The Gatesworth hums with activity all year round, but pulls out the stops during the holidays. Hallways ring with the joyful sounds of laughing grandkids and Victorian carolers. The award-winning kitchen creates sumptuous champagne brunches and Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve specialties, and the dining rooms bustle with family and friends. A ceiling-high Christmas tree glitters at the entrance, and wreaths, garlands and lights twinkle everywhere.
But the festive atmosphere doesn’t end at the community’s common areas. Residents bring their own traditions to The Gatesworth, decorating their apartments with cherished family mementos. Shirley Ernst used to own The Inner Circle, a boutique in the Central West End next to Saks Fifth Avenue and Montaldo’s. “The shop had 12 windows, and I decorated them all for the holidays,” recalls Ernst, who gives her age as “I’d like to be 25 years younger.” She decorated at home, too, buying six new ornaments every year, two for each child.
When Ernst’s husband passed away, she stopped decorating. “But I got back into it when I moved to The Gatesworth a couple of years ago,” she says. “He once gave me a small Christmas tree, with angels, flowers and gold ribbons. He’d want me to enjoy it.” Come the holidays, that tree occupies a tabletop in the cozy apartment she shares with Kiki, a 14-year-old Yorkie who, like Ernst, is full of life and energy. She hangs stockings, including one for Kiki, from an etagere.
“Holidays are about family and friends,” Ernst says. “I’m thankful for my children and grandchildren, but many of my old friends have passed away. Fortunately, I’ve made new friends at The Gatesworth.” She and her companions play bridge, watch movies and take exercise classes together. “And several of us are organizing a holiday talent show!” she adds. “The people who work here are caring and warm. I picked the right place. I’m lucky to be here.”
Charles and June Brown have fond memories of dining on Christmas Eve at The Cheshire Inn, Bevo Mill or Stan Musial and Biggie’s, followed by midnight Mass at St. Gerard Majella Church in Kirkwood. “When we moved to The Gatesworth five years ago, we brought our favorite wreath, a tabletop tree, some ornaments, and two handmade nativity sets given to us a couple of pieces each Christmas by a dear friend,” Charles Brown says. The wreath, covered with dried moss, star-shaped shells and off-white satin ribbons, now hangs on their apartment door.
Brown, who worked for his family’s wholesale meat business, appreciates fine cuisine. “The food at The Gatesworth is always outstanding, but the kitchen outdoes itself during the holidays, ” he says. “They have an amazing Christmas buffet with everything you could want, and they’ll gladly recreate your favorite holiday treats. There are carolers and musicians everywhere. It’s a cheerful, happy time that brings back many wonderful memories—and makes new ones.” The Gatesworth is located at One McKnight Place.
[For more information, call 314.993.0111 or visit thegatesworth.com.]
Photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured: Shirley Ernst and Kiki
