every other year, a devoted, creative committee throws a beautiful dinner & dance to benefit the james knox polk home near mr. jones’s hometown. it’s always the most fun, special night, simply known as “the polk”. (and if i had a dollar for each time my memphis friends ask why we enjoy a “polka party” so much, i’d be wearing couture to the next one!)
the venue changes each time, rotating among maury county‘s many incredible historic homes. during cocktail hour, a tour is given of the house (accompanied by appropriate music, of course.) lovely eva james & don crichton opened their gorgeous bethel place for this year’s event.
the festivities then move out to the lawn into a series of tents…the auction begins, dinner is served, the (non-polka) band tunes up, and the party is on.
besides the setting, the details and decor are unfailingly gorgeous. this year, the theme/look/vibe of the event was derived from some old photographs (daguerreotypes?) of president and mrs. polk…yummy browns and sepia tones were everywhere…
…along with copper and mercury glass, and white roses and hydrangeas.
the clever ladies on the committee commissioned these tool-boxes to use as centerpieces from local amish carpenters:
they were emblazoned with president polk’s signature.
my super-lovely sister-in-law is in negotiations with mr. yoder to have some unfinished, paint-able ones made for us to carry at the studio…what do you think?