A SEASONAL TABLESCAPE SETS THE MOOD AN IMPRESSIVE ART EXHIBIT IN WATER VALLEY
HOLIDAY
DECEMBER 2025 / JANUARY 2026
A Jolly Good Run
An Oxford distance runner dressed as Santa Claus spreads cheer all around town throughout the holiday season.
A Home for the Holidays
A local interior designer’s home is featured on a popular show’s holiday tour.
The Art of Slowing Down
In the quiet rhythms of Water Valley, artist Zoran Crnkovic finds new movement, balance and meaning in his work.
Leisure Springs Eternal
A nostalgic stay at “America’s Resort” blends recreation, design and history.
On the Line
This year’s Tupelo Christmas parade grand marshals share their 120-year history and inside details about the Tupelo Fire Department.
Winter Wonderland
Layered textiles, mixed China patterns, a floral centerpiece and soft candlelight come together in a winter tablescape that welcomes dinner guests to gather.
OXFORD: Hinton & Hinton pairs exquisite holiday decor with the Christmas spirit. Read about how they are giving back to the community on page 12.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
NORTHEAST: Designer Dakin Reed’s seasonal tablescape welcomes dinner guests. Learn how to decorate your own table on page 74.
OUR TAKE WITH
This year, I’ve been struck by the number of local businesses, nonprofits and individuals that strive to give back during the holiday season.
Did you know, for example, that Oxford Garden Club is responsible for many of the holiday decorations on the Square, specifically in and around the Chancery building and the Courthouse? Its members spent a couple of days in early November spreading holiday cheer with fresh garland, red bows, decorated trees and more. What a great way to give something back.
In its corner of the Square, Hinton & Hinton is offering photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of the store on Dec. 6 from 1-3 p.m. There is no cost for the photos, but Hinton & Hinton will be donating funds to Santa and Mrs. Claus who are raising money for a medical mission in Honduras.
Over in Tupelo, the fire department is celebrating its 120th year and will be honored as grand marshal in Tupelo’s Christmas Parade. Read about its dayto-day activities — including plenty of community service — on page 68.
And in Oxford, if you’re looking for a way you can give back this month, get tickets to the New Year’s Eve party taking place Dec. 31 at The Powerhouse in Oxford to benefit The Pantry, which does amazing work in the local area all year round. Read more about it on page 96 in our Oxford edition.
This holiday season, we are proud to be part of these communities and so grateful for all the ways we support each other.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
PUBLISHER
Rachel West
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Emily Welly
EVENTS EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA
COORDINATOR
Meg Kennedy
FOOD EDITOR
Sarah Godwin
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Arthur
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lena Anderson
Amy Conry Davis
Eugene Stockstill
OFFICE
BUSINESS MANAGER
Hollie Dalton
DISTRIBUTION
Allen Baker
Brian Hilliard
MAIN OFFICE
662-234-4008
ART
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Bryan Nigh
SENIOR EDITORIAL
PHOTOGRAPHER
Joe Worthem
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Elsie Jane Adams
Lauren Brady
Rebekah Clayton
Alayna Kaye
Lisa Roberts
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
Alise Emerson
Leigh Lowery
Lynn McElreath
Clifton Odom
Keith Rainer
Moni Simpson
Whitney Worsham
ADVERTISING DESIGNERS
Paul Gandy
Markka Bartlett
Ryan Strickland
For advertising information, contact ads@invitationoxford.com.
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) or to buy an announcement, visit invitationmag.com.
To request a photographer at your event, email invitationmag.events@gmail.com.
Invitation Magazines respects the many diverse individuals and organizations that make up north Mississippi and strives to be inclusive and representative of all members of our community.
THE TALENT
DAKIN REED
CONTRIBUTOR
Dakin Reed, founder and lead designer of Taylored Well Events, is known for her artful and warm approach to entertaining, both at home and with her business. Her winter tablescape on page 74, featuring Anna Weatherly chargers and Juliska dinnerware, captures her signature style — collected, inviting and beautifully layered for the season. She hopes it brings readers a sense of joy and inspiration for their family gatherings.
BRYAN NIGH CREATIVE DIRECTOR
AMY CONRY DAVIS WRITER
Amy Conry Davis is a writer, photographer and traveler who grew up everywhere and nowhere. Her work has been published in Lonely Planet, Matador and Southern Living as well as local and regional publications, and she’s an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Her current home base is an Airstream on a small homestead in West Point.
Bryan Nigh, Invitation Magazines’ new creative director, brings years of visual design experience to the team, including a decade in Los Angeles, where he worked in the animation industry. A northern Missouri native who doesn’t miss scraping ice off his windshield, Bryan now calls Water Valley home, where he lives with his wife and their two dogs.
KEITH RAINER
ADVERTISING
CONSULTANT
Advertising consultant Keith Rainer and her family recently relocated to Oxford from Memphis, and they are proud to call themselves both Oxonians and Memphians. Keith is especially enjoying developing a stronger connection between the Memphis and Oxford markets for the magazine. In her spare time, Keith loves to help people curate and collect fine and decorative art, bringing beauty into their lives.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
HOLIDAY MEMORIES
FROM THE INVITATION MAGAZINES ARCHIVES
To celebrate our anniversary we will rerun favorites from past issues!
Since this magazine’s inception almost 20 years ago, our December-January issue has been focused on the holidays. It’s one of our favorite issues because it allows us to share heartwarming stories about local people, inspirational seasonal decor, delicious recipes from sweet treats to holiday feasts, family traditions and more. Every year, our holiday magazine feels like a gift we get to give to the community. Here is a compilation of some of our favorite topics, covers and feature stories from previously published holiday issues.
MEMORABLE HOLIDAY STORIES
Choosing the content for our annual holiday magazine is always fun! Here are some of our favorites from the past 20 years.
Holiday 2007
In one of our first holiday issues, Oxford’s Frank Poole told us about his tradition of stitching Christmas stockings for each of his nine grandchildren. It was a joy to share the sweet legacy he crafted for his family.
