19 4 0 s e r a r e n o v a t i o n
design trends twenty twenty one
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
26 | H O ME FEAT UR E Selena McAdams of Spruce invites us into her 1940s era home, which was given new life three years ago for her family.
38 | D ES I G N At Home sat down with the creative minds behind two of the stunning residences from the latest installment of the Vesta to talk about the show homes and the newest ideas in architecture and design. 8 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2021
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
JANUARY 2021
home & design 26 HOME FEATURE Chosen With Love
38 DESIGN New Year, New Looks 66 ENTERTAINING
Welcoming a New Era of Entertaining
food & travel 56 EXPERIENCE THIS The Historic District in Downtown Collierville
78 IN THE KITCHEN Lemon Pepper Shrimp with Creamy Spaghetti
for you
50 WEDDINGS Mr. & Mrs. Court Satterfield Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Woolf
74 HEALTHY YOU Ringing in 2021
82 ON A GOOD NOTE Germantown Education Foundation
in every issue
14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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81 SOURCES
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JANUARY 2021 • VOL. 19 NO. 10 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@gmail.com
REGIONAL MARKETING JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 320 SOUTH WALNUT BEND, SUITE 11 CORDOVA, TN 38018 | 901.684.4155 ATHOMEMMS.COM At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com. @athomemagazine
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PUBLISHER'S
Note
WELCOME,
2021!
Weren’t we all ready for 2020 to be in our past? Not to make light of how incredibly crummy it was, at times, but I truly believe that if we really think about it, we can all come up with several good things, yes, actual blessings, that we will take away from its downright peculiar existence. I have learned how much I took for granted. There are so many little things and experiences I will be a bit more thankful for in the future. To begin with, I think we can all agree that our favorite toilet paper, or ANY toilet paper, will be a cherished commodity going forward. For a while it went from being an everyday necessity into the “luxury item” category, right up there with fine wine and caviar. Ditto for Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, baking flour and many other grocery store items. Gathering with our families for simple celebrations and even times of mourning halted without notice. Meeting friends at our favorite restaurants and watering holes, which the Mid South has too many to mention, ceased and left us both sad and hungry/thirsty for not only the food and drinks they served us but even more for the fellowship they provided. We missed shopping in our favorite local businesses and seeing the owners, who are like friends to loyal customers. In-person church with no reservation required, live concerts, and tailgating, followed by cheering on our favorite teams, are experiences that I, like many of you, yearn to have once again. Looking back on the year, I can complain about how I wasn’t able to do the things I am used to doing, or I can be reminded that I once took those freedoms totally for granted. People in some countries refer to such rights as dreams. Looking ahead, I will try to remember that when our communities are open and thriving again, especially when we can safely gather together once more, in good times and bad. Wishing 2021 brings blessings you never thought possible. I hope it brings love and kindness to our communities. I pray you all eat your dang black-eyed peas this new year! I don’t know which one of you skipped them last year, but don’t let that EVER happen again! Happy New Year at last! Stay healthy, safe and kind.
Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER PHOTO BY STEVE ROBERTS 14 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2021
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
DESIGN SELENA MCADAMS STORY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOS S T E FA N I E R AW L I N S O N PHOTOGRAPHY
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H O M E F E AT U R E
"The beauty of working in design is that you’re able to think about, over time, what will tire out about a look and what will keep it from tiring out."
