FEATURING M. STEFFENS INTERIORS THE THIRD ANNUAL
28 | HOME FEATURE M. Steffens Interiors outfits an East Memphis home as an homage to classic Southern architecture and design. TABLE OF CONTENTS 62 | ENTERTAINING Celebrate the end of the season with one last summer soiree! Ginni Jones styles her annual Rosé & Croquet shindig to highlight the season.
10 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022 home & design 28 HOME FEATURE A Southern Classic 62 ENTERTAINING Rosé & Croquet: Our Last Summer Soiree food & travel 44 EXPERIENCE THIS Art for Jobs 52 GETAWAY Nashville’s Landmark Hermitage Hotel 72 IN THE KITCHEN Pan- Seared Scallops with Sweet & Spicy Broth for you 76 HEALTHY YOU Tension & Body Pain 82 ON A GOOD NOTE New Neighbors in every issue 14 PUBLISHER'S NOTE 81 SOURCES TABLE OF CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2022
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 : 7776 Farmington Blvd, # 1321 Germantown TN 38183
12 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022 @athomemagazine SEPTEMBER 2022 • VOL. 21 NO. 6 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | MANAGINGmmonger@athomemms.comEDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER GINNI JONES | COPYgjones@athomemms.comEDITOR TERRI GLAZER IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com CHRIS PUGH | chrisapugh@gmail.com QUINN PEEPER | qpeeper@icloud.com REGIONAL MARKETING JANA FITE HERBISON | jfherbison@gmail.com BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | MARKETINGtmonger@athomemms.comANDCIRCULATION
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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 , 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183 . 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 , 7776 Farmington Blvd, #1321 Germantown TN 38183 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
— Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
14 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022 Labor Day, the kick off of football season, Saturdays in the Grove and the hope of the humidity and temps returning to levels that don’t mimic those in the rainforest. This September I will add to that list our first beach trip with our grandchildren, and of course we are happy to have their moms and dads, too. But seriously, I can’t imagine anything better than beach time fun, sand castle creations and definitely a trip to The Sugar Shack. Well, the Sugar Shack might be for me but you have to start them young!
Cheers to a safe and happy fall for all and a big Hotty Toddy to having mom, aka Sissy, in Rebel Town.
Another first we will experience this September is moving my mom out of her Natchez home to Oxford to be near her family. Moving from one amazing town to another may be bittersweet, but we are excited for new family memories to be made in her new home. We have been busy packing up her home of 60 years and let’s just say it has been a journey of its own—a true experience everyone must go through in order to appreciate sanity. Silver toast holders, knife rests, vases from florists from the past six decades, and 420 random pieces of silver are just a few of the “treasures” we found. My sister-in-law and I channeled our inner Fred and Lamont Sanford for sure. My mom is a retired caterer so you can only imagine all we have come across. If you are looking for anything, we probably have it. I am positive that if Let’s Make a Deal ever dares us to have anything, we will win.
To all my empty-nest friends out there: Don’t get rid of your “stuff.” Instead, give your kids the opportunity to go through it and experience all the stress, I mean joy, it will bring them one day. Go ahead now and hide “airplane bottles'' of sanity amidst the trinkets. Your effort will be much appreciated!
STORY TERRI GLAZER | INTERIOR DESIGN M. STEFFENS INTERIORS PHOTOS STEFANIE RAWLINSON PHOTOGRAPHY HOME FEATURE
HOME FEATURE
HOME FEATURE
HOME FEATURE
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"Lale always wanted to live in this neighborhood, so we bought the house on the corner at the end of the street by the railroad tracks.” So begins the story Oscar Adams tells about the East Memphis home he and his wife, Dr. Lale Adams, purchased in 2005.
Oscar also had a goal in mind—to instill in their children an appreciation for their surroundings and for tradition, beauty and Southern culture. He recalls of his childhood in Mississippi, “In some parts of the Delta, it didn’t matter whether people were wealthy or not, their home would be so pretty. Done in such good taste. I wanted my children to grow up in a house that they could learn to appreciate and one day pass that love down. I think most people have an appreciation for what we like in homes that begins further into our youth than we realize, and I didn’t want that fact to be overlooked.”
A family member in Greenville, MS, owned a home designed by A. Hays Town, the famed 20th century Louisiana architect. Oscar says he was always drawn to the classic elements embodied in Town’s work, like Bevolo lamps, heart pine flooring and reclaimed brick. He and Lale shared their vision with Memphis architect Wilson Hunt, who understood immediately. Hunt’s family history included a home in the historic Gamwyn Park neighborhood, an early 20th century planned community in Greenville, known for charming homes, so he was on board when Oscar requested features like board and batten walls and natural brick.
