Nfocus November 2025

ELY ENTE T INING

Entertaining t rends through the decades, Viva La Strings, Hermès in Nashville and more

features

23 Entirely Entertaining

Dishing dinner party trends through the decades

26 Music Molds the Moment

Musician Craig Duncan and DJ Josh Ray share tips for curating the perfect soundtrack for entertaining

28 Hermès Lands in Music City

The storied French maison brings nearly two centuries of craftsmanship to Nashville’s growing luxury landscape

30 Live the Strings

Viva La Strings brings dedication, artistry and modern hits to Nashville’s social scene

32 Sunday Evening Blues?

Sunday Supper rules at City House

parties

35 A Swinging Time

Harpeth Conservancy’s 22nd annual River Swing raises spirits and supports Tennessee’s rivers

38 Flower Power

The Next Door Recovery luncheon celebrates sobriety and healing with Flower Magazine’s Margot Shaw

41 Awe at Every Corner

Beyond Bourbon raises a glass to Nashville’s creative community

42 First Responders in Giving

The Tiffany Circle celebrates the lifesaving work of the American Red Cross

45 Go Green

Dinner by the Bridge features skyline views and progress made by Greenways for Nashville

48 Tagalong Together

The Girl Scout Luncheon celebrates the lessons of female athletics

51 We’re All Mad Here

Mad Hatter raises record funds to help those who’ve experienced sexual violence

55 Dance the Night Away

A Tennessee Waltz raises a glass to ‘the best state museum in the country’

58 Hay There!

Sunshine, hayrides and sweet treats make for a picture-perfect day at Fall for Cheekwood

61 Moving with Purpose

Dancing for Safe Haven generates excitement and raises funds for local families

65 Full Potential

The 2025 Goodwill Impact Awards make it hard to leave uninspired

66 Power Lunch

The New Beginnings Center’s luncheon celebrates strength, confidence and community

69 Gilded Preservation

Franklin’s most elegant evening blends glamour with purpose

72 A Southern Supper

Fall for NAHT offers an evening of autumn festivities and crucial fundraising

75 Motoring Through History

The 1929 Club celebrates the automobile’s legacy at Cheekwood

78 Starry Starry Night

The Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee celebrates its inaugural fashion show patrons party

81 Ribbons of Vivid Language

Authors in the Round features invigorating conversation — and triumph

Dinner’s On Me

Celebrating the art of entertaining

THIS SUMMER, I threw a birthday party for a dear friend at my home. We planned décor, hired a caterer, scrubbed the house within an inch of its life — and when the big day arrived, we celebrated. Loved ones honored the birthday girl with many, many toasts, laughing and sharing stories well into the night. It had been some time since we’d hosted something so formal, and it was nice to hear the clinks of glasses and sounds of laughter again.

In this issue, we explore the art of entertaining and Nashville’s love of gatherings. Associate editor Madeleine Bradford sits down with Viva La Strings, a group of passionate musicians who elevate private events with modern and classical arrangements. As this is Music City, she also discusses the impact of an event’s soundtrack with stalwart musician Craig Duncan and self-described “merchant of happiness” DJ Josh Ray. I traverse history, exploring how entertaining trends have evolved over the decades. And Nancy Vienneau settles in for one of City House’s Sunday Suppers, where conversation and fellowship reign supreme.

As the march of retail openings continues, Whitney Clay takes us inside the new Mediterranean hot spot Aba, and I stop by the opening of Nashville’s new Hermès store. (Expect more inside looks at openings in our December and January issues.) As always, Margaret Littman ventures outside our beautiful city, this month taking us on a trip to South Carolina’s beautiful Haig Point.

We also cover the numerous events on the fall social calendar. September brings us Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing, OZ Arts Nashville’s Beyond Bourbon, the Tennessee State Museum’s A Tennessee Waltz, and so much more. Then, October ushers in events like the Heritage Ball, Authors in the Round, and A Starry Starry Night — the inaugural patrons party for the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee’s Branching Out fashion show. Our weekly YouTube series, N Good Company, offers an inside look at these and other events, so be sure to like and subscribe.

Whether we’re hosting an intimate dinner or putting together a patrons party, we Nashvillians love to entertain. It’s practically baked into our DNA. We welcome loved ones into our homes to spend quality time, share delicious food and make lasting memories. Let’s raise a glass to those memories — and make even more.

BY JANET KURTZ

Janet moved to Nashville 27 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler

PHOTOGRAPH BY RAY DI PIETRO

Editorial

founding editor

Herbert Fox Jr.

editor-in-chief

Janet Kurtz

contributing editor

Lindsey Lanquist

associate editor

Madeleine Bradford

social correspondent

Gloria Houghland

editorial intern

Ria Skyer

contributors

Julianne Akers, Beth Alexander, Chris Chamberlain, Whitney Clay, Carrington Fox, Paige Gawley, Hannah Herner, Margaret Littman, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Nicolle Praino, D. Patrick Rodgers, Nancy Vienneau

Art

art director

Christie Passarello

senior photographer

Eric England

staff photographer

Angelina Castillo

contributing photographers/videographers

Tausha Dickinson, Ray di Pietro, Kristen Drum, Michael Scott Evans, Peyton Hoge, Jack Landess, Iris Leonardo, Hamilton

Matthew Masters, Alan Poizner

graphic designers

Sandi Harrison, Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck

Advertising

publisher

Olivia Moye Britton

advertising solutions consultants

Teresa Birdsong, Kailey Idziak, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell

Mullins, Allie Robbins, Niki Tyree, Andrea Vasquez, Alissa Wetzel

sales operations manager

Chelon Hasty

advertising solutions associates

Audry Houle, Jack Stejskal

Marketing

events and marketing director

Robin Fomusa

brand partnerships & event manager

Alissa Wetzel

Circulation

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

Business

president

Mike Smith

chief financial officer

Todd Patton

IT director

John Schaeffer

digital director

Caroline Prater

Owner

FW Publishing, LLC

THE BASICS

Name:

Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.

ZIP code: 37216

Time in Nashville: 14 years

Number of tea parties hosted: 40 to 50 this year

Behind the Scenes:

Jasmine Williamson of Tea Rose

TEA PARTIES WERE always an intimate family affair for Nashville native Jasmine Williamson and her daughter, Jaila. Jasmine got Jaila a custom tea set when she was just 4 years old, and their at-home tea parties became a precious mother-daughter ritual. After celebrating Jaila’s seventh birthday with a princess-themed tea party, the pair decided to turn their beloved tradition into a business. After all, “there’s no party like a tea party,” Jasmine says.

Jasmine started Tea Rose in 2021, serving as the brand’s executive experience curator. Jaila became the brand’s “par-tea” princess — and the creative force behind all of its party packages. Since then, Tea Rose has packaged Southern hospitality in a warm teacup, spreading fellowship and fanciness from Chattanooga to Clarksville.

A good tea party needs two things: community and comfort. The Tea Rose catalog invites you to mix and match services to create a custom tea party for any age group. Growing up during the pandemic also inspired Jaila to bring Tea Rose on the road — beyond Nashville and to as many Tennesseans as possible.

Though Jasmine also works a corporate job, she loves watching her daughter blossom as they run a business together. And as Tea Rose gains more traction, the two are thinking about expanding — and bringing their teatime magic to nearby states.

What experiences does Tea Rose provide? We specialize in luxury tea experiences on location. We offer full-service tea parties, which include catering, tea party setup, hosting, cleanup and breakdown. [Clients] love for us to come in and do it all. That also includes an etiquette lesson and some different activities for the guests. We offer those services to kids and adults.

I think our experience stands out because we lead with heart. … Our tea parties not only allow you to connect with us, but also with your guests and all the other details that matter to you. … It’s a chance to dress up and connect and really embrace those relationships that we have.

Why do you bring your experience to your guests instead of having a set location? The original idea was to have a brick-and-mortar location where we could do the traditional afternoon tea, but then COVID happened. During that time, we pivoted our idea because of my daughter. She said we should just go to people’s homes where they’re comfortable. And [this model] has worked out for us for the last four years.

We cover pretty much all of Middle Tennessee and beyond. I mean, the beautiful part of what we do is that we can travel. So we’ve been to Franklin, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Clarksville, Memphis, and more. We get to all the surrounding counties.

What’s the difference between high tea and afternoon tea? Historically, afternoon tea happens during afternoon hours, somewhere between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. High tea is a different version of the tea party experience — it’s a heartier meal. Typically, people assume that high tea means that it’s fancy and luxurious, when in actuality, it’s more commonplace than the afternoon tea experience most people are looking for.

What other assumptions do people make about the teatime experience? I know a big one: A lot of people think pinkies up is truly how you’re supposed to drink tea, and it’s not. So that’s always a fun myth buster. And also how to properly serve tea — not swirling or clinking on your china. There is actually a subtler, softer way to do it … so it doesn’t risk breaking the china.

Do you consider the tradition of tea parties distinctly Southern? I mean, of course. Fellowship has

always been part of Southern culture. … This is just an elevated experience of Southern hospitality.

The fun part about our packages is that we have the traditional afternoon tea menu, but we also have a Southern flair menu, because I am a Nashville native, and I started this with my kid who would not eat a cucumber sandwich. We can do our chicken tender sliders Nashville hot, along with traditional afternoon tea items, like chicken salad croissants and cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches.

What purpose does teatime serve in modern culture? The biggest part we focus on is social connection and fellowship, especially in today’s time, where everything gets so fast. Technology is taking over a lot of things and how people engage. So it’s about bringing everything back to the basics.

