November 2012

FOR YOU • YOUR HOME • YOUR LIFESTYLE

Thanksgiving RUSTIC STYLE

Home for the

HOLIDAYS 2012 Annual

GIFT GUIDE

contents

NOVEMBER 2012

52

65

82 NOVEMBER 2012

52 | home feature: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

• YOUR LIFESTYLE FOR YOU • YOUR HOME

• YOUR LIFESTYLE FOR YOU • YOUR HOME

Thanksgiving RUSTIC STYLE

Home for the

HOLIDAYS

2012 Annual

GIFT GUIDE

Memphis interior designer Lindley Marten decorates a home for Christmas with rich history

65 | special: 2013 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Perfect presents for her and for him, along with kids’ gifts, bargain buys and Tennessee products

ATHOMETN.COM

82 | entertaining: THANKSGIVING TABLE

A rustic twist on classic Thanksgiving décor inside a Germantown Show Home

A rustic, yet elegant twist on traditional fare and décor

See page 82 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. 6 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

contents

18 | fashion: HOLIDAY FASHION TRENDS From casual to elegant, great ideas for seasonal attire

NOVEMBER 2012

22 | beauty: FALL AND WINTER FRAGRANCES Our best fragrance picks for cold weather

26 | health: “HEY ST. JUDE” A star-studded video based in Memphis heightens childhood disease awareness

28 | lifestyle:

SEASONAL STRESS BUSTERS

Getting through the holiday hustle-n-bustle

32 | best of: LIGHTS ACROSS TENNESSEE From Graceland to Gatlinburg, the best holiday displays from around the state

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36 | travel: FLORIDA’S ISLAND GETAWAYS Perfect hot spot escapes in the Sunshine State

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42 | at home with: BILL CARTER – “GET CARTER” The Lebanon resident shares his eclectic career

44 | arts: MEMPHIS BLUES BALL GUITARS A longstanding tradition that marries Memphis music with artistic talent

46 | music city scene: “ROCKY TOP” Chuck Dauphin talks with the artists who recorded this Tennessee treasure

50 | technology: HIGH-TECH HOME CONTROL Best advice for choosing the perfect provider

58 | design: HOLIDAY DÉCOR TRADITIONS One well-known Memphis family’s seasonal traditions

72 | garden: FORGOTTEN BEAUTY Morgan, Maple and Holly that add beauty without needing warmth

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74 | in bloom: THE BEAUTYBERRY A classic Tennessee native that thrives in late autumn

88 | cooking: CONVENIENTLY HEALTHY Dishes that won’t leave you feeling guilty over the holidays

90 | cuisine: BLACKBERRY FARM AND DANCING BEAR Two East Tennessee chefs dish on their favorite fare at sister locales

94 | roadtrip: HOLIDAYS AT THE BILTMORE Lights, beauty and Christmas cheer in the mountains

IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | PUBLISHER’S NOTE 14 | CONTRIBUTORS 65 | STYLE MARKETPLACE 76 | BY INVITATION — the social pages 92 | HAPPENINGS 97 | SOURCES 8 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

NOVEMBER 2012 • Vol. 11 No. 8 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Margaret Monger | mmonger@athometn.com

EDITOR janna fite herbison | jherbison@athometn.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

BRITTANY WALLER | bwaller@athometn.com

EDITORIAL COPY EDITOR TerrI Glazer

SOCIETY EDITOR

Lesley Colvett | lcolvett@athometn.com

IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT

Charles Reynolds | cr@colorretouching.com

ADVERTISING SENIOR REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Melissa Hosp | mhosp@athometn.com

senior ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Hilary Frankel | hfrankel@athometn.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES SUZANNE BOYD | sboyd@athometn.com donna roland | droland@athometn.com Melanie Tigrett | mtigrett@athometn.com Holt Edwards | hedwards@athometn.com Allison P. Smith | asmith@athometn.com mary ellen smith | msmith@athometn.com

BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Trip Monger | tmonger@athometn.com

Webmaster/Office Assistant LAURIE SUMMERS

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Linda Benton, Scott Fuelling, Charles Phillips, April McKinney, Allison Tibaldi, Jonna Danis, Andy Pulte, Chuck Dauphin, James Newburn, Latifa Newbill, Jesse Muchmore, Whittney Willis

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS John Terry, Lindsey Lissau

INTERNS Jesse Muchmore, Latifa Newbill, Nicolette Overton, Whittney Willis

HOW TO REACH US

671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athometn.com BEAUTY INQUIRIES: beauty@athometn.com WEBSITE INQUIRIES: web@athometn.com At Home Tennessee does not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Tennessee: 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe online at athometn.com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Tennessee is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Tennessee, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, 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 Tennessee, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or by e-mail to tmonger@athometn.com

10 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

publisher’s note

GRATITUDE OVER THE YEARS

I

love Thanksgiving. I simply love this time of year. Fall, football and a house full of crazy people – who can ask for more? This issue’s feature on a less formal style Thanksgiving reminds me of our own. With 30+ people for dinner, seated is just not our style. On that note, neither is what some may say is “normal.” Oh, we have had our share of moments in the past, (some of which you may have read about) like the time we had to take back the coveted ham from the soup kitchen and switch it out for the turkey. I don’t think I ever had the chance to share one of my favorites with you, mostly because at the time it was a bit too tough to talk about. Thank God, dysfunction is rapid in our home and makes for good memories, even if we have to wait a few years to share. (This is where my family is sweating and praying like an Auburn fan on game day, while reading.)

When reading the article “Hey St. Jude” it sparked a special memory for me. I remember about six years ago when my niece, Julia, was a patient there. It was not a good time for our family but as most families do, we made the most of it. Julia wasn’t doing well and was going through a hard time, so many of the adult members of our family were supporting my brother and sisterin-law while I was at home getting ready for the feeding frenzy, along with keeping the much younger nieces and nephew. My kids were in their teens and far past the “can I have this to eat?” years. I learned quickly how easy it is to become aunt of the year. I was busy getting things together and trying to hide my worries for my niece from the cousins so my Southern fi x for anything, food, kicked in. That is went Aunt Margaret went to work. “Of course you can have two pieces of cake and a brownie.” “You want whipped cream on that?” “It’s more fun if you squirt it out of the can into your mouth.” “What do you mean you never did that?” “You are five, right?” Well, you can see how the evening progressed and when the parents showed up that evening, they wanted an explanation. For me, I kept three children happy and full of sugar for hours. We danced, ate and laughed and can you ever do those things too much? If you ask my brother, he will say yes, because he had to take them all to Wal-Mart at midnight, in pajamas, to let them ride their “high” out. I went to bed with a glass of wine and slept great.

Getting back to my sweet niece, Julia, she had a remarkable ending to this crazy year. She started Thanksgiving with a fungus on her lung that was not responding to treatment. This lasted until shortly after Christmas when the fungus just “went away.” This news was delivered to my brother and sister-in-law by a new nurse at St. Jude. His name was Nurse Henry. Henry was also the name of my dad, who died that same year the day after Christmas. I know St. Jude has tons of angels on earth seeing their work can be done but this year they had special angels among them, in Heaven, and there is no doubt my Daddy was one of them.

Have a wonderful time with your family this holiday season. Let the kids eat too much sugar, sing and dance, and don’t ever underestimate the power of miracles. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

12 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

contributors

LESLEY COLVETT

attends some of the most fabulous parties throughout the state as social editor for At Home Tennessee magazine. Colvett’s 10-year career in magazines began promptly after she graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism with her first job as editor of Memphis’ RSVP magazine. If you would like At Home Tennessee to attend your upcoming event contact Lesley at lcolvett@athometn.com.

Shana RaLEY-LuSk

is a freelance writer and regular contributor to At Home Tennessee magazine. Lusk is a lifelong reader who has a diverse background and education in fine arts, interior design and literature. Shana interviews Jon Meacham who explains the reasoning and passion behind his book Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power on p. 94.

anDREW puLTE

is a gardening expert and internationally certified arborist who teaches at the University of Tennessee, contributes to several gardening publications and hosts a radio show, “Garden Talk.” Originally from Nebraska, Pulte now gardens and resides in Knoxville with his wife Beccy and son Theo. Andrew gives us tips on the best flowers to plant during the winter months on p. 72.

apRiL MCkinnEY

April McKinney is an award-winning cook, food writer and recipe demonstrator. She has been featured on the Today show and Better TV, after her recipes won national cooking contests. You can also see her creating new healthy and simple dishes on her YouTube channel, “April McKinney Cooking,” where she demonstrates her recipes on camera. This month in her new column, “Conveniently Healthy,” April gives us some guilt-free recipes for holiday entertaining on p. 88.

ChuCk Dauphin

has two decades of experience covering country music for both print and broadcast media. He is currently the online country editor for Billboard magazine and has worked for radio stations such as WDKN and the Interstate Radio Network. He has also written for such publications as Music City News and Roughstock, and can be heard weekly on WNKX / Centerville. Chuck gets the background story on the Tennessee song treasure “Rocky Top” by the Osbourne Brothers on p. 46.

aLLiSOn TibaLDi

is a travel writer who lives in New York City with her husband and two children. She has lived in Italy, Australia, and Canada and loves life on the road. She has been published in The New York Times, off Metro, Family Travel Forum and Mommy Poppins.

A special travel contributor for At Home Tennessee this month, Allison gives us the rundown on great winter vacation hot spots in Florida on p. 36.