Designer Missy Steffens collaborated from the start, working in tandem with Hunt. Builder Rick Collins came on board to handle the construction and round out the “dream team” Oscar says he trusted implicitly. “When you’re building a house, there’s a decision around every corner. Hire the right people and then let them do their Hunt'sjob.”
plan included changing the front of the home from south- to east-facing, removing the garage, and adding a large, two-story section. The architect reimagined the exterior of the remaining original structure, revamping the former front porch with brick and wooden beams. The reclaimed brick chimney rising above it gives the outside of the original part of the house the feel of an old Southern smokehouse, a look intentionally worked into the plan, says Oscar.
32 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022 HOME FEATURE despite having been told they would be crazy to renovate the house and hearing suggestions that they should just move instead, the Adamses loved the location and the acre lot. So they stayed, remodeled and added on. The finished product is an homage to classic Southern architecture and design.
HOME FEATURE
selecting
As construction progressed, Steffens turned her efforts toward design-related decisions, guided by the clients’ preferences. “Lale likes brighter colors, but she also wanted a clean backdrop,” she explains. The juxtaposition of white and bright begins in the home’s front entry, where Quadrille climbing hydrangea wallpaper in salmon shades dresses up the white-trimmed walls. The pattern is a time-honored Southern favorite—a similar style appears in the home of Scarlett and Rhett in Gone with the Wind . Antique brick floors provide the quintessential Delta home feel the couple sought.
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Steffens carried the bright white of the entry millwork on the walls through most of the house, interspersing color sparingly, but effectively. In the kitchen, it comes in the mellow blue-gray shade on the cabinetry. “It made for a great mix of soft and clear colors,” she explains.
paint colors for a home’s exterior can be a daunting task—one which, in this case, led the homeowners and the designer down an unexpected path, but one with a perfect ending. Oscar recalls that as the brick in the new section of the home was being prepped, the painters had applied a primer. “We painted swaths of all these different shades of white and out of all of them, we liked the primer the best, so we just went with that.” As it turns out, primer white made the ideal base to show off the home’s creamy trim, green shutters and garage doors, and the antique front door sourced from Front Street Antiques in Downtown Memphis.
The remodel afforded a generous amount of space for a bar and it has become a favorite gathering spot when the Adamses host friends and family. Glass-front cabinets show off a sizable collection of barware. Steffens chose a saturated green for the walls, trim and cabinets. The stained wood countertop was another adjustment made during construction. Says Oscar, “We were going to put quartz countertops in here, but we ran out of time and so they took the same wood as the flooring and put it there. It has held up great.” The room’s decidedly masculine vibe makes the perfect backdrop for the many family photos and documents that grace the walls.
The gentlemanly feel carries into Oscar’s home office, a space he and Steffens designed collaboratively and one that he says is the perfect spot for working from home.
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One of the benefits of building a custom home is the ability to make changes during the construction process, notes Oscar as he points to the kitchen door. Although the blueprints called for a window in the spot, an on-the-fly decision substituted a door. The homeowner couldn’t be happier with the alteration; he says it’s now the mostused door in the house.
The room is filled with built-ins, including a desk area, well lit thanks to a large window above it. An oval window on an adjacent wall brings more light into the green/gray painted room, along with an element of architectural interest. A simple wooden desk doubles the amount of workspace in the room, while plenty of cabinets and shelves accommodate the homeowner’s collection of books and mementos.
September 2022 • athomemms.com 37 those custom cabinets extend to the ceiling for maximum storage. A handsome brass and wood rolling ladder system from Putnam Ladders facilitates access to the upper cabinets and adds extra sophistication to the space. Steffens chose unlacquered brass for the cabinet hardware, and says she is pleased with the way its finish has aged to a soft patina over time. She is particularly fond of the Perrin and Rowe faucet on the kitchen sink. “I love seeing it there. Especially when it’s on an island, I like to think of the faucet like a piece of jewelry,” she says. Beadboard walls, inset cabinet doors and drawers, white quartz countertops and simple, shaded pendant lights selected by Steffens complete the kitchen’s elegant ambiance.
Using her expertise and a few tricks of the trade like slightly decreasing the depth of the double vanity, she created a space that is tidy, practical and beautiful.Whilethe majority of the renovation is finished, Steffens is still collaborating with the Adamses on small details and additions to help complete the home’s metamorphosis.
