At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

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December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 1

Posh Boutique opened ten years ago in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. Posh has brought popular name brands to North Central Arkansas, such as Free People, Bed Stu, FRYE, Tom Ford Eyewear and Birkenstock to name a few. Denim lines include Citizens of Humanity, Dl 1961, Joe’s Jeans, Paige, Mother and Frame. Posh also offers complimentary tailoring to ensure the perfect fit.

Posh carries gorgeous jewlery lines from Virgins Saints and Angels and French Kande.

Shopping inside the boutique is a luxurious experience.

You can sip on a glass of wine while browsing through the buttery soft denim and try on a cozy sweater. Slippers and robes are provided for your convience inside the dressing rooms. You can visit Posh Boutique at 40 Plaza Way, Suite 10 in Mountain Home, Arkansas on Monday-Saturday from 10:30-5:30 or online at poshboutiquefashions.com, on Instagram @itsposh or on Facebook @poshmountainhome.

Posh ships worldwide and always for free in the USA.

2 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

Ashley Hunter, Owner

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 3

The Shade Above Lighting Collection

Lamp Shades • Lamp Repair • Custom Lamps • Accessories

theshadeabove.com 2208 Cantrell Road, Little Rock • 501.374.3555 theshadeabove@gmail.com •

The Shade Above Lighting Collection

& JC Designs Jeremy Carter Designer/Owner

2208 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72202 501-374-3555 417-294-7501 (cell) 501-374-3361 (fax) theshadeabove@gmail.com 4 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 5

Contents D ECEM B ER 2018

36 Home

Style

39 LET NATURE SING

13 FINDS

Designer Christina Gore uses a mix of woodsy and shimmering elements to dress her back porch for the season.

44 A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

Jeremy Carter adds a layer of holiday cheer to a Little Rock family home he recently helped renovate.

54 LIGHT, BRIGHT & HAPPY HOLIDAY In Mountain Home, Megan and Austin Gilliam turn a 1970s home into an airy escape with just the right touch of Christmas décor.

Let the Good Times Roll

16 LATEST

Events, Openings & Launches

19 DESIGN

63 2018 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

In Every Issue 10 WELCOME 72 END NOTES

Wake Up Your Walls

Life 26 GET TO KNOW

Creating Her Own Canvas

28 DISCOVER

Holiday Happenings

32 FLAVOR

Grape Minds

36 ENTERTAINING

Share the Sweets

6 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

Special Section

On The Cover Designer Christina Gore’s back porch decorated for the season.

Photography by Rett Peek.

See page 39.

Vol. 23, No. 11 © 2018 by Root Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. At Home in Arkansas™ (ISSN 1540-8914, USPS# 020-999) is published 11 times a year (January/February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) by Root Publishing, Inc., 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR 72202. Periodicals Postage Rates are Paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to At Home in Arkansas™; 2207 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock, AR.

happy holidays START HERE

Your go-to source for all of your outdoor living & entertainment needs.

Arkansas’ largest selection of interior barstools.

Huge Inventory of Firepits, Bartools and Gas Logs Available for Immediate Delivery.

Pleasant Valley Plaza • 11220 N Rodney Parham, Suite 14 • Little Rock 501.663.1818 • www.kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com • facebook.com/KenRashsArkansas December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 7

PUBLISHER Kelly Fraiser (ext. 101) kelly@athomearkansas.com EDITOR Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 102) stephanie@athomearkansas.com MANAGING EDITOR Tiffany Adams (ext. 104) tiffany@athomearkansas.com ART DIRECTOR Lauren Cerrato (ext. 103) lauren@athomearkansas.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jessie Fuchs (ext. 107) jessie@athomearkansas.com QU A L I Y † INTEGRITY I N TEGR IT Y † VALUE VA LU E QUALITY

celticcustomhomes.com • 479-582-1142 3075 N. Market, Ste. 1 • Fayetteville • 72703

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Beth Hall, Matt Johnson, Nancy Nolan, Rett Peek MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Debbie Tissue (ext. 100) debbie@athomearkansas.com

Great style does not have to be expensive. $1,980 as shown

HOW TO REACH US 2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501.666.5510

athomearkansas.com AT HOME IN ARKANSAS SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: Call 800.927.6847 or subscribe online at www.athomearkansas.com.

Annual subscription rate: $12.95.

Canada and Mexico add $24.00 per year.

Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling.

Come buy today!

1504 Rebsamen Park Road • Little Rock • 501.280.3200 Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

www.mertinsdykehome.com 8 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

AS SEEN IN

LITTLE ROCK, AR

thescoutguide.com

Emily Brown Owner

contemporary women’s b

5817 Kavanaugh Boulevard . @tulips

tulipsinlittlerock 5817 Kavanaugh Boulevard • Little Rock 501.614.7343 • tulipslittlerock.com

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 9

W E L C O M E

PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK

in the spirit I have a confession: We’ve been listening to Christmas music since before Halloween.

Lauren was wrapping gifts for a photo shoot for this issue, and we said, “Why not?! Alexa, play Christmas music.” While I’m typically a strict no-Christmas-beforeThanksgiving person, the stories in this issue were so festive that our staff couldn’t help but get into the spirit as soon as we started working on them.

While we did have to give the music a break after a couple of days, it was fun to bob our heads and sing along while taking in the ways everyone in this issue embraces the season. For example, Tobi Fairley always hosts a party with her daughter—this year, it’s a cookie swap (page 36). The Gilliams take a minimal, all-greenery approach to holiday style (page 54), while the Groce family’s decor is more traditional, layering sentimental holiday pieces with their everyday collections (page 44). On our cover, designer Christina Gore’s back porch (page 39) was transformed into a cozy holiday hangout that’s ready to welcome family and friends.

As a kid, I used to be so disappointed when Christmas Day ended because there’s so much buildup, and then it’s over—just like any other day! I think we all grow into the realization that the anticipation and the entire season, rather than the actual holiday, are half the fun. I hope you find ways to celebrate every moment of Christmas until Dec. 25.

Happy holidays,

Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com

10 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

DIGITAL EDITION

Take us with you anywhere.

Visit athomearkansas.com.

@ATHOMEARKANSAS

Follow along on social media for more home inspiration, news, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.

Taking your home from ordinary to extraordinary.

C O M E S E E O U R E X PA N D E D S H O W R O O M

Phoenix interiors

SPECIALIZING IN RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DESIGN | 12315 CHENAL PARKWAY • LITTLE ROCK 501.225.0400 • FACEBOOK.COM/PHOENIXINTERIORSLR December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 11

Home for the Holidays

Heights | North Little Rock | Conway Baptist | Pine Bluff guaranteed satisfaction since 1886

TiptonHurst.com

Jones Glass custom mirrors custom shower Doors & more

18421 Interstate 30 south • Benton, ar 501.315.6600 • myjonesglass.com 12 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

Style

PRODUCER: STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON | PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK AND COURTESY OF VENDORS

T H E L AT E S T I N

DÉCOR & DESIGN

GAME NIGHT

Let the Good Times Roll Set the scene for what’s sure to be an epic evening of fun, games, and—of course—competition. Turn the page for more inspiration and sources.

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 13

F I N D S

S T Y L E

PREVIOUS PAGE Leather backgammon board and carrying case. Fresh i.d., Little Rock, (501) 478-6006

2

Light blue Persian rug.

