Southern Host + Home :: Summer 2023

Southern

HOST HOME

Home for Entertaining with Southern Studio Interior Design

A PEEK INSIDE THE HOME OF SOUTHERN STUDIO’S OWN VICKY SERANY

GET THE LOOK: TWO TABLE SETTINGS TO ELEVATE YOUR SUMMER GATHERINGS

INTRODUCING HOME FOR ENTERTAINING, YOUR PARTNER IN CULTIVATING BEAUTIFUL, JOYFUL EXPERIENCES

A NOTE FROM VICKY

Life is certainly a journey and embracing new opportunities has been both rewarding and challenging! For a quarter century, my passion has focused on beauty and design. But it’s not only a passion, it’s a lifestyle. At Southern Studio, we have designed hundreds of homes over the years… homes where life happens: vacation memories made, family milestones celebrated, retirement dreams fulfilled, new babies welcomed, busy families thrived, and hard-working professionals recharged. It’s been a joy and privilege to be part of each family’s story and we will forever be grateful for their trust.

Yet sometimes we must embrace the twists and turns along the journey. Over the past several decades, we’ve experienced many amazingly beautiful and unexpected opportunities at Southern Studio. We are excited to continue the journey into a new phase while continuing to do what we do best – creating beautiful, luxurious spaces for our clients. Our small and mighty team continues to tackle a select number of projects that desire exceptional detail and personalized attention. We’re embracing the relationships we’ve created and slowing the pace while maintaining our standards for extraordinary design.

Over the years, as we’ve added the final details to our projects, it felt like something was still missing. During a visit to New York City last year, I began thinking about our clients and the beautiful homes we’ve created and had an epiphany. I wanted to help our clients feel comfortable actually living in their homes. Our family has always embraced a lifestyle of celebration – and I thought, we need to encourage others to feel comfortable gathering friends and family in their homes. After a few phone calls and a week of brainstorming during our family beach vacation, we began our mission to launch our new sister company, Home for Entertaining.

At Home for Entertaining, our passion is nourishing relationships through experiences meant to be shared. Whether it is an elevated gathering where entertaining is actually enjoyable or attending a special experience where new skills are learned, we believe that you deserve to enjoy your own party – and have more of them. This new venture is especially close to my heart since my family is embracing the challenge to bring this vision to life. We’ve been working tirelessly over the past year to develop a unique destination to gather, learn and shop.

Next month we will open our doors and welcome friends new and old. We’ll be sharing many ideas through this magazine, Southern Host + Home. We invite you to join us along the journey – you never know what surprises you might find.

Vicky Serany Founder + Principal

Photography:

Design and Layout: Samantha Beavers

Editorial: Caroline Barnhill and Stephanie Policastro

Jacqueline Reid Photography, Dustin Peck Photography, My Friend Teresa Studios, Morgan Caddell Photography

CHARLESTON LiViNG IN THE HEART OF CARY

Vicky Serany has designed many homes over the years... but has very rarely showed off her own. Now, she’d like to invite you to enjoy a virtual tour inside her Charleston-inspired Cary oasis. Thoughtful space planning and selections came together beautifully to transform this narrow lot into the home of her dreams.

Dan and Vicky Serany walked the streets of Charleston, South Carolina to glean inspiration for building their new home on a narrow plot of land nestled in the heart of vibrant downtown Cary.

“The lot is extremely narrow so I had to design a home that is only 29 feet wide. I remember staying up until 3 a.m. sketching ideas for what it could become,” Vicky says. “I pulled in the talented Tony Frazier of Frazier Home Design to work his magic.”

And magic it is.

The Serany’s home is the epitome of casual comfort with a focus on entertaining and outdoor living. The exterior was designed to mimic a historic Charleston home – complete with a gas lantern on the front porch.

Inside the home, a neutral color palette spotlights the Serany’s extensive art collection. Thoughtfully designed porches off both the front of the home and the primary bedroom overlook Downtown Cary Park.

The home boasts high ceilings on both the first and second floors, stunning oiled white oak floors with a wire brush finish from Ted Fulford of Fulford Flooring, and extensive millwork throughout.

“I love that my office is two blocks away and that I can walk up the street for a cup of coffee in the mornings or a glass of wine at night,” Vicky says. “What we created is my ideal home that exudes comfortable, casual sophistication with a nod to tradition.”

Calm and Collected

The Seranys added personality and character to their home with a thoughtful collection of art and special pieces that remind them of their travels together. To tie everything together, they brought in warm, serene neutrals, custom millwork and elegant light fixtures.

Left: Local artist Susan B. Hecht created a custom piece of art inspired by vineyards visited by Dan and Vicky. Top right: Dan Serany’s office spotlights his favorite “souvenirs” – photos he takes of manhole covers from destinations the Seranys have visited all over the world.

Bold splashes of color, fun patterns and antique mirrored tile backsplash make big statements in the compact, 500-square-foot space above the Serany’s garage designed as a luxury apartment for guests looking for a short-term stay.

