Book excerpt: Gracious living, southern style A home is more than a compilation of beautifully designed spaces; it is a place to entertain and share our lives with family and friends. Nowhere is this mindset more evident than in the kitchens and dining spaces of today's American south, where the culture of the table and the social aspect of design are key requirements to southern living. Graciousness is a quality that has special meaning in the south, and Southern Kitchens & Dining Spaces showcases the region's well-known hospitality in page after page of kitchen and dining room designs from the most sought-after designers and architects. Style sidebars, including entertaining ideas, decorating tips, storage/organizing solutions, and accessory ideas are interspersed through the text to show readers how to bring southern style into every aspect of their lives.