GRAHAM

I’ve always been drawn to beauty in the everyday—flowers clipped from the yard on the counter, morning coffee on the porch, something delicious simmering on the stove all afternoon, a candle lit on a Tuesday night just because… it’s these little luxuries to me that can turn a “regular” day into a sweet memory. Some of my earliest memories as a child are of the hum of a party being prepared—glassware clinking, candles being lit, feeling the anticipation before the guests arrived, and hoping there would be leftover dessert.

In 2020, my husband and I were living back in our Mississippi hometown where we welcomed twins - bringing us to five children under five years old. It was absolute chaos in the best way. “The days are long, but the years are short” had never felt so true. I remember being so exhausted but finding that sometimes if instead of laundry or cleaning when the littles napped, doing something creative would energize me in a different way. Even little things—baking a new recipe, painting something, or rearranging a room—helped breathe life into my days. It gave me energy and made the everyday feel less mundane.

In May 2023, we moved our family to Fairhope, Alabama, and fell in love with a historic home that we later found out was once the Fairhope Golf and Gun Club built in 1922. It had hosted everything from baby showers to ballroom dances and has a spirit of gathering sealed into its walls. As we settled into our new town and began tackling the (very long) list of house projects, we found that we had never felt more at home than we did here in Fairhope.

That fall, I started a little monthly cocktail club just for fun and to bring together some of the new friends I’d made – and it sparked something bigger. I began to see that people truly are craving real, in-person and authentic community and gatherings.

This led me to begin The Clubhouse—a community I never could have imagined. Women of all different ages, backgrounds, vocations and interests now gather monthly and learn something new that can make the everyday a little more beautiful. Each gathering is intentionally crafted to be immersive and hands-on so that guests leave not just with knowledge but also with a sense of inspiration. It has reminded me that the simple act of gathering—of creating something by hand, lighting candles, sitting down together—is still one of the most meaningful things we can do.

what are you currently placing on a pedestal?

I Candlelight – literally and figuratively! If you know me, you know I love the way candlelight elevates any moment. These pedestals make it easy to add a soft glow to any little corner.
II Spring florals – I am especially excited about this spring because I planted my first English roses. My children have given all eleven of them names, and they have been so eager to help care for them. Of course, the Lake pedestal will be the perfect spot for our prized blooms!
III Slow evenings at home – Sitting on the porch, dinner under the oak tree, walks into town… I’m savoring these quieter family moments especially lately.
IV Post-bedtime giggles – My two oldest girls whisper and giggle in their beds after lights out, and I just pretend not to hear because I wouldn’t have it any other way and hope they stay best friends forever.
V Spring produce – I can’t wait for the first local farmers market – all the fresh vegetables (and strawberries) to use in all our favorite dishes