Holiday décor for a causePublished on November 17, 2012

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  • Photo by: Mark Holleron

For the past ten years, the Homes for the Holidays tour has supported The Hospice at May Court with an extravaganza that sees some of the finest homes in Ottawa opening their doors to thousands of visitors. Some of the city's most revered florists and decorators offer their time, talent and products to create the festive scenes found within. This year six houses were showcased; two in Rockcliffe, two in the Glebe, and two in Manotick.

While each home is decorated to suit its décor and architecture, there were some influencing trends found within the homes. Elements of nature were combined with an abundance of glamour.

Perhaps the most interesting use of nature was found at the Korean embassy. Giant cinnamon sticks, cotton, and calla lilies were used to create the dramatic centerpiece in the residence's formal dining room. The entry displayed gorgeous freeze-dried roses from Europe. Bel Fiore Flowers and Collectables did a magnificent job complimenting the simplistic styling that plays a prominent role in Korean culture. Ambassador Cho Hee-yong and his wife Lee Yang were gracious hosts and delighted to be able to commemorate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Canada by opening the doors of the residence and sharing Korean culture with Ottawa.

A long-standing, local florist, Scrim's Florist, went for a traditional Christmas scene in a Rockcliffe Road home on Hillcrest. Some of the homeowners beautiful pieces were incorporated into the festive décor, including a collection of nutcrackers. The florist was able to achieve a classic look, with gracious style and elegance, befitting of the gorgeous traditional home.

In the Glebe on Clemow, The Fresh Flower & Gift Basket Company fashioned a winter wonderland theme with a dramatic tree decorated in silver and white, and glass bowls filled with traditional holiday elements to compliment the home's classic feel. A fun vibe was created in the entrance with mounds of gifts stacked at the staircase.

Then at the Glebe Ave residence, Tivoli Florist picked up on the colour scheme found in artwork and décor, and produced an elegant centerpiece in oranges and gold, using bulbs as a curious decorative base. Throughout the home, the florist worked the colour scheme and décor within the various arrangements, combining exotic flowers and other elements of nature with traditional holiday glitz.

In Manotick, tour goers were treated to a cultural experience with a trip into A.Y. Jackson's painting studio. Designers from Mill Street Florist played up the artistic reference with ‘easels' guiding the tour from the driveway to the studio home. Inside, a tribute to the Group of Seven's artistic style was found along the shelving area of the home's living space. The woodsy feel offered classic Christmas charm both inside and out. The moss ‘gift' on the front porch bistro table was a personal favourite.

A beautifully appointed home in Manotick Estates provided elegant space for a sophisticated look, complete with high tea served in the dining room! Stoneblossom Floral Gallery embraced the country elegance of the home, and combined crystal with wood, moss, and flowers to create festive décor with charm and style.

This year's event was a tremendous success, as the hospice's primary fundraiser. Organizers did a remarkable job to wow guests and create a beautiful show home tour to mark their tenth anniversary and are already in the planning stages for next year!

View the slideshow here 




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