the road. Fall is teasing us and I’m ready for my favorite season. I’m sure there will be wreaths aplenty! See ya’ll soon!

To purchase book click here.

Traditional Home - Porch Living!

Check it out.

Traditional Home's Book Excerpt slide show of Porch Living!

INTRODUCING SIP & SAVOR AND THE CHANCE TO WIN AN ADVANCE COPY!

Ahhh—the sound of savoring that first or last sip of a refreshing drink, whether it’s a favorite punch, a fizzy beverage, a mason jar of lemonade, or a tall glass of the South’s House Wine—Sweet Tea. Whatever your pleasure, there’s a recipe for that special “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” you’ve got a hankering for in the pages of my new book, Sip &; Savor!

Yes, ma’am! Yes, sir! This Farmer has a new book coming out this April, and I cannot wait to share it with y’all! I’ve packed Sip &; Savor with drink recipes for everything life throws our way—from occasions, events, gatherings, and celebrations, to the casual moment on your back porch that helps you unwind from the day. As with all of my work, there’s a special garden twist with many of the recipes in the book as well!

I hope you’ll join me in raising your glass, your jar, or your julep cup to toast the release of Sip & Savor! 

To commemorate this momentous occasion, in addition to helping myself to a tall glass of Sweet Tea, I want to offer you, dear readers, a chance to WIN an ADVANCE COPY of Sip & Savor!
THE SIP & SAVOR GIVEAWAY

We want to know how YOU have infused your Valentine’s Day with some Farmer Style! Whether it’s a recipe, a flower arrangement, or a table setting, we want to know how you have taken something from my blog, All Things Farmer, and brought it into your own life to celebrate this Day of Love! Share your Farmer Style Valentine’s Moment with us over on my Facebook Page —feel free to take a picture—for a chance to win a signed, advance copy of Sip & Savor! Deadline for entry is February 15th. At that time, me and fellow blogger Sarah Barry Spooner will decide which Farmer Style Valentine’s Day wins a copy of Sip & Savor!

I can’t wait to see what y’all cook up!

Guest Post: a Book Review

Hello dear friends of the Farmer!

It's Sarah Barry from Spoonful here. I'm guest posting today to tell you about James' FABULOUS new book, A Time to Plant.

I've known James a long time. We were friends at Auburn. He was a groomsman in our wedding. We've traveled the Southeast together on numerous trips in college and post college. Most recently, we carpooled to my home town of Greenville, Mississippi for James to speak to the ladies' garden club --- my two year old son and nursing baby in tow. JTF III is a trooper!

So of course I'm thrilled for my friend, that at the whopping age of 28 he has written and published his very own book. A real book! It sits on my coffee table, and I can't wait to tell all my guests that "Yay, my friend wrote that book."



But I must admit that prior to receiving my copy, I thought "Can it really be that good?" After all, I wasn't getting this information for the first time. I've heard James speak at multiple events, read and re-read each blog post, seen all his photos, discussed with him basic garden philosophies in person, photographed some parties he's given. Honestly, I thought that I would have a 'been there, seen it, done that' mentality when it came to experiencing his book. I hate to admit this, but I was concerned that I would be underwhelmed.

But my experience was much the opposite. I was stunned. Thrilled. Completely enamored from the moment I saw the cover. For one, the book itself is beautiful. The photography on each page is breathtaking as well as the drawings and illustrations.

In the dedication James references the hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth." I love the last lines of the chorus:

"Lord of all to the we raise 

This our hymn of grateful praise."

This book is just that - a hymn of 'grateful praise' to God's glorious creation.



The second thing that struck me about A Time to Plant is it is so incredibly practical. On occasion, James has asked for my input about his blog. To which I always respond by encouraging him to explain things so the po' folks can understand. How can I, a busy mother of two, who can't even find time to take a shower, begin to dabble in a little gardening? And entertaining? Where do I start? Do I grow herbs? How? Do I plant perennials? But which ones? And what time of year do I plant them?

Y'all, it's all in the book. James gives the most practical instruction and advice about garden living, a concept he describes as bringing the garden in - to your cooking, your home decor, your relationships - and making the most of each season. And he presents it all in a way that is charming and fun to read. I can't say enough good things.



Get this book for yourself, your mom, your mother-in-law, your husband - everybody who's anybody needs a copy. I have no doubt it will become a legendary go-to guide for Southern gardeners and entertainers for years to come.



James, thank you for sharing your time and talents with us. You are a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Hometown Launch Party

A time to… LAUNCH!!!! My book tour that is, and what better place than my hometown on my home land! 



Desserts, drinks and dancing… what a salute to summer’s swansong - donned in seersucker, toasting with bellinis and merriment all around! My phenomenal aunt and uncle graciously opened their pavilion for my party and I cannot thank them enough for all they do for me and the family.

From fun advice from Mama to say my “yes ma’am and sirs, please and thank you, and all the Southern gentilities…” 



to nearly matching Granddaddy…

to the poses with sisters, friends, and tunes of the fabulous Jessie Smith… a lovely evening for all!

Centerpieces brimming with this Farmer’s favorite herbs…

 

Pillars of petit fours, blueberry scones with lemon icing, and of course, pound cake with whipped cream!

