December 2022

Karen Garner of Magnolia Homes trusted John Mark Sharpe to take her home’s Christmas decorations in a new direction.

DECEMBER 2022 • VOL. 21 NO. 10

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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TERRI GLAZER

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REGIONAL MARKETING

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BUSINESS

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Thetree is up, the halls are decked and the bathroom scale has been put away until next year. Oh, how I love the Christmas season! There is just something so heartwarming about Christmas, babies and puppies. Babies and puppies remind me of pure, non judgmental and unconditional love.They come into this world un jaded.

They, like Christmas, seem to wave a magic wand over this world and everything becomes softer and more beautiful. I can’t remember where I once heard that or who said it but it perfectly describes how the three of them make me feel.

It has come to mean even more to me as I have become a grandmother. I feel so peaceful with Miles and Crawford, our grandchildren. When I look into their sweet eyes, I see pure love and an innocence that I wish they could keep forever. Sadly, I believe as they age, their memories as angels from Heaven will fade as they grow to experience the real world.

George W Trevett once said, “Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all the centuries. He was born a Jew, yet he belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet he belongs to all the countries.”

However you celebrate the holidays, I truly wish you the experience of the pure and innocent love we all once knew, if only for a moment. Joy to the world and peace to you all.

— Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER

happy for the HOLIDAYS

STORY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOGRAPHY ANNABELLA CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHY

itwas time for a change. Karen Garner decided 2022 was the year to go a new direction with the Christmas decorations in her Collierville home. “After the pandemic was the perfect time to get a whole new look,” she says.

This was no random decision for Garner, president of Magnolia Homes. For the past two years her family’s holiday celebrations have been hindered due to serious health issues experienced by two close relatives, but now everyone is healthy and excited to be together again for Christmas. “I'm

so thankful that God has blessed us to have such a wonderful Christmas this year because everybody's healthy. I'm so excited about it.”

Garner knew immediately just the designer who could capture her sense of excitement in her home’s holiday decorations—John Mark Sharpe, owner of John Mark Enterprises. Sharpe has been decorating the home of her daughter, Abby Miesse, for several years and provided the flowers for a wedding held at Garner’s house this fall. “I've always admired his talent. He's just a natural,” says Garner.

thecenterpieces of Sharpe’s Christmas creation are twin trees that flank the limestone fireplace in the living room. Decorated in blues and greens, the trees reflect the palette that appears throughout the home. “Coming out of the pandemic, I was just ready for something whimsical that would make everyone who walked in happy,” says Garner. And Sharpe delivered in spades. The trees are decked out in luxe ribbon and dripping in jewel-toned ornaments including a few larger-than-life emerald-cut “jewels.” Brightly colored boughs that seem to mirror Garner’s excitement burst from the tops of the trees, adding an extra element of playfulness.

Sharpe carried the theme throughout the home’s main floor, decking out the kitchen and dining room in coordinating decor and adding embellished garland to the custom iron bannister on the staircase.

The colors of a peacock have been Garner’s inspiration since she first teamed with designer Steve Nabors in 2018 to plan her new home. She recalls, “When I originally decorated the house and made all my selections, the countertops, the paint colors, everything was done with the peacock in mind. I had peacock feathers that I would carry around with me. A lady who worked with me raised peacocks. She would bring me feathers every summer when they shed.” Garner still keeps a little “bouquet” of the inspirational feathers on her screen porch.

Another source of inspiration came from Garner’s hometown itself. “I love Memphis,” she explains. “My heart has Memphis; I grew up in Downtown Memphis during the day. My parents had a bakery on Beale Street. They opened it when I was three months old. Elvis used to come into our bakery and buy jelly donuts when he would go to Beale Street to shop at Lansky’s.”

thatdeep admiration for her city shows throughout the house, most boldly in the upstairs media room, or “Memphis room” as Garner and her husband Steve Davitt have nicknamed it. Its walls are lined with dimensional photos featuring iconic Bluff City sites as well as a full-length painting of the King of Rock n Roll Garner commissioned from local artist Jesse Nabors Alston.

