’tis the season! holiday decor, gift guides & more...
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
40 | DE S IGN Lindley Martens, owner of Lindley Martens Design and Laurel Rd. Antiques and Modern, creates three seasonal entryway vignettes exclusively for At Home.
74 | EN T E R T A INING 'Tis the season to set the table! Ginni Jones designs a colorful and bright Christmas tablescape, bringing a new take on the traditional holiday setting.
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
DECEMBER 2020
home & design 26 HOME FEATURE Old-World Opulence
40 DESIGN
Holiday Entryways
60 IN THE GARDEN Camellias 74 ENTERTAINING Setting the Table for the Holidays
food & travel 52 EXPERIENCE THIS
Tennessee Main Streets
86 IN THE KITCHEN Decadent Chocolate Pie
for you
36 WEDDING Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Norman
68 GIFT GUIDES Jewelry & for Pets 90 HEALTHY YOU Holiday Wellness Gift Guide 98 ON A GOOD NOTE
in every issue
Dorothy Day House
14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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98 SOURCES
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DECEMBER 2020 • VOL. 19 NO. 9 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com
REGIONAL MARKETING JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
HOW TO REACH US 320 SOUTH WALNUT BEND, SUITE 11 CORDOVA, TN 38018 | 901.684.4155 ATHOMEMMS.COM At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
@athomemagazine
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PUBLISHER'S
Note
A
s 2020 draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the past 12 months, as I do every year around the holidays. While terms ranging from “unprecedented” to “dumpster fire” have been used to describe this year, and not without reason, I choose to focus on the silver lining, the things we’ve learned about ourselves when so much has changed. My mind goes back, way back, to New Year’s Eve. The coming of 2020 was much anticipated, a year that was meant to bring clear vision and focus to our lives. That ideal, along with so much more, was soon overshadowed by a global pandemic unlike anything in memory, but at this year’s end I realize that not even a rogue virus that has taken so much can extinguish the human spirit. We have grieved, but we have carried on. We have lost, but we have adapted, pivoted and created new ways to be and do, both worldwide and in our little corner. Here at At Home, we hope we have brightened your 2020, as we have always tried to, with glimpses of some of the beautiful places and interesting people the Mid South is blessed to have. It took some adapting on our part as photo shoots had new rules, travel ground to a halt, weddings turned into elopements and parties became intimate, but beauty and hospitality are alive and well in Memphis, and we did our best to highlight them despite the challenges. We thank you for your loyalty this year, and pledge to meet 2021 with the same willingness to pivot however necessary to keep bringing you the best of the Mid South each month. With warmest wishes for bright holidays and a happy and HEALTHY New Year…
–– Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
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Old-World Opulence D ES I G N A N G E L A M A ZA N T I STO RY T E R R I G L A Z E R | P H OTO S S É L AV I E P H OTO G R A P H Y
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
Step inside the East Memphis home of Kim and Johnny Pitts and be transported to a lavish Christmas in a French chateau.
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he holiday decor in the Pitts home reflects all the best of the season, with a decidedly European flair. Designer Angela Mazanti decks these halls, keeping in mind the French chateau style of the architecture and the house’s year round color palette. Rather than traditional red and green, Mazanti opts for tones of persimmon and gold. Those hues play perfectly off the Turkish rug in the foyer, artwork in the dining room and upholstered antique French chairs. The home’s exterior gets the holiday treatment from Tennessee Christmas Lights. The company illuminates the front yard for the season, including the jasmine espalier around the entry turret, welcoming guests to the front door. Once inside, visitors are immediately wowed by a tree filled with ornaments that have special meaning for Kim. “Her maiden name is Swann, and friends love to give her swan ornaments because of that,” Mazanti explains. Fresh pine and magnolia combine with lights and silk, velvet and taffeta ribbons to drape the front stair railing, the orangebrown of the underside of the magnolia leaves adding a natural element to the unique color scheme.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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he centerpiece of the Pitts’ holiday decor is the enormous fresh Christmas tree. Reaching to the family room’s 12-foot ceiling, it fills the home with holiday spirit and the aroma of evergreen. Mazanti says decorating the massive Douglas fir is no small feat, but luckily, Kim has amassed a large collection of beautiful ornaments over the years. Mazanti combines the keepsakes with thousands of twinkling lights and lush ribbons to create a spectacle worthy of European royalty. The home isn’t fully ready for the holidays until Kim’s treasured angels are on display. Her collection of exquisite Old World-style angels, many of which she found in a shop in The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, is large enough that Mazanti places them throughout the home to add an element of elegance. Sets of sparkling snow-covered houses and glittering vintage Santas nestled in more fresh greenery dress up the dining room buffet.
