DEPARTMENT
NASHVILLE, CONTRAST
THERAPY, ART EXHIBITS AND MORE
PA RTIES 2024
Belle Meade
Belle Meade
Belle Meade
FEATURING WORKS BY MONET, RENOIR, GAUGUIN, AND MORE
The Frist Art Museum presents Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism, an exhibition that focuses on late 19th-century France and showcases approximately 50 paintings and sculptures by well-known artists who sought to capture the nation’s unique relationship with food—from production to presentation and consumption.
Tennessee Harvest, 1870s–1920s , a companion exhibition running concurrently, highlights connections between paintings created in Tennessee or by Tennesseans and artworks featured in Farm to Table
The Frist Art Museum is supported in part
Claude Monet. La Meule (The Haystack) (detail), 1891. Oil on canvas; 28 7/8 x 36 1/2 in.
Waddell Wright and LaDonna Boyd. Photographed on location at the Bobby Hotel by Eric England. For Best Parties coverage, turn to page 23.
Party On
A look back at a year of service-forward events
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES! Each year, armies of volunteer co-chairs, committees and community members come together to plan events across the city — all to raise funds for important causes. While these receptions, dinners, luncheons and teas offer chances for friends to gather, the events are really about helping bring resources to organizations that serve the underserved.
Our wildly popular Best Parties Readers Poll is an annual homage to these standout events. Each year, our readers send in thousands of submissions across 33 categories — including the coveted Best Party title. We always enjoy looking back on and celebrating these exceptional gatherings.
In this issue, we also raise a glass with master sommelier Phillip J. Patti, and we explore the culture and social importance of afternoon tea in Nashville. Whitney Clay helps us find the perfect event attire, taking us inside the Neuhoff District’s new Mashburn outpost. And Chris Chamberlain sits down with Carey Bringle to talk about the Peg Leg Porker Spirits Tasting Room, a new space Carey has opened to share his award-winning whiskey with the community.
Celebrations are always better with something sweet, so Carrington Fox takes us inside Sweet Daisy, a community-driven petits fours shop at the Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition. She also offers a sneak peek at Camille Seven’s new boutique, Department Nashville, which is chock full of jewelry fit for all occasions. Readers can find an excuse to brave the cold with three new exhibits available at the Frist Art Museum, the Parthenon and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. And after all the holiday parties, a little rejuvenation is in order, so we explore the benefits of the sauna-and-cold-plunge combination with some of Nashville’s contrast therapy spas.
While we toast the events of the last year, let us remember the spirit and purpose that leads others to to raise up our collective community. Thank you for the memories as we look forward to a year like no others.
BY JANET KURTZ
Janet moved to Nashville 26 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler
Editorial
founding editor
Herbert Fox Jr.
editor-in-chief
Janet Kurtz
contributing editors
Lindsey Lanquist, Jack Silverman
social correspondent
Gloria Houghland
editorial intern
Madeleine Bradford
contributors
Beth Alexander, Emily Bache, Abigail Breslin, Chris Chamberlain, Whitney Clay, Melissa Corbin, Carrington Fox, Paige Gawley, Hannah Herner, Margaret Littman,
Hamilton Matthew Masters, Nicolle Praino, Nancy Vienneau
Art
art director
Christie Passarello
senior photographer
Eric England
staff photographer
Angelina Castillo
contributing photographers
Michael Scott Evans, Tausha Dickinson, Peyton Hoge, Hamilton Matthew Masters
graphic designers
Sandi Harrison, Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck
Marketing
events and marketing director
Robin Fomusa
brand partnerships & event manager
Alissa Wetzel
events coordinator
Maddy Fraiche
Advertising publisher
Olivia Moye Britton
advertising solutions consultants
Teresa Birdsong, Maddy Fraiche, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Allie Muirhead, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Niki Tyree, Alissa Wetzel
associate account executive
Kailey Idziak, Rena Ivanov
sales operations manager
Chelon Hasty
advertising solutions associates
Audry Houle, Jack Stejskal
Circulation
circulation manager
Gary Minnis
Business
president
Mike Smith
chief financial officer
Todd Patton
IT director
John Schaeffer
Owner FW Publishing, LLC
Culture Community &
AtRE/MAXHomesandEstates,LipmanGroup,it’saboutmore thanrealestate.Weknowthateachofouragentshasa differentanduniquedefinitionofsuccessfortheirbusiness–onethatservesthespecialpocketsofGreaterNashvillein distinctways.Topreservethoseindividualperspectives,we focusparticularlyonfosteringasupportiveandinclusive environmentasacornerstoneofourinternalcommunityand culture.
Weoftensaythattheonlywaytoservethecommunityof Nashvillewellistoalsoserveouragentswell,withopen communication,family-likecollaboration,andashared commitmenttoexcellence.Whenouragentsandfull-time stafffeelvaluedandsupported,ittranslatesintoexceptional serviceforthelocalresidentsofMiddleTennessee.
Thetruthisthatpositivityspreads,developingasenseof creativityandinnovationthatencourageseachofour REALTORS®toadapttotheever-changingrealestate landscape.Wecelebrateeachother’sachievementsand prioritizeafamily-likeatmospherethatstrengthens connectionsalongtheway.Together,westrivetobuildlasting relationships,bothinternallyandwithourclients,ensuringthat everyonefeelsliketheyarepartofsomethingspecial.
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Behind the Scenes
With Phillip J. Patti of Southeastern Beverage Education
AFTER SPENDING MORE than two decades honing his skills as a wine, spirits and beer expert everywhere from Oregon to Italy, Phillip J. Patti opted to set up his life and business in Nashville. He liked that Music City was full of people “thirsty” for the knowledge he had to offer, and he wanted to share that information with them in a unique way.
An award-winning sommelier with a level 4 diploma in wine from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Phillip hopes to share gustatory delights with everyone who will listen — individuals building out their wine collections, groups eager to learn, or restaurant staffs elevating their beverage offerings. By doing so, Phillip aims to be the go-to resource for a crowded hospitality industry that’s recently exploded in the city.
THE BASICS
Name: Phillip J. Patti
Certification: Wine & Spirit Education
Trust level 4 diploma in wine
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.
ZIP code: 37212
Time in Nashville: 6 years
Number of bottles of wine you go through (personally and professionally) in a week: 50
All the while, Phillip’s focus remains on continuing to learn and grow in his field — and sharing his findings with Nashvillians looking to know more about wine and spirits.
What do you love about the drinks business and community in Nashville? What do you hope to add to it? Our small- and mediumsized retailers and local restaurants are trying to compete with some large outside entities. A great local wine shop or restaurant is the place where you are truly taken on a journey in wine, spirits, beer and food by people who are directly invested. The people who run these establishments are my favorite people to talk to, and they are putting up the honest fight. I want to amplify and support what they are doing.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do? I am happiest in a classroom or at the table, pouring a wine or spirit, and making lasting impressions on people when the links are made between the how, where and why of these beverages. And yet, cataloging a collection of wines or drafting another wine cellar design balances the other sides of my curiosity.
How does your work impact you personally? I am utterly absorbed by it, and when my students find success, I feel it acutely. The opposite is true as well, so I also like to create other successes in the form of a beautiful wine cellar construction, where the success is solitary. I have the fortune to interact with so many people in many different contexts, and these connections make my life quite interesting.
What’s the most important advice you’ve ever received? You cannot know what the person next to you is tasting, so you must know your own palate’s thresholds of perception and imagine how this may be a different experience for them.
How do you hope to grow your business and impact in the coming years? I want to keep expanding class offerings and frequency, and make this educational track in the drinks business the standard path for those who want to make it a career, and for those who are in it only for personal growth.
What legacy would you like to leave in this community? I want to show Nashville that the world of wine, spirits and beer is vast, and that great drinks can be found in myriad places. If I keep discovering and learning about these places, I can share this with everyone here, and help to expand our palates and understanding.
BY PAIGE GAWLEY PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND
Step Inside: Mashburn Has Arrived in Music City
ANN AND SID MASHBURN, partners in business and in life, have just opened their sixth store location — this one in The Curve building in Germantown’s Neuhoff District. That makes Mashburn the first major retailer to open in the latest incarnation of the early-1900s meatpacking plant.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral colors, the open, airy, 6,000-squarefoot space is relaxed and inviting. In the men’s area, the design echoes Sid’s luxe but low-key aesthetic. A focal point is a very visible workstation for the store’s two tailors. There’s a handsome writing desk accented by curved-back wood chairs with tartan plaid seats, perfect for consults for a made-to-order suit. Nearby sits a pingpong table.
“There really is a hospitality piece to what we do,” says Sid, a Mississippi native. “When someone comes in, we want them to feel like they’re in our house. So we offer them a Coke or coffee or a cold beer or some water or a restaurant recommendation.”