“Gnome for the Holidays”
Holiday 2019
Deb Pittman and Angela Maloney started an Oxford tradition of setting up cheerful holiday gnome scenes around the Square. A few years ago, with their help, we got in on the fun setting up a few Invitation-themed scenes in Corinth, Tupelo and Oxford.
Continued from page 19
“Decking the Halls” Holiday 2022
Every year, in honor of his favorite holiday, Tupelo’s Chris Grimes decks the halls of his home with dozens of elaborately decorated, fullsize Christmas trees.
“Letter From the Staff” Holiday 2018
When Invitation Magazines advertising consultants Alise Emerson and Moni Simpson lived next door to each other, they went all out with a Christmas decoration extravaganza that was a wonder to behold.
DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014
“Christmas With the Clydesdales” Holiday 2013
In 2013, the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales took part in the Tupelo’s 65th annual Christmas parade thanks to Mitchell Distributing Company being named a top performer nationwide among Anheuser-Busch wholesalers. We commemorated the big event with an iconic image of the Clydesdales.
EARLY SCOOP: IN 2026, WE’LL REVISIT MORE FAVORITES FROM THE PAST 20 YEARS!
THE VAUGHT SOCIETY
SUPPORTERS OF OLE MISS ATHLETICS GIVE GENEROUSLY TO BUILD A LEGACY.
Through the Vaught Society, generous donors are investing in the future of Ole Miss Athletics. Here’s more about the Vaught Society and its mission:
Q: Why is the Vaught Society vital to Ole Miss Athletics?
A: As the premier giving society in all of college athletics, the Vaught Society provides critical private support for scholarships, facilities and resources that strengthen all of our programs. Beyond our members generosity, they also serve as passionate ambassadors who help us share our vision and mission with all of Rebel Nation.
Q: What motivates people to give?
A: Under Chancellor Glenn Boyce and Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter’s leadership, Ole Miss Athletics has achieved historic success, motivating our fans to help us sustain our current trajectory. Members are drawn to the sense of community and appreciation we have created through exclusive events, behind-the-scenes access, travel opportunities and unique recognition that make their impact feel personal and valued.
Q: How does the Vaught Society support new models like revenue sharing and NIL?
A: With revenue sharing now a top financial priority, Ole Miss Athletics will allocate $20.5 million annually to student-athletes — $2.5 million for scholarships and $18 million towards revenue sharing for student-athletes. Because most Vaught Society gifts are unrestricted, these funds give us flexibility to meet those commitments and ensure long-term success of our department.
Q: What is the Vaught Society’s geographic footprint today?
A: Ole Miss is a national brand, and our donor base reflects that. Through intentional outreach, we’ve grown to over 900 members across 36 states and Puerto Rico — with a goal of reaching all 50. If you live in Alaska, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, West Virginia, Delaware, Massachusetts or Vermont — we’d love to hear from you. We need you in the Vaught Society!
This fall’s Vaught Society Dinner, held Sept. 26 in the stadium, featured food and decor by local businesses. Guest speakers included Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics Keith
Q: How are former student-athletes involved with the Vaught Society?
A: Our former student-athletes are among our most meaningful supporters. More than 80 are active members today, and our goal extends beyond giving — we want every former Rebel to always feel at home with Ole Miss and know that their legacy continues through our shared success.
and
Q: Can members direct their gifts to specific programs?
A: Yes, many donors choose to support a favorite sport or initiative. We also proudly launched eMpower, the SEC’s first women’s athletics giving society, dedicated to advancing our women’s programs. Every gift — no matter the size or focus — has a lasting impact.
Carter
Ole Miss Athletics Foundation CEO Denson Hollis.
WEDDING
Caroline Boyd Hodge & John Nolen Newcomb
DATE CITY
BRIDE'S PARENTS
GROOM'S PARENTS
WEDDING VENUE
FLORAL DESIGN
RECEPTION VENUE
CATERING
CAKE
MAKEUP
HAIR
PHOTOGRAPHER
January 11, 2025
Oxford
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas William Hodge
Mr. and Mrs. Neil McAlister Newcomb
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
Blossoms and Twisted Twig
The Lyric
A&N Catering
Lisa Whitehead
McKenna Goddard
The Studio
Brian Flint of B. Flint Photography
A Jolly Good Run A Jolly Good Run
AN OXFORD DISTANCE RUNNER
DRESSED AS SANTA CLAUS SPREADS CHEER ALL AROUND TOWN THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
WRITTEN BY EUGENE STOCKSTILL PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
Santa Claus runs things a little differently in Oxford. Well, at least one of his helpers does.
51-year-old Bret Beauchamp is also known around town as the Running Santa. Since 2008, Beauchamp has suited up as a jolly elf and run his way around Lafayette’s county seat, spreading joy wherever he goes.
“Sometimes in December it can still be in the 70s, so it can get hot, but other than that, it’s not bad. The beard can itch a little,” he said. “I wear a Homer Simpson costume beer belly under the coat, and it jiggles a little.”
Beauchamp is far from a tubby spreader of holiday cheer. He’s run the Boston Marathon 15 times. Back in December of 2008, when he was getting ready for a run, a neighbor asked if her son could get his picture with Beauchamp in a Santa suit his mother-in-law had bought for him at Target at a 75% discount.
Beauchamp got dressed up as Saint Nick, then after the photo, his neighbor told him to go for a Santa run. He went from laughing it off to taking her up on it.
“It was almost dark but not quite, so I was very visible to drivers. I ran all through town and made a loop through the Square,” he said. “The reactions I got were amazing. Lots of honking, laughing, yelling at me in a good way, and it was a blast.”
Thus, was born Oxford’s Running Santa.
Every year, Beauchamp, a native of Clinton, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge, runs Dec. 1 and Christmas Eve and many days in between. He has no planned route and usually runs between six and eight miles. He has gone as far as 10.
“I’ve had people stop me to give me roses, stop and take pictures with babies or ask me if I want to race,” he said. “One time I was running by Funky’s, and a big crowd was screaming at me to come in and take a shot, so in I ran.”