A Few Favorites

Arteriors Home 32” pendant

Arteriors Home 66” linear suspension light

Natural Elegance Luxurious Mountain Living - a favorite book

Annie Selke Marshmallow comforter and oversized puff pillows

Annie Selke outdoor pillows

Le Derrières Candle Caiyu candle

Villeroy & Boch Rock Blanc dishes

Breville Oracle Touch espresso machine

girls HAPPY HOUR styling for summer

With shades of pink, orange and yellow, this table setting mimics an end-of-summer sunset and is a georgeous, charming backdrop for an afternoon with your favorite girls. Gold details and antique, heirloom pieces elevate the occasion, while bubbly drinks, bite sized chocolate truffles and kraft paper cone bags filled with popcorn keep it fun. Bright peonies in full bloom, plus flower ice cubes for chilling the champagne, add beautiful floral accents to the table – and frozen, sugared champagne grapes add a bit of sparkle.

Want to recreate this look? Shop our selection of glassware and tableware, featured right, to grab your essentials for this spread. For chocolate truffles like the ones featured above, flip over to page 14 to learn about Moon Angel Sweets. You can purchase a box or learn to make your own at Home for Entertaining’s upcoming brigadeiro-making event!

Palecek Spruce dining table

Beatriz Ball Vida acrylic bloom wine bucket

Juliska Amalia cocktail coupe set

Beatriz Ball Mother of Pearl flute with gold rim

Beatriz Ball Tara napkin rings

Beatriz Ball Sierra Modern Alejandra wine coaster

Zafferano Bilia Bottle

Atelier Saucier Santa Fe napkin set

CookOUT WITH FRIENDS

There’s nothing more quintessentially summer than a glass of lemonade and the smell of burgers on the grill. Add a touch of elegance to the classic cookout with pretty napkins, functionally beautiful serving pieces and soft lighting that allows guests to continue enjoying the evening outdoors after the sun goes down. We spotlight bright produce in peak season with a simple white and natural color palette – and steal the show with a gorgeous glass cloche to display the best part of every gathering: dessert.

etúHome glass cloche

etúHome silverware caddy

Zafferano Olivia table lamp

etúHome brasserie round trivet

Atelier Saucier Cabana napkin set

Juliska Berry & Thread melamine platter

etúHome Bianca nesting lazy Susan

Juliska Isabella acrylic goblet

Juliska Berry & Thread place setting

Juliska Berry & Thread melamine plate

Revol french fries basket

THROW YOUR OWN OYSTER ROAST

A Southern staple, oyster roasts represent everything there is to love about the South. This casual-yet-sophisticated meal brings everyone together, leaves an impression and feels downright special. So let’s throw one, shall we? From the menu and music to decor and games, we’ve got you covered. Photos by Locals Seafood.

the food: the decor:

Grab your oysters from Locals Seafood (our fave!) and serve them alongside saltine crackers, lemon wedges, hot sauce and a batch of cocktail sauce prepared from Locals’ own recipe below.

Locals SIGNATURE Cocktail Sauce

What you’ll need

• 1 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons Worchestershire

• 1 tablespoon horseradish

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

How to prepare Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. For a spicier cocktail sauce, add a little extra horseradish. Yields 1.5 cups.

Find more sauce recipes here

Dark striped napkins, a pretty oyster-shaped bowl and galvanized details make for a gorgeous event. We love this caddy for storing gloves, oyster knives, etc.

MEGAN’S FAVORITE SIDES

Fried pickles + jalapeno hushpuppies. Tangy, spicy, salty... and well, perfect.

JACKIE’S FAVORITE DESSERT

These cowboy cookies. Easy for guests to grab while they’re mingling outside!

Atelier Saucier

Hickory Stripe napkin set

the technique:

Beatriz Ball

Vida Ocean oyster bowl

Artland galvanized caddy

Wish you could shuck oysters like a pro? You can! Join us for an oyster shucking workshop with Locals Seafood on August 24th and learn from the experts.

the fun: the wine:

the tunes:

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label

Brut Cham-

Giant Jenga blocks

Golden Happy Hour by Home for Entertaining

COMMUNITY SPOTLiGHT: Moon ANGEL SWEETS

About Moon Angel Sweets

Daniela Waterhouse of Moon Angel Sweets – plus her talented team – create mouth-watering, hand-crafted brigadeiros available at their new tasting room in Morrisville, North Carolina. Daniela grew up on the beautiful coast of Northeastern Brazil and is passionate about sharing Brazilian culture with her community. In addition to producing delicious chocolates, she also imports original art and artisanal products from her travels throughout Brazil. Through her partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse , Daniela has made it her mission to develop a socially conscious, community-oriented enterprise. Daniela’s collection of art and chocolates are a delightful addition to your dessert table and make a stunning and thoughtful gift for friends, family members and hostesses alike!