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fashion

Holiday Part y Wear Two great looks for stepping out this season

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1) Piper tote (Argento) $398, Furla, www.furla.com 2) Diamond Earrings $19, Ethel & Myrtle Inc., Two Girls and a Trunk 3) Venere (Oro) $228, Furla, www.furla.com 4) Pinta Cuff $28, Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 5) ZigZag Sequin Dress $198, JCrew, www.jcrew.com 6) When the Night Comes Dress in Red $100, Modcloth, www.modcloth. com 7) Stiletto My Stars Heel $48, Modcloth, www.modcloth.com 8) Black Swuede Platform Heels $112, Sacha London, Two Girls and a Trunk November 2012 • athometn.com | 19

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beauty

best scents OF THE SEASON 1 3 2 Our favorite fragrances for late fall and winter

Gold, Rose Edition

Drop of Rose

Michael Kors, $50 for 1 oz bottle and $98 for3.4 oz bottle, www.macys.com

pureDKNY, $45 for 30 ml bottle and $65 for 50 ml bottle, www.ulta.com

Poppy Blossom Fragrance

Coach, $65, www.coach.com

5

Woman

Donna Karan, $85 for 1.7 oz bottle and $115 for 3.4 oz bottle, www.dkny.com

4

Guess Seductive Homme Blue

Coty Fragrances, $65, www.coty.com

6

Juliette Has a Gun

Romantina, $85, www. bollare.com

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Beauty Fragrance Bracelets

Lisa Hoffman, $65 each, www.lisahoffmanbeauty.com

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8

Be Delicious Eau So Intense DKNY, $85, www.macys.com

1

Inspired by the success of the Michael Kors GOLD scent, the Rose Edition exclusive “signature” bouquet is revealed through five unique floral facets of tuberose, petally rose centifolia, muguet, glistening peony and gardenia. The result is a beautifully crafted, lush and modern floral scent that’s chic, unexpected and undeniably feminine.

2

Poppy Blossom is a new limited edition fragrance that is fresh, floral, fruity and full of life.

Combining the original Poppy fragrance with the romance of Poppy Flower, this scent is bright, modern and subtly sophisticated.

3

pureDKNY rose is a straightforward but soft, uncluttered, and a very true representation of a garden rose with none of the heaviness of an oldfashioned floral.

This seductively addictive fragrance features a fresh mixture of peppery notes and aquatic accords grounded with an earthy base. With its irresistible appeal, this sophisticated scent is ideal for the modern man.

4 5

This fragrance is a dichotomy of softness and strength. Utilizing ingredients that are traditionally found in masculine fragrances and wrapping them with nurturing white florals results in a feminine and sensual scent.

Infused with the highest concentrations of the purest ingredients, Romantina draws its flirtatious and romantic scent from a delicate blend of white flowers.

Romantina offers a musky composition in which Orange Blossom impulsively marries Jasmine, and Rose passionately blends with Iris and Osmanthus.

6 7

These fragrance beads are ecofriendly and made from the highest standard of pure perfume.

Each piece of jewelry comes with refillable fragrance beads so you can easily refresh the scent in your charm.

It’s perfume, we just reinvented the packaging.

8

An intense new take on the DKNY Delicious Fresh Blossom fragrance that marries freshness, vibrancy, and femininity. All the things you love about Fresh Blossom is now intensified in an irresistibly seductive scent.

November 2012 • athometn.com | 23

health

“HEY ST. JUDE”

A star-studded video campaign by St. Jude magnifies childhood cancer awareness Text by Whittney Willis and Janna Herbison

26 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this past September, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis released an inspirational video based on the iconic song “Hey Jude” by the Beatles. The video includes physicians, staff and patients along with a host of Hollywood heavy hitters such as Jennifer Aniston, Keith Urban, Betty White, Malin Akerman, Jordin Sparks, Ellen DeGeneres, Lady Antebellum, Robin Williams, Dr. Oz, Michael Jordan and Jimmy Kimmel.

“Singing a classic like ‘Hey Jude’ with this all-star cast of fellow musicians, actors, athletes and St. Jude patients was an incredible experience,” says Grammy-nominated singer and actress Sparks.

Many of the participants appear sporting a black t-shirt with the Twitter symbol “#heystjude” on the front of it. The video includes clips from a previous St. Jude benefit concert in Memphis by country music stars Big & Rich, Darius Rucker and Kellie Pickler, along with a special performance from an 11-year-old patient named Keshaun, who is receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukemia at St. Jude. His appearance illustrates the fact Keshaun hasn’t let the cancer treatment affect his lifelong love of singing and dancing.

“It’s wonderful to see how this video brings together an amazing cast of supporters of St. Jude’s mission in such an inspiring way,” says Richard C. Shadyac, Jr., CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude. “We are so grateful to everyone who joined us in this creative endeavor, as we continue to mobilize the world in the fight against cancer and other catastrophic diseases that threaten so many precious children.”

“Hey St. Jude” was produced by Tony Thomas, a Hollywood producer, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital board member and the son of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Tony appears in the video alongside actress Jennifer Aniston.

Since opening its doors 50 years ago in downtown Memphis, St. Jude has changed the way the world views and treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Support from the public makes it possible for the hospital to offer critical care and research breakthroughs to children in need without their families paying a dime.

The video also sends viewers to the www. heystjude.org link, and shows how they can help make it better for kids everywhere.”

Adds Sparks, "I am so proud to support the hospital’s mission, and truly hope everyone will check out this music video.”

November 2012 • athometn.com | 27

lifestyle

BEAT THE

seasonal stress Text by Jonna Danis, Certified Personal Trainer, Germantown Athletic Club

These days, and especially with the holidays awareness can cause poor sleep, irritability and approaching, our lives are often filled with diminished overall concentration. stress. But what really is stress and how can we deal with it effectively?

You may not be able to eliminate some stressful areas in your life, however, the good news is Stress is a series of chemical and hormonal that there are ways you can help counteract the responses which are intended for survival. negative effect chronic stress has on your body.

These physiological changes affect both the mental and physical state, producing the “fight Exercise or flight” response critical to our own self- Exercise stimulates the production of protection. endorphins, your brain’s “feel good” hormones.

These chemicals give you what is sometimes At the perception of danger or distress, called a “runner’s high.” A game of tennis, an hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and exercise class, a run, a bike ride or a weight noradrenaline are released into the body. training session will stir up these hormones.

These hormones create a sense of heightened You do not have to be an athlete to reap awareness by causing the heart to race. Sugar is these benefits; a long walk or hike outside will then released into the bloodstream for muscle also do the job. preparedness. Non-essential functions such as the digestive and immune systems are slowed Regular exercise (30 minutes most days of down, allowing the sympathetic nervous the week) can increase self-confidence and system to take over. You begin to sweat and lower symptoms associated with depression have acute alertness – you are ready for action. and anxiety. It can also improve sleep, which is Once the threat is gone, your system returns to often disrupted by stress. business as usual.

Massage However, if this heightened state of your A massage also releases endorphins, the body’s sympathetic nervous system is continued natural pain killers, which can reduce symptoms over time and with no relief, your health associated with anxiety and strengthen your can be compromised. The immune system immune system. is weakened, leaving you vulnerable to colds and other illnesses. Constant stress can also Stretching contribute to high blood pressure, obesity and Tight muscles, especially in the neck, upper heart disease. A prolonged state of heightened back and hamstrings, can hold a lot of tension.

28 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

Stretching eases these tight and tired areas, building flexibility, increasing your range of motion and improving circulation. Consider practicing yoga – the stretching and focus are great stress busters!

Diet A healthy diet can help your body deal with stress very effectively. Carbohydrates release serotonin, one of the “feel good” hormones.

Complex carbs like whole grains and oatmeal help stabilize blood sugar. Oranges decrease stress hormones while boosting the immune system. Not getting enough magnesium may trigger headaches and fatigue. Soybeans, salmon, tuna and spinach or any dark leafy vegetables are good sources of magnesium.

Black tea helps you recover from stressful events more quickly, as opposed to caffeinated drinks which can increase stress hormones and blood pressure. Pistachios, walnuts and almonds reduce cholesterol and inflammation of the arteries of the heart, helping to protect it from the effects of stress.

Though you cannot escape much of the stress life brings to the table, there are things you can do to lower the negative impact it has on your health and well-being. A regular practice of some type of exercise, massage, stretching and a healthy diet will ultimately help you de-stress and get your life back on track!

November 2012 • athometn.com | 29

best of

Christmas at Graceland

Gaylord Opryland Resort

Holiday

Lights text by JESSE MUCHMORE

Christmas at Graceland Speedway in Lights

32 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

As the holidays approach, festive light displays begin to pop up across Tennessee. In what has become an annual tradition for many families and a seasonal enterprise for hundreds of businesses, there are plenty of choices when it comes to holiday lights, all the way from Memphis to Mountain City. This year we’ve narrowed down our list of favorites.

Gaylord Opryland

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, formerly known as the Opryland Hotel, is long acclaimed for its spectacular Christmas light displays and activities each year. It showcases more than two million lights and welcomes thousands of visitors to A Country Christmas celebration during the holiday season. Horse-drawn carriage rides led by magnificent Tennessee Walking Horses provide a unique way to view parts of the outdoor light and nativity display. Inside, guests can take a leisurely walk through the Cascades and Delta Island, both covered in abundant vegetation with various fountains and waterways. Grand curtains of lights descend from the glass ceiling and form holiday shapes that seem to almost hover in the air. The display also features a 48-foot-tall lit Christmas tree sure to help anyone get in the spirit of the holidays. The fun all begins with an extravagant lighting ceremony on November 16.

Christmas at Graceland

Christmas was always important to Elvis, not only because it meant his birthday was nearing but also because it was a season when he could take a break from his typically hectic schedule and spend time at home with his family in Memphis. The staff at Graceland continues that tradition with the Graceland Annual Lighting Ceremony on November 16.

Hundreds of blue lights line the driveway, while elaborate displays illuminate the mansion itself and the trees along the front yard. There is also a life-size nativity scene, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, and plenty more lights that were originally displayed by “the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” himself.