HOME FEATURE
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 39 the oval window motif is reprised in the laundry room. Although it’s one of the smaller rooms in the house, the laundry is jam packed with appeal, starting with its door. The charming half door allows the window all the visibility it deserves. Steffens repeated the same cabinetry and counters as in the kitchen here, highlighted by a porcelain farm sink that blends form and function. White shiplap walls and the reclaimed brick floor in a herringbone pattern complete the classic Southern setting. The home’s primary bedroom and bath remain in the original portion of the structure. While the bedroom and closet had been modernized in a previous renovation, Steffens set out to bring the bathroom up to date and make the most of every square inch of the area’s somewhat narrow footprint.
What started as a post-war, three-bedroom, single-bath, starter house with a small living room and kitchen has transformed into a shining example of Deep South style, one that has given the family that lives there a place to cherish and to pass down the love for its beauty for generations to come.
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STORY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOGRAPHY CATHERINE BURNS PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE THIS art for JOBS
EXPERIENCE THIS
EXPERIENCE THIS
Free tickets are also available for warehouse gallery viewings Wed., Sept. 21, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Thur., Sept. 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Roaten says that while the preview party is always fun and festive, these open walkthrough hours are her personal favorite times to peruse the 240+ pieces in the show. Event volunteers are on hand to discuss the art and answer questions in the relaxed atmosphere.
First looks will come at 6:30 p.m. on Tue., Sept. 20, during the preview party at the facility at 575 Suzette St. Admission is free, but tickets are limited in number and should be reserved in advance at artforjobs.cbo.io.
For this 12th annual installment of Art for Jobs, Advance Memphis will temporarily transform its warehouse into a gallery filled with original works by around 100 area artists. “We will have a wide range of artists, including some prominent names in the local art community,” says Hailey Roaten.
“And, unlike other charitable art sales, we offer an artist split, sharing some of each piece’s purchase price with its creator.”
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 47 DESIGN mid south art lovers need to mark their calendars for Sept. 20-22, the dates of the 2022 Art for Jobs event. The annual fundraiser for Advance Memphis takes place both in the organization’s South Memphis facility and virtually and promises something for everyone.
A professional artist and longtime Advance Memphis volunteer, Roaten is part of the group that makes the venue metamorphosis happen. “I love that it’s in the warehouse, where the work of Advance Memphis takes place,” she tells At Home. “We turn it into a party space with decorations and walls that have been made that we move around to create the floorplan and display the art. We show respect to people's artwork; we hang it nicely and represent it well.”
The public will be able to view the pieces at several times and by different means, a pivot organizers devised to make the event accessible during the pandemic.
EXPERIENCE THIS
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 49 art for Jobs is designed intentionally to be accessible, says Kelsey Dees, director of programs and community engagement for Advance Memphis. “If you want to expose your children to art, this is a good opportunity. If you want to buy a piece of art this is a good opportunity because there's such a wide range available.”
An online gallery also accessed through the website provides a third way to view the works before the online only sale begins at 6 p.m. on Thur., Sept. 22. The sale is first come, first served, so potential buyers will need to be registered and ready to purchase when the clock strikes six.
memphisadvance Since its inception in 1999, the mission of Advance Memphis has been to empower adults in South Memphis to break cycles of unemployment, establish economic stability and experience the dignity that comes through meaningful work. The faithbased organization provides job readiness training, financial literacy classes and employment assistance for its graduates.
The show will feature three artists this year: acrylic painter Meghean Warner; landscape specialist Matthew Hasty; and Mosal Moszart, creator of contemporary abstracts and portraits. Dees says Advance Memphis is pleased to showcase the works of three talented local artists, including one who is a native of the South Memphis community served by the organization. For more information, to reserve tickets or to view the virtual gallery, visit artforjobs.cbo.io.
50 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022
GETAWAY
at NASHVILLE’S LANDMARK HERMITAGE HOTEL
LIVESLUXURY
“We have been so pleased with guest and local support for the new hotel updates,” says Dee Patel, managing director of the Hermitage. “We hope that when people enjoy our new restaurants and redesigned spaces, they also learn a bit about the historical significance of the property and see why we felt that
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 53 ENTERTAINING THE PREMIER ADDRESS IN NASHVILLE FOR LUXURY
RESTAURANTSACCOMMODATIONS,UPDATESTOP-TO-BOTTOMUNVEILSHOSPITALITYOFALL&PUBLICSPACES.
The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville’s celebrated gathering place for more than 110 years, recently completed a multi-year, hotel-wide restoration and redesign. The standard-bearer for luxury hospitality in Nashville since 1910 and a National Historic Landmark, the Hermitage updated the design of its 122 guest rooms and suites, famous lobby and historic ballroom. These changes follow the opening of two new restaurants from Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten earlier this year. The project touched every aspect of the guest experience and marks a new era for the Hermitage, underscoring the independently owned and operated property’s identity as Nashville’s hub for gracious, modern-day Southern hospitality.
