Milliner Patricia Frankum, right, poses with customer Lane Hays at Hats in Bloom.
I believe the unofficial start to garden party season in Knoxville is the annual Hats in Bloom luncheon at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. The schedule is a little bit on the brave side – in early April. The buds are just starting to think about opening. And the ladies gamely don their spring outfits — but they bring a sweater, just in case.
Popular milliner Patricia Frankum and her helpful husband, Jeff, haul in scores of hats to sell and, I have to say, it’s practically a feeding frenzy as women crowd the tables and cluster around the mirrors. Even though I’m not a hat person, I love watching the others find just the right chapeau.
The Knoxville Botanical Garden is a historical gem located in East Knoxville just minutes from downtown. It has been a great addition to the Knoxville social scene as it is the perfect venue for weddings, parties and receptions.
If you missed this year’s Hats in Bloom event, never fear. It was just the start of a series of four such fundraisers to be held in private gardens for the benefit of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
Great hat box!
The next one will be called “Country Garden in Bloom,” and will be the evening of May 29 at the home of Diane Humphreys-Barlow and Jack Barlow on a 16-acre rural south Knox County property. Portions of the gardens were designed by different landscape architects and creative horticulturists and the landscape has been embellished by personal plant choices of the owners. Raised garden beds supply produce throughout the summer and fall. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost is $45 per person.
By contrast, “City Garden in Bloom” will be the evening of June 12 at the home of Ileen and University of Tennessee-Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek. This event involves wine and a light supper after a tour of the half-acre garden surrounding their home. Ileen has planned the garden so there is something in bloom throughout the year. For the party, there may be hydrangeas, peonies (my favorite flower) and day lilies, as well as Jimmy’s small vegetable garden on display. Cost is $50 per person.
Another “In Bloom” event, as yet undetermined, is being planned for June 26. To reserve seats at any of these, call (865) 862-8717.
Now, back to those hats!
Jackie Wilson, left, was chair of this event. With her is Shelby Wright of The Vol Network. Best thing about these two? They are University of Georgia grads, as am I. (Go Dawgs!)
Vicki Williams-Baumgartner, left, with Beth Wolf
Theresa Stone, left, and Andie Ray. Don’t they look great together in that dazzling sunflower shade of yellow?
Another matching pair: Sandi Burdick, left, and Sylvia Peters
Jennifer Holder, left, and Hilary Burgin made a pretty picture in coordinating outfits.
Joan Ashe is chair of the board of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and Keyes Williamson is executive director. They both do an amazing job.
Danielle Velez of the Botanical Garden stayed busy pouring champagne and mimosas.
Some of the ladies from Moxley Carmichael got into the hat-trying-on action. From left, Shaun Fulco Hyver, Amanda Shell Jennings and Lauren Christ.
My friend Susan Seymour can really rock a hat. She wears them a lot.
Shirley Estes asked Patricia Frankum to make a hat to match this dress she bought on a South American vacation.
Just look at all these unique hats!
More!
Coolest mannequin ever.
Maria Cornelius of Moxley Carmichael was determined to find a hat to buy. Here’s the first one she tried on.
Second option.
Third try.
She went for number two!
Patricia Jobe, left, and daughter, Lisa Jobe
The trees were barely leafing out.
Some early bloomers brightened the scenery.
Lenten roses were right on time for Lent.
All the beautiful centerpieces, donated by local businesses and individuals, were for sale.
Phyllis Driver, left, and Sandra Trout
Sandy Blevins-Steer, left, and Carrie McConkey
Pamela Chips, left, and Julia Bentley
Lauren Christ found this dynamite hat, which she will wear with her going away outfit on her upcoming wedding day. So pretty.
Judith Foltz
Gay Lyons
Debbie Way
Allyn Purvis Schwartz
Ann Farrar, left, and Fran Scheidt
It was difficult to get folks to stop shopping and sit down! But what a beautiful scene in the Martha Ashe Garden when they did.
Caterer Rex Bradford Jones started our lunches with creamy tomato basil soup garnished with a little grilled cheese sandwich.
Entree was a “blooming salad” with chilled bourbon glazed salmon and pimento cheese biscuits.
The cutest desserts: “good night cookies” atop shots of custard. Clever.
Gail Jarvis in an amazing hat.
Karen Kluge, left, and Beverly Linkus
The Hats in Bloom party looked to be at least twice the size it was last year. I can only imagine what 2015 will bring. You gotta be there.
Wish I could have attended this year — double-booked myself! I love Pat’s hats — I ended up buying the hat on the mannequin and a fascinator for me and one for Nora at the Rossini Festival that Saturday. Love that Lauren plans to wear one with her post-nups going away outfit! I did too, once-upon-a-time… Maybe we should all wear hats to Lauren’s wedding — very British!
Always a great time at this event. It was the inspiration for my wedding last year. It all started with a hat! I love seeing all of the ladies in their hats. The gardens are the perfect place for this event.
everyone looks gorgeous!!!
So sorry I had to miss this year, and wish I could have bought Maria Cornelius’s third try. At least the hat ladies left a few for the rest of us to buy at the Rossini Festival! My vote for best hat goes to Jennifer Holder. Love, love, love that hat! And, Cynthia, the photo of the just-leafing-out trees is a work of art. I may have to steal it.
You are so right: You gotta be there! This is one of my favorite events. Kudos to the creative ones who thought of it. A gorgeous day, good friends, delicious lunch, and so many hats. Patricia’s collection was amazing as always. I love my new black cloche.
Beautiful weather, beautiful setting and beautiful guests for this event. I felt like I was breaking free of months of cabin fever taking in the spring sunshine. And now I have a fabulous new hat to wear!
Ellen: Would love to see a photo of you in your post-nups hat.
Ellen: We missed you, but glad you got to get some hats!
Shaun: I remember you trying on the hat that looked so good on you that you had to find a similar one in your wedding colors.
Sara: Agree! You need to come with us next year!
Melinda: Thanks for compliment. Just right-click and you can copy any picture on The Blue Streak. I also loved Jennifer’s great hat. And you would have looked great in Maria’s number 3!
Gay: Agree 100%.
Lauren: So glad you could join the MoxCar posse!
Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the beautiful day and support the Knoxville Botanical Garden. Mark your calendars now to attend the 2015 Hats in Bloom luncheon on April 23.
Jackie: I’m putting it on my calendar.
Who wants to help me fill a table next year?
Hats off to Jackie Wilson – the brains under the bonnet for this event! And. . .to Cynthia Moxley. As always, her reportage is spot on!
Thanks, Mimi! I agree that Jackie did a fantastic job, as usual!
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