Event co-chairs team up to bring the best in gifts for loved ones, entertaining and more
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FINDYOURHOMEFORTHEHOLIDAYS
Formany, home isthefavoredsettingforthe holidays,wherewegatherwiththoseweholdmost dear. Home isahavendecoratedwithtinsel,lights, andcherishedtokensofyearspast. Home isasafe placewhereafamiliarsmelldrawsforthfond memoriesofrecipesandtreasuredtraditions. Homfeweis
Home isanarchiveofourlives,storingacompilation oflaughable,teachable,andtransformational moments. Home issomuchmorethanits“four” w alls.Thetruthis home isafeeling.Wehopeyou feelespeciallyathomethisholidayseason, surroundedbylove,comfort,community,andjoy. kmewi
one bedrooms from the $400s two bedrooms from the $800s three bedrooms from the $2Ms penthouse residences from the $700s
A career that propelled designer Jim Marvin to the White House and around the globe now leads back to
The Land Trust for Tennessee honors Phil Bredesen at Once in a Blue Moon 46 Ruby Red Sunday in the Park celebrates 35 years of preservation 53 Dining à la Daisy King
Celebrating 50 years of delicious food and gracious hospitality from Tennessee’s first lady of Southern cooking
parties
67 I See a Red Door
The Gilda’s Club Red Door Bash continues its tradition of helping and healing
70 En Français
The Bug Ball transports supporters to an evening in France
73 Book Smart
Authors in the Round unites readers with writers to raise money for Humanities Tennessee
77 Having a Laugh Rocketown’s Comedy for a Cause celebrates 30 years
80 Heart and Vision
The inaugural Light the Way Luncheon celebrates the transformative power of love
82 The Second Act
The Centennial Park Conservancy gathers for the second annual Centennial Circle Dinner
Ruthy Berends as the Ghost of Christmas Past in Rabbit Room Theatre’s original adaptation of A Christmas Carol, photographed by Anthony Matula.
The Past, the Present and the Future
Reflecting on the ghosts of holidays past
ONE HOLIDAY, I sat down for family dinner and spotted a new bowl acting as the vessel for my father’s mashed potatoes. My mom is not one to stray from her silver-rimmed, white Lenox china, so I asked about this vintage pink floral dish. Without missing a beat, my Nana jumped in: “That’s the only thing I got from Nan’s house.” My mother and aunt exchanged a look that said they’d definitely be discussing that later.
The story goes, Nana admired one of her mother-in-law Nan’s bowls, and Nan promised it to her. When Nan passed away, Nana worried she’d be in the way while the family sorted through Nan’s belongings, so she asked her sister-in-law to get the bowl for her. That night, her sister-in-law showed up — and gave her the wrong bowl. To this day — even though Nana is no longer with us — there’s still a piece of tape on the bottom of the bowl with a message in my Nana’s hand: “This is the only thing I got from Nan’s house.”
In this issue, we dive into the making of holiday memories. We present our popular Gift Guide with hand-picked suggestions from the co-chairs of some of Nashville’s biggest events. Nancy Vienneau sits down with the spectacular Daisy King to talk about her 50 years in food. Carrington Fox visits with Jim Marvin, who’s bringing his legacy of designing beautiful ornaments and decorating the White House to Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS. We celebrate milestone events, toasting to 35 years of Sunday in the Park, 25 years of the Land Trust for Tennessee and 20 years of the Literary Gala. We go behind the scenes with Jason Spelbring, Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s new artistic director. And Whitney Clay takes us inside the new Pullman Union Gulch.
Sadly, last month, the FW Publishing family lost a beloved member — Bill Freeman. Bill was not only a staunch supporter of the community, but he also believed in supporting local media. His ownership and support of Nashville Scene, Nashville Post, The News and Nfocus allowed wide-ranging voices in our city to be heard, and he was a dear friend to many of us. A number of you have reached out with messages of condolences, sharing how Bill’s loss affected not just you but the community at large. Bill will be missed and will forever have a place in our hearts.
When I returned to Nashville after that holiday dinner I mentioned earlier, I had time to reflect on friends and family. I thought about the stories we create each day — and how we often don’t realize we’re making memories that might live on in family lore long after we’re gone. I remembered those who were no longer with us and looked forward more earnestly to seeing friends after the holidays. I sat down at my desk and composed an email to my mother. No subject line was needed. All the message said was, “After you are gone, I want the only thing Nana got from Nan’s house.”
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
contributors
Beth Alexander, Emily Bache, Abigail Breslin, Bentley Caldwell, Chris Chamberlain, Whitney Clay, Melissa Corbin, Carrington Fox, Paige Gawley, Hannah Herner, Margaret Littman, Carson Love, 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
Bill Freeman
Behind the Scenes
With the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Jason Spelbring
JASON SPELBRING GREW up as a self-taught gymnast, viewing the mat as his stage. But as he grew older, the acting bug bit — taking his onetime dream of owning a gym and transforming it into a life in the arts.
Jason went on to act on London’s West End, before spending a decade as a professor and administrator helping students hone their craft. Now, he’s experiencing his most significant professional success yet as the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s newly minted artistic director.
For Jason, taking on the job — which Denice Hicks previously held for more than 30 years — meant making the move to Music City. It was an easy choice, thanks to the collaborative and connected arts community the city offers its residents.
THE BASICS
Name: Jason Spelbring
Hometown: Cloverdale, Calif.
ZIP code: 37207
Time in Nashville: Three months
Number of plays you’ve read: Too many to count (and a lot of Shakespeare)
With an eye on preserving the festival’s history while also growing its reach, Jason is firing on all cylinders as he takes on a leadership role he’s been preparing for his whole life.
You recently moved to Nashville for your new job. What attracted you to both the city and the role? For me, Nashville is electric. It is growing in all the best possible ways. Nashville is a major market city for artists and creators, and that’s in large part due to the work of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival and all of our neighboring theater companies. Our combined mission to inspire the community made this move a no-brainer for me. Here, origin and community are linked.
How do you hope your work at the Nashville Shakespeare Festival impacts the city? I can only hope that my work here is sustainable and that we go on for another 36 years. I love engaging the community in what we do. I am listening to what the community wants, and we are planning seasons that excite and inspire. People may not be aware that we are a free Shakespeare festival operating on a paywhat-you-will model. So I want the community to join us and support these amazing programs.
What do you want to keep the same — and change — at the Nashville Shakespeare Festival? This position has never been about changing what’s already working. It’s about practicing and fine-tuning what our audience is passionate about. I aim to preserve and continue growing the legacy the founding members have built. I want to grow the season in a way that doesn’t feel too fast or too big. I want to stay true to who we are and what we do. It would be amazing to add a non-Shakespeare festival offering in the long term!
What is the most important advice you’ve ever received? Success in this industry is made up of a straightforward equation: 90% confidence and 10% good hair. And in the theater world, we
have fabulous wigs, so lean into the confidence part of the equation, and you’ll be good to go.
What legacy would you like to leave in the community? One day, I would love to say that I have left a similar legacy to Denice Hicks in this company and town. Her kindness, collaboration and forward thinking are how we got here. Like her, I hope to be here for 30-plus years, continuing the legacy that she founded. Most importantly, [I want to] preserve the legacy, engage the community and celebrate the works of William Shakespeare and other notable playwrights.
BY PAIGE GAWLEY
PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND
Pullman Gulch Union Has Arrived
The newest high-rise in The Gulch offers 300 units and a host of amenities
LONG AGO, BEFORE rideshare apps, blow-dry bars and the $7 latté, amenities at an upscale condo building might be a gym and a package room. In recent years, the bar has been raised. Enter Pullman Gulch Union — the area’s proverbial new kid on the block — which has taken the word “amenity” to a whole new level.
The 29-story high-rise at 1212 Demonbreun St. offers its residents an abundance of amenities. The ground floor is slated for a possible restaurant and retail space. In addition to the building’s concierge desk on the main floor, there is a residents’ conference room, a mail room and an expansive separate package room with Luxer One lockers.
The fifth floor of the five-level garage offers a dog park and pet spa. On the sixth floor of the building, developers created a landscaped outdoor terrace with gas grills, firepits and Adirondack chairs — perfect for socializing with friends and neighbors — as well as pickleball and bocce courts and a fitness center. The residences start on the sixth floor. The 29th floor sports a rooftop pool with cabanas, a jumbotron and an outdoor kitchen. The common spaces are peppered with large-screen TVs. On the top floor, there’s a sky lounge, a library and an expansive, meticulously designed coworking space.
“That sets it apart from the condo buildings that are available, because no one else really has that,” says Laret Casella, owner of Casella Interiors, who oversaw the design with Kat Elms. “[We’re] really trying to look at holistically how people are living.”
Deep-seat tobacco leather sofas accented with textured throw pillows flank acoustic booths with plush moss-green suede cushions. A shared desk paired with comfortable backrest stools accommodates eight and faces a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking city views. There are private offices residents can reserve.
Laret says because Pullman Gulch Union is a more modern building, she wanted to bring in lots of texture and softness with the fabrics and rugs, as well as warmth with the stone, tile and wood choices. “It’s a nice counterbalance to being in a glass tower,” she says.
The 300-unit mixed-use building by developer Endeavor Real Estate Group offers one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. Prices start in the mid-$400,000s for a one-bedroom, the mid-$800,000s for a two-bedroom, and $2.7 million and up for a three-bedroom.
BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ZACH GOODYEAR
BY DESIGN
The units, some with balconies, feature hardwood floors, 10- to 12foot ceilings, and large custom walk-in closets. Some bathrooms boast walk-in showers and deep soaking tubs. The bedrooms all accommodate a king bed, says Sydney McCann, a Parks Compass listing agent representing the property with Brian Stoltzfus and Zach Goodyear. There are six model units — two meticulously designed by frenchCALIFORNIA, an interior design and branding studio.
GOING UP?
There are 10 penthouse-level condos, including six onebedrooms — unusual for a top floor, typically reserved for larger units.
THE HEART OF THE HOME
For the stainless kitchens, which all include a gas range, there are two finish packages available.
One option features a warm white quartz countertop and light cherry cabinets with a linear grain, while the other o ers a dark gray quartz countertop and white Italian cabinetry. Both have coordinating backsplashes. “The design is a takeo on your classic subway [tile],” says Laret.
“It has a little more artistic wave to it. And we stacked it in a more modern way.” Most have islands or extended countertops for stools.
