Handblown glasses by Spees Studio
A Holiday Letter from Nashville: Celebrating Local Cheer
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the holidays draw near, there’s something truly special about this time of year in Nashville. The treelined streets glow with twinkling lights, storefronts are dressed in wreaths and ribbon, and our favorite local spots hum with the cheerful buzz of the season. It’s a time when our community feels a little smaller, a little warmer, and a lot more connected.
This year, as we gather with loved ones and check off our gift lists, let’s remember what makes our neighborhoods shine — the small businesses that bring heart and character to our everyday lives. Whether it’s a morning latte from The Perch, a heirloom piece from Yearly Co., or a cozy sweater from H. Audrey, every local purchase helps sustain the dreams and creativity that make our community unique.
Strolling through the Hill Center or the shops along Bandywood Drive & throughout Belle Meade, you’ll find so many treasures. Boutiques offering beautifully curated gifts, local jewelers with timeless sparkle, and bakeries filling the air with the scent of cinnamon and joy.
Beyond the shopping, the spirit of the season lives in the simple moments that make this area feel like home. Neighbors gathering for festive lights at Cheekwood, families picking out their holiday trees, and friends meeting for dinner at neighborhood favorites like Char or Sperry's. These traditions remind us that what we cherish most about the holidays isn’t found on a shelf — it’s found in the people and places right around us.
So, this season, let’s celebrate local. Let’s support the small shops, makers, and restaurants that pour their hearts into everything they do. When we shop local, we’re not just giving gifts — we’re giving back to our community, investing in the stories that make Nashville so special.
Wishing you a joyful and meaningful holiday season filled with peace, connection, and a little local sparkle.
With warmest regards,
JEN & MEAGAN, PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kit Garrott
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Stephanie Krejci | stephanie.krejci@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Meagan Benson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Emma Manning Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
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With quick treatment times and little to no downtime, Sofwave™ fits easily into the busy holiday season. Whether you’re preparing for family gatherings, winter weddings, or year-end celebrations, Sofwave™ helps you feel confident at every gathering.
inside the issue
The Gift of Meaning
Celebrating the Holidays with
Baking Holiday Magic with Morgan Weber
From charming macarons to family traditions, The Sugary Cookie’s founder shares her recipes, memories, and the joy of giving that sweeten the season in Nashville.
Local Roots, Global Reach
Blending Nashville charm with global sophistication, CHORD Real Estate’s founders share how staying independent, and deeply personal, has become their greatest competitive edge. Featured 10 14 22
Webber,
macarons.
THE GIFT OF MEANING
This holiday season, Yearly Co. invites us to slow down and remember the meaning behind every gift. For founder Ann Williams and her team, jewelry isn’t just something beautiful to wear. It’s a way to honor life’s most special moments and the people who make them matter.
Each piece from Yearly Co. tells a story. Whether it’s marking the birth of a child, celebrating an anniversary, or honoring a personal milestone, these pieces are
meant to be worn every day and cherished for a lifetime. Crafted from solid 14k gold, every bangle and ring is made with care and intention, created to last and to carry your story forward.
Their Green Hills showroom is the heart of it all. It’s a warm, welcoming space where customers can try on jewelry, find their perfect fit, and work one-onone with the team to create something meaningful.
Celebrating the Holidays with Yearly Co.
Whether you’re choosing your very first bangle or adding to a collection built over the years, the experience feels personal from start to finish.
During the holidays, the team at Yearly Co. sees so many of their customers marking moments that mean the world to them. There’s a sense of joy in helping someone find the perfect piece that captures love, connection, and memory all at once. In every golden band and every box tied with ribbon, there’s more than a gift waiting to be opened—it’s a story to be treasured for years to come.
Every bracelet, ring, and necklace is crafted from solid 14k gold and made to be worn every day as a reminder of love, strength, and growth. Visit their Green Hills showroom to find your perfect fit and create a piece that will be cherished for generations - Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM.
Plan ahead for holiday gifting! The order deadline for many pieces is December 9th and 16th.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER KAUFMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY
From charming macarons to family traditions, The Sugary Cookie’s founder shares her recipes, memories, and the joy of giving that sweeten the season in Nashville.
Baking Holiday Magic
with Morgan Weber
Morgan Weber is spreading holiday magic not only within her family but to the locals here in the surrounding areas of Nashville. "Christmas is a time of Magic and giving to others, which is what brings me joy," says Morgan Weber, the owner and creator of The Sugary Cookie.