It turns out that a lifetime of cross-country
running inspired by his father, who was also a runner, prepared Beauchamp for something besides covering lots of terrain in the name of fitness and competition.
His two daughters loved it when they were growing up, he said.
“They would see me on the way to school and would love to honk and wave,” he said. “Later they started driving, and I would see them around town with friends, and they all would love to harass me.”
It will be tough to lock down a date and a
Here
are a few more facts about Bret Beauchamp, Oxford’s Running Santa.
• He started cross-country running when he was 8 years old. “I’m one speed,” he said.
• He ran the Boston Marathon in 2:56 in 2013, the year of the bombing.
• He’s lived in Oxford since he graduated from Ole Miss in 1997 but has also lived in Atlanta, Memphis and Boulder, Colorado.
• He and his wife, Lindsay, have been married 24 years and have two daughters, Mattie, a junior at Ole Miss, and Luly, a junior at Oxford High School. Mattie is a dancer. Luly is a cheerleader and runs cross-country. Lindsay has done several marathons and finished an Ironman in 2012, but she’s really into yoga and strength training these days.
• Beauchamp and Shannon Singletary, executive associate athletic director at Ole Miss, can sometimes be spotted running their “therapy sessions” in the area, though Beauchamp is only wearing regular running attire during those runs.
time to catch a glimpse of Santa running by, since Beauchamp never makes a detailed schedule or itinerary for his runs.
“I love running everywhere around here,” he said. “The hills here are great training and an enjoyable break from flat roads.”
Sometimes it’s early morning when school buses run, sometimes closer to sunset. Weekend runs usually take place during the middle of a day. He estimated that he goes running in Santa garb 15 to 17 times a season.
When people do catch him running by, they
love to get videos and photos. Sometimes kids run along with him, like in the movie “Rocky.” He says college student reactions are the goofiest. A sales rep for Merck pharmaceuticals, Beauchamp says he still gets a chuckle out of the whole thing, and he plans to continue to keep up the tradition.
“It’s amazing to see the laughs and smiles you get from cars passing by,” he said. “It’s a really odd site to see, so even if you’re having a bad day, that may be the one thing you need, even if it’s just for a second.”
A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
A LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNER’S HOME IS FEATURED ON A POPULAR SHOW’S HOLIDAY TOUR.
WRITTEN BY EUGENE STOCKSTILL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
When Homeworthy contacted Oxford’s Emily Ryan about featuring her house as part of their holiday home tour, she jumped at the chance. The popular online platform (homeworthy.com) features interior design video tours of beautiful homes given by the people who live in them.
“Christmas is truly when my house shines,” Ryan said. “It felt like a natural fit.”
Ryan, who has two design businesses and a blog (Little House of Chic) on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, began decorating for the holiday season long before Halloween, and thanks to some extra help, it took about a week.
“There’s so much layering and detail that goes into creating a full holiday home that I like to start early,” Ryan said. “That way, I can enjoy the process, rather than rush through it.”
The result is impressive, especially to anyone who covets Christmas decorations. Ryan has no idea how many decorations she has — perhaps thousands. And each room in the house has its own story to tell.
“The entryway tells a story, the living room has its own theme, and the dining room has another,” Ryan said. “It’s like creating a series of holiday moments that flow together.”
Trees are festooned with sparkling ribbons, bows and leaves. The stairwell is garlanded with faux greenery, bells and more ribbons. Elves, reindeer and other surprises can be found throughout the residence. In one corner, Santa is cooking up some gingerbread.
“(It’s a) cozy wonderland filled with flickering candlelight, magnolia leaves and ribbon-clad garlands,” she said describing how she views her
home during the holidays.
The house, of course, has more than one Christmas tree, all of which are artificial and are scattered throughout.
“If you want the scent, buy the candle,” she said. “I love the look without the mess.”
Believe it or not, Ryan does not collect sentimental Christmas ornaments.
“I treat the tree as a design moment,” she said. “This year, my favorites are RAZ Imports’ new diamond-inspired ornaments. They sparkle like jewelry for the tree and catch the light beautifully.”
Ryan’s love of Christmas started early. Her grandmother made seven pies and decorated each room, a wood-burning fire was a mainstay, along with a big family meal, and it might even snow. One season, a snowstorm knocked out the power, and the family wound up grilling with propane and played games by fire and candlelight.
“It was the most old-fashioned Christmas we ever had,” she said.
That sort of memory, Ryan said, inspired her as she prepared for this upcoming season at her house, to which everyone is invited, she said.
“Because Christmas is more than just decor,” Ryan said. “It’s a feeling. I’m one of those people who goes all in because it connects me back to my childhood. Growing up, Christmas was the one time of year our home transformed into something truly magical.”
Continued on page 46
EXPERT CHRISTMAS DECORATING ADVICE
Here are a few decorating tips from Emily Ryan for the upcoming holiday season.
• A little goes a long way. Don’t feel like you must go overboard to make a statement.
• Ribbons can do a lot of heavy lifting for you and are capable of transfiguring an otherwise humdrum looking tree.
• Florals can add fullness and texture without much effort.
• Sprigs of green things on a mirror, an unexpected wreath in an isolated nook, a surprise bowl of ornaments, an elf in a corner up to some mischief — these all offer ways to create that cozy holiday feeling.
• Don’t fall for the idea that you must cover every square inch with something. Festive does not equal decorative busy-ness.
• Watch those price tags, too. Choice decorations do not have to cost an arm and a leg. You’d be surprised what you can score at a discount store.
ABOUT HOMEWORTHY
Homeworthy is an online media platform dedicated to telling stories about people and the places they live from their own point of view.
The YouTube channel @Homeworthy has more than 680,000 subscribers. Find their popular home and design video tours there, via
their website homeworthy.com, or on Instagram @Homeworthy.
Throughout the holiday season, many of their video tours feature inspiring and festively decorated homes, including Emily Ryan’s home in Oxford.
THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN
THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN
IN THE QUIET RHYTHMS OF WATER VALLEY, ARTIST ZORAN CRNKOVIC FINDS NEW MOVEMENT, BALANCE AND MEANING IN HIS WORK.
