DecemberThe Giving Issue
Hark! The "M" bridge lights a merry pathway over the river, and through the River City, the giant lit snowflakes decorate Poplar Avenue. Santas are all settling into their respective wonderlands and beautiful trees are trimmed from the Peabody and the Pink Palace to the Dixonour city is literally bursting with cheer.
In our own homes, Mariah and Bing sing as we deck our halls, make our lists, clean up after our naughty elves, bake our cookies and concoct batches of dog-digestible reindeer food. As the spirit of the season is among us and frequently in our glasses, we seek to replicate the magic we experienced in our youth, even forcing the family matching pajamas and claymation movies of yore in between pageants and parties. Oh what fun it is!
In our giving issue, we highlight the magic of the season and how our city inspires cheer during the holidays and throughout the year. We’ve compiled a local gift guide sure to make your giving a bit easier and more thoughtful. We share seasonal recipes, inspiration for hosting your next lobster dinner and tips for keeping you and your home dazzling. We learn how the Community Foundation maximizes charitable giving and how Arrow Creative gives our local artistic community a place to thrive. We hope you enjoy reading some of the Christmas traditions our River City team has established over the years as well.
My hope for us all this season is that we take time to soak up the messy, imperfect, run-in-the-tights, late-night assembling and merrymaking, chaotic cookie decorating, dashing out of the door moments. These are precisely the memories that might morph into traditions for future generations. May you all deeply experience and give grace, love, empathy and peace while laughing all the way.
Happy Everything!
LINDSEY TONKIN, EDITOR @RIVERCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR Bonner Morgan bonnermorganphotography@gmail.com
MARKET AREA COORDINATOR
Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Amy Golden, Margaret Ledbetter, Morgan Zanone
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jeff McMillen
COPY EDITOR
Jo-Ellen Sharpe
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Maude Burrow
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lauren Tester, Matt Gossett
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Voigt, Erica Haskett, Uday Sripathi
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster Learn
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With over 20 years of operative and non-operative orthopedic experience, Dr. Lonergan is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and minimally-invasive techniques for joint restoration. He also specializes in shoulder, hip, knee and ankle arthroscopy as well as complete joint replacement.
Dr. Lonergan possesses a 4.9 star rating based on patient feedback, making him a favorite for joint and sports medicine care in the Mid-South. If your joint pain is wearing you down, call Dr. Lonergan today!
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ROUNDUP
Christmas Cheer, Memphis Style!
The Memphis Holiday Parade on Beale Street is on December 14 at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with marching bands, steppers, twirlers and festive floats. Perfect for families and friends to experience one of the city’s grandest parades. bealestreet.com
A Magical Walk
Experience the magic of the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees at the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion from November 16 to December 29. Wander through beautifully decorated trees, enjoy animated holiday scenes and visit Santa for memorable photos. A cherished Memphis tradition for all ages. moshmemphis.com
Whimsical and Bright
Experience the joy and whimsy of Memphis Zoo's Truist Zoo Lights! Through January 4, stroll through dazzling light displays, visit with Santa and enjoy festive activities like ice skating and s'mores stations. Don't miss Breakfast with Santa on December 14 for a delightful morning with the jolly man himself. memphiszoo.org
Feliz Navidad!