In her kitchen, Morgan enjoys creating adorable custom sugar cookies for baby showers, birthday parties, and even corporate events. However, Morgan has mastered the skill of the French Macaron Cookie; not to be mistaken for a Macaroon! “A Macaron and a Macaroon are two entirely different cookies”, states Morgan. “A Macaron is what you see here: two round, soft-shelled cookies made from almond
flour and with a tasty filling. A macaroon is a clustered cookie made from coconut and chocolate. Taking inspiration from her favorite bakeries in France and adding a southern flavor palette makes The Sugary Cookie unique in the world of Macarons. We asked Morgan some fun holiday questions, and here is what she shared.
BML: MORGAN, YOUR MACARONS ARE DELIGHTFUL, AND YOU’VE MENTIONED GETTING CREATIVE IN THE KITCHEN, WHICH FLAVORS ARE MOST REQUESTED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?
MW: Snow Cream made of Condensed Milk, Turtle Dove (Pecans, Salted Caramel, & Dark Chocolate), Dark Chocolate Orange, White Chocolate Peppermint, and Goat Cheese Red Cherries.
BML: WITH THE COLDER WEATHER, WE ARE ALL LEANING INTO OUR COZY DRINKS; WHAT WOULD YOU SAY PAIRS BEST WITH YOUR HOLIDAY MACARONS?
MW: Hot Dark and Rich Hot Chocolate, of course! It’s NOT a real Hot Chocolate if you use a weak cocoa powder and water! The best Hot Chocolates are made with cream and real melted chocolate. If you’re hosting, don’t skimp out on the toppings!
BML: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?
MW: My Gingerbread House Decorating Party! I go all out with every type of candy and I make sure the Houses are preassembled so the children can get straight into decorating and there are zero logistical worries. Haha.
BML: WHAT’S ONE CHRISTMAS TRADITION YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR THREE CHILDREN, AUDEN, EVERLY AND RYMAN TO PASS DOWN TO THEIR OWN FAMILIES ONE DAY?
MW: Every Christmas Eve, we watch The Santa Claus starring Tim Allen and bake sugar cookies, that’s the fun tradition, but the memorable and meaningful one is that we get the children a new ornament each year. The ornament may symbolize what they’re currently into as far as hobbies go or something that represents their personality.
CONTINUED >
“A MACARON AND A MACAROON ARE TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT COOKIES. A MACARON IS WHAT YOU SEE HERE: TWO ROUND, SOFT-SHELLED COOKIES MADE FROM ALMOND FLOUR AND WITH A TASTY FILLING.”
BML: IF SOMEBODY IS STARTING OUT MAKING SUGAR COOKIES, WHETHER IT BE FOR FUN OR AS A BUSINESS, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THEM?
MW: Icing consistencies! Don’t just go with any Royal Icing recipe; test them, taste them, and it needs to complement the cookie itself. Don’t overcomplicate your design either; start small and simple.
There’s no doubt Morgan makes phenomenal Cookies and Macarons, but now so can you. She wants our readers to know
about her Cookie and Macaron Classes. Have The Sugary Cookie come to you! Book an in-person experience with Morgan, and she will provide everything needed for a magical Holiday Cookie Decorating or Macaron Making Class at your home or venue of choice. Follow Morgan on Instagram @thesugarycookie for more info and place your Macaron orders before she sells out.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT ROLL-OUT SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Cup salted butter (cold from the fridge, cubed)
• 1 Cup granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white chocolate syrup (Ghirardelli or Torani are great options)
• 1 egg (cold from the fridge)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 cups all purpose flour (+ about 1/4 cup for the counter surface when rolling)
• 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate
• 1/2 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
“Christmas is a time of Magic and giving to others, which is what brings me joy.”
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. In the bowl of your mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth. It helps to cube the butter so it mixes more easily!
3. Beat in vanilla extract, white chocolate syrup and egg.
4. Add in the baking powder. Mix until combined.
5. Slowly add in the flour, one cup at a time, scraping down the sides if needed. The dough may look crumbly. That’s okay— continue mixing until the dough comes together. The dough will be very stiff. It should not be sticking to the sides! If it’s sticky, add a little bit more flour!