We try to have unplugged experiences. That way, people have a chance to [deepen] interpersonal connections. We also have so many adults and children who don’t know simple dining etiquette, so it’s [about] keeping those traditional practices ever-present.

BY RIA SKYER

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

West Coast Mezze

Aba, a buzzy new Mediterranean restaurant, opens in Wedgewood-Houston

AMONG A CLUSTER of early-20thcentury industrial buildings and massive cranes — a sign of Wedgewood-Houston’s reinvention — sits a new, multitiered outdoor restaurant patio accented by lush greenery and awash in white lights. On a recent Sunday night, sounds of laid-back electronic pop music spilled out of the newly opened hot spot as patrons hurried in, signaling that Aba is the place to be.

Inside the California-influenced Mediterranean restaurant, there’s a lot to take in. There are 7-foot planters suspended from soaring ceilings, in addition to an expansive skylight. On the first floor of the two-story 12,000-square foot restaurant, there’s even more greenery — and trees flanking wooden tables and leatherback chairs.

A cluster of large Venetian glass chandeliers is a focal point of the main dining room, which — along with the other found and curated light fixtures — gives the restaurant a warm, almost amber radiance.

“I think we’re trying to transport people to summertime in the Mediterranean,” says Marc Jacobs, executive partner and divisional president of Lettuce Entertain You, the Chicago-based restaurant group he oversees with chef partner and “Top Chef” alum CJ Jacobson. “It’s a vacation,” he explains. “We’re taking you away. You don’t know if

you’re here — if you’re in Nashville, if you’re in Greece, if you’re in Israel. You don’t know where you’re at. That’s the goal … to take people somewhere else.”

Marc designed the restaurant with Avril Zayas, Lettuce Entertain You’s in-house interior design director. Nashville-based Powell was the architect.

This is the third Aba (which means “father” in Hebrew). The other two are in Chicago and Austin. And while the locations may share some common design elements, he says, each one is different. Many of the pieces are collected from galleries and vintage shops from all over the world. In the case of the Italian chandeliers, Marc found one in an antique shop in Spain and then commissioned a vendor in Italy to make more like it.

On the second floor, which seats 80 and can be used for private dining, there are large hanging lights made from vintage Parisian street lamps. Marc has been collecting them from shops all over Europe and from a supplier in his hometown of Chicago. He has a warehouse to store all his purchases, knowing that at some point, he’ll have a place for them.

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY DURIO AND JEFF MARINI FOR ABA

ALL IN THE DETAILS

Mirrors with elaborate frames add dimension, while marble tiles add texture to the floors and walls. The noteworthy lighting fixtures — one fashioned almost entirely from strips of soft leather — make their own statement.

“Aba [features] a lot of earthy, warm tones,” says Marc. “We feel like, again, we’re in the Mediterranean — but we’re inland, so we’re among all the trees and all the plant life. So we do a lot of brown and cream and earthy greens.”

MEZZE

The menu o ers items designed to be shared, such as sweet potato hummus with brown butter tahini and toasted pecan; whipped feta spread with crushed pistachio; and green chili shrimp with garlic, parmesan cheese, and Calabrian chili breadcrumbs. Some items are exclusive to Nashville — including a pork tenderloin kebab with napa cabbage, red onion, pineapple amba and pecans.

Cocktails include spirits and wines from producers in the Mediterranean, as well as collaborations with neighboring businesses, like Jackalope Brewing Company and Diskin Cider.

PRIVATE DINING

The restaurant, including the second-floor dining room and the multitiered patio, seats 340 guests. (The patio alone seats 150.) Most of the spacious patio is covered, in case of rain. There will be heaters, fans and misters outside so it can be used year-round.

The restaurant o ers carryout and delivery and expects by early next year to be open for weekend brunch and lunch. Currently, the restaurant is open 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4-9 p.m. Sunday.

Ndesign: Chromatic Kinship

Andra Eggleston, Electra Eggleston

THE ART OF COLOR runs generations deep for textile designer Andra Eggleston, who debuted her first original paintings and prints this fall. More than a decade after launching her Electra Eggleston textile line — originally inspired by a collaboration with her photographer father, William Eggleston — Andra hung her solo show at Reed Smythe. For the month of October, limited-edition prints of Andra’s vibrant, whimsical botanicals hung among the shop’s colorful inventory of Electra Eggleston textiles and William Eggleston photography books.

The past three years of painting have been, in Andra’s words, “a long, deep journey into flowers.” She started with photographs, working in gouache to capture the likeness of specific plants from California, Costa Rica and her native Tennessee. (Andra was born in Nashville and grew up in Memphis.) Then, she wandered from realistic representations to more dreamlike creations.

Andra’s most recent work, “Starburst,” is a fanciful study of florals in a palette of blues and, in her words, “a long, winding journey into abstraction and invention.”

That journey started over a half-century ago, when Andra was born to a father on the rise in the art world and a mother who refused his suggestion to name their baby Electra.

In 1976, William mounted a solo photography show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, developing a reputation as the father of color photography. Later, William shared with his daughter a hoard of his own color-and pattern-rich drawings, which she interpreted into repeating fields appropriate for fabric and wallpaper. In 2014, Andra moved from New York to Nashville and launched Electra Eggleston.

Andra’s textiles and her complex family story have been featured in national media, including Architectural Digest, Vogue, Town & Country and CBS News Sunday Morning. Her table linens, lampshades and throw pillows weave their way through the Germantown Inn and Noelle Hotel in Nashville, among other chic spaces and national showrooms.

Life as the child of a famously eccentric artist was not without complexity. “Growing up in his shadow took a toll on me,” Andra says. “It took me a really long time to listen to my instincts — and whatever I needed in terms of self-confidence. To forge ahead was a much longer learning curve than I ever expected.”

The oversized flowers and tangles of foliage in Andra’s paintings subtly illustrate the story of her creative family life. The large-scale bloom of her Rosa Rose series,

for example, draws from a floral shawl that belonged to a beloved grandmother.

By the time the flowers became more experimental, Andra carried a selection of works to The Little Garden Club of Memphis, where she spoke about growing up with her father.

“I was born into an artistic legacy that I now fully understand,” Andra told the group. “I love that part of me and honor that part of myself.”

That visit became a vital step along the artist’s path. It was the first time she had shown those works, and the audience bought many of them immediately. “It was such an encouraging moment,” Andra remembers. In fact, it was so encouraging that Andra named her LGC series of floral paintings after The Little Garden Club of Memphis. Now, in a full-circle moment, an LGCinspired fabric pattern is in the works — an Electra Eggleston textile influenced by original Andra Eggleston artwork.

Andra Eggleston’s debut collection of prints — in limited editions of six signed and numbered archival-quality giclée prints — is exclusively available through Reed Smythe.

BY CARRINGTON FOX

PHOTOGRAPH BY

ANGELINA CASTILLO

What: Haig Point

Where: Daufuskie Island, S.C.

Distance from Nashville: 533 miles

Why it stands out: A private club on a car-free island, Haig Point feels much farther away than a 30-minute ferry ride from the mainland. It’s surrounded by undeveloped marsh and seascapes, making you feel miles away from civilization.

Worth the Trip: Haig Point

Island vibes hit a little bit different on Daufuskie Island

IF YOU SIT in traffic for hours dreaming of a vacation where you don’t have to spend any time in a car, Haig Point is the destination for you. Haig Point sits on the north end of Daufuskie Island, a car-free (and carefree) South Carolina island located near the more well-known Hilton Head. After arriving by ferry (which takes about 30 minutes from Savannah and runs every hour), you get around the island on foot, by bike or on an electric golf cart — the latter of which is provided to overnight Haig Point guests.

Without the traffic lights or car horns or exhaust, stepping on Daufuskie Island is an immediate and intentional slowdown. Electricity didn’t arrive on Daufuskie until the 1950s, and telephones didn’t come until the 1970s. Rest assured, both are available now — as is highspeed internet. Nevertheless, you can’t help but live on vacation time when you’re here.

Haig Point is a residential community and country club offering a limited number of rooms for vacation guests in either the 1873 Lighthouse or the Strachan Mansion. In 2001, all the common properties and amenities at Haig Point were transferred to members, and today the private club is member-owned. Overnight guests have access to the club’s amenities: the golf course, dining room, clubhouse, fitness center, beach club and pool — not to mention, the scenic beach walks. Haig Point offers reciprocity with a num-

ber of other clubs and club networks, too.

In addition to soaking up all the vacationstyle, island-time goodness the club offers, Haig Point is a great starting point for exploring the rest of Daufuskie Island, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was an indigenous hunting ground circa the 1500s. In the 1600s and 1700s, bloody battles erupted as colonizers sought to claim the land. In the 1700s and 1800s, it was the site of 11 plantations growing sea cotton, built on the backs of enslaved people. Some remains of the quarters where enslaved people lived are still standing at Haig Point.

After the Civil War, some emancipated people purchased land on the island and worked to protect Gullah culture and language. They lived there until the boll weevil wiped out their crops. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the oyster industry thrived on Daufuskie Island. In the 1980s, development began — but much of the island and Gullah culture has been preserved and remains undeveloped.

Learn more about this rich and complex history by taking your golf cart to the Daufuskie Island History Museum. You can also visit the Daufuskie Island Conservancy, which works to protect salt marsh wildlife, like sea turtles and snowy egrets. No matter your interests, you’ll be able to dive in and explore on Daufuskie Island. Just remember to take it slow.

