November 2016

A Look for all Seasons HOME FEATURE:

Thanksgiving Elegance: an autumn inspired tablescape

2016 Holiday Gift Guide

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2016

26 HOME: 38 DESIGN:

Collierville resident and designer Cindy McCord decorates her home for the season with help from the Garden District and Millstone Market.

Instantly upgrade your dining room with exclusive tips from designer, Heidi Dawson.

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CONTENTS 40

NOVEMBER 2016

F O R YO U 18

healthy you Managing Pain

106 on a good note The Community Kitchen

HOME & DESIGN 22 at home with Nikki Schroeder 26 home feature A Look for all Seasons

106

38 design Dining Rooms 44 style marketplace Dining Room Accessories 48 home trends Outdoor Lighting

T R AV E L & C U L T U R E 56 getaway Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN 62 travel Portugal and Spain 70 experience this Polar Express in Batesville, MS 72 social pages Mid South Happenings

62

FOOD & DRINK 88 entertaining Thanksgiving Elegance

80

96 dining out 148 North 100 in the kitchen Apple Pie Crumble 102 happy hour The Kitchen Bistro

IN EVERY ISSUE

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12 | PUBLISHER'S NOTE 105 | SOURCES

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NOVEMBER 2016 • VOL. 15 NO. 8 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

ART DIRECTOR ANNA LEPPERT | aleppert@athomemms.com

EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION MANAGER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com

COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com BRITTANY MCDONALD | brmcdonald45@gmail.com CINDY SEMMES | c.semmes@aol.com

BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com

HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athomemms.com

At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to— Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

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publisher’s note In the very month designated for thanks, so many are spending their time arguing and hating. Facebook, once filled with photos of our children and pets, has become a cluster of disrespect and political bashing.

A tragic event happened this weekend when some friends of ours lost their only child and many lost a dear friend. As horrible as this was, it was a reminder of just how short life is. Every minute we spend arguing with each other is a moment we lose enjoying each other’s company; a moment we can never get back. How much nicer would the world be if we all showed a little more respect for each other, cherished our time together and hugged our babies and each other a little more.

I wish all of you a very peaceful and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Feeling thankful, grateful and blessed,

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Publisher

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healthy you

Managing pain in an alternative way.

Text by Michelle Johns

Amid America’s growing opioid addiction epidemic, alternative treatments have a more important role than ever in pain management.

Last year the White House issued the following statement in a press release, “More Americans now die every year from drug overdoses than they do in motor vehicle crashes and the majority of those overdoses involve prescription medications. Health care providers wrote 259 million prescriptions for opioid pain medications in 2012 – enough for every American adult to have a bottle of pills.”

Tennessee, and Mississippi residents are among the largest opioid users, averaging 96 to 143 prescriptions per 100 people. According to the Centers for Disease Control, prescriptions are outnumbering the population. Adults in their 40s are the most common users/abusers of opioids. The most popular, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and fentanyl, are often prescribed and used for chronic pain management, though there is a lack of evidence to support their efficacy for chronic pain.

While physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractic treatment have typically been covered by health insurance, more providers are starting to cover the costs of alternative treatments such as massage therapy and acupuncture, as there is evidence to support their effectiveness. Alternative treatments, however, are not as widely accepted in the southeastern United States, where abuse of opioids is among the highest, leaving it to consumers to request these therapies and arrange for insurance coverage or reimbursement for treatment costs.

Read on for Michelle Johns real life experience with alternative treatments….

Five years ago, I experienced pain in my right shoulder and I assumed I had a pinched nerve. I continued my daily activities, lots of yoga, workouts, etc., assuming the pain would subside with time.

One Friday morning, though, a drastic change occurred and I experienced excruciating pain in my shoulder and arm. I called a neurologist and could not be seen until the following Monday.

I was in so much pain I could barely speak and I lost all grip ability in my right hand. I couldn’t drive, lift anything or open a twist cap for almost two weeks and I had to sleep in a seated position.

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I was diagnosed with a herniated disc in my cervical spine (C5). The doctor suggested surgery, but I refused and asked for an alternative plan. I opted for a nerve block and three months of physical therapy. I managed five years without recurrence of issues.

Last month, I started experiencing discomfort in my right shoulder again.

I made an appointment with the neurologist right away. After testing my grip and turning my neck, he identified several “trigger spots” and tightness in my shoulders. He deemed the pain acute and told me it shouldn’t last more than two or three weeks. “It’s just a flare up,” he said. I asked him to prescribe physical therapy to help me through the next few weeks and he agreed.

After leaving his office, I started thinking about acupuncture as I had read recently of its benefits. I discovered my insurance provider covers acupuncture, but there is no in-network acupuncturist in my city. I called to see how I might receive covered treatment and was informed my doctor would need to request a network exception. My neurologist refused to make the phone call. I became frustrated—a physician’s unwillingness to help patients seek relief through alternative treatment is unacceptable in light of the pain medication addiction problem in our area.

I called back and discussed my concerns with the office manager, who was extremely helpful. I was able to make an appointment with another doctor within the group, one who had experience in alternative therapy. She is working with my insurance company to secure the network exception. In the meantime, I am paying out-of-pocket for acupuncture coupled with physical therapy. I am happy to report, two weeks later, I am pain free.

You are your own best advocate. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to make necessary changes when they are in your best interest!

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at home with

Nikki Schroeder Owner and creator of Nikki's Hot Ass Potato Chips Text by Ruthie Hall

At Home Memphis & Mid South: Tell us a little about your background, both professionally and personally.

Nikki Schroeder: I am a native Memphian. I always knew growing up that I wanted to be an artist. I wasn’t exactly sure where I wanted to work but I was absolutely sure what I wanted to be doing. I was a graphic design major at Memphis State (now the U of M) in the 80s when my best friend and I decided we wanted to open our own business. I was just 21. Her parents gave us a small loan and we opened up an airbrush shop called Graffiti Graphics in East Memphis in 1987.

We worked very, very hard to make sure the business was a success. We eventually transitioned the business from airbrushing to graphic design and moved our office to Midtown. Then in 2001 we came up with an idea for a children’s magazine. We noticed that there wasn’t a local magazine for kids. We wanted to create something that would inspire kids to learn through art. In March of 2001 we published our first issue of Jabberblabber magazine, a free arts and educational magazine that also teaches kids how to be earth friendly. We publish monthly and deliver to over 200 locations within 100 miles of Memphis. To date we have given over 5 million free publications to the children in the Memphis area, solely funded by us and our generous sponsors. Graffiti Graphics and Jabberblabber are both still thriving today.