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H O M E F E AT U R E
A
s an interior designer, Selena McAdams’ job is all about making choices. Her daily work involves making decisions for her clients’ homes and choosing what to put on the shelves at Spruce, the East Memphis retail shop she owns. The same is true for the home she shares with her husband Patrick and their two daughters, Taylor and Charlotte. Selena chose the house itself, and every piece in it, using careful thought combined with instinct. “I’ve done this [design] for so long that when I see something I love, I know that’s it,” she says. The journey to making the 1940s era place her family
home began about three years ago. She and Patrick had just finished flipping the house next door to their previous residence when this one came on the market, and they were looking to do another renovation for resale. “One family had lived here the whole time and had raised four sons here prior to us purchasing it,” says Selena. “They had entertained a lot of offers on it, but the fact that we weren’t going to tear it down and we were going to redo it was appealing to them.” About halfway through what started as a “really awesome project” Selena says something clicked. She realized this wasn’t just a house, it was her house. In fact, she felt so at home there, she decided to throw Patrick a surprise birthday party in the yard while the house was still under renovation.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
T
he couple worked with local architect David Anderson to reimagine the home to suit their family’s needs, and Selena gives his practical design philosophy high marks. “What he is so good about is usable space. He’s so practical—he really has family in mind when he’s making space. He made it to where we live in all the rooms every day, which is great. I’m not a person who wants to have rooms that we’re not using.” Although much “shifting” of the home had to be done, the architect and designer tried to keep as much of the original structure as possible. Builder Frank Gusmus and his crew from Gusmus Construction made the plan a reality and the homeowners couldn’t be happier with his work. Where using the home’s original materials wasn't feasible, Selena was careful to make choices that were in keeping with the character of the house. Case in point is the entryway, where the new tile floor, hardwood stair risers and black lacquered handrail speak to the era in which the home was constructed.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
J
ust off the entry is a sunny office area that Selena calls the “hub” of the home. On the large sofa or at the computer atop a pretty curved writing desk the girls can do school work in a cheerful space that’s not too far removed from the watchful eyes of their parents. Perhaps the most drastic architectural shift was in the home’s former den, now a sleek and stylish master bedroom. The original design included a red brick fireplace, now plaster washed, and dark beams on the ceiling, which the McAdamses had removed. Hunt Simonton of HS Carpentry constructed the full wall of built-ins in the master. The handsome unit provides storage, a laundry hamper for each family member and a segue into the home’s laundry room.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
N
oting that even though both her daughters have their own bathrooms upstairs, “everyone is always in our space,” Selena says with a laugh. With that in mind, she asked Anderson to design a master bath and closet add-on inspired by a luxury lodging she had visited in Asheville, NC. “The bathroom was almost like a locker room and I told David that was what I wanted. I didn’t want doors; I just wanted everything to be in one space; one big room,” she recalls. While the master suite underwent the most extensive change, the living room is the most untouched part of the house. The stately fireplace is original, as well as the hardwood floors. Its furnishings are an eclectic blend of pieces Selena loves, having collected and used them in various ways over the years. The pair of rose velvet chairs were in a bedroom in her previous home, and the empire-style bench with a stunning malachite upholstered seat is a treasure she acquired solely because she loved it. “When I got that piece I didn’t have a stitch of green anywhere in my house. It was just one of those things where I loved the fabric so much that I said, ‘I’m doing it. It will all make sense one day!' I’m a big believer in that.” 32 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2021
H O M E F E AT U R E
"I’m a big believer in making your space work for you. If your square footage doesn’t seem like it’s functional, change it."
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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hrough a large cased opening from the living room is the current dining room; ”current” because Selena originally imagined the space as another sitting area where Patrick could watch a game on TV while she and the girls enjoyed a show more to their liking nearby. Even though the space is now used for family meals, a TV hidden inside the antique French armoire still lets the man of the house keep up with his favorite teams. The dining room opens into the kitchen, an area that exudes sophistication. The room is more than a pretty face, though, every detail created with practicality in mind. The striking antiqued glass mirror wall is easily cleanable. Selena says it was a must in this house, as it also reflects the beauty of the backyard through the facing windows. “It gets more of that gardenly love inside,” she says. “The light bounces back and forth and we get a lot of green from the yard.” In her professional life, Selena encourages her clients to make functional design choices so they can use and enjoy their homes without worry, Her own kitchen is a testament to that concept. She opted for a dark paint color on the island to mask scuff marks when her children sit there and decided to forgo upper cabinets because they can be hard to reach. Instead she included drawers in varying sizes and depths in the cabinet design. There's even a homework drawer to keep the countertops clutter free.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
B
ehind the kitchen, the home’s reworked floor plan includes a powder room, pantry and a back kitchen—one of Selena’s favorite features. “When we’re outside grilling, when we have parties, all the drinks are in here,” she says. “Glasses, cups, ice, liquor, coolers...all the drink action. It works really well.” Working well is a phrase that applies to every aspect of this house and its furnishings. Using her design expertise, Selena has blended function and beauty, traditional with unexpected, incorporating her treasures, to create a family home that will stand the test of time.
