I am not certain about social mores in other parts of the country, but I like how we do things in the South.

Certainly, I am capable of opening my own car door or for that matter any door, but when a gentleman jumps out to offer, I gladly accept his kindness.

And I know we are moving away from teaching our children to respond to their elders with a “Yes ma’am” or a “No sir,” but to me it still shows respect to those that deserve it.

Another thing I like about living in the South is how we entertain. There is always much intention to every detail when having guests over, whether it is a dinner party for a few friends or a gathering of hundreds.

This past week, I was reminded of how we Southerners know how to throw a shindig.

I along with several other women hosted a party for a bride-to-be.

I will get to how extraordinarily beautiful the home was where we had the party in a few, but first, let me elaborate on the food.

Although we have many capable caterers in Vicksburg, for this party all the hostesses were asked to make certain food items.

This kind of freaked me out at first since I have taken somewhat of a sabbatical from cooking.

Nevertheless, I volunteered to make fudge. I was pleased to find I had not lost all my culinary skills after I achieved success at preparing the confection.

My sister-in-law was kind enough to deliver the sweets to the party since I was at The Post working!

But I did make sure to carve out some time away from work to get to the party even though I was a tad late. I was looking forward to enjoying a bit of socializing.

And enjoy it I did.

Not only was it fun to catch up with some of my women friends I don’t see on a regular basis, it was a treat to attend a “lady party” where all the food was prepared by my friends and to see how elegantly it was displayed.

In the South, it is vital to have beautiful serving pieces, so I would advise all you girls who are contemplating marriage, you can never have too many trays or platters.

In the home where the party was held, not only did the homeowner have plenty of serving pieces, she had a plethora of silver serving pieces. Ladies, it just doesn’t get any more Southern than when you bring out the silver.

In addition to all the delicacies served on these silver pieces, there were also delightful garnishes. On one dish that held a layered cheese loaf were mice made from radishes. I do believe they were the hit of the party.

If I heard correctly, the homeowner’s husband had made most of the garnishes. He is also a master gardener, which was obvious when guests walked outside.

In the South, we have a saying that “more is more,” and this social event proved it.

The home was beautifully decorated for the fall season with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes indoors and out. The food was delicious, and the company divine.

Yes, we in the South know how to entertain.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.