For Keith Smythe Meacham and her family, theres nothing more meaningful than spending the holiday in the mountains.
And while she didn’t fall for the school, she did for the guide.
“I had this itch to move back to the South,” she says.
The living room hearth in this 1930s Sewanee home makes a cozy place to relax after the meal.Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
“But Jon was working at Newsweek, so it wasn’t in the cards right away.”
Summers in Sewanee proved to be a happy compromise.
They later bought a handsome Georgian Revival home on campus.
Keith her sister May.Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
“This is really the home where our children have grown up.
“It’s a good division of labor.”
The Dish on Dinnerware
“I love collecting porcelain.
Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
At this time of year, she tends to keep things classic, opting for her Spode Woodland pattern.
But she still leans into the less expected pieces.
“I have the dogs, the rabbits, and the deer,” she says.
Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
“I like to go with unusual animals at Thanksgivingnot just theturkeys.”
During the summertime, it serves as both a sleeping porch and the family’s main gathering space.
Because it nearly doubles the size of the house, they enjoy it whenever the Tennessee climate allows.
Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
W56, by Farrow & Ball.
They’ll gather around the large stone fireplace for board games, charades, or a round of spades.
Then a hike is in order.
The family’s friendly English springer spaniels, Ellie (pictured) and Clemmie, like to keep warm by the living room’s fireplace.Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
Perimeter Trail along the bluffs of the Cumberland Plateau is a family favorite.
Seasonal Sensations
Produce can add texture and interest tofall displays.
I just love that deep orange color.”
Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
Pomegranates and lady apples are a few of her other autumnal favorites.
Pro tip: Save sturdy floral stems; they can be used as handy stakes for the fruits.
“His family always orders a bunch of raw oysters at Thanksgiving and Easter,” Keith says.
Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
“Now, we’ve taken that on as part of our tradition.”
It makes a thoughtful host gift too.
Keith likes to corral wine and cocktail essentials on a tray on the screened porch. That way, people don’t have to go inside to top off their drinks.Credit: photographs by LAUREY W. GLENN styling by BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
