NOVEMBER 2010 FASHION FOR YOU • YOUR HOME • YOUR LIFESTYLE ATHOMETN.COM
At Home for the Holidays Holiday Gift Guide | Knoxville’s Patricia Nash Coastal Cuisine in Nashville
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY Mike
Boatman
contents november 2010
COVER FEATURES
50 At Home for the Holidays
31 Holiday Gift Guide
SEASONAL SHOWCASE
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
The Memphis home of interior designer Ken Cummins and Ed Hanna is an exceptional sight come Christmas, when the homeowners deck the halls with glass ornaments, wreaths, garland and more than 3,000 white Christmas lights. With an interior already expertly designed by Cummins, the space— dubbed “White Pillars”—is impressive regardless of the season.
At Home Tennessee has scoured shops across the state (and beyond) to track down the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. From cuff links and grilling accessories to pampering pillows and candles, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in our gift guide.
48 Knoxville’s Patricia Nash THE HANDBAG CREATOR
Knoxville-based handbag designer Patricia Nash is making a splash in the fashion industry with her Old World-inspired, vintage namesake collection, now available at Dillard’s. Learn her fashion secrets and design inspiration, here.
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72 Coastal Cuisine in Nashville COASTAL FLAVORS IN MUSIC CITY
Fish & Co., a newly opened restaurant and raw bar in Nashville, combines Lowcountry flavors and coastal-inspired dishes for the ultimate dining experience.
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SELF
TRAVEL
20 HOLIDAY FASHION
44 RING IN THE HOLIDAYS AT HOGWARTS
With these bold pieces, blending into the scenery at holiday parties isn’t an option. Dress to impress from head to toe.
The opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios adds a whole new meaning to the magic of the holiday season. Explore the realm of everyone’s favorite wizard this month, and prepare for an experience like no other.
22 HOT HOLIDAY HUES From glam glitter to scene-stealing reds, take your makeup up a notch for this festive season. We’ve collected the hottest holiday hues for you.
24 HOME FOR THE HOLI-DAZE At Home Tennessee’s Mandi Gaskin reflects on Thanksgiving dinner with her 57-member family and the real reason for the season: winning the inevitable family sing-off.
26 HOLIDAY FITNESS Meet holiday snacks head on by enrolling in a fun aerobics class. From low-impact water aerobics to dance-based classes like Zumba, aerobic activity has never been more entertaining!
28 SEASONAL DEFENSE Vitamin D levels tend to drop in winter, which can lead to health problems. Find out why Vitamin D is important and how you can maintain healthy levels. 8 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
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46 OPRYLAND’S GRAND REOPENING Even the Nashville flood couldn’t postpone this merry tradition. Opryland reopens this month just in time for the holidays, with a celebration that’s bigger and better than ever.
HOME AND GARDEN 58 DESIGNER WORTHY HOLIDAY DÉCOR Get designer looks in your own home with these expert tips. From a tablescape centered around family heirlooms to a mantle that doesn’t stray from the interior’s color scheme, it’s all about thinking outside of the box.
84 weather turns frosty. Fill those empty spaces with edibles like kale, coolweather plants and other whimsical touches.
FOOD 76 GIVE THANKS Thanksgiving is all about tradition, but who says you can’t spice it up with a few well-thought-out details? Follow your turkey and dressing with sweet holiday treats, and wow your family and friends with do-ityourself decor so cute no one will believe you made it.
IN THIS ISSUE 12 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 66 by invitation—THE SOCIAL PAGES 82 SEE AND DO- CHRISTMAS SAMPLER 84 SEE AND DO- MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT 86 HAPPENINGS
64 COOL-WEATHER CONTAINERS
88 SOURCES
These tips for outdoor containers will make your flower pots pop, even as the
90 ESSAY
November 2010 • Vol. 9 No. 8 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Margaret Monger - mmonger@athometn.com
EDITORIAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nikki Aviotti Hodum - naviotti@athometn.com MANAGING EDITOR Lindsey Phillips Abernathy - lphillips@athometn.com SOCIETY EDITOR Lesley Colvett - lcolvett@athometn.com EDITORIAL/PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Hallie McKay - hmckay@athometn.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mandi Gaskin, Terri Glazer, Mary-Kathryn Millner, Andy Pulte, Cara Sievers CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mike Boatman INTERN Kelly Kriegshauser COLOR MANAGEMENT Charles Reynolds - cr@colorretouching.com WEB MASTER Donna Donald - donna@donnadonalddesign.com
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Virginia Davis - vdavis@athometn.com Hilary Frankel - hfrankel@athometn.com Janna Herbison - jherbison@athometn.com Robert Philips - rphilips@athometn.com REGIONAL SALES Melissa Hosp - mhosp@athometn.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Trip Monger - tmonger@athometn.com
HOW TO REACH US 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155, FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE athometn.com BEAUTY INQUIRIES beauty@athometn.com WEBSITE INQUIRIES web@athometn.com At Home Tennessee does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to - Lindsey Phillips Abernathy, Managing Editor, At Home Tennessee; 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe online at athometn.com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Tennessee is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Tennessee; 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Lindsey Phillips Abernathy; At Home Tennessee; 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or by e-mail to lphillips@athometn.com.
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publisher’s note
A Few of My Favorite Things
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elcome to the holidays! (They’re finally here, although several stores obviously thought the season began this summer and displayed Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations next to the Fourth of July décor.) When talking to several friends about what they are thankful for this season, I seemed to get the same answers: Most everyone is thankful for family, friends and their health. Although those are my top three also, I started thinking about the little things that truly make my heart smile and that I sometimes take for granted. I guess it’s more of my “favorite things” list. I am thankful for my dogs who, no matter how bad my day has been, always seem to remind me that I am loved. And my cats who, even on the worst days, seem to make me remind them of how much they are loved. I am thankful for my son, who consistently calls me from school to bring whatever he forgot that day, reminding me that all 6-foot 2-inches, 200 pounds of him still needs his mom. My daughter, who calls and texts me many times a day from college just to “check in,” makes me realize how she has grown and of all the people she could call at that time, she wants to talk to me. I’m thankful for my husband and his little piles of stuff and unfinished projects because he is home and constantly working on whatever needs to be done without complaining. The list goes on. I am blessed with great friends and family who call me in difficult times and make me realize that they see me as someone they can trust and count on and vice versa. I am thankful for my house because, although not perfectly clean, it is where my kids’ friends like to hang out. I especially enjoy when they choose to sit in the same room with my husband and me and just talk. I love my work family too. They always seem to come through in the most hectic moments and pull through the situation, allowing us to laugh about it when it’s over. Thinking about this made me realize that while some of things might seem to be inconvenient at the time, after all is said and done they are the little things that I am most thankful for. Wishing your family a very happy holiday season and hoping we all remember to be thankful for the little things we seem to overlook.
We want to hear from you! Share your “favorite things” list with us online on our Facebook page or on our blog, www.athometn.blogspot.com. 12 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
contributors’ page
www.haljaffe.com
Lesley Harris Colvett is pleased to rejoin At Home Tennessee magazine. Her 10year career in magazines began promptly after graduating from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism as editor of RSVP magazine, where she covered countless parties in Memphis. Most recently, she was one of the founders of by invitation Kansas City, a social magazine in Kansas City. Lesley is proud to bring social pages to Tennessee!
Stephanie Alexander is a wedding and event planner and owner of You’re Invited Events in Nashville. Stephanie specializes in social events throughout the state of Tennessee. Helping her clients carry out their vision and truly making each event unique is her passion. She earned an MBA from the University of Memphis and a BBA in marketing and Spanish, and her extensive business background allows her to approach each event with the client’s budget and timeline in mind. Stephanie is also an avid entertainer, chef and baker and loves expressing her creativity through do-it-yourself projects. You can learn more about Stephanie by visiting her website at yistationery.com or her blog at yievents.blogspot.com. Becky Fox is a certified personal trainer, nutrition consultant and owner of the Knoxvillebased personal training and boot camp company, Fox Fitness. Becky enjoys helping individuals lose fat and tone their bodies through fun, efficient and challenging workouts. She has written for various publications including the Knoxville News Sentinel. Becky is an Optimum Nutrition sponsored fitness model who can be seen on the covers of Power Systems and Magazine Blu. You can learn more about Becky by visiting foxfitness.com.
Stephenie Ward is a registered dietitian who partners with clients of various medical and fitness backgrounds at Germantown Athletic Club. Her clinical experience includes pediatrics, cardiovascular disease, lifecycle changes, diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, osteoporosis and athletes desiring improved athletic performance. Outside of work, Stephenie enjoys training for triathlons, playing the violin, cooking and spending time with her family of five. 14 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
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Holiday Fashion Add glitz and glam to your holiday look with bright prints, bold hues and lots of metallics. You’ll be the star of seasonal festivities with these must-have pieces.
Frank Lyman Dress Seriously Fun! Germantown, TN 901.754.0018
oh... DEER! Clutches Mary Knoxville, TN 865.450.9242, mary-knoxville.com
Hobo International bags Mam’selle Jackson, TN 731.668.2420
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Be Dazzled Devon Jacket Kate Spade Mall at Green Hills, Nashville 615.292.9168
F Fallon Ball Swag Bib Necklace Haven Nashville, TN 615.790.7954
Wool Garbardine Blazer in Navy Eddie Bauer eddiebauer.com
Michael by Michael Kors Hamilton Quilted tote dillards.com Devi boots Cynthia Vincent cynthiavincent.net
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Hot Holiday Hues
Glitter is all the rage this time of year, and there are plenty of ways to embrace it. From nail polish to lipsticks to eye shadows, it’s all about the sparkle and shine to celebrate the season.
