A Beautiful Holiday by Ann Marie

12/25/2024

A new color scheme to our family room tree.

My collection of white, silver and gold ornaments took center stage in the family room with some pops of blue and aquamarine to incorporate the new color palate throughout our first floor.

Two special collections add nostalgia and charm. In 1976, my mother began giving me a silver bell each Christmas from Schroth’s silversmiths. Each bell is engraved with the year it was given. Fast forward to the Millenium and I had quite a collection. Today, as I polish each bell in early December, I take great joy in lining them up year by year.

The second collection is from my sister, Margy, who is always on the lookout for unique Christmas treasures for me. Several years ago, she found antique candle clips from the 1930’s. While we would never light the candies, they look beautiful and bring the Victorian history of our home to present day Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all!

12/17/2024

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care…

12/16/2024

As we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, the full nativity is on display.

10/31/2024

A Happy and safe Halloween to our delightful Trick or Treaters, young and old 🎃

08/20/2024

A beautiful evening to welcome our guests to Villa Pauline.

08/20/2024

The dining room welcomed guests with nutcrackers, more Dicken’s village and red, green and gold.

08/20/2024

In the beautiful foyer, we had several focal points. Visitors were welcomed with carolers, a Nativity and Advent wreath. The grand staircase was swagged with lights and greens. A red and green tree drew visitors through the foyer and was banked by angels, poinsettias and a Dicken’s village.

08/20/2024

In the beautiful chapel, we used white, silver and gold to convey a feeling of serenity and elegance.

08/20/2024

Here we have the beautiful purple tree in the living room as well as the magnificent fireplace. I incorporated the mauve carpet into the color theme of the tree and utilized a white and silver color theme for the mantle and side tables.

12/11/2023

The Christmas Open House at Villa Pauline Sisters of Christian Charity North American Province-was a resounding success!

Over 200 guests mingled throughout the afternoon enjoying the splendor of the mansion and beautiful live music.

Over the next several days, I will share photos from the day, room by room.
An important point is to recognize that 80% of our decorations were donated, repurposed and refreshed. This was a critical to keeping within the modest confines of our budget as well as following Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si about preserving our planet.

We begin with the front entrance. I wove several garlands together to create depth, then layered cranberries and pine cones and white lights. Each swag was festooned with a bow edged in gold.

We found an adorable sled and a pair of skates to put near the front door.

Finally, a stunning wreath from Conroy's Flowers gave the front door a magestic feel as our guests entered the front hall…

12/10/2023

The big day is finally here. It has been a wonderful month bringing this magnificent villa to life for the Christmas season! A huge thank you to everyone who donated decorations, flowers, greens, funds and their time to make this possible.

Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow at the Christmas Open House at Villa Pauline. Come anytime between 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. With the help of a talented and creative group of women it looks amazing!