We danced and delighted in the desserts, signed a few books, and set the tone for my tour.

Looking back on the night, I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable or lovely time. Middle Georgia’s finest in their summer cocktail chic never looked so good!

photography by Maggie Yelton

I hope to see all my Atlanta friends at Foxgloves!

The book is here!

This is a big month in the world of All Things Farmer because James's book is here!
You can order your copy here.

photo by Maggie Yelton

More details to come.
posted by Sarah Barry at Spoonful

A Time to Plant and A Time for a Book Tour!

There are those projects in life that fill one’s soul to the brim with anticipation, joy, excitement, and that feeling of “is this really happening?”  Ask any of my childhood friends, my college roommates, my family or anyone who has ever met me and they will all testify that this Farmer boy has been talking about writing a book since he learned to write. It is with the joy of utmost joys that I am thrilled to announce the publishing of my first book, A Time to Plant, Luxurious Garden Living, published by Gibbs Smith Publishing, and due out this September! 

Here is where ya’ll come into play – I need to schedule appearances and book signings all across this great land… will you help me by sending me contacts you know at great stores, museums,  garden clubs, ladies groups, etc etc etc that would be interested in hosting a book signing for their favorite Farmer? The book tour will commence this September proper and I am so excited!

With the release set for September, this Farmer has commenced booking a few garden club lectures, book signings, and other festivities across the South. Of course, retail outlets and book stores will carry the book as well, but it is you, my friends and family, that will make the book successful. A grass roots campaign will launch my book tour into the success I dream it to be and I cannot wait to see and meet many of you out on the road this fall, in between Auburn and SEC football games of course.

Email me your ideas and contacts through my website as you think of them and my PR team will get busy booking. 

From this Farmer’s well spring of delight, I hope each of you will pick up a copy of A Time to Plant this coming September, this fall, or this Holiday season for sure! Preorders can be taken now through http://jamesfarmer.com/ as well as http://www.gibbs-smith.com/index.cfm very soon. See ya’ll on the book tour!

Nashville Antiques and Garden Show

The 2011 Nashville Antiques and Garden Show lived up to its reputation as a perennial hit, and this Farmer was honored to be a part of the event. Great designers, authors, antique dealers and landscape architects filled the Downtown Convention Center with booths chocked with treasures, displays of fabulous flora, and educated the masses on the art of living well. With the likes of Charlotte Moss, Alexa Hampton, Veranda’s, Carolyn Engerfield, Albert Hadley, Bobby McAlpine, Ben Page and Gavin Duke, Sarah Champier, Cathy Whitlock, and Julia Reed, this show was an all-star hit, and this Farmer felt enlightened by their knowledge, talent, and presence. Of course, with the generosity of Beckett Antiques, my booth was furnished with a few of Italy and France’s finest pieces.  

     
As for my part proper in the show, I procured a ten foot by ten foot booth to display my floral, landscape, and interiors panache with a mélange of flowers, antiques, and photos from gardens I’ve designed. With some fanfare and much excitement, I was also able to promote for the first time my upcoming book, A Time to Plant, due out this September! Gibbs Smith Publishing is publishing the book and I could not be more thrilled!  A whole post on my book is coming soon!

For my little space, I bedecked all I could with the color theme of my Antiques and Garden Show song – coral, salmon, and pink! Grapefruit, tangerines, and navel oranges filled a fantastic planter from Amsterdam. The inside color of the fruit’s flesh is truly remarkable, thus slicing the fruit gave texture and exposure to the sumptuous color hiding beneath the rind. “Delight” amaryllis, “bronze” snapdragons, quince, forsythia, lilies, antique and hot pink hydrangeas, and greenery from sassanquas and magnolia poured, spilt, and sprang forth from containers and planters, thus making my booth a blooming homage to the coming spring. “Crushed Orange” having been named the hot color by many designers and trendsetters, many folks asked if that was my inspiration for the booth. “I simply love orange!” I would answer… “Salmon, coral, peach, and apricot to be exact!” Being en vogue and a la mode was just, as we say down here, “a blind pig finding an acorn" or," lucky” for those needing a Southern translation.

Visitors from most all the Southern states perused the show, attended lectures, and bought antiques to feather their nests. Nashville itself is an amazing Southern city, and this Farmer was wined and dined by locals at the best restaurants and even a cocktail party was given in my honor by dear friends. The party may have been in honor of yours truly, but I was honestly more humbled by the graciousness and generosity of these fine Nashville natives. Many, many thanks my friends!

So after nearly a week of toasting, antiquing, learning, and experiencing all that the Nashville Antiques and Garden Show had to offer, this Farmer had to head back to Kathleen, which leads me to the topic of most discussion during my tenure in Nashville. “Where is Kathleen?” was asked a million times at least, but the best answer I can give is that this bucolic hamlet of Houston County is a suburb of Wonderful Robins, Perry-dice, and Hawkinsville… it is my home as are those said towns. The common ground among said towns is Kathleen proper. I too share the common ground among those small Middle Georgia towns, and though it is always grand to see and visit afar, it always just as lovely to return home. From Nashville to Kathleen and everywhere in between, this Farmer hopes you find antiques, garden, and fun shows wherever you can!