The women’s side, with clothing from cocktail attire to PJs, features white cabinetry showcasing bags, shoes and jewelry. A highlight is the checkout counter with its striking pink, off-white and green
Schumacher wallpaper backdrop depicting butterflies and birds in peony trees.
The area in Germantown, still under development led by Atlanta’s New City Properties, suits the couple. After all, they know a thing or two about being pioneers.
After establishing impressive careers in the fashion industry — Sid as a designer for J.Crew, Ralph Lauren and Lands’ End, and Ann as a fashion editor for outlets like Vogue and Glamour — the couple decided in their mid-40s, with five children, to go out on their own.
In 2007, they launched a Sid Mashburn menswear store in an up-and-coming area of Atlanta — right before the Great Recession. “So that was a little scary,” says Ann. “But to be honest, we were so busy, we didn’t even notice. We were just working all the time, and I think we were too busy to be discouraged.” Three years later, Ann opened her womenswear store next door.
Now, 17 years later, the business is going strong — with stores in Houston, D.C., New York City and Dallas, and a solo men’s store in Los Angeles.
BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF
The one-stop clothing shop and atelier is the first major retailer to open in the latest incarnation of the Neuhoff District MASHBURN
ALL THINGS MASHBURN
Just as the clothing Mashburn carries reflects the couple’s personal style, the store pays homage to the way they live, whether it be the elaborate vision boards on the store’s walls or the sundries it sells. On Sid’s side, you’ll find items like a tin of Antonio Mattei almond biscotti, a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife or a Timex watch. Some of Ann’s favorite things include Susanne Kaufmann skincare products and Diptyque candles. Even the music playing (on vinyl) is handpicked.
BY DESIGN
About 90% of the merchandise is designed by the couple — classic American clothing with their signature styling. Sid’s luxe but wearable pieces come with a “heavy dose of Italian tailoring,” says Ann. She has a similar sense of style, then infuses her designs with a Parisian sensibility that heavily influenced her in her 20s. The couple’s “everyday luxury” aesthetic also has a high-low component. They sell everything from Levi’s jeans to Edward Green dress shoes that retail for $1,770.
(DON’T) SAVE IT FOR LATER
“If you own a beautiful jacket, you cannot just hang it in your closet,” says Ann. “You have to wear it.” And Mashburn’s clothes are made so you can actually move in them. “Sid wears a suit, or at least a sport coat — and he loves ties — all the time, but he wears it like a field jacket,” says Ann. Sid concurs. As he puts it, he shouldn’t need a wardrobe change — even if he goes “from Mississippi to Manhattan to Milan.”
Ndesign: People in Glasshaüs
Berry Hill’s art glass studio is the hot place for craft and coffee
AFTER EXPLORING GLASS-BLOWING in college, Wyatt Maxwell figured his hometown, Nashville, was ready for an art glass studio where guests could observe and participate in the craft, make their own projects and buy work from world-class glass artisans. He floated the idea to his parents, Juliana and Joe Maxwell, who recognized the opportunity to bring something polished and beautiful to a Fairgrounds-area thoroughfare in transition.
The entrepreneurial Maxwells knew they needed an expert in glass art to start things off right — someone like Paul Nelson. The veteran glass artist had been working in Louisville for 22 years, establishing Glassworks and Flame Run Studios and teaching at universities and residencies. Student Wyatt met instructor Paul in a residency at Centre College in Danville, Ky. But they had another connection: Both Paul and Wyatt studied with art teacher David Tucker at Franklin Road Academy — Paul at the beginning of David’s career and Wyatt near the end. Their shared educational experience led to a creative partnership.
In late 2023, the Maxwells and Paul, with help from other glass artists, debuted Glasshaüs, a campus of creative entrepreneurship that combines an art gallery, a hot shop with glass-blowing classes and demonstrations, event space for rent, and a coffee shop.
On any day of the week, Wyatt and Paul can be found working together in front of a 2,100-degree furnace. Wyatt’s mother, Juliana, heads the Maxwell Gallery, representing a dozen artists and hosting rotating exhibits of glass artists from around the world. Thanks to relationships with top-tier talent (like Paul), Maxwell Gallery pulls in work by marquee names including Dan Alexander, Robert Burch, John Miller, Grant Garmezy and the late Stephen Rolfe Powell, for whom Paul was once an apprentice. Juliana collaborates with Paul to design, fabricate and install custom pieces, while financial technology entrepreneur Joe helps on the business side.
Guests can engage at Glasshaüs in several ways, ranging from free live demos to individual glassmaking sessions and large group classes. Or just order a glass of something to drink at the attached cafe. The cheery, well-lit dining room offers breakfast and lunch, cocktails and mocktails, and a roster of house-roasted coffee drinks served in Glasshaüs’ handmade ceramic mugs, all below a gleaming constellation of locally blown glass sculptures.
For events, venue rentals and custom work, visit nashvilleglasshaus.com.
BY CARRINGTON FOX
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
Worth the Drive: Bolt Farm Treehouse
Mirror cabins reflect the beauty of the surrounding Sequatchie Valley
In a regular column for 2025, journalist Margaret Littman highlights unusual luxury travel experiences, particularly those that are an easy trip from Nashville.
YOU CERTAINLY CAN GO to Bolt Farm Treehouse on your own (I spent a meditative birthday weekend there) or with a group of friends. But where this luxury hideaway really shines is as a romantic destination with your sweetie. Located in the Sequatchie Valley in Whitwell, Tenn., just a stone’s throw from Chattanooga, Bolt Farm is unlike any other high-end getaway.
The brainchild of Seth and Tori Bolt, Bolt Farm was designed as an oasis — with a heart of conservation, sustainability and restoration — for
both the landscape and its guests. (Bolt Farm even has a partnership with One Tree Planted, donating one tree for each guest who books a stay.)
As an adult-only resort, Bolt Farm encourages guests to book a sitter so you can spend the weekend hiking on the property’s private trails, seeing some small waterfalls and some big views of the valley. Seth is the bass guitarist for Grammynominated NEEDTOBREATHE, so occasionally you’ll find live music in these mountains, too.
Bolt Farm requires a two-night minimum stay during the week and three nights on weekends, with some seasonal adjustments during peak periods. Sign up for the email list, and you’ll get the occasional heads-up when a one-night stay opens.
WHAT’S NEARBY
Bolt Farm is close enough to Nashville (two hours), Chattanooga (45 minutes) and Knoxville (2.5 hours) for a long-weekend getaway, but when you turn off of the main roads, you’ll feel like there’s nothing around. That’s the idea. Bolt Farm offers a way to disconnect.
Yes, there is reliable Wi-Fi, but you are encouraged to log off — and not be on the phone or other devices in public spaces so the people around you can also disconnect. Outdoor adventures, including paragliding, paddleboarding and boat rentals, are a quick drive.
WHAT TO DO
Go to the spa (couples massages and other treatments are available), hike the property, look at the stars, soak in your own outdoor hot tub, swing in your personal hammock, gaze into a fire made in your own firepit, and make s’mores. Or do nothing at all except reconnect with your partner.
While there are plenty of other cabins around, they’re designed so you’re not looking at someone else’s vacation while you’re on yours. You’ll feel alone, but not isolated. If you do want to chat with others, there is a regular happy hour for guests and other opportunities to connect, including yoga classes and small concerts.
THE BASICS
WHERE TO EAT
Add a meal plan to your booking, and your fridge will be stocked with food you can heat in your own pizza oven. You won’t just get pizza — although that’s delicious — but also breakfast pastries, casseroles and other dishes that slide right into the pizza oven for quick prep.
All cabins include a mini fridge, so you can bring your own food. And some have microwaves, freezers and outdoor grills. If you want to leave the grounds, you can drive to The Cookie Jar (45 minutes), which offers Southern eats on a working dairy farm in Dunlap, Tenn., or to Judith (one hour), Julia Sullivan’s new tavern in Sewanee, Tenn.
HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Bolt Farm offers three types of accommodations: geodesic domes, treehouses (essentially houses on stilts with lots of windows, no climbing trees necessary), and mirror cabins. Each has its own vibe and remarkable views, plus amenities like incense, record players and more to create any ambiance you want.
BY MARGARET LITTMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BOLT FARM TREEHOUSE
What: Bolt Farm Treehouse
Where: Whitwell, Tenn.
Distance from Nashville: 118 Miles
Why it stands out: Three distinct neighborhoods with three kinds of architecture, offering luxury in a rural setting
ELEVATING YOUR BEST PARTIES CREATING GREAT EXPERENCES
Planner: AmosEvents | Kathy Thomas Photography
The Social Office | Photographer: Mary Deaton Heldman
The Social Office | Lindsey Grace Whiddon Photography
The Social Office | Photographer: Mary Deaton Heldman
The Social Office | Mary Rosenbaum Photography CRUSH by EventWorks
AmosEvents | Photographer: Kris Rae Nashville Wine Auction | Courtney Davidson Photography
A LIMITED OFFERING OF ELEGANTLY REFINED HOMES SITUATED ON THE QUIET PERIMETER OF BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE.