“As stewards of the Hermitage Hotel, we are passionate about showcasing its history and the splendor of its architecture while also making a commitment to its next chapter,” says Robert Hardie, who co-owns the property with his wife Molly. “Nashville is evolving in exciting ways. It’s important that we stay in step with the times and continue the hotel’s legacy of providing a true luxury experience for our guests. We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to our city.”
GETAWAY
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 55 GETAWAY preserving certain aspects was so crucial. ‘Meet me at the Hermitage’ is a phrase that has echoed in Nashville through the decades, and we look forward to welcoming guests to our revitalized property for many more to come.”
NASHVILLE
Considered one of Nashville’s architectural treasures, the soaring Beaux Arts lobby of the Hermitage Hotel, originally designed by Tennessee architect James E.R. Carpenter, has been artfully restored and revitalized to welcome guests with luxurious modern-day comforts. Original details such as the hand-painted glass ceiling, ornamental plasterwork and Tennessee marble, have been meticulously restored, and the entire space has been brightened with a fresh color palette and new furnishings in textured shades of blue and silver. Interior design firm Forrest Perkins oversaw the design updates of the lobby, adjacent ballroom, guest rooms and suites. The lobby features all-new seating, lighting and case goods, creating a warm and inviting setting that evolves throughout the day, as a spot for a morning coffee, a social gathering place in the afternoon or the ideal setting for a nightcap crafted at the new renovated lobby bar. The Hermitage Hotel Ballroom, site of Nashville’s most important political and social events, also has been renewed and refreshed with a modern palette of finishes, including new carpeting and artwork, all selected to complement the room’s iconic Circassian walnut paneling and other historic architectural components. Featuring advanced room controls and updated lighting, the renowned ballroom is now poised to welcome Nashville’s next generation of unforgettable events.
REJUVENATING THE SOCIAL EPICENTER OF
Alongside the interior’s design refresh, the Hermitage staff is sporting a spirited new wardrobe designed by Draper James, the lifestyle brand founded by Nashville native Reese Witherspoon. Created exclusively for the hotel, the apparel features fabrics and accessories in a signature print named “the Hermitage Hotel Ditsy Floral.” The wardrobe was inspired by the hotel’s Southern splendor and color palette and features yellow accents emblematic of the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the hotel’s special role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The Hermitage/Draper James collaboration marries two brands beloved by the Nashville community and is celebrated with a special “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James” afternoon tea service each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A toast to gracious living, the menu features classic Southern delights inspired by Witherspoon’s cookbook, Whiskey in a Teacup , and a tablescape dressed with Draper James linens. Guests can enjoy delicious tea sandwiches, tarts, scones and desserts, and even whiskey in a teacup—a nod to the hotel’s famous Prohibition-era tradition.
56 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022 GETAWAY STAFF
The hotel’s oversized guest rooms, which average 500 square feet and are among the largest in Nashville—have been redesigned with a calming, residential feel. Desks were replaced with tables that can serve as workspaces or be used for in-room dining, and new millwork conceals updated minibars and clever amenities that create a multi-functional space. New carpeting, drapes and upholstered furniture feature a subtle color palette and layers of texture to create a serene effect. All guest rooms and suites now feature ultra-premium DUX® beds from Duxiana®, the world’s foremost maker of technologically advanced luxury beds for nearly 100 years. Frette linens and an expanded selection of pillows in down,
STYLE, COURTESY OF DRAPER JAMES
LUXURIOUS COMFORT IN NEW GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES
The Hermitage Hotel’s culinary program has undergone a dramatic update under the direction of Michelinstarred chef and restaurateur JeanGeorges Vongerichten.
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 57 buckwheat and memory foam ensure tailored comfort and the ultimate in rest andTherelaxation.Presidential
Suite has been reimagined as a home away from home. Guests are greeted by the first of many custom curated and commissioned art pieces that reference the history of the hotel and its significance in Nashville and beyond. The suite includes a functional library which doubles as a study with an oversized table that can convert to a dining table for eight. The overall flow was opened up, creating a space that is both intimate and grand. Guest privacy and service discretion were meticulously planned, and the en suite bathroom was completely renewed with a walk-in shower, oversized soaking tub, double vanities, a makeup counter and bidet. In each of the guest rooms and suites, locally sourced artwork integrates moments from the hotel’s history and the natural elements of the region. A charming bird theme is woven throughout, inspired by a hand-painted bird discovered on the vaulted ceiling of the Veranda Room. Designers referenced the hotel’s extensive archive of letters and postcards while selecting new art installations on each floor, bringing guests on a journey as they experience the hotel. Such subtle storytelling elements inspire a sense of exploration and invite visitors to discover more about the Hermitage’s history in a modern, approachable way.
