FOOD BLOG

Dabney Day is the writer and director of independent film “The Gardener,” which will be screened April 28 in Oxford as part of its national release. Q: “The Gardener” is being screened in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Honolulu and many other cities around the country. Why is it important to you to show this film in Oxford? A: As a Mississippi native — and specifically from Greenville — Oxford has always been one of my go-to places when the senses long for calm in a chaotic world. A s

There’s a movement afoot to put northeast Mississippi on the musical map for its place in the birth of rockabilly music. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem If you are from northeast Mississippi, rockabilly is your proud birthright. And there’s a movement afoot to make sure you and everyone else knows it. And just what is rockabilly, you might be asking yourself? It’s Johnny Cash preaching “Folsom Prison Blues” to a roomful of rowdy inmates. It’s Elvis Presle

Through quilts, landscapes and experimental projections, artist Coulter Fussell explores memory, material and Mississippi life in her sweeping new exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Written by Lena Anderson | Photos by joe worthem Water Valley artist Coulter Fussell is the subject of a major new exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art this spring, bringing her distinctive textile-based work to a statewide audience. Titled “Coulter Fussell: The Proving Ground,” t

Inspired by the Masters golf tournament, these recipes are sure to please at any springtime gathering. Recipes and Styling by Sarah Godwin | Photographed by Joe Worthem April has arrived, and with it, golf season is officially in swing. Golf leagues at local country clubs and community courses are teeing off for the season. Friends are packing up their clubs and taking off for golf trips to dreamy destinations with pristine fairways and manicured greens. Collegiate players

Memphis native Allyn Fraser is this year’s Double Decker Arts Festival poster artist. Interviewed by Emily Welly | Photos by Madi Aldrich with Kelly Ginn Photography Inspired by her city, her family and the people who love her art, Allyn Fraser creates interesting, colorful canvases, does live portrait work and even has a new mail club. We talked to her about her background and being chosen as this year’s festival poster artist. Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a full-

From the main Nicholas Air stage to Blue Delta Alley, the music will be nonstop at this year’s Double Decker Arts Festival. Artists of all genres will line the streets of Oxford when the Double Decker Arts Festival pops up April 24-25. Meanwhile, the sounds of the festival will be heard from all corners of the Square. Here’s a look at the music planned for this year’s festival. Friday April 24 6 p.m. Penelope Road Five-person band from Atlanta playing ’70s rock, funk and sou

A Tupelo business and a local nonprofit experiment in creative community-building to make the world more beautiful. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem Ten years ago, Julie West of Tupelo started a business called ReDesigns in her garage after she and two of her daughters witnessed women learning to sew at an African orphanage. That experience provoked her to start up ReDesigns, which turns leftover bits and scraps into art. It’s a process sometimes referred

Now available on the Square and far beyond, hard work, creativity and opportune timing aligned for Wonderbird Spirits’ locally crafted gin to take flight. Written by Emily Welly | Photos by Joe Worthem The craft gin produced by Wonderbird Spirits just got little easier for locals to taste. In December, Wonderbird opened a tasting room on the Square, inside the Lyric in the cozy space that previously housed Bar Muse. The intimate 350-square-foot space is “optimal for a tasting

Throughout the years, our April magazine has almost always been about art, music and — of course — Double Decker. In fact, for many of our 20 years, Invitation Oxford has been the official guide of the Double Decker Arts Festival, running the artwork from the official poster on our April cover and including a complete guide to the festival inside the magazine. We have also written about participating artists, the music lineup, festival food and more. We hope you enjoy looking

A dilapidated former car wash is now a business incubator and vibrant gathering space for the residents of Ripley. Written by Sonia Thompson | Photos by Lauren Lindsey of Lolly Lins Photography Cleaning up spaces that need improving must be ingrained in Elizabeth Behm’s DNA. As a child growing up in Ripley, her father owned the local car wash. “He would let me keep anything I found in the vacuum if I cleaned it out,” Behm said, laughing. So, it’s perhaps not a stretch that i

Tulips and ranunculus come into bloom at Fudgetown Farm, marking a new season on a family farm rooted in Oxford. Written by Lena Anderson | Photos by Joe Worthem The anticipation of spring feels even more palpable this year, with a collective desire to bid farewell to a brutal winter and welcome its warmer, brighter counterpart. Fudgetown Farm is answering the call, as rows of specialty tulips and ranunculus unfurl across the farm’s former pastureland, signaling the return of