6. Add in the chopped white chocolate and Andes peppermint baking chips and mix until combined.
7. DO NOT CHILL THE DOUGH.
8. Lightly flour your work surface and take about a third of the dough and roll it to 1/4” thickness. Cut out shapes! Continue re-rolling scraps with fresh dough. (This keeps the dough from absorbing too much flour and drying out.)
9. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet until firm enough to transfer to a cooling rack.
10. Makes about 24 medium-sized (3-3.5”) cookies.
mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 12/31/25. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
Local Roots, Global Reach
Blending Nashville charm with global sophistication, CHORD Real Estate’s founders share how staying independent, and deeply personal, has become their greatest competitive edge.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY MCALISTER
In an era of mergers, mega-brands, and algorithm-driven home searches, boutique brokerages are proving that personalization still matters. We sat down with Steve Luther, Ashley Luther, and Van Hohe—the founders of CHORD Real Estate, a Music Row–based firm redefining what “concierge service” means in Nashville—to talk about staying authentic while thinking globally in today’s modern economy.
NATIONAL
FIRMS [LIKE COMPASS AND RE/MAX] DOMINATE HEADLINES. HOW DOES A BOUTIQUE BROKERAGE LIKE CHORD STAY COMPETITIVE?
Van: Scale isn’t everything. The big brands build impressive infrastructures, but they can lose touch with the nuances that make local markets thrive. We stay competitive by knowing Nashville block by block—and by customizing every client experience instead of forcing it through a corporate mold. The personal experience is key!
Ashley: We can also often move faster. Being independent means we choose the best-ofbreed tools for marketing, analytics, and client communication rather than relying on one pre-set platform. If something better comes along next week, we can integrate it immediately. That agility, when combined with personal connection, is our superpower.
WHAT DOES “LOCAL ROOTS, GLOBAL REACH” REALLY MEAN FOR CHORD?
Steve: It’s our identity. Nashville is our home base—our families, our churches, our schools are here—but our clients’ lives are increasingly international. They want to buy second homes abroad, invest internationally, or even relocate here from overseas. CHORD bridges that gap through relationships we’ve built in a number of select countries—and that list is growing!
Ashley: Through our partnership network, our listings get global exposure in cities like London, Tokyo, and Dubai. And with our crypto-certified capabilities, clients can even purchase property using blockchain transactions. We bring world-class service to a local firm— without losing the human touch.
HOW HAS CONSOLIDATION IN THE INDUSTRY AFFECTED CLIENT EXPECTATIONS?
Steve: Clients are more cautious now. They’ve seen headlines about lawsuits, commission changes, and tech disruption. They want transparency, not bureaucracy. We see that as an opportunity—people want to talk to a real person who actually understands the contract and the neighborhood, not an 800-number.
WHAT ROLE DOES TECHNOLOGY PLAY IN MAINTAINING THAT PERSONAL CONNECTION?
Van: Technology should enhance relationships, not replace them. We use it to make introductions and elevate storytelling—virtual tours, cinematic marketing, AI-powered analytics—but the goal is still connection. A home purchase is emotional. No algorithm can replicate that feeling of “this is the one.”
Steve: Exactly. Our tech gets clients in the door, but our expertise gets them home.
CHORD IS ALSO KNOWN FOR ITS COMMUNITY WORK. WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOUR BUSINESS
MODEL?
Ashley: Because Nashville built us. Supporting organizations like the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research and The Needs List Foundation was never a PR move—it’s in our DNA. It’s personal. Those relationships remind us that “home” isn’t just about property lines; it’s about people.
Van: When your business is rooted in service, giving back isn’t separate—it’s part of the rhythm. That’s what CHORD means: different notes coming together to create something harmonious.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE CHORD’S ADVANTAGE IN ONE SENTENCE?
Steve: Local trust, global sophistication.
Ashley: Agility without bureaucracy.
Van: Personal service, powered by innovation.
As Nashville continues to evolve, CHORD Real Estate proves that independence and integrity can outperform scale. Their blend of Southern hospitality and forward-thinking technology may just be the new definition of luxury.
Learn more at CHORDrealestate.com and follow along on social media @chordrealestate
About CHORD Real Estate
Nashville’s premier boutique brokerage headquartered in the famed Music Row community. Serving all of Middle Tennessee with exceptional representation, deep local connections, true global marketing reach, and an unmatched level of services for buyers, sellers and investor clientele.
“Your Real Estate Concierge” is far more than a slogan; it is the underlying mantra behind every aspect of what they do in their work to exceed expectations at every level often before such need is even realized by the client.