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DESIGN
new year,
new looks STORY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOGRAPHY ANNABELLA CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHY
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DESIGN
T
here’s nothing like turning the calendar page to a new year to spark the urge to update with the latest and greatest in home design trends. And there’s nowhere better to view up-to-themoment ideas on display than the annual Vesta Home Show. We sat down with the creative minds behind two of the stunning residences from the latest installment of the Vesta to talk about the show homes and the newest ideas in architecture and design. We’re sure to see more of these trends in new construction and remodels in 2021 and beyond. Ashley Toney, owner of First Fruit Collection in Collierville, along with her lead designer, Patty
Michaelis, masterminded the design and decor of the Mandeville, built by the Dave Moore Companies. Toney describes the home as a “modern farmhouse” that appealed to show attendees due to its warm and inviting feel. “It flows well and it’s very liveable,” she says. The Pennington was constructed by Griffin Elkington. Alexandra Quinn, owner of Sensational Sofas & Interiors, and staff designer Steven Ennis created the interior design and furnished the home. “When designing the custom furnishings for the Pennington, we thought of comfort, style and trend. We wanted to give it a fresh, updated feel,” says Quinn. Kim Williams, owner of KSW Interiors, provided design assistance for the homeowners. The highlights of these two custom homes include features and looks that are fast becoming must haves in Mid South construction and design.
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BOLD COLOR |
Gone are the days when everything in the
house had to be light and neutral. Today’s home designers and owners aren’t afraid to make a dramatic statement with color. As Ennis says, “We love using neutrals, but pops of color really make a statement. Color always adds personality and a distinct mood to a space.” The Mandeville’s kitchen features cabinets painted in Sherwin Williams Oak Moss, a bold green. The hue might be unexpected, but it works perfectly in the house, playing well with gold and brass hardware and fixtures. Setting off the colorful cabinets, a backsplash that extends to the ceiling (another current design trend) features square tiles in four slightly varied neutral shades, installed in a random pattern. The sitting room off the master bedroom in the Pennington is decked out in saturated color literally from head to toe. Its ceiling, walls and trim are all painted in a handsome charcoal that adds a wow factor, especially when paired with the room’s limestone fireplace. Williams notes that despite such a deep, rich color, the room doesn’t seem dark. “It gets plenty of natural light, so it works,” she explains. 40 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2021
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DESIGN
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BONUS KITCHENS |
Whether they’re known as butler’s pantries or sculleries, extra rooms off the kitchen are all the rage, and both these Vesta homes have shining examples. It’s no wonder homeowners are clamoring for the bonus spaces—they offer extra storage, room for appliances, a prep spot that can be closed off from view when entertaining, and perhaps most importantly, a way to keep counters in the main kitchen clear and uncluttered. In fact, the family that now calls the Pennington home uses the scullery as the primary kitchen; the dishwasher and the main sink are located there. Thanks to that, the kitchen has an elegant, almost gallery-like feel. Art, rather than cabinets, graces the walls that flank the range, and the twin islands seem more like tables in a finedining restaurant.
In the Mandeville’s butler’s pantry, to-the-ceiling cabinets provide storage galore, while under-cabinet lighting illuminates extra countertop workspace any chef would envy.
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DESIGN
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GOURMET APPLIANCES | The pandemic and quarantine turned many a homeowner into a would-be culinary star, whether by desire or necessity, and kitchen trends are reflecting that. These custom kitchens feature more than the standard range-refrigerator-sink triangle. The centerpiece of the Pennington is a stunning Hallman Professional Range. The perfect marriage of elegant design and cooking performance, Hallmans feature brass burners and accents and come in an array of colors. A restaurant-style pizza oven and a built-in coffee station are the stars of the kitchen show in the Mandeville. Such features make staying in for the evening appealing and eliminate the need for drive-through caffeine on the morning commute.
