17Apr

Ask Pransey?

POSTDear Pransey,

One of my favorite parts of entertaining is the invitation. I just think it is so important to set the mood and with all the beautiful paper out there, I don’t see how you could resist. But my question is, what is the proper way to invite friends to a last minute event or party? When I don’t have the time to pull together a paper invitation, is a well-written email or text my only option? They just seem so informal and I want my parties to feel special! Could you suggest a more festive option?

Thank you so much,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth,

Pransey P has just the thing! I too love a beautiful invitation.  They are something I never forget to give and always remember getting! But when proper planning is impossible, and a last-minute party becomes likely, I use POST! This wonderful little iphone application has tons of invitation designs for theme parties, birthdays, holidays and more! They are fun and sophisticated and I can even send a monogrammed card! They are quite simple to create and I can send them right from my phone through email or text message! So when I can use pretty paper, I always use postage, but when I cant, I use POST!

XOXO,

Pransey P.

POSTDear Pransey,

One of my favorite parts of entertaining is the invitation. I just think it is so important to set the mood and with all the beautiful paper out there, I don’t see how you could resist. But my question is, what is the proper way to invite friends to a last minute event or party? When I don’t have the time to pull together a paper invitation, is a well-written email or text my only option? They just seem so informal and I want my parties to feel special! Could you suggest a more festive option?

Thank you so much,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth,

Pransey P has just the thing! I too love a beautiful invitation.  They are something I never forget to give and always remember getting! But when proper planning is impossible, and a last-minute party becomes likely, I use POST! This wonderful little iphone application has tons of invitation designs for theme parties, birthdays, holidays and more! They are fun and sophisticated and I can even send a monogrammed card! They are quite simple to create and I can send them right from my phone through email or text message! So when I can use pretty paper, I always use postage, but when I cant, I use POST!

XOXO,

Pransey P.

08Apr

Just another Day at the Races!

Say hello to the horses with a sip of spring! The races are on, but that doesnt mean you need to move fast. Take a slow sip of two drinks that have always made me say “mmmmm……”. The Mint Julep and the Mojito are perfect for days when you need help forgetting the heat! So grab your Salisbury sterlings and pick your favorite pony! It’s just another day at the races! Mojito :: 2 tablespoons of crushed fresh mint leaves, minding the over-meddling 1 ounce Simple Syrup 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1 1/2 ounces white rum 1 sprig fresh mint and small lime wedge for garnish Crushed ice Serves 1 Mint Julep :: A Mint Julep is best if made a day in advance! It allows the flavors to mix and the sugar to properly sweeten! 4 cups of bourbon, Blanton’s of corse! 2 bunches of mint 1 cup distilled water 1 cup granulated sugar powdered sugar to taste Shaved ice Take 3 1/2 cups of bourbon, adding a cup of simple syrup to the mix! In a separate container, let 40 or so mint leaves soak for 15 minutes. Collect them into a paper towel and wring them out and back into the bourbon. Combine both containers and refrigerate for 24 hours. (The longer it sits, the more you savor!) Once poured, garnish with a sprig of mint and a short straw, sprinkling powdered sugar on top for taste! serves 10 A Simple Suggestion from Pransey… To make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and distilled water in a small saucepan. With low heat, stir the sugar until dissolved! Mojitos and Mint Juleps!
Say hello to the horses with a sip of spring! The races are on, but that doesnt mean you need to move fast. Take a slow sip of two drinks that have always made me say “mmmmm……”. The Mint Julep and the Mojito are perfect for days when you need help forgetting the heat! So grab your Salisbury sterlings and pick your favorite pony! It’s just another day at the races! Mojito :: 2 tablespoons of crushed fresh mint leaves, minding the over-meddling 1 ounce Simple Syrup 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1 1/2 ounces white rum 1 sprig fresh mint and small lime wedge for garnish Crushed ice Serves 1 Mint Julep :: A Mint Julep is best if made a day in advance! It allows the flavors to mix and the sugar to properly sweeten! 4 cups of bourbon, Blanton’s of corse! 2 bunches of mint 1 cup distilled water 1 cup granulated sugar powdered sugar to taste Shaved ice Take 3 1/2 cups of bourbon, adding a cup of simple syrup to the mix! In a separate container, let 40 or so mint leaves soak for 15 minutes. Collect them into a paper towel and wring them out and back into the bourbon. Combine both containers and refrigerate for 24 hours. (The longer it sits, the more you savor!) Once poured, garnish with a sprig of mint and a short straw, sprinkling powdered sugar on top for taste! serves 10 A Simple Suggestion from Pransey… To make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and distilled water in a small saucepan. With low heat, stir the sugar until dissolved! Mojitos and Mint Juleps!