Martinous Oriental Rug Co., Little Rock, martinous.com

1

Shibori-inspired bowl. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com

3

1 “Lyon” barrel back swivel chair with wood base. Available in numerous fabrics by special order. Providence Design, Little Rock, providenceltddesign.com 2 Name that Movie: 100 Illustrated Movie Puzzles book.

Southern Life, Little Rock, shopsouthernlife.com 3 The Puzzle Coaster, set of four (mix and match different designs). The Full Moon, Little Rock, thefullmoonlittlerock.com

12

4 “La Maison Inondée” bowl.

Clinton Museum Store, Little Rock, clintonmuseumstore.com

11 4

5 & 6 Coton Colors “Loop De Loo Pointy Platter” and jade cheese spreader. Full Sun Gifts, Jonesboro, (870) 972-8480 7 Hobby & Hum candle in a handmade, reusable ceramic mug. The Milk Carton, Fayetteville, facebook.com/ themilkcartonshop

THIS WHIMSICAL DISH IS PERFECT FOR NUTS OR CANDY

8 Illustrated playing cards. Freckled Hen Farmhouse, Fayetteville, freckledhenfarmhouse.com

5

6 10

9 & 10 “Yeah” 466-piece puzzle and Andy Warhol memory game.

Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com 11 Mahogany tic-tac-toe board.

Embellish Interiors, Little Rock, facebook.com/embellishinteriors 12 “Pamlico” reclaimed wood coffee table. Providence Design, Little Rock, providenceltddesign.com

7 9

8

14 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

Nov. 17~Dec. 31 Hot Springs

Garden Gates Open at 3 p.m. Daily Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Days 550 Arkridge Rd | Hot Springs | 71913 800-366-4664 | garvangardens.org $15 adults | $5 ages 4-12 | Free ages 0-3

@garvangardens

The Hope Ball March 9, 2019 The 20th Century Club’s Lodge

The 20th Century Club raises funds to provide no-cost lodging for needy cancer patients seeking treatment in Little Rock.

Patients from all 75 counties within Arkansas and 23 other states have stayed at the Lodge since it opened in April 2011.

Presenting Sponsor

20 Club’s lodge th

The

H O P E AW AY F R O M H O M E

Ball Co-Chairs Teresa Clow and Angela Moody

www.HopeAwayFromHome.org

4011 MARYLAND AVE. LITTLE ROCK, AR 72204

501-907-1760

Photography by Melisa, Makeup & Hair by Kattie Hansen

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 15

S T Y L E

L AT E S T

ARRIVALS, OPENINGS & LAUNCHES NEWS FROM AROUND THE NATURAL STATE

WITH MOVES TO NEW STOREFRONT

Fayetteville home goods store WITH HOME SUPPLY recently reopened in a new space at

7 E. Mountain St., just around the corner from their previous location on East Center Street.

“We just moved one block over into Flora Fayetteville’s old space,” owner Rebekah Fress says, noting that Flora owner Pam Pemberton is moving her floral design practice to a private studio. In addition to the assortment of woven baskets, kitchenwares, textiles, and minimalist home décor shoppers have come to expect from WITH, Rebekah says you’ll also find Flora’s “gorgeous holiday wreaths and dried goods” at the shop’s new location this holiday season. Visit withhomesupply.com for more information and to shop online.

HOLIDAY TOURS AROUND THE STATE MOSS MOUNTAIN FARM HOLIDAY LUNCH & TOUR, LITTLE ROCK

M2 GALLERY REOPENS IN SOMA

After 11 years in Little Rock’s Pleasant Ridge Town Center, M2 GALLERY has moved to a storefront in the city’s South Main neighborhood. “We’ve had our eye on this spot for a long time,” says Mac Murphy, who owns the gallery with his wife, Ashley. “We’d talked about if we were to move, where would we go? And we already spend time here and have friends in the community, so we’re glad to be a part of it as it keeps growing.” In addition to showing work from 25-plus artists and offering framing services, the new location features additional studio space (Ashley also runs a photography business); a curated collection of vintage pieces; and a special “works on paper” room with prints and drawings organized to allow shoppers to easily view 2-D pieces. M2 Gallery is located at 1300 Main St., next door to South on Main and below the Oxford American offices. Visit m2lr.com for more information.

16 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

Dec. 1, 6, 7, 13, and 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition to a tour of the home and gardens followed by lunch, some dates include hands-on demonstrations. $96.75. pallensmith.com

STUTTGART HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES

Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Refreshments will be provided at each home. Proceeds benefit the Phillips Community College Foundation. $25. pccua.edu

36TH ANNUAL EUREKA SPRINGS CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

Dec. 1, 3–8 p.m.

Nine Victorian-era homes are participating in this year’s tour, which includes refreshments and live music. This event is hosted by the Eureka Springs Preservation Society. $20. eurekaspringspreservationsociety.org

2018 HOLIDAY HOME TOUR, FORT SMITH

Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VIP tickets include an all-you-can-eat brunch and specialty drinks.

Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Fort Smith. $20–$40. jlfs.org

20TH ANNUAL WINTER DREAMS TOUR OF HOMES, NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VIP and VIP Ultimate tickets include perks like transportation and entry to Sassafras Springs Winery after the tour. Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas. $20–$100. juniorleaguenwa.org

Arkansas’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Eleven unique and distinctive local craft breweries. Two wineries.

If you’re after libations with character, Little Rock has you covered. Our Locally Labeled passport program is your ticket to taste — and some nice little premiums, too. And with your drinks, we also suggest sampling our emerging foodie scene.

You’ll be charmed and delighted at the level of innovation and finesse our restaurants and bistros serve up every night.

Come see us.

IN GREATER LITTLE ROCK

Rock Town Distillery

LittleRock.com

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 17

BellandSward.com 1016 W Oak St, Conway, AR 72032 (501) 504-6880

NEW LOCATION DOWNTOWN CONWAY

JOIN US THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

TRUNK SHOW: 12-7 PM COCKTAIL HOUR: 5-7 PM

248 W. DICKSON STREET • FAYETTEVILLE, AR 479.443.9289 • ROMANCEDIAMOND.COM

18 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

Wake Up Your Walls WALLPAPER & BACKSPLASH TILES

BANISH BORING WITH INSPIRING PATTERNS, TEXTURES, AND COLORS

P R O D U C E R : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: CO U R T E S Y O F V EN D O R S

Phillip Jeffries “Passages” is available in seven unique colorways ranging from light, airy whites and grays to rich navy. Shown here in Petra on white manila hemp. Available to the trade.

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 19

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

1 2

3 4

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S T Y L E

5

D E S I G N

6 7

1 Cowtan & Tout’s “Seta” wallpaper, shown here in Spice, is 100% linen and available in 21 different hues.

2 Inspired by a trip to India, Nina Campbell created the “Fortoiseau” collection for Osborne & Little.

The design features monochromatic birds in ornamental frames. Available in five colorways.

3 From the Matthew Williamson at Osborne & Little collection, “Valldemossa” is named after a village on the island of Mallorca and features

tropical flowers and contrasting fronds. Available in five colorways.

4 Shimmering feathers float from ceiling to floor in the “Adornado” pattern from Matthew Williamson at Osborne & Little. Available in six colorways.

