Sparkling Settings Spreads Holiday Cheer with Charming Tablescapes

A full house of holiday revelers gathered to admire the range of festive tables and décor at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for the 20th anniversary of the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee’s Sparkling Settings. 

Well-loved chairs mean a robust crowd. Co-chairs Murray Clayton and Gloria Houghland began planning in July, and it showed. The event drew friends of all ages, including special guest Jim Marvin, who decorates the White House for all seasons. Many who’ve attended this event for decades were agog at the tabletop displays — naturally, so were the first-timers. 

Celebrating the season, guests donned Christmas red and fir-tree green, while others opted for winter white. Perhaps following the cues of the event title, jackets and sweaters with tasteful spangles and sequins glittered, reflecting the lights of Botanic Hall while Santa (pianist John Starbuck) played familiar holiday tunes, as sweet and spicy as gingerbread.

Guests wove between the tables comparing the themed centerpieces, linen and décor. Each table hostess interpreted a theme — red-and-green plaid, heirloom silver, elegant black. The Wild Animal table was a standout. Elsewhere, a dreamy rotating carousel, quietly playing a holiday repertoire, was straight out of Babes in Toyland. 

Other themes included Merry Mah Jong, the Hunt, blue chinoiserie, and Wild About Christmas, which was all silver flatware and embroidered linens. The co-chairs took a moment to thank those who’d contributed to the event and the many who attended. Gloria added, “If you’re ever asked to chair something with Murray Clayton, do it. She can make anything happen!” Murray returned the compliment, of course. The two of them are a creative force for a fun and sophisticated event — emphasis on fun.

A generous buffet from Chef’s Market included crisp red- and green-leaf lettuce salad, chicken breasts, and passed chocolate truffles for a sweet finale. Santa’s sleigh might have floated through as spirits were high. And Sparkling Settings greeted the occasion with a spritz of Christmas magic.