Celebrate the 2024 holiday season at Dixon Gallery & Gardens! Stroll through the Dixon Lights on select December evenings, exploring illuminated gardens, festive crafts, and seasonal treats. On December 14, enjoy their fourth annual Christmas Fiesta featuring Latin American traditions, music and food. ’Tis the season and a magical place for all ages at the Dixon. dixon.org
Beloved Carols
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra adds to our city’s festive spirit with an annual Holiday Tea on December 13 at the Peabody Hotel's Chez Philippe restaurant, hosted by the Memphis Symphony League. The Symphony’s Magic of Memphis concert is on December 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Cannon Center. This joyful holiday concert is sure to be filled with seasonal classics and beloved melodies, perfect for the whole family. memphissymphony.org
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Barbara Nixon
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Holiday Wonders
During the month of December, Memphis Botanic Garden transforms into a magical place with Holiday Wonders. Stroll through beautiful light displays, themed evenings and family-friendly activities in a magical garden setting through December 28. It is a Memphis must-see event for all ages! membg.org
Starry Nights
The enchantment of Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park is on display until December 29, 2024! Drive through millions of dazzling lights and enchanting displays, perfect for all ages. Enjoy holiday treats, cozy up with hot cocoa and brighten your holidays with this beloved Memphis tradition. All proceeds support the daily operations of Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline. shelby farmspark.org/starry-nights
Crafted for Cheer
WinterArts 2024 marks its 16th annual Holiday Artists’ Market, showcasing handcrafted works by the South’s finest artists. Find unique holiday gifts made with glass, metal, wood, fiber and clay, plus jewelry and more! Open daily from Saturday, November 30 through Christmas Eve at 7509 Poplar Avenue, Saddle Creek. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 10 to 6; Friday, 10 to 8; Saturday, 10 to 6; Sunday, 12 to 5. winterartsmemphis.com
mobile: 646-898-6901
office: 901-754-0800
margaret@modernmemphishomes.com modernmemphishomes
OPTIMIZING CHARITABLE GIVING
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis helps strengthen the River City through philanthropy
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY BONNER MORGAN
In this “season of giving,” we asked Bob Fockler, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, to inform us about creating effective charitable giving strategies. Through the generosity of its donors, the Community Foundation granted $120 million to approximately 1,900 non-profit organizations in the Mid-South and throughout the nation last year. The Community Foundation’s mission is “to strengthen our community through philanthropy.” They consistently accomplish this goal by streamlining and optimizing their clients’ charitable giving.
Q. WHAT TIPS CAN YOU OFFER OUR READERS ABOUT ESTABLISHING A CHARITABLE GIVING PLAN?
A: Even as charitably inclined as our neighbors are, relatively few of us have thought about developing an intentional charitable giving plan. We tend to give to causes when we are asked to give, not when it fits with our philanthropic goals. Developing a formal giving plan is relatively easy. It typically requires thinking about your values –what you genuinely care about – and then researching what organizations can deliver on the mission to serve those values.
Q. WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN DEVELOPING YOUR LIST OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS?
A: The most important consideration is understanding your own personal values. What do you feel most passionate about? Is it enhancing the local arts community, helping to provide a critical safety net for those less fortunate, improving educational opportunities in the Mid-South or just about anything that seeks to make Memphis and
the Mid-South a better place to live? Only you can decide what is most important to you.
After that, it is important to fully understand each organization that you might be interested in supporting. How successful are their programs? Who runs the agency – both staff and board? Are they financially secure, ensuring that your contribution will be wisely managed and spent? All of these are important to know before you write that first check.
I was talking with a donor recently who had been recruited to the board of what had been one of his favorite agencies. But once he got in and looked at their operations, he became less and less comfortable with his support. At the end of the day, it’s about an agency demonstrating its ability to deliver on its mission that counts.
Q. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EARMARKING GIFTS TOWARD LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS?
A: Our donors support non-profit organizations nationally, but 85% of their grants stay right here in the Mid-South. Investing at home not only allows you to see the benefits of your giving first-hand; it directly impacts the quality of life for your family, your friends and your neighbors. That’s a powerful motivating factor.
Q. WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT WAYS IN WHICH DONORS CAN MAXIMIZE THEIR TAX BENEFITS FROM CHARITABLE GIVING?
A: There are quite a number of tactics that have been proven to maximize the tax benefits and financial returns of a charitable gift. Working with a philanthropic advisor – like the Community Foundation – or with your financial, legal and tax advisors is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the best possible bang for your buck.
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For instance, many of us think about writing checks when it comes to charitable giving. That will typically qualify you for a tax deduction in the amount of the check. But if you gift an appreciated asset – like a stock that you have held for some time that has significantly increased in value – you not only get to deduct the full market value of the asset, you also avoid paying capital gains taxes on the increased value.