5 A part of the Aviva Stanoff Signature collection from the York Designer Series, “Tribe” is available in six different colors, including Lapis Lazuli, shown here.

6 “Deco Fountain,” shown here in Gold is a part

of the Candice Olson Journey collection from the York Designer Series. Available in five additional colors.

7 Abstract artist Carol Benson-Cobb’s collection with York’s Stylemakers is meant to ignite the imagination. The “Dune” pattern is shown here in Smoky Quartz.

All wallpapers are available to the trade or for purchase through many local interior design firms and home furnishings retailers.

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 21

S T Y L E

D E S I G N

3 4

1 2

5

1 Ann Sacks’s “Savoy,” shown here in the Arrowhead shape and Chalk color, is partially made from pre-consumer recycled content. Available in eight shapes and 10 colors. Available to the trade.

2 Meant to inspire peaceful interiors, “Zen” from Emser Tile is a glass mosaic available in six colors.

Shown here in Peace. C & F Flooring, candfcarpet. com; Holmes Tile & Marble, holmestile.com; Inside Effects, insideeffects.com; Kaufman by Design, kaufmanbydesign.com

22 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

3 From MADE by Ann Sacks, Barbara Barry’s “Radius” tiles are a study in geometry. A wedge field tile in Silver Blue Matte is shown here. Five tile options and numerous earthenware colors available. Available to the trade.

4 The “Vintage Metals” collection from Daltile is a contemporary take on a classic aesthetic. Available in four designs and three metallic colors. The “Whitewash” design is shown here in Titanium. C & F Flooring, candfcarpet.com; Holmes Tile & Marble, holmestile.com; Inside Effects, insideeffects.com;

6

Kaufman by Design, kaufmanbydesign.com; Lumber One, lumberonehomecenter.com 5 Walker Zanger’s “Byzantium” collection was inspired by Byzantine Empire and Rome. The collection features three designs and three colorways. The “Heraclee” design is shown here in Borolo, Violetta & Thasos. Holmes Tile & Marble, holmestile.com and Inside Effects, insideeffects.com 6 LiLi’s handmade “Juliet” tile features a scrollwork motif. Acme Brick Tile & Stone, acmebricktileandstone.com

— WE DO IT ALL —

FABRIC • DESIGN • LABOR • EVERYTHING!

fabulous pillows!

Upholstery | Pillows | Drapery | Headboards | Wallpaper | Home Accessories 10:00-5:30 Mon-Fri, Sat 10:00-4:00 • 1523 Rebsamen Park Rd Little Rock • 501-663-0460 • cynthiaeastfabrics.com

HOME DECOR, GIFTS & MORE 50 Antique Way Keo, Arkansas 501-842-0081 theorchardsatkeo@yahoo.com Located in the former Morris Antiques buiding Visit facebook.com/theorchardsatkeo to see what’s in store Holiday Hours: Sun 12:30-5, Mon-Sat 10-5

Welcome Paul Michael Company and JW Customs December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 23

The Scent of the Se ason

Celebrate the holidays in style with Vietri’s Lastra Christmas

FREE SHIPPING AND GIF T WRAPPING

220 n 220 main street, #110, bentonville, arkansas N MAIN STREET, #110 , BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS 479.273.6685 • inseasonbentonville .com •• 479.273.6685 • INSEASONBENTONVILLE.COM

24 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

Life

PHOTOGRAPHY: NANCY NOLAN

C E L E B R AT I N G YO U R L I F E S T Y L E

BAKE AND TAKE

Christmas Cookie Exchange Host a sweet holiday party with tips from designer Tobi Fairley. Turn to page 36 to read the full story.

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 25

MEET DANI IVES

Creating Her Own Canvas THIS ROGERS-BASED ARTIST TAKES NEEDLE FELTING WORLDWIDE

Connect with Dani, shop her artwork, and learn more about her upcoming book and workshops at daniives.com or on Instagram (@begoodnatured).

I N T E R V I E W : T I F FA N Y A D A M S | P H O T O G R A P H Y : B E T H H A L L

26 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

L I F E

G E T

T O

K N O W

Q. Tell us a bit about fiber arts. A. To me, fiber arts is a term that encompasses any form of art or craft that involves fabric or fibers, either natural or synthetic. This could be any type of surface design, printing, needlework, yarn work, quilting, sewing, embroidery, felting—there are so many disciplines that could be categorized as fiber arts.

Q. What is your specific passion within the fiber arts category? A. I have found a special niche that I refer to as “painting with wool.” It’s two-dimensional needle felting, and the

process involves taking loose wool fibers and poking them into a base fabric with a special barbed needle. I layer and compose the fibers to create complex colors, texture and depth, just as one would use paint.

Q. It’s such a unique art form with great attention to detail. How did you become interested in this? A. I learned about needle felting through a conversation with a dear former coworker around eight years ago. At that time, I was

working a dream job as a conservation educator at a zoo. My friend mentioned this brand-new-to-me process called needle felting, and I was intrigued!

I promptly ordered some supplies and began creating. I began my felting journey by creating tons of three-dimensional animals, then went on to create pin cushions and jewelry. I began selling those on Etsy and at local craft shows. After a few years of nurturing this hobby, I saw an example of a felted picture and gave it a try. I quickly learned that this 2-D style was way more artistically fulfilling. I began pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible with needle felting. In 2015, I quit my zoo job of 10 years and became a full-time artist.

Q. How do you begin the process of creating a new piece? A. The realism in my work is something I take a lot of pride in. I typically

work from multiple images to glean as much detail as I can.

I have a huge color palette of wool from years of collecting, but I usually still end up mixing and combining colors to get just the right hue. When composing a piece, I try to make it feel pleasant and balanced—or pleasantly imbalanced, in some cases. For me, it’s about creating the best piece I can at this moment in my life.

Q. Has your own experience led you to teach anyone else the art of needle felting? A. I absolutely love teaching felting workshops, and I try to squeeze

as many as I can into my schedule! I’ve taught all over the US and internationally. The workshops I teach range from afternoon classes that last a few hours to five-day intensive studies and studio work. All my workshops are suitable for beginners, and attendees can expect to learn about the supplies for needle felting, best practices, and useful techniques. I keep an updated schedule of current and future workshops on my website. I also offer online e-courses and kits teaching the same techniques for anyone who wants guidance but is unable to attend an in-person workshop.

Q. We also hear you have an educational book, Painting with Wool, coming out soon. A. Yes, it is packed with guidance and projects to help readers learn and create in my style of needle felting. My goal

for anyone learning from me—whether in a workshop, e-course, or now from my book—is for them to gain the technical skills and then to apply those to their own style and forms of self-expression. I’m thrilled to be able to push the needle forward (pun intended!) into a more contemporary and modern space for fiber art, and especially needle felting.

<< Painting with Wool by Dani Ives will be available March 26 and is available now for preorder on Amazon.

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 27

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS DISCOVER LITTLE ROCK

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE WHEN YOU CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN THE CAPITAL CITY S TO RY: S T EPH A N I E M A X W EL L N E W TO N P H O T O G R A P H Y : M AT T J O H N S O N

28 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

FOR CHRISTMAS CULTURE >> Elf Nov. 23 to Dec. 31 // Murry’s Dinner Playhouse

No one quite puts you in the holiday spirit like Buddy, the character popularized by Will Ferrell in the 2003 movie Elf. When Buddy discovers he’s a human, not an elf, he leaves the North Pole in search of his father in New York City—only to discover that his very grumpy human dad is on the naughty list.