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any of Kim’s beloved Christmas pieces are also sentimental, as they have been gifts from the family’s large circle of friends over the years. Bringing them out every year to trim her home is like gathering again to share memories with the people who mean so much to her. It’s that emotional connection that truly mirrors the spirit of the holiday season.
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H O M E F E AT U R E
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WEDDING
Kate Vincent & Brandon Norman D EC E M B E R 28, 2019 | M E M P H I S, T N
Parents of the Bride: Anita & Jeff Vincent | Mother of the Groom: Cathy Norman
VENUE: ORION HILL | PLANNER: KELSEY MORGAN | FLORIST: KACIE COOPER | PHOTOGRAPHER: DANIELLE LOZEAU VIDEOGRAPHER: BRIDGE FILMS | BAND: SOUL SHOCKERS | BAKER: GINGER CLARK WITH CAKES BY CAROLYN CATERER: PINK FLAMINGO CATERING | WEDDING DRESS: BAREFOOT BRIDE MAKEUP: LEIGH GARDNER | HAIR: HEATHER GRIFFITH
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WEDDING
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DESIGN
Holiday Entryways THREE DIFFERENT STYLES,
E AC H S U R E T O M A K E A B I G I M PAC T
D E S I G N L I N D L E Y M A R T E N S | S T O R Y T E R R I G L A Z E R | P H O T O S R O S S G R O U P C R E AT I V E
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D D EE SS II G GN N
O U R H O L I DAY G AT H E R I N G S M AY B E A B I T S M A L L E R AND MORE SUBDUED IN 2020, BUT THERE’S NO REASON T H E Y C A N ’ T L O O K M E R R Y. L I N D L E Y M A R T E N S , O W N E R O F L I N D L E Y M A RT E N S D E S I G N A N D L AU R E L R D . A N T I Q U E S A N D M O D E R N , C R E A T E D T H R E E S E A S O N A L E N T R Y WA Y V I G N E T T E S E X C L U S I V E LY F O R A T H O M E .
W hether your style is traditional, minimalist or glam, they will inspire you to create a warm welcome for guests from the moment they walk through the front door.
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DESIGN
Modern Elegance FESTIVE YET UNDERSTATED
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A Korean secretary chest
provides the base for this minimalist look. Martens paired a mid-century lamp and a green Empoli glass vase filled with magnolia branches from the yard to anchor the piece, accented by more vintage classics: a pair of banana peel candle holders and a brass sculpture. “This handsome guy could live there all year round and don a bow at Christmas time to make him more festive,” she says. A Paul Schneider Ceramics geode glazed tray adds to the cool factor.
“ F R AG R A N C E ADDS ANOTHER MEMORABLE L AY E R T O YO U R HOME, WHETHER IT’S FRESH PINE F RO M YO U R YA R D O R S P I C Y, C L OV E - P I E RC E D ORANGES.”
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DESIGN
Time-Honored Classic TRADITIONAL WITH A LITTLE SPUNK
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H ere Martens paired tried-and-
true Christmas decor elements with
the unexpected for an unforgettable look. The Empire-style chest with bronze ormolu details sports a colorful topper doing double duty. “That’s actually a scarf that I wear,” Martens says. “I love using scarves to add an extra layer of color and texture. Walking in the door to this color would be so festive!” The opaline glass and bronze lamps are from the estate of 80s design superstar Mario Buatta. Martens added Indian ikat fabric shades for an unexpected touch of drama. The white compote filled with pine cones is a simple way to add height to any tableau.
“ T H E N E W FAU X G R E E N E RY, LIKE THIS W R E AT H , L O O K S INCREDIBLE. I ADDED SOME H O L LY F RO M A BUSH IN THE YA R D A N D LOTS OF LOPPY R I B B O N I S R E A L LY CHEERFUL.”
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DESIGN
Masterful Mingling GLAMOR MEET S HOLIDAY
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hat a stately look this Empire-
style chest would bring to an entryway. Topped by a grand antique directoire mirror embellished with pine garland, it is decked out for the holidays. Martens brought together a diverse group of pieces to create the look, including a pair of glossy lamps and two original works of art by Haley Mathewes. Festive gold candles in horn candlesticks echo the chest’s decorative paint.
