One of several lavish Easter trees at the Shifletts' home
Her son says that if you think Julia Shiflett is “over the top” when it comes to Easter, you should see her at Christmas! Seriously?
Julia Shiflett and her husband, George, last weekend opened their spacious home on Madison Lane off Northshore Drive to the Knoxville Symphony League for one of the Elegant Dining fundraisers. Guests were invited to wear Easter bonnets (or not, in my case!) and come enjoy the Easter trees Julia had created. So, just to get you in the Easter spirit, here’s a look at some of those trees — and some of those Easter hats! We’ll even glance at some pretty cool purses, too.
Other hosts of the event were Donie and Ed Green, Dee Henning, Arlene Key, Jimmy Key, Evelyn Miller, Jane and Frank Venable, Hannah and Walter McDaniel, Rose and Harry Moseley, Jacqueline Newman and Janet Vail.
Dee Henning passed out name tags.
Julia Shiflett, left, and Evelyn Miller
Even George Shiflett donned an Easter hat!
Rose Moseley threw herself into the theme!
Hannah McDaniel
Yum!
A quartet from the Knoxville Symphony played beautiful music. From left, Ilia Steinschneider, the KSO's newest American citizen; Sara Matayoshi, the newest member of the core orchestra; Eunsoon Corliss and Ildar Khuziakmetov.
"That's the pinkest thing I've ever seen in my life!" exclaimed my friend Gay Lyons.
A fuzzy tree
Jane and Frank Venable. Jane is the incoming president of the Symphony League.
Janet Vail, left, and Gay Lyons, who agreed to be my "date" when my husband opted for the golf course. Thanks, Gay.
I was startled by the Easter Bunny as I took a shortcut through the kitchen! Nicole Ramey looks good in white!
This tree looks like it took a long time to decoate.
It contained very ornate eggs.
Here's another.
There were some rabbits, too.
Now, let’s talk about purses for a minute. Julia collects handbags — scores of them — by two special designers. Elaborate beaded ones by Mary Frances. And wooden ones by Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills.
Here is a Mary Frances beaded bag.
Here is another.
This Titanic is by Timmy Woods. Ha.
Kathy Stinnett arrived with a very appropriate Timmy Woods bag!
Tiny tree
Tiny rabbit on tiny tree
Edie Volk
Jacqueline Newman
Susan French
OK. There you go. You should be inspired now. So go out there and have a happy Easter!
Happy to be your last minute date, Cynthia. Those Easter trees were so elaborate that it’s hard to believe that Christmas at the Shifletts is more “over the top.” I hear Julia does all the decorating by herself. Pretty amazing.
I just love how everyone gets into the theme at these events!
Thanks again for going with me, Gay! Tami: Those “League Ladies” don’t do anything half way!
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives