Y’all. Is there a more wonderfully inclusive word in the English language? I recently ran across a study—a collaborative endeavor between the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech—that says the Southern accent is fading. This, of course, comes as no surprise. Technology—social media, in particular—has transformed the world we live in, and unlike previous generations that mostly exchanged banter on the porch, our world is far less insular and therefore shaped by a broader-reaching set of influences.
In many ways, that’s a good thing. The more connected we are, perhaps the more open-minded and empathetic we can be. (Or so we can hope.) But, even if the Southern accent fades, I’m optimistic that the region will maintain a certain magic that doesn’t exist anywhere else. Besides, y’all isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life.
Our latest book, The Southerner’s Y’allmanac, is a celebration of the unique charms of the Southern United States—a place many Country Living readers happen to call home. Think of it as a modern-day take on The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the trusted, 200-year-old resource that farmers and gardeners reference and rely on through the changing seasons. Down here in the South, we, too, are extremely attuned to the seasons (garden-party season, peach season, football season…), which is why we decided to create our own handbook of sorts—one that acts as both a practical and an inspirational year-round reference while simultaneously shining a spotlight on our iconic idiosyncrasies.
I should also acknowledge that there are certain things Southerners cannot fully lay claim to as a culture (Mason jars, fireflies, college football), but—because they’re as clung to our consciousness as kudzu is to the landscape—they felt worthy of inclusion.
In addition to advice of the pragmatic kind (how to grow azaleas, the best way to polish silver, the art of a thank-you note), you’ll also find plenty of beautiful imagery (inviting interiors! must-try recipes! striking centerpieces!), as well as quirky tidbits and Southern I-never-knew-thats. (For example, did you know cotton candy was invented by a Nashville dentist, or that a single Kentucky Derby glass from the 1930s is worth up to $5,000?)
Whether you’re a native Southerner or a Southerner in spirit, we hope the pages of The Y’allmanac capture the convivial atmosphere of the region that turned tailgating into an art form and made porching a treasured pastime.
Come On In: Take a Look Inside!
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living
From brake-worthy exteriors (how cute is that Texas farmhouse with the pink front door?) to skirted tables to inviting entries, the book serves up a heaping helping of design inspiration with a distinctly Southern slant. You’ll also find paint colors with Southern cred (psst: William Faulkner loved green) and ways to pretty up the porch through every season.
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living
If you’ve spent any time in the South, then you know Southerners love any excuse to twirl up a table—or a tailgate, for that matter. That’s why you’ll also find the pages are packed with clever seasonal place settings and striking centerpieces.
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living
Those tomatoes aren’t gonna grow themselves! Seasonal gardening advice centered around Southern mainstays of both the petal and produce variety will keep you informed from seed to centerpiece…or sandwich.
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living
Featuring a mix of classic dishes worth perfecting (Tomato Pie, Pimento Cheese, Skillet Cornbread) alongside familiar flavors with a twist (Cheerwine Ribs! Hummingbird Bundt Cake!), The Y’allmanac is sure to become the cookbook you reach for time and time again. (It’s also a great gift for graduates, newlyweds, or recent Southern transplants wondering whether they need a signature chicken salad.)
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living
It’s also a visual road trip along the South’s byways and backroads! Whether it’s a visit to an old-timey soda fountain or a stop by a peach-shaped water tower (there are two in these parts, for the record), the pages are packed with learning and lore related to small towns, hidden hamlets, and quirky festivals.
Honestly, this sneak peek hardly scratches the surface! You’ll also learn a lot about some of the South’s favorite antiques and collectibles (quilts! china!), enjoy advice from prominent Southerners, and find out the history behind some of your favorite expressions.
Pre-Order The Southerner’s Y’allmanac
The (highly giftable!) hardcover book officially hits stores on August 5th, but you can pre-order now on Amazon and the other retailers above to ensure you’ll have it just in time for tailgating season and all of the festivities that follow. (Whether it’s Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce or Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread, the recipes in the fall chapter are not to be missed!)
Enjoy!
More Southern Style Inspiration:
Rachel Hardage Barrett has written for and edited lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As the editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things related to country life—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culture—for more than a decade. Before Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Executive Editor covering travel, food, style, and features. Before Southern Living, Rachel was the Special Projects Director of Real Simple, where she wrote and oversaw books and special issues about food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting in addition to working on international editions and licensed products. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel started her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and features content. When she’s not working on the magazine, she can likely be found poking around an antiques shop, perusing country real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.