Cle de Peau Limited Edition Holiday Vintage Palette neimanmarcus.com OPI Extra-va-vaganza opi.com Estee Lauder Extravagant Red and Extravagant Berry lipsticks esteelauder.com
Bobbi Brown Sultry Eye Palette bobbibrowncosmetics.com
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Jo Malone Amber and Lavendar Fragrance Chronicle jomalone.com
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Home for the Holi-daze At Home Tennessee columnist Mandi Gaskin braves the battlefield where many tread but few survive: a family Thanksgiving. TEXT Mandi Gaskin | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Mandi Gaskin
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love this time of year. A chill takes hold of the air, pumpkins are being carved and turkeys are running for their lives. It’s a time of peace and thankfulness; that is until you arrive at your family Thanksgiving. And if your family is anything like mine, you need a stiff drink and a visit to your therapist to refill your meds by the time dessert is served. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family in small doses, but when all 57 of them come together it’s like a full moon on Friday the 13th that causes all of them to get crazy-eyed and act out in a way that is neither normal nor appropriate. You see, I come from a musical family. And by that I mean every single person in my family thinks they can sing better than the person beside him or her. And therefore every holiday get-together turns into an American Idol audition, except with middle-aged participants belting out gospel hymns or Broadway tunes. It always starts out innocently enough. My aunt invariably hops on the piano for a friendly sing-a-long and starts singing “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.” But by the second verse you can’t hear yourself think over the competing roars of vibrato. I remember one Thanksgiving when I was 10 years old, I decided to join in on the chorus and started singing harmony with the others, and suddenly my mother looked at me and said, “Get off my part.” It is every man for himself amid such fierce competition. The first time I brought my husband home for the holidays I broke out into a sweat, knowing exactly what was about to happen as my aunt sauntered over to the piano. When the voices reached into octaves that only dogs can hear I saw my husband sitting there with his mouth hanging open, staring in disbelief. I just mouthed, “I’m sorry. Don’t leave me.” He hasn’t. Yet. I know that I am not the only one who feels this way about family. A friend of mine once told me that he doesn’t even consider it Thanksgiving until at least two rolls have been thrown across the din24 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
ner table and someone is crying in the bathroom. “I wouldn’t change it for anything though,” he mused. “It’s free entertainment. Sort of like dinner and a movie, and every year I like to try to guess the ending.” I know exactly what he means—my holiday doesn’t officially kick off until I have been insulted by both my mother (“Did you mean to wear your hair like that?”) and my grandmother (“That baby weight is not going to lose itself, you know.”) My sister doesn’t fare much better at these functions. She is single and in her 30s, which my family translates as desperately alone and needy. And to resolve this they bring pictures of a “nice boy from church with an unfortunate case of acne” as potential suitors to fulfill her void. She keeps a bottle of wine in her car for such emergencies. But this year will be different for her as she has met “the one” and will be bringing him home for the first time to be sacrificed at our family Thanksgiving. I don’t know what I am looking forward to more, my uncle asking him how much money he makes or my mother asking him if he and my sister have consummated their relationship. But the truth is, no matter how much I complain or get embarrassed by this group of lunatics that are my family, looking back over the decades that we have spent together, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change anything about them. Yes, they are loud and wildly inappropriate, but they love each other fiercely and are passionate about a bond that makes a family. And much to my chagrin, they are responsible for the person I am today and for that I will always have the utmost love and respect for them. And speaking of respect, that reminds me, I need to start practicing my Aretha Franklin solo for this year ’s Thanksgiving dinner. Mandi Gaskin is a mother, wife and writer. She would like to formally apologize to her family, who has blacklisted her from Thanksgiving this year for making fun of them.
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Holiday Fitness While the holidays and getting fit may not go hand-in-hand, it’s important to keep up with your exercise routine during this season of food, family and fun. Mix things up by joining an aerobics class, and be sure to keep these quick nutrition tips in mind when snacking at seasonal parties.
Healthy Holiday Eating TEXT Stephenie Ward, registered dietitian, LDN, Germantown Athletic Club
Adopting Aerobics Redefining Aerobics While the term “aerobics” may bring images of rhythmic dance classes to mind, there are actually many more types of exercise that fall into the category. “Aerobic activity includes a variety of activities that spike the heart rate for a period of 20-60 minutes and may include other activities besides classes, such as running, swimming, biking or using the cardio machine,” says Becky Fox of Fox Fitness in Knoxville. Because there are so many types of aerobics classes, there is something for everyone, from Zumba and cardio kickboxing to low impact water aerobics and even sport-based aerobics. Comprehensive Cardio Aerobic exercises have a number of benefits, from promoting weight loss (and helping a person keep weight off) to increasing energy levels and endurance, says Becky. “It benefits most people, so everyone should be doing it unless a doctor has advised you not to for medical reasons or due to an injury,” she says. “If you have limitations, there are often great options such as water aerobics, which can reduce impact on the joints, tendons or ligaments.” Participate in aerobic activities to strengthen your heart and lungs and to help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Aerobic activity will also help lower your blood pressure and bad cholesterol, boost your immune system and improve your overall wellness. A Winning Weigh-In Because aerobic exercise burns fat, it is highly recommended for weight loss. “Aerobics is a cardiobased activity, which in addition to a healthy diet and weight training is the formula for quick and effective weight loss,” Becky says. She recommends performing aerobics at least three times a week for 20-60 minutes per session.
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It’s tough sticking to healthful eating and exercise habits with all the temptations and delicious treats of the holiday season. However, with a little focus, you can make it through the holidays without gaining weight and sacrificing your healthy lifestyle. Do people really gain five pounds during the holiday season? One 2000 study showed that 14 percent of 195 people studied gained five pounds or more, and those who were overweight gained more than those of normal weight. However, the majority of people only gained three-fourths of a pound to one pound. But even a small holiday weight gain may be a big contributor to the average person’s yearly weight gain, adding up substantially over time. The best way to approach the holidays is to focus on the idea of just not gaining weight. Don’t try to lose weight, as dieting at this time is an unrealistic goal for most people. Remember, the holidays should be enjoyable, and one of the pleasures of the season is fine food. Enjoy your favorites in small amounts, and try to stay as active as possible by continuing to exercise routinely.
Combat Holiday Calories These quick tips will help you stay on track during the holiday season. • Avoid arriving to the party starving. Eat a snack before you leave home, which prevents overindulging. • Survey the entire table before taking any food. Decide which items are worth your while. Why waste calories on foods that do not bring you pleasure? • Eat your calories instead of drinking them. Instead of punches and eggnogs, which can have almost 500 calories per cup, stick with lower-calorie choices such as diet cola, water, wine spritzers or light beer. • Try to hang out across the room away from the food table and focus on people instead of food. • Leave a few bites behind every time you eat, especially if you are eating something that is not one of your favorites. • Enjoy treats, but in small portions. Eat slowly and don’t cover your plate with snacks; less is better. • Sip on a large glass of water between every alcoholic drink or other caloric beverage to help reduce overall beverage calories by the end of the night. • When you host, offer nutritious and lower-calorie foods like fruits, veggies and lean meats. When you are the guest, bring a lower- calorie dish to share. Visit websites like deliciousdecisions.org, foodfit.com or allrecipes.com for healthy recipe suggestions.
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Medicine Ball Workout Medicine balls are a great piece of equipment because they are versatile and fun, allowing for many different types of movements and exercises. They are also a relatively inexpensive addition to your home gym. This workout utilizes the medicine ball for a full body workout. Circuit through each exercise 2-3 times, completing the number of reps described below. TEXT Becky Fox | MODEL Becky Fox
Ball Plank Works: Abs, Back, Arms Starting in a kneeling position, place hands on top of the medicine ball. Slowly lift up onto toes keeping abs tight, body in a straight line and shoulders directly above the ball. Hold for 20 seconds and work up to a minute.
Ball Front Raise and Squat Works: Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes, Shoulders Start by standing with feet shoulder width apart, holding a medicine ball with both hands in front of your legs. Slowly lower into a squat position, making sure the knees do not go past your toes. At the same time lift the ball, in front of you, keeping the arms straight and stopping at shoulder height. Lower back down to start and repeat 15 times.
Ball Lunge and Twist Works: Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes, Obliques Start with feet together while holding the medicine ball in front of you. Step out with your right foot, lowering into a lunge position while also twisting to your right side keeping the abs tight. Return to start and repeat on the left side. Complete 20-24 reps.