BE ST PARTIES 2024
There are parties, and then there are parties with a purpose. Those events that are not just fun, but that raise funds — and friends — for important causes throughout Nashville. Each year, we ask our readers to weigh in on the best parties of the previous year. Spanning a wide range of events that help everything from animal-centric nonprofits to arts organizations, this year’s reader submissions numbered in the thousands. The Nfocus community cast votes across 33 categories, all to name the best parties of 2024 — and to award one lucky gathering the coveted Best Event title.
BY JANET KURTZ, BETH ALEXANDER, GLORIA HOUGHLAND
BEST EVENT OF 2024 Nshville Bourbon uction
(NashvilleHealth)
Few events combine the power of community engagement with bourbon and powerhouse performances. But that is exactly what the Nashville Bourbon Auction has done for the last four years. Hosted by community philanthropist heavy hitters Daniel Weisman, Max Goldberg, Mark Lombardi, Drew Holcomb, Ryan Moses, Ken Levitan, Robert Sherrill, Paul Steele, Adam Sansiveri, Q Taylor, Sam Reed, Seth Seigle, Jessie Beegle and John Meneilly, this year’s event raised funds to support NashvilleHealth — an organization working to tackle Nashville’s most critical health challenges.
The event featured whiskeys from Bu alo Trace Distillery’s Antique Collection, a live auction with allocated whiskey, and a barrel of one of Bu alo Trace Distillery’s award-winning bourbons — plus a stellar performance by Grammy-nominated artist Marcus King. Thanks to those exclusive auction lots, bidding was fierce. But all happily raised a paddle to fund an important cause.
Second Place: River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)
Third Place: L’Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)
BEST OUTDOOR EVENT
iver Swin (Harpeth Conservancy)
In its 21st year, River Swing has come of age. Despite winning a grand slam in Nfocus’ Best Party slate for 2023 (including a Best Host award for Christian Currey, who once again did the honors), nobody rested on their laurels. The record crowd enjoyed a performance by countryrock artist JB Strauss during cocktail hour. The clever and tempting signature drink was the Mabon, a nod to the harvest equinox, concocted with pawpaw, ginger, lemon and elderflower.
The crowd was young, hip and engaged in preserving the river. And they danced to a 90-minute set from The Revivalists, who have opened for The Rolling Stones and performed at an impressive range of major venues across the country. Downhome dinner from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, of course. But caviar? It happened, piled with a dollop of crème fraîche on blinis. More awards, please.
Second Place: Sunday in the Park (Friends of Warner Parks)
Third Place: Once in a Blue Moon (The Land Trust for Tennessee)
MOST FUN PARTY
(Harpeth Conservancy)
Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing has become known as one of the events of the fall social season. The beautiful setting, casual atmosphere, great food and always-stellar entertainment blend masterfully, enhancing guests’ enthusiasm to raise crucial funds for clean waterways and aquatic ecosystems. The stunning setting — Christian Currey’s River Circle Farm — invites revelers to leisurely stroll as they shop local o erings, bid on exciting auction items and imbibe delicious cocktails. This year, The Revivalists revved things up with great tunes, as guests happily took the floor and danced the night away.
Second Place: Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
Third Place: Symphony Ball (Nashville Symphony)
MOST FASHIONABLE EVENT
Symphony Fshion Show
(Nashville Symphony)
Each year, the fashion-forward of Nashville wait with eager anticipation for the Symphony Fashion Show. Calendars are marked the minute the dates are announced. This year, designer Prabal Gurung did not disappoint.
As the fashionable crowd paraded through the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, co-chairs Tracy Frist and Emily Humphreys, along with executive chair Sandra Lipman, ensured guests enjoyed the remarkable evening. As models strutted down the runway, several “oohs” echoed throughout the room, with many in the audience picking favorites.
The runway show always ends too early, but this year, Brothers Osborne kept the evening alive with a dynamic performance that had many guests up and dancing — a first in Symphony Fashion Show history.
Second Place: Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)
Third Place (tie): Chic Awearness (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center), Mad Hatter (Sexual Assault Center)
BEST WOMEN’S EVENT
Go ed for Women Luncheon
(American Heart Association)
The Go Red for Women 20th Anniversary event at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center celebrated women’s heart health and the American Heart Association’s centennial in style. About 375 women — adorned in shades of red — enjoyed heart-healthy lunches, inspiring mocktails and impactful moments. Chair Vicki Shepard and emcee Tracy Kornet led a program featuring the Women of Impact, who shared personal stories and raised funds during the Open Your Heart auction. A panel of experts highlighted cardiovascular disease’s toll on women, urging action and awareness. The event merged reflection with optimism for the future, reinforcing a bold, new vision for advancing health in the AHA’s next century.
Second Place: Wine Women & Shoes (YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee)
Third Place: Chic Awearness (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s ovarian cancer research)
BEST ANIMAL-CENTRIC EVENT Sunset
(Nashville Zoo)
The Nashville Zoo’s annual Sunset Safari blended conservation enthusiasm with culinary delights, despite an early and downright ominous downpour. Guests, including VIPs in a lavish tent, enjoyed gourmet o erings from top local eateries, like Joe Muer Seafood and Puckett’s Restaurant, alongside sweet treats from Ti ’s Treats and Tempered Fine Chocolates. They mixed and mingled with co-chairs Chip Wilkison and Maggie Finn, and the dark skies cleared, as if by magic.
Entertainment ranged from live music by The Music City Sound to a circus act by Beyond Wings and tarot readings by The Emerald Eye. Animal ambassadors — including Juliana pigs Branch and Poppy and hyacinth macaws that beckoned guests along the path — highlighted the zoo’s conservation e orts, showcasing its dedication to preserving over 350 species, including 100 in species survival programs, amid a misty, enchanting atmosphere.
Second Place: Cause for Paws (Nashville Humane Association)
Third Place: Sips for Species (Nashville Zoo)
BEST CHILDREN’S/FAMILY EVENT Picnic with the Librry
(Nashville Public Library Foundation)
Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Picnic with the Library fundraiser earned Best Children’s/Family Event for transforming the downtown library into a whimsical The Wizard of Oz wonderland while supporting children’s early literacy programming. Event chairs created a vibrant setting with a rainbow balloon arch and costumed characters, like Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man. Hundreds of book-loving munchkins followed the yellow brick road to enjoy Hattie Jane’s Creamery ice cream, balloon animals, face-painting, puppet shows and a feast of chicken fingers and mac and cheese.
Highlights included story time and songs by Library Pete and Coco the Cow, and an interactive indoor playground replicating downtown Nashville. Good luck convincing these tiny bibliophiles that libraries are supposed to be quiet places! Thoughtful touches, like wristbands with adult contact info, ensured safety amid the lively chaos, leaving families enchanted, inspired and heading home to read bedtime stories.
Second Place: Zoolumination (Nashville Zoo)
Third Place: Fall for Cheekwood (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)
BEST ARTS EVENT
The Hrdin rt Show
(Harding Academy)
It happens the first weekend in May every year. The Derby? Nope — The Harding Art Show, drawing more than 5,000 art lovers to Harding Academy’s campus over its three-day extravaganza showcasing more than 75 local artists. The school’s largest fundraiser is free to attend and features almost two dozen discrete events, including a fun-packed Family Day. Cochairs Katie Fayard and Audrey Guest pulled out all the stops to ensure the entire weekend was welcoming to all ages. Bring on the food trucks, face-painting and Titans mascot!
Noted for its accessibility to young households and mature ones, the show o ers not just fine-art paintings, but sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry and more. You won’t want to miss the 50th anniversary of The Harding Art Show in 2025, taking place May 1 through May 3.
Second Place: Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
Third Place: Conversations at OZ (OZ Arts Nashville)
With the Super Bowl right around the corner, it seems fitting that the winner of the Best Auction Item be from relative newcomer Nashville Bourbon Auction. Benefiting nonprofits in Nashville, the Nashville Bourbon Auction combines bourbon and music to raise crucially needed funds — this year, for NashvilleHealth. Bidding was fierce for the Touchdown Fanatics Super Bowl Package, which included two tickets to Super Bowl LIX, two passes to Michael Rubin’s famed Fanatics Super Bowl party, a Fanatics item worth up to $10,000, and a pair of exclusive Travis Scott Jordan 1 Low sneakers (used as invitations to Michael Rubin’s White Party).
Second Place: Harold Kraus tabletop artwork at Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)
Third Place: Ruby-and-diamond pendant at The Ruby Gala (Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic)
(Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)
Entering the mansion at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for the 62nd annual Swan Ball, guests encountered a mesmerizing sight. The iconic sweeping staircase of the mansion was festooned with thousands of flowers and even more lush greenery. After ascending the stairs, revelers entered a dinner tent decorated with oversized blossoms — an absolute delight of the senses.