WHAT’S NEARBY

The island’s rich history is worth exploring. Stop at Daufuskie Blues, which makes hand-dyed indigo fabrics. Iron Fish Gallery is focused on marine-themed pieces, and is often unattended (with directions on how to pay if there’s no one around). Guided history tours help you explore the entire 9-square-mile island.

WHAT TO DO

Daufuskie is an island, so do all the beach activities that interest you, whether that’s shelling, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking sunrise beach walks on an unspoiled coast.

Haig Point recently added full-time wellness programs to its club offers, with yoga, group fitness classes and sound baths now available. Many (most?) people come to golf on Haig Point’s two courses, and horseback riding is available to all overnight guests.

WHERE TO EAT

As you’d expect from a club community with a concierge mindset, you can feast on low-country specialties and other seasonal dishes in excellent restaurants, like the Calibogue Club and the 30th Hole Grill Room in the clubhouse. The resort recently upgraded its culinary program by hiring executive chef Justin Smith and pastry chef Savanna Brodar, so wine pairing dinners and other events are often on the schedule. (Mark the calendar for next year’s Bateau, an October food and wine festival that is likely to become an annual event.)

Brodar’s sweets are available in the Strachan Mansion at breakfast. You can also get in your golf cart and scoot over to Old Daufuskie Crab Company for some classic seaside fare. Remember, the ferry ride is just 30 minutes, so it’s possible to have groceries delivered if you’d rather eat in.

HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

There are two primary accommodation options for Haig Point guests: the 1873 Lighthouse and the Strachan Mansion.

The Strachan Mansion was originally built on St. Simons Island and moved to Daufuskie by barge in 1986. It has four guest rooms packed with antiques. Grab pastries or read a book in the sun-filled rooms on the first floor. The lighthouse was built to help boats navigate around the sound. It was restored in the 1980s and now includes two bedrooms available for vacationers.

BY MARGARET LITTMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF HAIG POINT

ENTIRELY ENTERTAINING

Dishing dinner party trends through the decades

SOMETIMES, THE MORE things change, the more they change. At its heart, the dinner party remains a time for friends and neighbors to gather for an evening of fun and fellowship. But the decades have brought an array of changes — to attire, drinks, cuisine and etiquette — causing entertaining to evolve with the tastes of the times.

1920s

Though the country was cloaked in Prohibition, regulations didn’t stop gregarious hosts from throwing grand parties — Champagne towers included. Guests dined on delicate hors d’oeuvres, like deviled eggs and shrimp cocktails, and nibbled on cheese and olives from bountiful platters — all while dancing the night away. The so-called “hemline index” — an urban legend that says as the market gets better, the hemlines get shorter — suggested a roaring economy, with ladies donning short flapper dresses.

1930s

During the Great Depression, friends still got together — but the economic turmoil demanded ingenuity on the part of the gatherers. This decade saw the rise of the modern potluck, as friends and neighbors pulled together what resources they had and brought dishes to share. Popular items included tuna paté on crackers and farm-fresh foods, such as turnips and beans. Hemlines lengthened, grazing the floor.

1940s

There’s a line of demarcation between dinner parties in the early ’40s and those in the late ’40s. During the beginning of the decade, rationing for the war effort dictated what could be served. Hosts tended to their victory gardens, whipping up vegetable-forward dishes, such as homemade tomato soup. It wasn’t uncommon to ask guests to bring their own coffee. Attire was glamorous but practical, with men in black-tie and ladies in cocktail dresses or long, formal skirts.

The later years saw more hearty dishes served — think comfort foods, like meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Guests enjoyed listening to the radio, dancing to swing music, and playing cards or parlor games, such as musical chairs.

1950s

The ’50s were the domain of the homemaker. Entertaining offered a way to show off the home — and demonstrate the skill of the home chef. Formal dinner parties often started with canapés, like stuffed celery, shrimp cocktail and rumaki (bacon-wrapped water chestnuts and pineapple), and featured casseroles as a main dish. Desserts like jello salad and angel food cake were also popular. Formal etiquette was expected: Men should pull out chairs for ladies, and no one should eat until everyone was seated and the hostess signaled it was time.

In less formal settings, the ’50s gave way to the neighborhood barbecue and the luau-themed party. The latter became particularly popular once Hawaii became a state in 1959. This was also a big era for playing games at parties, with gatherings planned around specific activities, such as bridge, charades or 20 questions.

1960s

Music was a central component of 1960s dinner parties, with guests bringing music or playing DJ to set the right mood. Guests enjoyed playful appetizers, like stuffed celery or cheese-and-pineapple skewers, and hearty mains, like beef bourguignon or Swedish meatballs. Fondu was also wildly popular — with both meat and cheese on offer.

Hosts always brought out the best china, crystal and silver they owned. Attire shifted over the course of the decade, with the early years trending toward the voluminous looks of the ’50s and the later years moving toward more tailored looks and modern shift dresses. The hemline index was once again hard at work, as the miniskirt made its appearance mid-decade.

1970s

During the 1970s, colorful buffets and scene-setting music served as the centerpiece of the evening. Hosts served cocktail meatballs, pigs in a blanket, cheese hedgehogs, and aspics — and main dishes like pineapple chicken or glazed ham loaves. Attire ranged from casual maxi dresses, to chic wrap dresses, to disco-glam looks. And who could forget leisure suits for the finely dressed gentlemen?

Guests often enjoyed an evening listening to music — both recorded and live — and being engrossed in conversation.

1980s

In the me, me, me era of the go-big-or-go-home ’80s, beef Wellington, stuffed chicken breasts, and pasta with vodka sauce graced the tables at elegant dinner parties. Entertainment ran the gamut from casual conversation to board games, like Trivial Pursuit — or even arcade games, like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong Karaoke parties became a hit. And tactile activities, like air guitar contests and Rubik’s Cube races, were the height of fun.

Dinner parties ranged from formal sit-down events featuring high-design attire, to casual house parties where the kitchen was the place to be.

1990s

Formality at dinner parties returned in the 1990s. Hosts unearthed their formal china, crystal and silver from tucked-away hiding places, and topped tables with a combination of global cuisine and American comfort food. Home cooks often served an eclectic fusion of flavors and textures. It wasn’t rare to see hybrid dishes, like buffalo chicken spring rolls — or homey classics, including bagel bites and tuna noodle casserole, served alongside chicken Kiev and Chinese chicken salad. After the excess of the ’80s, fashion went minimalist, with slip dresses, jumpsuits and velvet LBDs dominating dinner party attire.

BY JANET KURTZ

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND, COURTESY OF THE ANDREWS FAMILY, GETTY IMAGES

MUSIC MOLDS THE MOMENT

Musician Craig Duncan and DJ Josh Ray share tips for curating the perfect soundtrack for entertaining

THE RIGHT PARTY music is transportive. Melodies seep into our fondest memories. Ear-catching arrangements warmly welcome guests to an event — and capture the heart behind it. “We’re merchants of happiness,” says DJ Josh Ray. “We work so that people can enjoy themselves and create a memory.”

Nfocus visited with Josh and multi-instrumentalist Craig Duncan to learn about what goes into creating a party’s sonic world — and how our readers can use music to enhance their own gatherings.

A SSESSING YOU R EVENT

WHEN HOSTING, it’s natural to focus on a party’s appearance, but Josh argues that sound is just as essential. “If people are ever wondering if live music is important or not at their event, try having dead air,” says Josh. “If you make efforts to have a quartet for the ceremony or songwriters performing during dinner, [that will] make a major impact on people’s enjoyment.”

But where to begin? First, evaluate what kind of gathering you’re throwing — and what you’re hoping to achieve. “If you’re playing for somebody trying to raise money, it needs to be upbeat, fun and light,” says Craig. Alternatively, weddings are fitting for celebratory, romantic music, while at-home dinner parties could benefit from laid-back jazz or gentle piano scores. When searching for the right entertainment, consider how you want your guests to feel and what mood you wish to establish.

Structure is also important. Take weddings, for example, where different ensembles are better suited for specific moments. “You may want strings for the cocktail hour and a jazz trio during dinner,” says Josh. “And then your reception is for the band and DJ.”

Does your event have a theme? If so, live music can enhance it, drawing revelers deeper into the world you’re creating. Over the years, Craig has gained experience in a range of styles, which helps him customize his services. “I’m a good chameleon, and I love traditional music,” says Craig. “I’ve produced over a hundred instrumental records of different styles. What’s been really cool about that over the years is that it’s worked hand in hand with my live performance.”

After studying Irish music, Craig gained the ability to play gigs in that style with authority — and the musicians he hires follow suit. “If it’s an Italian theme, Irish, Scottish, 1950s, 1980s, whatever — you just pick out that music, and you hire musicians that understand that style,” he says.

CREATING A PL AYLIST

ONCE YOU’VE FOUND your entertainers, it’s time to build a soundtrack. Craig and Josh attest that, while their services vary, they both prioritize client feedback — and customers can be as involved in music selection as they want. While genre matters, Josh believes that moods and emotions should be the focus. Genres can ebb and flow, but the party’s feel must be prioritized. This is largely accomplished by considering demographics. “You want to start with something that’s going to appeal to all ages, get them out there and see where that goes,” says Josh. “And you always want the night to crescendo.” Craig echoed this sentiment and emphasized the importance of versatility. “We’re already there, so why set up another band?” he says. “We can play Frank Sinatra, Broadway tunes, ’60s and ’70s hits, and Bruno Mars.”