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Seasonal Defense During the winter months, Vitamin D levels drop substantially nationwide, and many people may not experience any symptoms. But did you know Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium in your body? Learn what you can do here. TEXT Lindsey Phillips Abernathy | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of dreamstime.com
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hile the flu may be the first seasonal health concern that comes to mind as days grow shorter and temperatures drop, there’s another health issue that has also been receiving a lot of attention lately, and with good reason—Vitamin D deficiency. “As many as 50 percent of Americans living in all three climate zones can have Vitamin D deficiency,” says Dr. Catherine Womack, an internal medicine specialist with the UT Medical Group in Memphis. “Part of that is genetics and sunblock, but the big risk factor for Vitamin D deficiency is winter.” Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium, as well as helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Consequently, “if your Vitamin D is low, you may not absorb the calcium in food as well and it puts you at risk for osteoporosis,” Dr. Womack explains. Because Vitamin D can be obtained through exposure to direct sunlight, as the days grow colder and more and more people spend free time inside, levels of the vitamin tend to drop. In a study of healthy Boston area adults, 36 percent of subjects ages 18 to 29 were found to have lower Vitamin D levels at the end of winter; when tested again at the end of summer, those deficient had dropped to four percent, according to “Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency and Resistance,” by Drs. Zalman S. Agus and Marc K. Drezner. “Vitamin D levels can drop every month as you get into winter depending on your genetics and your intake of supplements,” Dr. Womack says. “By April, there can be a significant increase in deficiency.” However, direct sunlight exposure leads to an increased chance of skin cancer, Dr. Womack reminds, and supplements for Vitamin D are also available. A healthy adult should ingest about 1,000 international 28 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
units of Vitamin D3 a day to maintain a functioning level of Vitamin D in the body. Studies have also shown that about 20 or 30 minutes spent in direct sunlight (without sunscreen) around noontime will produce good levels of Vitamin D, but again, “but the caveat to that is worry about skin cancer,” Dr. Womack says. While medical professionals do know some of the effects of low levels of Vitamin D, “we don’t know all the effects of high levels,” Dr. Womack says, so avoid ingesting more than the recommended Vitamin D supplement dosage per day as it can lead to high blood concentrations of calcium and kidney stones, among other health issues. A small percentage of Vitamin D can be obtained in the diet by eating dairy products such as cheese, butter, cream and fortified milk, according to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. In fact, fortified cow’s milk provides the largest source of dietary Vitamin D in the U.S., with about 100 international units per eight ounces, according to UptoDate, a peer-reviewed clinical website. Fish, oysters, fortified cereals and margarine are also dietary sources of Vitamin D. Besides lack of sun exposure and dietary intake, those at risk for Vitamin D deficiency also include people with kidney and liver disease. And, because Vitamin D is absorbed through the intestines, people with gastrointestinal diseases or who have undergone gastric bypass surgery are at risk for deficiency as well, Dr. Womack says. So, what are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? Cases vary, but many people don’t even know they have low levels of the vitamin. “Some people have really low Vitamin D levels and there are no signs,” Dr. Womack says. “Some people will come into your office and complain of muscle pain or muscle aches, but most people who are Vitamin D deficient have no symptoms.”
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Vitamin D Fast Facts What is Vitamin D? • Vitamin D, an oil-soluble vitamin, is vital to healthy bones. It helps absorb calcium and phosphorous, and suppresses the release of a hormone that causes bone resorption.
Is Vitamin D deficiency common? • Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, especially in the winter months.
Who is at risk for deficiency? • People at risk include those not getting enough dietary Vitamin D, as well as not enough exposure to other sources. • People who are unable to absorb Vitamin D in the intestines. • People who are unable to process Vitamin D because of kidney or liver disease.
What can I do? • Vitamin D can be obtained through D3 supplements and foods including dairy products, fish and fortified foods. Twenty to 30 minutes of contact with direct sunlight is also a good source, but can increase an individual’s risk of skin cancer and is not recommended for infants and children.
Source: www.uptodate.com
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All I want for Christmas... The At Home Tennessee 2010 Gift guide We’ve come up with the best gifts to give and get this year!
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For the Women Jo Malone Holiday Candle Collection jomalone.com
Alex and Ani Bracelets Signatures Jackson, TN 731.668.8188
Cartise Sweater Seriously Fun! Germantown, TN 901.754.0018
Ladies Bulova Accutron Mirador White Ceramic and Diamond Watch Robert’s Jewelers Jackson, TN 731.664.2257
Pink Leather gloves Mary Knoxville, TN 865.450.9242, mary-knoxville.com
Jennifer Zeuner Cross Necklace Obligato Knoxville, TN 865.558.0822 November 2010 • athometn.com | 33
For the Men
Maui Jim Ho’okipa Sunglasses Urban Eye Jackson, TN 731.554.3333
Slimlock Knife WR Case basspro.com
M-Clip Coachman Clothiers Knoxville, TN 865.690.5805
Monogrammed Grill Tools WIlliams Sonoma 901.737.9990 34 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
Big Green Egg Ken Rash’s 901.458.7541
For the Home Beliezza Small Pitcher with Covered Sugar and Creamer Corzine & Co. Nashville, TN 615.385.0140, corzineco.com
Holiday Ornament Vineyards Gifts Jackson, TN 731.664.4300
Leather Storage Tote Restoration Hardware Nashville, TN 615.279.9002
Ralph Lauren Frame Gift Gourmet and Interiors gg-interiors.com
1880s Eight-Foot Tall Scottish Chest Old Taylor Antiques 662.234.9797 oldtaylorantiques.com
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For the Cooks “Blueberry Pie” Half Apron shabbyapple.com
Wild Abundance Cookbook available at Davis Kidd daviskidd.com
Sweet Indulgences “Foodie” Necklace Demitasse Jewelry demitassejewelry.com
Recipe Keeper kangaroomstorage.com.
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Guac Starter by TN chef Jason McConnell available at SOL Restaurant, Red Pony, 55 South, Grassland Foodland and the Franklin and Green Hills Whole Foods Market
For the Bookworms
“Carnton” featuring the photographs of Bruce Wolf with forward by Robert Hicks carnton.org
Graphite Pencil by artist Agelio Batle available at Menage Fine Stationary & Gifts Memphis, TN 901.683.6809, menagestationery.com
Stationary by Memphis’ Julia D. Azar available at Dandy Lions Maryville, TN 865-977-LION (5466), dandylionsgifts.com November 2010 • athometn.com |37
For the Kids Public M3 Bike Public Bikes 415.425.7668
Dairy Queen Blizzard Maker Target target.com
Myminigolf Set myminigolf.com
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Zoku Quickpop Maker WIlliams Sonoma 615.292.5066
Tumble Twill Washed Bean Bag Restoration Hardware Nashville, TN 615.279.9002
Made in TN
Lione Satchel in Veg Tan by Knoxville’s Patrisha Nash patricianashdesigns.com
Typerwriter Key Pendant by Maryville’s Cassandra Chavez available at Dandy Lions Maryville, TN 865-977-LION (5466), dandylionsgifts.com
Bermuda Earrings by Nashville’s Freshie and Zero freshieandzero.com
Blackberry Farm Farmstead Pantry Box Blackberry Farm Walland, TN 865.984.8166 40 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
61 South (Bubinga Wood Top) Saint Blue Guitar Workshop Memphis, TN 901.578.3588, saintblues.com
Made in TN
Wooden Photo Frames by Collierville’s Matchstix matchstixproducts.com
Elvis 75th Anniversary Collector Edition DVD Set shopelvis.com
Cleo Necklace by Nashville- based designers Sleeveless wearsleeveless.com
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Lamp by Memphis’ Rock Paper Scissors indielamps.com Honeysuckle Broom Ogles Broom Shop Gatlinburg, TN 865.430.4402
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travel
Ring in the Holidays at Hogwarts Celebrate the holidays with a family trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where magic is in the air—literally. Sample butterbeer, navigate the streets of Hogsmeade and select your very own wand as scenes from the best-selling series come to life all around you. TEXT Lindsey Phillips Abernathy | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
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s giving the gift of experience gains popularity this holiday season, there’s no better adventure to gift your loved ones (and yourself) than diving head first into the world of everyone’s favor-
ite wizard. After five years in the making, the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter is now open for business at Universal Orlando Resort. Encompassing 20 acres in the Islands of Adventure park and anchored by Hogwarts Castle—which can be seen from everywhere in the park and houses the capstone attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey— the Wizarding World of Harry Potter combines cutting-edge technology with scenes from the best-selling series to give visitors a firsthand experience like no other. Where else can you have the opportunity to enjoy a sweet mug of butterbeer at Hog’s Head Pub? Earning praises for authenticity from author J.K. Rowling and the cast of the Harry Potter movies, the Wizarding World includes the streets of bustling Hogsmeade village, where Harry’s adventures come to life around every corner. Send a specially marked postcard from the Owl Post, or browse Hogwarts robes and Quidditch gear in shops like Dervish and Banges, made famous in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
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Visitors to Hogsmeade can even pick up joke items like Fred and George Weasley’s extendable ears in Zonko’s, or select their own wands in Ollivanders, where a wandkeeper is on hand to assist in the interactive magical shopping spree. Just outside of Hogsmeade, three attractions await. Stray off the path to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and into Hagrid’s territory for Flight of the Hipogriff, a family friendly roller coaster ride. Or try your hand in the Dragon Challenge, straight from the Triwizard Tournament. Thrill-seekers can choose to board the Chinese Fireball or the Hungarian Horntail, the two dueling roller coasters that make up the exciting ride. The ultimate adventure, however, lies deep inside Hogwarts Castle: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The journey begins with a tour of Hogwarts. Then, Harry, Ron and Hermione show up to take guests on a visit to the Sorting Hat. Expect to experience the Floo Network, the Whomping Willow and a Quidditch game among plenty of other thrills from the series on this exciting adventure. Afterward, stop into Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods for a firsthand run-in with the Marauder’s Map and a chance to buy souvenirs for friends and family back at home.