The event’s theme, An Enchanted Forest, was the vision of co-chairs Carolyn Taylor and Sally Nesbitt. Event planner Dori Thornton of The Social O ce and florist Jim Knestrick of Knestrick By Design worked together to bring the fairy tale to life. The décor flowed together seamlessly, creating a dreamy setting that enchanted all in attendance.
Second Place: Symphony Ball (Nashville Symphony)
Third Place: A Tennessee Waltz (Tennessee State Museum)
nd Doreth Churchwell
Michelle Brown
(R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund)
Each year, supporters and friends of the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund gather to raise crucial funds to support nonprofits and churches and award scholarships to help minority students achieve academic success. This year’s co-chairs, André and Doreatha Churchwell and Herbert and Michelle Brown, created a stunning event at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The two couples, known for their generosity and hard work advocating on behalf of nonprofits throughout Nashville, teamed up to create a stunning celebration, which highlighted the important work of the endowment.
Second Place: Katie Marchetti and Monique Villa Capra for Mad Hatter (Sexual Assault Center)
Third Place: Ti any Degra enreid and Chelsea Peterson for TPAC Family Day (Tennessee Performing Arts Center)
The ninth annual Reclaiming Lives Luncheon, benefiting Centerstone, garnered the most votes for Best Luncheon from our readers for its inspiring atmosphere, record-breaking attendance and impactful message. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, the event invited its 460 guests to mingle and snap photos with NFL legends Eddie George and Joe Theismann, the 1982 Walter Payton Man of the Year and 2003 College Football Hall of Famer. Theismann captivated the audience with his keynote speech, sharing stories of resilience and growth after his career-ending leg injury.
The luncheon also highlighted the growing acceptance of mental health care, particularly among men, while celebrating community and renewal. A bonus was the announcement that FirstBank pledged continued support through 2026, raising significant awareness and funds for Centerstone’s mental health and addiction services.
Second Place: Dishin’ Up Dignity (Community Resource Center)
Third Place: Sparkling Settings (Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee)
BEST HOST/HOSTESS
ustin Greer for Benefit Dinner Concert
(E.L.I.’s House)
As everyone knows, any party’s success relies on the event’s host or chair. For 2024, Austin Greer was the name most often mentioned, and why not? Austin, who makes his living in the financial world, uses his expertise to fuel his passion — launching new nonprofits to raise funds to help our community. He has created a foundation for that purpose and chaired not one, but two fundraisers this year.
In the spring, Austin hosted a benefit for KIPP Nashville, part of a national network of free, high-performing charter schools. In the fall, he hosted a sold-out concert and seated dinner for E.L.I.’s House, a nonprofit that helps women and their children thrive after trauma. There is no doubt we will be hearing much more from this Wall Street wizard in 2025.
Second Place: Lauren Lowrey for the Middle Tennessee Heart Gala (American Heart Association)
Third Place: Christian Currey for River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)
PARTY GUEST
mos Glss
(Nashville Repertory Theatre)
With a costume warehouse at his fingertips, it’s no wonder Amos Glass takes the gold as Best-Dressed Party Guest — at any soirée. Nashville’s most enthusiastic, contagious bon vivant and pied piper for all things fun and perhaps slightly outré, Amos is the guy you want at your event, magnifying the twinkle in his own eye by sparking it in others. There’s magic in that gift.
Face it, even if Amos weren’t The Rep’s director of marketing and communications, he’d be leading the pack in style — colorful bow ties, dapper suits, maybe a floral shirt for a little flair. Amos is the embodiment of that inner Walter Mitty who makes absolutely anything seem possible. To embody joy and tasteful creativity, adopt a little of Amos’ style.
Second Place: Sandra Lipman
Third Place: Margo Lombardi
(Nashville Symphony)
When Symphony Ball co-chairs Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw sought the perfect party favor for Patrons Party guests, they headed to the prime source of elegant, memorable gifts: Corzine & Co. Hoping to evoke visions of a winter wonderland, they spotted an oversized cocktail glass in the Jupiter pattern from Schott Zwiesel. Studded all over with what appeared to be beads of frost, the glasses were the toast of the evening.
Gorgeous and versatile, they’re terrific for a cold martini, but would serve just as ably for an ice cream treat, a fruit parfait or a chic shrimp cocktail. (And they can go in the dishwasher!) Wrapped in silver Corzine & Co. boxes with iceblue ribbons to match the event décor, these glasses will no doubt be raised for many winters to come.
Second Place: Tea towels at Dinner by the Bridge (Greenways for Nashville)
Third Place: Tito's and SusieCakes Espresso Martini boxes at Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee) BEST-DRESSED
PHOTOGRAPH
BEST MENU
Centennil Circle Dinner
(Centennial Park Conservancy)
For the second year in a row, the Centennial Park Conservancy has hosted the intimate Centennial Circle Dinner. And for the second year in a row, the organization partnered with the wildly talented team at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville.
This year, as guests dined under the watchful eyes of Athena, they enjoyed a menu that reflected a study in French cuisine. The first course was a rémoulade de tourteau paired with a 2013 Luis Pato espumante rosado. Guests enjoyed a second course of creamy risotto à la tru e, paired perfectly with a 2022 La Jota Restricted Proprietary white wine. The third course — a beef cheek bourguignon — tasted even more delicious alongside a 2021 grand cru Les Cadrans de Lassegue. The dessert course was a mousse au caramel salé et confit de poire Bosc, ending the evening on the sweetest of notes.
Second Place: Ballet Ball (Nashville Ballet)
Third Place: Legacy Ball (R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund)
BEST HOTEL BALLROOM
Four Sesons Hotel Nshville
There is a tradition and prestige to hosting an event in the most luxurious ballroom in the city. Think Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball that was held at The Plaza Hotel in New York. As the location is carefully chosen and then announced, the venue often helps build anticipation for the event itself.
This year, the title of Best Ballroom goes to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. Known for its modern design and neutral palette, the hotel gives event organizers the freedom to transform the room to fit any theme. Guests of events at the Four Seasons are also treated to stunning views of the Cumberland River.
Second Place: Omni Nashville Hotel
Third Place: The Hermitage Hotel
BEST SPECIAL GUEST
(l’Eté du Vin)
For 45 years, the Nashville Wine Auction has presented a weekend of wine, fellowship and fun, all to support the organization’s mission to unite the wine community in the fight against cancer. Despite its humble beginnings, the weekend is beloved by Nashvillians and oenophiles outside the city alike. While the evening of the auction is an action-packed display, there are many reminders of the purpose of the event.
This year, co-chairs Marc Goldstone, Nancy Allen, Rahel Klapheke Sloan and Jim Sloan invited Scott Hamilton, former Olympic figure skater, cancer survivor and founder of the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, as the distinguished guest speaker for the “Raise Your Paddle” mission moment. Scott shared his cancer journey and then encouraged guests to raise their paddles and generously donate to help fight cancer.
Second Place: James McBride at the Literary Award Gala (Nashville Public Library Foundation) Third Place: Randy Travis at the Symphony Ball (Nashville Symphony)
BEST CATERER
Cter615
Cater615, a premier Nashville catering enterprise, earned the title of Best Caterer this year due to its exceptional service and innovative culinary o erings. The team, led by chef Burke Conley, is a SOVA Food company specializing in crafting personalized, creative menus for private social events and corporate gatherings such as the Heritage Ball, CMA Awards After Party, and the Nashville Wine Auction’s Pairings.
As culinary director and designer, Burke believes every event should be an experience for all the senses. “The most fun for us is when our clients allow us to think outside the box,” he says. “Recent o erings include an interactive cookie-decorating cart, Caesar salad hanging in planters, [and] sous-vide tri-tip beef hung and torched tableside.” The company considers everything — from food quality, diversity and presentation to venue, theme and guest experience — when designing a menu.
Second Place: Kristen Winston Catering
Third Place: Dream Events & Catering
NEW/REIMAGINED EVENT
Midsummer Niht
(The Nashville Shakespeare Festival)
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival celebrated its 35th year of producing engaging outdoor professional theater experiences with a blockbuster new fundraiser, Midsummer Night, chaired by Jon Glassmeyer. Held at AB Hillsboro Village (formerly Anzie Blue), Nashville’s incubator for creative people and ideas, the event supported Summer Shakespeare, the nonprofit’s flagship program. The crowd enjoyed yummies from Bacon & Caviar Gourmet Catering and a fascinating silent auction.
Everyone applauded Denice Hicks, the beloved lead actor who was instrumental in the theater’s founding and recently stepped down as artistic director. Hugs and huzzahs all around for 35 thrilling years.