To Garner, incorporating traditional design aspects into her home is an homage to Memphis, as well as to the icons of Southern architecture found in Natchez, MS, and in the work of A. Hays Town in Louisiana. She incorporated that style not only into her own residence, but also into every home built in the six Magnolia Homes communities throughout the Mid South. “I always concentrate on timelessness,” she emphasizes, “with elements that are traditional, transitional and will stand that test of time.” That philosophy has served Garner well, as her company is marking 35 years in business. The firm’s success is marked by scores of repeat homebuyers as well as countless awards Magnolia and its owners have received. A personal highlight of her career came in 2000, when the next generation of the family, Karen’s son and partner, Reggie Garner, Jr., joined

the company. Reggie now serves as vice president, working with his mom making sure that in every new Magnolia home the latest innovations stand alongside classic construction. That family connection is at the heart of Garner’s professional and personal life, and the reason she can’t wait to gather her children and grandchildren in her home on Christmas day after a two-year hiatus of their longstanding tradition.

Looking around at her home dressed up so beautifully for the holidays, Garner admits the peacock-colored decor is a bit of a departure for her, but a very welcome one. “I always do the traditional Christmas [colors] so this was different for me, but I was ready for a change.” Asked if she misses her pre-pandemic holiday look, she answers confidently, “With my career, I have to always be looking forward. I have to always accept change, and not look back. And that's how I feel about this year. I feel like we've put the pandemic behind us. We're all moving forward. We all want a new look. We all want a new feeling. We want a feeling of just being excited about life and to continue our lives. We have been so blessed. Several of us have had Covid, and we've had friends who have left this world and I'm just so thankful that all of us are still here and healthy. That's what life's all about.”

ON THE TALENT OF JOHN MARK SHARPE…

“HE'S JUST A NATURAL. ONE THING ABOUT HIM, YOU CAN LOOK AT HIM AND YOU CAN SEE HE JUST FEELS IT. HE REALLY LOVES WHAT HE DOES— HE'S ALWAYS HAPPY AND I THINK HIS HAPPINESS SHOWS IN HIS WORK.”

It’s Christmas Time in the City!

STORY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE ROBERTS

to say that Jim King loves holiday decorating is the understatement of the year. Decking the halls of his home has been his passion since 1973. His enthusiasm went worldwide last year, however, thanks to a YouTube video he and his husband Everett Lawson made. Originally intended to show their holiday decor to family and friends who were unable to view the display in person, the clip went viral, garnering over 450,000 hits.

It’s no wonder that almost half a million viewers have enjoyed King and Lawson’s handiwork; their creation leaves no room inside their East Memphis home unadorned, and extends into the exterior and yard.

The homeowners begin the decorating process on August 1 annually, revamping the look and adding new features each year. Last year’s theme was a tribute to Christmas in New York City. No detail was overlooked in transforming the primary suite into a snowy Manhattan scene. Lawson explains how the metamorphosis happens. “We order custom printed backdrops for all four walls in the room. And then we add the things that we associate with New York and Christmas, like the tree in Rockefeller Center and some of the sculptures and ornaments. Everything just kind of pulls together as we put things in and move them around.”

…whether that city is Memphis or the Big Apple, this home ups the holiday spirit to an elevated level.

pulls together, indeed. The couple’s sitting room became a replica of the iconic entrance to Saks Fifth Avenue, while the bedroom featured Radio City Music Hall, complete with the Rockettes. Lights, trees, trumpeting angels and life-sized nutcrackers complete the snowy scene.

While the owners’ suite brings all the glitz and glam of the city, the rest of the home is no less festive for the season. Christmas is everywhere in the residence—2021’s decor included 17 trees, and King announced that this year’s count is up to 22.

The great room features a massive tree and yards of garland, all twinkling with white lights that play up the room’s sophisticated white upholstered furniture. Santa oversees the goings-on from his beautifully adorned perch on the Juliet balcony. Old-fashioned carolers all clad in white grace living room, along with more wintery and wonderful accents. The dining room decorations exude elegance. Even the room’s modernstyle crystal chandelier seems to transform into artistic icicles to complete the snowy holiday feel.