That script was adapted into a musical and first debuted on Broadway in 2010, and now you can experience Buddy’s loveable spirit with the cast at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse.

Showtimes are Tuesday through Sunday with matinees on select Sundays and Wednesdays.

Tickets are $33–$37 ($23 for children) and include dinner. murrysdp.com

Nutcracker Spectacular Dec. 7–9 // Robinson Center

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Nutcracker Spectacular performed by Ballet Arkansas. The holiday favorite features accompaniment by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, a choir, and more than 200 cast members from the Little Rock community.

The second annual Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea before the Dec. 9 matinee offers little ones the chance to meet characters and have their photo taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy. (And if you happen to miss this production of the holiday favorite, don’t fret— Moscow Ballet’s The Great Russian Nutcracker will take the stage Dec. 27 at Robinson Center.) Showtimes are Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20–$99. balletarkansas.org

Larger-than-life nutcrackers greet patrons on the steps of the Robinson Center.

Home for the Holidays Dec. 14–16 // Robinson Center

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents all of your wintery favorites in this holiday-themed program, including “White Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” and “We Need a Little Christmas.”

According to the symphony’s website, holiday sweaters are encouraged! In addition to ASO’s classical instrumentation, vocalists Vernon di Carlo and Maria Fasciano will appear as soloists for several numbers. Showtimes are Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16–$68. arkansassymphony.org

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 29

L I F E

D I S C O V E R

FOR FESTIVE FOODIES >>

Stop by The Capital Hotel to check out their 28-foot tree and sip a seasonal cocktail at The Capital Bar & Grill.

Say It Ain’t Say’s Sweet Potato Pie Contest

Dec. 2, 2–5 p.m. // Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

The annual pie-baking contest has become one of the most anticipated holiday traditions in the Capital City. Founded in 2012, this contest honors Robert “Say” McIntosh, a political and civil rights activist also known as the “Sweet Potato Pie King of Little Rock” for his signature pie served at the now-closed Say McIntosh Restaurant and Pie Factory on Seventh Street. The contest is a part of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s Holiday Open House, which features live music, dance groups, and holiday crafts for the public. Attendees are also welcome to taste-test the pies and vote for a “People’s Choice” winner of the competition. While the contest is free to enter, participants are asked to bring a toy donation for the Say McIntosh Toy Drive. mosaictemplarscenter.com

Christmas in the Quarter High Tea Dec. 9, 3 p.m. // The Empress of Little Rock

Originally deemed the Hornibrook Mansion when it was built in 1888, The Empress now serves as a bed and breakfast in Little Rock’s Quapaw Quarter. The innkeepers will host a holiday high tea complete with Irish scones and clotted cream, brie-and-fig sandwiches, and specialty desserts paired with a seasonal tea. Included with the price of admission is a tour of the historic Victorian mansion. Tickets are $50 per person and reservations are required due to limited seating. theempress.com

30 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

14th Ever Nog-off Dec. 14, 5–8 p.m. // Historic Arkansas Museum

Fans of eggnog should make plans to attend Historic Arkansas Museum’s 14th Ever Nog-off, an opportunity to taste a variety of eggnog recipes— some traditional, some a little more revolutionary (past winning recipes have included ice cream, chai tea, and apple-flavored bourbon). After you taste and cast your vote, explore the museum’s second-floor gallery, where Face to Face: Contemporary Portraits is on display through Feb. 3—or, since the Nog-off is coordinated to fall on 2nd Friday Art Night, spend the rest of the evening strolling through shops and galleries that will stay open past their usual closing times. The event is free and open to the public. historicarkansas.org

The lights adorning the Capitol will be lit on Dec. 1.

FOR FAMILY FUN >> Jack Frost in Santa Land

Nov. 30 to Dec. 16, Fridays–Sundays only // Arkansas Arts Center

While Jack Frost is typically known for bringing wintery weather and nipping at your nose, in this production by the Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre, he’s causing major mischief in the North Pole. Several special events offer even more opportunities to get in the spirit with little ones: After opening night on Nov. 30, you can join the cast for snacks and punch; Dec. 7 is Pajama Night, and the box office will have stickers for children who wear their pajamas to the play.

Showtimes are Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10–$12.50, and children under 2 are free. arkansasartscenter.org

Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade Dec. 1, 3–5 p.m. // Downtown Little Rock

One of the capital city’s biggest holiday traditions has become the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade, held on the first Saturday of December. The parade starts at the intersections of Second Street and Broadway, and you can watch the procession along Broadway from Second to Fourth streets and on Capitol Avenue from Broadway to the Capitol building. Participants include floats, marching bands, antique vehicles, local celebrities, and, of course, the big man himself: Santa, who will be joined by Mrs. Claus and two of his reindeer as grand marshals. After the parade ends at the steps of the Capitol, be sure to stick around for the lighting of the building’s Christmas display. The festivities continue the following day with Reindeer on the River, a hands-on meet-andgreet in the River Market from noon to 5 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. holidaysinlittlerock.com

Christmas Frolic & Open House Dec. 2, 1–4 p.m. // Historic Arkansas Museum

For half a century, the Historic Arkansas Museum has offered a Christmas celebration based on how the holiday would have been celebrated in the 1800s—complete with historical reenactments, carols, hot cider, and ginger cake. Much of the action takes place around the Hinderliter Grog Shop; built in 1827, it’s now oldest surviving structure in the state. The event is also an opportunity for children to learn about life in days gone by through pioneer demonstrations such as blacksmithing. The event is free and open to the public. historicarkansas.org

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There’s more fun to be had in North Little Rock

A Fertle Holiday, Argenta Every year, the comedy trio The Main Things revisits the Fertle family in the fictional Dumpster, Arkansas, to see what the holidays have in store for them. A Fertle Holiday runs on Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 23 to Jan. 12 at The Joint Theater & Coffeehouse.

Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; tickets are $24. thejointargenta.com

Trail of Lights, Sherwood One of the state’s best drivethrough light displays, the Sherwood Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights opens Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 30 at the Sherwood Sports Complex. Admission is free, but donations of nonperishable food items will be appreciated. cityofsherwood.net

A Christmas Carol, Argenta Argenta Community Theater presents this Charles Dickens classic from Dec. 7–15 at their intimate 218-seat venue. Showtimes vary; tickets are $10–$30. argentacommunitytheater.com

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Follow Maggie (@whatawinegeekdrinks) and Aaronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (@speakeasychef) wine-and-food adventures on Instagram.

S TO RY: S T EPH A N I E M A X W EL L N E W TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK S T Y L I N G : L A U R E N C E R R AT O

32 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

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GRAPE MINDS WINE PAIRINGS

LITTLE ROCK WINE LOVERS (AND CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS) MAGGIE AND AARON WALTERS SHARE A RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS BRUNCH, PLUS THE PAIRINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER FOR ANY HOLIDAY MEAL

I f your knowledge of wine begins and ends with red and white, you’re not alone. That’s where wine aficionado Maggie Walters was when her interest in wine was first sparked years ago when her now-husband, Aaron, was working as a private chef in Hawaii and she was serving alongside him. “I was serving people this high-dining food, and what do people want with that kind of dining experience?