Second Place (tie): Science of Spirits (Adventure Science Center), Sommelier Showdown (Nashville Wine Auction)
Third Place: La Bella Notte (Nashville Opera)
BEST ONLINE AUCTION
(Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)
Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee is a trusted friend and resource to those experiencing cancer. Each year, the clubhouse welcomes cancer patients and their families for counseling, group therapy, yoga, cooking classes and more — all at no cost to members.
To help as many in the community as possible, Gilda’s Club hosts the annual Red Door Bash. One of the most anticipated portions of the event is the highly curated silent auction, which includes original art, handmade jewelry, travel, fine-dining experiences and more. Supporters, friends and even those not in attendance are able to join in the fun — and fundraising — to lift up the organization. A wide swath of auction items are o ered, and some of the most popular are the works created by Nashville artists, like longtime supporter Harold Kraus.
Second Place: Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens) Third Place (tie): Comedy for a Cause (Rocketown), L'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)
TOUR OF HOMES
look inside eight designer model residences
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BEST EVENT HAIR/MAKEUP
Whether you’re a little bit country, a little bit rock ’n’ roll or a whole lot of drama, Victoria Graham can create the look of your dreams. Her creativity and attention to detail make her a sought-after artist for weddings, black-tie events and even Halloween parties.
Victoria has a passion for her work and loves to help clients achieve their dream look. In addition to o ering makeup artistry services, Victoria also conducts makeup lessons where clients can learn how to master everyday looks.
Second Place: Andrew Pentecost (Bea Rose Salon)
Third Place: Madison Dennis (MHD Beauty)
BEST EVENT PLANNER
Amos Gott (Amos Events)
Having planned most of the major events in and around Nashville, Amos Gott is one of the city’s most sought-after event architects. As the assistant director of Alumni A airs at Western Kentucky University, Amos planned events for alumni throughout the country. From there, event planning captured his heart, revealing his true passion.
While it was Ballet Ball that brought Amos to Nashville, many more organizations have benefited from his move. Amos brings a sense of style and sophistication to each event he designs, working with his clients to execute their vision. His events range from understated elegance to over-the-top luxury.
Second Place: Bruce Pittman (Bruce Pittman Inc.)
Third Place: Elizabeth Events BEST
ENTERTAINMENT
BEST EVENT PRODUCTION COMPANY
Gry Musick Productions
For event production company Gary Musick Productions, no event is too big or too small. The more involved and creative, the better. From wine auctions and themed galas to concerts, runway shows and online televised auctions, the team at Gary Musick Productions has seen and worked with it all.
In addition to lighting and sound, the team is great at bringing together venue sta , security, talent agents, artist management, caterers, performers and florists to ensure any event they work runs seamlessly.
Second Place: Infinity Hospitality
Third Place: EES Agency
Event organizers know that o ering top-notch entertainment can elevate a gathering from good to great — and that’s something the Nashville Bourbon Auction has gotten right since its inception. With Grammy-winning and -nominated artists like 2023’s entertainer Jelly Roll taking the stage, the auction invites its guests to enjoy an evening that indulges the senses.
This year, the auction invited Grammy-nominated singersongwriter Marcus King, who has had a meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. With hit songs like “The Well,” “Wildflowers & Wine,” “Rita Is Gone” and more, Marcus brings a soulful, bluesy Southern-rock sound to each song. After a lively auction, Marcus took the stage and kept the party going well into the night.
Second Place (tie): The Revivalists at River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy), Nashville Rep Performers at Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
Third Place: Old Crow Medicine Show at Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)
PHOTOGRAPH BY MATT DUBIS OF NASHVILLE VISUALS
PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL
BEST PHOTO OP/BACKDROP
(Nashville Symphony)
We are honored and humbled to announce that readers chose the Nfocus Symphony Ball Portrait Studio as 2024’s Best Photo Op. Continuing the winter wonderland theme set by co-chairs Jason Bradshaw and Bob Deal, we worked with event planner Bruce Pittman Inc., florist Forget Me Not Designs and staging company Quest Events to create the wintry scene.
Throngs of elegantly dressed revelers filtered into the studio throughout the evening — a longstanding tradition of the Symphony Ball — as photographer Angelina Castillo clicked the shutter to capture the moment. Many returned to the studio time and again with di erent groups to create treasured memories and keepsakes with friends for years to come.
Second Place: Dinner by the Bridge (Greenways for Nashville)
Third Place: La Bella Notte (Nashville Opera)
BEST FLORIST ose Hill Flowers
For many events, the floral designs set the stage for what is to come. For over three decades, Rose Hill Flowers has been a steadfast partner to Nashville’s nonprofit community. O ering florals for special moments like birthdays and anniversaries, Rose Hill’s designs are distinctive and creative.
The team at Rose Hill works with clients to create the ideal look for everything from individual arrangements to 300-person events. Each year, countless tables are decorated with special designs from the creative team — adding to the ambiance of some of Nashville’s favorite gatherings. Using the freshest blooms and a beautiful palette, Rose Hill’s designs are the perfect accent to any event.
Second Place: Larson Floral Company
Third Place: Lauren Marie Atkinson Designs
Having a solid foothold in the luxury apparel market since 1900, Gus Mayer has long been the destination for Nashvillians with discerning taste. Many — guided by the store’s expert team of stylists — have found the perfect look for everything from date night to Swan Ball.
Through relationships with top designers, Gus Mayer has also been a stalwart partner of the Symphony Fashion Show and Iroquois Steeplechase. When it’s time for nuptials, mothers of brides — and grooms — often find their way to Gus Mayer at The Mall at Green Hills to find the perfect look for that special day.
Second Place: The Showroom Nashville
Third Place: JM Street Tuxedo
BEST PARTY BAND
Bizz & Everydy People t the Symphony Bll Lte Prty
(Nashville Symphony)
Known for its high-energy upbeat mix, Bizz & Everyday People gets the party going — enticing guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Based in Nashville, the band is renowned for its diverse repertoire, o ering a little something for everyone. The group was founded in 2011 by Wendell “Bizz” Bigsby-Church and Katrice Donaldson. Bizz is the son of entertainer Jimmy Church, and Katrice brings soulful vocals that complement Bizz — creating a dynamic energy that adds to any event.
This year, Symphony Ball Late Party chairs Virginia Garchitorena, Benton Swann, Kacy Bringaze Young and Michael Young invited the band to close out the spectacular evening.
Second Place: Jessie’s Girls at Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)
Third Place: Burning Las Vegas
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER Mtt
Dubis
(Nashville Visuals)
Matt Dubis is a talented videographer and photographer. His work is sought-after by brides and event planners alike. He recently photographed the Nashville Bourbon Auction — perfectly capturing the essence of the vivacious evening.
Matt’s passion for what he does shines through in his work. He and his clients work together to capture special events. He understands that each wedding, reception and nonprofit fundraiser is unique, and to capture them through photography and videography is to immortalize a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Second Place: Chad Driver (Driver Productions)
Third Place: Haley Maria Photography
BEST FUNDRAISING EVENT VENUE
The Electric Jne
For the TPAC Prelude Party (Tennessee Performing Arts Center) and the Nashville Bourbon Auction (NashvilleHealth)
The Electric Jane, a members-only cocktail club tucked away between Music Row and the Gulch, has played host to multiple patrons parties and fundraisers since its opening in 2022. With a focus on live entertainment, the 7,500-square-foot space can host as many as 300 guests.
The space’s thoughtful design draws the eye to the stage at the front of the room. It also boasts creative cuisine and a unique cocktail menu, adding to the exquisite experience as guests enjoy the classic-jazz-clubmeets-modern-venue.
Second Place: The Bell Tower
Third Place: Music City Center
BEST WEDDING VENUE
The Bell Tower
For a cosmopolitan bride, The Bell Tower o ers a modern city-center venue in a historic setting. With exposed beams, gaping windows and a neutral palette, the space may be transformed to fit each bride’s specific tastes. A mezzanine level creates an ideal visual for a sweetheart table, cake cutting and expanded seating for more guests. While the venue o ers traditional amenities like a full kitchen and bridal lounges, one of its more unique features is the Tasting Room — a special, intimate space o ering tasting pours of The Bell Tower’s extensive whiskey collection.
Second Place: The Union Station Nashville Yards
Third Place: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
BEST RENTALS COMPANY
In 2024, Please Be Seated became part of Curated Events Nashville, forging a regional powerhouse in event support, production and creativity. For a decade of formal balls and yearround weddings, Please Be Seated by Curated Events has been the go-to team for any elegant, over-the-top glam atmosphere — from Music Row to Leiper’s Fork. Its versatility, its materials and the expertise of its sta enable Please Be Seated by Curated Events to execute a high volume of events and quality a airs, regardless of weather challenges or crowd sizes. Bespoke work — like custom bars, light design and detailed paint treatments — interpret a designer’s vision with grace. Just a few notable events the group furnished in 2024: the Frist Gala (Frist Art Museum), Symphony Fashion Show (Nashville Symphony), Ballet Ball (Nashville Ballet) and Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens). (Don’t miss Swan Ball’s Best Décor recognition!)