07Apr

Pry them open the proper way!

While all southerners certainly appreciate the warming weather, they all know there is something much more significant in March and April than the sun. Its the “r”! Indicating oyster season, that little letter leads us to decks, docks, and dives all over the Southeast to pry one open. Its our first chance to taste the sea after a long winter season and sharing them with friends makes it all the better! So make the most of this spring by prying them open the proper way! Dressing the part… While any old glove and shucker will do, I love any opportunity to dress the part. Whether you are informal or fancy, here are a few of my favorites… W. Lee O’ Quinn Victorinox Swiss Army Allen LeBlanc RH Forschner Grip Guard Know what’s what… WIth your gloved hand, hold the oyster with the hinge facing up. Holding the shucker in the other hand, wedge the blade in-between the two shells on the narrow end. keeping your gloved hand steady, twist your wrist steadily until the top shell comes off. You’ll just love the leverage! Share the secret…. Whether they are raw, steamed, fried or gratineed, enjoying oysters is a secret that is better shared! Nothing beats a bivalve bake or a shucking soiree to celebrate spring, so invite all your friends! if nothing else, they will always make it for the menu! Pry them open the proper way! Pry them open the proper way! pry them open the proper way! Pry them open the proper way!
While all southerners certainly appreciate the warming weather, they all know there is something much more significant in March and April than the sun. Its the “r”! Indicating oyster season, that little letter leads us to decks, docks, and dives all over the Southeast to pry one open. Its our first chance to taste the sea after a long winter season and sharing them with friends makes it all the better! So make the most of this spring by prying them open the proper way! Dressing the part… While any old glove and shucker will do, I love any opportunity to dress the part. Whether you are informal or fancy, here are a few of my favorites… W. Lee O’ Quinn Victorinox Swiss Army Allen LeBlanc RH Forschner Grip Guard Know what’s what… WIth your gloved hand, hold the oyster with the hinge facing up. Holding the shucker in the other hand, wedge the blade in-between the two shells on the narrow end. keeping your gloved hand steady, twist your wrist steadily until the top shell comes off. You’ll just love the leverage! Share the secret…. Whether they are raw, steamed, fried or gratineed, enjoying oysters is a secret that is better shared! Nothing beats a bivalve bake or a shucking soiree to celebrate spring, so invite all your friends! if nothing else, they will always make it for the menu! Pry them open the proper way! Pry them open the proper way! pry them open the proper way! Pry them open the proper way!

10Mar

Quotes as Southern as Sweet Tea on a Summer Day!