Wine!” she says. “Other than knowing white wine goes with fish and red wine goes with red meat, that was it. I had a fake-it-till-you-make-it moment where I started listening to podcasts, Googling stuff, and then befriended the local wine shop guy. I started being more adventurous, and finally was like, I want to go to school for this.”

After three and a half years on the Big Island, Maggie and Aaron moved back to their home state of Arkansas where Maggie enrolled at Pulaski Tech

to become certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). “Aaron was helping me study with flashcards so often that I convinced him to take the test with me,” Maggie says. Now, both are certified Level 3 WSET wine professionals and work at Colonial Wine & Spirits, where they have the opportunity to educate people about different grapes, regions, and pairings. “At Colonial, we did a tasting with duck confit and paired it with three different wines,” Aaron says. “One of the wines we paired it with was a bone-dry Alsatian riesling, and that blew people’s minds. People never think you can pair white wine with duck.”

After a recent trip to Germany and France to— you guessed it—explore different vineyards, Maggie and Aaron caught up with us to share holiday wine pairings for popular dishes as well as Aaron’s family quiche recipe.

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Pro tips for a tasty quiche: To save time on Christmas morning, make it ahead (just pop it in the oven to warm at 200-250°F the morning you plan to serve it). And if you’re not making your own pie crust?

“Buy it from Honey Pies,” Aaron says. “They have fantastic pie crust, better than anything store-bought you’re going to find.”

“Quiche is something we serve at the holidays because it feeds a lot of people. Plus, it’s really easy to make, and you can really put whatever you want in it,” Aaron says, noting that while this recipe has gouda and uncured bacon, you can also use it as a chance to use up leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner.

Aaron’s Holiday Quiche 1 deep dish, 8 ½ inch quiche // Serves 8 SHOP >>> 10 eggs 2 cups heavy cream 2 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon black pepper 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg ½ pound bacon, cooked 2 cups grated gouda (or your favorite cheese) tomatoes, for garnish (optional)

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PREPARE >>> Combine eggs and heavy cream in a mixer and blend for 30 seconds, or until completely combined. Add seasonings and blend for another 10 seconds to make custard. Render the bacon, allow it to cool, and crumble.

In a pre-baked pie crust (can be homemade or storebought), layer bacon, grated cheese, and custard in the pie dish. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then lower temperature to 325° for 45 minutes. Let rest at least an hour, two hours if you opt for a vegetarian version.

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Say “prost” with the perfect pairings “In wine pairings, you can go either one of two ways,” Maggie says. “You can do like flavors with like wines; for example, if you have crab and drawn butter, you might choose a super buttery Chardonnay. Or you pick a contrasting wine—something that acts as a squeeze of lemon, that tartness, that is a contrasting taste.” Because everyone’s holiday feasts look different, Maggie offered suggestions (some budget options, some splurges) for what to sip no matter how you celebrate.

Q. What would you pair with quiche or a savory holiday breakfast? A. Anything brunch, I go with bubbles—they are so versatile, and sparkling wine is really

refreshing because it’s so high in acidity. At brunches, you usually have a sweet dish like French toast, a savory egg dish, and bacon or some kind of cured meat, and those things get really heavy. The texture helps cleanse your palette.

Try: Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne ($40) Conquilla Brut cava ($15) Q. What about if you’re having a traditional roast, steak, or other red meat? A. With beef, you can actually do different pairings based on what temperature your beef is cooked at. Medium rare is a staple temperature for most people, but the lighter it’s cooked, you can actually do a lighter wine, like a meaty pinot noir.

Try: Rex Hill Willamette Valley pinot noir ($35) Grochau Cellars Commuter Cuvée pinot noir ($15) Q. Say my family celebrates with the Feast of the Seven Fishes. What wine should I serve? A. You’re going to have some fattier pieces of fish, so I’d go with a heavier white, a chardonnay. For a contrasting option,

“My goal in life is to open people’s minds up to wines that they would never try,” Maggie says.

try an albariño, which is also a white. Its grape is grown near the Atlantic Ocean, so it has this saltwater influence because the sea breeze is sprayed on these grapes as they’re growing, so it adds a salinity to them. It acts as that lemon squeeze to your fish, and it’s my absolute favorite seafood pairing.

Try: Lioco Russian River Valley chardonnay ($40) Martín Códax albariño ($17)

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Share the HOLIDAY BAKING

SWEETS

C2 Paint’s “Slinky”

Watch for Tobi’s new collection with C2 Paint set to debut in spring 2019.

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TOBI FAIRLEY INVITES US INTO HER KITCHEN FOR ONE OF HER FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: N A N C Y N O L A N

Hosting a mother/daughter party is one of designer Tobi Fairley’s favorite holiday traditions.

She and her daughter, Ellison, enjoy inviting Ellison’s classmates and their moms to their home—whether it’s for an ornament exchange or, this year, for a cookie swap. “I love a reason to get her friends together,” Tobi says, “and I also love to bake, so this is a perfect holiday party in my book.”

For this gathering, everyone brings a dozen cookies, which at the end of the night, are divided up. Each guest chooses a few of her favorites and takes home a package of treats in a festive red takeout box. Tobi notes it doesn’t matter whether the cookies are homemade or from a local bakery. “If you like to bake, then do it— but if not, store-bought is great. There’s so much to do during the holiday season, and it’s really enjoying these events and the time together that matters,” she adds.

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Tobi says she goes “all in” when it comes to making hot chocolate, using a stovetop recipe with heavy cream, milk, cocoa, and sugar rather than opting for pre-mixed packets.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR >> National Cookie Day is Tuesday, Dec. 4.

TASTY TOPPING

Tobi crushes candy canes for an easy-toblend addition to her homemade chocolate. You can also use peppermint sticks to stir a minty flavor into your mug.

Design Resources DESIGN Tobi Fairley, Tobi Fairley Interior Design COOKIES Chef Candace, Ed’s Bakery, and The Whimsy Cookie Company

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Home T H E H O L I D AY I S S U E

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

A Naturally Chic Holiday PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK

Designer Christina Gore invites us to her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back porch, where rich hues and natural elements create a festive, welcoming scene. Turn the page to read the story.

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Let Nature Sing S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK

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Birch logpatterned wrapping paper coordinates with the woodsy theme.

Christina embellished the packages with gold bells and fresh clippings from her yard.

DESIGNER CHRISTINA GORE EXTENDS HER HOME’S INTERIOR STYLE TO THE BACK PORCH FOR A FESTIVE HOLIDAY SCENE

Designer Christina Gore describes her and her husband Sean’s style as “rustic glam,” an unexpected combination of glittering metals and natural elements.

“I’m a little more glam; Sean would live in a log cabin if he could,” she laughs. “A lot of our home is a complete mix of the two of us and these styles. I think you can really see us in all the elements,” she adds.

This is perhaps most evident on the back porch of the couple’s recently built home on the outskirts of Little Rock. Whatever the season, the covered porch is a favorite hangout for the pair and their three children, but during the holidays, it becomes a true extension of their home, welcoming numerous family members and friends to celebrate the season.

