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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sacred Heart’s Holiday Tour and my Rocking Chair Friends

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This past weekend was the 38th annual Sacred Heart Holiday Tour in the East Sacramento neighborhood that’s affectionately dubbed the, “Fabulous Forties.” Each year the Home Tour committee invites local designers to transform five lucky homes in their own distinctive style and it’s a chance for all of us DIYers to see some original and nostalgic Christmas decor that can inspire us in our own homes.

They’re beautiful homes, no doubt about it. But this holiday tour wouldn’t be the same without my very dear girlfriends, Tracey, Mary and Kirsten. Over the years it’s become a tradition to climb into our car and head downtown together where we wander through the homes, compare notes, and finish our conversations at the 33rd Street Bistro Restaurant where we gab and laugh our way through dinner.

When did this get to be our tradition? I’m not sure. Certainly, there have been years when LIFE made it impossible to get together, but it seems like the following year we’re at it again, trying to carve out this special time with each other.

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These are my “Rocking Chair Friends.”

Robert William Service wrote a simple, light-hearted poem about sitting on his porch in his rocking chair someday when he’s “old and worse for wear.” He happily looks back on life with some hope, a prayer and some chuckles from his rocking chair. These are my friends that will still be there, with a glass of wine and lots of opinions.

 

A Few Hurried Shots

Unfortunately, cameras were not visible on the tour so I hesitated to pull mine out. Sorry, but I only have a few hurried shots for you.

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This formal dining room had a winter bird theme. The Christmas tree had lots of long branches tucked throughout the tree with small wicker bird cages hanging from them. Small birds adorned the napkin rings.

 

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This home had touches of red throughout this white kitchen.

 

 

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A peek down this hallway and I see small battery operated trees that are placed into simple sacks next to fresh greenery and holiday artwork. Across is the guest bathroom with the checkerboard floor

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More touches of red and lots of berries.

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This wide black and gold designer ribbon was striking next to the red bulbs and white orchids.

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A beautiful gold, silver and white Christmas with feathers throughout; I liked the small framed photographs of the homeowner’s children and grandchildren added to the tree. It was such a lovely touch.

 

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Here is a silver punch bowl used for a striking centerpiece. And here are more miniature birds attached to the napkin rings.

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An interesting shaped wreath with classic magnolia leaves and fresh pomegranates.

 

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I wish I had photos of the interior of this home.

Dubbed “The French Foundry,” it was so beautiful with its French Provencal décor throughout and its gorgeous designer kitchen. No cameras allowed, but I did get this quick picture of the rustic brick backsplash and the decorated pot rack here.

Bronze colored ribbon and bulbs were prominent among the blue and white bowls of greenery.

The owner’s love of music was incorporated into the Christmas decorating in the formal living area, where the iron staircase was wrapped in fresh cedar garland and black and white ‘musical note’ ribbon. And the Christmas tree was adorned with vintage music flashcards.

The warm bronze theme was perfectly suited to the outdoor area.

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A quick peek through a glass pane.

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And here’s a great idea for your own walkway. These are metal cones filled with a few Magnolia leaves and some cedar. Tucked inside is a battery operated votive. You could do this!

 

Well, I guess it’s time to get to work. How about you?

Have you started your own Christmas decorating?

 

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