ATDININGCONTEMPORARYANDDESIGNDRUSIE&DARRBYJEAN-GEORGES
CAFÉ CHIC AT THE PINK HERMIT Newly opened on the corner of Union and Sixth Avenue, the Pink Hermit is a chic pink café and take-away conceived by Jean-Georges and the Hermitage Hotel team and designed by JuulHansen. Its name is derived from the definition of hermitage as a “secluded retreat,” and this intimate space, clad in pale pink and gray marble, welcomes guests with cozy seating,
58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022
GETAWAYAdmiredfor his acumen as a chef and tastemaker operating 40 acclaimed restaurants around the globe, Jean-Georges selected the hotel to be the site of Drusie & Darr, his first location in the deep South. It’s a convivial, newAmerican restaurant and bar that showcases the artistry of its chef and the bounty of Tennessee’s regional produce. The menu, inspired by the seasons, welcomes hotel guests and neighbors alike for any occasion, from cocktails and a sophisticated evening out to a glass of wine and pizza from the wood-fired oven or a relaxed family dinner. The restaurant takes its name and lively spirit from brother-sister duo Drusie and Darr Hall, who lived, played, and grew up at the Hermitage as children of the hotel’s former general manager. To create the perfect stage for JeanGeorge’s exquisite cuisine, award-winning designer Thomas Juul-Hansen transformed the former Capitol Grille restaurant and bar into a glamorous space that introduces new warmth and ambiance while honoring the room’s iconic architectural details. Juul-Hansen infused a contemporary sensibility using a palette of natural materials—metal, wood, leather and stone—and dramatic lighting from the world-renowned L’Observatoire International that uplifts the famous arched ceilings. All furnishings, from the mother-of-pearl pendant lamps to the comfortable upholstered seating, tables and curved banquettes, were designed exclusively for Drusie & Darr. A new, dedicated restaurant entrance is directly accessible from Sixth Avenue, establishing the venue as a dining destination unto itself.
A show-stopping punctuation mark on the redesign of the two restaurants is a new ladies’ room, a counterpoint to the hotel’s famous 1930s-era Art Deco men’s room – for years one of Nashville’s most photographed spots. Taking its cue from the men’s room’s striped tilework in lime green and black, the new ladies’ room is lavishly decorated. Stripes of variegated pink marble dress up the walls and floors, while arched doorways, rose-gold framed mirrors, pink fixtures and glamorous lighting make it a stunning surprise that is photo-worthy in its own right. For reservations or to learn more about the Hermitage Hotel, please visit thehermitagehotel.com. Follow the hotel on Instagram and Facebook.
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 59 both indoors and outdoors. With a concept that evolves throughout the day, The Pink Hermit serves as a barista bar offering delectable pastries in the morning, a casual all-day spot for salads, sandwiches or take-away, and a cozy wine bar serving light dinner, handcrafted cocktails and champagne in the evening.
A ROOM FOR THE LADIES
ENTERTAINING rosé&croquet STORY & DESIGN BY GINNI JONES | PHOTOS BY ANNABELLA CHARLES OUR LAST SUMMER SOIREE
ENTERTAINING with school back in session, summer is sadly coming to an end! To see the season out on a high note, I always host my dearest friends for the annual Rosé & Croquet event. This year, I wanted to create a more intimate feel since we were truly celebrating the final days of summer. With a sitdown dinner and some evening croquet, cornhole and bocce ball under the market lights, it was the perfect way to close out an amazing summer!
the theme This year I hosted the party at my new home. I am very lucky to have inherited a massive limelight hydrangea bush in the back that has been overflowing with the most beautiful blooms for the past few months. I love the blooms so much and I knew they had to be the backdrop for the dinner. Focusing on the limelights, I wanted to incorporate shades of green and natural elements into the table. Lots of texture, color and fun patterns all played together to create the perfect palette. And, of course, I used Estelle Colored Glasses for bright pops of color!
