The Gift of Being Present
And just like that... Christmas is here! This season means so many things to so many people; both good and bad. Is it just me, or when you think of Christmas does it automatically take you back to your childhood? I find myself reminiscing on the memories and traditions that I grew up experiencing around the holidays and having that as a basis of how I celebrate the season now. I had the most loving and pure childhood, and almost view that little girl as something separate from the woman that I am today. But that's not true at all, right? That little girl very much made me into the current adventurous yet lazy, laid back but high strung, direct but empathetic grown woman.
All this to say, I am responsible for creating two little girls childhoods now, and the pulls of life can, at times, have me forget the incredible importance of the present. I always default to looking at the next project or “to do” list. I probably have missed a lot of special moments that could have brought magic to Marni and Kit's big-little lives that will someday impact who they are as women. This Christmas season I'm going to vow to let go of the when and embrace the now. For the sake of the magic of childhood for my babies; why would I ever want to miss such a gift that God has put in my hands?
This time of year is so important because of what it actually is; the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Jesus just wants the simplest of things, for us to love each other and Him. The greatest way to tell people of his love is to simply show them! How wonderful that we get to share the love of Christ by actually showing others what that looks like? Take this season to be present for your loved ones and others in our community.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
KAT SEATON GIARRATANO, PUBLISHER
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Kat Seaton Giarratano | kat.seaton@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Morgan Raum | morgan.raum@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Morgan Raum
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jessica Steddom, Mary Craven Photography, Warner Tidwell
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling Learn
Cheers to Host & Toast
WITNESS HISTO RY
The 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.” This 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
LEARN MORE
1-3: Buck Mason's Nashville flagship now hosts their full men’s collection alongside a brand new space they've created just for the women’s collection. Right in the middle, Fast Times Coffee has opened their first coffee shop inside the store, serving up a great cup among shelves stocked with new and vintage books. Give the shop a visit in 12 south and you will for sure want to stay a while!
Photography by Buck Mason
Each Christmas season, City Lifestyle gifts a signi ficant amount to those who could use a little extra suppor t. But we need your help to find them. Do you know someone fa cing tough times? Your nomination could make all the dif ference.
Scan below to nominate.
Tressler & Associates Expands Services to Kentucky
Tressler & Associates, a purpose-driven law firm serving Middle Tennessee, now offers approachable legal and real estate services in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Celebrating its fifteenth year in business! “Tressler & Associates is ready for the next season of growth and vision. We are eager to bring our expertise and personalized legal solutions to the Bluegrass State while providing the same trusted support our Tennessee clients have come to rely on.” Todd Tressler, Founder, CEO, and Attorney of Tressler & Associates, PLLC.
Nash Injections by Hannah: Leading Med Spa Expands to Germantown
Nash Injections by Hannah, founded in 2023 by Advanced Injector Hannah Morse, RN, and her sister Amy Morse, has made an exciting move from Music Row to a spacious new Germantown location. The expanded two-floor oasis is designed for hosting events, running workshops, and connecting with the community. Offering services like Botox, Dermal Fillers, and Advanced Skincare. The Med Spa blends aes thetics with holistic health, creating a welcoming environment focused on wellness and empowerment.
Steven Curtis Chapman Becomes Newest Member of the Grand Ole Opry
Steven Curtis Chapman has spent the last 35 years writing and performing genre-defining songs that shaped a generation. He was inducted to the Grand Ole Opry with honoring performances from Lady A, Russel Dickerson, Ricky Skaggs, & more! Every ticket purchased benefited Show Hope, the nonprofit organization started by Steven and his wife to help orphaned children find forever families.
All Wrapped Up
Offering modern, hand-picked, and thoughtfully curated gift baskets with elevated goods and lavish packaging delivered right to your front door.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA STEDDOM
Kayla Young and Kendyl Valder, the co-founders of Wrapped, first collaborated to build a business dedicated to thoughtful gifting in 2021. By sourcing unique products, packing gifts to perfection, adding a hand-written note, and delivering straight to your doorstep, they have always been determined to become more than just a gifting business. Aiming to create a platform that celebrates community, craftsmanship, and connection, the pair strive for Wrapped to be known for delivering gifts that tell a story, showcasing local talent, and making each recipient feel truly valued rather than just a transaction.
The ladies first met in 2019 when they both worked at a local creative company. Bonding over their faith, both being from the Midwest, and coming to Nashville for college, the two became fast friends. A graduate from Lipscomb University, Kayla majored in Fashion Merchandising and had a minor in entrepreneurship. By the age of fifteen, she had started multiple little businesses, which only continued to fuel her passion to pursue entrepreneurship in college. Kendyl studied Public Relations at Belmont University and has always led with creativity. Dabbling in various roles post-grad - and growing up with
parents as entrepreneurs - she was ambitious to create something meaningful of her own. Her parent’s success stories inspired her, reinforcing the belief that with the right idea, anything could be achieved.