In 2010, at the urging of my friends, I started another company, Nikki’s Hot Ass Products. I have always loved to cook and had developed a seasoning blend that I used on just about everything. My friends would get little baggies from me, since I wouldn’t tell them exactly what was in it. After a year or so of giving it away, I was encouraged to bottle it and sell it. My friends had already named the product Nikki’s Hot Ass Seasoning, so even though it was controversial, I decided to stay true to the existing fans and keep the name. Six years later, in addition to the seasoning, we now have Nikki’s Hot Ass Kettle Chips, Nikki’s Hot Ass COOL Chips (for wimps), and Nikki’s Hot Ass Bloody Mary Mix. We are in over 250 locations and growing outside the Memphis area.

We have now moved our office downtown and we are on target to have two more products in 2017.

AHMMS: What do you do when you aren't working?

NS: I love to cook. I love to run. I love to bike. I love to play Frisbee with my dogs. I love to go boating. I love to paint. I love to

play the guitar. Every few years, some friends and I get together and form a band to play for charity. We figure it’s easy to find good music in Memphis, but to find musicians that aren’t that great willing to embarrass themselves for charity . . . not so easy. That’s us.

AHMMS: Do you have any plans for the future?

NS: I plan to keep on working, growing and playing as hard as I can. Life is such a gift—I want to enjoy every second of it.

AHMMS: What inspires you?

NS: Being outside inspires me! I’m outside as much as I can be. I love living and working downtown and seeing the beautiful

Mississippi River every day.

AHMMS: What is your favorite thing about your job?

NS: That I can make my own schedule. I work myself twice as hard as anyone else would, but I do it on my terms. Every

morning on my way to work I go by and see my mom, who is in a nursing home, and put her makeup on for the day. I love having the latitude to do that. To me, it’s one of the most important things I do all day.

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AHMMS: What advice could you give to

people who want to succeed in their dreams?

NS: Always say YES! If you are building a business, or climbing the ladder in the profession of your choice, and someone asks if you can do something, always say YES! If you don’t know how to do what is being asked of you then figure out how. If it’s not something that you can do yourself then find someone who can and make sure it gets done. I believe in the American dream!

AHMMS: What are your favorite places in Memphis and the Mid South?

NS: Downtown. EVERYTHING downtown.

The view, the stores, the restaurants, the homes and the people.

AHMMS: What is your favorite memory from building your business?

NS: With each business there seems to be one moment that really makes it all seem real.

With Graffiti Graphics it was standing in the parking lot at 21 years old, watching the sign company raise the sign to attach to the outside of our building. With Jabberblabber it was the first letter we got from a child in the mail, letting me know that we had a fan, and that we were making a difference. With Nikki’s Hot Ass Products it was seeing the 18-wheeler pull up with our first load of chips, thinking, “WOW, this is it! No turning back!”

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home feature

A Look for All Seasons Designer Cindy McCord decorates for the holidays without sacrificing her home’s timeless elegance Text by Jordana White | Photography by Julie Ross

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home feature

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home feature

Over the years, Memphis-based designer Cindy McCord has lived in several different houses with her husband Fred, their three children—son Davis and twin daughters Claire and Mary Helen—and various pets including two Cavalier spaniels, Maisy and Millie, and Oreo the gray-and-white dappled cat. Cindy has put her touch on each place, renovating and decorating to suit the current needs of her brood.

As her children grew and she and Fred became empty nesters, however, a new plan evolved: building a home exactly to their tastes, one that reflected their “new phase of life.” Over the course of a surprisingly swift 14 months, the McCords (with the help of architect Jeff Bramlett and builder Thomas Wirth) built their 4,500-square-foot dream home in Collierville.

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home feature

As Cindy explains, “When designing our home we wanted it to be welcoming to guests and intimate for our family.”

To achieve that goal, she began with her ideal floor plan. “Everyday living moves effortlessly between indoors and outdoors,” she says. “The core of the home is a true gathering place. The kitchen opens naturally to the family room and dining room, and French doors open to the covered patio and garden.”

For Cindy, the covered patio was a highlight of the new construction. With its lushly cushioned seating arrangements, mounted flat-screen TV and central fireplace, it has become a favorite “room,” especially when the kids come back for a visit. “When my family is home, I love spending time with them on the patio watching a good movie or enjoying a fire,” she shares.

Ease of flow continues through the home’s bedrooms—a main floor master and guest suite, as well as two additional bedrooms on the second story. Also on the upper level, albeit removed from the rest of the home, is Cindy’s personal studio—the spot from which all the design magic happens, both for her clients and her family.

For the most part, when decorating her own home, Cindy prefers to work mainly with neutrals, incorporating “soft pale tones of greens and blues,” especially in areas where the contrast is most noticeable, like the family room’s green upholstered arm chair positioned just off the indulgently creamy white-on-white kitchen.

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home feature

While the basic blueprint for Cindy’s staple design plan is “classic, clean and timeless,” the fun begins each time the weather changes. “I love the change of seasons,” she explains. “I add color through plants, pillows and accessories that reflect the time of year.”

With fall in full swing and Thanksgiving fast approaching, Cindy recently set to work prepping the home to showcase the best of the season’s colors and produce. On the festively set dining room table, a large floral arrangement from the Garden District perfectly offsets the room’s standing color scheme. Lush greenery brightens subtle shading in the almost-neutral drapery, simultaneously accentuating the vibrant pop of color introduced in a plate arrangement just over the blonde wood Grandfather clock. Artfully arranged gourds perfectly complement upholstered and un-upholstered seating options—not to mention Cindy’s gold-rimmed, off-white china pattern)—while dainty red berries infuse warmth and festivity into the tableau.

In the kitchen and family room, arrangements of seasonal produce stick to the home’s basic color palette, with hints of subtle orange and yellow peeking out to brighten things up a bit. Moving outside, however, Cindy uses flowers and gourds from Millstone Market to infuse the home with all the fun and excitement of holidays ahead.

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home feature Flanking the stone stairway that leads up to a double-door front entrance, Cindy artfully arranges vibrant orange and yellow gourds, interspersed with paler produce, and white chrysanthemums that still manage to pop against the white-brick exterior.

Greenery with just a note of white fills the large planter that tops each entry post, reminding guests not only of the lingering lushness of fall in Tennessee, but also of the Christmas greens that await their not-so-distant future. Moving around back to the much-loved covered patio, the same mix of colors is repeated, although the emphasis has shifted: In this space, with its neutral wicker and upholstery bordering the greens of the family garden, fall orange takes a quieter back seat to vibrant green plant life.