HER STYLE
Holiday style challenge: Buy less, wear more
WITH HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES filling up your calendar, the ever-looming question of what to wear might start to linger in your mind. You’ll also notice retailers filling their racks with seasonal shirts, sweaters and accessories. I mean seriously, how many variations of a sequin Santa sweatshirt can Target produce? How many pairs of jingle-bell earrings is too many?
Don’t get me wrong — I think we should all express our holiday spirit however we like. But I’d also like to propose a holiday style challenge: Forgo purchasing any hyper-specific holiday apparel this season.
Before you call me a grinch, let me explain. As a personal stylist, one of my main goals is to help clients maximize the versatility of their wardrobes. There is nothing less versatile than a novelty garment you can wear one time each year.
While these kitschy finds can be fun — and fine — to purchase from time to time, you shouldn’t waste valuable closet real estate by buying too many. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to feel festive without buying tons of fast fashion.
Incorporate metallics and add sparkle
Add festive shine to your outfit with fun accessories — like metallic shoes or layered necklaces — that you can also wear year-round. You can even bust out some heirloom earrings or an evening bag you rarely carry to add a special final touch to your holiday look.
Wear seasonal colors
Instead of buying holiday-specific apparel, wear timeless pieces in festive colors — yes, even red or green! For an extra-bold look, dress in a monochromatic palette. Silver is striking, but silver on silver is even bolder.
Don’t forget your “built-in accessories”
Adding extra glam to your hair or makeup routine is often all it takes to make an outfit party-ready. A simple black dress feels all the more special when paired with a red lip. The same goes for your favorite sweater and a little sparkly eyeshadow.
BY CARSON LOVE
Carson Love is a wardrobe and personal stylist based in Nashville. Her main goal is to help clients present as and feel like their best selves, so they are ready for whatever life brings them. Find her online: CarsonLove.com or follow her on Instagram @carsonmlove.
HIS STYLE
Parting gifts: Master evergreen style this holiday season
HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON, gents! Much like fashion, life is all about seasons. And what are seasons, if not merely beginnings and endings?
It is with a sad but extremely grateful heart that I bid adieu to being your resident men’s fashion columnist. I’ve cherished sharing tips, trends and thoughts with you during Nstyle’s amazing 24-issue run. But all good things must come to an end.
If you get nothing else from this column, please take these three evergreen style tips with you. Consider them a parting gift of sorts.
Shoes complete the outfit
A busted pair of sneakers or dress shoes will most certainly diminish anyone’s sartorial effort. However, a pair of polished loafers or nice boots can elevate even the simplest of outfits. Be the man who chooses the latter.
Be better than the Gap
Avoid mass-produced fast-fashion brands, like Gap, Zara and H&M. Invest in well-made, timeless pieces — items that tell a story and are made to last or be rebuilt and reused. Being conscious of our impact on the planet is the best look ever.
Fit comes first
The most important tip I can give you? If the fit is wrong, it’s all wrong. For menswear, everything above the waist starts in the shoulders. If the garment fits in the shoulders — if the shoulder seam lines up with your shoulder joint — then most everything else can be tailored. The fit of pants starts in the waist, hips and rise. Remember, you can always take them in, but you can’t always let them out.
I’d like to extend an unbelievable amount of love and gratitude to Janet Kurtz, the entire Nfocus fam and my fellow partner in style, Carson Love. And thank you, the Nfocus reader, for taking time out of your busy schedules to share these 350-word moments. I appreciate you more than you know. Give me a follow on Instagram, shoot me a direct message or hit me up on my website. I’d love to hear from you! Until then, peace and blessings, gents. Bentley, out.
BY BENTLEY CALDWELL
Bentley Caldwell is a Nashville-based men’s personal stylist who helps guys up their style and confidence and take the guesswork out of dressing themselves. Have a fashion or styling question? Visit his website: BentleyCaldwellStyling.com or follow him on Instagram @bentleycaldwell.
HOLIDAY G IFT G UIDE
THE HOLIDAY SEASON may feel like a blur, but holiday shopping should be a joy. Each year, we publish some helpful ideas for gifts and stocking stuffers, designed to fit a variety of tastes for even the most (ahem) discerning of recipients.
This year, the co-chairs of Sunday in the Park, the Symphony Ball, the Antiques & Garden Show, the Ballet Ball and the Symphony Fashion Show helped us curate ideal gifts for the special people in your life. The teams have combed the city for great ideas to help in this season’s holiday gift search.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
GIFTS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Kelly Crockett and Dana
Oman
CO-CHAIRS, SUNDAY IN THE PARK
PLUSH NUTCRACKER
This pink-and-purple stuffed nutcracker is plush and adorable — a great gift for any little one this holiday season. It would make a cozy addition to family festivities, especially nights spent cuddling up by the fire. Availiable at Magpies Nashville
PAINT-YOUR-OWN NUTCRACKER
This paint-your-own nutcracker kit will give any child a fun activity to do with their friends, siblings or family to get in the Christmas spirit. Plus, the finished product makes a memorable keepsake for future holidays. Available at Magpies Nashville.
ADORABLE SHEEP
This cute sheep cushion is an adorable and unique gift for all occasions — and it’s sure to bring joy to its recipient. Crafted from New Zealand sheepskin, the sweet sheep feels incredibly soft, fluffy and luxurious, making it a perfect holiday gift for any little one. Available at The Iron Gate.
Alicia Adams Alpaca is a farm-based, family-owned business, and each product is made to tell the family’s story proudly. This Cria Baby Set is the perfect welcome-home gift. It comes with a plush throw, booties, cozy clothing and a stuffed animal alpaca. Each piece is made by caring hands from 100% hypoallergenic baby alpaca. Available at G&G Interiors.
ALICIA ADAMS ALPACA CRIA BABY SET
OLIVER THOMAS TRAVEL BAGS
My daughter and her friends swear by Oliver Thomas’ travel duffles and matching makeup carrier bags. They’re machine-washable and lightweight with enough storage compartments to make organization easy. The patented “secret stash” base allows you to stow away, well, secret stuff! Whether it’s dirty clothes, a new pair of shoes, or triple-cream brie is up to you. Available at K. McCarthy.
JUDITH BRIGHT COCKTAIL RING
This signature cocktail ring features chunky gemstones wrapped like a nest in smooth or twisted wire. It’s a beauty whether you wear it as a statement piece or an everyday one. This ring would make an especially sweet holiday gift for a teenager looking to add beautiful jewelry to their collection. Available at Judith Bright.
FESTIVE SCOOTER
This fun holiday-themed scooter would make the perfect gift for any child to open under the tree. The vintage design combines unique details with great functionality, like a T-shaped handlebar that can adjust to three different heights as your little one grows. The rubber grips provide a firm hold, and the scooter’s wide platform ensures comfort and safety. The scooter is also available in different colors and with a matching helmet. Available at Epergne.
TENNESSEE POLO AND ROCKY TOP TENNESSEE MUG
This Tennessee polo shirt — perfect for young boys — is such a sweet and popular item. It is great for golf, church, formal events and special occasions, and the Tennessee stars add such a nice touch. The fan-favorite mug is great for coffee, tea and hot chocolate — convenient for high schoolers and teens to use on the way to school. Plus, it comes in so many fun Tennessee designs. Available at Plaid Rabbit.
BEAUTY STOCKING STUFFERS
This Avène cleansing foam and Oribe dry texturizing spray would make excellent stocking stuffers for any teen ready to try new skincare essentials. The Morning Glamour silksatin pillowcase is a crowd favorite — great for stronger, healthier hair and smoother skin. My teen daughter has these pillowcases and absolutely loves them. Available at Woo Skincare + Cosmetics.
GIFTS FOR TRAVEL
Laurie Seabury and Katie Crumbo CO-CHAIRS, SYMPHONY FASHION SHOW
LOUIS VUITTON NEVERFULL
BAG
When traveling, I condense my carry-on luggage into two items stacked vertically, so I can keep up with my husband, who is seemingly in a perpetual race to the gate, all while dodging small children and feral animals whose owners are oblivious to their whereabouts. This Louis Vuitton bag sits perfectly on top of a roller bag and can negotiate sudden turns beautifully. Available at Louis Vuitton.
SABINA SAVAGE SCARF
After taking off, most will realize the air temperature drops sufficiently enough to require a little insulation for warmth. I’ll reach for my Sabina Savage scarf and use it to shield my shoulders from the snow blower directly above my head. I love my scarves and will continue my collection to the point of being a hoarder. My children will thank me one day. Available at Sabina Savage.
The Lifton Leather Backpack offers the perfect blend of style and function for travelers. Inspired by Gibson’s Lifton five-latch cases, the tote offers unparalleled durability and is the ideal companion for my husband. From airplane overheads to hotel lobbies, it’s a standout piece. Available at Gibson.
LIFTON LEATHER BACKPACK
TRAVEL-SIZED BEAUTY GOODIES
Once you’ve reached your destination and started unpacking those travel-sized items, you secretly thank Mary Kathryn and Mary Elizabeth for keeping Private Edition well stocked. I’m not sure why we feel called to try something new while on vacation, but we somehow find the extra time for a hair or face mask, a new serum, and anything with hyaluronic acid. Available at Private Edition.
HERMÈS SCARF
Hermès scarves are perfect for travel, and both of us collect them. They are lightweight yet impactful, effortlessly elevating any outfit while taking up minimal space in your luggage. Whether worn as a scarf, tied to a bag, or styled as a headband, an Hermès scarf is both a versatile accessory and the ideal souvenir from Paris.
AKRIS PUNTO REVERSIBLE JACKET
If my scarves don't do the trick, I’ll reach for my Akris Punto reversible jacket and thank Wanda Hill at Gus Mayer for suggesting I may need it for the trip. She’s always right! Available at Gus Mayer.
BRIGGS AND RILEY LUGGAGE
Briggs and Riley is my go-to for luggage. Its Essential 22-inch carry-on spinner is lightweight, rolls easily, fits in overhead bins, and expands when needed. I've gifted one to every family member, challenging them to pack light! Available at Nashville Trunk & Bag.
CHARM BRACELET
I cherish my charm bracelet — a reminder of places I’ve visited since grade school. With the help of Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry, I’ve turned old pins and necklaces into charms. My latest addition, a chicken charm from Blackberry Farm, is a playful nod to my summer adventure in chicken-keeping. Available at Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry and Blackberry Farm.
FASHION GIFTS
Angela Bostelman and Ana Cristina Cash CO-CHAIRS, BALLET BALL
BROWN SUEDE BOOTS
What I especially love about these Gianvito Rossi suede boots is their small block heels and striking pointed toes, which to me result in the perfect balance of comfort and style. Crafted from Italian leather, the elegant boots will effortlessly elevate everything from jeans to minidresses. Available at Kirna Zabête.