ENTERTAINING
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 65 the table When I went the natural route for the table, I knew I had to call on my wonderful friends at Blue Pheasant to help complete the look. Their Amelia Natural Placemats were perfect. The scalloped edges provide a feminine flair while still having the natural elements I wanted. Paired with their Marcus Dinnerware collection, the table was almost set! The Marcus plates and platters have a pretty salt glaze and an interesting light blue/gray tone—they were the perfect addition. Set with the plates were dusty teal Betty Eyelet Napkins wrapped with a fun antique brass Titan Napkin Ring. The delicate eyelet detail on the napkins coordinated wonderfully with the heaviness of the napkin rings, which were a unique seahorse tail pattern. Roland Polished Gold Flatware, a classic yet updated pattern, provided just the right finishing touch. Nothing adds as much flair to a table as a fun table linen. White Door Events has the perfect linens for any occasion. I chose Aruba patterned green linens to go with natural wishbone dining chairs. The mix of the green floral pattern with the woven and natural wood chairs blended perfectly to continue the ladylike-yet-natural vibe I hoped to create. Last but certainly not least from White Door, my favorite addition to any table: the Dina touch lamps. White Door has these great little lamps in a plethora of colors and sizes. I wanted them to stand out so I went with the classic white and sprinkled them down the table. They are such a great addition, supplying battery-powered light with a cool, sleek look. And the final touch on the table? Estelle Colored Glasses in yellow, teal and forest green. Everyone knows how special Estelle glasses are. Stephanie Summerson Hall, the owner of the company, always describes them as the “gems of the table,” and how can you not agree? They brought the perfect pops of color to the green and natural tablescape.
ENTERTAINING
the flowers No table is complete without flowers; a beautiful arrangement always makes the biggest impression. This year, I reached out to my friend Anna Katherine Colomb at TCB & Co . Florals and Design, a new shop in the High Point Terrace neighborhood. Her energy made me so excited for the party. She turned my vision into reality more perfectly than I could ever have imagined! Muted blush roses with yellow and bright green geranium leaves, chamomile flowers, stunning lisianthus, strawflowers and more covered the table. In small blush bud vases, she mixed pale blush garden roses and ranunculus with those stunning green geranium leaves. These vases were a perfect addition to the bar shelves and on platters, making every detail even more special!
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68 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022 the decor When it comes to party rentals, there is no other source like White Door Events . Their unique and highly curated inventory can make any event truly one of a kind. Every party has tables and chairs, maybe even a simple bar, but this year I wanted to step it up a notch. I went for White Door’s brandnew Farrah bar. Covered in natural grasscloth with white paneling, Farrah was the perfect addition to the party—natural and feminine. Behind the bar, boxwood hedge walls held clear acrylic shelves, the perfect place to display all the French Blue wine, Navy Hill sodas and stunning Estelle Colored Glasses . On the other side of the party, a lounge section! I paired the Lawson Daybed in ivory with the green Fiona velvet chair. Behind the daybed, the Jinero Console held nickel ice buckets, also from White Door. Meanwhile, Jasper ottomans in kiwi cheetah provided light green fun in front of the daybed. I chose White Ruffle Trays from White Door’s extensive selection of partyware to hold the lobster rolls and tomato tart. ENTERTAINING
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The bar was extra fun to prepare! As always, French Blue was our wine of choice, this year with delicious rosé and the newer sauvignon blanc. For the specialty cocktail I reached out to my friends at Navy Hill , a femalefounded, small-batch cocktail mixer brand. All bottled and packaged in the United States, Navy Hill’s large range of mixers includes everything from classic club soda and tonic to fun flavors like blood orange and juniper. For the party, we picked Classic Club Soda and Grapefruit Club Soda to make the “Sparkling Greyhound.” For a fun take on the classic greyhound cocktail, we mixed Navy Hill Grapefruit Club Soda with Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka , and garnished it with grapefruit and lime wedges and a sprig of rosemary. What would a summer soiree be without a spritz? Our "French Blue Spritz” featured French Blue Rose, Navy Hill Classic Club Soda and berries of choice, served over ice. All cocktails were listed on a handmade bar menu sketched by the ever-sotalented Caroline Hughes. the menu Every year, the menu is inspired by the place where rosé and croquet are the most celebrated—Martha’s Vineyard. Lobster rolls on toasted brioche buns, blackened shrimp avocado cucumber bites, blueberry feta corn salad, heirloom tomato tart and mini fruit tarts were just a few of the items that graced the table. the paper As the soiree planning began, I stopped in RSVP Stationers to have them mock up my dream invitation. Working with Curry Blanton was so fun! In no time we came up with the cutest invitation using colors and logos from years past, but putting a new spin on it. Even the back of the invitation was so cute—a small detail can have a big impact. Custom cups and koozies completed the theme for the last shindig of summer.
the bar
PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS with SWEET & SPICY BROTH
& PHOTO JIM NORTON IN THE KITCHEN
RECIPE I LOVE SCALLOPS, AND IF YOU DO TOO THIS IS THE DISH FOR YOU. I HAD SOMETHING SIMILAR YEARS AGO AT A RESTAURANT IN LOS ANGELES AND I LIKED IT SO MUCH THAT I DECIDED TO MAKE MY OWN VERSION. IT’S FRESH, IT’S LIGHT AND IT’S DELICIOUS!