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home feature

While the McCord house is currently trimmed for fall’s celebrations, the model is easy to recreate for any special moment on the calendar. Cindy suggests inserting touches of flair that give a nod to the season’s meaning and tradition without overwhelming or fighting against the home’s year-round design and decor. Simplicity and elegance are key and, as always, a little goes a long way. After all, she explains, “I like simple, not overdone, decorations.”

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design design

Table Manners: Tips for Perfect Dining Room Design Text by Jordana White Photography by Michael Boatman

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design

by Anna Lattimore NovemberDesign 2016 • athomemms.com | 39

Photo by Michael Boatman

design

Setting up your dining room seems like a simple task: insert table, chairs, perhaps a chandelier…and you’re done, right?

While that’s an easy recipe for the most basic of room desihns, our readers tend to look for something more inspired, so At Home Memphis & Mid South sat down with Memphis-based designer Heidi Dawson to score some tips to instantly up your dining room’s wow-factor.

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At Home Memphis & Mid South: What elements do you

consider must-haves for successful dining room design?

Heidi Dawson: Dining rooms should be about atmosphere that doesn’t sacrifice functionality. It could be a dramatic or understated space but still feel welcoming. Must-haves start with good lighting and work backwards from there. I like a mix of lighting—overhead, wall sconces and a lamp or two on the buffet.

Use bulbs that most closely mimic natural daylight and steer clear of blue- or green-toned bulbs. Plus, everything that can be on a dimmer should be; it’s so easy and makes such a difference. The table should fit the space. I love a round table in a square room or an oval table in a rectangular room. I like to have an anchor chair on each end and comfortable seating for the remaining chairs.

AHMMS: What kind of color

palette do you like to work with?

HD: I like a cozier space for dining so I tend to go darker with paint or wallpaper. I generally stick to a neutral base—warm grays, deep greens and slate blues—and work color into art or chairs. I love drapes to be in the same color family as walls so the eye flows around the room.

AHMMS: How do you incorporate texture into the space?

HD: I incorporate texture through

rugs, drapery fabric and wallpaper and I am a big fan of layered windows; woven shades mixed with drapery make for a wonderfully warm space.

AHMMS: How do you place

artwork in the dining room?

HD: Artwork is the jewelry for a space. One big piece goes a long way or a gallery of smaller pieces can be equally beautiful.

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design

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AHMMS: How can you achieve design success on a budget?

HD: There are so many places to buy

great-looking pieces at a discounted price. Find pictures of rooms you like and try to match up the pieces as best you can. You can find nice window treatment panels at West Elm and even JC Penney! Have fun with your style but make sure you don’t go trendy on big pieces like the table and window treatments, as they are expensive and not something you want to change out on a whim.

AHMMS: What trends are you seeing in dining room design?

HD: Round tables have been popular lately but the dining room tends to be such a classic place that I don’t get trendy in there unless it’s a piece of art that can be easily changed.

AHMMS: What do you see as the

future of dining room design?

HD: I think the younger generation has no idea why we have formal, separate dining rooms. So many of my clients use the dining room just once or twice a year. I wonder if the dining room will become a place that is open to everything else so that it can be casual or formal instead of always formal. Of course, we are in the South and that could be a very incorrect prediction! I can also see the dining room becoming a less formal, multiuse space, which is how my husband and I treat the one in our own home.

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styleMARKETPLACE

DiningRoom

Brooks 15Lt Candle Chandelier Magnolia Lighting - Hernando, Oxford, Tupelo & Ridgeland, MS 662.429.0416

DECOR

$831

THE ESSENTIALS & ACCESSORIES FOR A FABULOUS DINING ROOM.

Garner Dining Table Ethan Allen www.ethanallen.com $2,079 - $3, 019

Fall Tablescape Patina - Covington, TN 901.296.4046 Call for pricing

Original Reclaimed Wood Buffet The Back Room - Cordova, TN 901. 850.2403 $2,195

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Flo Blu Antique Plates Encore Consignments - Memphis, TN 901.567.5205 $195 each

Sivler Bowl & Gold Serving Set Everyday Chef - Jonesboro, AR 870.933.2665 $265 and $110

Etta B Dinner Plate, Salad Plate & Soup/ Cereal Bowl in Opal Blue Bella Vita - Collierville, TN 901.850.0892 $49, $39, $33

Mango Wooden Chargers Two Doors Down - Germantown, TN 901.385.3115 $48.50 each November 2016 • athomemms.com | 45

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home hometrends trends

Enhancing Your Home's Beauty

Text by Bill Taylor | Photograpgy by Fred Toma

Years ago, the thought of landscape lighting was far from the minds of most homeowners. Even those who were building the home of their dreams and those who had developed beautiful gardens never considered the effect proper outdoor lighting could have on a home.

A post light, door sconces and sometimes a couple of floodlights constituted the vast majority of homes’ exterior lighting.

But Bill Taylor, owner of Outdoor Lighting Concepts, knew better. He had the foresight to realize that proper lighting could enhance a home’s beauty, even at night. For over 25 years, Taylor, a renowned landscape lighting designer, has demonstrated the essence of the art of lighting all kinds of homes. From quaint cottages to elegant estates, his work is a testament to the idea that outdoor lighting is much more than an afterthought, every bit as important as all other landscape components. A yard that lacks adequate lighting can only be viewed during the daylight hours, but Taylor seeks to provide a warm and inviting glow when the sun goes down. He treats each project as a canvas on which he paints with the art of lighting. Taylor has graciously shared some outdoor lighting basics and tips with At Home’s readers.

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Lighting should be included in the initial planning stages of any landscape and hardscape project. Take into account lighting steps, focal points and patios, as well as trees, flowers and shrubs.

Consider how each area will be used after dark. Will it be a space for entertaining or should the lighting solely provide beauty and security?

In today’s climate, every house needs exterior lighting. It is the best deterrent for crime and the only security system that adds beauty to a home. It is also necessary as a safety precaution to prevent accidents on sidewalks, steps and other areas.

What types of exterior lighting are available today?

There are three main styles that people want. The “Hollywood” look is lighting overdone, the house that stands out in its environment. It could be as simple as a floodlight illuminating a house from afar. With the “uniform” look every light has the same bulb. This is lighting that homeowners can buy at the hardware store and install themselves, or a contractor can buy from a distributor with the bulb included and installs as is. As I like to say, anyone can put a light under a tree... In a custom-designed lighting plan every light is thought out as to its placement, type of bulb and effect. I want people to drive by a home and instead of saying, “What a beautiful lighting job,” I want them to say, “What a beautiful home.”