To make the space as comfortable as the interior of the home, Christina keeps continuity in the palette and occasionally brings a few interior pieces out to the porch

(case in point: the velvet wingback, which normally resides in her bedroom) to bump up its level of coziness. “When I’m decorating a back porch, I tell my clients you want to bring the inside out and the outside in. With large covered porches, you want to treat it like an indoor space, so it feels like a place you want to hang out,” Christina says. “I also like for my spaces to have a fluid quality where you can move things around from room to room and allow the eye to flow continuously.”

The Gores’ everyday style carries over to their holiday décor, which, along with her interior design work, is another passion of Christina’s. “I personally love Christmas. To me, it’s extra special to be able to set that up for someone else and think about how they will enjoy it,” she says. “For example, I ask myself, where are they going to sit? Can they see the tree? This is all part of making memories for people, and I want to help make their holiday magical,” she says.

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ART OF THE TREE

The fresh “rustic glam” tree features a mix of copper and gold ornaments alongside sweater scarves-turnedgarlands, birch logs, and pinecones.

Christina notes many of the ornaments were bargain purchases, meaning she doesn’t fret if the wind causes a few to break. “I have kids and dogs, so nothing is forever in my home,” she laughs.

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Christina carried the copper finishes seen on her tree into the palette for her serving pieces. Large marshmallows are a favorite treat for her children, who love to roast them in the outdoor fireplace.

“Birch branches and pinecones really fall into place with our home’s setting.

It keeps the design from looking overly done.”

—Christina Gore, designer

Design Resources BUILDER Schrader Homes, LLC INTERIOR AND CHRISTMAS DESIGN Christina Gore, Christina Gore Design Studio, LLC ACCESSORIES AND CHRISTMAS DÉCOR Christina Gore Design Studio, LLC and The Good Earth Garden Center FIREPLACE Congo Fireplace & Patio FURNITURE Christina Gore Design Studio, LLC LIGHTING GW Lighting and Home RUGS (metallic cowhide) Flowers & Home

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 43

A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC JEREMY CARTER USES FRESH HOLIDAY DÉCOR TO HIGHLIGHT THE TRADITIONAL, COLLECTED ASPECTS OF A FAMILY HOME

The formal living room showcases the Groces’ love of collecting. The sofa and chaise lounge are antiques from former Little Rock antique and home furnishings store Marshall Clements and the oil painting was Amanda and Trey’s fourth anniversary present to each other.

S TO RY: S T EPH A N I E M A X W EL L N E W TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK 44 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

PEACEFUL PORCH

When Amanda and Trey Groce moved into their current home in Little Rock’s Heights neighborhood, it was a one-story, 1,940-square foot cottage. That suited them just fine for the first several years. However, when they found out they were expecting their second child, they started to think more long-term. The family had grown attached to their street, so rather than look for the right-sized house somewhere else, they decided to renovate.

Amanda had two requirements for her new home: “I wanted it to be very traditional, like a home that had been in the Heights for years,” she says. “And I didn’t want to change the footprint. I feel like we already had a happy-sized yard for our kids to play in, and I didn’t want to lose any of it.” To gain the space the Groces craved without losing any front yard or backyard, there was only one option—build up. By adding a second story and enclosing the carport, they were able to add a bedroom and two and a half bathrooms, plus several more living spaces. They also took the ceilings from 8 feet to 10 feet, which created the illusion of even more space.

To help the family bring this vision to life, Amanda called on her friend Jeremy Carter, designer at The Shade Above Lighting Collection, who also designed and coordinated Amanda and Trey’s wedding. “Not only did we know each other, but I have a construction background, so she was really comfortable working with me on a project like this,” Jeremy says. Amanda chose Chris Milligan with Dwellings as the architect and builder, and, after receiving initial plans, the homeowner, designer, and builder began to meet often to tweak plans, adding hints of historic character to help the house look like it’d always been there.

The front porch spans the width of the home, offering seating areas on either side of the front door—the perfect perch for watching the kids play in the yard at the end of the day. Pennsylvania bluestone covers the porch, and working shutters painted in Farrow & Ball’s “French Gray” frame doors that open to the formal living room on one side and the office on the other.

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Jeremy says he drew inspiration for the millwork, including the extensive paneling, barreling, and arches, from East Coast homes, while some details were inspired a little closer to home: Amanda fell in love with the millwork of a nearby house she visited during an estate sale and brought photos to the team’s next meeting for inspiration.

“All those details, those are classic,” Jeremy says. “I didn’t want this house to ever have to be renovated again.”

The result is a home that is elegant and well-designed, but, most importantly, well-loved and lived in. “I like a home to look like it’s grown and evolved over time,” Jeremy says. “It’s the same with Christmas—that’s why Amanda and I get along so well. Her home is decorated by a decorator, but I still allow her to have her family moments. I want my clients’ homes to reflect them, not just me.”

For the holidays, Amanda and Trey replace some of their everyday art with framed portraits of their children with Santa.

“When you walk in her doorway, you have the huge, tall-scale ceilings, you have all the wainscoting, and then you see the big paneled arches. I wanted the arches to draw you through her home.”

—Jeremy Carter, designer

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TWO-STORY STATEMENT

The front door opens to a foyer offering a grand first impression of the home.

Traditional elements, such as detailed millwork and collected antiques, mean the house feels at home in one of Little Rock’s more historic neighborhoods. Jeremy complemented the Groces’ everyday design with boughs of evergreen punctuated with red berries, striped ribbons, and pinecones. Look closely and you’ll also see one of Amanda’s “critters,” a whimsical woodland creature that greets guests at the foot of the stairs. “Her kids love them, and we still want it to feel Christmas-y for the kids,” Jeremy notes.

A hidden door built into the hallway’s paneling discreetly hides a coat closet under the stairs.

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The range hood was hand-painted

by Tim Morris of Classique Expressions to give the impression of stone.

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FAMILY WORKSPACE

While little of the home is what you would consider open concept (“I wanted the house to still have walls and separate rooms like an old home,” Amanda says), the kitchen opens up to the living room for entertaining and everyday ease. A soft, neutral palette is the backdrop for elegant details like brass wire in the glass upper cabinets and an intricate backsplash tile above the range. For the holidays, Amanda displays her collection of Vietri’s “Old World Christmas” pattern, which both her mother and grandmother collect, too.

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“The theme of Amanda’s Christmas is always just natural, fresh-feeling Christmas,” Jeremy says. “We didn’t want a Christmas tree in every room, but we wanted some sort of Christmas in every room, so I added a little magnolia, pine, cedar, and red berries here and there.”

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COLLECTED CHRISTMAS

While the family living room is a favorite hangout year-round, it’s especially meaningful during this season when the tree is decorated and a holiday movie is playing.

“Her Christmas tree is not your typical designer tree,” Jeremy says, pointing out that while he helps with the tree’s ribbon topper, Amanda, Trey, and their children take care of the rest. “My husband and I both just love Christmas and the holidays,” Amanda says. “All our ornaments are ones we’ve had from my childhood and his childhood. Some are funny; some are sentimental. Every ornament means something.”

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“All our ornaments are ones we’ve had from childhood.

Some are funny; some are sentimental.

Every ornament means something.”

—Amanda Groce, homeowner

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Amanda and Trey’s children, William and Katherine Louis, look through a Christmas book in front of a second Christmas tree in the children’s playroom upstairs.

“Those ornaments are like the ones on the main tree—either they mean something special, someone gifted them to us, or they’re from our travels,” Amanda says.