Over the years, Craig and Josh have created extensive playlists that are adjustable, depending on the event they’re playing — and adaptability is crucial. Take Craig, for example, who turns contemporary pop songs into classical arrangements, creating engaging experiences for guests of all ages. “You never stop moving and stretching what you do,” he says. “This morning, I’m writing a Justin Bieber arrangement for a string trio.”

MA INTA INING THE ENE R GY

BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, the day has arrived. You’ve checked all the boxes, sent out invites, and now it’s time to sit back and let the musicians set the scene. Plan all you want, but the best live entertainers know how to assess a crowd’s energy and decide whether to stick to the setlist or pivot. “When you’re there … you have to read the room,” says Josh.

He often asks himself: How do you keep the energy going? How do you keep people engaged? “These are things I pay attention to,” he says. “And I found myself really enjoying it, because I enjoy events … and the community of people.” Once Josh is in the moment, it’s natural for him to gauge the crowd’s energy and act accordingly. “I’ve done over a thousand weddings, but [at one event], the floor was starting to bow because we were just having a good time,” says Josh.

While pumping up the crowd is important, it can be just as impactful to slow things down when the time is right, encouraging guests to be present and reflective. “[Music] can be nostalgic for people,” says Josh. “If they’re hearing a certain song, they may think [of] a happy memory, and it brings them back.”

For both musicians, it’s most rewarding to interact with the audience and enhance special occasions. “The main thing is that you want to entertain, and you want to connect,” says Josh. “And the live performance is the connection.”

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND CANAAN KAGAY WITH DETAILS NASHVILLE

HERMÈS LANDS IN MUSIC CITY

The storied French maison brings nearly two centuries of craftsmanship to Nashville’s growing luxury landscape

CREATED IN 1837 by Thierry Hermès, a harnessmaker who found an audience of customers craving a more cosmopolitan look and quality feel, Hermès has become synonymous with modern, luxurious design. When Thierry opened his shop, discerning buyers sought him out for his superior materials, sharp design eye and enduring products. By the late 1880s, his son, Charles-Émile, had taken over the business and expanded its offerings to include fine leather bags. And the rest, as they say, is l’histoire.

The brand is now in its sixth generation. And throughout its history, Hermès has remained a leader in luxury goods — leaving fashion-forward shoppers clamoring for Birkin and Kelly bags, silk scarves, fine jewelry and watches, and more. Through it all, Hermès has remained committed to the human elements of creative freedom and entrepreneurial spirit.

This fall, the luxury brand arrived in Nashville — satisfying many longtime customers. Since 2022, Nashville has welcomed a bevy of luxury brands. Chanel Beauty, Christian Louboutin, Gucci and YSL have all opened standalone boutiques in our everhungry fashion market, which had previously (and erroneously) been overlooked.

Nashville’s Hermès boutique seamlessly blends the city’s historic character with the brand’s iconic aesthetic. The two-level space is lined with pieces from the Émile Hermès collection and the Hermès Collection of Contemporary Photographs, including works by American photographer Larry Fink and French artist Jean-Baptiste Petit. Adding a distinctly local touch, Nashville artist Herb Williams created site-specific crayon sculptures that frame the store’s expansive steel windows. Shoppers will also find musicinspired design elements, like terrazzo steps that look like piano keys, patterned carpets with curves reminiscent of sound waves, and cherry and dark-maple veneers, often used in guitar making.

The Nashville boutique highlights each of the Hermès universes: silk, ready-to-wear, perfume and beauty, fashion jewelry, and fine jewelry and timepieces. In the silk salon, signature scarves and ties reflect the brand’s mastery of pattern and color — including a Nashville-specific scarf to commemorate the store’s opening. Ready-to-wear pieces showcase the chic tailoring and modern elegance Hermès is known for. And in a nod to the label’s founder, a wall devoted to Hermès most iconic leather goods — including the coveted Birkin and Kelly bags — pays homage to the brand’s equestrian roots.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAM FROST

LIVE THE STINGS

Viva La Strings brings dedication, artistry and modern hits to Nashville’s social scene

NOTHING CAN TRANSPORT you into the world of a gathering quite like music. Regardless of lavish table settings, glamorous décor and tasty food and drinks, a party is simply incomplete without a soundtrack. Viva La Strings, Nashville’s prime string ensemble, recognizes this essential fact and closes the gap between a good event and an exceptional one.

“Musicians are critical to the success of events,” says Jacob Tudor. “Music is a make-it-or-break-it expense.”

SETTING THE SCENE

PENDRA LEE SNYDER founded Viva La Strings in 2008 in Jacob’s hometown, Dayton, Ohio, to provide more opportunities for local musicians to bring high-quality performances to the world of events. Jacob started playing violin and viola with the organization around age 13 — and has stuck with it for nearly half his life.

After moving to Nashville for grad school in 2015, Jacob asked Pendra if he could start a new Viva La Strings branch — and he did. “I moved down here and was like, ‘There’s so much opportunity for something like this,’” says Jacob. “At the time, musicians were not really seen as equal vendors in the event community.”

When the Nashville branch launched, this disparity quickly reversed — and Viva La Strings’ business model spread throughout the city. After all, the group doesn’t just feature state-of-the-art musicianship. It offers a playful twist on a traditional string ensemble, transforming modern pop hits into elegant classical arrangements. “Ten years ago today [has been] the biggest shift I’ve seen,” says viola and violin player Amy Wilson. “It used to be traditional classics, and now we’re playing all these fun songs.”

TUNING THE STRINGS

HOW DO VIVA LA STRINGS’ set lists vary, you ask? The ensemble can play anything from “At Last” by Etta James to “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift — or “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga, if you crave a more energetic evening. This versatile repertoire is customized according to each client’s wishes, and clients can decide how involved they’d like to be in choosing the soundtrack.

When Nfocus spoke with Jacob and Amy in October, it was prime wedding season — and Viva La Strings had seven events booked that weekend alone. “There’s such a huge volume of things we do that it has to be organized,” says Jacob. “My focus now is performing, and I’m so glad we have [Lila Bearden] to do [administration], because she is spectacular at it. It’s a business, and we are busy and receiving inquiries all the time — one to three years in advance.”

But the most important aspect of planning, of course, is finding the best players for each event. “We want the right people,” says Jacob. “We want people that are fun, that are energetic, that enjoy doing it, that are charismatic with our clients, and when we show up on the day of, we’re a part of [an event] as much as anything else.”

HITTING THE STAGE

PERFORMING WITH DETERMINATION is essential for making important events as momentous as possible. “We’re playing something really special for people, whether it’s their wedding day, or whether they’re hosting a dinner at home for their friends,” says Jacob. “Those are really intimate moments, so bringing a high level of artistry and music that is special to people is a huge honor as a musician.”

This reverence for live events inspires Viva La Strings players to take these gigs as seriously as they would an onstage symphony performance. “In fact, I feel the pressure a little more,” says Amy. “There’s only one of us on each part, rather than a whole section, and it’s their wedding day, their birthday or a really important event in their life. I definitely feel honored to be a part of their day, and I’m happy to play it.”

Throughout his musical career, Jacob has played at extravagant events — including radio personality Bobby Bones’ wedding, where Viva La Strings musicians, clad in white tuxedos and dresses, carefully carried their instruments across wooden planks onto floating pods in a pool. But some of his favorite moments happen when the ensemble is in the background — as invisible artisans crafting the mood.

“The [number] of times that someone will come up and be like, ‘I had no idea that you guys were here. I thought this was recorded music, and I’m mind-blown right now,’ — that’s an amazing compliment,” says Jacob. “We just opened their minds. Real people in your community make this high-quality music. But when it’s live, it’s like ‘Oh my god. You’re kidding.’”

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

SUNDAY EVENING BLUES?

Sunday Supper rules at City House

FOR SOME, SUNDAY evening is merely a school night. The weekend has wound down, Monday looms, and a twinge of anxiety sets in. But there’s a flip side. Sunday offers a final chance to spend relaxing time with friends and family. To savor the remaining sweet moments together. To gather around the table for a casual, convivial and utterly delicious meal: Sunday supper. After all, thoughts about Monday can wait — until Monday.

Here’s the truth: Sunday supper rules.

At City House, chef Tandy Wilson and his team have taken this axiom to heart. For over 17 years, they’ve treated guests to their own version of Sunday supper. A warm sense of community pervades the Germantown restaurant (which, in a former life, was an artist’s studio home). It feels homey — neighborly. It’s not uncommon to see someone you know. The vibe is laid-back, but the service is polished — keys to its enduring success. And at its core is delectable Italian-Southern fare, conceived by the 2016 James Beard Best Chef: Southeast. City House’s Sunday Supper menu is distinctly separate from the rest of the week’s fare. Seasonality and sustainability are ever at the forefront, but with a family-style focus on plates to share. Creativity is part of the equation too, employing a “use what you’ve got” approach. The chefs take inventory of ingredients — all the bits of produce and proteins on hand — and start the conversation: What would we like to cook?

SUNDAY SUPPER ORIGINS

“IN THE BEGINNING, it was simpler and more meatheavy,” Tandy recalls. “Pork snacks, other snacks and pizzas.”

But as he established relationships with more local farms (and as more local farms cropped up), the Sunday Supper menu expanded and became more vegetable-driven.

Always a mentor, Tandy has long valued the opportunity Sunday Supper provides for collaboration, giving the young cooks the chance to participate in the creation of dishes.

“Each week is a new menu,” he says. “We talk about what we have to work with and how to build a dish, layer by layer. It’s the chance to learn something new. I want us to think about an ingredient in all its forms, see the seasonality.”

