From The Galley: Not Your Mama's Fruit Cake

From The Galley: Not Your Mama's Fruit Cake

The first Hummingbird Cake recipe was published by  magazine in 1978. It  soon became the most requested recipe in the magazine’s history! Impress your holiday guests with this delicious take on the traditional Christmas fruit cake and try a Hummingbird Cake recipe that has been passed down through the generations.

Hummingbird Cake almost tastes like banana bread and carrot cake had a baby together. The banana flavor overshadows the pineapple, but the pineapple no doubt helps create a moist cake and the little pieces of pineapple help give Hummingbird Cake its unique texture.

 INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1⅓ cups vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1¾ cups very ripe banana, mashed
• 2 cups toasted chopped pecans, divided
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1-ounce pieces and chilled

* Add if desired- maraschino cherries

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour 3 9-inch cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 cups sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice.

Add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Stir in banana, 1 cup pecans, and pineapple just until evenly mixed.

Divide batter evenly between the 3 cake pans. Place in oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

To make frosting, use and electric mixer to beat together butter and powdered sugar, adding powdered sugar gradually. Add vanilla extract and salt and mix until smooth.

With mixer on medium, add 1 piece of cream cheese at a time. Turn mixer off once all cream cheese has been incorporated.

Spread frosting between layers of cake and cover top and sides. Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top.

If desired, crush additional nuts and press them into the sides of the frosting, and put sliced maraschino cherries on top of the cake.

all over will be filled with happy guests after they taste this treat of a recipe, Hummingbird Cake or Not Your Mama's Fruit Cake. A holiday recipe you have to try. 

Choosing the right accent chair for a beach house is about more than style — it’s about comfort, durability, and how the piece works within a relaxed coastal space. The best accent chairs combine soft, livable materials with timeless design, creating seating that feels effortless and easy to use every day.
This guide covers how to choose accent chairs for a coastal home, what materials work best, and how to create a cohesive living space using pieces that are both functional and elevated.

What You'll Learn in This Guide:

• What makes a great accent chair for a beach house
• Which materials work best in coastal homes
• How to choose the right style and size
• How to pair chairs with sofas, rugs, and tables
• Which accent chairs work best for everyday living
  

What Makes a Great Accent Chair for a Beach House?

A well-chosen accent chair should feel comfortable, durable, and visually balanced within the space.

Look for:

• Soft, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton
• Durable construction for everyday use
• Neutral or coastal-inspired tones
• Shapes that feel relaxed rather than overly structured
  

The goal is a chair that looks beautiful but is also used daily.

Slipcovered Accent Chairs

Slipcovered chairs are one of the best choices for coastal homes because they are:

• Comfortable and relaxed
• Easy to maintain and clean
• Ideal for homes with kids, pets, and everyday use
  

Woven & Natural Material Chairs

Chairs made from rattan, wood, or woven materials add texture and depth.

• Adds natural, organic feel
• Works well in layered coastal spaces
• Pairs beautifully with neutral palettes

Upholstered Coastal Chairs

Upholstered chairs in soft fabrics provide:

• Additional comfort
• More structured seating
• A polished coastal look

How to Style Accent Chairs

Accent chairs should feel like part of the room — not an afterthought.

Pair with:

• Coastal rugs to ground the seating area
• Driftwood tables for natural texture
• Coastal lighting to add warmth and dimension

This combination creates a space that feels layered and complete.

How to Choose the Right Size

• Ensure the chair fits proportionally within the room
• Leave enough space for movement
• Pair with the right scale of sofa or sectional

One oversized chair often works better than multiple small pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing style over comfort
• Selecting materials that don’t hold up to daily use
• Going too small for the space
• Overmatching instead of layering textures

Shop the Look

• Slipcovered Seating
• Driftwood Coffee Tables
• Best Selling Coastal Rugs
• Coastal Lamps

Why We Love It

Accent chairs are one of the easiest ways to complete a room.

• Adds comfort and flexibility
• Creates balance in seating areas
• Introduces texture and personality
• Works across casual and more refined spaces