“PUT A COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS IN A B R I G H T, M I D C E N T U RY B OW L . T H I S I S A G R E AT A N D E A S Y WAY T O A D D A S PA R K LY TOUCH.” Laurel Rd. Antiques & Modern, located at 680 S. Perkins Rd., is open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 901.581.2000 to set up an evening or weekend appointment during December. Visit lindleymartens.com to join the mailing list and stay up to date with all things Lindley Martens, including her new online shop.
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DESIGN
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EXPERIENCE THIS
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EXPERIENCE THIS
Exploring Tennessee’s Main Streets & Downtowns this Holiday Season...
T E X T A N D P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F T E N N E S S E E D E PA R T M E N T O F ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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EXPERIENCE THIS
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EXPERIENCE THIS Huntingdon is all dressed up for the holidays, ready for an exciting variety of experiences. A good start is a cup of cheer from the town’s favorite coffee shop, 1822 Coffee Co. Looking for gifts for the special someone in your life? Maple on Main, Gift Grove, Mockingbird Market and Small Town Blessings have a large assortment of clothing and household items that are sure to make the perfect gift! Be sure to stop in Lovie’s and Bill’s Flowers to find Christmas arrangements to adorn your home, and Lawrence Designs for a scented candle to enhance your favorite holiday movie watching. A great shopping experience should end with an even better meal. From delicious Italian options at Cornerstone Eatery to a steaming plate of Southern favorites at Mallard’s Restaurant, Huntingdon has a wonderful selection of fare, sure to leave you satisfied— just be sure you save room for dessert. For a full schedule of events, visit www. huntingdontn.com or check out The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center at www. dixiePAC.net. Have you seen historic Brownsville lately? You won’t believe the way the town is bringing its history and architecture back to life around the square and downtown area. Just a short three-mile drive north of I-40, you’ll find one of Tennessee’s treasure troves of historic downtown buildings, accented with fun features like a new amphitheater. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll, shopping, a bite to eat or just a friendly smile from one of the locals, historic downtown Brownsville is the place to be. Brownsville has more than 400 documented architecturally significant structures, four designated historic districts and four properties within the city limits listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A must see is Billy Tripp’s Mindfield, just off of West Main Street. Constructed using salvaged metal, it is the largest outdoor sculpture in Tennessee. Stop next door at Anthony’s Barber Shop and Menagerie Museum to hear a lifetime of stories as told by Mr. Anthony Turner. Tour Historic College Hill and view the one-of-a-kind Abraham Lincoln Collection. Enjoy a barbecue sandwich at Helen’s or have lunch at Burger Basket, voted the number one burger in the state.
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EXPERIENCE THIS
Don’t leave town without a visit to the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center and a look inside the Flagg Grove School, where you’ll experience what learning must have been like for African-American students in the 1940s and 50s. An authentic chalkboard, desks and benches are preserved along with the structure. A young Anna Mae Bullock, now known to the world as Tina Turner, once attended this one-room schoolhouse. It’s now home to a collection of the “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll’s” memorabilia, including costumes, gold records and her high school yearbook. Follow Main Street Brownsville on Facebook for all of the latest happenings and events. A visit to Somerville must include a stop at Tennessee Pewter, a Southern staple since 1973. Artist Kathleen Armour Walker designs pieces for some of the most elegant tables in the country. A visit to the headquarters and shop on US Highway 64 in Somerville is a highlight of a day in Fayette County. Other great shopping opportunities there include Farmers Hardware, Southern Pickers, Hometown Flowers, Powers and Sons Jewelers, Fayette Cares Thrift Shop and New Life Herbs, all around the town square and downtown. Fuel up at Main Street Eatery and Don Don Hot Wings. In Downtown Humboldt, the Coffee Shop on Main Street is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in a small town. The vibe at this fun hangout is both industrial and historic, so it attracts all ages to enjoy the multitude of coffee combinations and great food. A visit to Crown Winery will magically transport you to the Italian countryside. This Tuscan-inspired venue is the perfect place for a picturesque wedding, inside or in the expansive vineyard. The menu includes a great selection of wine and beer, along with tasty pizzas on house-made dough. You’ll find the perfect gift, or something for yourself, on Main Street Humboldt. City Gift Company, 1401 Main, Brasfield’s Jewelry and Creative Accents have just what you need to deck the halls and yourself for the season. Clothing, jewelry or the perfect gift—these boutiques have everything you look for in a day out shopping.