Using a charitable account, like a donor-advised fund, allows you to time your giving strategically, and the returns that you earn on the funds while they are invested in your account accrue tax-free. You never pay taxes on the earnings, which you would if those funds were invested in your taxable investment accounts.
Getting a little more in the weeds, the 2017 Tax Act dramatically increased the standard deduction for taxpayers. That means that the bar for charitable giving that needs to be reached to qualify for an itemized deduction is quite high. As a result, most taxpayers don’t itemize, limiting the value of their charitable giving. There is an interesting strategy, though, called “bunching” or “bundling” that provides additional tax benefits. To do this, a taxpayer pays out enough to qualify for the itemized deduction, usually more than they would contribute in one year. They qualify for the itemized deduction in that year, and then in the following year(s), they contribute little or nothing, claiming the standard deduction. This strategy can be used directly with the charities that a donor wishes to support, but it works even better with a charitable fund at the Community Foundation. To do this, the extra dollars go into the fund in the first year. The donor’s normal annual grants are made to their favorite agencies, with the rest staying invested in the fund. The following year(s), the donor can use the remaining balance, augmented by investment returns which have accrued tax-free, to make their normal, annual grants (without having to pay in anything else out-of-pocket).
Q. IS THE END OF THE YEAR A GOOD TIME FOR CHARITABLE GIVING? IF SO, WHY?
A: More giving happens at the end of the year. In our case, typically 40% of our annual granting takes place in December, but that is not necessarily because it makes the most sense for donors. It’s usually the result of agencies making a hard push to finish out their year strong. Donors may have a better idea of their tax situation at year end, but other than that, I don’t know that year-end giving is particularly advantageous. I think that donors should give wherever and whenever it makes sense for them, which could really be any time.
Q. HOW DOES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WORK WITH DONORS? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS PROVIDED?
A: Since our founding in 1969, the Community Foundation has worked with donors to make their charitable giving easier, more powerful and better informed.
Tax advantage has always been an important part of that. We work with donors to ensure that their contributions qualify for maximum deductibility for income, gift and estate tax purposes. Even beyond the tax advantages, though, many donors come to us first because of the convenience offered by having a charitable fund with us. A fund simplifies charitable giving and reporting and eliminates significant paperwork and administration. We can also provide donors access to their funds 24/7 through our secure online portal.
We talked about appreciated assets. In addition to cash and marketable securities, we have extensive experience with all kinds of assets, including
complex gifts involving real estate, complicated business interests (such as limited partnership interests and closely held stock), art and collectibles, and others. Perhaps most importantly, we work with our donors to help them deliver customized giving strategies that meet their unique, individual needs, whether that involves simple current giving or more complicated long-term giving and estate-planning strategies.
Q. HOW DOES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ENCOURAGE PHILANTHROPY AND THE GROWTH OF CHARITABLE RESOURCES?
A: This last goal gets beyond our specific business model by advocating for and supporting initiatives that may not directly benefit Community Foundation.
For instance, several years ago we started GiVE 365, a dollar-a-day giving circle that offers a lower bar for Memphians to get involved with charitable giving and the non-profit world. Participants contribute $365 a year, half of which goes to build an endowed fund which annually produces grant dollars. The other half goes directly to the current year’s grant pool. Participants come together to determine an annual giving theme, review grant proposals and ultimately vote for which agencies get funded.
Two years ago, we chartered the Next Gen Philanthropic Initiative, which works closely with young emerging philanthropists to provide philanthropic advising and education on community needs and the local non-profit landscape. Our staff and board are also active in local, regional and national organizations that seek to connect, educate, inform and support the work of philanthropy in and out of our region.
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Fa la la, Le FLEUR
ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN OWEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY UDAY SRIPATHI
A HOLIDAY HAVEN OF INSPIRATION AND ENCHANTMENT
““Owner Kevin Coble AIFD is a master of many seasons, but Christmastime is an especially enchanting time of year at his shop on South Perkins.”