“Sunday is what I love about City House,” says Bradley Midgett, whom Tandy recently appointed executive chef. “It was my school.”

Bradley has been a force in the City House kitchen since joining the team in 2013. Over this span of time, he and Tandy have formed a close rapport: how to use ingredients on hand in ways that are creative, whimsical, delicious — and represent the Italian-American-South meld that has been City House’s hallmark.

For many years, Bradley was in charge of writing the Sunday Supper menus. It’s like a puzzle, he’ll attest, and as it has evolved, it’s become a combination of trial-and-error and tried-and-true.

The spaghetti and meatballs has become one of those core offerings. Years of fine tuning the butchery, grinding, mixing and saucemaking resulted in a soulful comfort that found its forever home on the Sunday menu. There will always be wood-fired pizzas, but the selection will reflect experimentation. For example, take the buffalo chicken pizza — a test that hit in a big way.

“It’s good to force ourselves outside the City House norm,” says Tandy. “Push ourselves to do more.”

“And we always like to have a couple of surprises,” Bradley adds.

CREATIVE COLLABORATION

CITY HOUSE TURNS 18 in December. As Tandy has stepped back to give Bradley the lead, he’s still very involved in the restaurant. Foremost, he’s been reenvisioning Sunday Supper by expanding the restaurant’s collaborative network.

“Once a month, we want to feature people who have talent, but are not necessarily chefs,” says Tandy. “I also want to explore the connection of music and food.”

The first of such collaborations occurred in July, with Alice Randall and her daughter Caroline Randall Williams as Sunday Supper co-hosts to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their award-winning cookbook, Soul Food Love. As guests arrived for the meal, the restaurant took on a festive house party feel.

For the evening’s fare, the pair worked closely with Tandy to create the menu — a mix of City House seasonal favorites and their own recipes, taken from both their current cookbook and their next one, in the works.

Caroline requested a pizza topped with peaches, country ham, sweet onion and fresh mozzarella. Tandy created one in honor of the First Family of Black Country Music, a marvel that included sweet potatoes, kale, jalapeño crema, peanuts and buttermilk cheddar. Alice’s contribution was a spicy eggplant pizza, balanced with roasted onion, pecorino, goat’s milk ricotta salata, and a drizzle of honey.

FAMILIAR FAVORITES

ONE SUNDAY SUPPER mainstay is the cornmeal-crusted catfish, which often gets its changeups with accompaniments. During the Soul Food Love collaboration, Alice’s recipe for broccoli slaw, enhanced with raisins and peanuts, was the complement.

You shouldn’t pass up dessert. Pastry chef Rebekah Turshen creates a brilliant array of confections to please anyone. Buttermilk panna cotta with macerated peaches. Lemon almond ricotta skillet cake with sour lemon marmalade. And she offers a sorbet sundae that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and absolutely gorgeous. If you’d prefer something more shareable — and fitting — for Sunday Supper, her cookie plates (buttermilk cornmeal-sorghum marshmallow sandwiches!) are the stuff of dreams.

At the July collaboration, music added yet another dimension to the Sunday gathering, as Alice introduced Tristan McIntosh to the dining crowd. Tristan, who grew up in Clarksville, was the youngest-ever finalist on American Idol, placing sixth on season 15. She has since grown in her career as a country singer, and she performed several songs throughout the evening. Her rendition of Dolly Parton’s iconic song, “Jolene,” was especially stirring.

It’s remarkable to consider the changes our city has undergone since Tandy first opened City House in 2007. As Nashville continues its dramatic growth, City House is still a constant in our culinary landscape, accepting the challenges of staying current, while remaining true to its ethos of responsible sourcing, seasonality and flavor. And the value of community: Sunday Supper rules.

BY NANCY VIENNEAU PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

Swinin Time

Harpeth Conservancy’s 22nd annual River Swing raises spirits and supports Tennessee’s rivers

Hundreds of boot-donning guests celebrated Harpeth Conservancy’s 22nd annual River Swing. The organization’s key fundraising event has garnered over $2 million for river conservation since its launch in 2003. It’s also one of the most anticipated events on the fall social calendar, often dubbed the most fun party of the year in Nfocus’ annual Best Parties issue.

Excitement around River Swing started building during the patrons party in September. And once the event swung around, it did not disappoint. As always, River Circle Farm provided a retreat from bustling city life. Rugs, couches, armchairs and lamps dotted the grass, creating cozy spaces to gather. Revelers mingled in the field, enjoying cocktails and browsing auction items.

Once it was time to eat, guests headed inside an elegantly decorated tent to enjoy a hearty Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint buffet — a classic River Swing meal that always feels apt, given the event’s reputation as a “Harpeth Hootenanny.” CEO Grace Stranch, founder and president Dorie Bolze, and event host Christian Currey highlighted Harpeth Conservancy’s vital achievements in restoring and protecting water quality across Middle Tennessee, enabling all who visit our rivers to enjoy them.

Spirits were already soaring when St. Paul & The Broken Bones took the stage to perform soul-stirring renditions of fan favorites. The moment the band’s funk grooves and brass swells flooded the tent, guests rushed to the dance floor, where they twirled late into the night. At one point, lead singer Paul Janeway even got in on the action, hopping off the stage and joining the crowd. Laughter, swaying and plenty of smiles were signs of yet another successful soirée.

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Flower Power

The Next Door Recovery luncheon celebrates sobriety and healing with Flower Magazine’s Margot Shaw

St. George’s Episcopal Church filled with hope and celebration as more than 325 supporters gathered for The Next Door Recovery’s 21st Annual Luncheon, Never Broken. On arrival, guests encountered festive teal-and-purple balloon displays before enjoying a beautiful buffet lunch by Kristen Winston Catering. Sweet Daisy Petit Four Shoppe, a Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition enterprise, provided the special dessert — almond white cake petits fours with almond glaze.

The Next Door Recovery clients made vibrant centerpieces to adorn the tables — bouquets featuring cosmos, dahlias, Queen Anne’s lace and chrysanthemums in cheerful shades of orange, yellow and white. Hosts encouraged guests to make a donation and take an arrangement home, offering TNDR clients an opportunity to give back to those who support them.

Chairs Grace Clayton and Mary Elizabeth Davis welcomed attendees and thanked generous sponsors before Sarah Puryear, priest associate at St. George’s, gave the invocation. After a short video, executive director Rachel Morris reminded guests that by gathering together “at the table,” they were choosing to be “unbreakable” — and helping countless women find hope and healing.

Rachel presented the second annual Sarah Young Jesus Calling Award to TNDR board member, and one of its original “wild praying women” founders, Betty Dickens, who received a standing ovation for her lifelong example of faith and service. TNDR alumna, residential program manager Fawn Gentry and clinical executive director Amanda Dunlap, led a heartfelt discussion highlighting the importance of community in addiction recovery.

Keynote speaker Margot Shaw, founder and editor-in-chief of Flower Magazine, shared the deeply moving story of her own journey from parental deprivation to addiction — to now celebrating 39 years of sobriety without a single relapse. She shared her pride in founding Flower Magazine 18 years ago, saying, “I dedicated the magazine to the Lord. Beauty, with its transformative power, has always been important to me, and he has made everything beautiful in its time,” quoting Ecclesiastes 3:11.

The inspiring afternoon ended with a performance by singer-songwriter Melanie Penn and a giveaway of five copies of Margot Shaw’s book, Living Flowers. Guests departed uplifted by the stories of perseverance, creativity and hope

BY

SWEET HOLIDAY DREAMS | NOV 21 – JAN 4

• Mansion décor by former White House florist Laura Dowling

• Holiday nostalgia comes alive in the historic period rooms

• Tour the Mansion in the day or evening during the holidays

• Reserve tickets at cheekwood.org Presented

Belle MeadeBeauty

we t

Every Corner

Beyond Bourbon raises a glass to Nashville’s creative community

Per tradition, OZ Arts Nashville’s Beyond Bourbon had a little something for everyone. With a fine selection of liquors, wines and nonalcoholic spirits, guests — regardless of personal preferences — could expect their individual palates to be catered to. But the fundraiser didn’t just encourage attendees to raise a glass — it also urged them to help raise crucial funds in support of OZ’s contemporary art exhibitions and performances.

Before the main event, several VIP tasting stations — featuring Silverbelly Whiskey, Southbound tequila paired with honey from Southall Farm & Inn, Willett Family Estate whiskey, and wines from Burgundy — provided insiders with intimate glimpses into the craftsmanship behind their favorite beverages. Tasting hosts Mattie Jackson, Angela and Brian Wright, Ivey Childers, Jay Williams, David Osborn, and Rahel Klapheke Sloan supplied guests with insightful information while actively engaging the crowd.

Take Rahel’s Beyond Burgundy experience, for example, where she walked revelers through the finest chardonnays of the Burgundy region, from Chablis to Chassagne-Montrachet, and provided insightful tips on storing and maintaining the quality of each supreme bottle.

At 7 p.m. sharp, guests flooded the main room, eager to taste whiskeys, bourbons, tequilas, vodkas and beers galore. Among the alcohol-forward booths, Killjoy — Nashville’s supplier of nonalcoholic wines and spirits — also made an appearance, serving booze-free concoctions. After enjoying their desired beverages, guests drifted into the gardens to try samples from Oz Family Cigars and Crowned Heads.

And what dinner accompanied these powerhouse beverages?

