The Best Holiday Decorating Book Out There!

Evergreen: Decorating with the Colours of the Season, by Jill Helmer, John Grady Burns and Kathy Stewart.

Do you need a great last minute Christmas gift? Or need some inspiration for your Christmas decorations? This book is just right for you. Chock full of gorgeous photographs, beautiful descriptions and inspirational ideas, this self published book is the creation of two sisters and their good friend. All are accomplished floral designers and the arrangements in this book are stunning.

I have had the privilege of working with and learning from Jill Helmer, and have been to a floral demonstration with Jill and John Grady. The best thing about the book is how manageable all of the suggestions are. You can buy the books on the website and by emailing - evergreenbook@gmail.com or in gift stores (I think it's available at Boxwoods on E. Andrews in Atlanta).

Grab one before Christmas! This will be your go to book for the Holidays.

Amaryllis - my favorite Christmas flower

I adore amaryllis - especially at Christmas. I love them in pots and also cut and massed in a simple vase.

Above is my entrance hall arrangement at Christmas last year. And below is the dining room arrangement.






Above and below, the Swan House decorated for Christmas, image via Style Court




image via Country Living

My Christmas Dog

Here is where one of my Scottie dogs spends most of the time near Christmas. I call him my Christmas dog, but my children think he is guarding the "toys" that hang on the tree....

Garland for the Entrance Hall

image from Ballard Designs

Okay - so I've decided to try to produce something similar to the photo from the previous post for my front arch in my entrance hall. I have decided to use fake boxwood garland (can use it every year then) and add fresh greenery and red accents to it. Maybe pomegranates or fake apples....we'll see what I can find.

Above is the garland I bought from Ballard Designs ---- way on sale!!!

Seriously, what am I thinking?

Got this photo in my inbox yesterday from MyHomeideas.com. I absolutely love the way this entrance hall is decorated for the holidays. The decorations would look beautiful in my entrance hall. But seriously, how will I have time to make that garland? Will have to figure this out...

Here's a photo of my entrance hall - wouldn't the above decorations be stunning?


Here's what I did last year -




Somebody talk me out of this!

House of the Week

This Philip Shutze house was built in 1930. It was sold in 2009 and has undergone extensive renovations. I love the simplicity and great lines.


Above and below, the house from the real estate listing in 2009, prior to renovations.

Don't Miss the PGC Christmas Home Tour Today, December 9: 10am-3pm

2887 Howell Mill Road
Known as Halcyon Oaks, this home was built in 1921 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sweeping front lawn and elegant columned façade give this home a quintessentially southern elegance.

3820 Northside Drive
Designed by Philip Shutze and built in 1939, this beautiful Colonial Revival home has undergone and extensive renovation/additions by Yong Pak Architects while preserving the rich character. Original murals in the front hall by Athos Menaboni. Floral designs by D. Cleveland and Julie Sandman of Moonvine.

2774 Andrews Drive, NW; Number 9; Tarrymore
Beautifully furnished with world class art and antiques, this exquisite home was extensively renovated by Norman Askins and decorated by Charlotte Cahoon of Herndon Interiors. Gardens by John Howard Designs. Floral designs by Dr. Ryan Gainey.

3066 Habersham Road
Built in 1940 by Pringle and Smith, this Charleston style home was lovingly renovated by the current owners and features many interesting architectural features. Beautiful pool and gardens designed by John Howard. Elegant interiors by Carolyn Malone. Floral designs by Gina Humphries.

Visit www.peachtreegardenclub.org to view photographs of the past two year's tours.
Tickets are available at the following stores starting December 1 or at any of homes on the day of the tour. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Tickets and Brochures are also available at the following stores:

Boxwood Garden and Gifts
100 E. Andrews Drive
Atlanta, GA 30305

Nadeau/Furniture with a soul
2349 Peachtree Road/Peachtree Battle Shopping Center
Atlanta, GA 30305

Erika Reade Ltd.
3732 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30342

Tootsie’s, Inc.
3400 Around Lenox Rd NE # 219
Atlanta, GA 30326-1408


The Mercantile
1430 Dresden Drive, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30319