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EXPERIENCE THIS
Cotton’s Café in Downtown Trenton is open bright and early, offering a lipsmackin’ country breakfast to order. After a yummy start to the day, head for downtown Trenton and Court Square, just a block away, where you will find the Ivy Gate and Debbie’s Youth Shop with unique gifts and children’s clothing. While in the neighborhood, don’t miss Second Impressions; it will make a great first impression with its upscale resale. The historic Gibson County Courthouse, truly one of most unique and stunning in Tennessee, is located in the middle of the square. Go in for a visit Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. After working up an appetite shopping and sightseeing, pause for a sandwich or pizza at The Square on South College Street or To the Last Drop Coffee Shop, where the menu features a variety of entrées and desserts. After lunch, wander a few blocks down South College Street, where you will find the “World’s Largest Collection of Porcelain Veilleuse-Theieres,” or nightlight teapots, on display. In 1955, Dr. Frederick Freed donated 525 teapots, dated from 1750-1860, to the City of Trenton. Dr. Freed had a special display case built to permanently house the treasures in the city council chambers of Trenton’s municipal building. Now over 3,000 visitors come annually to view the collection. Also housed in the City Hall is the Fred Culp Historical Museum, which hosts rotating exhibits. Admission is free and the exhibits are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call ahead for groups at 731.855.2013. With proper notice a curator may be arranged for a personal touch.
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IN THE GARDEN
ca m el l i as STORY | DALE SKAGGS OF DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
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hen camellias begin to bloom in the fall at the Dixon, few plants can rival their beauty. They are historically significant here, having been extensively cultivated by Hugo and Margaret Dixon. In fact, a camellia house once occupied some of the space where the cutting garden now stands, and over 200 plants flourished there. Camellias are a huge group of woodland plants, with over 30,000 listed varieties. Not all of them will thrive in the Mid South, though our mild winters allow us to grow some of the less cold-hardy ones. The heat-island effect of urban locales, which experience higher temperatures than outlying areas, also contributes to the success. Nearly all camellias are evergreen, with attractive foliage and colorful, striking blooms, and they should be more widely planted. If they choose proper varieties, Mid Southerners can enjoy camellias flowering from September until May. Camellia flowers come in six distinct shapes; single, semi-double, anemone form, peony form, rose form and formal double. For decades, many varieties of camellias were grown in the Mid South. They were so popular that a Camellia Society flourished here. Unfortunately, several cold winters during the 1980s killed all but the most protected specimens, and as a result they have not been as popular for the last 20 years. Two kinds of ornamental camellias have historically been grown in the Memphis area: the large-flowered, less hardy Japanese camellias (C. japonica) and the hardier, fall-blooming, smaller-flowered sasanquas (Camellia sasanqua). Thanks to the breeding efforts of Dr. William Ackerman and Dr. Clifford Parks, many more options are now available to Mid South gardeners. Using the cold-hardy oil camellia (C. oleifera), which is cultivated for the oils extracted from its seeds, and the heat-tolerant reticulated camellia (C. reticulata), they worked independently in separate breeding programs to produce plants that are cold hardy and produce flowers in much chillier climates. Many of these new hybrids are hardy to -20 degrees and neatly shed spent flower petals instead of holding onto the unattractive brown flowers. Camellias with names including “polar,” “winter,” or “ice,” such as ‘Winter’s Charm’ or ‘Winter’s Snowman’, are the result of Dr. Ackerman’s work at the U.S. Arboretum. The sasanqua cultivar ‘Snow Flurry’ is currently in bloom at the Dixon and boasts a bloom time of six weeks or longer. Dr. Parks is responsible for other hardy cultivars, particularly spring bloomers with “April” included in the name, such as ‘April Remembered’ and ‘April Tryst’.