Design Resources ARCHITECT AND BUILDER Chris Milligan, Dwellings INTERIOR AND CHRISTMAS DESIGN Jeremy Carter, JC Designs and The Shade Above ACCESSORIES AND ART Fabulous Finds, Ransom Interiors, and The Shade Above COUNTERTOPS AND TILE Inside Effects FABRICS Cynthia East Fabrics and Designer Effects FURNITURE Debi Davis Interior Design, DP Designs, Fabulous Finds, Jayson Cain Interiors, Providence Design, Ransom Interiors, and Roy Dudley Estate Sales HARDWARE PC Hardware LIGHTING The Shade Above MIRRORS Debi Davis Interior Design and Fabulous Finds PAINT Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, and Sherwin-Williams PAINTING (DECORATIVE) Classique Expressions RUGS Aladdin Rugs and Decor WALLPAPER Designer Effects WINDOW COVERINGS JC Designs

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 53

Light, Bright & Happy

HOL I DAY

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A LIGHT PALETTE AND SIMPLE YET CHIC HOLIDAY DÉCOR SETS THE STAGE FOR A FAMILY CHRISTMAS IN THIS RECENTLY RENOVATED MOUNTAIN HOME HOUSE S T O R Y : T I F FA N Y A D A M S | P H O T O G R A P H Y : R E T T P E E K | S T Y L I N G : L A U R E N C E R R AT O

When Megan and Austin Gilliam found a 1970s foreclosure in their hometown of Mountain Home, the couple jumped at the chance to purchase and renovate it. Fueled by their creativity (Megan is a wedding photographer and Austin a videographer), the pair took the home down to its studs in many places and put in countless hours to make it reflect their style. “It was really a labor of love and a big learning process for us,” Megan says of the experience.

For starters, they traded browns and golds—a classic mid-century pairing—for whites and grays. “I don’t know if it’s the photographer in me, but I really like a neutral base and for all of the rooms to flow together with a light and airy feel,” Megan says. They also painted the exterior’s red brick white, installed new flooring, and opened up a few walls to improve the line of sight from room to room, which proved to be especially useful when their daughter, Emma, arrived in 2016, soon after the renovation.

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The inkblot prints in the entry (seen at left) as well as the photographs seen in Emma’s nursery are available for purchase online in Megan’s Etsy shop, AutumnAndEmma.

NEUTRAL NURSERY

“I didn’t want her room to be over-the-top,” Megan says of Emma’s nursery. “I wanted it to be a space that could evolve as her personality developed.” Starting with a white crib set against a light gray background, Megan added in personal elements. For example, the quartet of black and white images of dogwood trees are photographs Megan took while attending Arkansas State University. “I had randomly taken these and never thought I would use them in my daughter’s nursery, but I love them here,” she says. A flocked wreath dresses up the space for Christmas while coordinating with the soft, fresh feel.

“I like a lot of different styles, and I think I’ll be happy for longer when I blend them.”

—Megan Gilliam, homeowner

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With good bones in place, they set out to adorn the space with meaningful pieces as well as a mix of design elements. For example, Megan’s photography can be found in the nursery, while inkblot prints she created during her pregnancy greet guests in the front entry. “My style is constantly evolving. I would say it’s eclectic; there’s some boho, some modern, and a little traditional,” Megan says.

“I like a lot of different styles, and I think I’ll be happy for longer when I blend them.”

Before they were parents, Megan says she and Austin

didn’t spend a lot of time decorating their home for Christmas. However, now that they are a family of three, she goes all in to create a festive atmosphere. “When Emma was born, I wanted to start these traditions for her,” she says. “I also wanted the holiday décor to go with our house.”

Loads of greenery—both fresh and faux—flow from room to room, much like the airy palette. The result is a home that’s streamlined and inviting for everyday living as well as perfectly complemented with an understated air of seasonal flair.

SherwinWilliams’ “On the Rocks”

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 57

SIMPLY CHIC

In the kitchen, a wall was removed to allow for a reorganization of the space.

However, the homeowners were able to use the original cabinetry, refreshing it with paint and new hardware. A large island was added to create a space for casual meals as well as storage. A mix of stained butcher block and granite countertops keeps with the down-toearth vibe. Fresh lemons and greenery are festive additions that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel overly holiday specific.

The place settings around the table were created with pieces collected over time. The same pink scarf fabric seen on the tree creates a runner along the center of the table.

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The Gilliams decorated their faux Christmas tree with sprigs of fresh eucalyptus arranged in a garland-like fashion.

Rather than ornaments, they cut a pale pink scarf into strips and mixed it with strands of wood beads for an understated look that complements the home’s style. “The amazing smell was definitely a benefit of the eucalyptus!” Megan says.

DINING DRESSED UP

During the renovation, Austin discovered his talent for woodworking, which led him to design and build the family’s dining room table. Megan paired it with mod chairs for an eclectic feel. “I felt like the retro element was one I hadn’t brought into the home, so I wanted to add that somewhere, and I’d already had these chairs for a few years,” she says. The chandelier was a clearance find at Home Depot. “We are a young family, and we are budget-conscious, so I look for deals—but I also make sure the pieces match my style,” Megan says of the simple brass fixture.

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CLASSIC & CALM

When the Gilliams bought the house, the master bedroom was a vision with brown carpet and yellow floral wallpaper. Wood flooring and a palette of white and gray replaced these elements during the renovation. “I like bedrooms to feel calming, so that was one of the reasons I chose white and gray,” Megan says. Wall-to-wall curtains frame standard size windows, giving the illusion of a floor-to-ceiling view. Elements such as the faux fur throw and tweed lampshades balance the room’s blend of masculine and feminine.

FUNCTIONAL UPDATE

The master bath, which formerly had carpet underfoot, received a complete makeover. Closing up a linen closet allowed for the addition of a second sink area, while new cabinetry and granite countertops made the room cohesive with the redesign seen throughout the rest of the home. Megan clipped pine from her yard and mixed it with eucalyptus to create a vase with just the right balance of holiday style.

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Megan found classic white frames at Hobby Lobby.

She replaced the prints inside them with greenery images from Etsy more suited to her style.

Design Resources ART Megan Burges Gilliam, AutumnAndEmma COUNTERTOPS SNC Custom Flooring & Countertops FURNITURE Butler Furniture PAINT Sherwin-Williams

December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 61

You can transform the life of a child.

Referring a child for a wish takes just five minutes.

I wish to explore a tropical paradise Izaiah, 10 brain tumor

Refer a child for a wish today!

Call 800-264-9474 or visit midsouth.wish.org/refer To qualify for a wish, children must be between 2 1/2 and 18-years-old and have a critical illness. Family members, medical professionals and children themselves can refer.

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2018 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

MAKE A LIST, CHECK IT TWICE, AND HIT UP THESE LOCAL SHOPS TO CHECK EVERYONE (ON THE NICE LIST!) OFF ONE BY ONE PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK A N D CO U R T E S Y O F V EN D O R S

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H O L I D AY

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Shine Bright 1 Handcrafted bronze necklaces, $55â&#x20AC;&#x201C;$65. Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com 2 Crosshatch tissue box, $80. Phoenix Interiors, Little Rock, phoenixlittlerock.com 3 Gold-plated oval and semi-circle earrings, $37. In Season, Bentonville, inseasonbentonville.com 4 Joseph Ribkoff statement wallet clutch, $190. Accessory Gallery, Hot Springs, facebook.com/shopag 5 Gold candleholders (sold as set), $90. Kaufman by Design, Little Rock, kaufmanlumber.com 6 Frasier fir-scented three-wick candle, $42. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com 7 Metallic table decor (sold as set), $150.