WRITTEN BY LENA ANDERSON
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
BBorn and raised in Croatia, Zoran Crnkovic moved to New York City in his 20s, chasing the possibilities of art and big-city life. For decades, he lived and worked there, teaching, painting and maintaining a waterfront studio in Long Island City. So, when he first came to Water Valley, it wasn’t with the intention of staying.
“I came for a visit,” he said, “but suddenly I realized — I was breathing differently.”
What began as a temporary change of pace gradually became a new way of living. The contrast to New York was striking: where the city’s energy demanded momentum, Water Valley invited reflection. Long walks, open skies and the slower rhythm of small-town life began to shape both his work and his thinking about movement and stillness.
Crnkovic was introduced to Water Valley through longtime friend Karen Person, a native of the town who met him years ago in New York and has followed his work for more than two decades. Now back in her hometown, Person helped to curate his current exhibit “A Metaphysical Journey of Color and Line” at Lamar Block, a newly
revitalized historic space just off Water Valley’s Main Street.
“To be able to bring this level of art back to my hometown is surreal,” Person said.
While growing up in Croatia, Crnkovic imagined Mississippi as almost mythical.
“I read about Mark Twain, the Mississippi River, all these stories that gave the place a kind of legendary identity,” he said. “Even abroad, everyone knows about Mississippi. It has a strong presence. It’s similar to New York that way — both are places people recognize instantly, though for very different reasons.”
The slowing down Crnkovic has experienced in Mississippi — of body, mind and pace — has found its way into his recent work. His newest exhibit, a collection of paintings and mixed-media pieces shown at Lamar Block, feels both expansive and inward-looking, shaped by the tension between motion and stillness, journey and rest.
Flags
Flags
“Flags” is a series that grew out of Crnkovic’s fascination with symbols, identity and belonging. Having lived across countries and cultures, he found himself drawn to the idea of flags as both unifying and dividing forces.
“These symbols carry so much,” he said. “They’re supposed to represent who we are, but they can also separate us. I was interested in what happens when you strip them down — when color and form become more emotional than political.”
Rendered in bold fields of color and layered textures, the “Flags” paintings weren’t literal depictions but reinterpretations — abstract meditations on shared humanity. In their fractured geometry and shifting hues, Crnkovic explored the tension between individuality and collective identity, between personal history and the broader human experience.
Continued on page 54
Labyrinths
Labyrinths
In his “Labyrinths” series, Crnkovic turns inward. Where earlier works explored collective identity and the outer structures of the world, “Labyrinths” focuses on the inner journey: the paths we each take through uncertainty, longing and self-discovery.
“It’s a meditation on movement,” he said. “On how we find our way through what feels complicated or endless. Every turn, every pause, every dead end — there’s meaning in all of it.”
Built through layers of texture and subtle shifts of tone, the works evoke both physical and psychological space. Some suggest architectural blueprints or topographic maps, while others dissolve into near-pure abstraction, where light and shadow pulse with quiet rhythm.
At the heart of each piece lies an unbroken line, sometimes coiling inward, sometimes expanding outward.
“You can grow in different shapes,” Crnkovic said. “But it’s always that unbroken line that goes from the beginning into the center, or from the center going out. It’s a metaphor for our experience with everything, and especially with life itself — this hope that we’ll end up somewhere well.”
For Crnkovic, the labyrinth is not a trap but a mirror, an image of the human experience where direction is uncertain, yet movement remains essential. The series unites his enduring interests in art, philosophy, and meditation, inviting viewers to slow down, trace the line and consider their own passage through the maze.
ZORAN CRNKOVIC
Born in Croatia, Zoran Crnkovic grew up surrounded by art, design and craftsmanship. Guided by a creative father who was part engineer and part artist and inspired by two uncles — one a celebrated Croatian actor and watercolorist, the other a multitalented artist in Australia — he began drawing, painting and sculpting early in life. Though he initially studied music and physics, art ultimately prevailed.
After hosting several solo shows in Croatia, Crnkovic moved to New York City in the 1990s. He studied at the Art Students League and was accepted into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Copyist Program, where he deepened his understanding of Baroque painting, particularly the dramatic realism of Caravaggio. He later joined a community of artists in Long Island City, Queens, cofounding “The Space” collective and working for a decade from the legendary Crane Street Studios — also known as 5Pointz — before the building was lost to redevelopment.
Also a longtime practitioner and teacher of tai chi, Crnkovic found parallels between the meditative discipline and the process of painting. “Tai chi is about awareness,” he said. “About how you move through space, how you respond without force. Painting can be the same. It’s about presence.”
Today, Crnkovic divides his time between New York City and Water Valley, where the slower rhythms and natural landscape have begun to shape a new phase of his work. “For a town this size, the number of artists and musicians is incredible,” he said. “In a way, it reminds me of what the Lower East Side used to be like — creative, open, experimental.”
Continued on page 56
Continued
Cityscapes
Cityscapes
In “Cityscapes,” Crnkovic turned his attention to the built environment, translating skyline and structure into reflections on time and transformation. Abstract silhouettes and vast open skies convey both the beauty and vulnerability of human creation. The series grew out of his experience living in New York during 9/11, a period that reshaped his sense of scale and permanence.
“That view stayed with me — the skyline I knew so well, suddenly altered,” Crnkovic said. “There were familiar buildings, but also empty spaces where something essential was missing. It made me think about presence and absence, about what’s here and what’s not, and how fragile that balance is.”
In many of these works, the city appears small against the expanse of sky or sea. The human-made world seems delicate compared to the permanence of nature.
“The harbor remained — the same harbor it’s always been — but what we build within it is temporary, easily erased,” he said.
“Cityscapes” became a meditation on impermanence: on what we try to make lasting, and how it inevitably fades.
Textured Bravada
Textured Bravada
Crnkovic’s exploration of visual language deepened in “Textured Bravada,” a series that examines the shared codes humans create to connect and distinguish themselves. Drawing from ancient scripts and symbols, including the old Croatian Glagolitic alphabet, the works merge abstraction with philosophical inquiry.