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IN THE GARDEN
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IENX PTEHREI EGNACRED TE H NI S
J
apanese camellias (C. japonica), although less hardy, boast the largest flowers and have cultivars that bloom fall through spring. They are generally classified as early (fall), mid-season (winter), or late (spring) bloomers. In the Mid South it is not advisable to plant the mid-season plants outdoors because the flowers become damaged and turn brown in the cold weather. A few japonicas that have proven to be good for us are ‘Greensboro Red’, ‘Sea Foam’, ‘Debutante’, ‘Dr. J. C. Raulston’, and ‘Katsuya Nomura’. Sasanqua camellias (C. sasanqua) are more reliable bloomers because most bloom in the fall before the onset of cold winter weather. Bobby Green, a plant breeder from Fairhope, AL, has introduced a series of “magic” camellias, sasanquas now marketed as Southern Living plants. We have planted ‘October Magic Ruby’ with dark burgundy flowers, the bicolored ‘October Magic Inspiration’, and the pink ‘October Magic Orchid’. Each appears to be a strong fall bloomer on a compact plant with nice foliage, although they usually work their magic in November rather than October. To succeed with camellias in the Mid South, place them in the same slightly acidic soil as azaleas. Plant them high in filtered shade and mound the soil around them. A wide planting hole enriched with copious amounts of organic material will enhance their growth. The Japanese camellia (C. japonica) needs to be sited carefully to ensure winter survival because Memphis lies at the extreme end of its coldhardiness range. Many people believe that our area should be reclassified as Zone 8 on the USDA hardiness zone map, a classification based on the lowest temperatures during the winter months. This means that the Japanese camellia (C. japonica) may now be fully hardy for us. Few other plants provide the evergreen foliage and stunning flowers in a variety of colors that camellias do during the winter months. I hope you will plant the reliable new varieties in your garden, or even try a japonica or two. For more information go to the American Camellia Society website: www.americancamellias.org.
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GIFT GUIDE
Penny Preville Bangle Bracelets, Prices vary Southern Avenue | Germantown, TN southernavenuecompany.com
Bujukan Collection 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings, Call for pricing Josef’s Jewelers | Germantown, TN josefsjewelers.com
Hazel Smyth Triton Intaglio Earrings, $60 Social | Memphis, TN social-memphis.com
14K White Gold Earrings, Inquire for size range & pricing Platinum Jewelers | Germantown, TN 901.907.0626
White gold, rose gold & double stackable rings, Call for pricing Hollie Winter Fine Jewelry | Germantown, TN 901.474.7427
Vahan Sterling Silver & 14K bangle bracelet with London Blue Topaz, $2,105 Bob Richards Jewelers | Germantown, TN bobrichardsjewelers.com
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White Gold Emerald Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring, $18,060 Sissy’s Log Cabin | Memphis, TN sissyslogcabin.com
Mixed Metal 14 K Ring with 1.01 ct. total diamond weight, Call for pricing
Josef’s Jewelers | Germantown, TN josefsjewelers.com
Yellow Diamond GIA Natural Pink & White Diamond Ring, Email for pricing: doris@dorismclendon.com Doris McLendon | Memphis, TN
Allison Kaufman White Gold Necklace, $2,700 Jewelers' Choice | Memphis, TN | jewelerschoiceinc.com
- jewelry -
Joia De Majorca Grey Pearl Endless Bubble Necklace & Earrings, $75-375 Magnolia House | Southaven, MS | magnoliahouse.com December 2020 • athomemms.com | 69
GIFT GUIDE
Zep Pro Collegiate Dog Collars Love & a Dog | Corinth MS | 662.872.3288 Tory Bark Dog Toy Cotton Row Uniques | Memphis, TN | cottonrowuniques.com
- for PETS -
Very Vintage Bandanas Love & a Dog | Corinth MS | 662.872.3288
Chewy Vuitton Dog Toy Cotton Row Uniques | Memphis, TN | cottonrowuniques.com 70 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • December 2020
Furbo Dog Camera chewy.com | amazon.com
Brixtix Wholesale Christmas Lights Gift Box Love & a Dog | Corinth, MS | 662.872.3288
Woof Clicquot Dog Toy Cotton Row Uniques | Memphis, TN | cottonrowuniques.com
Mississippi Made Donut Dog Bed Hollywood Feed | Memphis, TN | hollywoodfeed.com December 2020 • athomemms.com | 71
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s e t t i nF OgR TtHhE eH OtLaI DbAYlSe S T Y L I N G & S TO R Y G I N N I J O N E S P H OTO G R A P H Y A N N A B E L L A C H A R L E S
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'tis