Community murals add color and character to downtown New Albany. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos by Joe Worthem New Albany has an ongoing art exhibit that’s open 24 hours a day to everybody free of charge. The painting, in fact, is all over the walls. A $100,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act recently brought a quintet of artists to “The Fair and Friendly City,” who created murals on the exterior walls of several businesses throughout the downtown area. Visito

Even in the darkest days, north Mississippi friends and neighbors stepped up to bring life back after January’s historic ice storm. Written by Emily Welly | Photos by Joshua Mccoy, City Of Oxford & Joe Worthem The Destruction In the days following Jan. 25, everyone in north Mississippi faced a harsh reality left by Winter Storm Fern. Here are some facts to put the disaster in perspective: 29 deaths in the state More than 180,000 power outages in the state In Oxford, 28,000 wi

Building Community First and foremost, Invitation is a community magazine. Through the years, we have strived to tell stories about the people, places and events that define who we are and to reflect the communities that make up north Mississippi. Here are a few of our favorite issues and feature stories that met that mission.

The head of the Ole Miss women’s basketball program talks sports and life. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos Contributed by Ole Miss Athletics In her time at Ole Miss, Coach Yolett Alessia McPhee-McCuin has taken the women’s basketball team to four straight appearances in the NCAA tournament, and, under her leadership, the team has reached the Sweet 16 two times. So, when we interviewed her at the end of last year just before the season started, expectations

Hope and love are brought to life by a trademark mule in a Southern painter’s sought-after artwork. Written by Dawn Denham | Photos by Joe Worthem It’s no wonder I felt as if I knew her before I met her. First there’s the name, “Church Goin Mule,” which I heard whispered all around me at the One Night Stand art show last fall in Oxford. Then, those ladies making a beeline for Mule’s room down the row of bright red doors. They were seeking painter Marshall Page Blevins — now,

From cozy corners to candlelit evenings, this Danish practice shows how small choices at home can bring warmth and calm during winter’s slowest stretch. Written by Lena Anderson | Photographed by Joe Worthem February may be the shortest month of the year, but it can often feel the longest. The thrill of the holidays is behind us, the days still have more hours of darkness than light, and the overall dreariness of winter has fully set in. People are going out less and stayin

Warm up with friends, family and hot cocoa drinks that are made even sweeter with a full spread of creative treats. Recipes and Styling by Sarah Godwin | Photographed by Joe Worthem Whether you’re entertaining neighborhood kids on a cold winter day or hosting a brunch for adults, a hot chocolate bar makes everyone feel welcome, cozy and a bit festive. Here’s how to create a fun spread for people of all ages, complete with a simple homemade hot chocolate recipe. Sarah’s Supe

Congratulations to Ole Miss Football on an unforgettable playoff run. Thank you for the memories! Photographed by Bruce Newman

Isn’t It Lovely? Over the years, our February magazine themes have been varied, but almost all of them include stories about love, coziness and things that make us happy. We hope that you have memories of warming up with Invitation in the dreary winter months! Here are some snippets from a few of our favorite February magazines.

This year’s Tupelo Christmas Parade grand marshals share their 120-year history and inside details about the Tupelo Fire Department. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photographed by Joe Worthem This year is the Tupelo Fire Department’s 120th anniversary, and the department will be grand marshals for Reed’s annual Tupelo Christmas Parade, taking place Dec. 5. We took advantage of the big occasion to catch a quick glimpse of life inside a fire department, with Chief Brad Robin

In the quiet rhythms of Water Valley, artist Zoran Crnkovic finds new movement, balance and meaning in his work. Written by Lena Anderson | Photographed by Joe Worthem Born and raised in Croatia, Zoran Crnkovic moved to New York City in his 20s, chasing the possibilities of art and big-city life. For decades, he lived and worked there, teaching, painting and maintaining a waterfront studio in Long Island City. So, when he first came to Water Valley, it wasn’t with the intent

A nostalgic stay at “America’s Resort” blends recreation, design and history. Written by Amy Conry Davis | Photographs Courtesy of The Greenbrier Resort In the heart of the Alleghany Mountains, the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, serves as both a luxury travel destination and a unique piece of American history. The allure of the lush 11,000-acre property dates to the late 1700s, when visitors first came to the area to rejuvenate in its cooler tem