Speedway in Lights

Racing fans will love Bristol Motor Speedway’s annual Speedway in Lights event that opens November 16. Speedway in Lights is the South’s largest holiday light show featuring four miles of luminescent festivities as well as a lap around the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. Highlights include the Symphony of Lights with a Christmas tree, bouncing snowflakes, arches, fountains and more than November 2012 • athometn.com | 33

best of

Deck the Falls Winterfest in the Smokies

Winterfest in the Smokies

Deck the Falls Speedway in Lights

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300,000 LED lights set to music; The Twelve Days of Christmas with radiant representations of images from the classic song; The Sea of Illumination that offers an assortment of spectacular ocean creatures; Dinosaur Village featuring six prehistoric animals and an exploding volcano, and much more. Proceeds go to the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

Winterfest in the Smokies

Winterfest in the Smokies is an East Tennessee tradition that spans throughout the three cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge and kicks off on November 5. This year’s event will be the 23rd annual Winterfest and will include millions of dazzling lights. In an effort to reduce the impact on the environment, all of Gatlinburg and Sevierville’s lights will be in LED format, a type more environmentally friendly than the incandescent variety. The displays include artistic renderings of animals native to the Smoky Mountains, along with the more traditional Christmas images of snowmen, Christmas trees, Santa and his reindeer. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer Winterfest trolley tours for viewing the holiday display highlights. Sevierville encourages its visitors to stop by the city’s Visitor Center for a pair of 3D glasses which transform each point of light into a snowflake.

The 37th Annual Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Parade on December 7 features more than 100 entries including marching bands, giant helium balloons and creative floats.

Deck the Falls

Deck the Falls is a special seasonal tour of Ruby Falls in Chattanooga that opens November 22. This display is perfect for sightseers and nature lovers alike. Guests are given a guided tour of the caverns accompanied with seasonal music as they explore the natural wonders 1,120 feet underground. The event culminates in a breathtaking light show at the famous waterfall.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas holiday celebration begins November 10 and features more than four million lights. Each night the Carol of the Trees event has massive Christmas trees along with many other light displays synchronized to music along the Rivertown Lake. The event creates a seasonal symphony for the senses and features a daily Parade of Lights throughout the park, with numerous floats lit in a spectacular fashion as well as live musical performances.

November 2012 • athometn.com | 35

travel

Sanibel Lighthouse Pier Photo courtesy of Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau www.FortMyersSanibel.com 36| At Home Tennessee • November 2012

travel

Great Florida Escapes From Sanibel to Amelia, some of the best winter getaways TEXT BY Allison TiBAldi

With the last colorful display of autumn leaves clinging to the trees, winter’s chill can’t be far behind. Don’t pack away your flip flops just yet. This is the ideal time to make a Florida escape. The Sunshine State beckons with summer-like temperatures, palm-fringed sands and crystal-clear waters. These three Florida destinations showcase the diversity of the state, putting a tropical dream vacation in easy reach.

SARASOTA where ocean and art combine Sarasota is a coastal haven with an artistic sensibility. The town’s stunning beaches garner accolades for their sugar-fine sand. If your cultural side is seeking stimulation, the arts hold a prominent place. You can spend your days frolicking in the gentle waves and your nights attending world-class opera, ballet or symphony performances. Sarasota’s combination of sand, sea and culture makes a vacation here unique.

What to do The sandy keys off Sarasota are some of the most scenic beaches along the Gulf Coast.

The sand on Siesta Key Beach is bright white, so your feet will stay refreshingly cool as you stroll towards the inviting water. Golf and tennis paradise Longboat Key is an upscale community loaded with recreational possibilities including a secluded bike trail with miles of coastal views.

No stay in Sarasota is complete without a visit to the Ringling Museum of Art. It is housed on the site of the former winter estate of circus magnate John Ringling. The collection is acclaimed for its 17th-century Baroque paintings, including several works by Dutch

Master Peter Paul Rubens. Don’t miss strolling through Ca’ d’Zan, the 56-room, Venetianstyle palazzo in which Mr. and Mrs. Ringling resided. The over-the-top marble accents and gilded grandeur are examples of palatial living.

For authentic North Carolina-style barbecue head to Nancy’s, where the menu features brisket, pulled pork and ribs with tasty sides like baked macaroni and cheese and Brunswick stew in a casual setting with very reasonable prices.

If you prefer a more intimate art experience, Sarasota is home to over 40 galleries, many of which are clustered in the mellow Towles SANIBEL ISLAND Court Arts District. Artists live and work in where nature takes center stage their rainbow-hued clapboard cottages and encourage visitors to come in and watch the Sanibel is a Gulf barrier island, easily reached creative process. from Fort Myers by causeway. In spite of its proximity to the mainland, it remains blissfully Sarasota supports a sophisticated array of untouched by modern tourist traps such as performing arts, remarkable for a city so high-rise condos and big-box stores. The locals modestly sized. The quality of Sarasota’s have worked hard to keep Sanibel purposely homegrown opera, ballet and two symphonies laid-back, with low-key “Mom and Pop” shops is very high, while ticket prices are reasonable. and family-owned restaurants. Visitors quickly fall under the spell of Sanibel’s authentic Florida Where to Stay spirit; towering palm trees are the tallest things things on the island. Over half of Sanibel is a The Cypress Bed and Breakfast overlooks lush wildlife refuge and you will find some of the bay in downtown Sarasota. The quaint inn the best seashells in the world peppering the has five intimate rooms, a serene private garden island’s beaches. awash with sheltering trees and owners who What to do will lavish attention on you. Breakfast is served at a civilized 9 a.m. and cocktail hour is each Sanibel’s beautiful and varied assortment evening at 6 p.m. of shells is courtesy of its unusual east-west If you prefer to stay closer to the shore, the orientation that allows hundreds of species to Inn at Turtle Beach provides a romantic wash up from the Caribbean. Shell collecting hideaway on Siesta Key. Sway in the breeze in is especially fine after a storm, but you are your hammock or relax in your private hot tub assured to find some eye-catching mollusks and bivalves no matter what the weather. Sanibel after a sunset stroll on the beach. is home to the only museum in the country devoted to shells, the Bailey-Matthews Shell BeSt eatS Museum. Enticing beaches include Bowman’s Stone crab is a local delicacy, served mid- Beach, the island’s most secluded and a great October to mid-May. Try Moore’s Stone Crab spot to watch the sunset. Lighthouse Beach on Longboat Key – the Moore family uses their is dominated by a towering 19th-century own crab traps to assure the utmost in freshness. lighthouse and is a popular fishing spot.

November 2012 • athometn.com |37

travel

Boats at the Marina Photo courtesy of visitSarasota.org

Ca’ d’Zan Tower Photo courtesy of visitSarasota.org

Sanibel Lighthouse Photo courtesy of Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau www.FortMyersSanibel.com

Siesta Key Biking Path Photo courtesy of visitSarasota.org

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The undisturbed beauty of J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is spread over 6,000 acres. The refuge’s delicate ecosystems include pristine wetlands and mangrove forests. Birders flock here to view hundreds of exotic species of migratory winged creatures. You can explore the preserve by car, but walking or biking the nature trail’s flat terrain gives you a keen vantage point for wildlife spotting. Discovering this sanctuary from the water is another fine option. Tarpon Bay Explorers provides guided kayak and canoe tours where you will commune with nature and be surrounded by uncultivated calm.

The entire island is a dream for cyclists.

Rent bikes at several locations and ride the flat, paved paths that run parallel to most roads. A slower-paced mode of transportation is the perfect way to unwind and leave your mainland stress behind.

Where to Stay The West Wind Inn is an island retreat immersed in nature. The friendly staff will give you a true Sanibel-style welcome. This beachfront property exudes privacy yet is close to all attractions.

At the Casa Ybel Resort, you will find 23 acres of landscaped grounds.

All accommodations are equipped with full kitchens, balconies and water views.

BeSt eatS Jacaranda is a lovely spot for indooroutdoor fine dining. The local seafood dishes are menu highlights, and the Patio Lounge features nightly live music. This is the night to splurge on one of the rich, home-baked desserts.

For a casual meal at the Sanibel Marina, try Gramma Dot’s. Local favorite grouper sandwich is a winner. Ordering a side of homemade potato chips is must.

AMELIA ISLAND where charm and history meet spectacular scenery Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island is an unspoiled wisp of a barrier island, with 13 miles of pristine beaches, clear water and a forest of moss-laden live oaks. Though it feels remote, the island is only a 40-minute drive north of the Jacksonville International Airport. The nautical beauty, Fernandina Beach’s captivating architecture, and perfectly preserved historic sites assure a winning vacation.

November 2012 • athometn.com |39

travel

Amelia Island Kayaking Photo courtesy of Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau www.FortMyersSanibel.com Amelia Island at Sunset

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island Amelia Island

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What to do The beaches along the island’s southern end are graced with giant sand dunes. Peter’s Point and Main Beach are sublime spots to enjoy the sun and sand. Golf is king here, and the challenging Long Point course, designed

by Tom Fazio, is an oceanfront beauty. If horseback riding on the beach appeals to you, Kelly Seahorse Ranch will put you in the saddle. Ecomotions Tours offers guided Segway excursions, a dashing way to see the island’s incomparable terrain.

The town of Fernandina Beach boasts a sprawling 50-block area of homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Strolling its pedestrianfriendly streets allows you to view many fine Victorian, Queen Anne and Italianate homes. The town is filled with quaint shops and cosmopolitan restaurants. History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to Fort Clinch State Park. Wander through this immaculately preserved Civil War brick fort or witness one of the reenactments that take place yearround.

Where to Stay The Omni Amelia Island Plantation and the Ritz-Carlton are both large resorts with first-rate activities to keep the entire family busy. If you are looking for a boutique hotel, the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is legendary.

Built to resemble a Nantucket sea captain’s abode, its comfy porch is an exceptional place to curl up with a good novel and listen to the sounds of the waves. The Florida House Inn is the oldest hotel in the state, proud of the long list of luminaries who have rested their heads here.

BeSt eatS Arté Pizza is located in the heart of Fernandina Beach. Its wood-fired oven produces thin-crust pizzas that will have you thinking you are in Italy. The island’s top dining room is Salt, located at the RitzCarlton Hotel. The kitchen uses an eclectic variety of over 30 different salts from around the globe to accent its refined cuisine.

