For many, the joy of hosting is deeply rooted in family. Fashion and Interior Stylist, Meade Carlisle, is a passionate hostess inspired by her upbringing, where floral arrangements and family heirlooms play a significant role in creating memorable events.
Reflecting on her childhood, she shares, "Growing up, I always loved watching my mother and grandmother create arrangements for parties and family gatherings." Although she admits, "I may not be as florally gifted as them," she has absorbed countless tricks over the years. "I have always been drawn to purple flowers. I started there with a palette and incorporated fruits and vegetables to highlight 'nature's bounty' for this time of year."
Her table is a blend of beauty and nostalgia, featuring a mix of family heirlooms and her wedding china. "The home I live in was actually my maternal grandparents', Phil and Dorothy Brodnax," she explains. Living in a space filled with childhood memories, she treasures her wedding china, crafted by the late designer Alberto Pinto. "I love the Chinoiserie design and how it includes silver and gold," she adds. The chargers and glassware were wedding gifts from Social and Babcock Gifts. The place settings are complemented by her mother's silverware and placemats, as well as her paternal grandmother's tea set gracing the buffet.
When hosting formal meals, she employs a key styling trick: keeping table arrangements low. "I try to keep the table arrangements low so they don't block conversation or take away from the beautiful chandelier," she advises. This chandelier, a cherished piece from her grandparents' family business, Brodnax Jewelers, adds a touch of elegance and sentimentality to her dining room. "My grandparents brought it with them when they moved to Memphis in the 1970s," she notes.
As Thanksgiving approaches, she focuses on creating a cozy atmosphere that reflects the season. She extends the tablescape florals and décor to the front entry, fireplace and sitting areas in the home, creating a cohesive mood. "As you enter our home, there's a wonderful Rumford fireplace that warms the whole space," she describes, adding that the evening begins with champagne by the fire before transitioning to dinner in the dining room.
For more everyday affairs, she still pulls out the "good stuff" and dresses the table. The menu for her gatherings often revolves around her husband, Thomas, who Meade claims is the 'real cook' in the family and a self-proclaimed grill master. "I love pairing more casual meals, like burgers, with a formal setting using our china," she shares, relishing the unexpected contrast this creates.
When it comes to dessert, she has a family favorite that has become legendary among friends: her mother's chocolate chip cookies. "At the end of every meal, people are always hoping for 'Shelley cookies," she laughs, explaining how they pair perfectly with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Her hosting philosophy is simple: "I always remind myself not to overthink things. It's important to have fun, and if I'm at ease, my guests will be too!"
Colin Chapman is a creative catalyst in Memphis. With a background in interior design, fashion and creative directing, he is the marketing manager for Joseph Stores. Also, he teaches in the Art department at the University of Memphis in the Fashion program.
His hosting advice starts with the ambience. "Set the scene! Create a vibe! Have music playing. Dim the lighting or turn on your lamps to create a glow. Have a batchable drink ready to serve guests."
"I absolutely love hosting at my home. I moved out from my parents' house last year and have taken tips and tricks from my mom," he says.
This season, Colin is preparing for a festive Friendsgiving with close friends Jayla, Carl and Rian. "I love to host all types of events, but the intimate ones are my favorite because I can really focus on my guests and live in the moment," he expresses.
Colin shares his philosophy on incorporating special touches into his events, emphasizing the importance of a signature cocktail. "I love a signature cocktail for any event I host. This holiday season, I'm doing a Spiked Candy Apple Cider," he says. His recipe combines 4 oz of apple cider and 2 oz of bourbon, topped with ice and garnished with a bruléed apple slice.
And creating that ambiance? The art in his dining room immediately creates a sense of place. The portraits from Memphis artist Frances Berry Moreno add the illusion of more guests and a real party.
When it comes to florals, Colin says, "Yes to florals, always!" A modern centerpiece from florist TCB & Co. is both soft and striking. "I start from the middle out on everything. My statement piece will always be placed first, and then I work around it," he notes. He adds playful touches like corn husks as place cards while mixing gold faux fruit with fresh plums, pomegranates, pears and apples around the table.
"It's just like getting dressed. You want to mix pattern and texture and have a thoughtful approach to color," he encourages.
For table settings, Colin prefers vintage pieces, sourcing his glassware and dinnerware from Kris at Vintage Modern Memphis. "She is responsible for all of my vintage glassware and dinnerware," he emphasizes.
"I always call upon our local businesses. Feast & Graze completes any table for luxury grazing. And 17 Berkshire for sweets – they'll work with you to create the perfect dessert for your event," Colin advises.
As he continues to experiment with table settings and hosting, Colin pulls from fashion, art and design to create inspirational affairs. "It's really about conversation, connection and celebration," he says smiling.
Lucia Heros invites us into her world of entertaining, sharing her inspirations for hosting an intimate, Italian-inspired ladies' holiday luncheon.
The portrait of her namesake, her beloved Nonna Lucia, serves as a muse for the gathering. "This little dining nook feels very whimsical," she adds. "And a better setting for the occasion than the formal dining room."
Lucia's table harmoniously blends the old and new, featuring her grandmother's silverware, delicate place card holders and petite antique cordial glasses. "I prefer serving wine for a ladies' lunch in these smaller glasses," she explains. To enhance the magical ambiance, she incorporates crystals with personal significance and other delicate décor pieces like silver salt cellars and small pieces of art.
"I love table dressing that gives you something tactile and interesting," she shares. "It serves as conversation pieces that add to the experience."
Lucia enjoys experimenting with her tableware, styling and stacking plates that don't necessarily match. "Sometimes making a mess leads to a brighter and better idea, so pull out all the options and start editing until you have something that feels authentically you," she notes. "I always want to bring out my finer porcelain and ceramics and blend them with more casual pieces."
"Florals are always a splurge for me," Lucia reveals, naming LeFleur as her go-to for fanciful and everyday arrangements. The tiny vases that adorn her table also double as take-home gifts for her guests.
Lucia emphasizes the thrill of sourcing unique pieces for her gatherings. "I appreciate diving into a good estate sale for special finds and source locally from Stovall Collection for pretty papers," she shares. She also explores antique shops and online platforms like Etsy and 1stDibs. "If a piece speaks to me, I usually buy it, knowing I will instinctively find a way to incorporate it into my home."
Her meticulous organization shines through in her "entertaining closet," where she curates items for future gatherings. "I love to open those doors and start plotting!" she exclaims.
Walking through her garden is another source of inspiration for Lucia. "Whatever you are growing is certainly worth showcasing!" she notes, mentioning how she incorporates fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme into her meals or anything fresh to the table decor.
"Adding extra little elements to your entertaining—like lemon slices on your glass or fresh herbs as a garnish—is an effort worth making," she advises. From special flavored butter to pretty ice cubes, Lucia believes that these details elevate home entertaining beyond the restaurant experience.
Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone for Lucia. "Peruse Spotify and find an interesting playlist for the occasion," she suggests. Starting with mellow tunes, she recommends picking up the energy as guests enjoy their second drink. "In the evening, just please keep dimming the lights!" she adds, emphasizing the importance of atmosphere.
As the conversation flows and the laughter fills the air, Lucia reminds us that making a beautiful tablescape is an opportunity to create a scene and gift your guests with your own creativity and style.