DESIGNER HANDBAGS
Always the right fit, a luxury handbag is the ultimate splurge.
These pink tweed and brown leather purses are timeless and elegant, but the beauty of buying designer is that each bag is a keepsake to be treasured for years to come. Available at Gus Mayer and Nordstrom.
FUR BEANIE AND WRAP
Cold-weather essentials don’t have to be boring. This super-soft cashmere beanie with an adorable fur puff on top pairs so nicely with this oversized cashmere wrap. It’s the perfect combination for anyone wanting to look winter-chic while staying warm and cozy, and the beautiful ivory hue will look wonderful with any outfit. Available at Gus Mayer.
CUSTOM JEWELRY
The Monogram Collection from Rare Gems of India makes an ideal gift for the person who has it all. My dear friend Heather Asbury offers customizable embellishments on a variety of styles — including pendants, dog tags, cuffs, bracelets and lockets — that are glamorous yet wearable every day. Each piece I have seems to be the ultimate conversation starter. Available at Rare Gems of India.
AKRIS PUNTO BLOUSE
We think this top would be perfect for the holiday season and beyond. Dress it up with black or red festive pumps, black pants and sparkly earrings or make it a statement piece with a simple satin skirt. Available at Gus Mayer.
COZY AUTUMN LAYERS
The minute you wrap yourself in this buttery-soft Akris Punto jacket, you’ll see why it made our list. The timeless staple pairs perfectly with other autumn essentials, like this fitted striped sweater and textured midi skirt (both also from Akris Punto). Available at Gus Mayer.
COFFEE TABLE BOOK
One of my favorite gifts to give or receive is a beautiful coffee table book. Feeling inspired by our Ballet Ball theme for 2025, the Italian Renaissance, I found Fashion History: From the 18th to the 20th Century so enjoyable. Though it’s not focused on the same time period, learning about the design process and how it has been influenced throughout history was fascinating all the same. Available at Parnassus Books.
GIFTS FOR ENTERTAINING
Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw CO-CHAIRS, SYMPHONY BALL
GOLD-RIMMED GOBLETS AND STERLING COASTERS
Holiday celebrations call for toastworthy crystal. We’re raising a glass to our guests with these gorgeous gold-rimmed goblets in Moser’s Lady Hamilton pattern. A classic mahogany-and-sterling wine coaster will also elevate your presentation and protect your tabletops. Available at Corzine & Co.
SILVER CANDLESTICKS AND IVORY CANDLES
You can’t beat the classics when it comes to tablescapes. Vintage silver candlesticks and tall ivory tapers never go out of style. Candlelight is the most flattering light there is, so make sure you have plenty of these on your holiday dining table. Available at Corzine & Co. (candlesticks) and Katy’s Hallmark (candles).
HEREND NUTCRACKER AND GOLD VOTIVES
A touch of gold in unexpected places helps your whole house shimmer. We like to scatter seasonal vignettes throughout our home, such as this charming little nutcracker in Herend’s signature fishnet pattern, combined with glittering golden votives. Available at Corzine & Co.
ORIENTE ITALIANO TABLE SERVICE AND GOLD ACCENTS
A red-and-gold color scheme creates a timeless holiday tablescape that’s elegant all year round. We love the sophisticated chinoiserie inspiration of Ginori 1735’s Oriente Italiano collection combined with gold-accented accessories and linens. Available at Corzine & Co. (table service) and Color (accents).
CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
Seasonal sweets are de rigueur this time of year, which can be a challenge if you’re trying to cut back on sugar. We love setting out dishes of these sugar-free mintchocolate truffles — a delectable and virtuous way to indulge your sweet tooth. We serve them on Herend’s classic Christmas tree treat plate, paired with Vietri’s redand-gold serving tray for extra festive flair. Available at Katy’s Hallmark (truffles) and Corzine & Co. (dishes).
ART DECO COCKTAIL SHAKER AND VIETRI COUPES
For holiday entertaining, a signature cocktail always gets the evening off to a festive start. We love the contrast of a sleek, Art-Deco-inspired cocktail shaker with these fun spotted coupes from Vietri — perfect for a round of cranberry cosmopolitans. Available at Corzine & Co.
GIFTS FOR HIM
Paige Hill and Dawn Looney CO-CHAIRS, ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW
WE NORWEGIANS VEST
W.KLEINBERG ALLIGATOR BELT
A nice belt is always a good idea. For something uniquely stylish, give the gift of a w.kleinberg alligator belt this holiday season. Available at The Oxford Shop.
ALLIGATOR WALLET
If you’re looking to give something truly luxurious, an alligator wallet is the way to go. It’s unique, yet can still be used every day for a classic look. Available at The Oxford Shop.
POCKET SQUARES
This We Norwegians Alta Vest is the perfect gift for the outdoorsman, offering mobility and warmth. It’s perfect for winter layering, seamlessly slipping under coats and over base layers. Available at Oak Hall.
BARBOUR BUTTON-DOWN
This timeless Barbour button-down is perfect for afternoons outdoors, dinners at restaurants and everything in between. It’s the perfect essential to wear under a cozy vest or a sleek jacket. Available at Oak Hall.
Though often overlooked, pocket squares can complete a look. The Oxford Shop is the perfect place to shop for classic and traditional pieces, so help your giftee elevate his outfit with a quality pocket square. Available at The Oxford Shop.
FLY FISHING BOOK
Give the fisherman in your life The Fly Fisher: The Essence and Essentials of Fly Fishing. This book is filled with tips, tricks and techniques, as well as beautiful imagery perfect for your coffee table. Available at Epergne.
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Give the gift of encouragement this holiday season with a set of daily devotionals.
Personalize the devotionals by choosing from a variety of options — such as My Utmost for His Highest — fit for the Christian man in your life. Available at Logos Christian Bookstore.
PRIMEAUX KNIVES
Primeaux knives are the perfect gift for the man who loves to cook or grill. Made in Knoxville, these handcrafted knives are truly cutting-edge and guaranteed to elevate your kitchen experience. Available at The Kitchen Nashville.
BOOS BLOCK CUTTING BOARD
Everyone needs a long-lasting cutting board, and this Boos cutting board is exactly that. These thick, wooden boards come in a variety of colors and sizes, as well as reversible options. Available at The Kitchen Nashville.
JACK BLACK PRODUCTS
For men who travel, reliable-yet-portable skin care and shave products are essential. Give the gift of luxury and convenience with Jack Black’s The Jetsetter Set, which includes moisturizer, cleanser and more. Available at Woo Skincare + Cosmetics.
RANGER STATION TRAVEL FRAGRANCES
Founded right here in Nashville, Ranger Station has developed rich, luxury fragrances at an attainable price point. These travel fragrances are perfect for men on the go, and the small size gives you the opportunity to discover multiple different scents. Available at White’s Mercantile.
WAXED BARBOUR JACKET
This holiday season, give your special someone a waxed Barbour jacket — a gift that will last a lifetime in both style and quality. The jacket is timeless and sure to elevate his everyday style, keeping him feeling warm and looking sharp. Available J. Michaels Clothiers.
TURTLEBOX AUDIO
Turtlebox speakers are made to be heard in any place and any environment. These state-of-the-art speakers are waterproof, drop-proof and crush-proof — the perfect gift for music lovers and outdoorsmen alike. Available at New York Butcher Shoppe.
HOME FO R THE HOLID A YS
A career that propelled designer Jim Marvin to the White House and around the globe now leads back to Cheekwood
WHEN VETERAN DESIGNER Jim Marvin hangs his creative touches on the Cheekwood mansion this holiday season, the project will be a dazzling topper on a brightly decorated career that has crisscrossed back and forth around the globe like so much gleaming tinsel zigzagging up a Christmas tree. And if that simile sounds unusually ornamental, remember that we’re referring to a creative entrepreneur who decorated the White House for two decades, used President James Monroe’s vermeil vessels to prepare a table for Queen Elizabeth II, and currently markets his signature 9-foot-tall Christmas tree kit through Neiman Marcus for $22,000, plus shipping.
“I’ve had a wonderful life,” Jim says, with just the type of George Bailey-flavored gratitude you’d hope for when reflecting on a career that spans eight decades, leads from Tennessee to both coasts of the U.S. and countries across the world, and
includes dreamy details, like marrying his high school sweetheart and building a global brand to hand to a second generation of family entrepreneurs.
To think, young Jim only hoped to get as far as New York or Los Angeles, like the buses that traveled Highway 100 in front of his childhood home in Linden, Tenn.
In helping with the 10th anniversary of Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS, Jim is pulling together experiences from his storied career, including reuniting with Laura Dowling, former chief floral designer for the White House. Dowling’s decoration of the mansion, with the theme “Gifts of the Garden,” will include a custom limited-edition ornament by the Jim Marvin Collection. (Jim once partnered with The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston to create a line of ornaments celebrating Jacqueline Kennedy’s “The White House Years.”)
The World Through Rose-Colored Glass
JIM SAYS HE “got into the business by buying a business” when he purchased a gift shop in Linden in 1957, selling flowers and china. He worked hard, took classes and traveled to train his design eye. Looking back, he thinks maybe the time he spent alone as a child, playing outside with his dog and observing nature, taught him to see the world in a way that now guides his inimitable use of vibrant color and floral motifs.
Jim sold the Linden shop in 1960 and was soon drafted to design projects in New York City. He and Faye, his wife and business partner for 49 years, moved to New Jersey and began traveling the world in search of fresh design elements. Jim sourced
products from Europe, India and Asia, where he identified millinery accessories from elegant hat design that could be reworked and manufactured for home decor.
“To go into Beijing in 1978 was a big deal,” remembers Jim, who sometimes paid for his travels by bringing back oil paintings on canvases rolled in his luggage to sell to decorators in the U.S. In 1977, he became a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers, with the AIFD designation after his name.
In 1980, Jim launched the Jim Marvin Collection brand, creating products and design concepts to prepare holiday displays for icons such as The Greenbrier, The Hay-Adams, the Biltmore and The Breakers. Among his far-flung expeditions, Jim traveled to the Czech Republic to source handmade glass ornaments, Japan to decorate department stores and demonstrate American style, and Hong Kong to decorate The Landmark complex.
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
JIM’S UNIQUE PRODUCTS, style and colorways caught the eye of legendary White House designer Nancy Clarke, who recruited him to participate in the seasonal dressing of the White House. Between 1997 and 2017, Jim was an annual visitor to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., designing for holidays, the millennium and the 2001 inaugural transition.