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at home with

Carter with his grandchildren At President John F. Kennedy’s funeral

Carter with Mick Jagger

BILL CARTER: “GET CARTER”

TexT by Janna FiTe Herbison | pHoTos courTesy oF bill carTer

Many notorious figures from recent history have depended on Lebanon resident Bill Carter. The Arkansas native began his career in the Secret Service after law school, which led to various aspects of his career, including protecting the Kennedys and later working with such icons as Fed Ex founder Fred Smith, country music superstar Reba McEntire, the Reverend Dr. Billy Graham and even the Rolling Stones. At Home Tennessee recently talked with Carter about his book, Get Carter, which chronicles his amazing journey, one which he attributes to his strong faith and to a talent for being in the right place at the right time.

At Home Tennessee: What prompted you to capture your life and stories in print?

Bill Carter: One of my daughters was born around the same time Kennedy was killed, and for a long time I never talked about it. Later, I got to thinking about the questions they would have and how important it was to preserve my role in history for them.

42 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

AHT: What was your role in the Secret Service during the Kennedy years? Tell us how that changed immediately following the assassination.

the president. I was immediately assigned to the White House and to protect President Kennedy’s body through the burial. I later aided in the Warren Commission’s investigation. I interviewed Jack Ruby and Marina Oswald, BC: I spent the summer before the and got to know Ms. Oswald well. I think that assassination at the Kennedy retreat in whole investigation process gave me confidence Rattlesnake Mountain, Virginia. I was assigned and eventually made me a better lawyer. to protect Mrs. Kennedy and I got to know her on a formal basis. She always called me “Mr. AHT: How did you come to know and work Carter.” I have the highest regard for her – with Fed Ex founder Fred Smith? she was a sophisticated lady of class and well educated. When she died, it took me several BC: My friend introduced me to Fred (who days to get over it – her death really affected was his client) back then and we all sat down at me. When you protect these presidents and my friend’s home one day to discuss his project. their families, you grow close to them and Fred sat on the floor and spread all these papers really care. out – they were his original plans for Federal Express. He asked if I could help get some of They were grooming me for White House the federal regulations changed in D.C. for detail in November 1963, and I was back his new business. I did help and he finally in Washington for an advanced course on launched Federal Express in 1973. I spent the assassination and security the day [President] next four years with Fred and with Fed Ex. We Kennedy was killed. There were no agents are still friends – I still talk with Fred and stay in D.C. because they were all in Dallas with in touch. I have the highest regard for him.

AHT: You write that Mick Jagger coined the phrase “Get Carter” when the Rolling Stones became your clients. Please tell us about your history and work with them.

BC: Jagger coined that phrase because when something would go wrong for them (legally) and they needed help – those were apparently often the first words out of his mouth. Keith Richards wrote about me in the first chapter of his book, which stunned me and is something I really appreciate. I love Keith and truly respect him. He says exactly what he thinks and doesn’t try to be anyone else. He always comes up still and gives me a hug whenever I run into him.

AHT: Tell us a little about your good friend, Ms. Reba McEntire.

BC: Reba remains one of the most talented and dedicated artists I have ever worked with.

While driven to succeed in her career, she is committed to her family first and foremost. I have the greatest respect for Reba as an artist, daughter, wife and mother.

“

Bill Carter was an important player in the early development of FedEx – then Federal Express – as an outstanding lawyer and political strategist and advisor. He was, and remains a good friend and a fascinating character.

“

– Frederick W. Smith,

Chairman and CEO, FedEx Corp.

AHT: And the Rev. Billy Graham – I know you spent a lot of time working with him and with his organization.

BC: I produced the only authorized biography of Dr. Billy Graham. He is the real deal. The love and spirit of his whole organization are infectious. My time with them was one of the highlights of my life. Our society still needs him today more than ever. I’m also proud of the work his son has continued.

AHT: What’s next for you?

BC: Well, I don’t play golf so I’ll probably never retire (laughs). I truly enjoy what I do. I still do charitable work, like the Johnny Cash festival in his hometown in Arkansas. We just finished it a few weeks ago. I am honored to work alongside his daughter Rosanne every year to help give back to the community there, and I do events in my hometown, as well. It’s so important. I want to continue to help people as long as possible.

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arts

THE MEMPHIS BLUES BALL GUITARS: WHERE TRADITION MEETS ART Text by Janna Fite Herbison | photos courtesy of memphis blues ball

When November rolls around in the Bluff City, the buzz about the annual Memphis Blues Ball heats up. One revered tradition of the ball is its partnership with Gibson Guitars in support of the art of Memphis music, a tradition that has spanned nearly 20 years. It combines the artistry of Gibson Guitars with that of talented artists who paint the guitars for the Blues Ball Auction. Some of those who have participated in the past include Ellis Chappell, George Hunt, David Simmons and Jeanne Reynolds, among many others.

– along with his sketchpads. “Leroy’s unique legacy…an artist’s jaw-dropping creativity, the ability to capture a moment’s energy and iconic Gibson guitar, and a zealous audience.” essence is without compare,” said Pat Tigrett “I was born into this Memphis music, so the of her late friend.

Blues Ball Art Guitars are not at all about an Neiman later continued his support of the investment for me,” adds Knox Phillips, son Blues Ball in New York by attending Memphis- of legendary Memphis record producer Sam themed events such as “50 Years of Rock n Phillips. “So many Memphis music visual and Roll” at B. B. King’s New York club and Isaac graphic artists that contribute their work on Hayes’ 60th Birthday Celebration. His most the guitars tell a Memphis spirit story that my notable works, produced exclusively for the father and my generation of music producers Blues Ball, were portraits of B.B. King, Elvis influenced. The Blues Ball Art Guitars seem to define the Memphis music story visually; the and Jerry Lee Lewis. past, the now, and the future musically. What’s Neiman’s 24-by-40 foot creations will hang not to love about Art Guitars that define on the walls of the event this year, both inside Memphis’ musical message? I can’t wait to and outside the factory, in celebration of his life see the eclectic, artistic beauty of this year’s and many contributions to The Blues Ball, in collection!”

“Organizations benefit significantly from the proceeds of the auction of the guitars,” says David DelBrocco, owner of Gibson Art Guitars. “More importantly, so many talented artists have memorialized the monumental contribution of Memphis music to the global celebration of art and the music of Memphis. culture through their inspirational works.”

The 2012 ball will also honor the first official This year, the ball mourns the loss and pays inductees into the Memphis Music Hall of tribute to one of its own who passed away in Fame.

June – internationally renowned expressionist and official Memphis Blues Ball artist Leroy John Doyle, Executive Director of the Neiman. Neiman initially came to Memphis to Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is a longtime visit his friend and Blues Ball founder Pat Kerr supporter. “For years, the Blues Ball’s Gibson Tigrett and her family. He returned over the Guitar art has uniquely blended three things years, each time bringing his talent to the area that epitomize Memphis’ unique musical 44 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

This year’s ball will take place at the Gibson Guitar Factory on November 30, with co-chairs Priscilla Presley; Knox and Jerry Phillips of Sam Phillips Recording and Sun Record Company; Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO, Gibson Guitar Corp.; Jack Soden, President and CEO, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.; and Jerry Schilling of Jerry Schilling Management.

music

Music

City Scene

With Chuck Dauphin “ROCKY TOP” – THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG November 15, 1967 was a very pivotal day in the career of the Osborne Brothers – and, as it turned out, a certain football team based in Knoxville. That was the first time the duo heard a Boudleaux / Felice Bryant song called “Rocky Top.”

them, and Teddy Wilburn said ‘They are great people and great songwriters. We’d prefer you do a Sure-Fire song, but you go ahead and do that one.’ So, we recorded it. It was a sleeper for a while. Decca had put it out with ‘My Favorite Memory’ as the A-side because it was a ballad.” However, when radio legend Ralph “We got acquainted with Bryants back Emery began to feature the song on his allwhen we were recording for MGM, and had night show, the song’s fortunes turned around. recorded lots of their songs,” Bobby Osborne recalled. “We had a session for Decca coming The record also captivated the attention of up, and we needed one song. Sonny went over many around Knoxville. “A few years after to their house to see if they had any songs that, it was declared that UT would use that for us. Boudleaux said they had one that was as their fight song. So, we had a chance to about half-finished. As it turned out, they perform the song at the 50-yard line in a game would go up to Gatlinburg and write a lot of against Alabama. We also performed the song their songs there.” on the House floor the night it was voted a state song,” says Bobby.

Osborne recalls that his brother took an instant liking to the song. “Sonny called me Not everyone who has heard the song loves it and said ‘You need to come over and listen to as much as those who wear orange. One night, this song. We might be able to do something the brothers met fellow Hyden, KY native with it.’ So, we were recording the next day, Tim Couch, who was a record-setting QB at and I asked him if he could go ahead and Lexington in the 1990’s. “He looked at me, finish it. He said he could. We got a copy of and he said ‘I hate that song.’ I asked him why, it the next morning, We took it to the studio and he said ‘Every time we played Tennessee, that afternoon, and saved it for the last song.” we got beat.”

There might have been a reason the Grand So which team does Bobby Osborne root for Ole Opry stars were holding the song back that last Saturday in November? “I root for until the end of the session. “We were signed them both,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. to Sure-Fire Music at the time by the Wilburn That’s what you call knowing your audience!

Brothers, who were so instrumental in getting us to the Grand Ole Opry,” Bobby recalls.

At the time, if an artist was signed to one publishing company, then they usually didn’t record outside material. “We played it for 46 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

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technology

Simplify Your Life with a

Tech–Savvy Home TEXT BY SCOTT FUELLING PRESIDENT, PHOENIX UNEQUALED HOME ENTERTAINMENT, MEMPHIS

When you look at technology today, you have to be amazed. When you consider what something as small as a smartphone can do, it’s hard to remember when we did not have these high-quality conveniences available.

Open the garage overhead door and the lights turn on. A code armed to “away” mode sets up lighting for the house after dusk. Safety and security event lighting automatically comes on during an alarm condition.

Today’s advances allow for a seamless merger of personal and business communication, giving your schedule more flexibility than ever. The future is going to push these capabilities further and further. Home control and automation are becoming more and more mainstream in the marketplace – open to virtually anyone these days through various providers, and brought right to your doorstep.

