IF YOU LIKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES …

Image:  Chris Hardy on Unsplash

Come to St. Nicky’s Cookie Party and let the kids have all the fun of decorating fresh-baked Christmas cookies while you relax and enjoy a beverage—hot cocoa or a festive holiday cocktail. Bonus: somebody else cleans up all the mess! Sunday, December 17 from 12:30 – 2:30pm CST at Nicky’s Coal Fired, 5026 Centennial Boulevard Nashville, TN 37209. Kid’s Ticket includes cookies & decorating, gift bag decorating station, & complimentary hot cocoa. Adult Ticket includes complimentary hot cocoa & two drink tickets for beverages of your choice. Get your tickets.

IF YOU LOVE ELVIS…

Image:  Nashville Elvis Festival

You won’t have a Blue Christmas at the 6th annual Christmas with the King: A Holiday Tribute to Elvis. A Franklin tradition, this special 2-hour show features world champion Elvis tribute artist Cote Deonath, backed by the Infinit-E Tribute Band—the premiere Elvis tribute backing band and the official house band of Nashville Elvis Festival. Costume changes, a visit from Santa, and some Elvis Christmas classics…what’s not to love? December 16 & 17 at the Franklin Theatre. Tickets and info here.

IF YOU WANT TO VISIT THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE…

Image:  TN.gov

You’re invited to experience the magic of the holiday season with a tour of the Tennessee Residence, all decorated for Christmas. “This year’s décor theme,” First Lady Maria Lee says, ‘Heaven and Nature Sing,’ will portray the larger-than-life magic we experience in the delight and merriment of the holiday season, the beauty of Tennessee’s natural landscapes, and the joy of the coming of Christ and the salvation of the world.” The Tennessee Residence will be open to the public for tours Thursday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 10. Tours are free of charge, and reservations are required. Make your reservation here.

IF YOU ENJOY CHRISTMAS-THEMED POP-UP BARS…

Image:  Candy Cane Jane’s at Jane’s Hideaway

And who doesn’t? With fun themes ranging from Elf to Harry Potter, A Christmas Story, and so much more, you can celebrate your favorite things about the season with entertainment, themed cocktails and a lot of fun. Choose from the 10 pop-up bars highlighted here or make plans to visit them all. Have a merry time but please drink responsibly.

See the The Tennessean’s list and plan your outing.

IF YOU WANT TO HAVE YOURSELF A SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS…

Image:  Nashville Nightmare Before Christmas

You better watch out. You better not cry. Nashville Nightmare Before Christmas has swapped pumpkins for Christmas lights and zombies for evil elves. Trade your Christmas cheers for Christmas fears and celebrate(?) the holiday in this Christmas-themed immersive haunted house. Don’t forget to take a photo with Krampus! Get your tickets (if you dare).

Speaking of Krampus, if you want to know more about the grimmer yuletide traditions, join Middle Tennessee State lecturer Cory Thomas Hutcheson for Profs & Pints Nashville:  They See You When You’re Sleeping on Wednesday, 12/20. Dr. Hutcheson will introduce you to the roving Christmas witch La Befana, Krampus (of course) as well as the grumpy Belsnickel of Pennsylvania and Iceland’s Christmas Cat, which grows chonk from the consumption of unlucky people. Learn more.

IF YOU PREFER TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS SHOWS AND EVENTS…

Image:  Mike Arney on Unsplash

Nashville Life has you covered. Check out their Upcoming Holiday Events Calendar for info on everything from where to meet Santa and see lights, to holiday festivals and bazaars, concerts, parties and parades. See? There really is something for everyone.

Happy holidays, y’all!

The post HOLIDAY FUN FOR EVERYONE IN MIDDLE TN    appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

HUMPHREYS STREET

Image: Humphreys Street

Enjoy a great cup of joe and support students with every sip. Every cup of Humphreys Street coffee you drink is hand crafted with care by a staff of students in South Nashville. 100% of their profits are reinvested into programs and scholarships that support the students.

When a local teen applies for and receives a job at Humphreys Street, they are trained in the art of roasting coffee and creating handcrafted body products and are given the opportunity to earn money in a neighborhood where few positive economic opportunities exist. Humphreys Street employs 16 teens per year and generates revenue that is poured directly back into the community and the students they serve. Humphreys Street is a social enterprise of Harvest Hands CDC.

Where to shop:  Visit the Coffee Shop at 424 Humphreys Street, Nashville, TN 37203 or order online.

NASHVILLE ARTISTS COLLECTIVE

18 X 24 Oil on Canvas by Jeremy Fowler available here. Image: Nashville Artist Collective

Gift a piece of original art, support a local artist, and help women and children in Tennessee all at the same time. The Nashville Artist Collective is an online gallery that provides a platform for local artists to grow their potential and to provide collectors, young or experienced, access to affordable original art.  

Believing that “It is important to our group as local artists and community members to contribute back to our community” the Collective is committed to giving a portion of sales to a specified charity. In December, the beneficiary is Advocates for Women’s and Kids’ Equality (AWAKE), a grassroots nonprofit organization with a mission to advocate for the advancement of women and kids in Tennessee.

Where to shop:   438 Melrose Avenue, Nashville, TN 37211 or online at Nashville Artist Collective.

BUTTERMILK SKY PIE

Image: Buttermilk Sky Pie

Giving and giving back is extra sweet at Buttermilk Sky Pie. Winner of the Cooking Channel’s Sugar Showdown, Buttermilk Sky Pie has a classic pie menu based on memories of the founders’ grandmothers’ specialties. Pies come in 9-inch, 4-inch and 2-inch sizes (which would fit neatly into a stocking, don’t you think?).

Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop considers it a privilege to give back. Each month, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of one of their pies is donated to a special organization in the communities where they are located. Check out their Holiday Gift Guide.

Where to shop:  Pick up a pie at 5050 Carothers Parkway Suite 104, Franklin, TN 37067, get it delivered or have it shipped!

THISTLE FARMS

Image: Thistle Farms

Thistle Farms offers candles, body products, essential oils, jewelry, apparel, household textiles and more handcrafted by women survivors in Nashville, TN and around the world.

Thistle Farms is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. They provide a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and a lifelong sisterhood of support. With each purchase, you help these women live a life they never thought possible.

Where to shop:  Stop by their West Nashville shop and enjoy lunch at the café at 5122 Charlotte Pike​, Nashville, TN 37209 or check out their online store for gift sets, seasonal scents and more. 

THE RUSSELL

Image: The Russell

Book a stay at The Russell and help change lives. Formerly a historic (1904) church, The Russell has 23 rooms decked out with original stained-glass windows, exposed brick walls, and pews converted into headboards. Located in historic East Nashville, The Russell is a 5-minute walk to Five Points and some of the best local restaurants, coffee shops, concert venues, and boutique shops in town. Staycation, anyone?

You and the lucky person who receives this gift can both sleep soundly knowing a percentage of each night’s stay goes to local nonprofits that help those experiencing homelessness in Nashville The average weekend stay provides either 16 nights in a bed, 100 free showers or 30 free meals. Since 2016, The Russell has provided over 16,000 beds and meals through their charity partners.

Where to shop:  Gift certificates available here or by calling 615-861-9535. The Russell is located at 819 Russell St., Nashville TN 37206. 

The post GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK IN MIDDLE TN appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

1. PARTY ON THE PLAZA

On Friday, May 27, enjoy free live music from Kimi Most, an outdoor bar, and special giveaways on the PNC Plaza outside the Ryman. This is where music-lovers come to kick off the weekend and celebrate the soul of Nashville. For even more great music, get a ticket for the Bonnie Raitt show inside the Ryman after the party. Info and tickets here.

2. TENNESSEE STATE MUSEUM

Experience Tennessee history, art, and culture at the (free!) Tennessee State Museum on the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.  Hours:  Tuesday-Saturday: 10 – 5; Sunday: 1 – 5. Learn more.

If you time your visit right, after you finish at the museum you can stroll across the parking lot to…

3. NASHVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET

Find fresh produce, artisanal food, restaurants, shops and crafts at the year-round Nashville farmers’ market. Night Market occurs on the fourth Friday of every month, 6–9 p.m. and yes, Memorial Day weekend starts on the fourth Friday of May. Details here.

4. MEMORIAL DAY DASH

Run the most historic 5k in Nashville with the 22nd annual Memorial Day Dash!  Hosted by the Nashville City Cemetery Association and the Metro Historical Commission, the course features some of the most historic places and scenic views in the city. Be sure to wear your most patriotic themed-costumes to win prizes at the end. Sign up here.

5. TOUR A BATTLEFIELD

If running isn’t your thing, how about a 90-minute guided walk through history on the site of the Battle of Franklin, one of the most dramatic events of the Civil War? While you’re in the area, visit the Carter House  to hear the story of Capt. Tod Carter, who grew up in the house and was mortally wounded in battle (additional ticket required). Battlefield tour not recommended for children. Tickets and info here.

6. NEW MOON KAYAK FLOAT

Here’s a lovely way to end a holiday: a New Moon Kayak Float around Couchville Lake. All equipment (life jacket, paddle, kayak, and glow sticks) will be provided, but you are more than welcome to bring your own. Paddlers will learn about the history of Couchville and Percy Priest Lakes, call for owls, and discuss some of the constellations you may find, even this close to Nashville! May 30, 8-10 pm, Long Hunter State Park. Details here.

Whatever you do to celebrate this Memorial Day, stay safe and have a wonderful time!

The post 6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY 2022 IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

1. SIGHT

You know what they say: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So make sure your guests feel welcome the moment they arrive at your door. Sweep away the cobwebs, put out a pretty doormat and hang a wreath. While you’re at it, how about giving your front door a fresh coat of paint? See ideas in Enhance Your Curb Appeal With One Weekend Project.

2. SCENT

Now that your place looks fantastic, close your eyes and breathe in. What do you smell? It goes without saying that you want your place to smell nice, but as aromatherapy practitioners tell us, the right scent can affect your mood and wellbeing. There are so many options for adding seasonal scents—candles, wax warmers, plug-ins, sprays—that you should have no trouble finding one to suit your taste and budget. Go easy, though—too much of a good thing can be, well, too much.

3. TOUCH

Not only does decorating with a variety of textures add interest, it can really change the feel of a room. Adding a comfy throw, a variety of pillows (like these cute sweater-knit ones), or a textured rug can make your space feel warm and cozy.

4. SOUND

If you’re having people over, music helps fills the gaps and keep silences from getting awkward. Keep it on the softer side if conversation is your goal, but if you’re having a dance party—or you just want to belt out your favorite tunes all by yourself—feel free to crank up the volume. (Just be kind to your neighbors and don’t keep it too loud too late.)

5. TASTE

If you’re entertaining, of course you’ll keep your guests in mind when planning your menu. Everyone needs something they can enjoy, whether it’s gluten-free, vegan, or good ol’ southern-fried goodness. But even if you’re the only one at the table (or sofa) and your cuisine is takeout, savor every bite.  After all, you only have to look, listen, breathe, and feel to know that you have excellent taste.

Have a sense-sational holiday season!

The post MAKE YOUR HOME SENSE-ATIONAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.