Some of the most Southern Quips & Qoutes as submitted by our darling gents and belles! Thank you to everyone who sent us your favorites! Enjoy…because I sure did! “Sharing…it’s the best part of a supper!” - Eryn Houck “Well that is just so common!” -Vernon Pringle Parish Weber “What can be more Southern than to obsess about being Southern?” -Elizabeth Fortson Arroyo “I can shoot straight, if I don’t have to shoot too far.” -Scarlett O’Hara “Bless your heart” “A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today.” -Robert E. Lee “Do Southerners laugh at different things than Northerners do? Yes–Northerners.” -Roy Blount My sister says Southerners are like other people, only more so.” -Blanche McCrary Boyd “Lettin’ the cat outta’ the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.” -Will Rogers “I’ve always said that next to Imperial China, the South is the best place in the world to be an old lady.” -Florence King “Well, they’re Southern people, and if they know you are working at  home they think nothing of walking right in for coffee. But they  wouldn’t dream of interrupting you at golf.” - Harper Lee “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” - Mark Twain “Well that just dills my pickle!” “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”
Some of the most Southern Quips & Qoutes as submitted by our darling gents and belles! Thank you to everyone who sent us your favorites! Enjoy…because I sure did! “Sharing…it’s the best part of a supper!” - Eryn Houck “Well that is just so common!” -Vernon Pringle Parish Weber “What can be more Southern than to obsess about being Southern?” -Elizabeth Fortson Arroyo “I can shoot straight, if I don’t have to shoot too far.” -Scarlett O’Hara “Bless your heart” “A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today.” -Robert E. Lee “Do Southerners laugh at different things than Northerners do? Yes–Northerners.” -Roy Blount My sister says Southerners are like other people, only more so.” -Blanche McCrary Boyd “Lettin’ the cat outta’ the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.” -Will Rogers “I’ve always said that next to Imperial China, the South is the best place in the world to be an old lady.” -Florence King “Well, they’re Southern people, and if they know you are working at  home they think nothing of walking right in for coffee. But they  wouldn’t dream of interrupting you at golf.” - Harper Lee “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” - Mark Twain “Well that just dills my pickle!” “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

17Feb

Southern Sayings: Whether it’s a quip or quote, Pransey will take note!

Southerners have never used one word, where ten or twenty will do! With centuries of charming chit-chat and delightful dialogs, we find ourselves with many a quip to quote. May it be from a memorable movie, a real good read, or a casual conversation, send me your favorite southern sayings! Please email them to pranseyp@southernproper.com and I will be back with the best…Bless your heart!
Southerners have never used one word, where ten or twenty will do! With centuries of charming chit-chat and delightful dialogs, we find ourselves with many a quip to quote. May it be from a memorable movie, a real good read, or a casual conversation, send me your favorite southern sayings! Please email them to pranseyp@southernproper.com and I will be back with the best…Bless your heart!

10Feb

Cupid is a Southern Gentleman Too!

Love is in the air this week throughout the South! Gentlemen everywhere will be swooning over Southern Belles and trying to win their affection with charm and style. It’s true that flowers and chocolates are the gift of tradition, but trust me guys when I say we’d like something that represents who we are as ladies, the beaus we love and the special fondness we share with you. Simply put, we’d just like to be reminded of just how much you adore us! Here are some perfectly proper pointers for a delightful V-day!
  1. Sunday Supper: We all know “food is love” in the South. Instead of hitting the hustle and bustle of the restaurant scene, create a special sunday menu that features all her favorites! Even if your not a Top Chef, there are great restaurants with take out available and then you can focus on the proper presentation! Break out the silver that’s been in your family for generations. Use the fine china and monogrammed napkins. And most importantly, put on your Southern Proper style because a gentleman always looks his best for her!
  2. Beau Blooms: Flowers are a beautiful sentiment that can always express your true feelings! Instead of traditional roses, try an arrangement with peonies and hydrangeas. Or, how about a special trip to your local botanical gardens or even a nice floral scented perfume that reminds you of her!
  3. Sweets for the Sweet: Chocolates can be the way to her heart…but so can a box of freshly baked doughnuts from her favorite hometown Donut hole! Sometimes it’s as simple as a snickers bar and for others it just might be a trip after dinner to a old fashioned diner for handmade milkshakes! Whatever the treat, as long as it’s her favorite you’ll be sure to get some sugar, shugah!
  4. Sentimentally Southern: If blossoms, sweets and supper don’t tickle your fancy, here are a few gift ideas that always make an impression! Tickets to see her favorite band, a vintage book of love poems or short stories, an outfit she’s been eyeing at her favorite boutique, a surprise dinner with her best friends, or even a weekend getaway to one of the South’s special resorts!
Although Valentine’s day only comes around once a year, a true Southern Gent reminds his belle how much he loves her each and every day of the year! Vday
Love is in the air this week throughout the South! Gentlemen everywhere will be swooning over Southern Belles and trying to win their affection with charm and style. It’s true that flowers and chocolates are the gift of tradition, but trust me guys when I say we’d like something that represents who we are as ladies, the beaus we love and the special fondness we share with you. Simply put, we’d just like to be reminded of just how much you adore us! Here are some perfectly proper pointers for a delightful V-day!
  1. Sunday Supper: We all know “food is love” in the South. Instead of hitting the hustle and bustle of the restaurant scene, create a special sunday menu that features all her favorites! Even if your not a Top Chef, there are great restaurants with take out available and then you can focus on the proper presentation! Break out the silver that’s been in your family for generations. Use the fine china and monogrammed napkins. And most importantly, put on your Southern Proper style because a gentleman always looks his best for her!
  2. Beau Blooms: Flowers are a beautiful sentiment that can always express your true feelings! Instead of traditional roses, try an arrangement with peonies and hydrangeas. Or, how about a special trip to your local botanical gardens or even a nice floral scented perfume that reminds you of her!
  3. Sweets for the Sweet: Chocolates can be the way to her heart…but so can a box of freshly baked doughnuts from her favorite hometown Donut hole! Sometimes it’s as simple as a snickers bar and for others it just might be a trip after dinner to a old fashioned diner for handmade milkshakes! Whatever the treat, as long as it’s her favorite you’ll be sure to get some sugar, shugah!
  4. Sentimentally Southern: If blossoms, sweets and supper don’t tickle your fancy, here are a few gift ideas that always make an impression! Tickets to see her favorite band, a vintage book of love poems or short stories, an outfit she’s been eyeing at her favorite boutique, a surprise dinner with her best friends, or even a weekend getaway to one of the South’s special resorts!
Although Valentine’s day only comes around once a year, a true Southern Gent reminds his belle how much he loves her each and every day of the year! Vday