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DESIGN
KIDS’ LOUNGES | Both these homes have upstairs areas dedicated to the younger set that go above and beyond the rec rooms of years gone by. Built-in bunk beds in play areas or media rooms are the ideal setting for sleep-overs. Williams points out that these clever additions continue to deliver even after the days of Friday night slumber parties are past. “This is such a fun trend that can also be a great spot when grandchildren come to visit. The Pennington has a guest room downstairs, but if the family has a lot of company, they could put the kids up there.”
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Other leading-edge home design ideas include simpler vent hoods in kitchens. The Mandeville’s clean white shiplap blends with the surrounding white walls. “We’re not seeing a lot of scrolling and detail like we used to, and that goes for cabinet style, too,” Toney says. Mixing metals throughout the home is quite popular for 2021, as well. Michaelis says some clients are hesitant to use a variety of finishes, but it definitely “pops” in design. “We think stainless steel and gold are great together. Everything doesn’t have to match.”
Ditto for warm and cool tones in paint colors and furnishings. The Mandeville’s palette doesn’t tend as heavily to gray as that of some homes on which Toney and Michaelis have collaborated. Warm tones are experiencing a comeback, blending with cooler grays and whites for a varied look.
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DESIGN
In keeping with that, wood elements are making appearances all over home design. These two homes are no exception. The Pennington features pecky cedar ceilings in the dining room and the stair hallway, while the Mandeville’s kitchen has open wooden shelving in place of wall cabinets, and handsome beams in a warm honey finish in the family room. Floating bathroom vanities and a wet room, a glass-enclosed area that holds the shower and bathtub, reflect current trends and make the Pennington’s master bath a luxurious retreat that would rival any spa. For 2021, outdoor living areas continue to be in demand, while pools with extra features are more popular than ever. The Pennington’s pool is embellished with a series of fountain streams meeting in the center, as well as a pair of fire features that bring all the drama. At the Mandeville, a fieldstone combination waterfall and hot tub adds a focal point to the pool and the entire
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WEDDING
Mary Alexander Hooker & Court Satterfield J U LY 1 8 , 2 0 2 0 | M E M P H I S , T N
Parents of the Bride: Stephanie & Nat Hooker | Parents of the Groom: Kerry & Court Satterfield
REHEARSAL DINNER: FELICIA SUZANNE'S | WEDDING & RECEPTION: ANNESDALE MANSION EVENT PLANNER: KATIE LIPSCOMB | FLORIST: L&J PRODUCTIONS | PHOTOGRAPHER: KELLY GINN PHOTOGRAPHY ENTERTAINMENT: G3 | BAKER: CAKES BY CAROLYN | INVITATIONS: RSVP STATIONERS | CATERER: ELIZABETH HEISKELL RENTALS: WHITE DOOR EVENTS | WEDDING DRESS: MAGGIE LOUISE | MAKEUP: KASEY ACUFF | HAIR: EMILY COHEN
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WEDDING
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WEDDING
Carolyn Day Cowart & Jordan Taylor Woolf N OV E M B E R 28, 2020 | M E M P H I S, T N
Parents of the Bride: Mr. & Mrs. John Wallace Cowart | Parents of the Groom: Mr. & Mrs. Mark Woolf
WEDDING: ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH | RECEPTION: COWART FAMILY HOME | EVENT PLANNER: MONA DUNLAP FLORIST: GARDEN DISTRICT | PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYLOR SQUARE PHOTOGRAPHY | VIDEOGRAPHER: DEAR LITTLE FILMS ENTERTAINMENT: AZ IZZ | BAKER: CAKES BY MOM & ME LLC | ENGRAVED ARZBERGER INVITATION SUITE: MÉNAGE FINE STATIONERY & GIFTS | PAPER GOODS: MÉNAGE FINE STATIONERY & GIFTS |CATERER: ELIZABETH HEISKELL | RENTALS: WHITE DOOR EVENTS | TENT: AMERISPAN TENTS | WEDDING DRESS: WARREN BARRON BRIDAL | BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES: BELLA BRIDESMAID | MAKEUP: ALICIA GEORGE | HAIR: ROD HENSON SALON
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WEDDING
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EXPERIENCE THIS
The Historic District in Downtown Collierville STORY & PHOTOS KRISTEN SMITH
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EXPERIENCE THIS
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EX E NI N C IENTGH I S N PT E R ITA
the