The portion of the home dedicated to guests also receives special attention. King and Lawson treat the glass front of their guest house like a traditional city store window at Christmas, creating a glitzy tableau with a reindeer and sleigh to welcome visitors as they pull through the porte cochere, also illuminated for the season. It’s only a small part of the total transformation

the beautiful home’s exterior receives for the holidays. Last year was the first time King positioned matching trees on the front porch and directly above on the upper balcony. “I was trying to design it where it looked like one tree going all the way up,” he says. Mission accomplished. The setup was such a hit it’s featured again this year.

King and Lawson labor tirelessly to adorn their home, and they do it hand in glove, matching their skill sets to achieve holiday perfection. “Everett’s an engineer and I’m the decorating part behind it, so we work well together,” says King.

Case in point stands in the home’s entryway. The spectacular tree has a grand arch bursting from its top in all directions, sparkling with lights and crystal ornaments. It’s King’s brainchild, as is all the decor. Lawson recalls, “He described what he wanted and told me to figure out how to make it work.” Technical expertise employed, Lawson got the job done in grand fashion.

The couple’s creativity and knowhow were surely called upon again recently, as they choose a new theme for their holiday decor every year. Spoiler alert: think Hogwarts and Harry Potter for 2022.

GOAL ACHIEVED.

"I try to do everything different than somebody else would do,” says King.

holiday gifts

FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

Looking for the perfect gifts for the special ones on your list? Look no further than Sissy’s Log Cabin for unique pieces that are sure to bring holiday cheer. Sissy’s has something for everyone, from elegant diamonds to iconic fashion pieces and more. Stop in today and make this holiday season one you will never forget!

Havana Cigar Cutter by William Henry

The perfect gift for the cigar lover in your family. The Havana will accommodate up to a 52-gauge cigar and cuts with a single-sided, precision- ground Damascus blade. This cigar cutter features a stainless “Boomerang” pattern and is inlaid with Arizona Ironwood, handpolished for optimum luster. Experience the fine craftsmanship of William Henry with this unique piece.

Infinity Link Necklace

For the fashionable man in your life, explore our selection of King Baby jewelry. The Infinity Link Necklace is made of two hand-carved links joined together to form one integrated sterling silver chain. The harmony of the links embodies strength and vitality. It’s the perfect gift for the man who has it all.

Henri Daussi Five-Stone Ring

Make her holidays merry and bright with this Henri Daussi diamond ring. Set in 18K white gold, this extraordinary piece features five diamonds, each accompanied by a diamond halo. With a carat total weight of 3.97, this is a brilliant gift that will last a lifetime.

Madame Pompadour Diamond Bracelet

The best gifts come in Sissy’s blue boxes. This 1.50-carat total weight diamond and 14K white gold bracelet is sure to bring holiday cheer. Surprise her this Christmas with an elegant piece from the Madame Pompadour Collection.

Cat and Dog book with sound $33

Itty Bitty Bella | Collierville, TN shopittybittybella.com

Porcelain Tea Set $55

Itty Bitty Bella | Collierville, TN shopittybittybella.com

Tap Tap Tool Box $57

Itty Bitty Bella | Collierville, TN shopittybittybella.com

String Thing Designs Guitar String Bracelet Gold and Silver $30 Pacesetter Gallery | Flowood, MS pacesettergallery.com

String Thing Designs Guitar String Gold Peach Bead Earrings $26, String Thing Designs Guitar String Silver Teardrop Earrings $26 Pacesetter Gallery | Flowood, MS pacesettergallery.com

Warmie’s

Heartfully

Annieglass

GenTeal

RECIPE & PHOTO JIM NORTON

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!

Merry Christmas!

STORY MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT

'tisthe season to celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Yet the joy of the season is often lost amid gift buying, giving and family gatherings. Each year, more Americans report that they see Christmas as more of a cultural holiday than a religious one. The hustle and bustle of the season, with to-do lists, places to be and things to buy, often overwhelms our thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Though this time of year may become filled with “things” that take us away from focusing on Jesus, many people feel that celebrations with family and friends restore their sense of a spiritual connection. It is a time to reflect on those we cherish the most and the gifts of love they bring to our life. During the Christmas season churches report their highest attendance. Research reveals people with a devotion to their spirituality have a higher sense of wellbeing. Spiritual people report a higher degree of hope for a future beyond their current physical life and they embrace the quest for finding meaning in life through their everyday experiences. Additionally, people with substance addiction challenges report better coping and resilience in their path toward sobriety when they incorporate their spiritual practice as part of their daily well-being.