Layered textiles, mixed China patterns, a floral centerpiece and soft candlelight come together in a winter tablescape that welcomes dinner guests to gather. Written by Emily Welly | Styled by Dakin Reed | Photographed by joe worthem Through her event planning business, Taylored Well Events, Dakin Reed has become an expert at setting tables. In addition to offering event design for large gatherings like weddings, she also creates tablescapes for smaller, more intimate seated

An Oxford distance runner dressed as Santa Claus spreads cheer all around town throughout the holiday season. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photographed by Joe Worthem Santa Claus runs things a little differently in Oxford. Well, at least one of his helpers does. 51-year-old Bret Beauchamp is also known around town as the Running Santa. Since 2008, Beauchamp has suited up as a jolly elf and run his way around Lafayette’s county seat, spreading joy wherever he goes. “Sometim

Holiday Memories Since this magazine’s inception almost 20 years ago, our December-January issue has been focused on the holidays. It’s one of our favorite issues because it allows us to share heartwarming stories about local people, inspirational seasonal decor, delicious recipes from sweet treats to holiday feasts, family traditions and more. Every year, our holiday magazine feels like a gift we get to give to the community. Here is a compilation of some of our favorite top

A local interior designer’s home is featured on a popular show’s holiday tour. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photographed by Joe Worthem When Homeworthy contacted Oxford’s Emily Ryan about featuring her house as part of their holiday home tour, she jumped at the chance. The popular online platform ( homeworthy.com ) features interior design video tours of beautiful homes given by the people who live in them. “Christmas is truly when my house shines,” Ryan said. “It felt l

Supporters of Ole Miss Athletics give generously to build a legacy. Through the Vaught Society, generous donors are investing in the future of Ole Miss Athletics. Here’s more about the Vaught Society and its mission: Q: Why is the Vaught Society vital to Ole Miss Athletics? A: As the premier giving society in all of college athletics, the Vaught Society provides critical private support for scholarships, facilities and resources that strengthen all of our programs. Beyond our

Recipe by Kimme Hargrove Get creative with this family-friendly, do-it-yourself caramel-apple bar that allows everyone to make personalized versions of the sweet treat. Slice green and red apples, and insert a long lollipop stick into each slice. Place dips such as white chocolate, milk chocolate and Caramel-Apple Caramel (see recipe below) in dishes. Offer toppings such as sprinkles, crumbled graham crackers, miniature chocolate chips, toffee bits, marshmallows, shredded coc

Recipe by Lauren McElwain Winter is almost here, and blood oranges will soon be in season. Try making this bright and festive coffeecake for your special someone. Crumble 1½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup sugar ½ cup light brown sugar Zest of 1 blood orange ½ cup unsalted butter, melted Cake 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened ⅓ cup sugar ⅓ cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1½ teaspoons vanilla

Oxford’s Kelly Bell shared her gluten-free sourdough bread recipe with us. Read more about Kelly’s experience learning to bake bread and other local bakers here: Breaking Bread . Recipe by Kelly Bell 130 grams fed gluten-free sourdough starter (to feed your starter: Add 1:1, brown rice flour and water. Let it double. Once it starts to go down, it is ready for dough.) 375 grams bottled or filtered water, at room temperature 13 grams fine sea salt 13 grams honey 1 package rap

Recipe by Lauren McElwain Anticipation of cooler weather and falling leaves led Lauren McElwain to imagine this dish featuring international flavors, warm spices and seasonal produce. 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 sweet onion, chopped 1 shallot, minced 2-3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons red curry paste 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon cumin 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced 1-2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped 1 bunch kale (s

In early January of 2023, north Mississippi had a major snowstorm, and no one moved for almost an entire week. Mother Nature dropped several inches of snow followed by very low temperatures for days, and travel was not possible. On the third day of being homebound, I was about to go stir crazy. So, I decided I would make some soup for my family and a few neighbors for the cold week ahead. I didn’t have a lot of items to select from but had a good many onions and a frozen stea

Recipe by Lauren McElwain For a twist on the traditional, try packing this simple Asian Pasta Salad, with crisp vegetables and a yummy sauce, in your picnic basket. 1 (8-ounce) package Asian noodles ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup soy sauce 1 clove minced garlic 1 tablespoon honey 1 red bell pepper, julienned 8 green onions, julienned 1 cucumber, seeded and julienned 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds Cook noodles by the instructions on the package, and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk

Recipe by Kimme Hargrove With candied walnuts and an apple cider vinaigrette, this is a fun and tasty salad any time of year. 2 cups walnuts, chopped ½ cup sugar 2 Tablespoons butter ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 3 Tablespoons honey ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper Pinch cinnamon Pinch cumin Pinch curry powder ½ cup canola oil 5 ounces arugula and spinach mix 1 apple, cut into matchsticks To make candied walnuts, heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add walnuts, sugar and but

A Mississippi artist’s paintings of simple food subjects evoke sweet sentiments. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photographed by Joe Worthem Madeleine Bridges probably never walks through a kitchen and thinks she’s just looking at an old, battered jar of brown sugar with the lid half off. Probably never catches a luscious whiff of nearby peaches and forgets about it. Probably never wanders by a garden and ignores how happy a fat, fresh tomato can make you feel. For the profes

SoLa’s chef-owner Erika Lipe shares her passion for Southern traditions, global influences and giving back through Oxford Community Market. Written by Lena Anderson | Photographed by Joe Worthem From New Orleans kitchens to Oxford’s SoLa, Chef Erika Lipe brings bold, worldly flavors to Southern traditions. Named Queen of Mississippi Seafood in 2024, she’s also lending her talents to support the Oxford Community Market and its upcoming Hometown Hootenanny fundraiser, taking pl

A Western-inspired space on 50 acres in the country is home away from home for a Tupelo couple and their family. Written by Emily Welly | Photographed by Joe Worthem When Randy Groover retired, he and his wife, Jennifer, were on the hunt for a place to relax with their family. The result was The Wild Turkey Farm: a rustic gathering place that serves as an escape for everyone in the Groover family and their friends. The couple built the 2,500-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-ba

As costs rise, Oxford Community Market calls on its biggest strength: the people who love and support it. Written by Lena Anderson | Photographed by Joe Worthem Every Tuesday afternoon, the Old Armory Pavilion transforms into something magical. Farmers unload trucks filled with just-picked vegetables. Bakers stack loaves of warm bread. Musicians tune their guitars while children chase each other between vendor tables. For more than a decade, Oxford Community Market (OXCM) h

Three local women find fulfillment in sharing freshly baked bread. Written by Emily Welly | Photographed by Joe Worthem A few years ago, Tupelo cake baker Tiffany Grice decided to attempt making bread. Meanwhile, in Oxford, Kelly Bell was in her home experimenting with a variety of flours to craft a gluten-free version of sourdough. And Melissa Hewitt had just purchased a flour mill for her Oxford kitchen so she could mill fresh wheat to bake for her family. They were each

Recipe by Kimme Hargrove Sandwiches aren’t the only way to use up leftover holiday turkey. For a warm, heartier option, try this Invitation Magazines turkey pot pie recipe. ⅓ cup butter 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped carrots 1 cup peeled and chopped potatoes ½ cup chicken broth 1 ½ cups milk Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups chopped leftover turkey 1 package refrigerated pie crusts Heat oven to 400°F. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. S

When the weather outside is frightful, mix up a batch of one of these hot adult drinks to share with friends and family. Recipes by Sarah McCullen Godwin Mulled Red Wine 2 oranges, plus more orange slices for garnish 1 bottle dry red wine 8 whole cloves 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish 2 star anise 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup ¼ cup brandy or Grand Marnier, optional Thinly slice 1 of the oranges; juice the remaining orange. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced o

Over the years, several people have been responsible for the original recipes that appear on our print pages, website and social media channels. Here, revisit a few of our favorite recipe creations by some of our most prolific contributors. Follow us on social media and visit invitationmag.com/monthlyrecipes for the complete recipes for each of these dishes.

Life experiences in places as far as South Africa and as nearby as Oxford lead Robbie Kroger to travel the world promoting stories about...

Mississippi State University’s fashion program preserves the past in its Historic Costume and Textiles Collection. Written by Emily...

These Southern women are on the path to success in the New York City fashion industry. Written by Emily Welly | Illustrated by Sarah...

Trent and Ashley Cox share a passion for business — and community. Their brands, Roostas and Bluecrest Clothing, are just the beginning...

A posh dinner experience in a private home raises funds for the University of Mississippi Museum. Written by Eugene Stockstill |...

This month, Invitation Magazines revisits some of artist Sarah McCullen Godwin’s creative watercolor illustrations.

Heading into his sixth season at Ole Miss, head coach Lane Kiffin seems to be more at home in Oxford than ever. Written by Emily Welly ...