The spirit of Christmas is on display throughout Memphis. One holiday destination locals turn to for inspiration is the unassuming yet spectacular floral boutique, Le FLEUR. Owner Kevin Coble AIFD is a master of many seasons, but Christmastime is an especially enchanting time of year at his shop on South Perkins. It is a tactile canvas, unfolding with each turn as his vignettes immerse visitors in textures, fresh color palettes and subtle surprises. Each year, Kevin’s holiday interpretations elevate the idea of what Christmas décor has been to what it can be. A visit to Le FLEUR at 660 South Perkins during the holiday season is a gift to the senses.
@lefleurmemphis
ON THE GUEST LIST
Simple tips to take you through the holiday season and beyond
ARTICLE BY MATT GOSSETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Soon, the party invites will be piling up and it’s time to “up the ante” for the holidays. Some thrive during this time of year, but for others, the dressing anxiety sets in - and there’s hair and makeup to consider. Getting party-ready doesn’t have to be stressful in the makeup department. While everyone has different skill levels, these tips will help you easily elevate your look. To keep things chic, always remember, a quick, neutral eye, heavy mascara and bold lip are just what the doctor ordered.
You can never go wrong with a “two-shadow” eye makeup application. This method is a quick way to define and give a little sparkle to the eye. First, swipe your powder bronzer in your crease. This is an easy way to harmonize your eye makeup with your face makeup. If you don’t have a powder bronzer, a neutral tan shade will work as well. Then, place a champagne shimmer on your eye and you’re ready for liner and mascara. Next, the star of the show: lips! Going for a red lip can be intimidating. When you do a bold lip, your blush should stay neutral. The Haus Labs blush in Fire Moon is a great brown blush that can define cheekbones but not steal the attention from your lips. For the lipstick, I chose MOB Beauty M67 - a truly beautiful blue-red. This shade gives amazing color payoff and is comfortable on the lips. When doing a red lip, you can’t forget to line your lips before application. This provides that crisp statement-making line. I chose one by Very Terri which offers the longevity to get you through all those glasses of champagne this holiday season. Cheers!
You can wow any crowd with a simple look if you dare to go bold on your lips. For more personalized guidance, book your makeup concierge consultation with me. @thematt_gossett
photo provided by Matt Gossett
Not Your Standard Sofa
WORLDS AWAY INTRODUCES NEW CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY SERVICE
ARTICLE BY MARGARET LEDBETTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Worlds Away owner Lucy Woodson and designer Cristina Jabbour
Founded in Memphis over 30 years ago, Worlds Away stays relevant in the international furniture world without being trendy.
In a new showroom that just opened in November, Worlds Away is once again rocking the furniture market. The new space is instantly recognizable with the striped awnings and Palm Beach color scheme. In addition to the Worlds Away collection and the Worlds Apart pieces, owners Lucy Woodson and Bob Berry, with house designer Cristina Jabbour are rolling out a line of custom upholstered pieces in time for the holidays. There are eight original designs including sofas, chairs, tables and stools and 60 hand-selected fabrics for infinite variations. The new collection is part of their vision for “a more sustainable model for custom furniture,” according to Jabbour.
Founded in Memphis over 30 years ago, Worlds Away stays relevant in the international furniture world without being trendy. The team aspires to build on their carefully curated brand by regularly introducing new products and design services. Known for their colored lacquer and lucite
pieces and extensive lighting and accessories collection, Worlds Away will add another layer to their line with the upholstered pieces. “We love to offer styles that are not standard,” says Woodson, like the sexy new seating options with highend details. The looks are “fresh and chic,” says Jabbour; to which Woodson adds, “Our custom pieces can elevate even the most traditional living room.”
The custom items are crafted by hand at their High Point, North Carolina, workshop and drop-shipped to clients within weeks. Every season, a new collection of fabrics will be offered, and “COM” (customers’ own material) is an option as well.