Second Place: Southern Events Party Rental Company
Third Place: Nashville Tent & Awning Co.
PHOTOGRAPH
PHOTOGRAPH
Whimsicl, Hospitble, Storied, Empowerin
e art of a ernoon tea
THE CHINESE HAVE been drinking tea for millennia — records dating to 2000 B.C. show that Han dynasty emperors valued it for its medicinal properties. Centuries later, during the early 1600s, Dutch traders brought it to the West. And in 1662, when King Charles II of England married Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, drinking tea became a court habit.
But the fine art and ritual of afternoon tea happened much later — and at the will of a woman.
The year was 1840, and dinner for the upper class and court was served at 8 p.m., problematic for Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford. One of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, she decided to combat her late afternoon sinking spells by taking tea, bread and butter. In time, she invited friends to join her. What started as a simple, solitary means of staving off hunger evolved into an elegant, convivial event, complete with artfully presented sweet and savory bites. Queen Victoria followed suit, anchoring afternoon tea in the culture as a cherished social.
This primarily woman-driven event became more than a hospitable gathering. Across the United States, it was a vehicle for philanthropy and empowerment.
Teas were crucial to the women’s suffrage movement — kicked off in 1848 in Seneca, N.Y. Women networked and strategized over pots of tea. As Tennessee became the last hope for the 19th Amendment’s ratification, Nashville leader Anne Dallas Dudley joined the suffragists arriving here for the final push. Convening in The Hermitage Hotel’s loggia in anticipation of success, they formed the Tennessee League of Women Voters in May 1920 — and celebrated the win three months later.
In 1893, Laura Sharp Baxter hosted a tea so Vanderbilt University chancellor James Kirkland could present his case to Nashville women for a student aid fund. What emerged was the prestigious and consequential Ladies Aid Society for Students of Vanderbilt University (later renamed the Vanderbilt Aid Society), which has contributed more than $400,000 over its lifespan.
Artful afternoon teas have recently been revived, tapping into the lore and magic of another time. They provide an opportunity for mothers and daughters to bond; a chance for women to celebrate engagements, weddings and births; and foremost, an occasion to stop, sip and savor a moment with loved ones.
The Hermite Hotel
UNDERSCORING ITS HISTORIC role as headquarters for pro- and anti-suffragists, The Hermitage Hotel reintroduced afternoon tea in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. The stunning Beaux-Arts lobby and veranda readily transformed into a stately setting for white linen and fine china, aromatic teas and flutes of bubbly, and towers bearing delicious treats. Think smoked salmon and crème fraîche on corn cakes, Tennshootoe ham on brioche, Victoria sponge cakes, and scones. The community’s response was overwhelming, so the hotel continued its tea service — albeit in different forms.
The hotel initiated “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James” in partnership with Reese Witherspoon’s company. Its annual Nutcracker Tea has become legendary. Programming for 2025 includes a tea inspired by Nashville’s Antiques & Garden Show, a theme of love for Valentine’s weekend, and the Yellow Rose Tea honoring women’s suffrage. Executive chef Richard Hutton and pastry chef Rebecca Leatherwood enjoy the challenge of designing scrumptious bites to align with each tea’s sensibility.
The Loune t Blue ster
CONRAD NASHVILLE’S FOOD and beverage director Laura Modica relishes the chance to create special experiences for guests. When she came on board in late 2023, the hotel had already launched afternoon tea. But she wanted to reimagine the event in a way that would distinguish it from others. “The mission is to keep it elevated, aligned with the Conrad luxe ethos,” Laura says, “but with a wink — a bit of whimsy.”
Hosting themed teas felt like the right direction, the first of which was a holiday sellout: Grinchmas. Since then, Laura has worked with her team to create the ambiance and tastes for Bridgerton tea, Breakfast at Tiffany’s tea, and currently The Devil Wears Prada tea. Each menu features specially crafted adult and children’s beverages, Rare Tea Company teas, and dazzling culinary creations (like petite lobster rolls and apple scones) from executive chef Andrew Rodriguez and pastry chef Jessica Collins.
The Hermitage Hotel
Triple Crown Bkery
EACH YEAR, ALENA VAUGHN, executive chef and owner of Triple Crown Bakery in downtown historic Franklin, travels with her family to Europe. While in London, she became entranced with the culture of tea and the connections it fosters. “I love the formality of tea service — how people take time out of their day to visit over a pot of tea,” Alena says, “I wanted to bring that back to Franklin.”
With her bakery cafe already preparing a host of delectable sweets and savories, sourcing the proper teas became her mission. On a customer’s advice, she sampled those from Harney & Sons in New York. She appreciated the shop’s fair-trade, aesthetically pleasing products, which were as fine as any she’d experienced in London.
Alena offers her afternoon tea on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, first come, first served. For Valentine’s Day, expect specialty desserts to accompany her signature chicken-salad, egg-salad and cucumber-cream-cheese finger sandwiches and apricot scones.
Jnury t Southll
Frm & Inn
IN ITS PURSUIT OF creating meaningful experiences that highlight the beauty and bounty of Southall’s farm and surroundings, executive chef Andrew Klamar and his team have introduced Tea by Southall, held on select weekends inside the property’s pinnacle restaurant, January. The idea is to present a classic tea with creative offerings, Southallstyle. Consider: petite seared tuna niçoise, chivemascarpone-stuffed gougères, everything-bagel scones, jam made from fruit harvested on the grounds, beepollen-dusted lemon curd, and macarons made using honey from Southall’s apiary.
The selection of teas ranges from local to imported, drawing from High Garden Tea and Art of Tea respectively. Tea service includes a personal porcelain teapot, a Wedgwood china cup and a blown-glass timer for proper steeping. Offered, too, is a concise but comprehensive roster of fine wines and cocktails compatible with the fare. As a parting gift, executive pastry chefs Emma Livingston and Joshua House prepared a petite honey Bundt cake, honoring the 8 million bees on the property.
BY NANCY VIENNEAU PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CONRAD NASHVILLE, THE HERMITAGE HOTEL, TRIPLE CROWN BAKERY, SOUTHALL FARM & INN
January at Southall Farm & Inn
Triple Crown Bakery
NOT SITTING STILL
Carey Bringle has quietly built an award-winning whiskey brand
MOST NASHVILLIANS KNOW Carey Bringle, aka the Peg Leg Porker, from his empire of beloved barbecue restaurants: the original Peg Leg Porker BBQ location in the Gulch; Bringle’s Smoking Oasis, a Texas-inspired smoked meat emporium in the Nations; and Pig Star at the Nashville International Airport. Along the way, the serial entrepreneur has also created an award-winning line of whiskeys under the Peg Leg Porker Spirits brand.
Carey’s entry-level product, Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, was named the world’s best bourbon at the 2023 Tasting Alliance World Championship, besting famous brands from Kentucky and earning double gold medals along the way at preliminary competitions in San Francisco, New York City and Singapore. In addition to his fantastic white label 4- to 6-year-old bourbon, Carey also offers an 8-year-old gray label whiskey, a premium 12-year-old black label bourbon, and an 8-yearold silver label rye whiskey.
To offer the chance for fans to sample all of his spirits, Carey has opened a tasting room in Berry Hill at 2700 Eugenia Ave., where he also blends and bottles his products. The facility features an attractive bar area and bottle shop along with Peg Leg Porker souvenirs, and the space can be rented out for private tastings, parties and bottle-signing events. Listed as an official stop on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, the Peg Leg Porker tasting room has become a destination for whiskey tourism, but Carey considers it one of the best-kept secrets in town.
“Some brands build their businesses around their tasting rooms,” he explains. “But ours is primarily a production facility. I see it as a convenience for our customers, where they can taste through our entire product line and find bottles that aren’t necessarily available at every liquor store.”
While Carey’s whiskey is distributed in 14 states and multiple countries — with five to 10 new states on the horizon for expansion in the near term — some of his most precious products are only available from the bottle shop at his tasting room. He offers single barrel and fullproof expressions of his bourbon, along with a special release named “The Teddy” in honor of Carey’s sponsorship of the annual Friends of Ted Rhodes golf tournament at the beloved and venerable North Nashville golf course.
Peg Leg Porker Spirits Tasting Room during the holidays
Carey has never taken on investors, a rarity in the capital-intensive spirits industry, and he’s proud of what he has accomplished. He deservedly boasts, “I’ve spent my money and time on building a brand and laying down an inventory of outstanding whiskey.”
Carey has constructed his business to last and has plans for major growth in the future. “We’re building a legacy, not a chain,” he says. “We have to make money every year, and that’s the definition of entrepreneurship. Most of all, we want to be authentic and never compromise.”
Anyone who has spent time with Carey or visited his tasting room knows he stays true to those goals every day that he works — which is every day.
