The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville isn't your grandmother's garden party-though she'd certainly have a blast. Complete with renowned designers, live music and even a Bourbon Party, 24th annual event taking place February 7-9 beckons attendees to take a break from the bleak chill of February and immerse themselves in a series of decadent indoor gardens and an overflow of fine antiques.
Each year, five regionally, nationally or even internationally renowned designers are recruited for the task of creating five exquisite gardens. Each one brings more than nature into the immense halls of the brand new Music City Center-the event's location in downtown Nashville-they also bring a hint of fantasy to the art of gardening. "They're one of our huge draws every year," says event co-chair Vee Vee Scott, adding that designers began making their plans as far back as summer to prepare for the show. "They basically build a complete living garden," Scott continues. "Twenty to 30-foot trees, stone walls, reflecting pools and ponds. It's the real deal." Previous shows' gardens have featured Italian villas, exotic animals formed from shrubbery and life-size somersaulting human forms created out of foliage. The designers have free reign over their projects, says Scott, adding, "It's a surprise even for us to see what they have created."
Select items on the show's schedule actually take place within the gardens, such as live music that's planned for Saturday evening. "We wanted all of our gardens this year to be interactive," explains Scott. A Bourbon Party, new to the show's repertoire, combines the best in Southern food, gardens and entertaining (and don't forget the bourbon) on Friday night. Award-winning designer Jon Carloftis will demonstrate his expertise on outdoor entertaining at the party while the acclaimed Canal House chefs pass hors d' oeuvres around the room. The Canal House team has published an eight-volume seasonal cookbook and, most recently, Canal House Cooks Every Day.
The indoor gardens and events are undoubtedly eye-catching, but don't forget about the antiques. Approximately 150 vendors are scheduled to display their wares during the three-day event. The show features two types of vendors: true antique sellers and those that fall under the "horticulture" category. These vendors sell everything from orchids to outdoor patio furniture to reclaimed lumber- everything needed and more to plan your spring garden.
When Scott, along with co-chair Mindy Jacoway, tries to describe the types of true antiques that come through the show's doors, both are overwhelmed. "There's so many lovely things," says Scott, describing sightings of rare vintage jewelry, collector's sporting equipment and even unique board games. "We love to visit Chattanooga, so I hope Chattanooga loves to visit us," Scott says. "It's going to be a lot of fun, and visitors will definitely be inspired."
Do it like Downton
The star of the show and keynote speaker is sure to attract a crowd. The Right Honorable Countess Lady Fiona Carnarvon is the mistress of Highclere Castle in the United Kingdom, though Masterpiece Classic fans likely know the castle by the name Downton Abby. Lady Carnarvon will enlighten listeners with her experiences at the hit show's location and more. "She's a historian and author; she's a perfect match for our show," says co-chair Mindy Jacoway. "I think she'll bring a lot of history of Highclere Castle, which has absolutely gorgeous, stunning gardens and fabulous antiques."
Find out more
For more information on the Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville, all of the featured designers as well as how to plan your trip, visit antiquesandgardenshow.com.
The Main Events:
Thursday, February 6
• 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Preview Party Guests can enjoy a first look at the show while mixing and mingling with friends. Tickets to the preview party can be purchased for $200.
Friday, February 7
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Show open
• 11:30 a.m.: Keynote Lecture with Lady Carnarvon Tickets to the keynote lecture can be purchased for $50.
• 6-8 p.m.: A Bourbon Party: Bourbon + Southern Food + Gardens = Modern Entertaining Tickets to this party can be purchased for $50.
Saturday, February 8
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Show open
• 1-2 p.m.: Designer Panel Lecture Featuring Alexa Hampton as moderator, Jennifer Boles, Mario Buatta and Nina Campbell. Followed by book signing with all designers. Tickets to the designer panel lecture can be purchased for $50.
• 4-7 p.m.: Music in the Gardens Sunday, February 9
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Show open
• 1 p.m.: Finer Things in Life - the Southern Way: A Lecture on Gardens, Lifestyles and Entertaining Featuring Jon Carloftis and the Canal House Cooking authors; followed by book signing. Tickets to this lecture can be purchased for $25.