02Feb

Pransey’s Knots to Know!

The Southern Small Knot Take the broad end in hand and turn it over so the seam shows. Place the narrow end over the broad and pull the broad over. Pull the whole broad end up through the half-formed knot. Push the broad end under the front loop and pull all the way through Pull tight and look just right! Pranseysmallknot[2] The Classic Cross Knot Let the broad end fall long, placing it on top of the narrow end. Pull the broad end under the narrow end and above the loop at the neck. Cross the broad end over the narrow end and under the other side of the loop. Pull the broad end under the front loop. Hold the knot and gently pull the narrow end. PranseyCrossKnot[1] The Fancy Four-in-hand Let the broad end fall long. Wrap the broad end all the way around the narrow end. Pull the broad end up from under the loop at the neck. Tuck the broad end through the front loop. Hold the narrow end and tighten the the knot Pransey4-in-hand The Belle-lovin bow tie Leave the left side slightly longer Cross the left over the right above where it narrows. Make a simple knot Fold the left end in half at the front of the neck Wrap the right end around the fold and up under the back of the knot to make a loop. Pass the unfolded end through the knot, aligning it with the first fold. Hold the bow at the fold and pull carefully to tighten PranseyBowtie1[1]
The Southern Small Knot Take the broad end in hand and turn it over so the seam shows. Place the narrow end over the broad and pull the broad over. Pull the whole broad end up through the half-formed knot. Push the broad end under the front loop and pull all the way through Pull tight and look just right! Pranseysmallknot[2] The Classic Cross Knot Let the broad end fall long, placing it on top of the narrow end. Pull the broad end under the narrow end and above the loop at the neck. Cross the broad end over the narrow end and under the other side of the loop. Pull the broad end under the front loop. Hold the knot and gently pull the narrow end. PranseyCrossKnot[1] The Fancy Four-in-hand Let the broad end fall long. Wrap the broad end all the way around the narrow end. Pull the broad end up from under the loop at the neck. Tuck the broad end through the front loop. Hold the narrow end and tighten the the knot Pransey4-in-hand The Belle-lovin bow tie Leave the left side slightly longer Cross the left over the right above where it narrows. Make a simple knot Fold the left end in half at the front of the neck Wrap the right end around the fold and up under the back of the knot to make a loop. Pass the unfolded end through the knot, aligning it with the first fold. Hold the bow at the fold and pull carefully to tighten PranseyBowtie1[1]

11Jan

Ask Pransey?