“They’re abstract, but rooted in philosophical ideas — especially from Neoplatonism, where numbers, geometry, and harmony represent universal principles,” Crnkovic said.
The “Meditations” series distills Crnkovic’s practice to its most essential elements. Movement and hue take center stage, each composition balancing spontaneity and control.
“It’s about rhythm,” he said. “The conversation between line and color, how one influences the other until they almost become sound.”
The work also reflects his belief in the subjectivity of perception.
“When I taught figure drawing at the Salmagundi Art Club in New York, I used to show students how ten people could look at the same model and all produce something different,” he said. “That difference — how we each see — has always fascinated me. It reveals so much about subjectivity, perception, and even truth.”
About the Space Lamar Block
Built in the 1870s, the historic Lamar Block anchors downtown Water Valley as part of the city’s Main Street Historic District. Once home to various shops and gathering spaces, the red-brick row has long served as a hub of community life. Now under thoughtful restoration from Water Valley natives and mother-daughter team, Mary Lu Vaughn and Meagan Backes, the building is entering a new chapter as a space for art and connection. Recent exhibits, including Crnkovic’s, bring fresh energy to its century-old walls — linking Water Valley’s rich past with its creative present.
Crnkovic’s exhibit, “A Metaphysical Journey of Color and Line,” is open through the end of the year. The gallery’s hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 2-7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 2-6 p.m. You can also join Crnkovic at Lamar Block on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., where he leads a tai chi class. All levels welcome.
Leisure Springs Eternal
A NOSTALGIC STAY AT “AMERICA’S RESORT” BLENDS RECREATION, DESIGN AND HISTORY.
WRITTEN BY AMY CONRY DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE GREENBRIER RESORT
In the heart of the Alleghany Mountains, the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, serves as both a luxury travel destination and a unique piece of American history. The allure of the lush 11,000acre property dates to the late 1700s, when visitors first came to the area to rejuvenate in its cooler temperatures and the therapeutic natural waters found there.
Today, the Greenbrier has 710 signature rooms, ranging from 250 to 5,000 square feet, as well as rental cottages and homes. As part of the stay, a daily resort fee ($49 per room, per night) allows for additional amenities such as complimentary on-site transportation, nightly movies, champagne toasts and more.
Evident throughout is the iconic style of interior designer Dorothy Draper, which has often been described as “the opposite of minimalism.” Cam Huffman, public relations director for the Greenbrier, says Draper’s attention to detail, bright colors and bold patterns in the spaces are what give the hotel its signature look and has set it apart since it was first decorated in the 1940s.
“I think one of the most amazing parts is just how long her design has survived from her, then to her protege, Carleton Varney,” Huffman said. “The Greenbrier changed hands with ownership along the way, and a lot of different things could have ended that run for Dorothy Draper and her decor, but it never happened, and it sort of defines the Greenbrier and hopefully will be here for a long time to come.”
While the tradition of bathing in (and even drinking from) the original hot springs is no longer an option, guests can choose to luxuriate in a private soak tub with mineral water pumped in from the source at the Greenbrier Spa. There’s also a private casino, more than 30 retail shops, golf, tennis, walking trails, afternoon tea and all manner of outdoor fun, including kid-friendly adventures.
Also on the property is a row of artisan
Continued on page 62
Continued on page 64
shops — charming cottages that date to the 1830s — from which local artists sell handmade items, and the Presidents’ Cottage Museum, a circa-1835 residence filled with exhibits about the resort’s history.
Among the extensive list of events and activities at the Greenbrier, however, one continues to be a fan favorite: the bunker tour. Tickets for the 90-minute experience (which is open to anyone, not just overnight guests) run $52 and offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a Cold War fallout shelter “hidden in plain sight.”
“The bunker tour definitely is one of our more popular attractions,” says Huffman. “We have 10-12 tours a day, and they’re usually all filled up. I think people like the history of it but also the unlikeliness of having (it) in a place that looks like the Greenbrier.”
With more than a dozen restaurants and lounges on the grounds, all of which have their own dress code, options run the gamut from inroom dining and Southern fare to craft cocktails and coal-fired pizza. According to Huffman, a steak at Prime 44 West or a sunset dinner at Sam Snead’s are good places to start but one venue shouldn’t be missed.
“I think to have the true, authentic Greenbrier experience you have to dine in the Main Dining room,” says Huffman. “It’s open for breakfast and dinner everyday and has been since the current hotel opened in 1913. It’s the iconic Greenbrier experience that you have to take in…and you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.”
Learn more about the Greenbrier Resort at greenbrier.com.
Holidays at the Greenbrier are magical. In addition to elaborate Christmas decor and the likelihood of fresh fallen snow outside, special activities include photos and storytime with Santa, a formal holiday tea, a family tree decorating contest and more.
Exploring the Area
Outside the Greenbrier’s 11,000 acres, the town of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and its surroundings offer plenty to see and do, from scenic drives and outdoor recreation including the Lost World Caverns, to local shops, restaurants and breweries. Down the road in Lewisburg, (once voted Coolest Small Town in America) visitors will find a vibrant downtown and historic district.
On the Line
THIS YEAR’S TUPELO CHRISTMAS PARADE
MARSHALS SHARE THEIR 120-YEAR
ABOUT THE TUPELO
GRAND
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
HISTORY AND INSIDE DETAILS
WRITTEN BY EUGENE STOCKSTILL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
This year is the Tupelo Fire Department’s 120th anniversary, and the department will be grand marshals for Reed’s annual Tupelo Christmas Parade, taking place Dec. 5. We took advantage of the big occasion to catch a quick glimpse of life inside a fire department, with Chief Brad Robinson and Sergeant Garner Holcomb as our guides.
Holcomb, 27, from Pontotoc, has a photo of himself dressed in firefighters’ gear as a kindergartner and standing with his mom and teacher, a little boy wanting to be a firefighter. Somewhere along the line, he lost the vision, and after studying criminal justice in college and graduating, he had no clue what he wanted to do.