Wizarding Words Butterbeer: A frothy drink, reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch, served in Hogsmeade. * Chinese Fireball: One of four dragons guarding a golden egg in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. Viktor Krum (from the Durmstrang Institute) had to retrieve his golden egg from a Chinese Fireball. Extendable Ears: Long flesh-colored strings with ears on the end that allow the user to eavesdrop on conversations from a distance; invented by Fred and George Weasley. Floo Network: A method of transportation in the Wizarding World, governed by the Department of Magical Transportation and overseen by the Floo Network Authority; to access the network, a person must toss a handful of Floo powder into a fireplace, walk into the green fire, and declare the desired destination. Hippogriff: A magical creature that has the front legs, wings and head of a giant eagle and the body, hind legs and tail of a horse. Hippogriffs are proud creatures and an individual must bow to them and wait for them to bow in return before approaching. Hungarian Horntail: Considered to be the most dangerous dragon breed; was one of four dragons guarding golden eggs in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. Harry had to retrieve his golden egg from a Hungarian Horntail. Marauder’s Map: A magical parchment that reveals all of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and identifies anyone in the castle grounds as they move around. To view the map, one must tap it with a wand and recite, “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good;” to hide the contents of the map, one must again tap it and recite, “Mischief managed.” Sorting Hat: The magical hat that decides which house students shall be in while at Hogwarts. Triwizard Tournament: A competition between the three largest European schools of witchcraft and wizardry: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute. Each school selects a champion, and the champions compete in three magical tasks; champions compete for the glory of their school and a thousand Galleons personal prize money. Whomping Willow: A large tree on the Hogwarts grounds that, when provoked, starts thrashing its long, willowy branches. Definitions with an asterisk (*) are specific to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter All definitions courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
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Opryland’s Grand Reopening Despite requiring more than $165 million in repairs following the Nashville flood in May, Gaylord Opryland reopens this month just in time for the holidays. Ring in the festive season with old favorites and new attractions, as well as two million twinkling lights and the impressive holiday decor that makes Opryland such a beloved family destination. TEXT Nikki Aviotti Hodum | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Hotel
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f you’re looking for an atmosphere to get you into the holiday spirit, pack your bags and head to Gaylord Opryland. This year at Opryland, there’s even more to celebrate than usual. After being closed for more than six months, the grand reopening of the hotel is taking place on November 15, just four days before the 27th annual A Country Christmas commences. With new restaurants, redesigned areas and more holiday fun than ever before, now is the perfect time to book a room at Opryland. The devastating flood that hit the Nashville area in early May necessitated more than $165 million in rebuilding and restoration for the hotel. The Cascades Lobby and Cascades Atrium Bar (which is now known as The Falls) were redesigned, along with the Italian eatery, Ravello. New to the hotel are two restaurants: the Conservatory Bar, which will feature samplings of wine, and Solario, an authentic Mexican restaurant. The nearly 600 rooms in the Magnolia area as well as the presidential suites also received makeovers. “What our guests have come to know and love about Opryland at Christmas will be back this year, including our two million twinkling lights, 15 miles of green garland, 10 miles of red bows and 15,000 46 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
poinsettias,” says Anne Dee McClane-Bunn, senior manager of marketing and public relations for Gaylord Opryland. “With the hotel reopening four days prior to A Country Christmas beginning, the excitement about the holidays is certainly at an all-time high.” This year, the extravaganza features the premiere of new events as well as the return of old favorites. The 2010 holiday season marks the ninth year that the Rockettes have performed in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Opryland, and they will be back in the restored Grand Ole Opry House. The show runs from November 19 to December 24. ICE! is also back at Opryland for the 10th year. More than two million pounds of carved ice will depict the theme Santa Claus is Coming to Town, based on the classic television special, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. View this display, featuring ice carved into the characters from the beloved show, including Kris Kringle, the young man who becomes Santa Claus, from November 19 to January 2. Looking for a place to play in the snow? Look no further than Opryland. One of this year’s new attractions, Snow!, will be an outdoor area filled with 18 to 20 inches of snow. Located near ICE!, Snow!
travel will feature live reindeer, a snow maze, igloo building and more. Enjoy this new addition from November 19 to January 2. Children will love having breakfast with Kris Kringle this season as well. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, from November 20 to December 23, and also on December 24, 25 and 26, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Other festive attractions not to miss around the hotel are Christmas Aboard the General Jackson showboat, the Hall of Trees, Gingerbread Corner, Holiday Kids Train, nightly carriage rides, an outdoor nativity scene and Rockabilly Christmas. Planning a stay at Opryland? There are plenty of holiday packages to suit your needs, ranging from the Christmas Memories package, which includes tickets to ICE!, to the A Country Christmas packages that cover a little of everything. And make sure to check out the Grandparent Getaway—it’s the perfect excuse for grandparents to spoil their favorite youngsters with some holiday fun.
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The Handbag Creator Knoxville-based designer Patricia Nash has turned her creative energy into a new handbag line with a focus on Old World Italian leathers. Learn her design philosophy and stylish secrets, here. TEXT Mary Kathryn Millner | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Patricia Nash
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noxville ill resident id and dh handbag db designer Patricia Nash has had a diverse professional life. But whether she’s been decorating cakes, styling homes or designing purses, her storied career has always been about the creative. “ My creative energy has been a driving force in my life—I made my kids’ Halloween costumes and my drapes—and I was even a cake decorator in high school before eventually becoming a well known wedding cake designer for a major bakery chain in Texas following graduation,” Nash says. With more than 20 years of design experience both in purses and other accessories, Nash started that branch of her career designing purses and accessories for licensed brands such as Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, Ninja Turtles, Disney and Warner Brothers, among others through her company Innovo, Inc. From that she made the transition into a line of lunch bags, backpacks and gym bags, and after making a backpack for herself one night in the factory, a lightbulb came on. “I want to make handbags,” she thought. Fast forward to today. Nash now designs Old World, hand-tooled bags in rich Italian leather for her namesake collection, Patricia Nash, which launched in stores in September and is available for purchase in Dilliard’s stores and online. This month, At Home Tennessee sat down with Nash to talk about her work, creating a sense of style, fashion and design. At Home Tennessee: How would you describe your signature look? Patricia Nash: The Patricia Nash signature look brings an Old World feel to current trends. AHT: What inspires you? 48 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
PN: I am inspired when I see a great product come together, when the look, feel and value all meld to create a fantastic final creation. AHT: How would you describe your style? PN: My style is classic European. AHT: Do you remember the first purse you owned, or an old favorite? PN: My favorite purse is one I constructed and sewed myself in high school in my first sewing class; it was awesome. I literally wore it out. AHT: How do you balance the design and business sides of your line? PN: Balancing the design and business sides of my line is challenging. I concentrate on one at a time – I schedule days for design and days to focus on business into individually, prearranged time blocks. AHT: What are you currently working on? PN: I just returned from China and am currently concentrating on finishing up the summer collection while I also work on leathers for fall 2011. AHT: What is a fashion accessory you can’t live without? PN: I love scarves and hope to design some under the Patricia Nash line. AHT: What are your plans for the future? PN: I plan to study the successes of certain styles from the first Patricia Nash collection to enable us to build from these initial successes and ensure the line’s longevity.
at home with Barcellona Saddle Bag
Fashion Tips from an Expert: AHT: What advice would you offer women who love your purses about style? PN: Whatever your style is, do it with class. AHT: How would you advise our readers to choose a purse? PN: That is a tough one because it depends on the person, thus why there are so many handbag resources—but if you love it, buy it. You can never have too many handbags that you love! A great purse always stirs up great conversation! AHT: What is your favorite style of purse? PN:The Lione Satchel from the Patricia Nash line is my favorite style. (See Gift Guide, pg. 40) AHT: What is your best fashion advice? PN: Buy quality, not quantity. November 2010 • athometn.com | 49
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Seasonal Showpiece Ever wonder what an expert interior designer’s home looks like around the holidays? Would you expect it to be warm and magical and like nothing else you’ve ever seen? Well, you would be more than right. TEXT Cara Sievers | PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Boatman November 2010 • athometn.com | 53
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ituated in the historic Central Gardens district in midtown Memphis, the home of Ken Cummins and Ed Hanna undergoes a distinctive holiday transformation this time of year. Room by room, the residence morphs into a winter wonderland sure to evoke the holiday spirit in even the most stubborn of Grinches. Whether it is delicate glass ornaments dangling from a chandelier, a rich holiday-infused tablescape or an assortment of beautiful wreaths, the home is alive and jubilant for the holidays. Miles of lit and bejeweled garland wind through the banisters, across mantles and above doorways. In fact, Cummins estimates there are nearly 3,000 white Christmas lights among the garlands and other decorations. Some of those lights help adorn the home’s single Christmas tree, bearing branches decked out in classic ornaments and luxurious ribbons. Cummins admits that the holiday decorating is quite a bit of work. Immediately after Thanksgiving, he and Hanna dedicate at least a week to getting all of the decorations and adornments up around the house. “Some of the mantles need to be cleaned off and prepared for the Christmas garlands, but the actual unpacking and repacking of the decorations is very labor-intensive,” says Cummins, confessing that they decorate only every other year due to being out of town for the holidays. However, when all of the ornaments and garlands are finally in place, they tend to attract quite a crowd. Cummins and Hanna host several parties to share their holiday homestead with friends and family. Cummins, an interior designer by trade, is to be credited not only with the beautiful Christmas décor, but also the unique eclectic design of the interior that the home 52 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
boasts year-round. Cummins started his business in Memphis in 1993, working out of his condo, and later moved into a retail space for about four or five years. After that, he had a studio on Union Avenue, and then moved his studio back into the home where he now lives. “I like to say I’ve come full circle,” he muses. Cummins says his specialties are color and proportion, which are evident in the eclectic mix of warmth and boldness of his own home’s interior design. The structure, which has been dubbed “White Pillars,” was a duplex when he and Hanna purchased it in early 2004. There was an extensive 18-month renovation to convert and renovate the home into a single-family residence. Cummins and Hanna worked with architectural designer Lavelle Walker to completely gut the house and install all new electrical, plumbing, lighting and heating/air conditioning. Of course, the prime advantage of doing a renovation like this is the fact that it enables the homeowner to handpick every single thing in the home, covering every nook and cranny with personalized flair. The romantic-style exterior of the home provides an interesting anachronistic shell to the blend of antique, contemporary and progressive interiors of the home. The vibrant breakfast nook is whimsical year-round with a series of fashion prints lining the walls and a brilliant red chandelier made of dyed coconut shells. Cummins also played with a bright color-block technique mixing four solid-color chenille fabrics to make each chair unique. “You’ll notice there are no two alike – every one is different, and I love that,” says Cummins, adding that the breakfast nook does have a visitor at Christmas – a jester created by an artist named Barbara Chapman out of La Jolla, California.