Historic District in Downtown Collierville is a magical place, but it is more than a place—it is an experience. Faces are friendlier, time moves more slowly, and the grass is actually greener due to the hard work of the town’s employees. Visitors can completely immerse themselves in the charming and quaint town square, so full of history that it allows the opportunity to step back in time. A typical day in the district finds people shopping for treasures in the beautiful shops or lining up for lunch outside Silver Caboose Restaurant and Soda Fountain even before the beloved eatery opens for lunch. The sound of the train going by stops all conversation until it passes and the bells from Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church play a familiar tune. The smell of delicious hamburgers floats in the air outside Dyer’s Collierville and the fresh, buttery aroma of pastries from Raven and Lily lingers on Mulberry Street. It is truly a delight for the senses. Visitors receive a warm welcome and are treated as special guests. Ashley Carver, the director of tourism for the Town of Collierville, says each municipal employee is tasked with upholding the town’s stellar reputation and their efforts shine brightest in the town square. The historical accuracy of the building facades, the cleanliness of the entire area and the great care the town takes with special seasonal touches make the district so captivating.
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EXPERIENCE THIS
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the
merchants are the heartbeat of the historic district and the driving force behind its popularity year after year. Hewlett & Dunn Jean & Boot Company has a reputation for outstanding customer service and quality apparel that has kept customers coming back since 1961. The Brooks Collection recently celebrated its 21st year in business and there is no doubt that the shop’s welcoming atmosphere, fostered by owner Watty Brooks, plays a huge part in its success. New businesses are also doing their part to keep the historic district active. Southern Farmhouse is a beautiful shop that looks like it is right out of a magazine spread. It is a great spot to find seasonal décor and unique gifts. Zopita’s on the Square keeps Collierville fed well with perennial favorites like lasagna and chicken salad. The menu includes gluten-free and keto-friendly items to make sure there’s something to please every diner. Downtown is also home to Main Street Collierville, a not-for-profit organization with the sole purpose of promoting and inspiring a vibrant Main Street district. The group hosts the annual Summer Concert Series which brings thousands of people to the square each year. They also work with merchants to promote annual events such as the Chocolate Tour, which will take place near Valentine’s Day 2021, as well as Girls Night Out and the Holiday Open House. For details about events, merchants and life on the square follow Main Street Collierville on Instagram and Facebook.
Make plans to visit the Historic District soon and experience all the charm for yourself.
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E N T E R TA I N I N G
S T Y L I N G & S TO R Y G I N N I J O N E S
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P H OTO G R A P H Y A N N A B E L L A C H A R L E S
E N T E R TA I N I N G
SMALLER & MORE INTIMATE, FRESH & OUTDOOR GATHERINGS... It's become our new norm. With a new year's arrival, it's time to welcome the new era of entertaining. We were forced into it, but we've grown to love it and will never take it for granted.
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E N T E R TA I N I N G
the table
The dinner party is back! Small, more intimate gatherings that were once our only option have become a new trend we have grown to love. This winter we dined to celebrate our dear friends behind the brand J. LOWERY, and the launch of their new card case collection!
T H E D E TA I L S | REACTIVE GLAZE DINNERWARE WILLIAMS SONOMA | LEVI STONEWARE PLATES ANTHROPOLOGIE | GLASS BUD VASES LISA MALLORY INTERIOR DESIGN | ESTELLE COLORED GLASS LISA MALLORY INTERIOR DESIGN | CLOTHING OAK HALL
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E N T E R TA I N I N G
Dinner was set al fresco in the courtyard. For the table I kept it simple, which was a nice change of pace from all the Christmas decor. I paired muted sage glazed dinner plates with light blue stoneware salad plates and glossy white French soup bowls. For pops of color, I used all the produce of the winter season: pomegranates, artichokes, persimmons and dried orange slices scattered down the table with delicate clear glass vases of fresh white scabiosa flowers. To top it off and complete the table, I chose my favorite "gems," Estelle Colored Glass wine glasses, as well as glass and gold champagne flutes, because we have lots to celebrate this new year!