“I got to do wonderful things because of the White House,” says Jim, who received the Tennessee Legend Award from the Tennessee State Florists Association in 2016.
A few of those wonderful things included using James Monroe’s gilded bronze containers to prepare centerpieces for Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit, lighting a four-story Marshall Field’s department store Christmas tree with presidential daughter Caroline Kennedy, and decorating the White House in silver and gold for the millennium.
“The Clintons left the White House at 11:30 p.m., and we all gathered on the roof in time for the fireworks and saw the new millennium come in from the top of the White House,” he remembers. “It was a nice bonus for working so hard. That was a very special thing for me.”
At home in Tennessee, Jim decorated the Executive Residence for the holidays during Gov. Bill Haslam’s two terms, and he designed the Tennessee Waltz fundraiser for the Tennessee State Museum for a decade.
A Generational Shift
AFTER SELLING HIS Jim Marvin Enterprises inventory and distribution facilities in Dickson, Tenn., in 2016, Jim now lives on his farm in Linden, back home on Highway 100. His son, designer Phil Marvin, and daughter, designer Allison Furr, oversee the licensing relationship with California-based Winward International, which markets the Jim Marvin Collection’s richly colored translucent glass ornaments nationally and around the world through retailers like Neiman Marcus and Frontgate.
Most likely, no one is more surprised by the global extent and staying power of the Jim Marvin Collection’s success than Jim Marvin himself. “I thought those buses would take me to Los Angeles and New York,” he says, remembering the marquees that rolled past his childhood home in Linden. “I’ve done that, plus 30 countries. I don’t know how I can be so lucky.”
BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
H AR VEST MOON
The Land Trust for Tennessee honors Phil Bredesen at Once in a Blue Moon
Tennessee’s rolling hills, lush mountains and biodiverse waterways are just some of the rich beauties that have captivated people for thousands of years. Over 93% of the state is open space — public and private land untouched and unobstructed by buildings or other structures. But preserving this natural beauty is no small task. For 25 years, The Land Trust for Tennessee has stayed true to its mission to work with landowners and developers to preserve one of Tennessee’s greatest natural resources — land.
Land Trust Legacy
IN 1999, what looked like a mismatched assemblage of businesspeople and politicians from both sides of the political aisle gathered in the living room of then-Mayor Phil Bredesen to establish a new conservation organization — The Land Trust for Tennessee. The group felt inspired to start the new nonprofit after noticing development encroaching on green spaces, a budding trend the mayor thought would only increase.
The newly formed organization originally had one employee, Jeanie Nelson, who was hired under the pretense that the role was — as Byron Trauger recounted at Once in a Blue Moon — “going to be an easy lift, just a part-time job.” In the early days,
land conservation received less cultural focus. “It was often seen as an environmental cause,” notes Liz McLaurin, president and CEO of The Land Trust for Tennessee. “People now recognize land conservation as vital for maintaining the state’s unique character and protecting resources that impact quality of life.”
Land being threatened by developers is a familiar story to organizations like The Land Trust for Tennessee. One success the nonprofit likes to point to is Bentontown, a 49-acre property located just south of Leiper’s Fork. In 2015, Bentontown was for sale. The pristine expanse not only had beautiful views of the Natchez Trace Parkway, but it also held the ruins of the Thomas Hart Benton home. It was not long before a mixed-use complex developer had the property
under contract. After countless meetings and lots of community outcry, three local families came together to purchase the property. And in 2018, they donated a conservation easement to The Land Trust to protect it in perpetuity.
Today, The Land Trust has become a nationally recognized thought leader in land conservation. It has helped protect over 136,000 acres of land — almost 10 times the size of Manhattan — in 76 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. “In recent years, conservation has increasingly been viewed through the lens of resilience and sustainability,” says Liz. “Communities across Tennessee now see conserved land as essential for maintaining local food production, protecting against flooding and fostering outdoor recreation and tourism, all of which support local economies.”
Under the Moon
STEPPING THROUGH THE threshold of the historic barn at The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Glen Leven Farm at twilight is always a serene experience. Guests of this year’s annual Once in a Blue Moon had even more reason to feel reverence. The evening marked the celebration of 25 years of land conservation in the state of Tennessee through the creation of The Land Trust. As guests approached the field and dinner tent, the energy felt vibrant. The night was alive with the magic of a pristine, preserved green space at dusk.
Co-chairs Susannah and Zulu Scott-Barnes and Michelle and Aubrey Preston created a truly special evening — sparing no detail to mark the milestone occasion. They visited vivaciously as guests enjoyed cocktails, like the Ginger Basil Smash, and listened to music by Bourbon Revival. After the reception, guests sat down for a delicious, rustic dinner.
Tennessee state Reps. Greg Vital and Caleb Hemmer took the stage to present a joint resolution, HJR 989, recognizing the 25th anniversary of The Land Trust for Tennessee. Later, filmmaker Andrew Kornylak premiered a new short film, “Be a Part of the Story,” that brings The Land Trust’s journey to life, honors its founder Phil Bredesen and highlights its innovative, data-driven vision for the future.
After the film, former Gov. Bredesen gave a heartfelt and personal speech about the impact green spaces had on him as a 12-year-old child, and about his hopes for The Land Trust’s future. “I don’t know if 100 years from now we’ll be playing football in the United States,” he said. “And I don’t know if 100 years from now there’ll be parties like the Democratic and Republican parties we have today. But what I do know is that there will be those 12-year-old children who are learning from and being nourished by what is being preserved by this land trust.”
BY JANET KURTZ
LAND PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN ALVAREZ, EVENT PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
Phil Bredesen, Liz McLaurin, Trisha Bridges, Tom Beasley
Co-chair Susannah Scott-Barnes, Alex von Hoffmann, Bob Doyle
Phil Bredesen
Buddy Kite, Gusti Escalante, Jennifer Kite
Lori Hemmer, Lisa Duncan
Casey Long, Anna Ingram Ballou, Mary Cockrell
Stephen and Mandy Young, David and Robin Puryear, Stepheni Fragale Bob and Rachel Freeman
Karl Dean and Anne Davis, Mike and Lisa Shmerling
Gray and Leah Skinner, Sally and Clay Bailey
Calvin LeHew, Rudy Jordan, Marilyn LeHew
Mark and Elizabeth McDonald, Jeff and Kim Leeper
Bill and Jane Coble, Marilyn and Kem Hinton
Edith Kirkland, Camellia Howorth
Lynn and Scott Kendrick
Annie Hayes, Rich Stokes
Tonya and Melvin Keebler
Barbara Daane, Sandy Nelson
Cody and Lindsey Eaton, Thomas and Rikki Crutcher
Jamey and Jennifer Parker
Robert Stevens, Courtney Atnip
a p p y Ho l i d a y s FROM
SHAUNA BROOKS REAL ESTATE
Wishing you and your family comfort and joy this holiday season. May the peace of this season stay with you throughout the new year.
As a 30+ year Nashville resident with 28 years of experience successfully navigating the ever changing luxury real estate market, I bring the depth of knowledge necessary to help you formulate and achieve all your real estate goals. At Shauna Brooks Real Estate, we consistently strive to provide personalized, white glove customer service that exceeds our clients’ expectations.
5
Co-chairs Dana Oman, Kelly Crockett
Bob Freeman, Eddie Tyner, Edmund Jackson
Nan Parrish, Paige Bainbridge
PL NTED FO HE LING
Sunday in the Park celebrates 35 years of preservation
IN NOVEMBER 1993, Sunday in the Park became the first event featured in the newly launched Nfocus magazine. It was also the subject of the issue’s cover. Already in its fourth year, Sunday in the Park had made an impression on supporters and conservationists throughout the city, with many considering it one of the premier fundraisers supporting green space in Nashville.
This year, Sunday in the Park celebrated 35 years of supporting Friends of Warner Parks’ mission to preserve, protect and steward Percy and Edwin Warner Parks. Over 700 supporters arrived at Ridge Field on a stunning sunny day for one of Nashville’s favorite brunches. Fashionable ladies and gentlemen enjoyed cocktails in the spacious tents or under the fall sun. Co-chairs Kelly Crockett and Dana Oman — in tune with what guests were looking for — cleverly planned a separate bloody Mary bar to expedite wait times and ensure no one stayed thirsty too long.
After cocktails, guests took their seats inside a beautifully decorated tent. While Sunday in the Park remarks are often comparatively brief, they’re filled with interesting updates on projects and milestones. Govan White, board chair of
the It’s My Nature capital campaign, spoke about the success and purpose of the project, which has thus far raised $15 million to preserve the parks’ 3,200 acres. Through generous contributions and work with the Metro Parks and Recreation Department, Friends of Warner Parks has improved the Percy Warner Golf Course, planted over 250,000 trees, removed over 1 million invasive plants and more.
Jenny Hannon, Friends of Warner Parks president, also addressed the room. “Over the years, I have come to know the immense importance of preserving and protecting this park,” she said. “This fall, this park is alive with a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.” Jenny explained that her love was not just for the people who visit the park, but also “for the plant life and the wildlife that call this place home — from the barred owls to the deers and the wildflowers.”
Before guests settled in to lunch, Warner Bass read the invocation “Praise to the Trees” by Becca Stevens, which brought home the message of reverence for the tree-filled park.
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Lawson and Mary Lauren Allen, Tracy and Bill Frist
Christi Turner, Jenny Hannon
Nfocus’ first cover, November 1993
Tricia and Frank Bass, Allison Bass, Carter Bass
Chase Cole, Virginia Calton
Warner Bass
Billy and Jennifer Frist
Sydney Ball, Tina Piper, Cindy Shafer
Brady Wardlaw, Kelly Beaman, Charita and Louis Upkins
Celebrating 50 years of delicious food and gracious hospitality from Tennessee’s first lady of Southern cooking
“IN JULY 1974, in observance of Bastille Day, Daisy King and her friend Linda Fuson hosted a French-inspired picnic, each basket artfully tucked with roast beef en brioche, marinated mushrooms, chive potato salad, fresh berries, cheeses, a rich rum-soaked cake and a petite bottle of red wine. This out-ofthe-ordinary event caught the attention of Bernie Arnold, then food editor for The Tennessean, who devoted a full spread to their work, complete with color photographs and detailed recipes.