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feature The library also hosts an intriguing mix of artifacts and embellishments. An empire chair covered in Fortuny damask and a leopard-print velvet-covered ottoman flank a grand statuary marble fireplace. Koodoo horns stand at the edges of the fireplace, which is shielded by an antique tortoise shell that has been made into a fireplace screen. Furthermore, the holidays bring to this mantle a gorgeous glittery copper and gold garland that glows and glistens among the glitz and glam. In the dining room, golden silk taffeta drapes add some drama to the scene, along with an antique giltwood chandelier, which was purchased in New Orleans and then rewired. Brightly colored hand-painted ginkgo leaf plates grace a grand round dining table, topped with a beautiful floral piece arranged by Cummins himself. Cummins was sure to add a few surprises to the room with Michael Taylor chairs covered in cowhide, and colorful art pieces by Burton Calluicut and Michael Costantini. Some might say the main room during the holiday season, since it houses White Pillars’ single Christmas tree, is the living room. “The Christmas tree is just a collection of things I’ve had forever,” explains Cummins. “Some are new, some are old. I mix it up with a little bit of everything.” Black walls provide a dramatic backdrop for the striking Christmas tree. A remarkable painting by Rob van der Schoor depicts Rembrandt through the various stages of his life; and with a bit of interior design humor, juxtaposes the metamorphosis against a contemporary Mondrian rug. The living room fireplace has its own gorgeous, jeweltoned garland for Christmas, along with an Alexander Archipenko torso sculpture, a pair of antique obelisks inlaid with different types of marble and a painting by Lallah Perry, which Cummins purchased during his college days at Delta State University. Just like the home’s usual motifs, the holiday decorations are all specially selected. Cummins’ favorite place to shop for decorations is market in Atlanta, but some of his most treasured items are gifts from friends. Purposely, Cummins and Hanna do not impose rules or themes on 56 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
their holiday collections. Cummins says some of the items are grouped color-wise throughout the home, but other than that, all types and styles of décor are mixed together. “I used to not decorate in such a traditional style,” he explains, “but this house just lends itself to that.” Cummins changes up his Christmas décor each time by incorporating newly purchased items or by pulling from inventory left over from the Christmas decorating business he had with a partner several years ago. “It was fun, but it was very busy,” Cummins says, explaining that they would have as many as 14 houses to decorate each year and such a small window of time in which to get them finished. “I suppose my decorations are transitional in nature,” says Cummins. “I don’t do bows on the corners of mantles and that type of thing. I try to do things with a little more of a twist to them.” For example, in the powder room, Cummins spruced up a garland that sits atop an antique pine mirror by cutting strips of ribbon into inverted V shapes and then tying them into the garland. “It’s more of a pop of ribbon and is less work and less traditional than just tying the ribbons or bows on the garland or wreath.” Cummins thinks adding fresh and different ribbon is a fun and easy way to breathe life into older holiday decorations. Another suggestion for adding an easy twist to your holiday décor is to venture outside your usual color palette. “I don’t stick to the usual red and green – holiday decorations come in so many beautiful colors, it would be a shame to exclude something just because it doesn’t ‘match,’” he says. Whatever the color, whatever the mood, come the start of the new year, the homeowners carefully pack the ornaments in tissue and store them in plastic tubs in the attic. It seems such a shame to tuck away these treasures, but their absence most likely lends to the stunning ambience and magic the collection brings at Christmastime, making this Central Gardens home an exceptional seasonal showpiece. See Sources for Details
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Designer-Worthy Holiday Décor It’s true interior designers seem to transform a room from faded to festive with just the wave of their hand, but did you know you can do it too? Join these Tennessee-based designers in a behind-the-scenes look at holiday decorating and learn experts tips you can use at home.
Sophisticated Tablescape
The concept: Layers. Each element has an important place in the overall plan. Just as point of your parties this season (besides you, of course!) Create a beautiful, each room in your home is more than the sum of its parts, your table should be no different! elegant-yet-relaxed tablescape for the holidays with these insider tips from The layers add interest and beauty, serving as Nashville interior designer Julie Couch. TEXT Julie Couch | PHOTOGRAPHY courthe perfect backdrop for a holiday dinner. The dining room table needs special attention, since it will be the focal
tesy of Julie Couch
The How-To Setting the Table Burlap At less than $3 a yard, burlap adds texture and a soft neutral color to play up your holiday décor. And since it’s available at almost any fabric store and it’s so inexpensive, simply throw it away if someone spills. Placemats or Chargers I borrowed these from a good friend (with good taste!). A little formal, they are an unexpected, fun contrast to the rawness of the burlap and are beaded and beautiful in subtle tones of green and gold. Fine china Nothing is prettier or more sentimental than your favorite dinnerware. Pictured is Kate Spade’s June Lane pattern in the silver and gold colorways. I couldn’t choose just one, and anything in silver or gold is festive! Napkins Sheer and sophisticated, the palette of green and gold is repeated and then accented with a simple pearl napkin ring. (Full disclosure: I couldn’t find a napkin ring I liked anywhere, so I used some of my bracelets instead. They worked splendidly.) Flatware I used the Hotel Collection from WilliamsSonoma. It’s mismatched yet classic. It’s just what your favorite big city hotel would have. Glassware I chose the most decorative pattern available, Waterford Clarendon. I thought, if you’re going to go formal, go! And I just couldn’t resist how much I felt like royalty sipping from these beauties. 58 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
Classic Details Candles When it comes to candles, don’t overdo it. I chose oversized iron candelabras to add weight and drama. Next, the addition of ivory tapers is effortless and gorgeous. Simple is better. You’ll see the romantic candlelight and not the candle. Flowers Another classic, red roses, is easy to find but always stunning. In this arrangement I used four dozen, cut the stems short, and placed them side by side, each held in place with blocks of floral foam. Like the candelabras, the grand scale of my favorite silver punchbowl is an unexpected centerpiece. Then, I added simple glass vases with white snowberries scattered among the place settings. It’s a perfect mix of formal elegance and whimsy. Favors It’s always fun to get a present! I wrapped homemade chocolate candies in brown paper boxes found at a crafts store. Then I topped this tiny treasure with green raffia and a peppermint stick. Julie Couch is a Nashville-based designer with current projects across the southeast. Through her boutique interior design firm, Julie Couch Interiors, Couch specializes in blending all styles of furniture and textiles from antique to modern, to achieve a space that is beautifully timeless. Visit her on her blog at www.decoratordozen.com for decorating ideas and tips.
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Heirloom Holiday Food often takes center stage during the holidays, and as any good host knows, presentation is everything. Dazzle your guests this season with expertly arranged table décor tips from Knoxville’s Carol Raley. TEXT and PHOTOGRAPHY Hallie McKay
The concept: Create a simple-yet-elegant and unique tablescape from items mostly found around the house.
Experiment with contrasts as you mix and match pieces to create a beautiful tablescape. Then, tie your new holiday design into the home by incorporating a personal, sentimental or traditional touch. The family dining room is centered around Carol’s collection of heirloom silverware. Carol and her husband began acquiring silver during their first year of marriage and have since amassed an impressive collection. Sentimental Settings Heirloom, antique and/or tarnished items are great choices for decorative accents. The age of each item reflects a history and tradition that fits nicely within the holiday spirit. “One of the most enjoyable parts of decorating my own home for the holidays is bringing out treasured collections and handmade ornaments made by my children as well my own collection of hand-blown ornaments,” Carol says. (Continued on pg. 61) November 2010 • athometn.com | 59
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Mantle Makeover With these tips from Memphis’ Teresa Zilinsky, straying from classic red and green holiday hues while still channeling the festive vibes of the season is a piece of cake! TEXT Teresa Zilinsky | PHOTOGRAPHY Nikki Aviotti Hodum
The concept: Dress up your mantle for the holidays without straying from the color scheme of the home.
The How-To 1. Start by measuring your mantle. Twist together two lengths of garland (one isn’t full enough, usually) and run them up one side of the mantle, across the mantle and down the other side. (To add more interest and texture, purchase two different types of garland. I like starting with a pre-lit garland or a simple green variety that I’ve added my own lights to by wrapping them around and around. Then I pick another garland that has more texture than the first—I especially like the ones with larger leaves in them—like a mix of magnolia leaves or larger boxwood leaves. This, mixed in with fern or pine needles gives it so much more interest.) 2. After the garland is in place, begin adding the ribbon. I use some of the pine needles to pinch the ribbon into place. Wire-edged ribbon is much easier to work with. I also leave enough ribbon to tie a bow in the center, or sometimes I tie a bow on each end. The 60 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
project usually takes about 15 to 20 yards of ribbon. A large bow requires about three yards, as well as 10 yards of ribbon to weave it in and around the rest of the garland. 3. Next, add extra decorative touches. This example features a bead garland that picks up some of the terracotta colors in the client’s home. Then, incorporate some more magnolia leaves for some extra sparkle and texture. Finally, I added some pheasant feathers to give the mantle even more pop and fun. 4. For a little extra color, scatter ornaments around the mantel arrangement. I picked out blue and terracotta, as well as some ornaments with feathers on them. Add some to the bow in the center, and then randomly place the rest up and down the mantle, using wire to attach them to the garland.