That’s when his mom, a school nurse, suggested he try out for the Tupelo Fire Department. Holcomb went from thinking she was joking to taking her up on it. He applied to the city, passed a short, standardized test,
then passed the physical by running a mile and a half in under 14 minutes and doing at least 10 pullups, 35 pushups and 45 situps.
Day two of initial testing, Holcomb suited up in gear and air packs for some “functional firefighting.” Simulated fire drills, in other words. The department’s training center has a two-story “heat building” where they run “fire evolutions,” a confined, culvert-like space for simulated rescues of a stuck child and a six-story tower for climbing.
After a year of provisional training, Holcomb attended a seven-week training session at the state’s fire academy, which he compared to a boot camp. But because of the provisional training, “day one, we knew what we were doing,” he said. There was classwork on top of classwork and lots of physical training.
Fast-forward to this interview. Holcomb works as one of eight sergeants in the city department tasked with helping others at their
most vulnerable. It is a job that outsiders have many misconceptions about.
Today’s fire department in Tupelo includes seven stations, the training center and just under 100 workers, from rookie firefighters to chief. The department has a volunteer chaplain, too. A firefighter works for 24 straight hours, never sleeps deeply on high-risk duty, never goes anywhere without a radio and has too many maintenance and training duties on any given day to be bored on the job. Not to mention the fact that the department fielded almost 5,800 emergency calls last year, or about 15 calls per day. The job comes with its share of fun and games, too.
“We’ve thrown fireworks, we’ve gotten cats out of trees,” said Holcomb, who remembered another funny moment, too. “At the time it wasn’t funny. We got chased by some dogs that we didn’t know were at the scene. It scared the mess out of us.”
One of the officers, who hates dogs, was on
A Day in the Life
We asked Sgt. Garner Holcomb of the Tupelo Fire Department to keep a day’s journal of activities at Station 5. Here’s what happened on his busy 24hour shift this past Halloween.
6-7 a.m. Shift change. We talked to shift going off and exchanged pertinent information about calls they went on and what tools were used on the truck.
7:30 a.m. First call of the day. We had a car fire threatening a structure. Our response got cancelled en route to the scene, due to another engine getting on scene first.
8-9:30 a.m. Physical training session at the gym, a strength-based workout. Two stations worked out together, which builds camaraderie.
10 a.m.-noon. Breakfast at the station: Sausage, eggs and biscuits. We ate and talked about plans for the day.
12-1:30 p.m. Fire inspections to make sure all buildings in the station’s district were safe, up to code.
2:30- 3:30 p.m. Down time
3:30-4 p.m. Fueled up the truck for the weekend and washed it for the next shift.
5 p.m.: Second work out of the day which was interrupted by a fire call. A structure fire at an abandoned warehouse was reported. We arrived on scene, and heavy fire and smoke were visible. We pulled attack lines and fought the fire offensively. We stayed on scene to ensure the fire did not rekindle. We were on scene for about three hours.
7:30 p.m. Supper time. We already had purchased groceries, so we cooked chicken Philly sandwiches and tater tots. We discussed the fire during this time, assessed our work and pinpointed ways to improve our response.
8:30 p.m. We had a couple of trick-or-treaters come by the station, so we talked and handed out candy to the little ones.
9-10:30 p.m.: Chill out time. We had a long day, so we watched a Halloween movie and went to bed.
11 p.m. We had a fire alarm at a warehouse. Once on scene, the scene was determined to be safe, and no fire was located.
12:30 a.m. We had a medical call at a local nursing home. We stayed on scene with medics until the patient was taken to the hospital.
12:30-5:30 a.m. Sleep. When I woke up, I made a pot of coffee and worked on my reports. All calls must have a written report filed before the shift goes off duty.
6 a.m. The incoming shift reported, and we exchanged pertinent information about the previous day. I stayed until 6:30 and talked, drank coffee and hung out. Then I drove home.
top of the vehicle when Holcomb got back.
The phrase fire department is something of a misnomer. According to the department’s website, fire personnel respond to “wrecks, medical emergencies, missing persons, hazardous material spills and technical rescues, such as rope, confined space, trench and swift-water rescues.”
That’s what put Robinson on the coast during hurricane season last year as a part of a state task force that navigated residents endangered by floodwaters to safety during Hurricane Isaac. But try to get him to gush about his heroics, and the 48-year-old, two-year chief will turn soft-spoken and understated.
Holcomb adopted the same tone when he talked about his part in helping save people from a burning building on Tupelo’s east side.
“It’s controlled chaos,” the 27-year-old sergeant from Pontotoc said. “If you look at it from the outside, it’s chaos. People are screaming,” he said. Hoses are flying, water is spraying, but it’s all part of another day on the job.
Through the years, disaster has rewritten the fire department manual. That happened during the infamous 1936 tornado season that spawned a storm that wiped out much of
Fire Safety ABCs
Here are a few tips from the Tupelo Fire Department on having a safe, fire-free home, especially during the colder months.
Put smoke alarms on every level of the house and near sleeping areas.
Test batteries every three months.
Never ignore the chirp of a smoke alarm.
Install fire extinguishers (type ABC for all wood, electrical and liquid fires) on every level of the house, especially the kitchen and the garage.
Know the PASS method for using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze the handle, Sweep.
Using a space heater? Keep all flammable items at least three feet away from it; plug it directly into the wall and placed on a hard level surface; avoid using power strips and extension cords; unplug space heater when not in use.
Keep an eye on cooking food, use a timer and avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking.
Keep cooking areas clear and clean of grease.
Emergency? Get out, and call 911.
Tupelo, which was a small town at the time. It happened again on a smaller scale in the 1970s, when a big fire at an old Sunshine Mills site exploded after dust from pet food manufacturing ignited.
“It changed the dynamics of the fire department,” Robinson said. “Nowadays they have all sorts of things in place to prevent that from happening.”
Wondering if you’ve got the athleticism it takes to make it as a firefighter?
“It doesn’t take a D1 athlete. I was not even a high school athlete, but I did like to work out. I used to be into weightlifting only,” said Holcomb, who now mixes cardio work with strength training. “It’s no good being able to lift 400 pounds without being able to run a half mile and still be able to breathe.”
