Six festively decorated homes on Opechee Garden Club's

“Homes for the Holidays”, a self-guided stroll through six festively decorated homes in the Lakes Region on Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be presented by the Opechee Garden Club. Each home will boast a special theme. In addition, the Union Meeting House in Gilford village will be dressed for the occasion, welcoming visitors to a fresh greens sale, a raffle of hand-made items and refreshments. Music of the season from piano to guitar at various locations rounds out an event to lift the spirits.

Event Chairperson, Carolyn Temmallo, comments, “The excitement around the event this year is wonderful, and we are delighted to have Laconia Savings Bank as our event sponsor. We are fortunate to have such a variety of outstanding homes for our tour: each is a treasure embellished for the holidays!”

Decorating themes include: A Woodland Christmas in an expanded California ranch-style home with an authentic sugar house in a private setting overlooking Lake Winnisquam; An English Christmas offers the warmth of a Colonial hearth and family heirlooms including an antique Spanish marquetry desk; and A Williamsburg-style décor provides a gracious welcome in a mountain setting with music lilting from the baby grand piano in the music room.

Visitors will enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Winnipesaukee at A Lakeside Christmas with Santas, a Victorian dollhouse and lighted Christmas trees in the window boxes. Another Lake Winnipesaukee home shares An Eclectic Country Christmas with unique collections from hand-painted nutcrackers, an extensive Department 56 collection and antique radios to woodland animal ornaments reflecting life on the lake. Then, step back in time in the historic Hunter House whose history suggests that the older section was built in 1797 and moved by sled to its present site in the winter of 1811. Former owner, Adair Mulligan, wrote The Gunstock Parrish, drawing upon the Hunter memoir for information regarding the town! Here, you will find an abundance of toys and artwork including wooden animals by Philadelphia artist Dona Dalton, along with needlework and so much more.

Carmel Lancia, event co-chair, remarked “We are so pleased to be able to introduce the larger community to two historic buildings in Gilford Village, the Hunter House and the Union Meeting House, the latter better known as the Thompson-Ames Historical Society Building. The holiday is the perfect time to enjoy these treasures and take a moment to reflect on our past.”

Boxwood trees, living wreath centerpieces and such will be available at the greens sale, and several hand-made items will tempt at the Raffle Table. Holiday refreshments add to the enjoyment. Music at various locations will be provided by pianist Jane Ellis, The Chordsmen vocal group, Jerry Murphy on guitar as well as carols sung by the Gilford School Chorus.

Audris Clark, Opechee Garden Club president, indicated that, “Members are busy working in teams with homeowners. While our guests will enjoy the event, they are also helping to make available club funds for scholarships to area students, environmental grants, and support for a number of non-profit agencies in the Lakes Region along with community betterment projects.”

Tickets at $10 can be purchased in advance from the Gilford and Laconia Libraries, the Sundial Shop, and garden club members. Tour days, tickets are available at the Union Meeting House, 24 Belknap Mountain Road in Gilford Village. Contact Audris at 387-6880, Carolyn at 293-8197 or opecheegardenclub@yahoo.com.