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Heirloom Holiday, Continued Mix it up Carol organized her table settings to incorporate varying textures, shapes and sizes to create interest and focal points. “Although there aren’t any hard and fast rules when mixing formal and informal pieces on a table, I do feel it is important to keep the juxtaposition of such pieces as balanced as possible,” Carol says. As the focal point, Carol’s heirloom silver sets the mood for an elegant dining experience. The feeling is echoed by the crystal chandelier and old south china pattern. Delightful Details To relax an otherwise highly formal look, incorporate whimsical notes such as colorful ornaments and boxwood placemats. Showcasing items like the handblown ornaments shown here gives guests something exciting to look at and is a great design strategy. The evergreen accents bring a touch of the outdoors to this tablescape, giving it a more relaxed feel. Don’t forget to use natural elements when getting ready to decorate. Greenery is relatively cheap and easy to find. To light the table, Carol suggests candlelight. Not only does it lend warmth to the room, but you get double the impact if you have mirrored surfaces. Decorating 101 For those just starting out decorating, Carol recommends incorporating classic elements like antique blown glass ornaments, crystal garlands and icicles. See Sources for Details November 2010 • athometn.com | 61
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Quick Holiday Tips Decorating tips from Tennessee designer Todd Richesin, of Todd Richesin Interiors and Bobby Todd Antiques TEXT Hallie McKay | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Bobby Todd Antiques
• Not everyone has the room or the time to decorate a tree, so table top décor is a great choice for many. Richesin recommends Williamsburg-style fruit topiaries, amaryllis plants and large nativities for buffets and collections of Santas and snowmen with tinsel and bottle brush trees for a kitchen island or breakfast table. • Simple touches make a nice statement. Tie ribbons and garland on lamps to make a festive decoration or fill decorative bowls with items such as greenery, fruit or ornaments, Richesin says. • Use what you already have.“Don’t take down a picture to hang a wreath,” says Richesin. “Put garland around the picture instead.” • Start early. “Your decorations should be up by the week after Thanksgiving for you to have time to enjoy them,” Richesin suggests. • Design on a dime. A beautiful container for fresh greenery is a great buy. You can fill it with natural greenery from your yard for no cost and create a beautiful centerpiece. • Store your decorations properly. “The French-wired ribbon we sell is great used to dress up an existing garland, and if stored properly, the ribbon will last 15 to 20 years,” Richesin says. See Sources for Details
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Carex testacea is an underused plant in the winter container garden.
Heuchera ‘Cafe Ole’ edged with winter frost.
Cool-Weather Containers Empty containers that once held thriving summer flowers can be a drab addition to your landscape, especially when paired with the gray skies of winter. But there’s no reason to let your pots go unused with these colorful cool-weather pairings. TEXT Andrew Pulte, gardening expert and faculty member, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee | PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Pulte (left) and courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc., www.terranovanurseries.com (right)
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s you dust off the old jacket for the frosty days ahead, the last place your mind will wander is to the outdoors and the garden that kept you busy in less-biting weather. However, there is no reason to let the planting containers in the most visible areas of your landscape sit empty. If you haven’t done it already, now is the time to turn bare soil and those dead annuals into something fantastic. When choosing the actual container for late fall or winter planting, make sure you select one that holds up to the elements. Glazed or ceramic pots should spend the winter protected from the elements if you want them to last. Luckily a variety of good-looking plastic, lightweight poly resin, fiberglass or concrete containers is available for year-round use. Terracotta is also a good choice for a pretty winter container. Terracotta will only last two or three years when left outside year-round but is inexpensive enough to warrant use. Think Outside the Plant The first thing to realize when sprucing up your containers for winter is that you don’t have to use just plants. Late fall and winter are the best times to add sculptural or whimsical elements to outdoor containers. The addition of dried or fresh gourds, painted bamboo poles or even an interesting piece of rusty metal can bring visual flavor to your displays. For a quick holiday look, cut evergreen plant material like southern magnolia, holly or pine boughs and place in the soil of your containers. Cold-Weather Stars The plants you place in your winter containers are really the stars of these outdoor masterpieces. Here are a few to try this year. Carex Olive, brown or orange are all great choices when it comes to adding the perfect plant to your garden. This is truly one of the most underused winter plants, period. Carex, often listed as a grass, is actually a grass-like sedge. 64 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
However, for all purposes, it looks very much like an ornamental grass. There are hundreds of different sedges, many of which are nearly indistinguishable. Carex testacea, often called New Zealand sedge, is one of the most beautiful, and breeders have been busy improving both color and form, adding many new cultivars to the fold. You will often purchase Carex testacea in the fall, when it is more of an orange color. As winter arrives, New Zealand sedge will turn more of a cornstalk brown. When paired with the right plants this can be very eye catching. Think about using it with silvers and deep purple to make the orange, brown or even olive colors of this sedge really pop. Heuchera A versatile winter foliage plant to consider is Heuchera or coral bells. When it comes to adding plants to your garden that provide beauty and interest, don’t think just about flower-power. Incorporating plants with beautiful foliage is one of the best ways to beat back the gray skies of winter. Since the 1990s, breeders have gone crazy with this plant, giving rise to a new variety of foliage colors and textures. Heuchera is a member of the saxifrage family of plants. This family is full of plants that are known for growing well among rocks. This should clue you in on how tough coral bells can be. True, they like a well-drained moderately moist soil in partial shade, but don’t be afraid to test the limits of this axiom. Cool-Season Edibles The Brassica family is a group of vegetables you know well! Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli are all closely related plants that love the cool weather. Another member of the Brassica clan is kale. Kale can be a strikingly beautiful addition to any winter container. Leafy colors that range from deep burgundy to frilly white make kale the perfect complement to burgundy coral bells or a well-paired pansy. In addition to kale, plants to think about for a fall or winter container that also have edible parts include mustard, pansy (flowers) and parsley.
Around the Garden: November
home and garden
Frost is on the pumpkin but the gardening season isn’t over yet. Here are some gardening tips from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for fall garden maintenance:
Shrubs and trees • It’s an ideal time to plant or transplant trees, shrubs and fruit crops. Be sure to mulch newly planted plants with a good 3-to-4 inch layer of mulch. • Fertilize trees and shrubs before the ground freezes so that food is available to plants in early spring. • Protect roses for winter. Perennials, annuals and bulbs • Cut chrysanthemum stems and other perennials to 4 to 5 inches from the soil once they have begun to die back, but leave ornamental grasses to provide winter interest until spring. • You can continue to transplant perennials throughout the fall and winter, as long as they remain dormant. Lawn care • Keep heavy layers of leaves raked from the lawn. They should be composted. Alternatively, you can just mow over a light layer of leaves, turning them to a mulch which adds important nutrients back to the lawn. Fruits and veggies • As soon as the leaves fall from fruit trees, shade or flowering trees, raspberries and other deciduous plants, spray for the first time with a dormant spray to help control overwintering insects and diseases. Apply according to label instructions. • Complete removal of fallen leaves and debris will help protect plants from overwintering insects and disease organisms. Odds and ends • Give houseplants as much light as possible as lower light days begin. • Stop fertilizing indoor plants until spring.
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food
Fried Okra
Braised Colorado Lamb Shank
Lobster Salad
Coastal Flavors in Music City Award-winning chef Louis Osteen has brought a bit of his past with him to Nashville, as illustrated on the menu of the newly opened Fish & Co. Restaurant and Raw Bar. From oysters on the half-shell to regional favorites like shrimp and grits, you’ve got to taste what this team is dishing out. TEXT Lindsey Phillips Abernathy | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Green Olive Media
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n Nashville, Lowcountry flavors and coastalinspired dishes abound at the newly opened Fish & Co. Restaurant and Raw Bar. And with good reason—Chef Louis Osteen, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast in 2004, is at the helm of this new project, which features the Charleston native’s renowned emphasis on southern flavors, seasonal ingrediants and, of course, seafood. Located in the Adelicia condominium building that formerly housed Miro District Food & Drink, Fish & Co. has made the space its own with help from Casella Interiors. A color scheme of blues and neutrals sets a calming, classic backdrop for the ever-changing menu and expansive chalkboards in the bar room greet diners with the day’s specials of oysters, clams and specialty cocktails when they enter. As for the raw bar, the selection pays tribute to a varity of waters. Oysters are sourced from regions ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada. Guests can enjoy a dozen on the half-shell in the bar room as well as in the dining room, or order small bites like a buttermilk biscuit with local Benton’s country prosciutto as a snack. The bar’s culinary offerings also include a sharing menu with fried black-eyed peas, bacon candy and beer steamed shrimp, as well as sandwiches and “properly fried seafood by the basket.” Diners should also prepare their palates for regional favorites such as Osteen’s famed shrimp and grits and Charleston she crab soup, a house favorite. But expect to see some additions and subtractions to both the dining room and bar room menus as the seasons change. 72 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
“The menu changes sometimes daily, depending on what’s fresh, what’s good, what’s in season,” Osteen says. A“Simply Grilled” section on the dining room menu allows diners to mix and match a house sauce with one of four seafood selections to create a personalized dish. To top off the expertly prepared entree, patrons can also choose from a list of sides such as bell pepper slaw, creamed spinach and potatoes roasted in duck fat to complete the meal. One customer favorite is the jumbo lump lobster and crab cake, served with a mustard cream sauce. They come one to an order, so plan on having at least two. Another star at Fish & Co. is shrimp etouffee, which temporarily didn’t make the cut for the final menu. “Actually, I had taken it off the menu, because I thought it was too close to the shrimp and grits,” Osteen chuckles. However, while Osteen was out of town the weekend before the Tuesday, September 21 opening of Fish & Co, his chef de cuisine pulled up an older version of the menu, printed it and a house favorite was born. So what’s Osteen’s favorite dish at Fish & Co? He can’t answer that. “I wrote the menu,” he says. “It’s like saying, ‘Which is your favorite child?’ I love them all.” Seafood cuisine has been a lifelong passion of this chef. While the first dish he ever cooked was a recipe with canned shrimp, (or if you go back even more, popcorn in his father’s movie theater around the age of 10) the innovative chef quickly set his sights on fresh seafood dishes because it was, well, logical. For about 20 years Osteen cooked on the coast of South Carolina, where fresh seafood was aplenty. “That’s been
food the majority of my experience, with seafood,” he says. “It makes sense to cook what’s growing near you because it will be fresher and cheaper. It also makes sense to cook with the seasons, which is what we do here.” Fish & Co. is one of three culinary ventures headed by the Hospitality Development Group, of which Osteen was appointed executive chef this summer. Hospitality Development Group is also behind Watermark Restaurant and the new neighborhood grill Blind Pig No. 55, which emphasizes chef-quality smoked meats and a menu also written by Osteen. The idea to open a coastalinspired restaurant in Music City was born from a conversation between Hospitality Development Group Director of Operations Hughes Brown and Osteen, about Nashville’s lack of “a really great fish restaurant,” Osteen recalls. “So we [Brown and I] talked about it, thought about it and said, ‘Well, let’s give it a shot,’” he says. “Because of my previous experience on the coast of South Carolina with similar restaurants, it made sense.” Fish & Co. is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The bar opens daily at 4 p.m.