Dear Pransey, I love southern style, but I dont like to stand out too much. While some guys look great in green pants and pink shirts, I usually stick to the classics. I would love a way to integrate some color into my casual wear without making a huge change. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks, Scott Dearest Scott, There is nothing I like better than a well placed pop of color. Just the other day I was having brunch with a friend when we spotted a dashing young man clad only in classics. Though his stone khakis and blue button down were surely suitable, it was something small that made us swoon: his socks. Hovering above his horse-bits and peaking out from under his pants, sat a pair of blue, red and yellow argyle socks that deserved a double-take. This small staple will brighten your day and your wardrobe, so take a tip from the pics and put some pep in your step!~Pransey Pantherella: http://www.pantherella.co.uk/index.htm Corgi: http://www.carltonsapparel.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog&categoryID=65 Thomas Pink: http://www.thomaspink.com/pws/Home.ice Happy Socks: New and pretty cool little company. http://www.happysocks.com/ Socks
Dear Pransey, I love southern style, but I dont like to stand out too much. While some guys look great in green pants and pink shirts, I usually stick to the classics. I would love a way to integrate some color into my casual wear without making a huge change. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks, Scott Dearest Scott, There is nothing I like better than a well placed pop of color. Just the other day I was having brunch with a friend when we spotted a dashing young man clad only in classics. Though his stone khakis and blue button down were surely suitable, it was something small that made us swoon: his socks. Hovering above his horse-bits and peaking out from under his pants, sat a pair of blue, red and yellow argyle socks that deserved a double-take. This small staple will brighten your day and your wardrobe, so take a tip from the pics and put some pep in your step!~Pransey Pantherella: http://www.pantherella.co.uk/index.htm Corgi: http://www.carltonsapparel.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog&categoryID=65 Thomas Pink: http://www.thomaspink.com/pws/Home.ice Happy Socks: New and pretty cool little company. http://www.happysocks.com/ Socks

29Dec

New Year…Old Traditions Ring True For Gents!

We’ve taken another full trip around the sun and it’s time to ring in the New Year! And, no matter what your plans for your special celebration this New Year’s Eve, here are a few tried and true tips for our Beaus (and Belles too) this new beginnings night! Happy New Year and may you always have colorful cocktails to share with friends, polish and poise in every situation and the spirt of the South in your heart! Tips for Gents on New Year’s Eve: 1. Tux for Lux: If there ever was a night for a tuxedo, New Year’s Eve is the perfect fit! Ladies love a man in a tuxedo, so no matter what the affair, a tux is always in fashion! And I might know of a few bowties that would just be a perfect compliment to top it off! 2. Get the Good Stuff: Kick off your 2010 with the best “spirits” one can afford! Vintage Champagnes, Rare Bourbons, Fine Wines are surely to be enjoyed and appreciated with love and laughter until the clock strikes! 3. The Gentleman’s Glance: Always, always glance around at other guests to ensure no one is left out of the socializing or without a dance partner! Especially in the South, Gentlemen should always do their best to make sure ALL ladies are included and made to feel special particularly on New Years! 4. Goodnight Kiss: It is tradition to kiss your belle at midnight! Even if it’s a friendly kiss on the cheek, be sure to follow it up with a warm embrace and a sincere compliment! Also, a word to the wise…Cigars although some guys celebrate with these, please hold off until after the countdown & kiss! 5. Don’t just look your best, but BE the BEST for others! Happy New Year! veuve_vintage_sub_subpransey_sig_2
We’ve taken another full trip around the sun and it’s time to ring in the New Year! And, no matter what your plans for your special celebration this New Year’s Eve, here are a few tried and true tips for our Beaus (and Belles too) this new beginnings night! Happy New Year and may you always have colorful cocktails to share with friends, polish and poise in every situation and the spirt of the South in your heart! Tips for Gents on New Year’s Eve: 1. Tux for Lux: If there ever was a night for a tuxedo, New Year’s Eve is the perfect fit! Ladies love a man in a tuxedo, so no matter what the affair, a tux is always in fashion! And I might know of a few bowties that would just be a perfect compliment to top it off! 2. Get the Good Stuff: Kick off your 2010 with the best “spirits” one can afford! Vintage Champagnes, Rare Bourbons, Fine Wines are surely to be enjoyed and appreciated with love and laughter until the clock strikes! 3. The Gentleman’s Glance: Always, always glance around at other guests to ensure no one is left out of the socializing or without a dance partner! Especially in the South, Gentlemen should always do their best to make sure ALL ladies are included and made to feel special particularly on New Years! 4. Goodnight Kiss: It is tradition to kiss your belle at midnight! Even if it’s a friendly kiss on the cheek, be sure to follow it up with a warm embrace and a sincere compliment! Also, a word to the wise…Cigars although some guys celebrate with these, please hold off until after the countdown & kiss! 5. Don’t just look your best, but BE the BEST for others! Happy New Year! veuve_vintage_sub_subpransey_sig_2

