Spreading Good Cheer!
Approaching the front door was like stepping into a greeting card.
The red brick white-trimmed Cape Cod house was decked out in Christmas finery: urns filled with sprays of evergreens and cones, red berries and white twigs; a matching wreath on the front door, trailing gracefully to the bottom. Even the Japanese maple was in on the act, scattering its deep red leaves across the porch. It all said welcome to the 15th Annual Tour of Homes by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas.
This home, at 225 Sunset Dr., is one of five decorated for the holiday tour Nov. 13 and 14 by local designers and florists.
Theyre all unique this year, said Shirley Smith, tour committee decorating chair. We try to have an old house, a new house, a small, a large and a unique one. This one is a medium house not old or new and its a beautiful home.
It does seem perfect for the traditional decor. Built in 1939, the house welcomes visitors into a large foyer with the original light fixture and custom millwork. Joshua & Company, Waterspots and Apropos, all of Port Stanley, have taken cues from the house for the holiday decorations.
A white and gold tree takes centre stage in a bay window, flanked by gold draperies.
Super-sized white pine cones, miniature owls and glass ornaments create an enchanted woods look. The bird theme is carried throughout, with a pair of white pheasants on the coffee table and birds tucked into various elements in the dining room.
I love birds, said owner Alison Clarke. The birds even appear on the napkin rings. Rather than one large centerpiece, three vases of fresh flowers and greens, some sprayed with metallic paint, line up along the table. Each setting includes a round mirror, pewter grey charger plate and white china.
Champagne coloured trees and a garland with tiny lights set off the sideboard
The glitz of the dining room changes to homespun green and red in the family room. The tree ornaments are snowmen and candy canes. Santa pillows accent the sofa. A red runner on the coffee table and a large red stocking on a floor lamp bring out the red in Clarkes quilt.
Clarke offered her home for the tour after going on it for many years. A tear-off portion of the ticket garners many such offers. Youd be amazed by how many people offer their house, said Smith. The committee also scouts for appropriate homes. People ask for old homes, more old homes. This year we dont have a brand new one.
The newest house this year was built in 1989 but has ties to the past. Some of the bricks used in the ranch are from the old Royal Hotel on Talbot St. A totem pole sits inside the front door. The woodland setting is brought indoors through many large windows, and sun tunnels maximize the natural light. The owners of this house on Shady Lane Cres. are avid square dancers and downstairs features a custom studio.
The oldest house is at 13 Wellington St., a stately Victorian across from the courthouse. Original 2.7-metre double doors and hardware have been retained. Two drawing rooms lead off the foyer. The homes grandeur is enhanced by 4.2-metre ceilings, angel corbels in the arches, crown mouldings, ceiling medallions and European chandeliers.
The neighbouring house at 15 Wellington St. was built in 1908 for a doctor.
It is constructed in the more restrained Edwardian style with a wrap-around verandah. Inside, there are fewer rooms, but they are larger and more open.
Pocket doors separate the main spaces. The kitchen boasts a butlers pantry.
The past is also part of the present at 36 Isabel St.. Railway irons support the main floor of the house, a nod to St. Thomas heritage. Built in 1933, the house also features stained glass accents.
Live music in each home ties the decor to thoughts of holiday fun. We have a harp in one house, said Smith.
From Page H7 The musicians play one to two hours each. Its a special touch and adds to the friendly atmosphere.
Between 250 and 300 volunteers also help in the houses. The big homes require 14-16 people, said Smith. The volunteers love the tour. Its a fun weekend. Everybodys so happy. We need lots of smiles in our life today
Everybody goes away happy and with a few ideas for decorating.
All the decorators donate their time also. Proceeds support the Rotary Clubs projects, in particular, the splash pad at Pinafore Park and Interact, a teen service club, as well as some international projects. The tour brings in $25,000 to $35,000 net profit each year, said Smith.
The first year we thought if we could attract 500 people wed have done well.
We had 800! Now its up to 2,000 and thats about the limit. People come from all over Sault Ste. Marie, Toronto, Guelph and London. We didnt realize in the beginning what it would be.
The committee of about 15 women now has the organization down to an art. We are preparing an exciting tour to usher in the Christmas season, said Smith.
Its a chance to see the results of that planning along with the talents of local florists, designers and merchants, and get into the holiday spirit.
Other area tours
- Holiday Home Tour: Five London homes, proceeds support the Thames Valley Children’s Centre. Preview gala night, Friday, 7-9 p.m. at the Lamplighter; tour continues Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with special twilight tour, Saturday, 6-9 p.m.; tickets by calling 519-671-1683.
- Homes for the Holiday: Tour of five Bayfield homes decorated by area florists, designers and merchants; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; tickets: $15, includes a light lunch. Available by calling the Bayfield Village Inn at 519-565-2443. Also on sale at Brandon Hardware and the Nip N’ Tuck in Bayfield, Curves in Clinton, the Garden Gate in Grand Bend and Ernie King Music in Goderich.
- Christmas in the country studio tour: Enjoy country at its best with self-guided tour of the crafters and small businesses of Wroxeter, Belmore and Gorrie, Nov. 13, 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free horse-drawn carriage rides, Sunday, 2-4 p.m.; Bev Woodley, 519-335-3909.
- Exeter Christmas Home Tour: Exeter Skating Club’s annual fundraiser featuring five homes decorated in Exeter by area businesses, Nov. 12, 5-9 p.m., Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; tickets: $10 by calling Heather McArter, 519-235-3963.
- Goderich IODE Christmas house tour: A self-guided tour of homes decorated for Christmas by local merchants; Nov. 13, 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; tickets: $15 by calling 519-524-2002.
- Christmas Tour of Homes: Four distinctive homes, as well as the Aylmer and District Museum, have been decorated for the season by local merchants, finish the tour by visiting the museum for refreshments and viewing the current exhibit, Putting the ‘C’ in Christmas; Nov. 19, 20, 7-10 p.m., Nov. 21, 1-4 p.m. in Aylmer; tickets: $15 available from Campbells, the museum and at the door; 519-773-9723.
Christmas in St. Thomas Tour
WHAT: Five homes decorated by local designers and florists
WHEN: Saturday Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TICKETS: $15 in advance, $17 at the door
SPONSORED BY: the Rotary Club of St. Thomas
MORE INFORMATION: www.rotarystthomas.org
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