But Holcomb said there’s something much more important to consider: “We help people” is the department’s motto.
“You have to have the eagerness to help the people,” he said. “If you don’t have that drive right off the bat, you don’t have it.”
Winter Wonderland
LAYERED TEXTILES, MIXED CHINA PATTERNS, A FLORAL CENTERPIECE AND SOFT CANDLELIGHT COME TOGETHER IN A WINTER TABLESCAPE THAT WELCOMES DINNER GUESTS TO GATHER.
WRITTEN BY EMILY WELLY
STYLED BY DAKIN REED
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
Through her event planning business, Taylored Well Events, Dakin Reed has become an expert at setting tables.
In addition to offering event design for large gatherings like weddings, she also creates tablescapes for smaller, more intimate seated dinner parties, especially during the holiday season. It’s one of her favorite things to do.
“You can be so creative and so personal with it,” she said. “I grew up with an appreciation for it and watched the women in my family do it every year for the holidays.”
Here are the key elements Reed focused on for this winter-themed tablescape she created just for Invitation Magazines.
The Tablecloth
Colorful, patterned linens add whimsy and an artful flare to the table.
The Chargers
Use different chargers at each setting to add interest and a collected look to your table. Here, a variety of high-end Anna Weatherley chargers contrasts with the plates.
The Plates
These Juliska Berry & Thread North Pole patterned plates add to the winter theme. The fancier chargers underneath help elevate the otherwise everyday dinnerware.
The Napkins
Juliska Country Estate napkins in evergreen are pretty, seasonal and add a little hint of red to the place setting. Additionally, an eye-catching napkin ring stands out and draws the eye to the center of each place setting. “A little bit of sparkle on a table is nice,” Reed said.
The Placemats
Two different sized placemats are layered. The round, green placemat is made of a straw-like organic material that helps ground each place setting.
Continued on page 76
The Glassware
“Have at least two glasses at a setting, always,” Reed said. This is another example of layering and gives the table an elevated feel. Here, three different glasses add color, character and cohesiveness to the table.
The Centerpiece
This floral arrangement by Elizabeth Rose of Abloom in Tupelo is successful because it incorporates fresh evergreen clippings of magnolia and cedar. “I wanted it to feel like something you could go out to your yard and cut,” Reed said. White roses and sliced pomegranates are nestled into the greenery, adding color and texture. The entire arrangement is in a low, round bowl, and a tall modern tree with silver details is in the center to add height but it’s narrow enough to not block anyone’s view at a dinner party. Reed likes to use candelabras in a similar way in many of her tablescapes.
Continued on page 78
More Layers
Cute winter-themed figurines at each place setting add more personality. Small coffee mugs with hand-drawn Christmas motifs on them also offer playfulness to the table. A small green tree-shaped platter could be used as a butter plate or to serve cookies. Simon Pierce handmade glass Christmas trees of different sizes and styles, surround the center piece for more elegance and sparkle.
Table Talk
Dakin Reed shares strategies for creating a tablescape fit for any special occasion:
1. Layer as much as possible, adding in as many different things as you can while still looking cohesive: That’s the goal. Just try to make sure each thing on the table can tie into one other thing. For example, although this tablescape primarily uses silver, the gold on the candlesticks works in part because of the gold on the Spode water glasses and the chargers.
2. Candlelight is critically important to any event and especially on a tablescape. Tall candles can be mixed with centerpieces, but Reed also suggests purchasing inexpensive packages of plain white nonscented tealights and using them everywhere. Candlelight enhances the mood and creates a cozy vibe. “Plus, your guests will always look better in candlelight,” Reed said.
3. Focus on odd numbers. For example, this table has three tall candles, all different heights. Holders and candles are all different heights.
4. Begin setting your table a few days before you host a dinner. Continue to play with your arrangements and layer in new elements. Be patient as the elements come together. “That’s what inspires you to keep going,” Reed said.
to
Thank you
Reed’s Gift Shop for providing the location and several elements used in this tablescape; and to aBloom Artistry and Design for providing the floral centerpiece.
SCARECROW FESTIVAL
The Scarecrow Festival took place Oct. 25 in downtown Saltillo. The afternoon event featured a festive lineup of vendor booths, food trucks, live music and familyfriendly activities including a special appearance by the Sanderson Sisters and story time with Mac the Tractor.
Tina Pate and Kristie McMillen
Tiffany Byars and Lesia Eaves
Russell Otero
Bella Mathis
Ansleyn Croft with J.D. and Kimberly Chiquito
LE BONHEUR PUMPKIN RUN
he Le Bonheur Pumpkin Run was held Oct. 18 at Fairpark in Tupelo. Participants of all ages came together for a 5K and fun run to raise funds to benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, supporting children’s health care and specialty services across the region.
TAdam and Adalyn Sanders
Mady Hogue, Aiden Patterson, Aiden Hogue and Kaleb Thomas
Alexis Moscab, Shelby Pryor, Jayla Sanders and Dany Florres
Lacey Kate Mim, Jalyessa Avalos, Vanessa Sanchez and Kylon White
Avery Kilgore
Nicole Wray and Lily Baker
PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
SHEPHERD’S CENTER FALL FESTIVAL
he Fall Festival for the Shepherd’s Center took place Oct. 11 at Fairpark in Tupelo. The event featured a community market, live music, food vendors and familyfriendly activities, all in support of the Shepherd’s Center mission to serve independently living senior citizens in the Tupelo area.
TBrantley and Stephanie Nickell with Kellie DeVaughn
Stacy Dancey and Kelly Ivy
Steven and Tucker Coon
Swarada Utangle
Rosalyn Lockridge
Lorie McGregor and Tawana White
Lauren Greene and Kenna Thorton
Robyn Ferguson and Jariann Ewing
Karen Westmoreland and Kellum Curry
Jordyn and Thorin Thompson
PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
elebration Village took place Oct. 22–25 at the Tupelo Furniture Market. The annual holiday market featured more than 100 vendors offering festive gifts, food and decor. Proceeds from the event benefited Sanctuary Hospice House, supporting its mission to provide compassionate end-of-life care across north Mississippi.
