Holiday Home Tours for Yard Inspiration
Few things in life are as enduringly joyful as the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays. The wonderful scent of evergreen or the shimmer of candlelight reflected in red and gold can return even the most harried adults to memories of childhood enchantment. Houses decorated inside and out for holiday tours offer fabulous ideas for decorating at home, and if you look closely, you can also find great year round ideas for your yard.
With the leaves off the deciduous trees and bushes, and many plants hibernating underground, the yard’s structure will be more visible. Underneath the lighting displays and reindeer vignettes, take a look at the hardscapes and landscaping as you tour.
What do you first respond to in the yard? Notice how the lawn transitions to planting beds, and how particular areas of the lawn are set off for seating or for other functions. What materials are used? How are pathways lined and edged? What is the overall percentage of grass to other plantings and hardscape? How are trouble areas like hills, shady spots and heavy traffic areas addressed?
Here’s a list of some favorite holiday home events around the state. If you know of others, please share them in the comments below. In addition to inspiring Christmas elves and giving us landscaping ideas, many of the tours raise money for beloved charities and worthy non-profits. Happy touring!
Madison, Georgia, Dec. 6–7, 2019
Sponsored by the Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, the tour takes place mostly in the National Register Historic District, which boasts of the largest collection of 19th century architecture in Georgia with its mix of Greek revival, late Victorian and Romanesque style buildings. Prices are $35 for the Day Tour, $30 for the Candlelight Tour, or $50 for a combo. 706.438.3120 • MadisonGa.org
Columbus, Georgia, Dec. 8, 2019
All-day tour featuring seven homes on the city’s historic Hilton Avenue, sponsored by Historic Columbus. Tickets $25 and $30 on the day of the tour.
706-322-0756 • HistoricColumbus.comBlue Ridge, Georgia, Dec. 8, 2019, 1–6 p.m.
Tour six stately area homes in the Blue Ridge area of North Georgia. Prices are $30 for one ticket and $50 for two. Proceeds benefit Fannin County Family Connection, addressing the challenges facing many Georgia families and children. Fannin.gafcp.org
Chief Vann House, Chatsworth, Georgia, Dec. 13, 2019, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
A self guided candlelight tour of this historic site, the home of Chief of the Cherokee nation and the site of a Moravian mission beginning in 1801. Featuring live music, warm apple cider, Moravian cookies, and over 200 candles lighting your way. Tickets are $5.50–$6.50.
706-695-2598 • explore.gastateparks.orgAtlanta, Georgia, Nov. 14 – Dec. 8
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles presents its annual Home for the Holidays Showhouse benefitting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Tour a 1950’s-era home that has been redesigned and renovated by more than 20 prominent interior designers from the Atlanta area. AtlantaHolidayHome.com
Macon, Georgia, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Dec. 8, 1–6 p.m.
The 2019 Historic Vineville Holiday Tour of homes features homes in the gracious Vinevilleneighborhood, which is one of Macon’s first suburbs and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. This year, the tour includes The Big House and the Allman Brothers Band Museum. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. Vineville.org
Savannah, Georgia, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The 45th annual Holiday Tour of Homes includes eight historically significant private homes, four historic inns, three museum houses, and the Massie Heritage Center, all in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District. Various tours are available, and prices range from $10 to $65. SavannahDNA.org
Of course, the most important home this holiday season is the one you call home. Thank you for continuing to let us help make your home more beautiful.
770.832.8608 • info@NGTurf.com
