Author: Up to the South to save the art of puttin’ on a show

Published 11:58 pm Friday, June 17, 2011

Entertaining is a “dying art,” and it’s up to the South to save it, an author and businesswoman told Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce members at their June meeting.

“If we stop entertaining in the South, the whole world will probably just end,” said Catherine Hansen Strange at the group’s monthly luncheon Wednesday.

Strange, a San Francisco native who now lives in Hattiesburg, said it’s easy to spice up business meetings and parties with fun decorations based on a theme.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

“It’s a shame really,” she said. “Entertaining seems to be a dying art.”

Strange, author of four books, including “Fearless Entertaining” and “Fearless Entertaining-Flowers,” said cheap household items can be used to create a fun atmosphere for get-togethers, whether professional or personal.

At one table, Strange displayed a centerpiece of glass vases filled with gumballs, peppermints and giant lollipops. Such an arrangement, she said, could be used to show a business is “creating opportunities too sweet to pass up.”

“For the men out there, this has been a bit like watching a magic act,” said Chamber President Buddy Dees while thanking Strange for her presentation.

Strange began her career in fashion, but worked her way into the entertaining business. She has lived in Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, Texas and Mississippi. She and her husband have four children.