Perhaps energy management is your thing.

What if your system could be tuned to make automatic thermostat setbacks to conserve energy when the home is vacant and bring the temperature to a more comfortable setting upon your return?

Would you enjoy entertainment management such as streaming media from the Internet or the ability to control all of your entertainment content and gear from a remote location?

Imagine sitting at a friend’s home and pulling up your personal media to play on their system.

These options can be managed with a simple app on your smartphone.

Before I go any further, I will caution you to make sure you completely understand exactly what you are getting from your home technology provider. The exact hardware, ownership of the hardware, functionality and benefits, monthly fees, annual maintenance and upgrade processes should be well documented in plain English. This ensures everyone is on If you’d prefer your system to be geared more the same page and your project goes smoothly. toward security, automated deadbolt locks, lighting or security system control and camera Some unscrupulous local and national control can be incorporated to provide event brands are more interested in the monthly functionality such as sending you a picture income than they are in providing benefits and when your doorbell rings. functionality. This is a slippery slope. I can safely state that most independent, industry- One of my personal favorites is a setting I like recognized integrators operate with a level of to call “Good Night.” With a simple push of a professionalism that will most likely result in a button, the security home mode is activated, lighting throughout the home is set to a good experience. predetermined adjustment, the deadbolts lock Back to the topic…Home control can be as on all exterior doors, unused entertainment easy as a simple interface into your security zones are deactivated and the thermostat system, allowing basic lighting functions. adjusts itself automatically.

50 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

The point is, today, you can make your home automation dreams a reality, leaving you less stressed while maintaining complete control of your home even when you are away. With the variety of today’s technology, you can dive in head first or start by simply getting your toes wet, while not absolutely killing your budget. Long-term service and support require you to consider your provider’s capabilities, infrastructure and technological understanding.

Solid service and support is one thing many providers have forgotten about. Forcing you to wait from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. for a technician to call you or arrive on site seems to be the norm. If you are not predisposed to dealing with technology or you have an innate fear of change, a company that you can call and actually reach when you need them is a must.

If you are savvy, it never hurts to have a solid backstop you trust to take care of anything that may arise.

Take the time to shop for more than the best price. Weigh service and support against pricing and find your comfort level. Make sure your provider values your business and is solidly rated by the BBB at a minimum. You certainly do not want a firm to install equipment and then fail on the back end. As an integrator myself, the worst feeling I get is when I am called in to clean up a botched installation with poor back-end service by a competitor.

Till next month.

Fresh and

Festive TEXT BY LINDA BENTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN TERRY

52 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

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HOMEfeature

I

f walls could talk, what stories this 70-year-old midtown Memphis home could tell. Over the years, its many owners have celebrated births, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and the beautiful seasons of life.

Its current owners are no exception, hosting weekly Bible studies, parties for their teenage children, school functions and casual suppers with family and friends. With its white brick exterior and green shutters, the home is stately yet not pretentious, and the interior is spacious, but not overwhelming. The current homeowners bought the house in 2004 and set about restoring and reviving its classic beauty, both indoors and out. Neutral walls and white trim provide the perfect backdrop for the owners’ eclectic mix of furnishings, art and memorabilia.

Perhaps at no other time of the year does this home showcase its star qualities than during the Christmas season. To assist in the holiday decorating, the owners enlist the help of

designer Lindley Martens of Lindley Martens Design. “My goal was to take advantage of all the decorations the owners had on hand and make them all seem new and fresh,” says Martens. Boxes and boxes of holiday décor were pulled from storage and Lindley began the process of carefully examining each piece to see how it could be incorporated into the overall holiday design. “It was literally like Christmas morning for me,” laughs Lindley.

“So many of the pieces have beautiful memories associated with them, too. From the chalkstone statue of Mary that came from the homeowner’s Irish grandmother to the adorable diorama that a neighbor had made years ago, each item brought a special richness and meaning to the holiday decor.”

In true Southern style, the front door of the home received a draping of thick evergreen roping with magnolia leaves and white sparkling lights. Pineapples, the universal symbol of welcome, flank each side of the

heavy wrought-iron door. White lights on the boxwoods complete the simple, yet elegant facade of the home.

Stepping inside the residence, one immediately feels the holiday spirit. In the entry hall, a hand-carved guardian angel hangs from a chocolate brown silk ribbon in front of a neoclassical mirror. Fresh evergreen roping drapes over the mirror and all along the staircase banister. The roping gets a pop of color from red berries and a strand of red jingle bells. “The homeowner loves fresh greens, and most of the greenery comes either from her own yard or those of friends,” says Lindley. Sharing the homeowner’s passion for all things fresh and green, Lindley created a design plan that includes natural elements in every room. From the traditional holiday poinsettias to the delicate paperwhites, the use of fresh plants gives the home an eclectic array of aromas. “The wonderful smells created by the natural evergreens, the paperwhite blooms, and the gingerbread houses gave another sensory element to the holiday,” says Martens.

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“I have to admit the dining room is probably my favorite room,” says Lindley. “The oversized nativity scene on the buffet is the focal point of the room, but I gave this traditional symbol of the season a unique look by adding seashells and coral from the homeowners’ collection.” Tall white orchids, dripping in blooms, combined with evergreens and magnolia leaves create a lush backdrop for the nativity. Mixing gold and silver, white and red, Lindley created a stunning tablescape. Each place setting is adorned with a miniature gold-leaf framed silk painting. “When I first saw these tiny paintings, I knew I had to incorporate them somehow,” Lindley shares. To give the room a pop of holiday color, she used generous bouquets of red roses for the table centerpiece. “There is nothing more classic than an American rose and no color that says ‘Christmas’ more than red!” she adds.

While the dining room exudes a classic elegance, the kitchen resembles a “Candyland” forest. Two gingerbread houses sit in the window and are flanked by glittery branches, dripping in colorful ribbon candy and holiday cookies. Adorable stuffed gingerbread boys and girls hang from curtain rods with festive red ribbons, and the gingerbread theme continues on the kitchen table with a tiered basket overflowing with more candy and peppermint candy canes.

“Even though the homeowners’ children are almost grown, I wanted to have a room that was magical and child-like,” says Lindley.

No doubt, this room would instill the holiday spirit in the most stubborn of all Grinches!

To bring a little more joy to the heart of the home, Lindley added a boxwood wreath, red ribbon and some colorful glass balls above the sink. “Even when you’re washing dishes, you can enjoy the holiday decor!”

Lindley encourages her clients, friends and families to beyond the typical when planning holiday decorating. “Use what you have, add some unexpected elements and finish it off by adding greenery from your yard and a few fresh flowers from the local market,” she advises. “Anyone can create a wonderfully rich decor with a minimal expenditure of cash.”

“I really feel this home and its understated holiday décor elicit a deep feeling of peace and joy, and isn’t that what this season is all about?”

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design

HOLIDAY DÉCOR

TRADITIONS TEXT BY JANNA FITE HERBISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN TERRY

58 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

Along with Thanksgiving, November also means pulling out all the wreaths, holly and ornaments from the attic to begin the process of decorating for the holidays. We visited one East Memphis family – Nick and Jenny Vergos – and talked with Jenny about her favorite holiday traditions when it comes to seasonal design.

At Home Tennessee: What inspires your holiday décor trends?

Jenny Vergos:

I tend to be fairly traditional for the holidays. I started accumulating my Christmas decorations in my early 20’s and my collection just continues to grow. However, when we moved into our new home three and a half years ago, I had a completely different layout with which to work (higher ceilings, two fireplace mantles, etc.), so I was able to add a lot of new things and really got a bit more whimsical and funky in a few areas. For example, I’ve always been a white-light fanatic on my trees, but when we bought a bigger tree for our new den, I went all colored lights with new ornaments in apple green, bright pink, purples and blues.

AHT: What are some of the most unique aspects of your home during the season?

JV: It is hard to find any part of our living areas that doesn’t have some type of Christmas decoration in it. We have three trees, decorations in our guest baths, live greenery hanging over our cooking area, and collections of all kinds throughout the den, living room, dining room, play room and screened-in porch. I’m big on changing out the furniture and storing artwork normally found on the walls, replacing it with wreaths and other Christmas pieces. I even change out some of the family photos with “Christmasonly” pictures from years past in holiday frames.

AHT: How much do the kids get involved in decorating?

JV: I’d like to say that I encourage their involvement in putting everything up, but Christmas decorating is one area of my life where I’m fairly picky. However, I’m trying to loosen up, and now the younger boys decorate their bedroom doors with twinkle lights. This past year, one of the girls helped her father remove all the ornaments from the trees and packed them for me.

AHT: What are some of the most classic and sentimental pieces in your home, both holiday and in general?

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design

60 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

JV: Probably my favorite pieces are our collection of Santas that are displayed on the sideboard in our dining room. Over the years, we’ve accumulated some very special Santas, and because of the number, I’ve gotten fairly picky about adding to the collection. Our most recent Santa is a “Chef Santa” that I gave to Nick for our first Christmas in this house, four years go. In honor of our restaurant, we also have a “pig” theme running through our house, both in general and in regards to Christmas (the website of the Vergos family’s Rendezvous restaurant is www.hogsfly.com). I especially love the pig ornaments on the trees, a painting in our kitchen of a fabulous pig, and the children’s story If You Give a Pig a Pancake.

AHT: Tell us about some of the favorite ornaments and themes on your Christmas tree.

JV: Our living room “formal” tree has many of the same ornaments I bought 25 years ago when I first started decorating as a single woman. At that time, I wanted white lights and mostly red and gold ornaments.

The theme has primarily stayed the same, and we’ve collected personalized ornaments for each member of the family on this tree.

The newest tree in the den is bright and really fun and festive. This tree has colored lights, bright colors and lots of ornaments representing the sports themes or hobbies of each of our kids. This is the tree that Santa tends to prefer to leave his presents under!

AHT: What do you think overall makes a home most special for families during the holiday season?