Chefs from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint lavishly displayed a roasted hog in the front of the room, pairing it with many flavorful sauces. From formidable drinks to delectable dishes to enticing auction items, Beyond Bourbon elicited awe at every corner — all to support Nashville’s creative community.

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

First esponders in Givin

The Tiffany Circle celebrates the lifesaving work of the American Red Cross

Founded in 2006, the Nashville chapter of the Tiffany Circle supports the comprehensive work of the American Red Cross across 10 Middle Tennessee counties. Board member and cofounder Anne Russell opened the Tiffany Circle’s annual luncheon with a thoughtful personal reflection: “Our world feels heavy with uncertainty. Our hands are filled with phones when they should be folded in prayer.”

Luncheon hosts Louise Bryan, Katherine Crosthwaite and Christi Turner led a fascinating program. Boasting a nationwide membership of 1,300 major donors, Tiffany Circle’s growing local chapter convened for lunch to hear from Becky Streifler, the vice president of the Red Cross’ service to armed forces division. While the organization’s mission is to provide relief to those impacted by disaster, its record of caring for individuals and families in crisis runs much broader and deeper.

Becky addressed specific situations where the Red Cross intervened to provide comfort and safety, both at home and overseas.

“When you want to go to a party, you go to the USO [United Service Organizations],” she said. “When you’re in need, you turn to the Red Cross.” She mentioned one soldier, stationed on the Japanese island Okinawa, who was posting troubling Facebook messages — causing his family to grow concerned. They couldn’t call the base, but they managed to reach the Red Cross, which contacted the soldier within 10 minutes.

The Red Cross retains experts in both medical and psychological first aid. The event reminded attendees to take pride in the ways donors empower the organization with access, trust and presence, keeping the lines open both at home and overseas — something the Nashville chapter of the Tiffany Circle has been doing for more than a century.

BY BETH ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH HOSTESS AND HOME

Where Holiday Magic Meets Southern Charm

Step inside Hostess & Home this holiday season, and you’ll instantly feel the magic of the holidays come to life. Nestled in the heart of Green Hills, this charming boutique is brimming with elegant treasures— everything from gleaming sterling silver and vintage Herend porcelain to festive décor, fine gifts, and timeless pieces that make any home feel special. With thoughtfully chosen items at every price point, it’s the perfect place to find something beautiful for everyone on your list.

boutique is brimming with elegant treasures—

Owner Ruth Franklin Bailey, a Nashville native, has built more than a beautiful shop—she’s created a gathering place that reflects generations of style and Southern hospitality. Her love for curating meaningful pieces was inspired by her grandmother, Ruth Dortch, and her mother, Beth Franklin, who once owned the beloved shop Finders Keepers—just across the street from where Hostess & Home now stands.

“They taught me that a home should tell a story,” Bailey says. “It’s about layering pieces with history and heart.”

Hostess & Home sparkles with new delights, including an enchanting collection of nutcrackers—from collegiate favorites to elegant holiday classics— alongside an extensive ornament offering and a whimsical pink Christmas section that captures the joy of the season. At the heart of it all is a magical white and gold carousel, creating a festive focal point that delights guests of all ages.

From dazzling holiday tablescapes to thoughtful gifts for friends and family, each corner of Hostess & Home celebrates the art of gracious living.

Bailey is quick to credit her “incredible team” for the store’s success. “They bring so much energy, creativity, and kindness to everything we do,” she shares. “It’s a joy to come to work and share this season with them and with our wonderful customers.”

As the holidays approach, Hostess & Home invites Nashville to discover the beauty of giving and gathering one thoughtful piece at a time.

Go Green

Dinner by the Bridge features skyline views and progress made by Greenways for Nashville

What could be better than an al fresco evening — complete with stunning skyline views — that pours into the city you love? This year’s Dinner by the Bridge, in support of Greenways for Nashville, was precisely that.

Greenways for Nashville’s leadership believes everyone benefits from greenspace. With this mission in mind, the organization works to conserve open spaces and develop a network of accessible greenways throughout the city. These protected paths encourage outdoor exercise, recreation and sustainable transportation.

Aptly located on the Peabody Union terrace, Dinner by the Bridge invited revelers to gaze out at the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge while mingling with friends and sipping cocktails — and the weather could not have been more perfect. Long dinner tables, ornamented with elegant décor, meticulously lined the space, inviting lively conversation.

Board chair Kate Stephenson celebrated Greenways for Nashville’s success in protecting roughly 100 miles of greenways — and counting. She also highlighted how the organization has enhanced preexisting greenways with fresh maps, new paint and restored amenities.

Greenways for Nashville’s new executive director, Meg Morgan, welcomed guests into what she called a “perfectly executed” event. She shared her avid love of greenways, which sparked long before she earned her current title. “While I’m new to this role, I’m not new to greenways,” Meg said.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell, marking his second year in office, highlighted Nashville’s progress and celebrated the hundreds of thousands who demanded funding for better infrastructure last November. Since then, his administration has worked to improve public transit, build more sidewalks and make the city’s greenway network more connected.

Freddie then announced that the greenway behind the Nashville Sounds ballpark outfield — a refuge for locals during the COVID-19 pandemic — would remain open 24/7. He also highlighted upcoming “city-central” development plans, which aim to extend Nashville’s greenways even further.

Dinner, laughter and community followed this good news — and continued long after the sun had set.

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

The Girl Scout Luncheon celebrates the lessons of female athletics

The ballroom of the Hutton Hotel brimmed with excitement as 325 guests gathered for the annual Girl Scout Luncheon, benefiting the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. Green and gold balloons and vintage Girl Scouts uniforms set the scene, while Girl Scout Cookie box centerpieces sparked lively conversation. Guests were especially eager to discuss the organization’s newest cookies — rocky road-inspired Exploremores.

The luncheon began with a traditional flag ceremony, as girl scouts presented the colors and led the Girl Scout Promise. Luncheon co-chairs Amy Atkinson and Michelle Gaskin Brown welcomed guests and thanked sponsors. Danielle Barnes, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee CEO, reminded everyone that the Girl Scouts remains the premier leadership organization for girls.

Girl scouts and Gold Award honorees Kate Jurewicz and Ava Knott moderated an inspiring panel discussion. Three trailblazing women in sports — Candice Storey Lee, Vanderbilt University’s vice chancellor of athletics and university affairs (and the school’s first female athletic director); Lindsey Paola, Nashville Soccer Club’s chief business officer; and Michelle Kennedy, Nashville Predators president and Chief Operating Officer — discussed how sports and the Girl Scouts promote shared values, fostering courage, character and confidence in young women.

The crowd gave a standing ovation as Bonnie Barczykowski, Girl Scouts of the USA CEO, recognized guest of honor Kathy Cloninger for her transformative leadership. During her tenure as GSUSA CEO from 2003 to 2011, Kathy modernized uniforms and badges, unified the organization’s identity, and created a leadership-centric mission for its over 4 million members.

In her closing remarks, Danielle invited all former girl scouts to stand, drawing attention to the generations of proud alumnae in the room. She encouraged guests to donate $128 to the Girl Scouts Outreach Program to give another girl the opportunity to join the Girl Scouts and “go for the gold.”

BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Md Here

Mad Hatter raises record funds to help those who’ve experienced sexual violence

Well-hatted ladies and gentlemen arrived at the Conrad Nashville for the annual Mad Hatter gala benefiting the Sexual Assault Center. The evening is dedicated to uplifting those who’ve experienced sexual violence and raises crucial funds for survivor advocacy, therapy, a 24/7 safe clinic and more.

The evening kicked off with a Champagne toast on the terrace. With perfect September weather, it was easy to linger over glasses of bubbly and enjoy the evening. Co-chairs Libby Callaway, Lauren Casamassima and Anastasia Krajeck mingled with the crowd of VIP donors. Just before the doors opened for the main event, sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer took the stage and performed hit songs, including “Into My Arms” by Nick Cave.

After the VIP reception, guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres while others perused the bountiful silent auction offerings, including items from Any Old Iron, Clary Collection, KREWE, Sid & Ann Mashburn, and Woo Skincare & Cosmetics. All proceeds go toward helping survivors of sexual violence and their families.

After revelers enjoyed a delicious Italian-themed dinner, guests waited with baited breath to find out who’d won the event’s signature hat competition. And an energetic live auction inspired generosity for the cause. Sexual Assault Center president Rachel Freeman addressed the room. She explained that the center, which has existed in Nashville for 47 years, was not just created to help with advocacy — but also to help survivors heal. “It would be my biggest dream … if our services were not needed,” Rachel said. “And that is what we’ll continue to work toward.”

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

A Tennessee Waltz raises a glass to ‘the best state museum in the country’

The Tennessee State Museum’s 32nd annual A Tennessee Waltz felt grand upon arrival. After ascending the winding hill leading to the Tennessee State Capitol, guests stepped onto a red carpet, and guards escorted them up the stairs. As revelers reached the top, event co-chairs Dawn and Tre Hargett jovially greeted them, shaking each attendee’s hand.

As black-tie-clad guests moved from the lobby to the upstairs cocktail reception, they admired ceiling projections of Tennessee state flag stars on the way. Per usual, the room was filled to the brim, signaling an ample turnout. Many attendees gathered on the balcony, which boasted gorgeous views of the sunset-tinged skyline.

When the dinner bell rang, guests returned to the downstairs lobby — which, like magic, was transformed with round dinner tables and lavish décor. In a chandelier-lit glow, revelers listened with intention as Ming Wang played an erhu (two-stringed Chinese violin) solo, accompanied by guitarist Carlos Enrique.