Fish & Co. Restaurant and Raw Bar 1922 Adelicia Street Nashville, TN 615.320.1119 www.fishco-nashville.com
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food
Holiday Recipes from Chef Louis Osteen Duck Legs Stewed in Red Wine and Onions
Catfish and Sweet Corn Chowder Enjoy this dish with a Riesling from Alsace or Viognier from France’s Rhone Valley. Serves 4
Reminiscent of recipes from the southwestern part of France, this is a great way to use leftover legs. You can make this a few days ahead and simply reheat when you are ready. With a big bowl of mashed potatoes and these duck legs and gravy, you’ll walk away from the table satisfied. 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter Serves 4 1 large onion, thinly sliced 4 Tbsp. duck fat or peanut oil 4 c. sliced yellow onions (about 1¼ pounds) 4 duck leg quarters 1 Tbsp. salt 2 c. red wine 6 parsley stems 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 Tbsp. whole black peppercorns 2 c. strong demi-glace made from 2 c. veal stock that have been reduced by half, plus 1 c. chicken stock 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature (optional) 1. Heat the duck fat or oil in a large nonreactive skillet over high heat until nearly smoking. Wipe the duck legs dry with a paper towel and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until well browned. 2. Remove the legs from the pan and pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat. Reduce the heat to medium-high, add the onions and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the color of coffee. 3. Salt the legs and nestle them among the onions in the pan. Add the wine and simmer briskly for about 10 minutes, or until it has reduced to about 1 cup. Tie the parsley stems, thyme and peppercorns in cheesecloth to make a bouquet garni and add. Add the demi-glace and simmer for about 1 hour, turning the legs from time to time. Check for doneness. The legs are done when the meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone but is still succulent. If necessary, cook for another 15 minutes. When the legs are ready, remove to a serving platter, lightly cover and keep warm. 4. Increase the heat to high and reduce the sauce for about 8 minutes, or until the onions are almost dissolved and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove the bouquet garni and reduce the heat to very low. If the butter is desired, whisk it in 1 piece at the time. Spoon the hot sauce over the legs and serve immediately. 74 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced 2 c. baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 -inch cubes 3 sprigs fresh thyme 2 c. fish stock or bottled clam juice 1 c. hot water ½ lb. catfish fillets, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 c. fresh corn kernels, cut from the cob 1 c. heavy whipping cream 3 Tbsp. finely sliced chives Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Tabasco™ to taste 1. Heat the butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat until it bubbles. Add the onion and celery and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the potatoes and thyme and cook for about 1 minute, or until just heated through. Add the fish stock and hot water and bring to a boil. 2. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender. Add the catfish, corn and cream. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. 4. Add the chives, salt, pepper, and Tabasco™ to taste and serve.
Just Jackson
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Give Thanks This holiday season, impress your Thanksgiving dinner guests with decadent desserts and easy do-it-yourself projects so cute no one will guess you whipped them up in no time! PHOTOGRAPHY Nikki Aviotti Hodum
Setting the Scene Accent your traditional Thanksgiving dinner with details your guests won’t forget anytime soon. Desserts are a great way to follow your tried-and-true family favorites and may even add a few new staples to next year’s menu. As for decorations, your family and friends are sure to get a kick out of these sweet touches before diving into their feasts.
1. Cut the paper to fit around the candle, leaving some of the candle showing at the top and the bottom. 2. Tape the paper in the back of the candle. 3. Stick letters to the paper. Other cute phrases to try are “Gobble” or “Give Thanks.”
Sweet Thanksgiving Treats Cinnamon Rolls LIBBY’S ® Pumpkin Roll Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cakes Praline Apple Pie
Do-It-Yourself Décor Cinnamon Stick Place Cards
“Thanks” Candles Materials 6 pillar candles (any color) 4 large pieces of scrapbooking paper Scissors Tape Alphabet stickers (You an also cut the letters out of paper.)
Materials Paper (we chose to match the name tag to the paper used on the candles) Black marker Scissors Hole punch Cinnamon Sticks (about 4) Raffia 1. Cut a circle (or shape of your choosing) out of the paper. 2. Write the name on the tag with the marker. 3. Punch or cut a hole in the top of the tag. 4. Tie the cinnamon sticks together with raffia. 5. Create a raffia bow by making loops with the raffia and tying it in the middle. November 2010 • athometn.com | 77
food
Recipes: Cinnamon Rolls Dough: 1/4-oz. package yeast 1/2 c. warm water 1/2 c. scalded milk 1/4 c. sugar 1/3 c. butter or shortening, melted 1 tsp. salt 1 egg 4 c. all-purpose flour Filling: 1/3 c. softened butter 3/4 c. brown sugar 1/4 c. white sugar 3 1/2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon Frosting: 1/4 c. softened butter 3 oz. softened cream cheese 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/8 tsp. salt
For dough 1. Preheat oven to 350° F. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. 2. In a large bowl mix milk, sugar, melted butter, salt and egg. 3. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture. 4. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle. Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 3-5 minutes. 5. Place in well-greased bowl, cover and 78 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
food let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours. 6. Once dough has doubled in size, roll out on a floured surface into a 15-by 9-inch rectangle.
For filling 1. Spread melted butter over dough. 2. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over buttered dough. 3. Beginning on the longest side, roll up dough and pinch edges together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices. 4. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan, cover and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake for about 30 minutes.
For Frosting 1. Beat butter and cream cheese together until blended thoroughly. 2. Add powdered sugar, salt and vanilla. 3. Whip until fluffy. Spread over warm rolls.
LIBBY’S® Pumpkin Roll Preparation - 45 min | Cooking - 13 min | Cooling Time - 1 hrs refrigerating | Yields - 10 servings Cake 1/4 c. powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel) 3/4 c. all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 1/4 tsp. salt 3 large eggs 1 c. granulated sugar 2/3 c. Libby’s 100 percent Pure Pumpkin 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) Filling 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, room temperature 1 c. powdered sugar, sifted 6 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened 1 tsp. vanilla extract Powdered sugar (optional for decoration)
For cake 1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease 15-by 10-inch jelly roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with powNovember 2010 • athometn.com | 79
food dered sugar. 2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts. 3. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. (If using a dark-colored pan, begin checking for doneness at 11 minutes.) 4. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
For filling 1. Beat cream cheese, 1 c. powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. 2. Carefully unroll cake. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. 3. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Cooking tip: Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel when rolling up the cake so it will not stick.
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cakes Recipe courtesy Paula Deen Prep Time 30 min | Cook Time 50 min Yield 6 to 8 servings Cake 1 (18 1/4-oz.) package yellow cake mix 1 egg 8 Tbsp. butter, melted Filling 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 8 Tbsp. butter, melted 1 (16-oz.) box powdered sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 2. Combine the cake mix, egg and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13-by 9-inch baking pan. 3. To make the filling: In a large bowl, 80 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
food beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter, and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well. 4. Spread pumpkin mixture over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey. 5. Serve with fresh whipped cream.
Variations For a Pineapple Gooey Cake: Instead of the pumpkin, add a drained 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above. For a Banana Gooey Cake: Prepare cream cheese filling as directed, beating in 2 ripe bananas instead of the pumpkin. Proceed as directed above. For a Peanut Butter Gooey Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix. Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese filling instead of the pumpkin. Proceed as directed above.
