FOOD BLOG

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 ...

This month, Invitation Magazines senior editorial photographer Joe Worthem shares pictures from some of his favorite and most memorable...

Artists and entrepreneurs have brought new life to this old town where visitors and locals alike will find plenty to see and do all year...

The Lodge at Live Strive Farms pays homage to the owner’s grandfather and brother. Written by Eugene Stockstill  |  Photographed by Joe...

An Oxford landscape designer uses self-watering containers to create gorgeous seasonal planters. Written by Kristina May and Leslie Criss...

A record eight Ole Miss players were selected in the 2025 NFL draft, including two in the first round. Written by Emily Welly  | ...

Ole Miss’s highly touted sophomore quarterback is in the spotlight this year. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photos Contributed by Ole...

Artist Judson Ridgway has found home in his long love of Oxford and Ole Miss. Written by Emily Welly  |  Artwork Courtesy Judson Ridgway...

Staying on campus is a hot ticket for owners of recreational vehicles during football season. Written by Eugene Stockstill | Photographed...

Fans voted on the game-day colors you’ll be wearing in the stadium this year. Written By Eugene Stockstill  |  Illustrated by Catherine...

Elite tumbling, stunting, basket tosses and pyramids propel Ole Miss Cheer to the top. Written by Emily Welly | Photos Courtesy Varsity...

Share these seasonally inspired recipes with friends and family at your tailgate table this fall. Recipes by Sarah Godwin | Styled by...

While we are kicking off our 20th year in business with a whole new design, we have reserved this space to reflect on the past. Although...

John Wayne, the decorated American Bully show dog, is a celebrated local celebrity both in and out of the ring. When John Wayne saunters...

A Tupelo teacher and student are thriving one year after a much-publicized transplant surgery. Written by Eugene Stockstill |...

Written by Leslie Criss | Photographed by Joe Worthem When Megan Patton and her family moved into the historic Creekmore House in Water...

Family dog Lily is a gentle giant who adores her human family and animal friends alike. Lily joined the Marlar family in March 2021 when...

Sully is a 4-year-old golden retriever whose social and loving personality shines. Sully became Madison and Brayden Timmons first baby...

Recipes by Sarah Godwin | Styled by Jennie Lee | Photographed by Joe Worthem Prep these creative after-school snacks to help your kids...

A large grassy field on a quiet road outside tupelo was the site of an important Civil War battle. Photographed by Joe Worthem On July...

Anyone is welcome to visit this quiet lake in the woods located just outside Oxford. Photographed by Joe Worthem Are you looking for a...