the season to set the table! This holiday season we have realized it's more important than ever to spend time with our loved ones. For my family, that means gathering around the table for a lovely meal. Keeping with the theme of "nothing being normal" this year, I decided to create a colorful and bright tablescape rather than the traditional red and green holiday setting. My inspiration was sparked by these "Twelve Days of Christmas" dessert plates from Anthropologie. For many years I have loved the work of watercolor artist Inslee Fariss. I found her, of course, on Instagram, and have been following her right from the beginning. When she posted these plates as a part of her collaboration with Anthropologie back in the summer, I knew I wanted to plan my whole Christmas tablescape around them. They are the cutest plates—a new take on the traditional twelve days of Christmas— complete with six geese a-laying, apres ski style, and more. When the plates arrived in the mail, I found they were even better in person. The plates are scalloped with a hand-painted gold edge, perfectly matching the scalloped gold edges of Herend china. So I was off to Social, our local Herend distributors, to pick out the color palette that would accompany my adorable new plates. We went with rust, raspberry, fern and turquoise to best accent the plates. My final decision was to use the "Silk Ribbon" chargers with the corresponding "Chinese Bouquet" dinner plates. Since I had a bright color palette going with raspberry, turquoise, fern and rust, I called my sweet friend at Spyglass Lane for some custom cocktail napkins. We selected a classic "cheers" as well as "merry & bright" with Christmas lights in the four bright hues from the color palette. For the rest of the table, I kept it simple. Beautiful white hemstitched linen napkins, antique silver flatware, and my great grandmother's champagne coupes, only used for special occasions (aka 2020)!
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decking the halls was super simple this year thanks to my favorite floral shop, Garden District. In addition to creating stunning floral arrangements year round, they are masters at decorating for the holidays. Our table is long; 10 feet long, to be exact, so I fastened two strands of artificial pinecone garland from Garden District together to create the perfect centerpiece. (TIP: I always add a few springs of fresh greens to the artificial garland to make it look even more realistic!) I tucked in gold candlesticks and the table was set. On the sideboard, I love to mix and match clusters of bottle brush trees. Also sourced from Garden District, the silver trees paired nicely with the antique silver flatware on the table and the bright green trees, which also light up, were the perfect bright take on traditional Christmas green.
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shop local If ever there was a time to shop locally, 2020 is it. We know this year has been rough for everyone, especially small business owners. This Christmas, even though it will be a small family get-together, we are still dressing as if we were having a big Christmas Eve party. I'll be cocktail party (I wish) ready in this Tish Cox navy taffeta Sheridan top from Oak Hall. And to complete the outfit, I’ll be sporting my favorite stack of Oak Hall Collection oxidized sterling silver and diamond bracelets.
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plan
your menu ahead of time. This year, make it a priority to outsource some items from local restaurants. In our house, we will be ordering the sweets from 17 Berkshire Bakery.
Nuha Abuduhair, the owner and baker at 17 Berkshire, plans the most creative holiday menus when it comes to the dessert department. For tarts, cakes, macarons, cupcakes and more, I highly suggest visiting her in Overton Square for your holiday treats.
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"there is nothing that makes me happier than sitting around the dinner table and talking until the candles are burned down." — Madeleine L'Engle
wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! May you fill this time with happy, healthy and wonderful memories as you spend the season with your quarantine crew. And may you finish 2020 on one special note!
see y'all next year! xoxo, ginni jones December 2020 • athomemms.com | 83
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IN THE KITCHEN
Decadent Chocolate Pie Winter, spring, summer or fall...this dessert is simply amazing, y’all! A dear friend shared this recipe with me years ago and I’m happy to pass it on to you. It’s a family favorite and dinner party guests love it too. Happy Holidays to each of you and may 2021 bring health, love and happiness. —Jim RECIPE & PHOTO JIM NORTON
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IN THE KITCHEN PIE CRUST: 20 Double Stuf Oreo cookies 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 1 cup hot fudge sauce, warm Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and set aside. Place cookies in a food processor and process until fine crumbs form. Pour mixture into a small mixing bowl and add melted butter. Using a fork, blend butter and crumbs until well combined. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour warm fudge sauce over the crust and smooth evenly. Set aside. PIE FILLING: 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup caramel sauce, warm 2 cups whipped topping 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, remove and stir. Return chips to microwave and heat 25 seconds. Remove and stir until chips are fully melted. Set aside. Place softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat until smooth. Add heavy cream and melted chocolate. Beat until fully incorporated. Dollop mixture over the prepared crust and spread evenly. Pour warm caramel sauce over the pie and spread evenly. To finish, dollop whipped topping over the pie and once again spread evenly. Drizzle with leftover hot fudge and caramel sauce. Top with chopped peanut butter cups. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. To serve, cut pie into slices and watch your family and guests go nuts!
thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @thejimnorton
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H E A LT H Y Y O U
Holiday Wellness Gift Guide STORY MICHELLE JOHNS
'Tis
the season of giving and there’s no better gift to give during a pandemic than wellness-related products. The holidays can bring a plethora of emotion as we encounter two consecutive months of giving thanks, celebrating life and connecting with family and friends. This year is exceptional in that we have the added experience of the COVID pandemic and forced social distancing from family and friends with high-risk health concerns. As I prepare for the season ahead, gifts of wellness are top of mind. Following are some of my favorite items I’ve used in my at-home wellness practices for years. Spoonk Acupressure Mat The Spoonk Organic Hemp Acupressure Mat is inspired by the healing art of Shiatsu massage. It contains 6,210 acupressure points. I have used this mat for several years. I pack it in my suitcase when I travel. The Spoonk mat is reported to improve sleep, relieve muscle tension and pain, and boost energy. To relieve back, shoulder and neck tension, I lay my bare back on the mat for 30 minutes at the end of the day and prior to bed. The first few minutes are a little intense, however, I quickly settle into a relaxed state and I rest well after time on the Spoonk mat. To boost energy and relieve tired feet, I stand on the mat first thing in the morning while at the bathroom sink getting ready for the day. Available at spoonkspace.com, $49.95. Dry Brushes The skin is the body’s largest organ; the first line of defense against everyday toxins such as air
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pollutants, bodily excretions (sweat), skin-care products, cleaners, etc. Skin works to protect us against infection and plays a major role in producing Vitamin D (a key protector against illness). The overload of dead skin cells due to everyday life can be overwhelming. Dry skin brushing can help clear away dead skin cells and alleviate the toxic load. Additionally, it may stimulate circulation and minimize cellulite. It has been speculated that dry skin brushing may help move waste through the lymphatic system, thus aiding the internal function of the body. (Note: the aforementioned claims are all based on eastern medicinal philosophy.) Dry skin brushing is a part of my morning routine. I start at the feet and brush with long strokes upwards, toward the heart. I use the smaller brush for the face and neck and brush in a circular, downward motion. My preferred brand is the Belula brush set, which retails for $19.95. Tongue Scraper The tongue is one of the pathways by which toxins leave the body. During the day, saliva washes much of the bacteria that creates a toxic build-up in the mouth and on the tongue. However, during the night, when we aren’t swallowing as often, biofilm builds up in the mouth and on the tongue, which is why many people wake up with bad breath. Biofilm is the white coating you may notice on the tongue when you wake in the morning. A thorough tongue scraping before brushing your teeth is a good practice to add to your oral hygiene routine. Tongue scrapers usually retail for under $10. I prefer the Banyan Botanical stainless steel scraper.
H E A LT H Y Y O U
Houseplants Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) fill our indoor spaces. Emitted through household items such as cleaners, paint, nail polish remover—anything that emits a strong chemical odor—VOCs impact household air and the body’s respiratory system. Plants can be very beneficial to household health. They can also reduce stress and positively affect your mood. Household plants in fun containers are one of my go-to gifts for special people and special moments. Support your local nursery! Infrared Sauna Twelve years ago, I started sweating by practicing yoga in a heated room. Since then I’ve rarely used deodorant and never need mouthwash or breath fresheners. I sweat my toxins out. My yoga practice has changed, and my sweat routine now includes a solo infrared sauna bed. Sweating is one of the body’s safest and most natural ways to heal and maintain good health. Sauna detox is widely
supported with scientific evidence as a healthy alternative medicine treatment. The benefits of the sauna include detoxification, pain relief, immunity, relaxation, natural anti-aging, weight loss, circulation and wound healing. I sweat it out several times a week in the Sunlighten Solo Sauna bed I recently purchased. It has been one of my best investments. The Sunlighten bed retails for approximately $2,600.00. Gifts of wellness are a fabulous way to celebrate life and make the season bright. I’ve offered you a wide range of ways to share wellness with those you care for the most. For more everyday wellness tips make sure you are following my Instagram account, @transformingwellness. *I am not currently affiliated with any of the above mentioned products.