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home trends

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The lighting should accent the beauty of a home. It can be as few as a couple of lights, but it emphasizes the best of a home. I am not trying to sell someone lights, I am trying to sell someone a look. Sometimes, less is better.

Do you see any new trends in outdoor lighting?

Yes, LEDS, LEDS, LEDS. LED bulbs have changed the industry.

These bulbs offer quality illumination, consistent brightness at all fixtures, lower maintenance costs and lower energy usage. They offer multiple color scenarios from warm white to a cool blue hue. Some fixtures come with the LED built in, but there are also LED bulbs that can be installed in existing fixtures. I have seen many integrated light fixtures have to be replaced due to faulty lights or electrical surges. I would recommend using drop-in fixtures for flexibility in the choice of bulb.

What are some important considerations in choosing a landscape lighting contractor?

First, check for references and company history. Find a home you think is well lit and ask the homeowner if they had a good experience with their lighting contractor. Second, choose a company that specializes in lighting. There is a push in today’s market to let one company do it all. No one company can excel in all areas of the industry and many times you will pay much more for lighting than with a company that specializes in lighting alone. A landscape lighting company does many more lighting jobs, knows new products and trends, and is fine tuned in the industry. Would you call a plumber to decorate your home? Finally, make sure your lighting company will follow up.

Will they come back at night to adjust outdoor lights and look for areas that need improvement? Are they willing to service the system? What kind of warranty do they offer and what products do they use?

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for HER

Good Earth Bread Tray in Celery $151, Bella Vita Collierville, TN 901.850.0892

Janet Weed Beaver Art 24x32 $800, Patina Covington, TN 901.296.4046

Europe 2 You Wooden Cake Stand $152, Ginger's Corinth, MS 662.286.2821

Memphis Made 24CT Gold Painted Oyster Shell Leather Necklace by Weezer $130, Southern Muse Collierville, TN 901.221.7479

Holiday

G IF T

GUIDE Genuine Rabbit & Knit Vest in Grey Chinchilla $429, Betty Hays Germantown, TN 901.754.0018 Rustic Iron Table Lamp $339, The Back Room Cordova, TN 901.850.2403

Marc New York Camera Shutter Bag $325,Village Tailor Oxford, MS 662. 234.8217

Mignonne Gavigan Scarf Necklace $425,Village Tailor Oxford, MS 662. 234.8217

McCarty Cotton Row Bowl $145, Blue Door NoCo Corinth, MS 662.643.7950 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2016

for HIM Minimalist Calendar Watches $299 and up, What Watch www.whatwatch.com

Compact Charging Station $34.99, Great Useful Stuff www.greatusefulstuff.com The Everett Wine Co. Wine Bucket $149.99 Stash Home Memphis, TN 901.302.1972 Oxford, MS 662.236.1120

Peter Millar 1/4 Zip Sweaters $125 - $145, MLM Clothiers Tupelo, MS 662. 842.4165

William Henry Liberator Pocket Knife $2,200, Doris McLendon's Fine Jewelry Germantown, TN 901.758.8605

Madison Creek Quilted Conceal & Carry 2nd Amendment Vest $179, Dixie Pickers Memphis , TN 901.746.8067 Germantown, TN 901.316.5391

Muo Portable Bluetooth Speaker $349.99, KEF us.kef.com

Airport Code Baseball Cap $28, Dixie Pickers Memphis , TN 901.746.8067 Germantown, TN 901.316.5391

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for KIDS

Stonewall Kitchen Doughnut Maker & Mix $55 & $9.95 each, Bazaar Collierville, TN 901.861.7218

The Wandering Workshop Wooden Sailboat $38, Amelia's Oxford, MS 901.355.0311

FPV & WiFi enable XL Drone $249.99, Hobbico www.hobbico.com

ZUM-CX Wood Balance Bike $54.99, Costco www.costco.com

Enchantails Slumber Bag Set $149.99, www.enchantails.com Arckit Go Colours $59.99, www.arckit.com 54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2016

for PETS

Mississippi Made Dog Collar $16.99, Hollywood Feed

Locally Made Dog Treats $9.95 each, Hollywood Feed

Wine Barrel Pet Bed $299 and up, Taming the Wild Memphis, TN 901.848.2373

BarkShop Holiday Chew Toys $8-14, BarkShop.com

BarkBox Monthly Gift Box $35/month, BarkBox.com

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getaway

Gaylord Opryland Celebrates "A Country Christmas" Text by Claire Peeler | Photo courtesy of Jeff Zimmer

Nashville brings music to the mind, along with the top destinations to explore this harmonious city’s history, such as the Grand Ole Opry, Honky Tonk Highway and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Another site closely linked with Nashville’s name is the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

With undeniable Southern hospitality, homey rooms and a wide variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment, this resort is more than just a spot to rest your head after a long day of sightseeing; it is a destination in and of itself. The ideal time of year to visit this Nashville hotspot is Nov.11 through Jan. 1 when the Gaylord Opryland Resort celebrates A Country Christmas complete with holiday shows, gingerbread making, ice sculptures, millions of Christmas lights and much more.

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getaway Family Fun One of the Gaylord Opryland’s signature seasonal exhibits is ICE! where favorite holiday tales are recreated in enormous ice sculptures. This year the attraction will feature the familiar favorite Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Forty master ice artisans from Harbin, China, will recreate colorful scenes of Rudolph and his friends out of 2 million pounds of ice. Guests can also take a trip down thrilling multi-story ice slides.

The Elf on the Shelf,® so popular in many households during the holiday season, will come to life this month through Opryland’s Elf on the Shelf ® Scavenger Hunt. The activity challenges young participants to find all the scout elves hidden in the resort and solve the puzzles in the scavenger hunt booklet to reveal the elves’ names. Winners will receive a special prize.

The resort is also offering a Gingerbread Decorating Corner where guests can garnish delicious cookies and visit with a life-sized gingerbread man. Kids are invited to take a traditional photo with Santa on his not-so-traditional Nashville guitarshaped chair. After decorating and photographs, kids can hop aboard the Opryland Express Kids Train, or the whole family can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the resort’s decorations and lights.

Christmas Concerts It wouldn’t be Nashville without some music. This year the Grand Ole Opry House is hosting Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical from Nov. 18 through Dec. 25. The whole family will enjoy the hilarious and heartwarming play that features the hit songs" You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and " Welcome Christmas” from the original animated television special. Max the dog narrates as the heartless Mr. Grinch schemes to steal Christmas from the loveable Whos. Don’t miss Breakfast with the Grinch, a dining experience with the star of the show, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The resort will also feature melodious talent of Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers during a holiday dinner show. Enjoy a meal prepared by the resort’s masterful chefs while listening to the Grammy Award-winning trio perform holiday classics and their own wellknown songs.