CHORD Real Estate represents a diverse range of clients—from Nashville buyers and sellers to international investors expanding their portfolios. With a focus on Premier, Sports, Entertainment, and International clientele, the boutique firm blends local expertise with global reach, offering personalized, concierge-level service at every step.
Dr. David McNutt & Dr. Timothy McNutt Sr.
We’re thrilled to introduce Justin Perry, FNP-BC, the newest addition to our Nashville Health Pro family. Justin is passionate about helping patients thrive at every stage of life— whether you need a trusted partner for family care, guidance on your weight loss journey, or a skilled hand for aesthetic treatments.
Justin and the Nashville Health Pro team are here to help you feel healthy, confident, and at your best.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
HEALTH. SKIN. CONFIDENCE.
915 Harpeth Valley Pl Nashville, TN (629) 888-3256 www.NashvilleHealthPro.com
Charlotte Terrell - Far Happier II
Justin Perry, FNP-BC
WINTER in a glass
HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS
SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP
A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz dark or spiced rum
• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 whole egg
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Dash of vanilla extract
Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon
Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.
Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.
FESTIVE CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ
A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.
INSTRUCTIONS:
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda
Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
BOURBON VANILLA
BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE
An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 oz bourbon
Topping: 4 large marshmallows
Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate.
Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth.
Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.
HOLIDAY SPICED GINGERBREAD LATTE
A warm, frothy, and festively spiced drink perfect for winter nights.
INGREDIENTS:
For the latte:
• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup
• Whipped cream
For the gingerbread syrup:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional toppings:
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
• Marshmallow
• Crushed gingerbread cookie around the rim or on top
INSTRUCTIONS:
Make the gingerbread syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the drink:
Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Heat and froth your milk. In your glass, add 2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup. Pour in the espresso, then the steamed milk, stirring gently to combine. Spoon frothed milk or whipped cream on top. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Optional: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra flair.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER KAUFMAN
Gifts That Last a Lifetime
This holiday season, give a gift that endures. For nearly 50 years, Bennett Galleries Nashville has been the community’s trusted destination for exceptional art and custom framing. The gallery features a wide range of original works from handcrafted stocking stuffers by local artists ($30–$65) to striking collector’s pieces by nationally recognized names. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, a ready-made frame (starting around $20) for a cherished photo, or museum-quality custom framing to preserve memories for generations, we have something for everyone. Our team takes pride in helping you find art that inspires and lasts a lifetime. And if you’re not sure where to begin, Bennett Galleries gift cards make the perfect choice for the art lovers in your life. Visit us in Green Hills and experience why Nashville has trusted Bennett Galleries since 1978 for fine art, framing, and meaningful gifts that stand the test of time.
Discover Art, Framing, and Timeless Treasures at Bennett Galleries
Department Boutique
CURATED FINE JEWELRY, FRAGRANCE & LUXE HOME FINDS IN NASHVILLE
1. ESTABLISHEDSIGNATURE EVIL EYE BRACELET
Evil Eye Bracelet Crafted with White, Blue and Black Diamonds on a 7 inch 18k Gold Full Diamond BandWhite or Rose Gold Option
3. ESTABLISHED - LARGE DIAMOND HEART TATTOO NECKLACE MOM
18k Classic “Mom” Tattoo Pendant Necklace with Diamonds on 22’’ Upgraded Chain
4. REGIME DES FLEURSLITTLE FLOWER
A collaboration with film and fashion icon Chloë Sevigny, Little Flower is Régime des Fleurs’ take on Sevigny’s favorite bloom—the rose. Juicy, romantic, layered floral and citrus elements
6. JADE RUZZOGILDA STICK BRACELET TURQUOISE
The Gilda Stick Chain Bracelet distills the essence of the original necklace into a more intimate form. 18-karat gold tube links for a rhythm that feels both fluid and architectural.
- Owner of DepartmentNashville
2. LUCY DELIUS - HEART HUGGY - RUBY
Pair of signature Victorian set pavé ruby heart hoops. Antique finish black rhodium plating
5. AKUAAUGUSTA GLASS
Mouth-blown and handmade Venetian Glassware
small gift. A big difference. Give today! athletic shoes. Help them step Brand new shoes!
A $20 monthly gift gives a child experiencing homelessness in Middle TN a new pair of athletic shoes. Help them step into the holiday season with comfort and joy!
