The Porch gets Dressed for the Lake Bluff Christmas Tour

Yesterday was a decent day to be outside and get our front porch ready for the Lake Bluff Christmas tour-{ happening this upcoming weekend}- after all, it was a balmy 39 degrees! Fresh garland, cedar boughs, winter berries and icy branches were stuffed into every pot, statue and container that was available. And of course, my beloved angel, who stands guard over our home, had been knocked over in the last wind storm and broke! But Mr. RTH lovingly ( and grudgingly, fussing the entire time) glued her back together for me and proudly placed her back in the driveway, where she has stood for 15 years. A bouquet of fresh winter greens adorns her repaired arms and again she stands guarding the house. To purchase tickets for the tour, go to www. Christmaslakebluff.com or call the store (847) 615-1900. Proceeds to benefit the Vliet Center of Lake Bluff History.

Lake Bluff Christmas Home Tour - December 5th!

The first annual Christmas Home Tour in Lake Bluff is December 5th. Romancing the Home is actively involved in 3 of the 5 homes on the tour. So yesterday the preparation began in my own home. Two of 8 trees were completed and one of four mantels was done! Glitter is everywhere and the place is a mess, perfectly normal in the middle of the process. At this point panic sets in as I realize the tour is 2 weeks from tomorrow! I hope my elves show up! P.S. Tickets are available to purchase at the store or at www. Christmaslakebluff.com.

Let the Season Begin!

First of all, a sincere, heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful customers who came to our party last night! In addition to the opening of our 2010 Christmas shop, our book, Romancing the Home ENTERTAINS, was finally available to take home! The store was full of laughter, customers, and food, and we hope that everyone had a good time. My wonderful staff had spent long hours creating the inspiring Christmas displays for your enjoyment. Many one of a kind items were available for sale, especially the beautiful hand-made Santas and Angels by a talented local artist. One side of the store was glittery and metallic, while the other was a natural, organic wonderland. Special holiday food products were brought in from Europe just for the event, and it seems the brandied cherries were the hit! ( I understand that dropping one brandied cherry in a lemon martini is one of our customer's favorite drinks!). Lynda flew in from Atlanta to create tarts, cakes and savories for your tasting enjoyment and of course, all the recipes are in our book. So let the holiday season begin- fa la la la la- ho ho ho- Christmas is only 7 weeks away!