While Daisy and Linda had been gaining notoriety for their catering, that article became a force, catapulting, in particular, Daisy’s career. Already, she’d been approached by Calvin LeHew, who was building Carter’s Court, a Williamsburg-style shopping center in Franklin. He could envision a tearoom
inside its centerpiece — a 19th-century Victorian mansion — and he believed Daisy King was the woman to bring it to life.
“I was all fired up,” she exclaims. “And I’ve never looked back.”
Miss Daisy’s Tearoom opened later that summer to immediate fanfare, launching her stellar career spanning 50 years. Daisy has served as a restaurateur, caterer, cookbook author, public speaker, TV personality, recipe developer and culinary consultant. This trailblazer has won countless awards and chaired numerous galas — moreover, she’s touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of folks with her food and hospitality. As the organizer and hostess of the 1996 Tennessee First Ladies Luncheon at the Hermitage’s Cabin-by-the-Spring — the first of its kind — Daisy more than earned the title “Tennessee’s first lady of Southern cooking.”
Culinary Roots
DAISY MAE PASS was born in Buford, Ga., and came under her maternal grandparents’ care at an early age. Her mother had died when she was 1 month old and her father when she was 6. She moved to their farm in Gainesville, Ga., and learned her way around the garden and the kitchen.
“That was the beginning of my cooking,” Daisy recalls. “I made pound cake, following the recipe, using two extracts. Later, I increased it to three. By the time I got to college, I had made the recipe my own, elevated with five extracts. It has become my signature dessert.”
That college was Belmont. Daisy was the only one in her high school class going out of state, after making an impression on visiting president Herbert Gabhart, who invited her to come to Nashville to take a look at Belmont’s offerings. She majored in home economics and journalism and excelled in her studies. As a soonto-graduate senior, she took over teaching two classes after a professor died. She also met her husband-to-be, Wayne King.
A devoted wife, and later, mother of two sons, Kevin and Patrick, Daisy continued pursuing her passion for food and entertaining.
Life-Changing Mentorship
DAISY IS INDEBTED to Calvin LeHew, creator of Carter’s Court, for his business acumen, and his wife Marilyn, who helped her open Miss Daisy’s Tearoom. Helen Corbitt, who designed and ran The Zodiac restaurants in Neiman Marcus, was another key mentor. She influenced the tearoom’s menu, sharing her recipes for creamed chicken, poppyseed dressing for fresh fruit salad, and flower pot dessert. Corbitt’s creamed chicken called for a popover, but Daisy had other ideas and served it over her cornbread.
Daisy’s creamed chicken — tender chunks of chicken breast, chopped pimientos and water chestnuts in a silken sherry-laced bechamel — remains a firm favorite to this day. It is a nostalgic dish, embodying the simple elegance and soulful comfort of Southern cooking.
Cookbooks in the Millions
DURING THE EARLY years of Miss Daisy’s Tearoom, the notion of writing a cookbook was impossible for Daisy to consider. If a customer asked, she would scribble a recipe on the back of an order receipt.
“Finally, Calvin insisted that either I do the cookbook or he was going to start charging guests 10 cents apiece for those recipes,” Daisy says, with a laugh.
In June 1978, Recipes from Miss Daisy’s — aka the “little yellow cookbook” — was published and, to date, has sold over a million copies.
It was the first of 14 books, eight of which are still in print. Some of her most popular titles include Gracious Entertaining, Southern Style; Miss Daisy Cooks Light; Miss Daisy’s Blue Ribbon Desserts; and the one that gives her the most pride, Miss Daisy Celebrates Tennessee Published for the Tennessee Bicentennial, it is a carefully researched book relating our state’s history, customs, foods, menus and recipes from its indigenous inhabitants to its settlers, shining the light on the contributions of Tennessee farmers, entrepreneurs, artists and political leaders, county by county.
Daisy believes she’s got one more cookbook in her. This would feature her life stories in food and the people she’s had the privilege of meeting, cooking with or serving.
“The recipes would follow two trains: the traditional and those with a focus on dietary needs, such as gluten-free.”
Highlights: Homecoming Tennessee, Julia Child and A Word on Words
IN 1986, Gov. Lamar Alexander launched an ambitious project called Homecoming Tennessee and enlisted Daisy to edit a cookbook of the same name. She accompanied famed author Alex Haley on a Homecoming Train tour of Tennessee, visiting communities, towns and cities across the tri-state area.
The following year, Daisy met her culinary heroine, Julia Child, at the Southern Festival of Books. She was overwhelmed when she learned that Julia bought one of her cookbooks, thrilled to, at last, have a recipe for Southern fried chicken.
When promoting her book Miss Daisy Celebrates Tennessee, Daisy appeared on John Seigenthaler’s show, A Word on Words. This made the normally unflappable chef nervous, but Seigenthaler put her at ease when he explained how her book taught him so much about Tennessee. The validation from this journalistic luminary meant everything to her.
Evolving to a New Model
DAISY’S ENDEAVORS HAVE seen ups and downs. In 1982, H.G. Hill Jr. asked her to come to Nashville. She closed the Carter’s Court tearoom and opened Miss Daisy’s, a full-service restaurant, in Green Hills. For 10 years, it enjoyed success, but outposts subsequently launched in Bellevue and Church Street malls failed. “You learn by your mistakes,” she reflects. On Dec. 18, 1987,
she was behind the creation of F. Scott’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar, an upscale French restaurant (“no doilies here!”) but soon sold her interest.
In the meantime, Daisy had been consulting for national brands, such as Swift Meats and Pillsbury. That work took her on media tours of grocery stores across the nation. In some California stores, she noticed deli cases stocked with eye-appealing homestyle foods packaged to-go. A light went off — “This is what I want to do!”
In 1992, Stephen Crook of Stephen’s grocery at the Highway 70/100 split gave her the opportunity to have a store within a store: Miss Daisy’s Kitchen. While her location has shifted a couple times — she’s now located at 1110 Hillsboro Road, #220, in Franklin — she’s enjoyed a 22-year (and counting!) run, preparing and purveying the appetizers, soups, salads, casseroles and desserts her customers have loved for decades.
The World According to Daisy
“HAVE I MADE a bazillion dollars? No — unless you measure it in happiness.”
“We all have suffered the losses of loved ones. If I ever feel down, I can look over my body of work — the articles, stories, pictures, cookbooks — which remind me of all the connections I’ve made with people throughout these many years. Any sadness gets replaced with gratitude.”
“When we talked about opening the tearoom years ago, Calvin (LeHew) asked me, ‘How will you do it?’ My answer was simple, and holds true to this day. I love people, and I love food. My philosophy has always been: You enter as a guest and leave as a friend.”
BY NANCY VIENNEAU
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Sometimes, planning a party is all fun and games until it comes down to the favor. Nashville-based brand Thank You For Coming takes the guesswork out of event gifting, whether it’s a takeaway after a wedding, graduation, dinner party, album release or charity gala.
The holiday season is filled with events and gatherings, but hosting one is no small feat. Thank You For Coming knows that every event is unique, so each party favor from the store is hand-curated to match your occasion’s individual needs. Thank You For Coming — which serves the greater Nashville area — curates custom, personalized gifts that offer a perfect way to say “thank you” after a soirée.
This season, the team is curating special gift bags that pay homage to the year behind and build excitement for the one ahead — adding touches, like a stunning Glassybaby candle votive hand-blown in Seattle or a fun-drink-and-tasty-treat combination that delights the sense of smell.
“By reinventing the ‘goodie bag,’ we are creating an experience that is both nostalgic and elevated,” say Jessie and Ryan Farber, owners of Thank You For Coming. “Our goal is always to bring your gifting vision to life.”
The team has festive seasonal ideas ready to wow your guests with thoughtful keepsakes on par with any gift waiting under the tree.
HOSTESS & HOME
Dedicated to curating pieces that will turn any house into a home, Hostess & Home is a decor and accessories destination located in the heart of Green Hills. Ruth Bailey, owner of the family-run business, hand-selects pieces — both new and vintage — that are sure to add warmth, elegance and personality wherever they may land.
Ring in the New Year with sips, sweet treats and memorable gifts for your guests! Sample gift bag bundle - customization
Browsing the Hostess & Home showroom will reveal gift inspiration galore. For a bold statement piece, consider the stunning white-and-gold animated carousel, complete with a 20-song holiday playlist. This collector’s piece is made to be passed down through generations, creating a family holiday tradition all its own.
Those shopping before the holidays might enjoy the 12 Days of Christmas ornament set — a collection of painted, pearlized ornaments secured in a satin-lined box. If vintage items are of interest, all Herend porcelain collectibles at Hostess & Home are retired, estate or part of an original collection curated by Ruth’s family.
A born-and-raised Nashvillian, Ruth loves everything about the holiday season — from Hallmark movies to gift wrapping and beyond. Following in her mother and grandmother’s footsteps — owners of retail shop Finders Keepers — Ruth dreamed of running a store of her own. Recently, Hostess & Home opened on Bandywood just across from the space Finders Keepers occupied.
“Carrying on my family’s love and passion for gifting and curating home accessories is a dream come true,” Ruth says. “My vision is for Hostess & Home to be a magical part of friends’ dinner parties, curating the perfect gift and creating a lifetime of memories through special and unique finds.”
While there are plenty of luxury items in store, Hostess & Home offers products for every price point. Plus, since Ruth hails from a family of Christmas lovers, her showroom’s walls are fully decorated, only adding to the joy holiday shopping can bring. Customers will find nutcrackers, ornaments, holiday linens, platters and so much more.
Acrylic Tray $90, Set of 10 Acrylic Tray Assorted Inserts $24, Santa Decorating Tree Water Lantern $64, Wooden Nutcrackers $38 - $58, Acrylic Nutcracker $21, Crystal Wine Coaster/Bowl $18, Spreaders $6, Dessert Spoon $6, Vintage Raspberry Deer Herend $690
White & Gold Carousel $525
12 Days of Christmas Ornament Set $175
JUDITH BRI HT
2307 12TH AVE S, NASHVILLE, TN 37204
THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN JUDITHBRIGHT.COM
Judith Bright — the jewelry brand known for its handcrafted, artisanal pieces — adds sparkle to any occasion. In both the 12South and Factory at Franklin locations, shoppers are dazzled by unique gemstones and timeless designs reflecting the brand’s commitment to artistry, elegance, intention and care.
For those looking for an extra-special — and extra-sparkly — gift this season, local small business Judith Bright offers an array of jewelry that’ll make an impression far beyond its unwrapping. The brand is known for exquisite craftsmanship and a commitment to quality, with each piece designed to be a treasured keepsake.
