There’s nothing like “Decking the Halls” for the holidays to get one in the mood…unless it’s following through with that creative spirit and pulling together a blog…the final step. Which gives me the opportunity to think of each of you who will be receiving this missive in your email as you’re decorating also (though you may start earlier than I). And so, I thought I’d share my personal thoughts on decorating Parterre for 2025….

Mother Nature delivered a big surprise a few days ago, so what could be better for setting a Christmas scene at Parterre than snow? That golden light beckons you into a warm and cozy house (do you see the pair of lit trees in the second floor window above the door)? 

I’ve always found it a romantic touch to glimpse a banister through a front facade window. 

Some of our choices for decor details this year were the handmade-from-grapevine lighted orb hanging under the lantern and golden star finials at the top of the evergreen tutuers. 

As guests enter, their first sight is a newel post whose design started with a six foot magnolia garland that includes three different greens, sparkly “fruit and leaves,” and banks of candles intertwined. 

A little whimsy is to be seen on the silk “mattress ticking” settee where a pillow is wrapped like a present. 

The salon is dressed in one of my favorite holiday statements… tapers of 4 different heights (18′, 15″, 10″, 8″) in ivory, but any color will work; it’s about the placement of the candles themselves, reflecting off the eighteenth century English  mirror.

My mother’s treasured antique linen embroidered tablecloth deserved a special centerpiece, starting with two gold embossed pillar candles, white amaryllis, gold ribbon, and evergreens. For another “oldest Christmas statements”, a pair of gold-misted pinecone “trees” serve on either side.

With a Honduran mahogany mantle and trim, it just seemed appropriate to drape a garland of magnolia and greens accented with gold ribbon…which ties in so well to the old magnolia wreath above (and when I say old, I mean 25 years).

And now for the Tree! The sun room at Parterre was designed for viewing the gardens, with its wide, ten foot bowed window. But a special architectural detail was also added to the ceiling to show off a tall Christmas tree. I like to keep the room spare so as to enjoy the wormy chestnut floor design; at this time of the year, it’s such a treat to see the reflection of the tree lights shimmering off the wood. 

2025 was all about gold, in so many incarnations. Don’t miss the painted interior of the “bell.”

 As night comes on, the light changes every minute, making photography challenging, but a satisfying experience. And then it’s dark, preceded by this dreamy deep blue that literally changes in a flash! 

Wishing you JOY and rejoicing…In the spirit of Christmas which is Peace, the miracle of Christmas which is Hope, and the heart of Christmas which is Love. Thank you for joining me!