Swan Ball patrons express thanks for the Nashville community

Blessed

Published On: June 22, 2010

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The night was blessed. More importantly, the people felt blessed to be safe and in the company of friends and family at Linde and Blair Wilson’s home, where a reflective respect for Nashville’s flood tempered moods throughout the Swan Ball patrons party. While lovely in every respect, co-chairs Trish Frist, Jean Bottorff and Lucianne Wilt were mindful that camaraderie, not extravagance, were in order this evening.

After all, everyone had been touched by the devastation wrought by Mother Nature. Take Ilex’s Joe Smith, who designed the arrangements for the evening. The Belle Meade Plaza-based floral shop had lost much of its store—including the flowers that had been ordered for the event. With typical aplomb, Joe and crew pulled a rabbit out of the hat, designing a fabulous Chihuly-inspired chandelier and striking arrangements atop the vibrantly colored tables. Hand-blown blue orb-shaped crystals were laden with blue Delphinium; orange orbs sprouted lively Lilies, Dahlias and roses; red vessels contained happy, cherry-red Peonies. Between the Chihuly and nature’s bounty, the party was a perfect reflection of what Cheekwood offers the community.

While guests caught up with flood reports and such (Kelley Beaman had to cancel Lee’s surprise birthday party—scheduled in the midst of the flooding; Tommy and Trish had just returned from Istanbul), others admired the Landrigan’s stunning jewelry. Then, the bell rang for dinner and Party Time Services/Something Special’s Frances Pilkington pulled out all the stops. Baby spinach, Arugula and Bibb lettuce salad with steamed asparagus and country ham was accompanied by Mer Soleil Chardonnay and WH Smith Pinot Noir. Grilled quail with black cherry sauce, potatoes au gratin, tomatoes and yellow squash tasted delicious and mirrored the vibrant colors soon to be on display at Cheekwood. For dessert, a beautiful swan-shaped pastry floating in Jack Daniel’s Zabaglione held lemon mousse and fresh berries.

While this tranquil evening unfolded, the sweet strains of Russell Davis and 88 Grand Jazz Trio played gently in the background. The night was cool. The rain had stopped. And for a moment, all seemed right with the world. EN

—photographs by eric england