I love everything about the Swan House, from the restaurant and boutique to the books and cookbooks. If you’re not already, let yourself be captivated by all things Swan…
The Swan Coach House
Ask any Atlanta gal to name one so-Southern ladies lunching, brunching, showering and sip-and-seeing spot and I’d bet my bottom dollar that she replies “Swan Coach House.” Once an old garage near the 1920’s Swan House mansion, this quintessential locale is renowned for delicate dining, splendid shopping and expositions of fine art from Southern hands.
With Mother in town for a spell, Sister and I treated her to a belated Mother’s Day lunch at the Swan Coach House. While we favor the downstairs dining room where Sister hosted Cookie’s sip-and-see a few years back (it’s less crowded and much airier than the others), we jumped at the chance to dine alfresco on this gorgeous May day.
As always, we dined on the requisite “Swan’s Favorite”, a cold plate featuring the restaurant’s signature chicken salad served in hand-made heart shaped timbales, creamy frozen fruit salad and cheese straws, we drank the Swan Coach House Punch, and we finished with the French Silk Swan, a confection comprised of meringue, chocolate mousse and Chantilly cream. And, as always, we swooned over each and every bite and savored each and every minute of our ladies only luncheon.
The Swan House Mansion
Located in the heart of Buckhead, the elegant Swan House mansion was built in 1928 and is known as one of Atlanta’s most recognized landmarks. Now part of the Atlanta History Center, tours of the house and grounds allow visitors to explore parts of the restored historic mansion. I can only imagine living in such a place. Nothing gets me all aflutter like an old home, hinting of the stories and history of those that came before me.
The Swan House Novel
This powerful, coming of age historical fiction novel was inspired by the Swan House and tells the story of a girl in 1960s Atlanta, struggling with personal grief and faith in the midst of the South’s racial discord. The author, Elizabeth Musser, tells a nostalgically raw and utterly captivating story, teeming with believable characters and signs of the times, in a way that only native Atlantan could master. Southerner or not, this is a can’t put it down read. In fact, after writing this I trotted straight to my guest room to retrieve the book as my first (re)read of the summer!
The Swan’s Palette
Mother ran across this gem of a cookbook in a Vinings antique store eleven years ago while chatting with a member of the Forward Arts Foundation and she quickly snapped up three copies for her and her girls. Not only is the cover just gorg, but the cookbook is resplendent with delectable Southern bites and perfectly poised menu suggestions for occasions ranging from Dinner at Chastain Park to a Summer Luau. My favorites include Cranberry Glazed Brie for a Christmas Eve appetizer, Stuffed Red Peppers for a light summer supper and Cornucopia Salad for an impressive first course to any meal.
I think our next Sunday Supper will be coming from straight from the glossy pages of you know where!
Until then,
xoxo
I think I came across your blog from Savy Southern Style. Love seeing your home and beauitful pictures – you are so talented!
What a wonderful place to spend time together and lunch sounds fabulous. I am sure many memories were made. Hugs, Marty
I am new to your blog via Kim at Savvy Southern Style. I was immediately hooked, and now about an hour later, I have gone through most of your posts….lol!!! Your decorating style is just so charming and was so much fun to see. However, what we captured me was your obvious love for all-things family. I'm a 60-something mother & grandmother (aka Nanna) & have always loved doing so many of those same kinds of things for our children and now our 6 grandchildren. I love home decor and making our home comfortable and inviting, but it's all those "special people" blessings that really rock my world. I am a new follower and look forward to enjoying your blog.
~CAS
My daughter/blog partner and I had lunch there after we selected her wedding dress. What a special way to celebrate a special day! She is a UGA grad and was living in Atlanta at the time. Plus, her wedding was wonderful, and the dress was a hit!
Hi! I found your blog while looking for info on Swan's Coach House! I looked at your link to the Frozen Fruit Salad. Does it sound like the one they actually make? It seems like the one in your pictures has cherries, oranges, and grapes, but the recipe doesn't have any of that? Also, couldn't remember, but does their chicken salad has curry in it? Thanks for the help. Love your blog!
Sarah
Sarah – it does seem different! I would try that recipe but rather than dates do chopped orange, halved grapes, halved cherries and sliced bananas. I don't believe their chicken salad has curry. Thanks for stopping by!
awww…the swan is where my bridesmaid luncheon was as well as a shower/luncheon for my first baby! i have to get a copy of the cookbook since we have now left atlanta! i hope i can take my sweet Charlotte there to have tea one day…
ps- loved the fruit salad and the mini wedding cakes for wa. guest!