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E N T E R TA I N I N G
J. LOWERY
| the brand |
Jamey and Margaret are lifelong best friends turned business partners and the co-owners of J.Lowery. Together they design beautiful, quality pieces that fit seamlessly into today's lifestyle and personal aesthetic. For them, it's all about the everyday influencer. ................................. "We're a brand that celebrates who you are and what you like to wear. We strive to help people see in themselves what their peers see in them, hence our belief that each customer is an everyday influencer. By building on a culture rather than building solely on a product, our brand’s core is not about the bags themselves, but the women who carry them. Wear your bag in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable and we will feel like we’ve accomplished what we’ve set out to do."
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E N T E R TA I N I N G
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H E A LT H Y Y O U
Ringing in 2021 STORY MICHELLE JOHNS
Ringing
in 2021 may have felt very different from years past. Though a new year has begun, many of us are bound to bring the experiences of 2020 along for the ride. As a therapist and mental health counselor I have been reading a lot of research, reports and general opinions related to the stress of COVID-19 and 2020 politics. I certainly don’t recall a time in life with so much disruption. Many were optimistic that the end of 2020 would mean a return to pre-COVID life, however, last year’s seismic shift changed things for the foreseeable future. In writing this piece, I feel compelled to create space for people in mourning as well as those celebrating an opportunity to create something new. Life is interesting in the way that mourning and celebration are parallel experiences. However, some people tend to dismiss the mourning; acknowledgments of sadness or grief are often met with judgment, shame, minimization and guilt. Society teaches that there is no place for a pity party, but I’m here to proclaim that feelings of frustration, sadness, loss and fear should not be minimized or ignored, rather they should be nurtured. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s not commonplace for citizens of the United States to walk around with half of their face covered. We are traditionally a society that places value on communion through uninhibited contact among humans. Wearing a mask creates boundaries and divides that make us feel disconnected and isolated. Additionally, we’ve just spent the past nine months
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with limited to no contact with our most treasured family and friends. It’s messy and there are no easy answers. Tired clichés, so often heard regarding the current situation, can further contribute to feelings of judgment, shame, guilt and minimization among those who feel the pain of the shift of life. Losses experienced in 2020 have genuinely altered some people’s existence and warrant acknowledgement as traumatic and life altering. Though we are all living in the same circumstances, we are not all experiencing the situation the same way. Grief deserves to be listened to, empathized with, and nurtured through living life on new terms. We need to honor each other’s unique and varied perspectives. To help make 2021 better than 2020, we need to stop minimizing the experience. Don’t say things like: “At least you’re healthy.” “At least you still have a job.” “God is in control.” Yes, I know, but it’s still challenging. Have you ever read the Psalms? Lamenting is a normal part of humanity. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” “Do you know how many people have died?” Yes, and it’s heart wrenching. Wearing a mask everywhere is a struggle, even though I understand why I should wear one and I do wear one. “Everything happens for a reason.” Ugh!
H E A LT H Y Y O U
My first husband was emotionally and physically abusive. Though I left that experience 30 years ago, I will never be grateful for having lived in such a relationship. I am thankful to have made it out alive and well. I think of 2020 in the same light—a time many may be grateful for having endured but will never treasure as an experience. As 2021 begins and we bring along the new lifestyle, we can find happiness and joy in the midst of our grief. Make it your mission to use your strengths and talents to make the world around you a better place. Research reveals we feel better when we show love and kindness to others.
and circumstances of each of those moments. Write what made them so special. Perhaps share your memory with someone else who might enjoy it. • Go grocery shopping for someone who can’t take the risk of going out in public. • Valentine’s Day is coming up. Sending Valentines to friends and family is a way of connecting. Acknowledgement of suffering is not a loss of
• Take a meal to someone in need.
hope. While we accept our grief, we also recognize
• Send a text or handwritten note to let
our strengths and the ability to move forward in
someone who is alone know you are thinking of them. • Create a good times timeline. Reflect on the best experiences of your life and write them on a timeline. Consider the people, places
love, joy, kindness, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and with self-control. We look for new ways to persevere and find satisfaction in our lives. We have choices even in the limitations. Press on!
