Preservation Resource Center's Holiday Home Tour

Fait accompli! After taking on being a part of the Preservation Resource Center's Holiday Home Tour during the December rush, everything came together beautifully. It seemed like there were thousands touring our home at 2700 Coliseum. Those passing through were surprised to see that the florist/owner chose to decorate without a single flower other than a few orchid plants. With the theory that ostentatious flower arrangements would outshine the architecture and the antiques, a fruit and winter greens approach was taken. Each room featured a different fruit, from pineapples to plums. Far from being the grandest home on the tour, many were complimentary that it seemed people actually live in the house! It was great to share our home with so many enthusiastic people.

Trends in Holiday Decor 2010/2011


Internet nut that I am, I’ve been scanning the web for holiday trends this year. I’ve found a couple of distinctive styles that seem to be winning out, and are seen often.

Opulence, as seen through rich, deep, saturated jewel tones, lots of metallics, and glass are present. Ruby reds, navy to a solid periwinkle, and purples seem to predominate, I haven’t seen many rich greens such as hunter, but accents of lime green, especially in fresh flower accents have been many. I would have thought velvets would work nicely with this, especially with the depth of color, but it seems raw silks to taffeta are the way to go.

Golden glass balls and balls of mercury glass, and all manner of glass vases will play heavily on trees and tables, and again this year, tablescapes will dominate over a single centerpiece. I have found many instances of artificial, metallic toned, evergreen boughs, and gold tinted pine cones tucked among twisted, and nicely plaited, colorful fabrics, and cords. I haven’t noticed berries, which were big, a couple of years ago, but it seems that if it’s lush, it’s in for this style. There’s no fussiness, as with a Victorian look, this is BOLD.

A second trend, if you could call it that, is toward a more natural look. Perhaps the green movement has something to do with this, but rather than the pale-colored austerity that I equate with the “greens” this seems to be nature let loose with wild abandon. Full, brimming arrangements, lush garland and wreaths. Wood, natural and deep stained, and/or carved, stones, especially the darker, smooth river stones, sand, mosses, deeply stained reeds in reds and mahogany. As in the first trend, this wants deeper, richer colors, though will have some lighter tones, such as natural grape vine, or drift wood, and the lightness of sand and perhaps even a few sea shells. Here you’ll find hunter greens and golds, reds – but more along persimmon tones, lime greens, lighter, but bright yellow, pinks, fuchsia, and blues. Flowing patterns, and ethnic patterns will accent the fabrics. Where the other style was bold, I would say this one is LIVELY!

Of course tradition, with it’s own richness, colors everyone’s holiday. You will certainly keep your memorable holiday decorations, but it’s fun to incorporate something new, and I can see where elements of each of these trends will fit in nicely with traditional holiday decor. We will be posting our holiday pictures soon at www.harkinsneworleans.com , please stop by and take a look.