“We’ve always individually been passionate about thoughtful gifting,” Kayla and Kendyl share. “After managing a home decor shop together, we quickly discovered that curating unique gifts was the most rewarding part of our work. We frequently collaborated with local real estate agents who wanted exceptional closing gifts, and their commitment to quality inspired and drew us to that clientele. Like many others, the pandemic reshaped our career perspectives, and we decided to take what inspired us most and start our own business.”
CONTINUED >
“EVERY DETAIL MATTERS TOUS, FROMCURATINGELEVATED PRODU BEAUTIFUL PACKAGING, ANDENSURINGLOCALHAND
Since inception, Wrapped now works closely with several corporate businesses in addition to their real estate clients. Making the process as seamless as possible for their clients, the team at Wrapped prides themselves on being a one-stop-shop. Built in the belief of supporting local brands, Wrapped loves showcasing the unique stories, quality, and authenticity that small businesses offer. Carefully selecting local brands that align with their values, they believe that by sharing local products, they’re able to offer their customers one-of-a-kind items that reflect the character and creativity of our local community.
“Each basket is thoughtfully curated to reflect a unique story or purpose – whether it's for a special celebration, a thank-you gesture, or just to show someone they're appreciated,” the ladies share.
The assortments at Wrapped range between one-hundred and two-hundred products at all times.
With their thoughtful expertise, Kayla and Kendyl have hand-picked each product, saving their clients the hassle of feeling overwhelmed with too many options. All products available on their website were chosen based on quality, aesthetics, sustainability, and locally made goods. Once you choose a curated gift or build your own, they will do the rest.
This holiday season, Wrapped is excited to offer a variety of festive products tailored for all kinds of celebrations! Their holiday collection includes a beautifully curated basket filled with seasonal treats, locally crafted goods, and exclusive holiday items that make for perfect, memorable gifts. To make it even sweeter, they have partnered with artisans to include winter-themed products and cozy essentials, designed to bring warmth and cheer to anyone’s holiday.
Whether it’s for family, friends, or colleagues, Wrapped has something special for everyone this season.
Wrapped is also currently exploring new collaborations with several incredible brands to expand their selection. In addition, they are also developing seasonal collections with exclusive themes that will make each basket feel extra special and relevant to the time of year. The team believes this will bring even more joy to the gifting process, and they can’t wait to share these updates with the Wrapped community!
“The support from our community has been truly inspiring and has meant everything as we’ve watched Wrapped grow,” Kayla and Kendyl share. “Knowing that people believe in what we’re doing and share our vision has given us the motivation to keep pushing forward.”
Currently serving the city of Nashville, all gifts are carefully packaged, and hand delivered straight to your door or office within Davidson or Williamson County. For more information, visit shoppewrapped. com or follow them on socials @shoppewrapped.
Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms
BUTCHER & MARKET BUTCHER & MARKET
DELI - PRODUCE - PASTURE-RAISED MEAT - FLOUR
DELI - PRODUCE - PASTURE-RAISED MEAT - FLOUR
ABOUT US ABOUT US
At Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms, we’re committed to providing high-quality, feel-good products. Our pasture-raised, non-GMO meat is never treated with antibiotics, and we uphold strict animal welfare and regenerative farming practices. As a family-owned business, when you visit our market, you'll meet the people behind our products. By supporting us, you support local farmers and join our community.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY CRAVEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Host & Toast Cheers to
Host & Toast Luxury Concierge is a boutique hospitality service offering custom cheese and charcuterie grazes and boards, entertaining assistance, and services for visitors to Nashville. Founder and CEO, Anne Elizabeth McIntosh, is a fourth generation Nashville native with a background in hospitality. In 2020, she decided to make the leap from working with entrepreneurs to becoming one herself!
With Nashville growing at a rapid pace, she brainstormed ways to implement southern hospitality to others; What started as simply a charcuterie board business has now flourished to focus on specialty catering in addition to event planning and VIP Nashville travel planning.
“From having grown up here and having had special experiences - especially from working in hospitalitywe have a service-first mentality and believe success is serving others.” Anne Elizabeth explains.
With the holidays upon us, Host & Toast is ready to dive into all the fun festivities! From curated grazing boards to full event production, Host & Toast can help with all your holiday party needs. In addition to their standard services, they also offer specialty holiday treats - such as hot cocoa and s’mores boards.
Host & Toast loves helping the vision of clients come to life. Whether it be for a birthday celebration or a corporate event, their team is ready to elevate your next gathering. For more information, visit hostandtoastluxury.com or follow them on socials @HostAndToastLuxury.
The Bunny Hive is an elevated social club for little ones, age two weeks to kindergarten, and their grownups. We offer a wide variety of regularly scheduled classes that grownups attend with their children, including art, music, sensory, ballet, baby massage, culinary, storytime, and more – as well as social events for grownups and an event space for your next party!
thebunnyhive.com/nashville @thebunnyhivenashville
here to join the fun!