If you are looking for ways to incorporate a deeper connection to Jesus into your 2022 Christmas celebrations, look over the following tips to help you do just that.

• Read Luke 1-2, Matthew 1-2 and John 1. Take note of the people involved in the story of Jesus' birth and the significance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Specifically note the affirmations of Jesus as Lord and Savior by the angel Gabriel, Elizabeth and John the Baptist.

• Spen d time each day in solitude with the Lord through prayer.

• Start with a time of silence and connection to your innermost being. Find a comfortable place to sit, place one hand on your heart and the other on your abdomen. Notice the flow of your breath moving in and out of your body, then notice the rhythm of the rise and fall of your body with your breath.

• Mo ve into a time of thanksgiving, thanking the Lord for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank the Lord for the gift of Jesus' teachings to guide us through our daily life.

• Mo ve into a time of petitions. Take your requests to the Lord and ask for His will to be done in the areas of your life in which you seek His help.

• En d with a commitment of faith. Trust that the Lord’s provisions are enough for you and those you love. Trust that the Lord will continue to provide and that His provisions are and will be abundantly more than you could ask for or need.

• Spen d some time reflecting on the gifts the Lord has given you and the ways He has shown up in your life journey.

• Sen d a verse of scripture to a special person each day with a word of gratitude for their presence in your life.

• A ttend a Christmas service of prayer and praise.

• Begin each family gathering with a moment of silence and prayer.

A.W. Tozer , Mystery of the Holy Spirit

May you and your family embrace the celebration of life that the birth of Jesus brings to us all.

God bless you and Merry Christmas.

“Deep inside every man there is a private sanctum where dwells the mysterious essence of his being. It is the man’s I am, a gift from the I AM who created him.”

DECEMBER 2022 sources

HOME FEATURE

Special ThanksMagnolia Homes yourmagnoliahome.com

Annabella Charles Photography annabellacharles.com

DESIGN

Special ThanksSteve Roberts

IN THE KITCHEN

Special ThanksJim Norton thenortonrecipe.com

HEALTHY YOU

Special ThanksMichelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com

Wellness MD wellnessmd.clinic

ON A GOOD NOTE

Special ThanksMemphis Arts Collective memphisartscollective.com

THIRTY YEARS ACTIVE: AN INDEPENDENT MEMPHIS ARTIST MARKET

Members of the Memphis Arts Collective have often joked that they were a pop-up before pop-ups were a thing. The entrepreneurial spirit began in the early 90s when a group of artists started selling their handmade work in the lawn area next to the former Burke’s Books location at the corner of Evergreen and Poplar Ave.

This holiday season, the market will celebrate a 30-year-long unbroken chain of active independent holiday artist markets that started with a two-weekend show in 1993. Who could have foreseen that the member-based organization would become a well-established, month-long artist market with over 30 collective members and non-member vendors.

As an ongoing member-based organization the collective’s roots lie in the strength of the community. Members return that by showing support to the Memphis community. Every year the membership votes to support an organization with a two-week-

BY JENNIFER HYATT AND ANGI COOPER

long art auction and a booth space at the holiday market for their community outreach. The charity chosen this year is Arkwings Foundation.

Arkwings is a non-profit located in a former family home on 17 acres of beautiful green space in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis. The group has a long history of serving Frayser and the surrounding areas by giving people a safe, welcoming place to explore the outdoors and express themselves through different art forms and wellness activities. These activities include creativity stations at The Art Yard, learning about planting and growing in the Art+Garden, and showing and viewing art inside the house.

For the 2022 holiday market, MAC is happy to return to the Poplar and Highland Street location (formerly Spin Street Records) at 3484 Poplar Ave. for the fourth consecutive year. This year the market’s opening night will once again include a reception with live music.

The market will run Nov. 25 through Dec. 24, Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Sun 12-5 p.m. Special hours on Dec. 24 will be 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

To read the entirety of the 30-Year Artist Market History, visit the MAC website: www.memphisartscollective.com.

To find out more about Arkwings Foundation go to www.facebook.com/arkwings/.

STORY