Dawn and Tre took the podium, acknowledging the political leaders in the room and thanking everyone who’d brought the evening to life. Per Tre’s request, guests toasted to “the best state museum in the country.” The co-chairs introduced Tennessee State Museum executive director Ashley Howell, who emphasized the importance of preserving and conveying the state’s history. John DeBarry gave a powerful speech highlighting Tennessee’s rich, diverse and multicultural backstory.

After dinner, guests meandered back upstairs, where servers greeted them with Champagne and white wine. Auction items — such as a stay at The Hermitage Hotel, a retreat in a Dolly Partonthemed tiny home, and a lyric sheet autographed by the night’s entertainer, Gary Morris — caught many eyes.

Gary opened with an acoustic rendition of his hit song, “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” He then performed “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables, paying homage to the time he played Jean Valjean on Broadway. When Gary sang the first few notes of Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King’s “Tennessee Waltz,” Dawn and Tre floated to the front of the room and danced the first waltz of the night. And once the Pat Patrick’s Legacy Band opened with “My Girl,” it was hard for guests to resist joining in.

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD

Hy There!

Sunshine, hayrides and sweet treats make for a picture-perfect day at Fall for Cheekwood

On a sunny Sunday in September, the magical sound of children’s laughter floated on the breeze across the 30-acre grounds of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. The joyful melody resulted from the fun fall activities and justright amount of sugary treats at the organization’s annual Fall for Cheekwood.

As has been his post for the past 10 years, Lundy Cupp sat perched near the pumpkin houses carving realistic, funny faces into jack-o’-lanterns for all to enjoy. Nearby, a very popular cotton candy cart spun sugary treats for all ages. Many embarked on a delightful hay-ride tour of the grounds, while others favored the exciting hay-bale slides and adrenaline-fueled sack races. By far, face painting was the most popular activity of the afternoon. Children emerged as lions, tigers, unicorns and puppies, before making their way down the rest of the activity trail.

Fall for Cheekwood co-chairs Mackenzie Laurino and Des Preston spent months putting together the spectacular family event. And they enjoyed their hard work, visiting with friends as children played. Guests looking for a bit of a respite enjoyed bluegrass tunes by Jeff Picker. Once dinner time rolled around, families enjoyed a homey feast from Edley’s Bar-B-Que.

Fall for Cheekwood raises funds for the historic estate’s community education and outreach programs — like Destination Cheekwood, which offers free field trips to school groups from Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, and Northern Alabama. Throughout the year, students of all ages are invited to spend the day at Cheekwood learning about art, history and science with experts as their guides.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAN POIZNER

Movin with Purpose

Dancing for Safe Haven generates excitement and raises funds for local families

Following the latest season kickoff of Dancing With the Stars, Nashville philanthropists gathered for a showstopping spectacle of their own — the 16th annual Dancing for Safe Haven. The beloved event pairs community members with professional dancers for awe-inspiring performances, all while raising crucial funds for Safe Haven Family Shelter.

For 37 years, Safe Haven has equipped unhoused families with resources — like shelter, trauma-informed care and educational programming — that help them escape poverty and lead fulfilling lives. The organization’s housing-first model relies on wraparound shelter services and partnerships with landlords to help secure homes for those in need — and keep families together.

This year’s Dancing for Safe Haven — put on by chairs Beth White, Joshua Mundy and Tonya Mitchem Grindon — kept this mission front and center. Judge and former Dancing for Safe Haven performer Carolyn Smith Bryant interviewed Grecia DeValle, a Safe Haven client and single mom from Puerto Rico, who shared how the organization helped her secure housing and made her “feel like a person.”

Hosts Danielle Breezy and Tom Riles urged guests to participate in the auction. And participate, they did — the night garnered an impressive $720,000.

After much anticipation, it was time for dancing. This year’s lineup included Patrice Bordron, Betsy Bryant, Benny Cunningham, Angie Lawless and Maria Recio. A stellar judges panel — featuring Joshua, Carolyn, Heather Byrd, Shabaz Chijioke Ujima and Christopher Wayne — evaluated each act.

The performers displayed impressive kicks, jumps and lifts, moving with precision and synchronicity. Lively guests brought cardboard cutouts of their favorite dancers, and Patrice’s colleagues even threw roses onto the dance floor after his engrossing tango performance.

After the competition, the Safe Haven Dance Team performed at the event for the very first time, line dancing to a country medley. After much deliberation, Benny was named the judges’ favorite, while Patrice was selected as the audience favorite.

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Full Potentil

The 2025 Goodwill Impact Awards make it hard to leave uninspired

The 2025 Goodwill Impact Awards never fail to move and inspire. The event, known by many as one of the most energizing luncheons of the year, highlights individuals who’ve overcome hardships, built secure careers and created fulfilling lives thanks to Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee’s mentorship programs and job opportunities.

A chorus of chatter and excitement led up to the main event as hundreds gathered at the Music City Center Davidson Ballroom. Board chair Jeff Young emphasized the need for meaningful work. And event chairs — and longtime Goodwill supporters — Betsy and Ridley Wills discussed how Goodwill’s career development programs help people build self-worth and confidence “without erasing who they are,” said Betsy.

Board member Fred McLaughlin presented the Edgar J. Helms award (or the “Pioneer Award”) to Robert Eugene McNeilly III for his dedication to serving as a board member, board chair, trustee and committee member since 2002. Robert passed away in January, so his wife, Caroline McNeilly, and children, Margaret Thompson, Tate McNeilly and Robert McNeilly, accepted the award on his behalf.

More raucous applause ensued when NewsChannel 5 anchor Rhori Johnston presented the remaining awards. The LaVoiKatz Award went to Alecia Grant, a store manager at Goodwill’s Crossville location. In a video, Alecia talked about overcoming addiction, the importance of second chances, and how, if it weren’t for Goodwill’s support, she “wouldn’t be here today.”

Janet Curiel, a graduate of Goodwill’s Google data analytics program, received the David B. Lifsey Scholarship. Janet, a busy mom of five, decided to enhance her skills after getting laid off. The free Goodwill course helped her land a new job, and she plans to use her scholarship to continue her education.

Closing out the afternoon, Michael Nedreski earned the Achiever of the Year Award. Following the loss of his sister, Michael experienced mental health challenges and resigned from his job as a custom glass installer. After completing Goodwill’s solar installer training program, Michael got back on his feet and received much-needed support from mentors — and new friends. In a video, he said the program gave him confidence and security during his most challenging moments — a testament to Goodwill’s mission to help people reach their full potential.

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Power Lunch

The New Beginnings Center’s luncheon celebrates strength, confidence and community

Guests arrived at Hillwood Country Club for the annual New Beginnings Center Spirit of Wellness Luncheon — many greeting each other as friends and joking that they rarely see each other outside of the gym, with their hair done and makeup on. The atmosphere of the luncheon, much like The New Beginnings Center itself — which seeks to bring fitness to women who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it — was one of heartfelt community.

Celebrated news anchor Tuwanda Coleman took her post as event emcee and highlighted the ways women transform when they complete The New Beginnings Center program — emerging with improved self-confidence and a newfound sense of empowerment. Strength coach and center cofounder Tash Weddle emphasized the importance of working with women, many of whom are building strength for the first time. “I do know that over the years, I’ve seen a lot of pounds lifted, a ton of confidence gained,” Tash said. “I’ve witnessed women strengthen their self-regard and deepen their purpose. And I’ve seen many women find a place where they felt like they belonged, often for the first time.”

The afternoon continued with many more inspiring stories. And Jana Lisle Parham presented the Spirit of Wellness award to Dr. Carol McCullough, an OB-GYN who has spent her career caring for women and advocating for women’s health.

Vanderbilt University athletic director Candice Storey Lee closed out the event with a keynote speech that left attendees feeling both empowered and inspired. Growing up as a 6-foot-2inch Black woman, Candice said she knew what it felt like to stick out. “When women walk through these doors, they don’t stick out anymore — they belong,” she said. “They’re surrounded by a team that lifts them up and encourages them and helps them discover what they’re capable of.”

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY IRIS LEONARDO

Gilded Preservtion

Franklin’s most elegant evening blends glamour with purpose

On an October evening, black cars glided along the winding, black-topped roads of Williamson County, slipping through rolling hills and bucolic scenery. Many move to Franklin for that very experience — to escape the city’s bustle and find a place where history still whispers on the wind. The destination that evening was Franklin’s Bicentennial Park for the 52nd annual Heritage Ball.

Since 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has worked to preserve the region’s architectural, geographic and cultural legacy. The Heritage Ball continues this mission by raising funds to support the revitalization of historic downtown Franklin and other treasured sites across the county.

Guests arrived at the pavilion to find a tent draped in moss-green, mauve and blush fabric. Servers offered trays of Champagne and delicious hors d’oeuvres as guests stopped to admire the gorgeous gemstones on display from Diamond Cellar. Co-chairs Debbie and Bo Segers, along with honorary chairs SuSu and Ed Silva, greeted friends and fellow supporters during cocktail hour before dinner began.

When the dinner chimes played, the doors of the tent opened, and guests made their way to their tables. As they settled in, they heard heartfelt sentiments about why preservation and conservation are important. The Patron Award went to longtime Franklin residents and passionate volunteers Kay and Bob Musgrove and to Hunter Jones for championing the next generation of preservation. The award, given annually, recognizes exceptional leadership and significant contributions to preservation efforts in Williamson County.