The Judith Bright team is ready to support shoppers on their quest for the perfect present with options like the elegant Rockstar Nest ring, the modern Horizontal Rockstar cuff and the classic Lilly necklace. Each of these pieces is available in more than 20 gemstones to create a customizable look based on your loved one’s taste, style or birthstone.
In both locations, shoppers can expect a stunning selection of handcrafted jewelry, from dainty everyday pieces to bold statement designs. Throughout the season, the brand will also launch festive promotions, exclusive holiday bundles and a “12 Days of Christmas” program with a different item discounted each day. Whichever you choose, a Judith Bright piece is the perfect way to express individuality this season.
BUMP CITY
2209 BANDYWOOD DRIVE, SUITE C, NASHVILLE, TN 37215
BUMPCITYNASH.COM
As the city’s only in-person maternity and nursing store, Bump City is a destination for all new and soon-to-be moms. Inside, customers can find best-in-class brands and products for maternity through nursing and postpartum. While Bump City is a walk-in business, guests can also book personal shopping experiences for special occasions.
Rockstar Nest Ring $218
Horizontal Rockstar Cuff $388
Bump City is a must-visit when holiday shopping for new or expecting moms this year. When founder Tiffany Bard became frustrated trying to find well-fitting, fashion-forward clothes during her own pregnancy, she saw an opportunity to solve this problem for other moms in her community. Tiffany did just that, creating a destination for moms to find quality products tailored to each stage of pregnancy and postpartum. As a lover of fashion, art and design, Tiffany ensures the pregnancy-friendly clothes in her store mirror the latest fashion trends.
Bump City offers personal styling appointments that help moms find their perfect pregnancy style. During the appointment, a stylist will hand-pick clothing options for the mom tailored by size, upcoming events and fit preferences. A personal styling appointment — paired with a gift card to help mom curate her wardrobe — would make an excellent present this season. Custom gift boxes — tailored to each stage of pregnancy — also make a perfect gift. Choose from a first trimester starter pack with helpful items like Queasy Pops, a Nashville mama t-shirt, and belly oil or a postpartum set with pajamas and a nursing bra for after the baby's arrival.
“Bump City prides itself on the personal relationships we form with our clients,” Tiffany shares. “As a team of mothers and women with motherhood-related backgrounds, we recognize the challenges pregnancy can bring. We empower and support women as they transition into motherhood through our community of resources, products and services.”
In addition to running the store, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, and making memories. She’s looking forward to honoring her Italian culture this holiday season, celebrating with lots of homemade food, playing card games and plenty of laughter.
Ask about customizing a gift box to fit your price range!
FIRST TRIMESTER BOX
Queasy Pops, Hatch Collection Belly Mask and Oil, Nashville Mama Tee, "In My Pregnancy Era" Candle, Protéger Dermal Serum $230
POSTPARTUM / NURSING ESSENTIALS BOX
Buttery soft button-down Mama Pajamas, Mama Slippers, AVYN postpartum & nursing bra, Hatch Collection Nipple + Lip balm $220
PRN SSUS
3900 HILLSBORO PIKE, SUITE #14, NASHVILLE, TN 37215
PARNASSUSBOOKS.NET
Novelist Ann Patchett opened Parnassus Books 13 years ago to answer the need for a local bookstore. The independent shop offers an array of literary treasures — books on every subject, a sanctuary for readings and signed copies of Ann’s many works. The knowledgeable staff in both the Green Hills storefront and Nashville International Airport satellite location are ready to guide customers to the perfect book, no matter what they’re looking for.
You can never go wrong with gifting a book — whether it’s your personal favorite you just know your friend will love or a novel covering their favorite special interest. The knowledgeable booksellers at Parnassus can help you sift through the year’s biggest titles and its lesser-known hidden gems.
“Our staff is wildly smart, friendly, well-read and capable of finding a book for everyone on your list,” shares Sarah Arnold, the bookstore’s marketing and communications director. “You’ll get personalized help from a fantastic bookseller every time you come to Parnassus.”
The team at Parnassus can also recommend book bundles perfect for gifting. Create your own collection of books by local authors. Or give a subscription to the Parnassus First Editions Club, a members-only book club that will deliver a signed copy of the latest, greatest book to your giftee’s door every month. There are other subscription boxes available, including options for various ages and fans of different genres.
The shop also offers gift cards — for bookish loved ones who’d prefer to pick their next title on their own.
503BLOOMHOUSE.COM
INSTAGRAM: @503BLOOMHOUSE
Located in the heart of downtown Franklin, luxury consignment boutique 503 Bloomhouse offers a selection of high-quality designer goods and one-of-a-kind pieces. From vintage Chanel purses to rare Fendi bags, the store’s selection is all about rarity, discovery and helping women of all ages find their perfect piece.
LOCAL AUTHOR COLLECTION
Bel Canto Annotated Edition $40, The Secret Garden Illustrated Edition $27.50, Leaf, Cloud, Crow $24, My Black Country $28.99
Downtown Franklin during the holidays will surely put you in the festive spirit, and if your gift list includes someone who appreciates designer finds, 503 Bloomhouse is a must-visit. The store’s elegance and rarity is apparent from beginning to end. Browse refined holiday dresses, contemporary pieces and rare treasures from brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Hermès.
Sisters and co-owners Kristie and Alexa Dunnigan have worked together to design a store that feels like a dream closet. Originally from a small town in Montana, the duo have spent their careers studying fashion in Milan, personally styling women and helping design and create a plethora of brands and businesses. Their latest venture, 503 Bloomhouse, is a multi-generational destination for beautiful finds. The sisters abide by the motto, “New stories start here — for garments and for women.”
“We see that [motto] come to life everyday — a beautiful garment being dusted off and finding new life, or a woman stumbling upon something special she feels beautiful in,” they share. “It’s the best revolving door of fashion, and every day, new beautiful pieces and women become part of 503 Bloomhouse’s story.
This season, expect to find everything from dresses for holiday parties, timeless pieces for special gifts under the tree or designer sneakers for those busy days running errands. The boutique boasts a gorgeous collection of designer handbags and accessories alongside stunning fur and outerwear pieces.
Whether you’re gifting a loved one their first designer piece or shopping for an avid collector, 503 Bloomhouse is filled with memorable gift options this season.
What began as a family tradition of gifting jewelry has evolved into a Nashville-based business offering handmade, high-quality bangles and accessories. Made from solid 14-karat gold and natural stones, these elegant appurtenances are created to be stackable, making them perfect dazzling presents to keep giving for every milestone, holiday or special occasion.
Yearly Co.’s newly renovated Green Hills showroom is filled with timeless pieces perfect for gifting this season, including exclusive seasonal designs. Customers can expect a personalized, meaningful experience at Yearly Co. It isn’t just a place to buy jewelry — it’s a destination where stories are shared and quality craftsmanship is the standard.
The Yearly Co. team is at the ready to help anyone create the ideal gift for their special someone. The Catch Up Pack, which includes three or more classic bangles, Can help a giftee kickstart their bangle stack — a great option for those new to the brand. Those loved ones are sure to enjoy bangles with more twists, textures or gemstones at future celebrations.
For the experienced wearer with a more substantial bangle collection, an everyday earring would be an excellent companion. The medium diamond hoops are a versatile gift — dainty enough for daily wear but dazzling enough to bring a hint of sparkly elegance to any outing.
“Each piece is crafted to celebrate life’s milestones, making every visit feel like writing a chapter of your own story,” shares the Yearly Co. team. “Our team is dedicated to helping you find jewelry that reflects your unique style and memories."
Founded in New Orleans in 1900, Gus Mayer has become an established leader in the luxury apparel market. Now with outposts in Birmingham, Ala. and Nashville, Tenn., Gus Mayer and its team of styling experts is eager to help shoppers select the perfect, meaningful gift for a loved one — with a touch of luxury.
HILLS VILLAGE DRIVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37215
Ron White heel $595, Nickho Rey long diamond earrings $395, Nickho Rey bracelets $300 each, Diana Rosh fur wrap $225, Carolina Herrera dress $4690, Judith Lieber clutch $3495
With Gus Mayer’s curated gift selection, there is truly a gift for everyone. The boutique is a one-stop shop for gifts both luxurious and meaningful, with options ranging from chic outerwear to statement clothing, handbags and accessories. Whichever you choose, rest assured you’re gifting a piece of the utmost quality — with hand-dyed finishes, luxurious materials and versatile designs sure to wow your loved one.
Whether you have the perfect piece in mind or you need a little guidance, Gus Mayer’s team of personal shoppers will be there to extend a warm welcome. As in seasons past, associates have curated an impressive selection of pieces, including cashmere scarves, sparkling jewelry and enticing fragrances anyone would be thrilled to unwrap this year.
Originally from Charleston, S.C., Nashville’s store manager Ashley Taylor Nelson is brimming with Southern hospitality, greeting each Gus Mayer guest as if they were an old friend. She has long been passionate about connecting with people and brings this drive to the store each day, ensuring both her team and her customers feel like part of the family.
“Our customers inspire us every day, and their support allows us to continue growing and innovating,” Ashley shares. “At Gus Mayer, we’re dedicated to providing a luxury shopping experience and being a community hub for fashion, art and personal connection.”
In the spirit of connection, Ashley adores the togetherness of the holiday season both inside and outside the store — strolling holiday markets, watching seasonal shows and enjoying the twinkling lights. Ashley, alongside the team at Gus Mayer, is eager to help you pick the perfect gift that will be treasured for years to come.
JBQ top $345, L’AGENCE coated jean $305, W. Kleinberg belt $275, Stuart Weitzman gold heel $495, MFK travel perfume $155, Nickho Rey ring $200, Classic Coco Chanel stud earrings $2295
WITNESS HISTORY
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e Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
“For cataloging one of the Nation’s great homegrown art forms,” the White House Citation recognized the Museum’s enduring work, which “preserves history, honors giants of the genre, and inspires future generations to write their own songs about the American story.” is is the United States’ highest honor in the arts.
CONGRATULATIONS FELLOW NATIONAL MEDAL OF ARTS RECIPIENTS HONORED ON OCTOBER 21, 2024
Ruth Asawa
Randy A. Batista
Mark Bradford
Ken Burns
Clyde Butcher
Bruce Cohen
Melissa “Missy” Elliott
Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez
Alex Katz
Jo Carole Lauder
Spike Lee
Eva Longoria
Idina Menzel
Herbert I. Ohta
Queen Latifah
Selena Quintanilla
Bruce Sagan
Steven Spielberg
Carrie Mae Weems
I See Red Door
The Gilda’s Club Red Door Bash continues its tradition of helping and healing
Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee’s annual Red Door Bash was an unmitigated success. Supporters of the charity, which provides free cancer support for individuals and families across Middle Tennessee, gathered at the Omni Nashville Hotel to celebrate another year of doing good and inspire continued support.