Twana O'Callaghan and Brenda Browning
Beth Cooper and Kristi Babb
Tracy Lewis and Jennifer Springer
M.J. Hayes and Laken Smith
Jessica Howell, Allissa Ann Hardin and Kellie Williams
Drew Bass, Katherine Adams and Graham Lyons
GUMTREE CHAMPAGNE LUNCHEON
On Oct. 9, the Gumtree Champagne Luncheon took place at the Farabaugh home. The elegant gathering brought together supporters, friends and benefactors to raise funds for the Gumtree Museum of Art and to further its mission of cultivating the arts in the region.
Nancy Diffee, Maribeth Kirkpatrick, Cathy Fitzpatrick, Bobbi Kellum, Kate Farabaugh and Mollie Nolan
Malinda Lamon and Kathy Davis Day
Jane Riley and Sally Elliot
Kristie Gholson, Elsie White, Sadie Buchanan and Wanda Todd
Betty Harris with Cindy and Lucy Gaines
Linda Sullivan, Linda Caldwell and Jane Burchfield
Jennifer Mulrooney and Allie West
Leath Johnson and Jo Mark
Janice Trawick, Dee Dee Bond and Gail Boland
Leslie Ausbon, Becky Elmore and Elizabeth West
rick-or-treating festivities filled Tupelo on Oct. 31 as families and children celebrated Halloween at events across the city. From neighborhood gatherings to downtown celebrations, costumed trick-or-treaters enjoyed a night of fun.
TSherman Logan with Sarah and Lily Ashton
Misty and Tyson Taylor
Hadley Chupp and Macy Farrar
Maddox Hogue
Kendall, Sonny and Hattie Sheffield
Kyleigh and Brayden Robertson
TUPELO CHILI FESTIVAL
upelo Chili Festival took place Oct. 24 in Fairpark as part of “Fall into Tupelo” weekend to support the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association.
Denny Waite, Reed Robison, Mitch Smith and Joel Driskell
Jerry Davis and Daniel McKinney
Tupelo Fire Department
Kathy Gratham, Randle Timms, Sherry Childers, Donna Stevens and Carla Durham with Tommy and Brad Taylor
Rylee, Britani and Bentley Carter with Neely Turner, Katelynn Jumper, Ashley Brock, Jacob Shirley, Paton McNeal and Rachael Pots
Kathy Gratham and Susan Parker
Nathan and Marie Tackett
Monica Kight with Barrett and Leighann Mattox, Melanie Kight and Preston Young
Rena McNeely, Abby Westmoreland, Morgan Copeland, Justin Smith and Brandi Robbins
SNAPSHOTS
TRAVIS TRITT
Sara Grisham and Evee Sheffield
Patty Baughman and Jennifer Grisham
Leah Sheffield, Lily Baughman and Jamie Baker Travis Tritt
PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
PHOTOS BY LISA ROBERTS
HAPPENING NOW
NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI
ICE-SKATING IN TUPELO
NOW THRU JANUARY 4
cb-arena.com
CORINTH PICKIN’ ON THE SQUARE
THURSDAYS IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY facebook.com
PONTOTOC CHRISTMAS PARADE
DECEMBER 1
pontotocchamber.com
ABERDEEN CHRISTMAS PARADE
DECEMBER 2
aberdeenms.com
REED’S TUPELO
CHRISTMAS PARADE
DECEMBER 5
tupelomainstreet.com
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT WISE FAMILY FARM
WEEKENDS DECEMBER 5-27
wisefamilyfarm.com
RED & GREEN MARKET AT CORINTH DEPOT
DECEMBER 5-6
corinthgreenmarket.net
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN PONTOTOC
DECEMBER 6 eventbrite.com
MISSISSIPPI STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL IN TUPELO
DECEMBER 7
cb-arena .com
TUPELO FLEA MARKET
DECEMBER 12-14
tupelofleamarket.net
PONTOTOC RUDOLPH RUN
DECEMBER 13
runsignup.com
NMSO HOLIDAY CONCERT
DECEMBER 13
nmsymphony .com
OLE MISS MEN’S BASKETBALL IN TUPELO
DECEMBER 17
cb-arena .com
CHRISTMAS AT THE ELVIS BIRTHPLACE WITH DAVID LEE
DECEMBER 20
elvispresleybirthplace .com
TUPELO’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
DECEMBER 31
tupelo.net
JASON ALDEAN CONCERT
JANUARY 16
cb-arena.com
COMMITTEE FOR KING MLK WEEKEND FESTIVITIES IN TUPELO
JANUARY 16-19
committeeforking.org
MAIN EVENTS
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT WISE FAMILY FARM
PONTOTOC
DECEMBER 5-27
Experience the magic of a country Christmas at Wise Family Farm, where twinkling lights, hayrides and holiday traditions come together in a cozy countryside setting. Guests can visit Santa, sip hot cocoa and wander through dazzling light displays or the festive barn market filled with treats and handmade goods. Perfect for families and couples alike, the farm is open 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 5-13, and daily Dec. 19-27 (closed Dec. 25).
wisefamilyfarm.com
RUDOLPH RUN
PONTOTOC
DECEMBER 13
Kick off the holiday season on the move with Pontotoc’s annual Rudolph Run, a fun and family-friendly 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run through the heart of downtown. Runners of all ages don reindeer antlers, jingle bells and festive attire as they race through the streets lined with holiday lights and cheering neighbors. Proceeds support local charities, making this event a joyful way to stay active, give back and spread holiday cheer.
runsignup.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
TUPELO
DECEMBER 31
Ring in the new year in the heart of downtown Tupelo at one of North Mississippi’s biggest celebrations. The Tupelo New Year’s Eve Party features live music, food vendors and a festive outdoor atmosphere leading up to the iconic ball drop at midnight. With a kid zone, local performers and a vibrant crowd, it’s an energetic, family-friendly way to toast to new beginnings and welcome 2026.