For this time of year, Jabbour particularly likes shades of blue. From pastels to velvety tones and rich textures, blues abound in the new showroom. The silhouettes are both classic and fun - in keeping with the whimsical aesthetic. Worlds Away consistently aims to push boundaries in design and stay relevant in the industry.
Worlds Away Worlds Away Worlds Away Worlds Away Worlds Away Worlds Apart Worlds Apart
Worlds Apart Worlds Apart Worlds Apart
Worlds Away new showroom on Southern Avenue
From the River City Kitchen
SNOWBALL
COOKIES AND PROSECCO
ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
CA’ FURLAN PROSECCO - FROM JOE’S WINES & LIQUOR
A festive and fresh bottle of bubbly with lemon verbena, a hint of vanilla and notes of spiced apple and pear. This Prosecco will take you from cocktail hour through dessert!
Snowball Cookies ingredients
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups walnuts, finely chopped-Tip: Use food processor to “chop” your nuts if doubling or tripling the recipe!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 stick room temperature unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, to coat cookies once baked directions
1. Mix all dry ingredients—flour, walnuts, salt, sugar—in a large bowl
2. Add vanilla extract
3. Add butter in small pieces. Combine everything until butter is mixed well with dry ingredients. The mixture should clump easily.
4. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes in the fridge or up to overnight
5. Preheat oven to 300°F
6. Line baking sheet with parchment
7. Form dough into small balls and place about an inch apart on cookie sheet
8. Bake for 35 minutes
9. When cookies are still warm, roll them in the powdered sugar. Set aside on a rack
10. When cookies are completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar
ARTICLE BY LAUREN TESTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA HASKETT
Keeping Memphis Creative
ARROW GIVES RIVER CITY CREATIVES A NEW LIFELINE IN THEIR LABS
Did you know that a 10-needle embroidery machine can cost up to $15,000? Or that a pottery wheel can set a ceramist back nearly $1,000? Pottery kilns often require industrial-grade voltage beyond what a home can provide and a single printing press can weigh close to a ton.
This isn’t just trivia to toss around at your next party; the numbers represent significant obstacles that working artists face when pursuing a career in the arts. For many, art is more than a profession—it’s a calling. It’s a call to spend days covered in clay, or to own clothing that never escapes a paint splatter or two. It’s the desire to share something meaningful and joy-filled in a world that often feels like it lacks both. But when the tools and spaces required for artistic expression are financially and logistically out of reach, these callings become unattainable.
Arrow Creative opened its doors in 2021 with a clear mission: to provide essential creative and entrepreneurial support to local artists and makers. Arrow’s first phase offered 15 studio spaces and a dedicated retail shop designed to offer artists affordable and accessible spaces. Studios are rented at rates far below the market average, while the built-in retail space offers artists a platform to sell their work, helping them reach a wider audience and generate additional income.
Three years later, Arrow Creative has expanded its mission with the launch of the Creative Labs, which provide local artists access to specialized workspaces, professional-grade equipment and shared supplies in mediums that include photography, printmaking, ceramics, sewing and painting. Arrow’s Creative Labs are designed to bring tools and resources typically found only in colleges or universities into the hands of working artists.
Memphis’ artistic and creative roots run deep. From the rooms of Graceland to the walls of the Dixon, it’s hard to turn a corner without seeing a space that hasn’t been touched by the arts. In its mission to “keep Memphis creative” for years to come, Arrow is proud to provide this new artistic lifeline to Memphis-area creatives.
Printmaking Lab
A LOBSTER HOLIDAY DINNER
ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
MARK DUKE SHARES ADVICE ON HOW TO THROW AND ENJOY A PARTY
Mark Duke, a man of many talents, is a real estate agent who has an eye for antiques and beautiful collections that he finds in shops and antique markets while traveling abroad. He is also a fabulous cook and an effortless host. Mark hosts everything from Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations to Sunday night family dinners. We recently attended his annual Lobster Dinner to learn some tips for entertaining.