JV: There is just something about Christmas decorations in general that warms up a home. There is nothing in our home that a child could not touch or handle, and I suppose that is why I want decorations everywhere. I just love how special every room looks with a touch of Christmas in it. In fact, I’ve often forced myself to host some kind of party or gathering the second week of January, just so I’ll put everything away. If I had my choice, I think I’d leave everything up all year!

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2012 HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE

for him GIFT GUIDE Collegiate Turntable in Red & Cream Crosley, $150, www.crosleyradio.com

Fitness Towel Lacoste, $20 www.macys.com

8 Greatest Irish Golf Holes limited edition coffee table book $199, www.18GreatestGolf.com

The Businessman's Backpack ORVIS, $198, www.orvis.com

All-in-One Super Tool kelvin.23, $25 www.dailygrommet.com VinniBag $28, www.dailygrommet.com

Steerhide Leather iPad Portfolio ORVIS, $350, www.orvis.com

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for her GIFT GUIDE

Orange Sophie Katie Kalsi Bag Katie Kalsi, $235, www.katiekalsi.com

Silk Slippers Kumi kookoon, $64, www.kumikookoon.com

“Love Letters” Initial Jewelry India Hicks, $99, www.robertsjewelersinc.com

Editta Earrings Gemma Simone, $32, www.gemmasimone.com

Ring from Van Atkins Collection Van Atkins, $4,260, www.vanatkins.com

Rouge Cosmetics and Wine Clos Du Bois Rouge by Pixi, $30 for wine and makeup or $19 for only makeup, www.closduboiswinestore.com

Sharon PJ Pants in Turquoise Dots PB & Jellie, $35, Toad Hall Antiques & Gifts, www.toadhallmemphis.com

Modify Watch In Purple Face & Teal Strap Modify Watches, $45, www.modifywatches.com

Diamond and Natural Pink Diamond Rings Naturally Pink, $1,299.95-$1,999.95, www. reeds.com

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kids and teens GIFT GUIDE Sports Raincoat Stephen Joseph, $42, www.happi-stores.com

Box Play Artist Sticker Collection Box Play for Kids, $9, www.dailygrommet.com

Butterfly Kids' Activity Tracker GeoPalz, $25, www.dailygrommet.com Modify Watch in Polka Dot Face & Blue Strap Modify Watches, $45, www.modifywatches.com

Portable Drop Speaker in Blue Zumreed , $49, www. dailygrommet.com

Butterfly Pull Luggage Stephen Joseph, $44, www.happi-stores.com

68 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

I Spy Memory Game, A Game of Picture Riddles $21, Booksellers Memphis

Charles Dickens Library Candle Paddywax, $25, www.paddywax.com

$25 and under GIFT GUIDE

Iron Heart Tavern Puzzle Tucker-Jones Tavern Puzzle, $22, www.dailygrommet.com

Magnetic Interactive Jewelry Uno, $20, www.dailygrommet.com

Mini Rechargeable “ROBO” Speaker iHome, $25, www.ekids.com

French Dark Truffle Hot Chocolate Sticks Stephen Joseph, $15, www.dailygrommet.com

Gift Boxes Gift it Green, $14-$18, www.giftitgreen.com

2013 Country Music Hall of Fame Calendar $14, www.countrymusichalloffame.com

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tennessee based GIFT GUIDE design

Handcrafted Goat Milk Soaps Parham Farms, $5, www.parhamfarms.com

Old Country Store Cookbook $17, Casey Jones Village, Jackson

We Live in Memphis!by Perre Magness $7, Burke's Book Store and The Booksellers at Laurelwood, www.porterleath.org

The Venue Lightweight Laptop and Tablet Backpack FUL, $120, www.ful.com

Royal Red Wine Crown Winery, $19, www.crownwinery.com

Baby’s First Christmas Ornament Tennessee Pewter Company, $12.50, www.tnpewter.com

70 2012 70 || At At Home Home Tennessee Tennessee •• November October 2012

Almond Toffees Nashville Toffee Company, $24, www.nashvilletoffeecompany.com

Antique Mahogany Empire Wine Chest / Small Server Old Taylor Antiques, $995, www.oldtaylorantiques.com

for the home GIFT GUIDE

Vintage Provence Round Platter $518, www.blackberryfarm.com

Iowa Pine Season's Cleanings Set Meyer's Clean Day, $12, www.mrsmeyers.com

Cat Sitting & Shaggy Dog Wine Caddy Cat: $80 and Dog: $75, www.winecaddys.com Roam XL Long Distance Remote Hunter, $850, www.hunterindustries.com

Gastronomy and Mixology Kits - ÉVOLUTION Molecule-R, $60, www.dailygrommet.com

Blooming Tea Set $30, www. www.gardeners.com

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garden

Ilex verticillata Winter Gold is an orange-salmon colored selection instead of the traditional red berries

Morgan arborvitae is a plant that changes dramatically as weather turns colder.

Japanese maples have long-lasting fall color that is often still showing-out in November

Forgotten Beauty Platycladus (Thuja) orientalis 'Morgan'

text by andy pulte

72 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

November is one of the most overlooked gardening months. For much of the South early November is just the beginning of cold weather. This transition is one of the best times to take notice of a few overlooked plants.

WINTERBERRY HOLLY Ilex verticillata There are many great plants you can choose to help add fall and winter interest to your garden. One that can’t be missed is Ilex verticillata or common winterberry holly. Few plants can compete with its stunning fruit display often persisting into the winter.

If you’re not familiar with winterberry, the next time you walk through your neighborhood in early winter, look for huge groups of red or orange berries. These spikes of tightly-held fruit pressed on bare stems become beacons in the garden. Many people are surprised to find out there are hollies that are not evergreen, but losing leaves when the weather turns chilly gives winterberry an advantage. Not having foliage is great advertising to hungry birds fighting to put on weight before winter.

Native to the Eastern and Central United States, Newfoundland and parts of Canada, winterberry is more than worthy of some of your garden real estate.

JAPANESE MAPLES Acer palmatum Looking back through old photos I’ve taken in the garden in November I was surprised at how many shots I had of Japanese maples in glorious fall color. Towards the beginning of the month, be sure and look for the wellknown fall display of these small trees. Around the end of the month, watch for their standout winter silhouette on full display after leaf drop.

With thousands of cultivars available in commerce, do a bit of research to pick the one that is just right for your situation. Consulting an expert at a garden center is often a good place to start. In the South, Japanese maples thrive in full morning sun with light protection from late afternoon exposure.

MORGAN ARBORVITAE Platycladus orientalis 'Morgan' A “woody” chameleon, Morgan is known for its exceptional ability to change foliage color. As winter approaches, this conifer transitions from an emerald/lime green color to a beautiful deep purple. Long before spring it falls into a breathtaking copper hue. Then, as temperatures warm, Morgan returns to its summer green.

Discovered by John Emery in Australia around 1989, Morgan is quickly becoming a favorite plant among dwarf conifer enthusiasts.

Morgan can handle being in full sun and it is now becoming more available commercially.

November 2012 • athometn.com | 73

garden

IN BLOOM: Plant of the Month: Beautyberry TEXT BY JAMES NEWBURN

74 74||AtAtHome HomeTennessee Tennessee••September November 2012 2012

Perhaps no shrub is as appropriately named as the beautyberry. This graceful multi-stemmed shrub has arching branches and produces fruit in fall. It is laden with clusters of berries from late September through mid-November depending on the weather and how hungry the birds are. Most berries are bright purple but there are white- and pink-berried selections as well. The one thing they all have in common is “beauty.”

The shrub flowers in clusters on new wood at almost every leaf node in midsummer, but the flowers can go unnoticed because of their small size. The flowers are followed by fruit that sets in the form of a small berry (technically a drupe) in the same clustered formation along and encircling the stem. As the fall season progresses, the shrub will lose its leaves and the resulting branch looks like a type of Christmas ornament.

Callicarpa americana is our native beautyberry and can be found in the Southeastern U.S. The brightly colored purple berries stand out against the muted colors of the fall landscape. If purple’s not your choice, look for ‘Lutea’ for white or ‘Welch’s Pink’ for pink berries.

Other species of beautyberry with similar characteristics are C. japonica and C. dichotoma.

A white-berried cultivar with variegated foliage has recently been introduced named C. dictoma ‘Duet.’ It has a Tennessee connection as the original plant was discovered on the campus of Tennessee Tech. The green leaves with yellow margins extend interest by adding a touch of color throughout the growing season. C. dichotoma ‘Heavy Berry’ produces masses of purple berries while ‘Leucocarpa’ produces white ones.

Beautyberries are generally disease resistant, low maintenance plants. They should be planted in full sun for maximum fruit production – though plants will tolerate some light afternoon shade.

Typically reaching heights of four to six feet, they are ideal for a shrub border, en masse, or as a specimen plant. Since they bloom on new wood, pruning back to between 12 and 18 inches in the spring may rejuvenate an unkempt plant and spur increased berry production, but simply removing dead branches is all that is required. Additionally, they are an ideal source of food for birds because of their heavy berry production and dense branching.

With its unique berry formation and color, the ease with which it is grown and the season of fruit production, beautyberry is a great addition to the fall garden.

James Newburn is assistant director of the UT Gardens, Knoxville. The UT Gardens located in Knoxville and Jackson are part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Their mission is to foster appreciation, education and stewardship of plants through garden displays, collections, educational programs and research trials. The gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public. See utgardens. tennessee.edu for more information.

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entertaining

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entertaining

Thanksgiving Spread and Décor

RUSTIC STYLE TEXT BY JESSE MUCHMORE AND JANNA F. HERBISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY LISSAU

November 2012 • athometn.com | 83

entertaining

84 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

Thanksgiving is a time for family to come together over food, but it can also be fun to decorate your home in honor of fall and the first gathering of the holiday season.