19Dec

All I Want for Christmas is….Treppy!

It’s no secret that Southern Belles usually have their hearts set on some very special items each Christmas! I am often asked what’s on my wish list and this year it’s ALL THINGS “TREPPY”! Yes you heard correctly, “TREPPY”? It’s a perfect combo of Trendy and Preppy….just think of your classic golden accessorized with this year’s proper plaid scarf! After all, Plaid is the new black! So Gents take notes because with only a few shopping days left you’ll need to reference the list below for any mistletoe action this season!! Merry Christmas! 1. TB’s (Tory Burch Revas)….Go Suede this season in a fun grape or royal color! 2. Chanel Petites…My favorite Style Icon has a full collection of perfectly petite perfumes to give you a sassy scent selection for all occasions! 3. Bubbles….A bottle of Gossett Grande Reserve Champagne is just the thing for merriment this Christmas and because sometimes a cup of cheer is the way to a woman’s heart! 4. Letterpress Stationary….You must check out www.chocolatebutterbean.com for custom creativity and cuteness! 5. Bangles & Bracelets.…Leave it to Kate Spade to put clever sayings on the inside of her fun idiom bangles! A must have stocking stuffer. And of course…. 2114593171_43133303e16. The Perfect Gift.…A Sweet & Smiling Southern Gentleman fully clad in tartan plaid pants, bits, a camel hair coat and all tied up like a perfectly wrapped present with a Southern Proper Beau Tie! I can’t think of a better gift this Christmas!
It’s no secret that Southern Belles usually have their hearts set on some very special items each Christmas! I am often asked what’s on my wish list and this year it’s ALL THINGS “TREPPY”! Yes you heard correctly, “TREPPY”? It’s a perfect combo of Trendy and Preppy….just think of your classic golden accessorized with this year’s proper plaid scarf! After all, Plaid is the new black! So Gents take notes because with only a few shopping days left you’ll need to reference the list below for any mistletoe action this season!! Merry Christmas! 1. TB’s (Tory Burch Revas)….Go Suede this season in a fun grape or royal color! 2. Chanel Petites…My favorite Style Icon has a full collection of perfectly petite perfumes to give you a sassy scent selection for all occasions! 3. Bubbles….A bottle of Gossett Grande Reserve Champagne is just the thing for merriment this Christmas and because sometimes a cup of cheer is the way to a woman’s heart! 4. Letterpress Stationary….You must check out www.chocolatebutterbean.com for custom creativity and cuteness! 5. Bangles & Bracelets.…Leave it to Kate Spade to put clever sayings on the inside of her fun idiom bangles! A must have stocking stuffer. And of course…. 2114593171_43133303e16. The Perfect Gift.…A Sweet & Smiling Southern Gentleman fully clad in tartan plaid pants, bits, a camel hair coat and all tied up like a perfectly wrapped present with a Southern Proper Beau Tie! I can’t think of a better gift this Christmas!
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