ARTICLE BY KAT SEATON GIARRATANO
Music City's Holiday Gift Guide
SHOP OUR TOP LOCAL PICKS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
There is nothing better than shopping the best Nashville-based brands for the holidays. Nothing says " you are special " like surprising the ones you love the most with something so intentional and made by the incredible people of our beloved city. Skip those shopping lines, and let us check off every person you're thinking of this holiday!
Whether you are attending a holiday party or you are shopping for someone that might have everything, showing up with one of these beautiful items will mean the world to add to their home! A little touch from your Nashville home to theirs will be a gift to remember.
Gifts For The Home
Whether it's a spa treatment, a gift card to a favorite restaurant, or a whole new adventure, nothing says Happy Holidays like a little gifted me-time! Shop these Nashville experiences that will stand out from any other gifts this season.
Gifts to Experience
The 35th Annual Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WARNER TIDWELL
The 35th Annual Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville will take place in the new year, beginning January 31st and ending February 2nd. Benefitting Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and Economic Club of Nashville (ECON) Charities, the highly anticipated event will be returning to the Music City Center. Presented by Northern Trust, attendees can indulge themselves in the finest antiques, art and horticulture dealers, immersive garden showcases, live music and special events Music City has to offer.
Each year, the event showcases some of the highest-quality antiques, landscaped gardens and horticultural items from exhibitors across the country, in addition to offering a related educational outreach
A LOOK INSIDE THE 35TH ANNUAL EVENT, HELD AT MUSIC
CITY CENTER.
“THE EVENT WILL BE A SPACE FOR THOSE WITH A RENOWNED PASSION FOR DESIGN, HORTICULTURE AND LIVING AN INSPIRED LIFE.”
program. Since its beginning in 1990, the Show has raised over eleven million dollars.
Paige Hill and Dawn Looney, the 2025 General Chairs, will take the reins for the event and help drive home the “Cultivating Home: Life Well Tended” theme. This year’s theme will be drawing inspiration from signature fabric patterns by partners Fabricut, Jean Monro and Clarence House. In addition, Bunny Williams - who is a renowned designer, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist - will be celebrated again as the Honorary Co-Chair alongside her business partner Elizabeth Lawrence.
With both educational and entertaining discussions on the books, the event will be a space for those with a renowned passion for design, horticulture and living an inspired life.
The festivities will begin with a keynote lecture with famed actress, model, author, entrepreneur and design enthusiast Brooke Shields alongside her collaborator and friend, British designer David Flint Wood. Following will be a conversation featuring nine-time Grammy award winner/singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow and author and philanthropist Lauren Akins, alongside their shared interior designer April Tomlin. Margot Shaw, Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine will also moderate a Floral Lecture with two of Great Britain’s leading florists: Shane Connolly, ambassador for sustainable floristry who is perhaps best known for his public work for the British Royal Family, and Willow Crossley, author, designer, stylist, entrepreneur and influencer who is often dubbed ‘UK’s Queen of Flowers.’ This is only a fraction of all the event will include!
The Show will also feature three extravagant garden showcases presented by accomplished landscape designers in which attendees are invited to walk through and experience interactively. In addition, as the Presenting Hotel for Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel will be hosting a special botanical-themed Afternoon Tea, offering an exquisite selection of floral-inspired treats and teas.
Drawing more than 15,000 attendees each year, tickets to The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville went on-sale in October and can be found on their website. For more information, visit antiquesandgardenshow.com
shop online at nashvilleblanketproject.com
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
Events
Dec06 07
HOME ALONE IN CONCERT WITH THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
December 6 | 7:30PM
Nashville Symphony
A true holiday favorite and a Nashville tradition, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture. nashvillesymphony.org
KACEY MUSGRAVES
DEEPER WELL WORLD TOUR
December 7 | 7:30 PM
Bridgestone Arena
Close out Kacey Musgraves' Deeper Well World Tour with special guests Lord Huron and Nickle Creek!
07+08 15 14
CRAFTY BASTARDS ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
December 7 + 8 | 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Nashville Fairgrounds
Experience the Fall Edition of the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair, featuring over 120 curated artisan vendors showing off their homemade goods including home decor, clothing, pet products, & more!
SANTA'S WORKSHOP | JONES FARM CHRISTMAS PARTY
December 14 | 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Jones Farm | 1855 New Hope Rd, Joelton, TN
Bring the whole family to celebrate the Christmas holiday at the beautiful Jones Farm! There will be live music, food, Santa's workshop, photos with Santa, local vendors, and more.
39TH ANNUAL DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS
December 15
Main Street | Franklin, TN
Dickens of a Christmas recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.
Park Crescent Cir.
5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 1.5 Acres | $1,850,000
Discover the epitome of convenience and privacy in this expansive home with breathtaking views in Green Hills. Marvel at the dramatic grand staircase entry, appreciate the built-ins, and indulge in the renovated kitchen, and numerous other upgrades.