72 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022
PatPepperSaltscallops
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FOR THE BROTH:
1 Tbsp. finely chopped red bell pepper ⅛ tsp. salt ⅛ tsp. pepper Add the above ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside. This can be made a few hours in advance or the day before. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
dry with a paper towel. Season each with salt and pepper on both sides. Add oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once skillet is hot, working in batches of 8, add scallops and allow to cook on one side for about 2 ½ minutes without touching them. Flip and cook another 2 ½ minutes. (This is plenty! You do not want to overcook scallops.) Place cooked scallops on a plate lined with paper towels and repeat with the remaining scallops.
FOR THE FRUIT: 2 oranges 2 large red/pink grapefruits 2 avocados Using a shape knife, cut the top and bottom off of the oranges and grapefruits. Set the fruit on its new flat surface and cut away the peel, following the shape of the fruit. Hold the fruit in one hand and cut out each individual section, freeing it from the membrane. Place in a bowl and cover. Allow liquid to accumulate in the bowl. This can be done the day before as well. (Be sure to reserve to juice.) Peel the avocado and cut in half. Remove the seed and slice avocado into ¼-inch slices. Place in a bowl and top with about a tablespoon of lime juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
Remove fruit and broth from refrigerator a couple hours before serving to allow them to reach room temperature. Take the juice that has accumulated in the bowl of fruit and whisk it into the broth mixture. Place 3 slices of avocado in the bottom of individual bowls in a fan shape. Add slices of both oranges and grapefruit to the bowls. (Approximately 3 slices of each.) Top fruit with three seared scallops. Using a large spoon, ladle a spoonful or two of the broth over the scallops and fruit. To finish, top with a fresh sprig of cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
1 Tbsp. honey ½ cup maple syrup Juice from 4 limes 2 tsp. minced garlic 1 serrano pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
PLATE & SERVE!
FOR THE SCALLOPS: 24 medium to large sea scallops 1 Tbsp. canola oil
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September 2022 • athomemms.com
• Superficial f ascia is found directly under the skin and superficial adipose layers. It is made up of membranous layers of collagen and elastic fibers. It surrounds organs and glands.
• Visc eral fascia surrounds organs in the abdomen, as well as the lungs and heart. It holds suspended organs in place in the body.
• P arietal fascia is the tissue that lines the wall of a body cavity just outside its inner Fasciawalls.plays a significant role in physical wellbeing. In addition to supporting muscles, tissues and organs, fascia helps reduce friction. Healthy fascia is a relaxed and wavy connective tissue across which movement flows easily throughout the body. When damaged via physical trauma, inflammation or the emotional trauma of stress and anxiety, fascia stiffens and loses its flexibility. Tight fascial layers restrict the movement of tissues at every level in the body and can lead to pain, limited range of motion and decreased bloodPhysicalflow.trauma and inflammation are usually obvious forms of damage, often caused by dehydration, injury or illness. Physical damage caused by emotional trauma such as stress, depression, sadness, grief and anxiety is less obvious. When someone experiences emotional trauma, they tend to focus on thoughts and emotions rather than the physical aspect of the damage.Whether the damage is caused by physical or emotional trauma, once fascia is affected it becomes tight, misaligned and inflamed. Constricted fascia can limit movement. Signals of pain and stiffness are the body’s way of communicating that it needs help to release tension and create flow through blood vessels, organs, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Myofascial release is a term often used to describe forms of activity intended to help relieve fascia pain and stiffness. MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT
Tension & Body Pain
76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022 neck pain, back pain, tension headaches and general stiffness may be signs of stress and anxiety in the body. They may also be due to spending long periods of time in the same position, standing, sitting or doing repetitive movements daily at work or in exercise.
The human body houses an amazing network of systems. Connective tissue is part of a system of fascia that runs throughout the entire body. Packed with collagen, fascia holds the body together by attaching body parts to one another, stabilizing and strengthening the body, maintaining open flow of blood vessels, enclosing organs and separating muscles. The main types of fascia are superficial, visceral, parietal and deep.