Learn to make them

Daniela teaches participants the art of hand rolling brigadeiros while sharing her passion for the truffles and their cultural significance in private interactive workshops. Home for Entertaining will be hosting Moon Angel Sweets for a special event at our Downtown Cary location on Friday, August 11th. With the purchase of a ticket on our website, you will learn the art of crafting your own brigadeiros while sipping a complimentary beverage in our brand-new demonstration space. In addition to learning this new skill, you will have the opportunity to shop privately through our market space and enjoy a pop-up gallery of unique, hand-made Brazilian art pieces collected by Daniela herself. Bring your families, friends and a sweet tooth! We can’t wait to see you there!

WORKSHOPS + EVENTS

PRESENTED BY HOME FOR ENTERTAINING

Our interactive workshops are fun, unique experiences designed to inspire a love for hospitality, gathering and entertaining. You’ll learn the art of entertaining by experiencing it first-hand – and get the opportunity to shop our market space. Click here to purchase tickets and explore new experiences as they are added.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 | 119 W PARK ST CARY, NC

Brazilian Brigadeiro Making with Moon Angel Sweets

Learn to roll a perfect brigadeiro, Brazil’s traditional chocolate truffle, with Daniela Waterhouse and her team of chocolatiers. You’ll learn techniques for crafting your own brigadeiros using the highest-quality ingredients – as well as the history and cultural significance of these traditional treats. Bring the skill home to share with your loved ones at your next gathering, or gift a delicious box of brigadeiros to the host or hostess at your next party.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 | 119 W PARK ST CARY, NC

La Crêperie de Paris with The Crêpe Cakerie

Join Joan Baumer as she teaches the ins and outs of creating delicious, picture-perfect crêpes for your next gathering. You’ll master the art of making foolproof batter, flipping the ideal crêpe and performing a variety of folds – and you’ll have the opportunity to sample several savory fillings sure to leave your tastebuds craving for more!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 | 119 W PARK ST CARY, NC

Mommy & Me Cupcakes and Floral Crowns

Join us for a whimsical afternoon filled with florals and confections. You and your mini-me will participate in a cupcake decorating demonstration where you’ll learn to pipe the perfect rainbow cupcake topped with baubles and candies, followed by a workshop with a florist where you’ll learn to create stunning flower crowns out of beautiful flowers and greenery.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 | 119 W PARK ST CARY, NC

North Carolina Oysters: Shucking 101 with Locals Seafood

Learn to shuck oysters simply and safely with Sarah Grace of Locals Seafood while enjoying fresh oysters from the North Carolina coast. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear about different techniques used to farm these local oysters and the environmental factors that go into safely harvesting them. You’ll be ready to show off professional shucking techniques at your next oyster roast – and teach your guests, too!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31 | 119 W PARK ST CARY, NC

Crème de la Crêpe with The Crêpe Cakerie

Take your crêpe-making skills to the next level and get ready to delight friends and family with this classic Parisian treat. Joan Baumer will help you practice advanced techniques and show you how to incorporate seasonal fruits and hand-made spreads into a variety of gourmet dessert crêpes. During this interactive workshop, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste irresistible, made-from-scratch fillings. Bring your friends, family and sweet tooth!

MEET THE TEAMS

BEHIND Southern HOST + HOME

Southern Host + Home Magazine is a partnership between award-winning Southern Studio Interior Design and its new sister company, Home for Entertaining. Together, the teams create functionally beautiful spaces and elevate environments for entertaining – in order to cultivate joyful experiences within the home.

PAIGE ADAMS

SENIOR DESIGNER

With a keen eye for detail, Paige Adams creates perfectly curated spaces that her clients adore. Her happy and relaxed approach to design is reflected in the end result. Highly organized and efficient, Paige is known for providing an exceptional client experience every time.

DREAM PROJECT Bringing an old, historical Charleston home back to life.

KAYLA BOYLE

SENIOR DESIGNER

Kayla loves designing spaces that exude casual sophistication and incorporate a strategic pop of color. A coastal retreat? Kayla’s sweet spot! Most of all, she infuses infectious enthusiasm and positive energy into each and every design project… which is why her clients love her!

DREAM EVENT

MEGAN BRADLEY

DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENCES

As an elementary school teacher, Megan created learning environments where students feel safe and inspired. She is happiest when hosting get-togethers and connecting with friends and family, and she’s excited to bring her creative spirit and passion for meaningful experiences to Home for Entertaining!

An outdoor party on an early summer evening.

JACKIE SERANY

DIRECTOR OF RETAIL

Jackie has spent her career focused on customer success, and has also worked for various boutiques over the years as a fun way to engage with customers (and fund her shopping habits). Today, she brings these passions – along with her love of baking and cookbooks – to Home for Entertaining.

DREAM PROJECT

I’d love to design a vacation home for my family one day.

VICKY SERANY FOUNDER + PRINCIPAL

Vicky uses fresh combinations of texture, pattern and color to create luxury interiors that meet the needs of each client. Vicky’s extensive work in residential design and new home construction has earned her awards, both locally and nationally, including being named Southern Living Magazine’s Designer of the Year.

DREAM EVENT

Elevated tailgating for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Raleigh.

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Southern Studio

Home for Entertaining

DREAM PROJECT

A small, intimate boutique hotel or bed and breakfast filled with luxury details.

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