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The Great Outdoors Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center’s entertainment options aren’t limited to just the indoors. The resort’s extreme Snow Tubing Hill covered in 1.5 million pounds of real snow beckons guests to take a slide and a 6,000-squarefoot ice rink is sure to bring out the skater in everyone. Other outdoor fun options include Santa’s Snowball Toss, a carnival-style game to test aim, and Santa Spinners, a teacup ride.

The resort's holiday gift to the community is the Parade of Trees, a free, self-guided tour of spectacularly decorated trees throughout the resort.

Each tree’s decorations and presents go home with the highest bidder in an auction and proceeds benefit a variety of charities.

For more information on packages and tickets for the resort’s incomparable holiday experiences visit www.ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com.

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travel

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travel

Spain’ s Fab Four From the beaches of the south to the wine country of the north, and everything in between.

Text by Barbara May, owner of Travel Leaders | Photography courtesy of Travel Leaders and clients of Travel Leaders

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travel

Flamenco dancing, bull fighting, tapas—all of these are quintessential Spain. Yet if you set aside the stereotypes, you’ll find that this fascinating country is more diverse than you might have imagined—boasting four official languages and 17 separate autonomous regions. Below are four Spanish destinations worthy of your attention.

The Alhambra, Granada

Andalusia WHY GO: From deserts and beaches to mountains and national parks, Spain’s southernmost region is teeming with diverse scenery waiting to be explored.

The resort-strewn Costa del Sol (often referred to as the Spanish Riviera) is known for swimming, sand and sun. Its main hub, Málaga, has a classical vibe, though, filled with cathedrals, castles and museums. But the museums in Picasso’s birthplace aren’t solely dedicated to fine art; you can also unearth the city’s past through the Museo del Vino-Málaga, the city’s very own wine museum.

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Costa del Sol

Step back in time on a visit to Granada, about 1 ½ hours northeast of Málaga by car. The old city center, built around a magnificent cathedral, is an intricate maze of narrow, one-way streets. The real showstopper in Granada, however, is the medieval Alhambra, a palace and fortress that sits on a plateau looking out over the city. Most of the complex was built between 1238 and 1358 as the home base for the Nasrid dynasty, the last Islamic sultanate on the Iberian Peninsula. The structure has been rebuilt numerous times since then, most notably by Charles V, also known as Charles I when he ruled Spain starting in 1516.

Seville, which lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir River is about a two-hour drive northwest of Málaga. The city owes the grandeur of its architecture to its Muslim heritage. Highlights include the Torre del Oro (the Golden Tower) and the Giralda (the iconic church bell tower of the Seville Cathedral).

No visit to Andalusia is complete without indulging in its lauded Mediterranean cuisine. Scattered throughout this warm region are beautiful olive groves, producing the antioxidant-rich olive oil on which Andalusian cuisine heavily relies. Although the area is famous for tapas, one signature specialty is salmorejo, a tomato soup made with bread, olive oil and tomatoes and garnished with eggs and ham.

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travel Madrid Royal Palace at night

Madrid

WHY GO: Located in the center of the country, Spain’s capital is unique in that it doesn’t belong to a region. Instead, it is one of the country’s 50 provinces. Outside the city limits the beautiful mountain range called the Sierra de Guadarrama, and El Escorial (the former royal residences and monastery) beckon visitors, but there’s so much to see in Madrid that travelers want to get there as quickly as possible.

Plaza Mayor

Old Madrid is home to the Plaza Mayor, the city’s 17th-century main square where everything from bull fights to executions and trials were once held. Heralded as one of the world’s best art galleries, the Museo Nacional del Prado rivals the Louvre. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza features a collection of over 1,000 paintings, including works by Van Gogh and Picasso. Allow time to explore the lavish Royal Palace of Madrid, which was first occupied by Charles III, who installed his court there in 1764.

For more interactive experiences with Madrid and its people, consider attending a Real Madrid football (soccer) game, riding the Teleférico cable car high above the city’s parks and Manzanares River or taking in a flamenco show. Go for a stroll, rent a bike, row a boat on the lake or just laze on a park bench and take in the gorgeous scenery at Buen Retiro Park.

An hour away from Madrid, Toledo is worthy of a day trip. The “city of three cultures,” was home to Christians, Arabs and Jews who cohabited here for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often considered a second Rome. The large number of ancient monuments, including the historic Santa María la Blanca, which was founded in 1203 and is the oldest synagogue building still standing in Europe, make Toledo unforgettable.

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Catalonia (Barcelona)

Parc Guell

WHY GO: Whether you’re craving the mountains or the sea, you can find it all in Catalonia. Don’t be surprised to discover street names in a language other than Spanish; locals speak a regional tongue called Catalan.

As one of the busiest ports on the Mediterranean and the site of the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona has established itself as a major global city over the last two decades, rivaling other European metropolises with its rich history and striking architecture.

Take time to stroll down La Rambla, one of Spain’s most famous streets, where the popular Boqueria Market is located. Then head high up to Montjuïc to see the sites of the Olympic Games as well as art galleries, museums and the Magic Fountain, known for its light and music show that runs several nights a week.

Travelers not familiar with the work of Antoni Gaudí certainly will be after a visit to Barcelona. Examples of his whimsical and curious style of architecture are strewn throughout the city. His unique creativity abounds in Park Güell, but Gaudi’s masterpiece is the magnificent Sagrada Familia, a massive modern basilica that looks like it came from the pages of “Alice in Wonderland.” This architectural masterpiece was started in 1882 and, to this day, is still under construction. When completed in 2026 it will feature 18 towers in total.

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travel

La Rioja WHY GO: “Spain’s Tuscany” is dotted with hundreds of wineries. Tours are available starting from Bilbao or San Sebastián, two charming cities in the greater Basque Country also worth exploring.

Popular destination wineries include Bodegas Muga and Bodegas López de Heredia in Haro, Bodegas Marqués de Riscal in Elciego (known for its spectacular architecture designed by Frank Gehry), and Bodegas Franco-Españolas in Logroño, La Rioja’s capital.

Logroño was once a key stop along the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), a pilgrimage route to the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwest Spain. In Logroño’s historic center are the Concatedral de Santa Maria la Redonda, with its impressive Baroque towers and carvings, and Santa María de Palacio, whose Gothic spire defines the skyline.