Praline Apple Pie 1 frozen Mrs. Smith’s Special Recipe Deep Dish Apple Pie 1/4 c. butter 1 c. packed light brown sugar 1/3 c. whipping cream 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. confectioners sugar 3/4 c. chopped pecans, toasted
1. Open hole in top of pie and cut 4 to 6 additional slits. Bake pie on baking sheet covered with foil, at 375° for 1 hour 20 minutes. Shield pie with foil after 1 hour of cooking. Cool pie about 1 hour. 2. Bring butter, brown sugar and whipping cream to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. 3. Whisk in vanilla and confectioners sugar until smooth. Pour slowly over pie; spread to cover. Top with pecans. Note: This makes more praline sauce than can really fit on top of pie, so have extra pecans ready to stir in leftover sauce, and waxed paper to quickly make some pralines. November 2010 • athometn.com | 81
see and do
Springfield’s 35th Annual Christmas Sampler Kick off the holiday season with a trip to Springfield for the annual Christmas Sampler shopping extravaganza. Sponsored by the Springfield Federation of Women’s Clubs, the event features everything from home decorations and fine art to a silent auction. TEXT Kelly Kriegshauser | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Springfield Federation of Women’s Clubs
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n November 5-6, the Springfield Federation of Women’s Clubs will host its popular holiday shopping extravaganza, the Christmas Sampler, for the 35th year. On the first weekend in November each year, the Center on Main Street in Springfield is packed with people in town for the event, which features more than 100 booths selling home decorations, fine art, clothing, antiques, jewelry and tons of specialty gifts, as well as a variety of delicious food and drinks. “Christmas Sampler is popular because it is traditionally a ‘kick-off’ for the holiday season and enjoyed by many,” says Laurel Head, co-chair of publicity for the Christmas Sampler. The Springfield Federation of Women’s Clubs sponsors a silent auction with everything from spa packages to themed gift baskets. And foodies love the Federation’s booth, where they can browse more than 1,000 handmade jams and jellies, baked treats and canned food items from the Women’s Clubs. If you’re lucky, you 82 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
may get to take a photo with Santa and his elves! Those who aren’t looking to shop can still enjoy great treats in a fun atmosphere as well as the Springfield Historic District just a block away. Relax in the tea room and quaint restaurants or browse a 10,000 squarefoot antique store and a gift shop. “Lots of folks come and spend the day in Springfield enjoying the Sampler along with the historic beauty of the old town square,” says Head. A portion of the event’s proceeds go directly to the Springfield Federation of Women’s Clubs, which is made up of eight individual clubs exclusively for women. The funds are used to restore and maintain the Glenn Memorial Women’s Clubs home located in the Historic District. Shop, eat and explore to support the Springfield Federation of Women’s Clubs at its annual event and start checking gifts off that Christmas list! See Sources for Detaills
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see and do
Making Spirits Bright Eclectic translates to selective at Bobby Todd Antiques where Christmas reigns supreme. TEXT Hallie McKay | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Bobby Todd Antiques
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or most, October is a month of Susan G. Komen 5K’s, pumpkins and candy corn. In Sweetwater, however, the first chill of fall air signals the approach of the merriest season—a season which begins with the Bobby Todd Antiques Annual Christmas Open House. The shop’s renowned antique collection and reputation for design draw visitors throughout the year. The holidays are especially popular, though, as the store is completely transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The first week of October, owners Todd Richesin and Bobby Brown are busier than Santa’s elves arranging elaborate window displays, stocking shelves with unique holiday décor, and covering presents in their colorful custom packaging. This year’s theme, “Making Spirits Bright,” kicked off in early October, and the holiday season is still going strong in the downtown shop. Bobby Todd Antiques is a must-see for anyone in the East Tennessee area. Shoppers will find everything from whimsical to traditional in Richesin and Brown’s expertly chosen and artfully arranged selection of colorful ornaments, table top décor, figurines, nativities, holiday books, cards, decorative Round Top metal items for outside, placemats, candles, wreaths, tinsel trees, garlands, bottle brush trees, decorative houses and French wired ribbon. But what do the professionals like best? “My
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favorite is a whimsical vintage Frosty the Snowman complete with a glistening surface and top hat,” says Richesin. Brown chose a reproduction chalkware Santa and sleigh with a bottle brush tree in the sleigh. The holidays are about more than collecting pretty things, however. At Bobby Todd Antiques it’s about enhancing those holiday memories with items that you’ll cherish as keepsakes for years to come. “Our hope is that each person who shops in our store will start to collect those treasures that will become family heirlooms and really help to make the holidays memorable” Todd says. Bobby Todd Antiques is located in historic downtown Sweetwater—approximately 30 minutes from West Knoxville. The store clears out fast, so make plans to visit today!
Bobby Todd Antiques 305 North Main Street Sweetwater, Tennessee 423. 337.3837 www.bobbytoddantiques.com
happenings
November 2010 November 5-6 Christmas Sampler Craft Show North Main Street, Springfield 615.390.4397, christmassampler.org
November 10 Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff Downtown Gatlinburg 800.568.4748, eventsgatlinburg.com
November 5-7 Christmas Open House Downtown Paris 731.642.9271, visitdowntownparis.com
November 12-13 “The Coming of the War” Nashville, various venues 615.741.2159, nowplayingnashville.com
November 6 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off Newport City Park, Newport 423.625.9675, cockecounty.com
November 13 21st Annual Charity Gala Carl Perkins Civic Center, Jackson 731.984.2143
November 6 Shinedown/Will Hoge Concert Tivoli, Chattanooga
November 13 Lady Antebellum Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga 423.642.8497, chattanooga.gov
November 6-7 Christmas in the Country Craft Show Dickson County High School 615.870.7210, dicksoncountychamber.com November 6-7 Annual Holiday Open House Simonton’s Cheese & Gourmet House, Crossville 888.819.3226, simontonscheese.com November 6-7 St. George’s Independent School Art Show St. George’s, Collierville sgis.org November 7 75th Anniversary Celebration of Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Bijou Theatre, Knoxville 865.291.3310, knoxvillesymphony.com November 9 Frank’s Little Black Bar Book Signing Party You’re Invited Gifts, Paper and Events, Nashville 615. 353.5520 yistationery.com 86 | At Home Tennessee • November 2010
November 13-14 Elk Valley Crafters 15th Christmas Craft Show Lincoln County High School, Fayetteville 931.433.1234, elkvalleycrafters.com November 14 Alpha Kappa Holiday Home Tour Fayetteville 931.433.7006, hostofchristmaspast.com November 14 SPAYtacular 2010 The Parkview, Memphis 901.213.8210, spaymemphis.org November 18 Holiday Open House You’re Invited Gifts, Paper and Events, Nashville 615. 353.5520 yistationery.com November 19-21 33rd Annual Santa’s Workshop Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion, Cookeville 931.854.1034, cookevillejwc.org
November 19-21 Memphis Potters’ Guild Holiday Show & Sale Memphis Botanic Garden’s Goldsmith Civic Center 901.576.4100 , thememphispottersguild.com November 20-21 Centennial Holiday Craft Show Centennial High School, Franklin 615.472.4271, centennialholidayshow.com November 21 Secret City Half Marathon National Fitness Center, Oak Ridge secretcityhalfmarathon.com November 25 North Pole Family Fun Day Courthouse Lawn, Paris 731.642.9271, visitdowntownparis.com November 26 Bluff View Art District Holiday Open House Bluff View Art District, Chattanooga 423.265.5033, bluffviewartdistrict.com November 26-27 Thanksgiving Train Rides Southern Appalachia Railway Museum 865.241.2140, Knoxville November 26-28 2010 Holiday Festival Appalachian Center for Craft, Smithville 931.372.3051, tntech.edu/craftcenter November 27 Santa’s Pancake Breakfast Southern Belle, Chattanooga Riverboat 423.266.4488, chattanoogariverboat.com
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sources 48 The Handbag Creator Patricia Nash, Knoxville, patricianashdesigns.com 50 Seasonal Showpiece Interior Designer—Kenneth Cummins, Memphis, 901.278.1987 Architectural Designer—LaVelle Walker Designers, Memphis, 901.683.7529 58 Designer-Worthy Holiday Decor Julie Couch, Nashville, 615.293.6604, juliecouch.com, decoratordozen.com Teresa Zilinsky Designs, Germantown, 901.481.3738, beautifulinteriordesigns.com Carol Raley Interiors, Knoxville, 865.933.9905, carolraley.com Todd Richesin Interiors, Knoxville, 865.675.5828, toddrichesininteriors.com 82 Springfield’s Christmas Sampler 2010 Christmas Sampler, Springfield, christmassampler.org
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essay
Giving Back to Bad Dog After years of giving back to the community through his work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, radio personality John “Bad Dog” McCormack is fighting his own battle with cancer. This month, join as the community works to raise funds for the beloved Memphian during the November 4 Dog Day event. TEXT Hallie Mckay | PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Walker and Associates
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ohn “Bad Dog” McCormack has been a colorful fixture of early morning radio for nearly two decades. As part of the “Bad Dog & Ric in the Morning” broadcast, the iconic voice, though often lewd and slightly risqué on air, nonetheless possesses a gentle and reverent spirit in real life. Throughout the years McCormack has proved a stout advocate of his community by the amount of time he dedicates to local hospitals and his church, Hope Presbyterian. Now, battling for his health, the longtime radio presence is discovering just how much he means to Memphis. The Rock 103 DJ discovered he had cancer last November after nearly fainting during a funeral. “I was a pall-bearer and I had trouble standing, so I knelt down half the service,” he recalls. “It was a Catholic service so I think most people probably thought I was deep in prayer.” McCormack’s diagnosis was adult leukemia— the very childhood disease he has fought against for years while fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. Thankfully, after a few intense months of chemotherapy at Germantown Methodist Hospital, the cancer went into remission and McCormack was able to continue his morning show broadcast. Now, the cancer is back and Bad Dog must start the whole process over again. He is not without help, however. “The response from the community has just been overwhelming” says McCormack. Family, friends and loyal listeners have put together a trust to help out single-parent McCormack and his two sons Tucker, 17 and Buck, 16. In honor of the Rock 103 DJ, supporters have declared November 4 as Dog Day, whereby restaurants and business around the Mid-South will donate funds to a trust established by First Tennessee Bank. Treatments, both physically and financially exhausting, are not a focus during our interview;
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instead, McCormack relays his trust in God and appreciation for the people who have been a part of the journey with the disease. “I’m one of the few people I know who has to get cancer to save his life,” he says. During a routine CAT scan, one of the doctors noticed a lesion on his kidney, which after further investigation turned out to be renal cell carcinoma. “Had I not gotten leukemia, they would have never done the CAT scan, and I would have been dead in a year.” McCormack lives every day to the best his sickness will allow—intent on participating in life exactly as he would prior to the disease. “You’ve got to let the doctors do their job and you do yours, whether you’re in real estate, a lawyer—whatever it is, just get out there and do it.” Being in and out of hospitals over the year, hasn’t stopped him either. Fans still tune into their favorite early morning companion as he broadcasts from hospital beds, waiting rooms and even his own home. “One thing I wanted to show people is that I wasn’t going to just sit there and worry,” he says. Conducting a radio show during which the hosts are in separate locations could be tricky, but this early morning team appears to have figured it out. “We’ve gotten pretty good,” says McCormack. “We started November of last year and it was a little awkward at first not knowing when to talk, or being able to see your partner, but we’ve got it down to a science now.” For those who wish to donate online, a special website has been set up at www.friendsof baddog.com. Businesses wishing to participate in Dog Day may contact Beth Edwards at 901.574.2322, Rocky Kasaftes at 901.553.0901 or leave a message at 901.371.8785. Fans on Facebook can support the cause and stay updated on the event at the John “Bad Dog” McCormack Facebook page.