Mark believes it’s important to be as organized as possible when planning a party. Make a schedule of chores to be accomplished, create a shopping list and try to get as much done ahead of time as possible. But, he says, “The main thing about throwing a dinner party is don’t stress. It’ll work out. If it doesn’t, then forget it.” He believes once the first guest arrives, relax and enjoy your evening. If you forgot to do something, then let it go and forget about it.
CHOOSE YOUR THEME:
Mark’s aunt and uncle lived in Maine but wintered in Florida. They used to order lobsters from their corner market in Maine to ship down to Florida during the winter months. That was the inspiration for Mark’s initial lobster dinner. It was so well received that it became a tradition.
The lobster theme can be seen throughout the table decorations and even in Mark’s wardrobe. He loves to antique and shop estate sales, so he picks up fun lobster paraphernalia whenever possible. He even found lobster socks to wear with his Nantucket Reds. All in on the lobster theme!
Mark says it’s also important to plan according to your style. If you prefer a more casual evening, then make your dinner party a potluck and have everyone eat on their laps. If you enjoy a more formal approach, then set your dining table using your fine china and sterling silver. Choose whatever style party that you will enjoy more. This lobster dinner is a combination of casual and formal and is potluck in style. Everyone pays for their own lobster and each person brings either a side dish or wine to contribute to the evening.
BUILD YOUR GUEST LIST:
In this instance, there are four original party planners for the 12-14 person dinner party. Mark Duke, Sheri Wilson, Danette Watkins and June Ohlendorf play bridge weekly and these four planned the original lobster dinner six years ago. The rest of the guest list changes slightly from year to year.
CREATE THE MENU:
The menu for Mark’s lobster dinner has not changed much over the years. He always orders and cooks the lobsters. The lobsters are shipped live, so they make clicking and “singing” noises in the box, which can cause quite a thrill to the Ware Jones office staff where the lobsters are shipped. The core four bring the same dishes each year comprising the majority of the menu, while the other guests bring wine and other delectables.
SET THE TABLE AND DECORATE:
Mark sets the table the day before the party. In this case, he puts newspaper on the table that serves as the tablecloth and placemats that have instructions on how to properly crack and eat a lobster. He sets a bib at every place. Mark does the centerpiece flowers himself the morning of the party, because they can change overnight.
ENJOY THE EVENING:
Throughout this year’s lobster evening, Mark steams the lobsters for about 20 minutes once the guests have arrived and serves them with melted butter and lemon. He also serves his homemade, crusty French bread. June brings the appetizers, Danette the coleslaw and Sheri brings fried corn. Mark also makes Justine’s Grace Lotus ice cream for dessert to serve with Sheri’s homemade cookies.
Throughout the evening, each guest raved about Mark being the perfect host. Clearly, he had prepared diligently for the night, but once the party began it was time to stop working and enjoy his guests, which he did effortlessly. Even as the party ramped up, he kept an even keel. According to June Ohlendorf, “Mark just knows how to entertain; he never gets stressed. Years ago, he was making a curry sauce and dropped it on the floor. He had to go back to the grocery store and start over, but he never got ruffled.” Mark’s advice for how to host a holiday party can also be applied to a broader approach in life: organize and prepare, do your best to get everything done, but when something doesn’t work, don’t worry about it. Let it go and have fun!
Pictured (l to r): Sheri Wilson, Danette Watkins, Mark Duke and June Ohlendorf
“THE MAIN THING ABOUT THROWING A DINNER PARTY IS DON’T STRESS. IT’LL WORK OUT.”
R I VERCITYCHRISTMASTRADITIO
Holiday traditions become annual traditions for a variety of reasons: the offhand remark of, “What’s a game we can play that is fun for both kids and adults?” or even, “Yikes! I’m not finished wrapping gifts…will you please help me?” Whatever the reason, if the first time proves successful, it likely becomes an annual tradition. I thought it would be fun to share some of our team’s Christmas traditions.
CHRISTIAN OWEN
On Christmas Eve, the Owen family hosts a party in Mississippi for church friends and family. It is a small-town, 60-year tradition we inherited. The night is not complete until Santa Claus is spotted darting through our backyard.
