House tour kicks off Christmas season
Six decorators have been busy filling Pelham homes with elaborate and unique Christmas decorations for the past couple of weeks, preparing them for the 14th annual Homes for the Holidays Christmas House Tour.
The event is put on by, and benefits, Fonthill United Church and takes place this Saturday from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m., said organizer Carolyn van der Sluis.
“We have six homes on the tour in the Fonthill area,” said van der Sluis, adding at least 400 tickets will be sold.
She said the decorators find homes they want to use for the tour on their own or might have a client or customer contact them to be part of the event.
“I’ll cold call people or knock on doors and say, ‘ Hi, you have a beautiful home, would you like to showcase it?’ That often works.”
She said people are very house proud and are willing to open their doors for the 400 visitors.
Decorators taking part this year are from Log Cabin Shoppe, Hamiltons of Pelham, Vermeer’s Garden Centre and Flower Shop, Mary Luska Interiors and Fashions, Cox Home Furniture and Le Village.
“The decorator from Le Village went in several weeks ahead to look at the colours inside the home and start her mental planning. Thinking about how she could enhance the homes. She’s been inside for 10 to 14 days, putting up a Christmas tree and decorations,” said van der Sluis.
She said other decorators might not go into one of the homes as early, but they all go through the same kind of creative process.
Homes on the list this year include 970 Effingham St., 35 Rosewood Cres., 27 Berkwood Pl., 16 Brock St., 1597 Lookout St.; and 67 Philmori Blvd.
Those who purchase tickets for the tour can go to any of the homes in any order they want throughout the day, said van der Sluis, adding some residents have already had people knocking on their doors to ensure it was the right home for the tour.
“People can buy tickets from the church ahead of time or from me at the church on Saturday during the day. I’ll be there from 9 a. m to 3 p. m. greeting people.”
Funds raised from the tour go back into the church and programs it carries out in and for the community said van der Sluis.
She said the tour used to be almost a ladies day out, but now more and more men are coming along.
“It’s one of the first Christmas events of the season, people are really pumped up for it.”
Tickets are $ 20 each and can be purchased at the church, 42 Church Hill, Saturday or by calling the church at 905- 892- 6433.