A volunteer works on a bow for the decorations in the Cheekwood Mansion.
Featured Image above: A designer works on decorations in the Cheekwood Mansion.
Behind the closed doors of the Historic Mansion and Museum at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a flurry of activity.
During the weeks leading up to the opening of the holiday festival, stacks of cardboard boxes packed with carefully selected ornaments, ribbons and trimmings fill every period room in the Mansion and flood into hallways.
A dream team of florists and volunteers – including Jim Marvin, legendary White House designer and creator of the Jim Marvin Collection – traveled from across the world to spend about a week in Nashville and bring a little extra flower power to former White House florist Laura Dowling’s vision for festive holiday decorations in the Mansion.
Robbie Honey made the trek from London, Mandy Barkley and Ace Berry came from Texas, Anje Williams and David Parker made the trip from Louisiana, Bridget Joslin flew in from Arkansas, Sheri Dilley from Ohio and Ken Proctor traveled from Florida.
“We’ve been like kids in a candy store,” said Robbie Honey. “Opening up boxes and looking at different directions and bringing to life Laura’s designs. I hope the work will inspire a sense of wonder and joy.”
“Even though there are long days, you still have a great time, and you meet new people and create new relationships and learn new things about people from all across the world,” added Anje Williams.
Members of the team met Dowling at various speaking engagements, symposiums and conferences through the years and some worked with her when she was the Chief Floral Designer for the White House from 2009-2015. When Dowling invited them to assist with transforming nine spaces inside the Cheekwood Mansion, they all instantly said yes.
“It’s an opportunity that no florist in their right mind would resist,” said Mandy Barkley.
With a theme of “Gifts of the Garden” Dowling’s handcrafted holiday décor will celebrate the rich history and beauty at Cheekwood and prominently feature ornaments designed by the man behind decades of White House holiday celebrations, Nashville resident Jim Marvin.
“This is a very special place,” said Marvin, who worked as a floral designer in the White House from 1996 to 2019. “We have great opportunities to do things all over the country, but when I got the chance to come back home, I thought it was really spectacular.”
Each designer and volunteer on Dowling’s team brings a different skillset and background to the project.
Ken Proctor was an elementary school principal for 30 years, and after he retired, he turned his attention to his passion for floral design.
Ace Berry previously worked in a Texas oil field before embracing his interest in flowers. He was also the runner-up on the floral competition reality show “Full Bloom,” on HBO Max in 2020.
Anje Williams turned her love of flowers into a second career after working in accounting for years.
A volunteer works on decorations in the Cheekwood Mansion.
Jim Marvin, legendary White House designer and creator of the Jim Marvin Collection, shows off decorations in the Cheekwood Mansion.
Sheri Dilley said her job with the USA Today Network prepared her to handle the logistics of the design project.
“Basically, what I am doing is getting every room prepared for the designers to be able to come in and immediately start decorating,” said Dilley. “That means taking thousands of ornaments and ribbons and foliage and unpacking it and working with the volunteer team to get everything set up.”
Each designer’s passion for the project and attention to detail is palpable. The newly formed flower family gelled instantly, and the process of bedecking the Mansion with holiday cheer has been filled with collaboration and camaraderie.
“When it is a big install like this, you have to be willing to do whatever,” said Berry. “There will be times you will get pulled for this or that, and you have to be willing to roll with anything and switch gears instantly.”
While there is still more work to be done, as colorful wreaths begin to take shape and ornaments and ribbons adorn trees, excitement continues to build. The designers can’t wait for guests to come to Cheekwood to see the finished product.
“I think they are going to be completely blown away by what they see,” said Proctor. “I hope it keeps them coming back to Cheekwood, which is an amazing property.”
“I think the initial reaction will be awe,” said David Parker. “But what I hope they get out of this is really digging into these installations and absorbing the layers and layers of décor. Each design tells a story.”
“I want everyone who comes to Cheekwood to feel inspired,” said Bridget Joslin. “I hope they take away ideas to decorate their own homes.”
“I think they will be enlightened by the colors,” said Jim Marvin. “They won’t want to miss it!”
Guests are welcome to tour the Mansion during the day or in the evening during Holiday LIGHTS. Holiday LIGHTS opens on November 22 and runs until January 5, 2025.
Jim Marvin, legendary White House designer and creator of the Jim Marvin Collection works on decorations in the Cheekwood Mansion.