HEALTHY YOU STORY
• Deep f ascia surrounds bones, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. It has a more fibrous consistency and is richer in hyaluronan than other subtypes. Deep fascia contains blood vessels and lymphatic channels. It forms a sheet of pearly-white tissue that attaches to muscles and thins as it becomes a tendon or at connection point to other muscles.
Pharmaceuticals can mask pain temporarily, but until the issues are addressed through myofascial release they will likely get worse. Without release, patients often find they eventually need more pain medications or a medical procedure such as surgery. Following are some forms of myofascial release that help relieve muscle tissue and generate energy flow in the fascia. Massage therapy is used to rub or knead the soft tissue in the body. Typically Swedish, classic and Thai massage are best for helping release stiffness and inflammation. These approaches are more nurturing and allow the body to soften throughout the massage process. Tools such as percussion therapy devices and fascia blasting cause the body to tense up as it adjusts to the intensity of the treatment, which is counteractive to the goal of relieving tension and stress.
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 77
Yoga is a process of stretching and mindfully moving the tissues in the body. Yoga should be approached with a mindset of nurturing the body through movement aimed at releasing tension and stress held in the tissues. As they move through stretching and resistance exercises, participants are encouraged to acknowledge the signals in the body, moving only to the first point of resistance. The more a person practices this movement with thoughtfulness, the more they reap the benefits of myofascial release through yoga.
Rolling is a process of massaging body tissues with balls and foam rollers to gently apply pressure. Balls and rollers come in many sizes, shapes and densities. The best way to roll tension and stress out of the body is to place the ball or foam roller at the site of the pain and begin to roll gently until you feel the release of tension. The above techniques can be done at home or with the assistance of a hired professional. It is important the techniques in this article be integrated with mindfulness and care. For more information on myofascial release, search online or mjohns@transforming-wellness.com.email
*Note: The information in this article is not intended to be medical advice. If you have chronic issues in your body, seek attention from a medical professional to identify the source of the pain.
HEALTHY YOU
September 2022 • athomemms.com | 81 HOME FEATURE Special ThanksM. Steffens Interiors msteffensinteriors.com Stefanie Rawlinson Photography stefanierawlinson.com EXPERIENCE THIS Special ThanksAdvance Memphis advancememphis.org ENTERTAINING Special ThanksGinni Jones ginnijones1@gmail.com Annabella Charles annabellacharles.com White Door Events whitedoorevents.com TCB & Co. tcbnco.com Navy Hill navyhill.com French Blue Wine frenchbluewine.com Blue Pheasant bluepheasant.com Estelle Colored Glass estellecoloredglass.com RSVP Stationers rsvpstationer.com GETAWAY Special ThanksMurphy O’Brien murphyobrien.com Hermitage Hotel Nashville thehermitagehotel.com 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 ThanksNew Neighbors newneighbors.org SEPTEMBER 2022
New Neighbors began in 1972 when 26 women started Welcome Wagon of Germantown “to extend a helping hand to new residents and acquaint them with civic and social activities.” In the 1990s, the club changed its name to New Neighbors to accommodate women from Collierville and Cordova who wanted to join. Current members reside in Shelby and Fayette counties in Tennessee and DeSoto County in Mississippi. Although the name implies that the club is for newcomers, membership is open to all women, no matter how long they have called the Mid South home, and there is no limit on how many years a member can belong. Membership averages more than 300 each year.
ON A GOOD NOTE At the Collierville Fair on the Square in May, New Neighbors members sold plants grown and donated by the Garden Buds activity group. Funds raised were donated to local charities.
New Neighbors’ motto, “Friends meeting friends through social activities and community service,” highlights its philosophy that there is no better way to become part of a new community than by contributing time, talent and money to help others. Its members offer support to the community through service. For many years the organization has held a monthly birthday party with cake and activities at Page Robbins Adult Day Center. They decorate Page Robbins’ Christmas trees and assist at other events. Members also participate in fund-raising projects to benefit local charities selected annually by the club.
NEIGHBORSNEW
82 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • September 2022
Sept. 9 is the deadline to register for the 50th anniversary luncheon. To register or for more information, former members, prospective members or guests can email info@newneighbors. org. For information on joining New Neighbors, visit newneighbors.org for more information.
In addition to its monthly luncheons with speakers or programs, New Neighbors offers more than 40 activity groups covering interests ranging from reading to dining, gardening and tennis. Although it is primarily a women’s organization, the club invites husbands and significant others to participate in evening and weekend activities.
New Neighbors of the Greater Memphis Area will celebrate 50 years of fun, friendship and service at a luncheon on Sept. 21. In addition to current members, former and prospective members are invited to attend.