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What Is Your Weight Made Of ? STORY JOHN W. WHITE, JR. MD BOARD-CERTIFIED IN FAMILY MEDICINE AND OBESITY MEDICINE
I
n the new era of wellness and weight management, the focus is not simply on weight, but just as
importantly, the composition of that weight. This refers to the concept of body composition, which describes our body’s make up in terms of percentages of fat and lean mass. This emphasis on body composition has spawned a new term to describe a particular body type: “skinny fat.” This describes individuals whose body weight is within the normal range; however, their body fat percentage is in the range considered obese. Women with body fat in excess of 25 percent and men with body fat in excess of 20 percent have increased likelihood of developing a chronic disease like diabetes or heart disease. This fact underscores the importance of knowing one’s own body composition. Anyone seeking to lose weight should have their body composition measured by a competent, trained professional who utilizes a reliable measuring device. Armed with this knowledge, dieters should look for a medically supervised, personalized weight-loss program that will achieve the desired results, with the highest chance of keeping the weight off long-term. An effective program must incorporate a long-term maintenance phase. This is critical to the dieter’s ability to keep off the weight. If a successful dieter returns to his or her old eating habits and lifestyle, he or she will most likely regain all the weight, with the majority being fat. The most successful weight-loss programs provide accountability by offering weekly counseling and body composition monitoring. This assures that the dieter’s weight loss is predominantly body fat, while lean muscle is preserved. Traditional low-calorie diets have been associated with significant losses of lean muscle while losing weight. This loss of lean muscle causes the dieter’s metabolic rate to slow down, actually increasing the likelihood that he or she will regain the weight after completing the weight-loss phase of the diet program. Preservation of lean mass is critical to a dieter’s ability to keep the weight off for an extended amount of time. In order to get the best possible outcome from any weight-loss program, it is prudent to know your numbers— weight in pounds, percentage of body fat and percentage of lean mass. A well-trained health coach will watch these numbers closely during your weight-loss journey to determine if your body is responding appropriately and safely.
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December HO M E F E AT U R E Special Thanks Angela Mazanti am@angelamazantidesign.com Sélavie Photography selaviephoto.com
DESIGN
Special Thanks Lindley Martens of Laurel Road Antiques & Modern lindleymartens.com Ross Group Creative rossgroupcreative.com
EXPERIENCE THIS
Special Thanks Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Tnecd.com
ENTERTAINING
Special Thanks Ginni Jones ginnijones1@gmail.com Annabella Charles Photography annabellacharles.com
IN THE GARDEN Special Thanks Dixon Gallery & Gardens Dixon.org
IN THE KITCHEN Special Thanks Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com
HEALTHY YOU
Special Thanks Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com
ON A GOOD NOTE Special Thanks Dorothy Day House dorothydaymemphis.org
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ON A GOOD NOTE
T
support and encouragement as they overcome the obstacles of poverty
importance of “home.” For most of us, this place of security and
human spirit. It creates one of the most vital ingredients for escaping
stability has taken on even deeper meaning, and it is hard to imagine
poverty—hope.
he COVID pandemic has certainly raised our awareness of the
not having a home to return to at the end of each day.
and homelessness. This home-like atmosphere provides a sense of security, especially for children, fosters self-esteem, and uplifts the
How can you help? Financial support is the greatest need. The
Few Memphians are aware that about 130 local families are without a
organization gratefully accepts monetary donations of every size. Those
home every night. Many live in their cars, in uninhabitable places, or
donations can be made online at dorothydaymemphis.org or mailed
double up with relatives for an extended time.
to: Dorothy Day House, P.O. Box 40269, Memphis, TN 38174. In-kind
The Dorothy Day House opened in 2006 and provides transitional
donations of household items are also needed to assist families. The
housing and support for homeless families in Memphis and Shelby
list of most-needed items is posted weekly on Facebook and Instagram.
County. With three houses in the Midtown area, DDH provides a safe
Although volunteer opportunities are currently limited, DDH will
home for nine families simultaneously. Families can stay as long as
eventually return to needing the service of dozens of volunteers each
needed; the average stay is about five to six months as they work to
week.
re-establish stability. DDH welcomes the whole family and encourages the strengthening of family bonds during this time. Families can offer each other mutual
For more information, search for DDH on Facebook (@DorothyDayHouse) or Instagram (@dorothydayhouse), go to www.dorothydaymemphis.org, or call the office at 901.726.6760.
TEXT AND PHOTO COURTESY OF DOROTHY DAY HOUSE
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