When Tin Cottage in Historic Downtown Franklin re-opened in August, owner Marianne DeMeyers had one overarching aim in mind: to cultivate a artisan-driven home and gift store that honored the Southern tradition of hospitality.
To drive that message, DeMeyers is hosting a monthly workshop series at Tin Cottage that offers inspiration for entertaining—whether that’s on your front porch, around the dinner table or at the bar. With themes tailored to the season, the classes offer decorating and culinary stimulation for locals seeking to hone the skill of entertaining within a communal setting.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, the store will host its second set in the series with a Cocktail Crafting 101 workshop, from 7-9 p.m.
Local cocktail aficionados Jon and Lindsay Yeager—owners of the popular cocktail consulting company PourTaste and coordinators of the Music City Spirits & Cocktail Festival—have been pulled in to teach the festive event. Through the Yeager’s spirited storytelling, guests will gather a comprehensive history behind each featured cocktail, as well as a step-by-step tutorial of how to craft them and recipes to try when hosting their own party.
Those in attendance will also have the chance to become more familiar with the store’s merchandise mix, largely sourced from Middle Tennessee and Southern artisans and geared toward entertaining. Featured items at the workshop that will pair well with the themed event include shaker tins, glassware, serving trays and other bar accouterments.
DeMeyers says her inspiration for Tin Cottage can be traced back to her family’s porch hangs with her grandparents, where her grandfather’s tales and granny’s cooking reigned supreme. Through the store and the Tin Cottage event series, she hopes her store can be a catalyst for those same kinds of traditions throughout Franklin.
“For me, Tin Cottage is the conceptualization of bringing back the art of hospitality. And creating your own front porch,” DeMeyers said. “I think there is something memorable about an interactive process such as a workshop. Not only is it communal, but we’re also helping our guests learn a skill that they can put into play this holiday season.”
To reserve a $35 ticket to Tin Cottage’s Cocktail Crafting 101, or to learn more about upcoming events, visit their website here.
The Tin Cottage is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For more information, visit its website or “like” the shop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tincottage.