Deciding on the décor when creating such an environment usually involves the right color schemes, latest trends and the perfect combination of elements to create a comfortable setting, says Angela Mazanti with Angela Mazanti Events. Mazanti recently staged a Thanksgiving-style setting inside a 2012 VESTA Home Show in Germantown, to fit with the home’s overall design by Chestnut Hall Interiors. To accomplish this, she used an autumn color palette to create a rustic-style Thanksgiving theme. Home builder Darrin Halford and his family recently gathered at the home to check out the final touches and enjoy some seasonal food and festivity.

“I used many natural elements that included branches, berries, grasses, ornamental pumpkins and vintage dishes. The home was very neutral in tone and so I tried to use elements that were seasonal but still contrasting, and also not competing with the home’s décor,” says Mazanti.

“I used gourds that were softer in color than your traditional bright oranges, and soft ivory pumpkins with a “dreamsicle” orange stripe to accent the home’s contemporary but cozy atmosphere,” she adds.

Angela offers this advice to aspiring interior designers. Use magnolia leaves that are starting to turn brown to create a garland for your mantle. Put pine cones, branches and leaves on the mantle with miniature gourds layered in. Just keep adding natural elements until you are satisfied with the fullness.”

As for the artificial elements, she recommends going to antique shops to look for old dough bowls, washtubs and vintage bottles. “They look fabulous with natural elements in a modern or rustic setting.”

The gathering was catered by Ziparo’s Germantown, with an eclectic and rustic menu featuring Butternut Squash Soup Shooters, Brazilian Marinated Pork Loin served with Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Poblano & Pepper Jack Scalloped Potato Stack & Roasted Baby Carrots.

The Pie Folks of Germantown also supplied several desserts for the occasion.

Special thanks to Angela Mazanti Events, Ziparo’s Catering, the Pie Place, Jeanne Childress with Crye-Leike Realtors and builder Darin Halford.

November 2012 • athometn.com | 85

entertaining

86 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise • 1/2 lb. of bacon, cut in little 1/4 inch - 1/2 inch pieces • 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced • Salt and Pepper to taste Instructions:

In a pot of boiling water seasoned with a tablespoons of salt, cook brussels sprouts for 5 minutes and drain. In a large stir fry pan, cook bacon pieces with onions until bacon is crispy on medium high heat. When bacon is crisp, carefully soak up as much bacon grease possible with paper towels and tongs.

Add brussels sprouts to the pan and stir fry everything for 5 minutes or until brussels sprouts begin to brown. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Enjoy

Butternut Squash Soup Shooters Yields 12 soup shooters

Ingredients:

• 1 (2 to 3 pound) butternut squash, peeled and seeded • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 medium onion, chopped • 6 cups chicken stock • Nutmeg • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Instructions:

Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve.

November 2012 • athometn.com | 87

cooking

CONVENIENTLY HEALTHY with April McKinney

“GUILTLESS” HOLIDAY FARE Cool weather, prime time for comfort food, is in swing, and the holidays are upon us. There is always quite a bit of entertaining that goes on this time of year, and I have the perfect meal plan for your next holiday get together! Lasagna is a dish that we all love, but it can leave you feeling pretty sluggish with the layers of beef, pasta and cheese. So I have come up with a two-layer vegetarian lasagna layered with less cheese than most recipes. I also used whole-wheat lasagna noodles – always a healthier option when it comes to pasta.

You can even make this lasagna recipe ahead of time and bake it just before the party starts.

To go along with the main dish, I feature a simple side dish that takes very little hands-on time. I love the caramelization that comes from roasting green beans at a high temperature.

This may became a go-to dish for busy weeknights, as well as the holidays.

Isn’t it wonderful that we can still indulge in delicious comfort food this time of year without the guilt? Enjoy!

Be sure to visit www.AprilMcKinney.com for “how to” videos of these recipes and more!

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups butternut squash, cubed and peeled • ½ cup onion, chopped • 1 ½ Tbsp. fresh sage, roughly chopped • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • 3/4 tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper • 1 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 32 oz. low-fat ricotta cheese • 1 egg • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese • 10 whole-wheat lasagna noodles, cooked al dente • 5 pieces of crisp bacon, chopped DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 425˚.

2. Place cubed squash, onion and sage on a large baking sheet, drizzle

with oil, salt and pepper, toss to coat. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes, toss and cook another 10 minutes.

3. Once squash is cooked, turn oven down to 350˚, and place squash in a large bowl, then mash with maple syrup until a chunky mixture is formed.

4. Mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, egg, and remaining salt and pepper in a separate bowl.

5. In 13x9 baking dish drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil, then cover the bottom with 5 noodles. Spread half of the squash mixture evenly on top of noodles, then half of ricotta mixture over squash. Repeat once, ending with ricotta mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese, then bake for 40-45 minutes, until bubbly.

8. Top with chopped bacon just before serving.

BALSAMIC AND ORANGE SCENTED GREEN BEANS

88 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 ½ lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed • ½ cup sliced onion • 1 ½ tsp. orange zest • 1 ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • ¾ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400˚.

2. Toss together all ingredients on

a baking sheet.

3. Cook for 10 minutes, toss and cook another 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Photo by Bagwell Macy PR

chef ’s corner

GRATITUDE

TEXT BY CHARLES PHILLIPS EXECUTIVE CHEF OF 1808 GRILLE AT HUTTON HOTEL, NASHVILLE

When my wife and I lived in Washington, D.C., we were fortunate enough to see a Norman Rockwell exhibit. As our chef lives took us to live in various other cities, a print we purchased at the show has continued to hold a place of prominence in our home. When, on occasion, it catches my eye, it reminds me to stop, take a moment and be thankful.

As we perform some of the less complicated tasks of cooking this season—slicing, dicing, peeling, let’s take time to reflect on our many blessings: the food that sustains us, the infinite variety of ways in which it can be prepared, the community with which we share it.

Our Black Bean and Hominy Soup is great for a cool fall day. Pause for a moment, indoors, You may be familiar with it: the painting is warm and cozy, with a big bowl of soup and called “Saying Grace” and depicts a parental some of our whole wheat bread (September figure and a young boy in a busy diner, heads issue), and be grateful. bowed. As the world moves around them, they stop for a brief moment to offer thanks for Happy Thanksgiving!

BE WELL – CP their food.

BLACK BEAN AND HOMINY SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

• 1 can black beans, pureed • 2 canst black beans • 1/2 gal. vegetable broth • 1/2 cup roasted red pepper, diced • 1 lg. white onion, small dice • 3 carrots, small dice • 1 Tbsp. cumin • ½ Tbsp. coriander • 3 Tbsp. chopped oregano • Juice of 2 limes • 3 dashes Cholula Hot Sauce • Salt to taste • 1 1/2 cups dry hominy

1. Sauté onion for a few minutes and then add diced peppers and carrots. Add cumin and coriander, sauté one additional minute.

3. Add the remaining ingredients except oregano, which you will add at the end of cooking.

4. Simmer the soup until all flavors are blended nicely—approximately 30 minutes.

5. Serve with cilantro, sour cream and blue corn tortillas.

November 2012 • athometn.com | 89

cuisine

Photo courtesy of Dancing Bear Lodge

Photo courtesy of Dancing Bear Lodge Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm

HIDDEN TREASURES TEXT BY Latifa Newbill

Tucked away in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm in Walland and Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend are known just as much for their culinary fare as for their upscale rustic accommodations. The two sister lodges may have different styles, but the restaurants both present unforgettable fare to guests.

Chef Jeff Carter of Dancing Bear and Joseph Lenn of Blackberry Farm are, of course, affiliated, but both chefs also add elements of unique style to their dishes. Dancing Bear’s cuisine has often been described as “refined, but not fussy.” Blackberry Farm, on the other hand, celebrates its fare as “food that is never 90 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

meant to intimidate, but rather to satisfy and Chef Lenn simply says, “No dish is ever perfect, each is always evolving.” His favorite nourish.” foods range from fried chicken to macaroni Both Carter and Lenn both have a passion and cheese and greens, and Lenn says he will for using local, fresh, seasonal ingredients in try just about anything but raw onion. Chef their daily recipes. The chefs take advantage Carter’s favorite fare includes braised short of the pure resources around them and then ribs and buttermilk fried chicken. He says transform them into delicious masterpieces. that to this point, he’s never yet met a food he The philosophy of using only locally-grown absolutely won’t eat. ingredients is one reason for the restaurants’ legendary success – along with the fact that Though the two are different, both chefs share both Chef Carter and Chef Lenn are award- a passion for local ingredients and a love for cooking, along with the desire to help ensure winning culinary masters.

Blackberry Farm and Dancing Bear are at the

Both chefs have their own particular tastes, as top of every consummate traveler and food well. When asked how he perfects his dishes, enthusiast’s to-do list.

JEFF CARTER

TENNESSEE WHISKEY CAKE WITH CANDIED PECANS TENNESSEE WHISKEY CAKE • 4 oz. softened butter • ½ cup brown sugar • ½ cup sugar • 3 eggs • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted • ½ tsp. baking powder • ¼ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. cinnamon • ¼ tsp. baking soda • ¼ cup milk (or cream) • ½ cup sorghum (may substitute molasses) • ¼ cup Tennessee whiskey Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm

JOSEPH LENN

SALAD OF SMOKED TROUT, CUCUMBERS, AND AVOCADOS WITH CUCUMBER VINAIGRETTE CUCUMBER DRESSING • 4 egg yolks • 1 Tbsp. lime juice • 1 ½ cups grapeseed oil • ½ cup cucumber juice • ½ tsp. salt

Place yolks, lime juice and salt in a 1-quart cylindrical container. Using an immersion blender, start emulsifying grapeseed oil into yolk mixture. When mixture becomes thick, add cucumber juice and alternate back to the oil until all oil and cucumber juice is emulsified. Reserve in container and keep refrigerated until needed.

• ½ cup diced smoked trout • 4 ripe avocados • ½ cup diced cucumber • 1 lime • Kosher salt

Small dice trout making sure there are no bones or skin. Peel, seed and small dice cucumber.

Peel and small dice 2 avocados (immediately toss in lime juice and salt to taste). Combine trout, cucumber and avocado in a bowl. Dress lightly with cucumber dressing and reserve.