Servers greeted attendees with cocktails and passed appetizers as guests browsed silent auction offerings curated by co-chairs Lori Fishel and Beverly Davenport. There were 150 tantalizing items on offer, including 16 trips, works from 35 artists and many generously donated specialty items.
After entering the ballroom for the program, guests enjoyed the Omni’s culinary offerings — a delicious steak dinner — while Gilda’s Club president Harriet Schiftan gushed about this year’s honorees.
The Red Door Champion Award went to Steve and Helen Lane, the latter of whom found comfort in the organization amid her breast cancer battle. She now works to provide the same solace to others.
Harriet dubbed Scott Perry, who earned the Shining Star Award, the “yoda jedi master of nonprofits.” Scott, the president of the Memorial Foundation, spoke about his mom’s battle with cancer and how it inspired him to get involved with Gilda’s Club.
Elaine Dorris nabbed the Nancy Saturn Award of Inspiration, presented to her by the namesake’s daughter, Sam Saturn. Sam praised Elaine for embodying the compassion the award celebrates.
Matt Rogers, the voice of the Tennessee Titans, began his hosting duties by instructing the room to bid on the Harold Kraus painting sitting at the center of each table. The fun moment not only got tablemates talking, but also raised vital funds for Gilda’s Club. He continued to elicit support from the crowd — even giving away two VIP Titans tickets to one randomly chosen donor.
A live auction for a New Year’s Eve experience at the Omni, a custom piece of artwork and a Leiper’s Fork getaway followed, before Harriet returned to the stage with Ashley Nicholson. Ashley left not a dry eye in the house — highlighting how impactful Gilda’s Club was during her second battle with cancer and sharing that she still uses its services today.
BY PAIGE GAWLEY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Patricia Straus, Victoria Mather, Liz Schwartz, Brian Marger, Mindy Hirt, Harriet Schiftan
Pete and Toni Mroz, Janet and Rick Froio
Co-chairs Lori Fishel, Beverly Davenport
Diane Seloff, Joseph Gigante
Brian Berry, Bruce Hirsch, Adam Hirsch
Dianne Berry, Mandy Hirsch, Rae Hirsch
Ollie McGee, Herb Seloff, Steve Lane, Art Rebrovick
Austin Schulenburg, Rachel Solomon, Morgan Gill
Jennifer Gash, Jim Brown, Traci and Bryan Frasher, Theresa and Anthony Scotto, Keri McInnis
Vidu Yarlagadda and Sandhya Mudumbi Chris King, Amy Duggin
Leisa and Andy Gill
Pam Harper, Kevin Croteau
Colleen Edwards, Brenda Mapes, Christina DePascale
Teresa and Mark Haldeman, William and Jaime Loeffel
En Frnçis
The Bug Ball transports supporters to an evening in France
The highly anticipated 2024 Bug Ball transported guests to a French wonderland. The annual fundraiser for The Theater Bug, held this year at Saint Elle, had a French fête theme and the chicness to match.
Servers greeted guests with glasses of Champagne as revelers wearing florals and pastels made their way into the venue. Signature gin and bourbon cocktails set the tone for the soirée, as supporters chatted with each other, posed for photos in front of a stunning toile backdrop and purchased mystery bottles of wine for $30 — one of which was valued at $300.
Guests took their seats, enjoying a decadent French meal, as co-hosts Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young took the stage. The pair gushed about The Bug’s work to create a home for all young artists by offering affordable theater programs and performances.
Greylee, a Bug alum, got the show underway by singing original songs, including “I Don’t Care If You Don’t Like Me.” Many Bug performers followed, with talented kids of all ages showing off their impressive pipes, comedic wit and impeccable stage presence. Greylee’s onstage showing — and every other performance that night — earned a standing ovation from the raucous crowd.
Cori Anne Laemmel, the group’s managing director, announced a new fundraising campaign that encourages everyone — parents, students and alums — to tell their Bug story. Board member Tyler Merritt gave an emotional speech about the importance of inclusivity and the need to celebrate individuality, things at which The Bug excels.
Things took a comedic turn when Tyler, backed by current Bug students, worked to motivate donors with a performance inspired by Sarah McLachlan’s iconic “Angel” ASPCA commercials. As a final push, the kids performed a hilarious mash-up of money-themed songs, including “I Need a Dollar” and “Ain’t About the Money.”
BY
PAIGE GAWLEY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
Jason Gray, Matt and Kristin Maher, Ace Young
Melodie Madden Adams, Molly Gaglione
Lindsay Bischoff, Emily Spring Greylee, Manny Cazalas
Diana DeGarmo, Tyler Merritt
Greylee, Manny Cazalas
Elle Wesley
Molly Ricks, Crystal Hochhalter
Book Smrt
Authors in the Round unites readers with writers to raise money for Humanities Tennessee
For 14 years, book lovers and lexophiles have carefully guarded the evening of Humanities Tennessee’s Authors in the Round on their calendars. Using the unofficial tagline of being “Nashville’s best book club,” this year’s event saw nearly 400 guests arrive at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate authors visiting for the Southern Festival of Books. Guests enjoyed Champagne and cocktails as they traversed the HCA Lobby and Carlton Family Terrace, taking in skyline views that set the tone for the cosmopolitan event.
As is tradition, each of the 40 visiting authors shares their own table with Nashville’s literary set. This year’s lineup included a variety of authors, like fantasy writer Leslye Penelope, fiction writers Bret Anthony Johnston and Andre Dubus III, suspense writer Peter Swanson, popular science writer Richard Panek and many more.
Conversation in the room was immediately lively as organizers worked to seat the guests so dinner could begin. The evening’s emcee, Jeremy Finley — a noted author, Edward R. Murrow Award winner and A Word on Words co-host — thanked the crowd for their support of Humanities Tennessee and their dedication to keeping the written word alive. He shared that since 2008, the organization has raised $1.25 million to support local authors.
Once dinner began, guests dove right into discussion, asking their author hosts questions about how they find inspiration and what led them to write their first books. Each guest headed home with a copy of their host author’s book as a memento of the evening.
“Authors in the Round is one of Nashville’s most fun, unique, and fascinating events,” said co-chair Allison Stansberry. “It is a book lover’s dream.”
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
John Vercher, Crystal Wilkinson
Gail Danner, Marty Donner, Cathy Del Casino
Bonnie Grzeszczak, Ellen O’Neal, co-chair Allison Stansberry, John Talbott
Marina Lien, Grace Awh, Bret Anthony Johnston, Beth Alexander, Jennifer Puryear, Cameron Simmons
Michael Sims, Elizabeth Herbert
Peter Swanson, Andre Dubus III, Richard Panek
Daniel Horwitz, Page Krugman, Neil Krugman and Lee Pratt
Claire Campbell, Jing Geng
Nancy Dickinson, Linda Jamison Harris
Nicole Robinson-Hamilton, Jessica Driver Deby Samuels, Jennifer McKerley, Margie Bingham, Barbara Enkema
Steve Sirls, Nancy Floyd, Donna Joyner, Jay Joyner
Trish Munro, Trey Lipman
Caroline Randall Williams and Tim Darrah
Rocketown’s Comedy for a Cause celebrates 30 years
ocketown’s annual Comedy for a Cause was made all the more special this year, as it celebrated the organization’s three decades of service.
As attendees entered the impressive venue, they perused an array of silent auction items that immediately put them in the giving spirit. Rocketown’s cofounder, Michael W. Smith, welcomed the crowd, marveling that Rocketown has served more than 1 million kids during its 30 years in existence. All those young people, he said, have been shown love and given hope.
Matt Rogers, voice of the Tennessee Titans, got the party underway by auctioning off five items live. As guests enjoyed their short rib dinner, they got the chance to bid on items like a four-seat golf cart, an Alaskan cruise with Michael, and tea with Tennessee’s first lady, Maria Lee, who attended the event alongside her husband, Gov. Bill Lee.
This year, the Betty Dickens Award went to two people: Bill Wright and the late Latrisha Jemison. Both recipients, who were honored for donating time and helping hearts, were recognized with a video presentation.
Lemy, a current Rocketown teen, moved the crowd with his firsthand testimony. Though he was originally drawn to Rocketown for skateboarding and family meals, Lemy decided to stick around for the community he found. Kenny Alonzo, Rocketown’s executive director, spoke about the organization’s plans to expand and, hopefully, “change futures through Christ’s love” across the country.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Comedy for a Cause without a few jokes. Standup comedian Aaron Weber delighted the crowd with a hysterical set. Smiles were abundant, and guests learned that, through their generosity, Rocketown was able to raise vital funds to serve young people in the community.
BY PAIGE GAWLEY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
Janeth and Sam Brown
Rebecca Alonzo, Elizabeth Claybaker, Ashly Brick
Andy and Tina Piper, Tamela Davis, Drew Damon
Karina Spears, Sylvia Johnson, Leslie Janssen, Sarah Wilkinson
Michael W. Smith
Kenny Alonzo, Leilani Boulware
Krystle and Ross Dawkins
Jim and Carol Bryson, Sara and Andy Hylton
Aaron Weber
Jack Cardillo, Hannah Kimbrough, Sam Needham
Leilani Boulware, Sydney Ball
Ashlyn Cablay, William Hemphill
Brandon Major, Michael Gallione, Sam Stilts, Marcella Gallione, Rob Major
Dennie and Teresa Marshall, Kimberly Powell, Kimberly Taylor
Raymond and Mimi Hurd
Rocketown teen Lemy
Dana Patel, Ellen O’Neal
Steven and Lori McClurg
Hert nd Vision
The inaugural Light the Way Luncheon celebrates the transformative power of love
Thirty years ago, Becca Stevens founded Thistle Farms in a single house, transforming her vision of helping women survivors into a life-changing reality. Today, this organization has grown into a global movement advocating for women’s freedom. Through the simple act of providing a safe place to rest and the stability to dream, Thistle Farms has empowered women to become the architects of their own futures, with an emphasis on love and a commitment to paying that love forward to others.
Recently, Thistle Farms hosted its inaugural Light the Way Luncheon in the Symphony Ballroom at the JW Marriott Nashville. This event brought community leaders, corporate supporters and passionate advocates together to engage in a dynamic panel discussion focused on Thistle Farms’ four core pillars: heal, house, employ and advocate. Among the 200 attendees were state and local elected officials, representatives from major employers and longtime Thistle Farms volunteers and partners.
