Idea House - Decked Out for Christmas

Simple white lights add a pleasant glow to your landscaping. Here, the lit bushes have a subtle sparkle that’s in keeping with the clean, traditional architecture of the house. Classic magnolia wreaths from The Magnolia Company adorn each window for a lush look that’s not too fussy.

Add a natural touch to your living room with fresh materials on the mantel. Carmen Johnston of Nectar & Company, based in Thomaston, Georgia, adorned our mantel with a combination of greenery, flowers, and fruit. A small coordinating arrangement, using pine, viburnum berries, and pomegranates, decorates the cocktail table.

Don’t be afraid to mix Christmas tree trimmings for a personal, collected style. We combined simple glass balls, fresh hydrangeas, silk ribbons, and cherished family ornaments for a personal look in the keeping room. Stick to a monochromatic color palette, like our nature-inspired browns and golds, for a unified look.

Drape a fresh magnolia garland from The Magnolia Company down the length of the banister – over time the leaves will dry and turn a lovely golden brown, so you can reuse the garland year after year. Hang pine-filled stockings (ours are from Beyond The Door, 770/599-3331) from stair treads for a fresh alternative to the standard fireplace placement.

Combine fresh greenery, fruit, and flowers for a verdant centerpiece that will last throughout the season. Nectar & Company’s Carmen Johnston used pine, cypress, magnolia leaves, apples, roses, and snowberries to create an elegant, wintery arrangement. The key is to mix elements for a lush look -- try using flowers and fruit from the grocery store and clippings from your Christmas tree for a similar style.

Entertain in style this holiday season using ceramic dinnerware in soft green and cream hues. Add texture to the table with woven rattan placemats, and finish the look with tiny tabletop trees at each place setting. We found these rustic-yet-refined burlap-skirted trees at Beyond The Door (770/599-3331).

Gather the family for a fun holiday craft project. Using construction paper, letter stencils, scissors, glue, a hole punch, and yarn, you can create a charming homemade garland spelling out a seasonal message. Our “Happy Holidays” banner hangs in the third floor stairwell.

Through December 12, 2010

Wednesday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Closed Thanksgiving Day

Admission: $10 at the door

From Atlanta,

take I-85 South to Exit 61. Turn left onto State 74S and continue 16.6 miles. Next, turn right onto Rockaway Road and go 3 miles to downtown Senoia. Local signs will assist you once you reach Senoia.

From Macon, take I-75 North to Exit 205. Turn left onto State 16W and continue 29.3 miles. Next, turn right onto Broad Street to downtown Senoia. Local signs will assist you once you reach Senoia.

From La Grange, take I-85 North to Exit 41. Turn left onto State 29N, go .5 miles, and turn right onto State 16E; continue 14.7 miles. Then, turn left onto Broad Street to downtown Senoia. Local signs will assist you once you reach Senoia.