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IN THE KITCHEN
Lemon Pepper Shrimp with Creamy Spaghetti RECIPE & PHOTO JIM NORTON
78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • January 2021
INGREDIENTS: 16 oz. spaghetti 3 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for drizzle 2 lbs. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground black pepper ½ cup lemon juice, divided 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 2 Tbsp. minced garlic 8 oz. softened cream cheese, cubed Fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish DIRECTIONS: Cook spaghetti as directed on package. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss shrimp in salt and pepper while oil is heating then add to hot skillet. Cook shrimp, stirring occasionally, until pink and just cooked through, approximately 4 minutes. Add ¼ cup lemon juice and melted butter. Toss to coat. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. In the same skillet, drizzle olive oil. Once hot, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add remaining ¼ cup of lemon juice and cubed softened cream cheese. Whisk until blended and melted. If the sauce seems too thick add ¼ to ½ cup hot water and whisk to combine. Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp to the skillet with the garlic and cream cheese sauce. Toss to evenly coat, reheating the noodles and shrimp. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve on individual plates and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Serves 4-6.
thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @thejimnorton January 2021 • athomemms.com | 79
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January HO M E F E AT U R E Special Thanks Selena McAdams of Spruce Shop spruceshop.com Stefanie Rawlinson Photography stefanierawlinson.com
DESIGN
Special Thanks First Fruit Collection firstfruitcollection.com Sensational Sofas sensationalsofas.com KSW Interiors kswinteriors.com Annabella Charles Photography annabellacharles.com
EXPERIENCE THIS Special Thanks Main Street Collierville mainstreetcollierville.org
ENTERTAINING
Special Thanks Ginni Jones ginnijones1@gmail.com J. Lowery shopjlowery.com Lisa Mallory Interior Design lisamallorydesign.com Annabella Charles Photography annabellacharles.com
IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
HEALTHY YOU
Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
ON A GOOD NOTE
Special Thanks Germantown Education Foundation germantowneducationfoundation.org
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ON A GOOD NOTE
A
strong commitment to education makes a community a great There are several opportunities to give:
place to live and work. Germantown residents value high-quality education as a top priority, and the non-profit Germantown Education
- Become a Friend of the Foundation. This program allows Germantown
Foundation works to ensure the city’s school system is top notch.
residents to add a donation of any amount to their monthly water
Founded in 2006, the foundation is a key part of the community’s
bill. Sign up at germantowneducationfoundation.org/friend-of-the-
commitment to educational excellence. The GEF mobilizes community
foundation/
resources to support and benefit schools and educational programs in
- Donate online at germantowneducationfoundation.org/donate/
Germantown. Led by Executive Director Robyn Rey Rudisill and a board of 15 individuals representing corporate and volunteer sectors, GEF is committed to action: the foundation provides grants to teachers,
- Mail a check to: Germantown Education Foundation, 3350 Forest Hill Irene Rd., Germantown, TN 38138
supports educational initiatives, and works closely with stakeholders to
- Participate in the Employer Matching Program. Learn more at
identify pressing needs in Germantown’s municipal schools.
germantowneducationfoundation.org/donate/matching-donation-
The foundation’s leadership is eager to do even more. Plans for 2021 include a fundraising goal of at least $100,000, and, according to Rudisill, Germantown citizens will play a critical role in reaching that goal.
companies/ The Germantown Education Foundation is making sure the future will be bright for the city’s students, the leaders of tomorrow.
TEXT AND PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN RUDISILL
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78 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • April 2020