To reserve the space, call 615-583-7465 or email contact@tealhollowdistilling.com.
BY CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
SOCI A LLY A DEPT
Camille Seven launches Department of Finishing Touches in Green Hills
FIVE SENSES FULLY engage upon entering Department of Finishing Touches, the jewel box of a jewelry store in the Courtyard on Bandywood.
Obviously, the stylish room — designed by Birmingham, Ala.-based Jeremy D. Clark Studio — with its vitrines of new and vintage baubles, is a feast for the eyes. Meanwhile, candles, creams and perfumes infuse the gleaming space with intriguing scents — memories, even.
You’ll want to get your hands on tactile temptations, such as jewelry in 18K and 14K gold customized with ethically sourced gems, elegant Devon Woodhill lockets loaded with personal photographs, and custom-carved wooden boxes to hold James Banks’ one-of-a-kind butterfly jewels.
If you close your eyes and listen to your imagination, you can almost hear the celebratory clink of French and Italian glassware from the dazzling tabletop collection that floats on airy open shelving.
And what about the fifth sense? Well, Department is awash in exquisite taste.
Finishing Touches
THE STYLISH ENTREPRENEUR behind this concisely edited inventory of jewelry, scents and tabletop treasures is Camille Seven, a mother of three who launched the bridal retail store The Dress Theory in Seattle and San Diego before moving to Nashville. Upon relocating, Camille opened her third The Dress Theory in Germantown and debuted LVD Bridal, a dress consignment store, in East Nashville. After more than a decade of weddingfocused retail, Camille launched Department of Finishing Touches in fall 2024.
A lifelong learner with an educational background that spans art history, graphic design, French cuisine, perfumery and gemology — and includes diplomas from The University of California, San Diego and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris — Camille has woven her broad interests tightly into this personal retail experience, where shoppers can put the finishing touches on their own lifestyles, long beyond a bride’s big day.
Eclectic Treasures
AT DEPARTMENT — NOTE, it’s called simply “Department,” without an article — Camille’s style is confidently and graciously on display, as she knowledgeably narrates the contents of the glass cabinets and effortlessly sports pieces from Department’s collection in her own chic wardrobe.
In the boutique’s thoughtful eclectic array, guitar-pickinspired earrings by Sorellina accompany percussionthemed jewelry by Jade Ruzzo. Designer Joelle Kharrat’s contemporary totems of wood, diamonds and gold sparkle alongside timeless pieces collected by For Future Reference Vintage, which supplies retailers like Bergdorf Goodman. And a diverse roster of designers rotates through an active calendar of trunk shows.
Something Extra
THE ALLURE OF DEPARTMENT is its comfortable overlap of haute style and local attention. In this bespoke shopping environment, Department provides high-touch services, such as engraving and wrapping — even printing and installing personal photographs in lockets. Fluent in the language of weddings, Camille can comfortably consult on accessories for nuptials and all the associated events. The team can guide shoppers through a library of perfumes to select a signature scent. Department keeps wish lists for shoppers’ birthdays and other occasions and will hand-deliver options for giftgivers with budgets north of $7,000.
“We’ll do that extra little thing,” says Camille, who, when asked, will call ahead to remind clients about their upcoming celebrations. In her full-service Department, finishing touches refer to more than jewelry, scents and tableware. They are part of the giving experience.
BY CARRINGTON FOX
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
APRIL15,2025
A P R I L 1 5 , 2 0 2 5
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The Power of the Purse® is transforming into a unique cocktail fundraiser celebrating women, connection, and impact. Guests will savor innovative dishes crafted by female chefs, enjoy signature cocktails, experience live entertainment, and participate in a one-of-a-kind live auction featuring curated purses and exclusive items.
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Nashville welcomes contrast therapy with chilly but open arms
Contrast therapy — a practice that combines the extreme heat of a sauna with the chilly shock of a cold plunge — has gained popularity in Nashville. Though contrast therapy has been practiced for hundreds of years, Candice Bruder, founder of Pure Sweat Studios, was the first to bring it to Music City when the fifth Pure Sweat location opened in the Gulch last year.
Since then, the trend has grown into an all-out movement, as more Pure Sweat Studios with contrast therapy open nationally this year. And since 2017, other models have opened in Nashville or announced plans to. Hundreds of Nashvillians have become devoted to the practice, and its shortand long-term health benefits are myriad.
Suns
SOMETIME AROUND 7000 B.C., the inhabitants of what is now modern-day Finland engineered a system to keep clean and escape the bitter winter — in a pit carved into the side of a hill. In the center of the pit, a fire heated a pile of rocks, which people sprinkled water over to create steam. These rudimentary shelters served as bathing houses, places for childbirth, and spaces to cleanse the dead. They became sanctuaries during the long winters, offering a sacred and much-needed escape.
Saunas, as they are known today, became an integral part of Finnish culture. And as the world evolved, so did the sauna. During the Industrial Revolution, technology advanced to allow for metal woodburning stoves with chimneys, creating better ventilation and safer practices. In the 1950s, saunas found rapid popularity in the United States as their health benefits became more widely known. In 2000, UNESCO added sauna culture to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Cold Plunes
COLD PLUNGES AND cold water immersion have been embraced by cultures for centuries. The earliest mention of the practice dates back to 3500 B.C. Ancient Greeks found cold water immersion ideal for relaxation, and the practice fostered socialization during communal baths. Physician James Currie is noted to have used cold water immersion to treat fevers, and Thomas Jefferson soaked his feet in buckets of ice water every morning — maintaining the practice, which he said aided his health and stimulated his mind, for 60 years.
For some, cold plunges are best kept to an annual dip with a Polar Bear Club or a quick swim done on a dare. But throughout Finland, Sweden and Norway, cold water immersion is part of the culture and is taken seriously as a tradition of wellness.
Helth
RESEARCH ON THE use of saunas is extensive, and studies suggest that regular sauna bathing may have several benefits. A review by the Mayo Clinic suggests that devotees of sauna use saw improvements in vascular health, stress reduction and more. Others have found the practice to improve some skin conditions and boost cognitive function.
The exploration of the health benefits of cold water immersion is equally promising: Studies have found that cold plunges and ice bathing can aid muscle and soft tissue injury recovery, trigger the release of endorphins and decrease inflammation. Today, the practice is used widely throughout the sports and entertainment industries and has become a staple at top spas throughout the world.
Pure Sweat Sauna Studio, The Gulch
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GERI G. BEAUTY
Studios
PURE SWEAT SAUNA STUDIO, THE GULCH
Nestled in the heart of the Gulch, Pure Sweat Sauna Studio is an ideal escape after a workout or a busy holiday season. Entering the inviting contrast therapy suite, guests are bathed in gentle, meditative music, which sets the tone for the next hour.
Instruction cards are thoughtfully placed in the suite alongside meditation prompts to aid those who find disconnecting from the world for 20-45 minutes a challenge. A shower is also provided for the sauna-to-cold-plunge transition.
The studio offers a variety of ways to experience contrast therapy. Some practitioners opt for 45 minutes in the sauna and five minutes in the cold plunge, while others prefer alternating between 20 minutes in the sauna and five minutes in the plunge. The studio also offers supplementary packages, like kits to promote detoxification or to boost immunity.
PAUSE STUDIO
Set with intention, the interior design of Pause Studio — a wellness studio recently opened in Green Hills — creates an oasis and escape from the everyday. Soft white walls, rich wood saunas and quiet lighting set the stage for a holistic experience.
Pause offers contrast suites for two to four guests, and each suite includes a sauna with a cold plunge pool and showers. One of Pause Studio’s expert team members guides clients through each practice and is on hand to answer any questions that arise.
Guests are also invited to add services to their sessions for a better wellness experience. With a variety of options — like contrast therapy, float therapy, cryotherapy, compression therapy, IV drips and more — on offer, stacking services is a seamless process.
FRAMEWORK
Centered on the traditional practice of sauna and cold plunge therapy, Finnish-inspired Framework offers a contrast therapy oasis in the new Nashville hotspot Wedgewood-Houston. With private and communal experiences — and indoor and outdoor saunas and baths — available, Framework invites its guests to customize their time at the spa from start to finish.
The studio’s saunas are custom-designed by Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna out of Duluth, Minn., and feature thermally modified ash and cedar woods and imported Finnish heaters.
Framework’s unique amenities continue with Nashville’s first nonalcoholic cafe. There, guests can extend the social and health benefits of contrast therapy with homemade and thoughtfully curated juices, teas and mocktails.
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JESSICA STEDDOM FOR FRAMEWORK, PAUSE STUDIO, PURE SWEAT SAUNA STUDIO, THE GULCH
Framework
Pause Studio
SELF-RISING FLOWE RS
NAHT’s Sweet Daisy social enterprise bakery builds connections through confections
“IT’S ABOUT SO MUCH more than cake,” says Katie Moessner, creative director of Sweet Daisy Petit Four Shoppe, the faithand cake-based social enterprise of the Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition.
