Fortunate is a word which often comes to mind regarding my work/love relationship with my clients.  It’s wonderful to know so many of my design clients have become dear friends.

Four years ago we were invited to a dinner in a client’s home.  I sat by my client’s new next door neighbor and across the table from his wife.  Last night (several design projects later) we enjoyed dinner in their home.  Not just any dinner but a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs wine dinner. Some time ago they called to say they’d been asked to host a Society Dinner and needed my help.  I was happy to help with designing the event layout, tablescapes and fresh florals around the house.  However, not being a member of the society I never thought we would get to enjoy the dinner.  Luckily a couple cancelled at the last minute, we were invited to be guests of the society and “a good time was had by all”…especially us.

Before we get to the dinner here’s a peek at their fabulous home featured in Memphis Magazine.  They did a total gut and start over on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi.  The worked guided by Master Craftsman Tommy Young has details on the details.

Their international travels have garnered them an art collection of museum quality. Early on in our relationship they asked my advice on art for a specific area.  Their collection of canvas pieces was already prolific so I suggested the three-dimensional work of Memphis artist Wayne Edge.  Not only did they find one piece they liked but two.

This piece in the office offers organic drama while the natural elements help maintain a Zen atmosphere.

The next project was a dining room makeover.

This inviting ambience began with a reclaimed wood piece the client found at South Front Architectural Antiques.  We used that as the focal of the room adding a custom steel base by Jerry Couillard and a glass top by Glassical.  Phillip Jeffries silk wallcovering, Hickory Chair seating and Robert Allen draperies completed the makeover.

From there we moved on to the living space.

Originally this space was beautiful to look at. However, the client found they weren’t comfortable living in it.  After a completely re-worked space plan, a combination of  new pieces by Henredon, Hickory Chair and Pearson and re-purposed upholstered items finished in Fabricut wovens the clients find themselves using the space very comfortably.

This and that…

The music room, golf simulator suite and the game room got a bit of Tim Magic, as well.  New seating, occasional pieces and a Parson’s Table bar are helping these rooms be more functional and enjoyable.

Moving on to the wine dinner.  We were excited to find the home is very versatile with regards to everyday living as well as large scale entertaining.

We seated 28 guests at two 6′ and two 8′ tables. To ensure the ambience of the space and focus on the dinner we used black linens and antique white chiavari chairs. The tables were accented with bronze gilded fatsia and chalk paint dipped Casperita pumpkins pinned with gerbera daisies and kermit poms. The dinner, catered by Chef Cullen Kent played beautifully in the space and allowed for intimacy at each of the four tables while also feeling like a cohesive event.

First Course…Ceviche Martini with Bloody Mary Gazpacho

Paired with…Pouilly-Fuissé, Marie Antoinette, 2015

Second Course…Honey and Thyme Lacquered Duck Leg with Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Caramelized Clementines

Paired with…Eagle’s Trace Pinot Noir, Valhalla Vineyards, 2012

 

Third Course…Charred Beef Shortribs with Pommes Croquette and Housemade Worcestershire

Paired with…Château Gloria Saint-Julien, 2003

And for many…the showstopper of the evening…Caramel Croissant Diplomat with Caramel Gelato

Bacco 12 year old Rum

Yes, I’m exceedingly fortunate…

Good clients, Great friends,

The house was lovely

A good time was had by all.