Christmas House 2012

Every year we are honored to be included in the Geneva, Il. Christmas House walk. The chamber matches five homes with five shops to decorate. Over 2, 500 people attended. Our goal is always to inspire and interject the unexpected. This years home, that of Amy and Bill Cook is an 1895 stone gem.

These containers held a collection of red twig dogwood gathered as a "teepee" at the top. Garland gathered bottom to top,  and not visible in this photo, a battery candle inside the bottom of the dogwood

Let's enter via the adorable stone covered porch

Adding the plaid to the settee brings an old fashioned charm and pop of color to this charming space. Fresh greens are everywhere

The porch leading into the living room. Here is where I begin my disclaimer; many of these photo's are terrible, yes, really terrible.......that's what I get for being in a hurry!

Well, here is a prime example......Vicki's fireplace is stunning......trust me

GOOD quality faux's; stems and garland. Berries upright in a faux bois container furthers our theme of "woodland"

Our tree was in an urn and embellished with fresh magnolia clusters, a gazillion white lights, gold garland and owls. Look closely, Vicky added large stems of cut birch sticks all around the base imparting a "Nest" effect.

On a landing at the stairway

Dining room. Remember, not all rooms can accommodate red, work with what you have

At the Maison de Objet show in France, I noticed two tall vessels on a stand connected by a strand of beading. Playing with that idea we added a green garland. Major effect, maximum visibility in seeing all the diners. 

Let me explain what you are looking at. This is the kitchen sink. Garland embraces the double window. "Birch" ribbon winds itself around one side as it houses red glass cardinals. Two wreaths are set on the ledge of each window

SIGH........this work of art is barely visible in this snap. My friends Alain and Esther, owners of the amazing 'All Chocolate Kitchen' created this sugar spun art piece which lights emitting an amber glow. Built in "shelves" hold a variety of truffles....torture but no one touched! If you look closely the center has a red cardinal sitting in a nest on a branch

More torture, their Buche de Noel......I will be ordering one this year after just looking at this for days!

What to do with two curtain-less windows flanking the fireplace? Create a window treatment with vertically hung garland strands and swag with red ribbon

The courtyard viewed via so many windows begged to be included. On the table is a zinc-like cherub that actually holds a flaming torch (not visible). The chairs and table were woven with draping and swooning garland

Up close. The white strands you are seeing are battery operated LED seed lights 

Thank you for visiting and some serious patience with sorry looking snaps. Did you know the symbolism for Owls is wisdom, messages, intelligence and secrets? Unleash the beauty of your own home and display your decorating secrets to grand acclaim!

With love
Debra