Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd staff editor Abby White contributing editors Holly Hoffman, Lauren Langston Stewart social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, Hallie Caddy, Erin Crabtree, Carrington Fox, Wesley H. Gallagher, Jack Isenhour, Christine Kreyling, Mindy Merrell, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, R.B. Quinn, Varina Willse art director Heather Pierce senior photographer Eric England staff photographer Michael W. Bunch contributing photographers Steve Lowry, Jen McDonald, Brooke Rainey graphic designers Katy Barrett-Alley, Amy Gomoljak, James Osborne, Christie Passarello production coordinator Matt Bach editorial intern McKenzie Van Meter circulation manager Casey Sanders marketing Wendy Deason, Brent Meredith senior account executives Maggie Bond, Heather Cantrell, Rachel Dean, Scott Hylbert, Carla Mathis, Stevan Steinhart account executives Leah London, Hillary Parsons digital sales specialist Todd Gash sales operations manager Chelon Hasty account managers Sarah Brown, Jennie Tomlinson Fults, Cassie Kolls publisher Michael Smith founding editor editor
• Over 40,000 Designs Since 1984 • Featured in Traditional Homes, Nashville Tennessean, Parade of Homes & Talk of the Town • References in your own neighborhood • Local reputation you can count on
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chief executive officer Chris Ferrell interim chief financial officer Glynn Riddle chief technology officer Matt Locke chief operating officer/group publisher Eric Norwood director of digital sales & marketing David Walker controller Todd Patton creative director Heather Pierce director of online content/development Patrick Rains
Nfocus is published monthly by SOUTHCOMM. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Thurs., Dec. 11, 2014. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusnashville.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $60 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or American Express credit card number and expiration date to: GArY MINNIS, SOUTHCOMM. 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call MIKE SMITH at 615-244-7989, ext. 238. Copyright ©2014 SouthComm, LLC.
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IN OUR WoRdS
Comfort and joy Have yourself a merry little Christmas
E
very year, I vow to start my Christmas shopping early. I tell myself I’m going to begin scouting in late summer so I can find the perfect gift (at the perfect price) for everyone on my list. Not only will I buy all of my gifts early, I’ll naturally get them all wrapped and stacked under the tree by the beginning of December so I can enjoy the Hallmark-worthy holiday scene in my living room all month long. Yeah, that never happens. Instead, I spend most of December rushing into stores on lunch breaks or minutes before closing time, frantically grabbing everything I can see. Then I spend Christmas Eve elbow-deep in wrapping paper and ribbons, pondering how much a bow really matters when the gifts will be ripped opened in 12 hours or less. This year will be different, though. (That’s what I keep telling myself.) Fortunately, I’ve got a little help.
Six friends of Nfocus with impeccable taste offer their recommendations for holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Our curated gift guide includes more than 130 items guaranteed to thrill the kids/spouse/ best friend/neighbor/teacher this year. As always, we’ve also got great ideas for gifts that support local and national nonprofits, so you can give to those you love and those in need at the same time. Now that we’ve made your shopping a cinch, use the month of December to enjoy the many holiday happenings around town. From Nashville’s Nutcracker (how gorgeous is that Sugar Plum Fairy on our cover?) to Dickens of a Christmas, we’ve got your guide to the shows and events that will truly make this the most wonderful time of the year. May your days be merry and bright! NaNcy Floyd
Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.
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