Following a warm welcome by senior ambassador Dorris Walker-Taylor, table hosts participated in a cherished tradition by lighting a candle — a symbol of hope and healing within the Thistle Farms community. The event’s highlight came with an inspiring announcement from Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, who introduced the Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking (TBAT) program led by his office. This initiative aims to empower businesses to combat human trafficking through targeted training and educational resources, building statewide awareness and urging all businesses to be catalysts for change.
To close out this inspiring program, Becca took the stage with the heart and vision that only the founder of this remarkable organization could bring. She shared powerful stories from her work around the globe, from meeting a nun in Uganda who shelters kidnapped “lost girls” to witnessing the challenges on Nashville’s own streets. “The business and corporate space is a perfect place for us to start,” she said. “Love is powerful enough to transform how we do business and sustain our communities. When you invest in women, you build community. When you exploit women, you destroy community. That is a simple truth.”
Becca’s words left an indelible impact on everyone in attendance, underscoring Thistle Farms’ mission and its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and freedom.
BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Rachel and Bob Freeman, Tre Hargett, Heather Meshell
Angela Crane Jones, Miles Asafo-Adjei
Jenelle Spicer, Becca Stevens
Claire Coleman, Donna Dozier, Terrie Moore
Robyn Medley, Candace Booker, Brittany Yokley
Janyl Igadna, Kim Adkins
Lisa Fregoso, Ellen O’Neal, Amanda Gibson, Dana Patel
Tucker Biddlecombe, conductor
Mary Wilson, soprano
Katherine Beck, mezzo soprano
John Tiranno, tenor
Alexander Birch Elliot, baritone
The Second ct
The Centennial Park Conservancy gathers for the second annual Centennial Circle Dinner
The year 1903 saw an explosion of innovation. The Wright brothers made the first manned flight in Kitty Hawk, N.C. The first trans-Atlantic radio broadcast took place. Ford Motor Company began production on the Model T. And in Nashville, the city unveiled the newly created Centennial Park. After the wild success of the 1897 Tennessee Centennial and International Exhibition, Nashville’s leaders came together to create a green space for residents to enjoy.
More than 120 years later, supporters of the Centennial Park Conservancy — a group that works to improve the park and expand its programming — gathered in the Parthenon for the second annual Centennial Circle Dinner. The dinner, which is kept intentionally intimate with only 44 guests, has become a most-anticipated spectacle of food, wine and music. This evening was no different, as sights, sounds and flavors converged to create ephemeral magic.
Following the standard set in 2023, Four Seasons Hotel Nashville chefs Nicky Miscia and Hector Llompart curated a menu à la française — paired with excellent, unique wines and accompanied by beautiful musical selections. The first course was a rémoulade de tourteau paired with a 2013 Luis Pato espumante rosado. As guests savored the dish, Abigail Flowers and the Caloroso quartet performed “La Mer” by Charles Trenet, only adding to the sensory experience.
As the evening continued, so did the parade of culinary delicacies. The second course, a creamy risotto à la truffe, paired perfectly with a 2022 La Jota Restricted Proprietary white wine and a performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ “The Swan.” The third course — a beef cheek bourguignon paired with a 2021 grand cru Les Cadrans de Lassegue — was a triumphant nod to the chillier temperatures soon to descend in the months ahead. Dessert was a mousse au caramel salé et confit de poire Bosc accompanied by a rendition of Edith Piaf and Louiguy’s “La vie en rose.”
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON BIHLER
John Tumminello, Nancy Peterson Hearn, Hope Stringer Larry and Leiyan Keele, Sondra Morris
Jerry Williams, Matthew Scanlan, Ernie Williams
John and Catherine Tumminello
Chef Nicky Miscia
Justin Tam, Eric Cook, Sylvia Rapoport
Carol and Howard Kirshner
Wter’s Color
The Nashville Public Library Foundation honors James McBride at its 20th annual gala
Celebrating a 20-year milestone is no small feat. For the past two decades, the Nashville Public Library Literary Award Weekend has honored great writers of the day. The first Literary Gala honoree was famed historian David Halberstam, whose presence set the bar for future galas. Authors like David McCullough, John Updike, Ann Patchett, John Irvin, Margaret Atwood and more followed. Each honoree was passionate, not only for the written word, but also for the bastions of literacy and free speech — libraries.
This year, the annual gala honored award-winning author and musician James McBride. James’ first book, The Color of Water, launched a prolific career that has spanned the globe. Often referred to as one of the most important writers of our time, James was included on Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list in 2024.
Guests arrived at the Nashville Public Library’s downtown branch excited to hear from the acclaimed author. Later, they would get much more than they bargained for. The evening began with a lively reception in the Ingram Hall Lobby. Co-chairs Margaret Riley King and Casey King, Joelle and Brant Phillips, and Marie and Charles Sueing chose autumnal hues and florals for the décor. As guests ascended to the Memorial Foundation Grand Reading Room for dinner, they encountered a quote from the author affixed to the stairs: “Light is only possible through dialogue between cultures, not through rejection of one or the other.”
After guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, James took the stage for remarks — but he was not alone. In a most nontraditional act, a six-piece musical ensemble joined the author onstage, suggesting this reading would not be like those that had come before. Guests spent the next 30 minutes entranced in southern gospel, R&B and jazz music — as well as readings from James’ new book, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. Soulful tunes married with smooth instrumentals, wowing guests who could be heard asking for just five more minutes of the experience.
BY JANET KURTZ
BY ERIC ENGLAND
PHOTOGRAPHS
Barry Stowe, Emily Humphreys
Jeff and Melinda Balser, Vandana Abramson
Matt and Louise Beasley, co-chairs Margaret Riley King and Casey King
Shawn Bakker, James McBride
Donna Nicely, Sandra Roberts
Michael Shane Neal, Sheila Wolfe, co-chairs Marie and Charles Sueing
Aleta Trauger, co-chairs Joelle and Brant Phillips
Freddie O’Connell, Adam Ross, Charlotte Brändström, Didi and Major Jackson
Kyle Young and Sarah Sperling
James McBride
Walter Searcy, Lou Ann Brown, Josephine Darwin
Adrienne Battle, Keilani Goggins Janetta Fleming, Donna Dalton, Tracy Frazier, Elizabeth Papel
Katherine and Jay Williams, Bob and Lloyd Hannon
Rick and Vicki Horne
- Stephen Schleicher, 2024 Co-Chair
Carl and Grace Awh, Elizabeth Sherrard
Kaaren and Ben May, Tyson Moore, Kevin Crumbo, Jennifer Puryear, Lindsay Moore
Rob and Amy Williams, Judy Gallagher, Margaret Harrison, Kelly Gallagher
Renee and Randy Drake, Carol and Darryl Yochem Kristin Paine, Jane MacLeod, Lauren MacLeod
The Parnassus Books team
Anand and Dee Patel, Emily and Jan Frietag
SUPPORT CENTENNIAL PARK WITH A YEAR-END GIFT
Celebrate unforgettable Centennial Park experiences by remembering the Park in your year-end giving plans. By making a tax-deductible donation or becoming a member of the nonprofit Centennial Park Conservancy, you will help sustain free events at the Parthenon, Musicians Corner, Nashville Earth Day, Kidsville, and more. Plus, your gift will help revitalize the Park and maintain its vibrancy. Give today and create new memories for generations to come. GIVE TODAY! CONSERVANCYONLINE.COM/CELEBRATE
WHEN MARY LINDLEY CARSWELL and Matthew Hubbard met at a Nashville financial industry event, they both knew they’d found someone special. But their relationship got off to a slow start, officially beginning five years later with a first date at a Nashville institution — Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse.
The pair knew the match was meant to be. And Matt — with help from his West Point classmates and friends — organized a surprise proposal in front of the military academy’s famed Battle Monument. Matt dropped to one knee, and Mary Lindley said yes, surrounded by the fall foliage of the Hudson Valley. Mary Lindley’s parents and brother came out of hiding and cheered on the engaged couple.
Mary Lindley chose June for the wedding — held at First Presbyterian Church. The service featured music by the church’s organist and a Nashville Symphony oboist, violinist and cellist, and bagpipes
Mary Lindley Carswell marries Matthew Hubbard
played when the bride entered and the couple recessed. Family friend Chris Simonsen sang a favorite hymn, “Be Thou My Vision.”
The bride carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley from The Tulip Tree. Her wedding gown, designed by Olia Zavozina, featured ivory Italian duchess silk and lace purchased in Alençon, France. The same lace adorned her silk cathedral-length veil. She wore her mother’s vintage pearl earrings and carried a lace handkerchief belonging to a dear family friend.
The reception, hosted at a private club, featured two familiar Nashville favorites: dinner by Johnny Haffner and cocktails by Bill Forrester. The welcoming melodies of The Craig Duncan trio set the tone for the evening, and the Number One Party Band — complete with an extra fleet of horns — got the party started after cocktail hour.
Guests enjoyed cake from Dessert Designs and late-night donuts — a surprise for the groom.
The couple surprised their guests with custom embroidered hats and unveiled a special crest they’d designed featuring their beloved goldendoodle, Willie Nelson. Artist Natalie O’Dell was on hand to paint the festivities as they happened.
Mary Lindley and Matt celebrated their honeymoon with a two-week trip to Greece before returning to their home in Nashville. Mary Lindley, who graduated from Furman University and Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, is the managing director of the healthcare and life sciences practice groups at Bass, Berry & Sims. Matthew graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point and now serves as the chief operating officer of CVsustain.
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRISTYN HOGAN
At
Tressler ll Founder and CEO
Todd
Hrdin rt Show
FOUR YEARS AFTER a group of parents founded Harding Academy, the independent school hosted its biggest fundraiser, which was then called the Arts Festival. The event — initially held to display student art — eventually became known as the Harding Art Show.
Over the years, it added an auction, began to include artisan booths and was promoted with student-designed bumper stickers and posters. The event’s incredible growth allowed the school to put money toward landscaping, playground equipment, new scholarships and the institution’s first-ever computers.
Now, the art show — recognized as one of the largest and most profitable fine art exhibitions in the Southeast — is gearing up for its 50th anniversary event in April 2025. Led by featured artist Laura McCarty, the three-day festivities expect to attract upwards of 5,000 visitors to campus for adult events, a Family Day of fun and, of course, admiring — and purchasing — incredible paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more.