Kaufman by Design, Little Rock, kaufmanlumber.com

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Sing the Blues 8 “Raining cats and dogs” reverse-close umbrella, $33.75. Catering To You, Little Rock, cateringtoyoulr.com 9 Brass “U” kynite necklace, $80. Mary Garrett Jewelry, Little Rock, marygarrettjewelry.com 10 Smathers & Branson “Trout and Fly” needlepoint bi-fold wallet, $115. Bell & Sward, Conway, bellandsward. com 11 Arkansas sunset long-sleeved tee, $27.99. Rock City Outfitters, Conway, rockcityoutfitters.com 12 Miller’s Mud wine glasses in Delta Sky, $35 each. The Orchards at Keo, Keo, facebook.com/theorchardsatkeo 13 SOHO SLVR gold leaf and black enamel bracelet. Contact store for pricing. Murphy’s Jewelers, Magnolia, murphysjewelers.com 14 Jack Black All-Over Wash, $48. Bell & Sward, Conway, bellandsward.com

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H O L I D AY

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Go Green 15 & 16 Marco Bicego 18k yellow gold and emerald three-strand bracelet and matching drop earrings, both from the Africa Collection. Contact store for pricing. Romance Diamond, Fayetteville, romancediamond.com 17 Custom watercolors of homes and churches, $75–$125. Lauren Anderson Art, Little Rock, laurenandersonart@gmail.com 18 Siberian fir-scented candle, $55. mertinsdykehome, Little Rock, facebook.com/mertinsdykehome 19 Smathers & Branson “Chill” needlepoint bottle opener, $28.50. Bell & Sward, Conway, bellandsward.com 20 Upcycled “Andre” sofa made from retired fishing boats in Bali, $695. Ken Rash’s Arkansas, Little Rock, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com 21 Beaded offering boxes, $15.95–$34.95. Clinton Museum Store, Little Rock, clintonmuseumstore.com

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Keep it Natural 22 Arkansas trees snapback hat, $24.99. Rock City Outfitters, Conway, rockcityoutfitters.com 23 Persian silk rug (approximately 3.5 feet by 5 feet). Contact store for pricing. Hadidi Oriental Rug Co., Little Rock, hadidiruggallery.com 24 “You Are My Sunshine” floor pillow (33 inches), $165. Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com 25 Houston Llew “Masterpiece” Spiritile with George Santayana quote, “The family is one of nature’s greatest masterpieces,” $139. Embellish Interiors, Little Rock, facebook.com/embellishinteriors 26 Mona B “Carson” shoulder bag, $74.95. Clinton Museum Store, Little Rock, clintonmuseumstore.com 27 Personalized wooden serving board with bowl, $80. Mrs. Polka Dot, Little Rock, mrspolkadot.net 28 Petrified wood dish, $130. Phoenix Interiors, Little Rock, phoenixlittlerock.com 29 Bali napkins (set of two), $24. WITH Home Supply, Fayetteville, withhomesupply.com December 2018 | athomearkansas.com 67

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Get in the Gray 30 Silver clutch with shoulder strap, $158. Tulips, Little Rock, instagram.com/tulipsinlittlerock 31 Boulevard’s “Delilah” toiletry roll ($75) and “Megan” makeup case ($66), both available for monogram. Full Moon, Little Rock, thefullmoonlittlerock.com 32 Blue Moon authentic plow disk cooking pan (made in Arkansas), $95-$120. Ken Rash’s Arkansas, Little Rock, kenrashsoutdoorfurniture.com 33 “Home for the Holidays” olive bucket candle, $24. Kaufman by Design, Little Rock, kaufmanlumber.com 34 “Homebody” sweatshirt pullover, $52. Milk and Honey Tees, Little Rock, milkandhoneytees.com 35 Fish-shaped cast-iron grill and serving pan, $42.50. Rhea Drug Store, Little Rock, rheadrugstore.com 36 Free People “Effie” block heel, $168. Posh Boutique, Mountain Home, poshboutiquefashions.com

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Think Pastels 37 Johnny Was printed suede blanket with matching tote (sold as a set), $248. Haus Werk, Little Rock, shophauswerk.com 38 Violet & Brooks “Casey” post earring with gift box, $20. Box Turtle, Little Rock, shopboxturtle.com 39 Tom Ford “Erin” aviator sunglasses with flash lenses, $395. Posh Boutique, Mountain Home, poshboutiquefashions.com 40 Pink floral drop earrings, $48. Tulips, Little Rock, instagram.com/tulipsinlittlerock 41 “Far Away From Close” champagne-colored slipper slides, $78. Anthropologie, Little Rock, anthropologie.com 42 Pink faux-fur coat with hook-and-eye closure, $216. Tulips, Little Rock, instagram.com/tulipsinlittlerock

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Roll Out the Red 43 Home Made Christmas by Yvette von Boven, $40. Catering To You, Little Rock, cateringtoyoulr.com 44 Karen & Mary Hammerschmidt candy cane girl, $47.50.

Catering To You, Little Rock, cateringtoyoulr.com 45 Vietri “Old World Christmas” place setting. Contact store for pricing. Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock, tiptonhurst. com 46 Magic Light Wand (illuminates your Christmas tree at the press of a button), $26. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com 47 “Arkansas is a natural” hoodie, $39.99. Rock City Outfitters, Conway, rockcityoutfitters.com 48 Marled tech-touch gloves with pom poms, $24. Dillard’s, locations statewide, dillards.com 49 What’s Inside? A Century of Women and Handbags, 1900–1999 by Anita Davis, $29.95. Et Alia Press, Little Rock, etaliapress.com

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Specialty hot cocoas on the Loblolly menu include turtle, orange, Nutella, birthday cake, and honey lavender.

turtle hot cocoa

Founded in 2011 by Sally Mengal, Little Rock’s Loblolly Creamery has grown steadily over the years. While its first residence was in The Green Corner Store on South Main Street, the brand soon opened an ice cream truck available for special events, and then, in 2017, set down some more permanent roots with the opening of a Scoop Shop at 1423 S. Main St. According to creative director Christen Byrd, that addition has allowed the brand to extend their hours, expand their flavor offerings (they have about 30 options available at any given time), serve coffee and beer, and even rent out a party room. “It’s allowed us to grow like crazy, and we love it,” Christen says.

how they got their name holiday treats galore Though best known for ice cream, Loblolly has expanded their menu over the years to include baked and seasonal goodies like macarons, cookies, brownies, and specialty hot cocoas, including the Turtle Hot Cocoa pictured above. They also sell homemade marshmallows that pair perfectly with those hot cocoas. “We push out so many marshmallows and hot cocoa bags during the cold months, you would not even believe,” Christen says.

The creamery’s name was inspired by the loblolly pine, the official state tree of Arkansas.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT JOHNSON

For hours, menu, and more information, visit loblollycreamery.com.

72 At Home in Arkansas | December 2018

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