Everyone celebrates Christmas in their own special way.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT
N S
LINDSEY TONKIN
The time-honored photo with Santa at the Bass Pro is a low-stress (free if you can get out of there without caving), post-church tradition for my crew that always makes us giggle as we are typically the most dressed in the queue - 12 years and counting!
JEANNIE TABOR
On Christmas morning, our family gathers in the library to read A Quiltmaker’s Gift, a children’s book that showcases the importance of giving over receiving. We pause to eat breakfast and then it’s on to the gifts!
KIT GARROTT
On Christmas Eve, my family enjoys a lobster dinner. Each grandchild chooses “their lobster” for a lobster race on a newspaper-lined kitchen floor. The winner earns a crisp twenty-dollar bill and bragging rights until next Christmas!
BONNER MORGAN
During my parents’ Christmas Eve party, we set up a photobooth complete with a festive backdrop and props. Our family always looks forward to it, and it’s a fun (and easy!) way to capture these special times together!
MALISE CULPEPPER
What started as a form of procrastination has become our Christmas tradition. We drink champagne while wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve.
AMY GOLDEN
I start Christmas gift shopping on January 1. It’s not because my list is as long as Santa’s. It’s a treasure hunt for me – and joy inducing. I never know when I’ll come across that perfect thing!
MARGARET LEDBETTER
After Christmas Eve dinner, we put on a talent show. All are invited to present a special talent. Whether it be a magic trick, a song or a dramatic reading, everyone’s a winner. And it makes for great entertainment and heckling!
MORGAN ZANONE
When our boys were young, my mother and aunt would decorate gingerbread houses with them. What started as a nice gesture of babysitting quickly evolved into an activity that they enjoyed as much as the boys.
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
STORE CREDIT
Wrap it up right!
ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Mothers born in the 80s will want to gift this for all the girls in their lives. A binder from Art Project to store stickers for collecting and trading. Restock the art closet while your kids create in their studio.
For non-fiction that reads like fiction, these gifts from Novel will make your recipient well read Explore the beautiful coffee table books that span all topics. Have a local gift card? Attach a bookmakes it all the more personal.
Whether it’s a coveted item for a game of Dirty Santa, a neighborly gift or spreading gratitude and cheer to a friend - make it unique.
You can shop for ages 0-100 at City + State. Back up the truck for all of your holiday happies here. Books, belts, jewelry, slingshots, beauty buys, baby toys, epicurean delights and more.
Dear Santa, here’s hoping my best counts as “good.” The elves may have gotten it all wrong! Joseph has lots of luxury. For the men, let’s upgrade that sneaker to a statement piece. They are better for your back, anyway. The Victoria Beckham clean beauty line is high-performing – just like you. It’s only right to house them in a new handbag. Excite someone with the signature Joseph wrapping this season.
Let there be peace on Earth. And you can find it at Germantown Hardware. Because a hardware store can be this lovely - with tons of gifts from gardening to grilling. Loads of cool tools for those who “don’t need help finding things,” but will totally wear a headlamp in the crawlspace.
Traveling over the holidays? Have a Mah-velous time getting suited with a travel mahjong set. Coin size tiles, but still easy to read! Also, from Collected by Elizabeth Malmo, add minty green winter tree candles to pack for your hostess gift.
Send your sleigh to Outdoors Inc. It’s a wonderland even for the most indoorsy. Hestra gloves are beautifully crafted and also practical with a removable washable liner. Don’t forget your SPF out in the snow, and shop early for the best ski gear. The polarized glasses will work for any season!
While the work that Plastic Surgery Group does is subtle, their approach to skincare is not. Book a consult with an expert from the skincare team and make your list! Nutrafol for hair loss (IYKYK)and it actually works. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum is the gift of glow. The Perfect Body Lotion works like a powerful face cream. May your days (and skin) be merry and bright.
DAVID LUSK GALLERY
97 Tillman . Memphis
JARED SMALL . Pink & Black House . oil on acrylic, 2024, 32 x 24”