Cut remaining avocados into halves from top to bottom. Slice halved avocado extremely thin (these should look like a half moon) and place slices on plastic wrap, overlapping one another. Repeat this step separately for each half. Place some of the trout, cucumber and avocado mixture down the center of the avocado then gently fold the avocado over and form a tube. Remove plastic wrap and gently place avocado roll on plate. Drizzle cucumber dressing around plate and place trout roe in dressing. Finish by garnishing with small herbs, flowers and lettuces such as Petite red, mustard, petite foraged cress and Violas. (If you are unable to find these, watercress would be a perfect substitution.)

Preheat convection oven to 325˚. Cream butter in a mixer with paddle attachment; gradually add both sugars and cream well.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Combine next five ingredients; add to mixture alternately with milk (or cream), ending with dry ingredients. Stop mixer and add sorghum.

Restart mixer and slowly add whiskey. Mix until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour into pan and bake at 325˚ for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool and slice each cake into 10 portions using a serrated knife.

Sorghum may be purchased at www. muddypondsorghum.com

Candied Pecans • 1 egg white • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1 Tbsp. flour • 3 cups pecan halves PREPARATION: Mix brown sugar and flour in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl beat egg white until foamy; slowly beat in the brown sugar/ flour mixture. Fold in pecans. Transfer pecans to a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and bake in standard oven at 175˚ for approximately 1½ hours. Let pecans cool completely before breaking apart.

Recipe can be found online at: www. dancingbearlodge.blogspot.com/2012/08/ tennessee-whiskey-cake-with-candied.html November 2012 • athometn.com | 91

happenings

November

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THUR 1

November 1-3 The Power of Imagination Schermerhorn Symphony Center 615.687.6500 www.nashvillesymphony.org

4 November 4-5 Battle of Johnsonville Anniversary Johnsonville Historic Park, New Johnsonville

5

6

7

8

Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff Pigeon Forge 800.251.9100

The Velveteen Rabbit Orpheum Family Series

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff Downtown Parkway, Gatlinburg 800.568.4748

Wine Women & Shoes

www.mypigeonforge.com

The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis

901.525.3000 www.orpheum-memphis.com

jerry.wooten@tn.gov

www.winewomenandshoes. com/memphis2012

www.gatlinburg.com

11

12

La Boheme presented

by Opera Memphis Germantown Performing Arts Center 901.257.3100

13

14

15

20

21

22

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs Orpheum Family Series

Eddie Vedder

Indian Lake Look 5K

The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis

Streets of Indian Lake, Hendersonville info@sumnercvb

November 13-18 Blue Man Group The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis

901.525.3000 www.orpheum-memphis.com

www.operamemphis.org

18

Graceland Holiday Lighting Ceremony Memphis

19

www.elvis.com

November 16-18 Christmas in the Country Rotary Park, Lawrenceburg

The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis

901.525.3000 www.orpheum-memphis.com

901.525.3000 www.orpheum-memphis.com

www.lawrenceburgtn.gov

25

26

27

28 Candlelight Advent Walk Downtown Paris 731.653.7274 www.visitdowntownparis.com

92 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

29 Test N Tune at MIR Memphis International Raceway, Millington www.racemir.com

To submit an event to be included in At Home Tennessee Happenings, please email editorial@athometn.com

FRI 2

November 2-4 Candlelight Christmas Open House Downtown Paris 731.653.7274

SAT

16

Fall English Tea at the Woman’s Exchange

3

Corinth’s 5th Annual Grand Illumination Corinth, MS 800.748.9048 www.corinthcivilwar.com

7

www.visitdowntownparis.com

9

November 9-11 St. George’s 41st Annual Antiques Arcade Show & Sale Germantown www.antiquesarcade.org

Famous Designer Series 2012 Memphis Brooks Museum 901.523.2828

16

November 16-18 The Memphis Potters’ Guild - Annual Holiday Show & Sale Memphis Botanic Garden’s Goldsmith Civic Center

901.576.4100

10 November 9-11 Christmas Village Tennessee State Fairgrounds

901.525.3000 www.christmasvillage.org

17

Hollydays Marketplace Embassy Suites, Murfreesboro www.jlmonline.org/ murfreesboro/index.jsp

www.themephispottersguild.com

23

24

WinterArts 2012 Gala Reception Shops of Saddle Creek

Shaq’s All-Start Comedy Jam

www.winterartsmemphis.com

The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis

901.525.3000 www.orpheum-memphis.com

30

Christmas in the Country Livingston Courthouse Square 901.823.2281 www.overtonco.com

9-11 18

St. George’s 41st Annual Antiques Arcade Show & Sale

Graceland Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff

roadtrip

Plans Under Way for the 3rd Annual

Oxford Holiday Market Text courtesy of the Oxford, MS Convention & Visitors Bureau

On November 15-17, 2012, the Oxford Conference Center will once again ring in the Holiday season in style with the 3rd Annual Oxford Holiday Market. A wide array of vendors are set to participate in this year’s event – including everything from clothing and holiday decorations to children’s toys and clothes, along many gift items.

early! Animal lovers can also bring their pets for photos with Santa. Proceeds from Friday’s event will help benefit the Oxford- Lafayette Humane Society.

“We are so excited by how this has grown.

Oxford is known around the region as a great place to shop and this event adds to the offerings available here during the holidays” said Guest.

“Last year’s event was a huge success, and I know this one will follow suit,” said event For more information on the 3rd Annual organizer Hayden Guest. “We hope people Oxford Holiday Market, please contact from around the region will plan a weekend Hayden Guest at 662.232.2367.

This year’s event has expanded, and will offer getaway, or maybe just a day trip to take a Thursday night preview party as well as advantage of the charm and quality of Oxford’s shopping throughout the day on Friday and shopping as they prepare for the holidays.”

Saturday.

Friday and Saturday’s Market features photos Thursdays night’s opening party will feature with Santa, ornament decorating, edible gift food, music, cocktails and the chance to shop demonstrations and lots of great shopping!

94 | At Home Tennessee • November October 2012 2012

MARKETPLACE

November 2012 • athometn.com | 95

sources 32 | Best of: Special thanks to Cindy Dupree and the TN Department of Tourism Development

42 | At Home With: Special thanks to Frederick W. Smith and Libby Murphy

44 | Arts: Special thanks to Pat Kerr Tigrett

50 | Technology: Phoenix Unequaled Home Entertainment, www.phoenixcommcorp.com

52 | Home Feature: Photographer — John Terry, www.foresthillphoto.com Interior Designer — Lindley Martens, www.lindleymartensdesign.com

58 | Design: Photographer — John Terry, www.foresthillphoto.com Special thanks to / holiday interior design — Jenny Vergos

82 | Entertaining: Photographer — Lindsey Lissau, www.lindseylissau.com Staging — Angela Mazanti Events, www.angelamazantievents.com Catering — Ziparo’s Catering, www.ziparos.com Desserts — The Pie Folks, www.thepiefolks.com Coordinator — Jeanne Childress, Crye-Leike Realtors Builder — Darin K. Halford

corrections OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE: Trish Connery was the photographer for Earnestine & Hazel’s pictures in the “Best of Haunts in Tennessee” article.

November 2012 • athometn.com | 97

books

JON MEACHAM ON THE ART OF POWER TEXT BY SHANA RALEY-LUSK

As a Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author, native Tennessean Jon Meacham has an extraordinary gift when it comes to bringing the past to life. In his latest work, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, Meacham de-mystifies one of America’s most iconic political figures.

Intricately woven and masterfully crafted, The Art of Power illuminates the duality of Jefferson as both politician and philosopher. Exploring the genius that is Thomas Jefferson, The Art of Power leaves no stone unturned in its quest to understand the man behind the veil of history.

A success in every sense, this volume is sure to be hailed as an instant classic in the world of historical biography as well as an authoritative text on the life and importance of Jefferson in early American politics. We recently talked with Meacham about the inspiration for the book and his Tennessee roots.

least for me, was an immersion in his papers, which are still being published by the project’s editors at Princeton. It’s as close as you can get to being in Jefferson’s shoes – Vor, in his case, his old slippers, which he liked to wear in the President’s House. Spending time at Monticello and its surrounding properties – including the ruins of Shadwell, the plantation where Jefferson was born – was also essential. I even spent the night in Monticello so I could AHT: What aspects of Jefferson did you get a sense of the sounds he would have heard personally find to be the most interesting or and how the light would have seemed to him in the mornings. surprising as you worked on the book? for the tumult of the arena – and when I did the math on Jefferson’s four decades in public office, I wanted to know more about him as he really was. We tend to see politicians of the past and of the present as caricatures – as heroes or villains. Well, the truth is often more complicated (heroes can do villainous things, and villians can have heroic moments).

I wanted to explore the very human Jefferson.

JM: I was most surprised, I think, by his capacity to arrive at principled compromise, and his ability to stay in the fight even when – or especially when – he most wanted to escape the attacks, the second-guessing and the corrosive personal criticism that threatened At Home Tennessee: Please tell us a bit to overwhelm him. It was Jefferson’s abiding about what drew you to the topic of Jefferson. belief in the work of the Revolution that kept him engaged in politics through the decades.

Jon Meacham: Jefferson fascinates me because he hides in plain sight. He wanted AHT: Please talk a bit about the research to the world to see him as a man of grand involved in writing the book. How long did it ideas and Enlightenment values but for the take? most consequential years of the making of the republic he was a working politician, not just JM: Four years. I went to work on Jefferson a philosopher. I happen to like politicians, I after publishing a biography of Andrew admire men and women who have the stomach Jackson. The key thing with Jefferson, at 98 | At Home Tennessee • November 2012

AHT: Please discuss you background in writing and your Tennessee experience.

JM: I was born in Chattanooga, went to McCallie School on Missionary Ridge, then attended Sewanee, where my wife and I still have a home. After 17 years in New York, we’ve moved to Nashville, where I hope to focus even more on my writing, which I have always loved. I think Southerners are particularly given to storytelling and to history, since so much happened all around us.

entertaining