To be sure, the lovely bakery inside the Berry Hill headquarters of NAHT is more than just a source for pastries frosted with flowers
and laced with gold — the kind of bite-sized confections you’d hope to find on a tiered tea tray. The commercial kitchen, which launched in 2023, provides employment for NAHT members pulling themselves out of the sex trade and drug addiction, while offering a comfortable way for the broader community to engage in the campaign against human trafficking.
Community nd Love
In 2023, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported approximately 1,375 calls and tips to its human trafficking hotline, with the majority of those calls from Middle Tennessee. Given those chilling statistics, it’s no surprise that dark stories echo in the gracious rooms of NAHT, where volunteers, case workers, and members in classes and therapeutic counseling share accounts of unthinkable abuse and manipulation by traffickers.
While such open communication and conversation is essential to identifying the social forces and healing the emotional traumas of trafficking, the frankness can be overwhelming. It could all just be too grim to talk about. And without talking about the problem, there’d be no solving it.
But right down the hall, there’s NAHT’s Sweet Daisy kitchen, an unexpected gathering spot where the program’s survivors, counselors and mentors share compassion and encouragement amid the cheerful creativity of expert pastry cuisine. The beautiful culinary workshop, designed by Anne Buchanan — with white marble countertops, custom cabinets, an industrial freezer donated by Crown Bakeries CEO Cordia Harrington, and a soothing hue of paint reminiscent of Farrow & Ball’s “Vichyssoise” — provides a hub for community and love, along with a manufacturing facility for petits fours, the specialty desserts whose French name translates to “small ovens.”
Defiantly Optimistic
The tagline of this defiantly optimistic sweet shop is: “Go ahead, get your hopes up,” a slogan that speaks on two levels. On one level, Katie says, “We believe we can confidently say there is hope for transformation for the lives of victims.” On another level, yes, you can expect these cakes to taste as delicious as they look. On a recent afternoon leading up to the holidays, the kitchen hummed with cooking and conversation, as creative director Katie — a culinary entrepreneur formerly known as @petitfourgirl — led bakery interns Kellie Compton and Lana Hendrix in producing 50 dozen Sweet Daisy petits fours for the week’s orders. They trimmed sheet cake on an Italian cutting table as elegant as a finely tuned string instrument, then drizzled chocolate glaze onto pillowy sponge, all the while reflecting on the strength of NAHT survivors to embolden more women to break from lives of trafficking and addiction.
Executive director Mary Trapnell dropped in to show the bakery operation to a visitor. And soon we were all gathered around the sugar-dusted island countertop, with case managers Molly Hogan and LeAnn Walters and director of operations Christina Meadows telling stories, tasting cakes and laughing.
Katie Moessner, Mary Trapnell
Not All Laughter
But, all too obviously, it’s not all laughter.
“We all cry in here sometimes,” says intern Kellie. Pausing from her task of glazing tiny cakes, she prompts someone else to tell the tragic story of a woman who didn’t make it to NAHT in time to save her own life. Upon learning of her fentanylrelated death, members of the program retreated to the Sweet Daisy kitchen to grieve together.
Creating such tender moments of connection is a silent healing power of this kitchen, which takes its name from a delicate flower forcing its way up through concrete to thrive beyond oppression.
“The kitchen fosters connections, which, at the end of the day, is what everyone needs,” Katie says. As the bakers nod in agreement, case manager Molly adds, “It’s so much more than a bakery.”
To order Sweet Daisy petits fours, available for pickup or delivery, visit nahtcoalition.org.
BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
*Represented Buyer
ON EXHIBIT
Three Nashville institutions entice art lovers to brave the cold
As the temperature descends, the thought of curling up by the fire with a book is certainly enticing. But to stave off going stir-crazy before the end of the month, three Nashville art institutions — the Parthenon, the Frist Art Museum and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens — have exhibits sure to lure even the strictest of homebodies out this winter.
BY JANET KURTZ
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CHEEKWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS, FRIST ART MUSEUM, THE PARTHENON
The Muses at the Parthenon
THE WORK OF INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed artist Christy Lee Rogers has graced the walls of top galleries across the world. For the first time, her work is being shown in the South. The contemporary photographer uses water as a medium, combining it with models, fabric and light. Christy’s work has been featured globally in exhibitions and prestigious projects, including commissions for James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, the Walt Disney Company and The Nature Conservancy.
Fittingly, Christy’s exhibit The Muses is on display at the Parthenon. “The Muses embody the essence of artistic creation,” says Christy. “By drawing from various collections, I hope to show how their influence transcends time and discipline, remaining as relevant to artists today as they were in ancient Greece.” Each work features a submerged model, flowing fabrics and ethereal light to create the desired effect.
Inspired by the Greek muses and their unique areas of influence, the museum will host a series of hands-on workshops and events, including modern dance instruction, comedy improv, writing seminars and more. Complete details will be available on nashvilleparthenon.com.
The Muses is on display in the East Gallery of the Parthenon until June 1.
“ACQUARIAN RENAISSANCE,” CHRISTY LEE ROGERS, IMAGE COURTESY OF THE PARTHENON
“HARMONY,” CHRISTY LEE ROGERS, IMAGE COURTESY OF THE PARTHENON
LIVE AT THE SCHERMERHORN
RITA WILSON with the Nashville Symphony
Lucas Waldin, conductor MAR 8 | 7:30 PM
A multi-talented actor, singer, producer, and visual artist, Rita Wilson will collaborate with the Nashville Symphony and special guests to perform her first-ever concert with full orchestra! This truly special evening will feature world premiere arrangements of Rita’s most beloved hits, and more.
Farm to Table and Tennessee Harvest at the Frist Art Museum
LONG BEFORE MODERN restaurants touted menus filled with local ingredients and social media changed the way we plate a dish, the people of France had already woven gastronomy into their nation’s identity. Artists of the late 19th century documented not only food, but the farmers who grew that food and the chefs who prepared it. In the new exhibit Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism, viewers are invited into a world that intersects art, gastronomy and national identity in late-19th-century France.
Focusing on the work of artists like Rosa Bonheur, Gustave Courbet, Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, the exhibit features approximately 50 paintings and sculptures portraying farmers in fields, gardens and bustling urban markets, as well as chefs and diners in the age of grand banquets and France’s burgeoning cafe scene. The juxtaposition underscores connections between urban and rural life.
The companion show, Tennessee Harvest, focuses on a relationship with food that’s a little closer to home. This exhibit highlights 19th- and early-20th-century realist and impressionist painters depicting food and culture throughout Tennessee. Featuring artists like Lloyd Branson, George Chambers, Gilbert Gaul, Cornelius Hankins, Willie Betty Newman, Catherine Wiley and more, the exhibit shows how local Tennesseans adapted European influences in both subject matter and style.
Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism and Tennessee Harvest are on display until May 4 at the Frist Art Museum.
The Dutch House at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
RENOWNED ARTIST BECKY SUSS has arrived at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens — at least, her work has. A Philadelphia-born artist, Becky has created a portfolio that’s as imaginative as it is frank. Using flattened architecture, her large-scale paintings show interiors through the lens of memories — both her own and those of her subjects.
The 10-painting exhibition builds on details in the novel The Dutch House by award-winning author Ann Patchett. Becky also uses her own experiences to influence the works, inviting viewers into a visual interpretation of Ann’s novel based on the memories of the characters and the architecture of the period.
The novel centers around the lives of Danny and Maeve Conroy, siblings who grow up in the Dutch House, a historic mansion outside of New York. When their mother abandons the family, they’re left to be raised by a wealthy, emotionally distant father. Using bold colors, repeating patterns and intricate details, the works create their own narrative that complements the book.
The Dutch House is on display until March 16 at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
Nretrospect: L&L Mrket
THE CHARLOTTE AVENUE building that houses L&L Market was erected nearly a century before it became a go-to destination for Nashville locals and tourists. Built in 1929, the historic building began as Se-Ling Hosiery Mill. The spot went on to house Genesco, a shoe factory, and Madison Mill, which makes hardwood products, before sitting vacant for years. The iconic space soon fell into disrepair — that is, until Tamay Ozari stepped in to purchase it in 1996.
In the first 20 years that Tamay owned the venue, he used it to house a restaurant equipment company. As the neighborhood grew, Tamay fielded offers to purchase the building. But upon hearing that developers planned to tear down the stunning structure to build apartments, he refused to sell. Instead, he set out to build “the coolest mall in Nashville.”
That idea came to fruition in 2019, when L&L Market opened its doors. Now, people pour into the vintage venue to build bouquets, dine at a cheese conveyor belt, browse boutiques and more — creating a unique experience sure to delight everyone who visits.
BY PAIGE GAWLEY
PHOTOGRAPH BY
ERIC ENGLAND