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WHEN TO VISIT: Like many European countries, Spain is best visited in spring and fall, when the weather is comfortable. July and August are usually quite hot, especially in the central part of the country.

LOCAL DELICACIES Eating in Spain is an adventure in itself. Tapas are by far the country’s most well-known specialty. Popular dishes include patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy red sauce) and tortilla Española, an egg-based omelet with onions and potatoes. Spain is also known for its paella, a rice dish that hails from Valencia. Top all of this off with a glass of sangria, a classic Spanish wine punch usually with red wine, chopped fruit, brandy and a little sweetener.

GETTING AROUND: Spain is surprisingly easy to navigate.

Regular flights serve the regions’ capitals and islands, and the AVE is a high-speed rail service that frequently travels between major locations such as Seville, Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga.

Spain is seen as such an exotic country because of its friendly people, warm weather, laid-back lifestyle, cuisine, exciting nightlife, and worldfamous festivities and folklore. A destination that is so geographically and culturally diverse holds endless vacation possibilities. Relaxing on the beaches, running with bulls, or exploring historical sites, Spain promises something for everyone.

For more information on a Spanish vacation contact Travel Leaders at 901.377.6600, 901.853.6200 or www.GoTravelLeaders.com.

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experience this

Text by Ginni Jones

All aboard! The Polar Express returns to the Grenada Railroad this month, recreating the magic written within the pages of the beloved children’s book.

The train departs from Batesville, Mississippi’s quaint downtown, where the city and its merchants have been preparing for months. New sidewalks, parking lots and storefront renovations have taken place, gearing the city up for more than 60,000 train riders predicted. Even the homes along the journey, seen through the train windows, are preparing as they string lights and greenery to make the ride even more magical.

At Home met with the event manager, Shelia Pounders, to get a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations taking place for the holiday event. Pounders has always held a passion for trains, especially passenger trains. Her favorite part of the process is receiving train cars from all across the country, each with a name paying homage to the city of its origin.

Pounders says she is excited to host the Polar Express in its second year. “It reminds people there is a little hope in the world,” she admits of the all-ages event that is fast becoming a seasonal tradition for families across the Mid South.

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The Experience The adventure begins when the conductor calls “all aboard” and punches children’s golden tickets. Little faces peer out the train’s windows as it pulls away from the station on the way to the North Pole. The sounds of the motion picture soundtrack soon fill the air and the book’s characters come to life. Dancing chefs serve hot cocoa and cookies in a merry fashion as the doubting hobo wanders through the train.

Once the train stops children will behold the magic of the North Pole from within the cozy passenger cars. With a jolly “ho, ho, ho” Santa waves to everyone, climbs aboard to greet the children and present each of them with an iconic silver sleigh bell, the sound of which can only be heard by those who believe. Following a lively Christmas carol singalong, the Express heads back to the station after a memorable ride that sets the tone for the whole holiday season.

The Details Tickets for the hour-long adventure may be purchased online at www. grenadapolarexpressride.com. The Polar Express operates from Nov. 18 to Dec. 23, with departures at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Times vary depending on the day of the week. Seating options include standard, first and diamond classes. Each ticket includes a cookie and hot cocoa served on board, and a silver bell given by Santa himself.

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social

Memphis Food & Wine Festival

The Memphis Food and Wine Festival was created by Memphians who have three key passions in common: food, wine and the Memphis community.

This year's festival, held on Oct. 15, showcased exceptional local chefs along with acclaimed regional and national chefs at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Vintners, certified sommeliers and wine experts were also on hand. While festival goers sipped and sampled the best in cuisine and wine, they also enjoyed a buffet of blues, jazz and rock and roll.

Chefs also had the exciting opportunity to be honorary duck masters for the iconic Peabody Hotel the Friday night before the festival began. Proceeds benefitted The FedexFamilyHouse.

Photography by Hal Jaffe

Halle Shedrin, Debbie Wallace, Carol Duffy, Amy Dixon, Floyd Dixon and Mike Duffy

Paula and Dr. Steve Zambrano

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Paula Wellington, Jamie Patterson and Carol Baker

social

Ron and Anise Belz

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social

Suzanne and Preston Vorlicek

Candi Gholson and Shakira Hamlet

Edie Crawford, Kevin and Barbara Davis

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social Tres and Andrea LeTard

Sandra Lewis, Peggy Cleary, Earle and Cathy Farrell

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social

Fayette Cares

Charity Race

Runners from 7 – 82 years of age celebrated victory at the September 10 Cotton Pickin’ 5k & 1K Cotton Candy Fun Run benefiting Fayette Cares. Over 600 registrants showed support of the effort to provide shelter for the homeless, safety for victims of domestic violence, and stability for families in financial crisis.

Photos courtesy of Alexandra Wardlaw

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social

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social

Peter & Julie Sully

Tim Nichols & David Jones

Chuck Bolton

On the chilly Saturday morning of October 1, 30 men departed the West Cancer Center in Memphis, beginning their journey via bicycle to Rosemary Beach. The men covered over 500 miles in just five days while promoting cancer awareness, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and raising funds for the WINGS Supportive Care Division.

The WINGS organization tprovides West Cancer Center patients with the resources and support they need for their cancer journey and beyond. Along the way, the R2R Riders got the chance to meet cancer survivors and supporters of the ride. They also visited with old friends they had met during the five previous years of the ride.

Todd Tillmanns & Mrs. Debbie

On Wednesday, October 5, the cyclists arrived at the Rosemary Beach town square, where friends and family were waiting to welcome them.

Photos courtesy of John Parrish

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social

The Tillmanns & Parrish Family

Lili, Bryon & Ginni Jones

Beth & John Kakales

Judy Atkins & Dave Tillmanns

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wedding

Caitlin Smith Will Bowron July 30, 2016 Memphis, TN

Parents of Bride: Debbie Smith and Dottie & Harold Smith Parents of Groom: Emily & Bill Bawron 80 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2016

wedding

SOURCES

Ceremony Venue: Grace - St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Reception Venue: Hunt Phelan Home Rehearsal Dinner: Felicia Suzanne's Planner: Audrey Hurst Photographer & Videographer: Danny K Photography Florist: Everbloom Floral Design Caterer: Draper's Catering of Memphis Baker: Lee Sanders Band: Gary Goin Group Hair/Makeup: Amy Dugan of Capelli Memphis Dress: Anya Bridal of Atlanta Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Invitations: RSVP Stationers Rings: Bromberg's

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entertaining

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entertaining

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entertaining

Thanksgiving Elegance Story by Lesley Harris Colvett Photography by Sarah Rossi

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Event/lifestyle designer Angela Mazanti celebrates fall, her favorite time of the year, by capturing the essence of the season with an autumninspired table and menu, perfect for Thanksgiving.

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entertaining

What was the inspiration for this Thanksgiving table?

“The inspiration for this table was fall. This is my favorite time of year and I wanted to capture the very essence of the season.

I love how the air changes to a crisp, fresh breeze at the onset of autumn, how people decorate their front porches and inside their homes with fall colors, the scent of pumpkin spice, the flavors of fall, the use of lots of pumpkins and gourds and everything harvest. Fall brings a new anticipation of change in the air, a goodbye to the doldrums of the summer heat and hello to the upcoming celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas and the new year. For a ‘hostess’ at heart, this is best time of year!” Mazanti says.

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The Decor: Mazanti uses lots of copper, burnished gold and bronze to set off everything from the flowers to the food. Every place setting is layered, from the autumn leaf placemats to the burnished gold chargers and the emerald green goblets that she chose for a rich and hearty butternut squash soup. Salt and pepper shakers are cute little bronze owls, tying in perfectly with the mixture of bronze, gold and copper votive candles (pumpkin scented, of course).

“I used a linen runner with a beautiful watercolor scene of a grove of trees at the height of color change. I strongly believe in using food as decor for dinner parties, especially when it is a ‘harvest’ meal. The runner was lined with fresh artichokes and mini pumpkins painted gold in lieu of place cards,” says Mazanti.

The designer is known for mixing in vintage touches in all of her décor, and it has been a tradition of hers for years to use her collection of antique amber glasses at her Thanksgiving table. “I used plates with a gorgeous leaf and acorn motif that tied in perfectly with the jewel-toned goblets that were used for the butternut squash soup. The flatware set on top of a simple but pretty ivory napkin was just the right contrast to show off the hammered copper detail. The candle holders were deer antlers fashioned around a beautiful squash-colored pillar candle.”

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in the kitchen entertaining The Flowers:

The flowers were simple grocery-store blooms that Mazanti arranged in beautiful, oversized copper mugs. The flowers’ simplicity allowed them to add to the beauty to the table without being the main focal point.

Create Your Own:

Mazanti says anyone could create their own Thanksgiving table by using a collection of their favorite seasonal plates and glasses and adding in lots of textures and colors that say "fall." Use harvest vegetables and gourds from the grocery store to line the center of your table. One of the designer’s favorite table decoration is Brussels sprouts on the stem. “They are so unusual and unique, and will last for a while. When you are done using them for decor, cook them!” she recommends.

“If you love amber glassware like I do, you can always find it in vintage and antique shops. It just screams Thanksgiving table to me,” says Mazanti. She also suggests layering decor. Don't underestimate the visual power of using a placemat under a charger and then a plate on top of that and even a soup goblet on top of that. “I say the more the better on a holiday table. Pile on layers of items that enhance each other. Use multiple mediums like glass, metal and wood in order to create visual interest. The wood can be the table itself without a linen. You can even add pretty, festive lumbar pillows to the chairs to create yet another layer of color and texture. Don’t discount the use of fresh herbs, greens and berries as garnishes for your tasty dishes. It makes them seem extra special.”

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Other tips for hosting a great Thanksgiving Mazanti has several other tips for hosting a great Thanksgiving. She advises doing as much as possible ahead of time so that on Thanksgiving Day you actually get to enjoy the precious time with loved ones.

Sometimes you only get to see them once a year and that time shouldn’t be spent running around like a crazy person trying to make sure everything is perfect. Go ahead and wash your dishes that have been in storage, polish your silver, buy your groceries and do anything else that needs to be taken care of a week or two ahead of time. Set the table on Monday and Tuesday, and bake pies and cakes and cornbread for dressing. On Wednesday set out the casserole dishes and start brining the turkey.

Remember that doing as much as possible in the time leading up to Thanksgiving will cut down on your stress level, and don’t think that everything has to be perfect—the most important thing is truly being thankful for your beautiful friends and family and cherishing every single precious minute you have with them.

Menu: Herb roasted turkey (soaked overnight in a brine of apple cider, brown sugar, sea salt, fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, quartered onions, celery, quartered oranges) • Squash casserole • Cranberry and mushroom wild rice • Harvest pear and apple salad with goat cheese and hot bacon and champagne vinaigrette • Apple and sausage stuffing • Orange-scented cranberry relish • Honey dijon collard greens • Butternut squash soup • Herb-roasted root vegetables • Pumpkin pie • Caramel apple pie a la mode November 2016 • athomemms.com | 93

entertaining

Picking out the perfect pumpkin!

Photos by John Terry

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At Home Magazine had the opportunity to enjoy a private pumpkin patch at Pitchfork Farms...

The pictures were too cute to not share with our readers!

Happy Fall Y'all!

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dining out

Southern with a French Twist

By Ruthie Hall

Photo's by Justin Fox Burks

A restaurant just opened in September is changing the food atmosphere in Collierville. Brian Thurmond, owner and executive chef of 148 North, is thrilled to bring a new dining experience to the community.

Thurmond gets plenty of questions about his new restaurant’s name. “The name is actually the address, 148 N. Main St.,” he explains, “but it pays homage to the history of the building in Collierville; 148/150 N. Main St. has served the Collierville community for its entire existence. While it was built to be the town post office, it has also housed a photographer's studio that specialized in pictures of town square events, as well as the Collierville town newspaper.

That’s the history I wanted to add to, and be able to tell people about when I get asked about the name.”

The history of Collierville is important to Thurmond; he says it influences every day of his life. “(Collierville) has such a small-town feel still, even though it has been growing exponentially over the past few years, and I want to respect the past and preserve it for the future. I want to be a part of the town’s history, and continue the decades of service that Main Street has provided for Collierville. I want to be able to teach my daughter about all of the cool stuff that happened on the square and show her what it means to be a part of the community,” he says.

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The chef ’s culinary vision for 148 North involves what he calls “dirty South” food with French elegance.

Thurmond is a “grits-and-greens guy” who loves to put his expertise to use making duck confit. He builds from his own experience; the food knowledge he gleaned from his grandma enables him to bring delicious flavors to a fine dining experience. Seasonal foods drive 148 North’s menu. “I want to bring as much locally sourced produce as I can and really use the seasonal plants that are available to us. You don’t have corn in February, and there is no watermelon in March.”

Two stand-out items from the current menu are a curry braised pork belly slider with a Vietnamese “cole slaw” (cilantro, peanuts and rice wine vinegar), and sauteed chicken livers and onion with grits and greens for lunch.

Winter will bring new entree choices. Thurmond says, “I am pretty excited about wintertime in general, because it’s the braising time of the year, and there is just so much love put into an eight- to 12-hour short rib—it makes my mouth water just talking about it. So there will be a few braises on the menu, but we will also focus on using the hard herbs that kind of survive the fall, rosemary, thyme, lavender. We fortunately also have sage for the beginning of winter.”

Diners will also find traditional comfort foods at 148 North. The chef hinted that the winter menu will include green bean casserole, sweet potato pie and Ma’s Oreo Surprise, a frozen concoction of Oreos layered with chocolate ice cream, with hot fudge poured on top.

Thurmond wants the dining experience at 148 North to be as outstanding as the cuisine. “I can make great food all day, but if the customer isn’t being listened to, not having their needs met, then we have failed as a restaurant,” he says. “I want the actions of our staff to differentiate us from other places, and leave a lasting impression on the customer.”

The restaurant owes its unique atmosphere to the remnants of two tin barns formerly situated behind the building.

Designers upcycled much of the structures’ weathered wood and patinaed tin, creating a “been-there-forever” feel. Thurmond says, “I wanted to make 148 a place where people can come and hang out and have great food, and then go shop on the square or enjoy one of the events put on by the Main Street historical district. I want casual but formal, social but elegant. If that’s how people feel when they walk in, then I have done my job.”

Thurmond gets sentimental about holding wedding rehearsal dinners at the restaurant. “It takes me back to the meal I shared with my wife’s family and my family before we were married. That’s such a cool moment that I love to be a small part of, and give those two families and friends the venue to come together and share in their excitement for a couple.” Upcoming special events on 148 North’s calendar include a dinner to benefit Cancer Card Xchange on Dec. 8. Thurmond says he wants the restaurant to be involved with all of the events on the Collierville Square in order to support the community every way possible.

148 North is located at 148 N. Main St. in Collierville.

Hours are Mon. and Tue., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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in the kitchen

e l p Pie p A ble m u Cr

This pie combines the best of two classic fruit desserts —It's a traditional apple pie with the nutty and cinnamon topping of a crumble. It’s pretty delicious as is… but for the holiday consider adding dried cranberries to the apple filling.

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A Thanksgiving feast is not complete without pie!

y p p a H ! g n i v i g s k n Tha Photo by Justin Fox Burks | Food Styling by Jennifer Chandler Excerpted from The Southern Pantry Cookbook by Jennifer Chandler

Ingredients • 1 unbaked pie crust (9-inch), homemade or store-bought • ¾ cup all-purpose flour, divided • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided • ½ cup chopped pecans • ¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pea-size pieces • 6 Granny Smith apples (about 3 pounds), peeled, cored and cut into thin slices, about ¼-inch thick • 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice • ½ tsp. Kosher salt Preheat the oven to 375˚.

Place the pie crust in a deep-dish pie pan and flute the edges, if desired. Refrigerate the crust until ready to fill.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together ½ cup flour, ½ cup sugar, ½ tsp. cinnamon and pecans. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the butter until the mixture looks like pebbles.

Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

In a large mixing bowl combine the apples, lemon juice, salt, remaining 1 cup sugar, remaining ¼ cup flour, and remaining 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon. Toss to coat. Fill the center of the pie crust with the apple mixture in an even layer. Crumble the topping evenly over the filling. In case of overflow, place the pie pan on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake the pie until the fruit juices bubble and the topping turns golden brown, about 50 to 60 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack for 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Serves 8.

Do-ahead: This crumble topping freezes well. My sister always has prepared crumble topping in her freezer to serve dessert for impromptu guests.

Store the topping in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the whole pie, unbaked, for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

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happy hour

1.5 oz lemon vodka 1 oz Pama pomegranate liqueur 1/2 oz pineapple juice 1/4 lemon juice Shake, strain, sugar rim, and garnish with lemon twist.

Recipe courtesy of The Kitchen Bitro at Shelby Farms Park 102 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2016

Persian Lemon

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Sources 18 | HEALTHY YOU Photo Credit discassessment.org howtobecome.com 22 | AT HOME WITH Special thanks to -­ Nikki Schroeder nikkisproducts.com 26 | HOME FEATURE Special thanks to – Cindy McCord cindymccord.com Arcadia Landscaping Millstone Market The Garden District Thomas Wirth, Builder Jeff Bramlett, Architect 38 | DESIGN Special thanks to - Heidi Dawson Frabric by the Square, Drapery Woodland Tree, Buffet 48 | HOME TRENDS Special thanks to - Bill Taylor wedolandscapelighting.com 70 | EXPERIENCE THIS Photo Credit grenadapolarexpressride.com commercialappeal.com familyvacationcritic.com 96 | DINING OUT 148north.com 102 | HAPPY HOUR thekitchen.com

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on a good note

Building Community Through Food Text by: Meaghan Fogarty

Children in Memphis are learning the importance of nutrition firsthand thanks to the efforts of The Kitchen Community. The nonprofit organization has planted 62 Learning Gardens around the city and intends to bring the total to over 100 in the next three years. These outdoor, interactive classrooms connect children with wholesome foods and encourage them to make healthy choices.

Valuable tools for teaching not only nutrition, Learning Gardens also engage young students in science, math and reading—93 percent of teachers have reported an increased level of student participation in lessons held in these gardens.

The organization’s mission is to strengthen communities by accelerating the real food movement at scale. Each day 282 Learning Gardens at schools and community organizations in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and Memphis impact over 97,000 underserved children. The Kitchen Community identified a movement in Memphis toward acknowledging the importance of “real food,” and hopes its work here will serve as a gateway to more opportunities in the South.

The Kitchen Community collaborates with The Kitchen Restaurants and The Kitchen Ventures to strengthen the local food economy and pursue an America where everyone, everywhere has access to real food. Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk, co-founders of The Kitchen Community, recently opened The Kitchen Bistro at Shelby Farms Park, which promotes organically grown foods. The restaurant’s 106 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2016

philosophy holds that all ingredients should be sourced from farmers, ranchers and sellers that share the same value in high-quality products. As a commitment to the Memphis community, the restaurant was built by local craftsmen, the ingredients are sourced from local farmers and the management is committed to environmentally friendly practices. Through both The Kitchen Restaurant in Shelby Farms and The Kitchen Community, Matheson and Musk hope to strengthen the Memphis community.

For more information on how you can get involved or to apply for a Learning Garden at your school or community organization visit The Kitchen Community’s webpage. www.thekitchencommunity.org

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108 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • November 2016