Bari Beasley, the organization’s president and CEO, spoke from the heart about what she’d learned so far in her eight-anda-half-year tenure. “I did not know yet the joy that these years would bring me in learning about the historic Watson House or Old Town — or the old, old jail and the old, old, old jail,” she said. “It’s the people, it’s the places, it’s the stories, it’s the community that make this place so magical.”

To close out the evening, singer-songwriter Walker Hayes entertained the crowd with some of his top hits. Guests danced the night away at the Late Party — chaired by Mica and Will Clark — to the terrific tunes of Universal Crush.

BY JANET KURTZ

 Southern Supper

Fall for NAHT offers an evening of autumn festivities and crucial fundraising

Nature, unity and spirit combined at Fall for NAHT, an essential fundraising event for the Nashville AntiHuman Trafficking Coalition. Through educational programs, career development projects and community-based initiatives, the faith-based organization helps people impacted by human trafficking and substance abuse. But NAHT leaders don’t simply want to lend a hand — they want to restore lives and help people thrive. Supporters can uplift survivors by purchasing delectable petits fours from the Sweet Daisy Petit Four Shoppe — or by attending events, like Fall for NAHT, which ensure each individual receives the care they need.

Hosts Natalie and Kurt Barton welcomed attendees to Five Stones Farm in Franklin, and meticulous planning by event chairs Cecile Gideon, Janice Goodwin and Memree Roberts ensured the night ran smoothly. Clouds billowed over the pastoral property, and revelers enjoyed a lively cocktail hour while lounging on porch couches — setting the tone for an evening of celebration and impact.

Guests showed up for the cause with passion and style. Old friends greeted one another, while new connections formed. Many attendees donned their best farm-chic attire, with plenty of fashionable boots and hats dotting the scene.

By the time the dinner bell rang, a long line of guests had already formed, with many stopping for an autumnal photo opp on their way to the dinner tent. Inside, guests found their seats at long tables ornamented with tasteful fall décor. Performances by bluegrass ensemble The Ham String Band elevated the dining experience, playing off the evening’s “A Southern Supper” theme.

Partygoers chatted and toasted in a candlelit glow until the night drew to a close — an undeniable sign of an evening well spent.

BY

FMotorin

Throuh History

The 1929 Club celebrates the automobile’s legacy at Cheekwood

or almost a century, the automobile has played a central role at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Over the decades, cars have wound up the drive to the historic mansion carrying well-heeled guests eager for the festivities ahead. On a cozy fall evening, supporters and donors — all members of the 1929 Club — gathered at the former home of the Cheek family for the group’s annual dinner. As the sun set behind the hills, a jazz trio played tunes reminiscent of the Jazz Age — setting the mood for the evening.

After a reception beneath the wisteria arbor, guests headed into the loggia for an intimate dinner with friends. The tables, dressed in black cloths, featured stunning centerpieces of white roses and orchids. The 1929 Club — established in 2014 to raise funds to refurnish the historic Cheek mansion — is made up of passionate supporters who help preserve and maintain the estate. (One recent initiative involved replacing the 97 historic windows on the mansion.)

Jane MacLeod, Cheekwood’s president and CEO, welcomed guests and thanked everyone for their support. This year, she focused her remarks on the estate’s long history with automobiles — a fitting theme, as Cheekwood is in the midst of raising funds to build a significant, 750-car parking structure.

Jane regaled guests with stories of Leslie Cheek Sr. driving some 200 miles to Reelfoot Lake for fishing trips — and Mabel Cheek taking day trips with estate head cook Johnny Winston to scout for boxwoods to add to Cheekwood’s collection. The family charmingly referred to this as “going boxing.”

Dinner followed with a fall salad of arugula and roasted golden beets, and a grilled filet mignon entrée with hazelnut crema and smoked cremini mushrooms. The delicious meal concluded with pumpkin cheesecake featuring a berry jam and graham crumb.

PHOTOGRAPHS

BY

BY JANET KURTZ

ERIC ENGLAND

Strry

Strry Niht

The Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee celebrates its inaugural fashion show patrons party

t twilight on an October evening, guests gathered at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens’ Massey Hall for the inaugural Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee’s Starry Starry Night — a patrons party for the Branching Out fashion show and tea party. The new event raises funds for the Branching Out initiative, which seeks to plant 500,000 trees across Middle Tennessee and furthers the organization’s mission to inspire and educate the community through horticulture.

As the sun set, guests enjoyed Champagne and cocktails in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden before joining friends in the hall to shop from beautiful Dillard’s displays. Co-chairs Lacey Moore and Liane Dunn visited with supporters as everyone made their way to a dinner inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s acclaimed “Starry Night” — a theme echoed through floral arrangements and tablescapes. The evening became not only a fundraiser, but also a friendraiser, as many longtime supporters welcomed new-to-the-organization guests and invited them to enjoy the evening.

After a delicious dinner of pork tenderloin, salmon, pumpkin ravioli and roasted vegetables provided by Corner Market Catering Company, HSMT president Deby Pitts took the stage. “Planting trees is in the DNA of the Horticultural Society,” she said, explaining that the Branching Out initiative — chaired by Lucie Cammack — nods to HSMT’s roots. Shortly after the organization’s founding in 1932, its supporters planted two trees on the site of every single public school in Nashville.

When it was time for the incredible auction, emcees — and dynamic duo — Danielle and Joe Breezy energized the crowd. The auction included terrific items like a specimen tree, a Jack Daniels private tour, a wine dinner with Deby and Keith Pitts, a Fender guitar autographed by Reba McEntire, original art by Revi Ferrer, and landscape design services.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

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Greenways for Nashville wishes to thank our generous sponsors, patrons, guests, committee members, Metro department partners, and volunteers for their support of this year’s Dinner by the Bridge fundraiser.

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ibbons of Vivid Lnue

Authors in the Round features invigorating conversation — and triumph for the Southern Festival of Books

Time and again, Nashvillians have tenaciously supported the arts. And when federal funding cuts swept the nation in April — putting this year’s Southern Festival of Books in jeopardy — passionate advocates, like author Ann Patchett and the team at Parnassus Books, united to protect the festival’s overthree-decade legacy and ensure the event remains free of charge.

“When news spread that the festival’s future was uncertain, Tennesseans responded not with resignation, but with resolve,” said Vanderbilt University provost Cybele Raver. “That outpouring of support from this community reaffirmed something deeply powerful — that stories, ideas and the written word remain essential to our shared civic life.”

This year’s Authors in the Round generated even more support and kicked off a triumphant, literature-filled weekend. Co-chairs Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams radiated with gratitude and recognized the festival’s indispensable impact. “[The] Southern Festival of Books weekend sharpens the mind, lifts the spirit and swirls us in ribbons of vivid language,” said Alice.

When organizing this grand celebration of words, Alice and Caroline left no detail behind. The mother-daughter duo — both esteemed writers — encouraged guests to don black-and-white outfits inspired by book pages, which doubled as the evening’s eye-catching décor.

Conversations shared over dinner were particularly stirring. Forty of the festival’s roughly 200 authors attended the dinner, each helming a table of 10 and facilitating personal connections with readers. The lineup featured literary stars, including legend Joyce Carol Oates, alongside just-published authors. Book lovers not only connected with writers but with each other, creating new friendships over meaningful art.

While the dinner doesn’t typically include an awards ceremony, this year’s event broke from tradition. Alice and Caroline presented the Literary Champion Award to Authors in the Round founder Jean Bottorff, who received a rowdy standing ovation. After guests took their seats, the room continued to ring with lively discussion — which didn’t cease until the very last bite of dessert.

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO AND ERIC ENGLAND

FALL INTIMATE DINNER SERIES

NOVEMBER 10-16

It’s back! This fall, some of Nashville’s most exceptional restaurants and chefs will invite guests to indulge in specialty dinners across the city. Get ready for six dinners featuring wine pairings, exciting chef collaborations, seasonally inspired menus and more! Reservations are open NOW!

MONDAY, NOV 10

THURSDAY, NOV 13

“SUPPER CLUB” NELSON’S GREEN BRIER DISTILLERY

WEDNESDAY, NOV 12

“DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE” HENLEY

FRIDAY, NOV 14

WEDNESDAY, NOV 12

“FALL BASH” LOCKELAND TABLE

“A SUPPER THAT SUSTAINS US” 1 KITCHEN

“ODE TO MOTHER EARTH” MAIZ DE LA VIDA X LIMO PERUVIAN

SUNDAY, NOV 16 BE IN THE KNOW

Sign up to be the fi rst to know when tickets go on sale! mcfwf.com

(Photo of 3 people)

Nettie Sudekum, with William G. Hassler (first permanent director) and Alfred Starr (second president), at the announcement of her gift of a planetarium in memory of her husband, Tony, who had been a founding trustee. In 1952, the new Sudekum Planetarium was the only planetarium in Tennessee.

May 3, 1951, Nashville Banner, staff photographer Warren Gallenbeck.

(Photo with kids)

Harry S. Vaughn (museum’s first director) and Philbrick M. Crouch (a later director and full-time sculptor), with children in

Oct.

OPENED OCT. 31, 1945 as the Children’s Museum of Nashville, the institution today known as the Adventure Science Center recently launched a yearlong celebration of its 80th birthday. From early days at Lindsley Hall, to its current site near Fort Negley, and through the Cumberland Science Museum era, the Adventure Science Center has dazzled generations of Nashville’s STEMcurious kids, with exhibits exploring topics such as fossils, space flight and the human body.

BY CARRINGTON FOX

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER