Top Stories
November 26, 2009 08:07 AM
Amanda Persico
Halls will be decked and strings of lights will flash bright red and green as part of the annual Pickering College Holiday Home Tour.
This year, six homes in Newmarket and two in East Gwillimbury will be on display and decorated for the season.
The tour features the magical talents of decorators, designers and florists in eight homes, tour co-chairperson Tracey Antchak said.
“The twinkling lights will inspire you to go beyond the ordinary this season,” she said. “You might not love everything, but you will take something away for your home.”
In honour of Pickering College’s 100th anniversary in Newmarket, there are three century homes on the self-guided tour, including Pickering College’s headmaster’s home, former Newmarket mayor Tom Taylor’s home and a home in the downtown area.
“There is something for everyone; large homes, small homes, traditional homes, modern homes and family homes,” Ms Antchak said.
Each home is decorated differently, using new, traditional and decorations kept by the homeowner. Some of the decorated themes include vintage, Christmas on the green, twinkle twinkle with the stars and jewels of Christmas with glitz and glamour on the tree.
Pickering headmaster Peter Sturrup’s home is decorated in vintage glamour fashion by Sandra Lianos of Lianos Interiors on Main Street.
His home is comprised of antique decorations, vintage packaging and old-fashioned place settings.
“It’s not just me slapping up the Christmas decorations,” Mr. Sturrup said. “It’s done with professional care and love. It inspires your own ideas and inspires you to get started for Christmas.”
Also on the tour list is Mayor Tony Van Bynen’s home, which centres around family. Several stockings hang from the fireplace mantle, one for each child and grandchild.
Celebrating its fifth season, the tour has become a Pickering College signature, Ms Antchak said.
“It’s a break from the hustle and bustle of the season,” she said. “But it still keeps you in the Christmas mood.”
Proceeds from the Holiday Home Tour go to the Maternal Child Care Program at Southlake Regional Health Centre and new buses for Pickering College.
In the past five years, the tour has raised about $12,000 for the maternal unit.
Pickering College is also hosting the Season Boutique and Cafe, with more than 30 local home decor and gift vendors.
For a video tour, visit yorkregion.com
Holiday Home Tour:
When: Tomorrow, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seasonal Boutique & Cafe at Pickering College will be open to the public Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Six homes in Newmarket and two East Gwillimbury, including Pickering College’s headmaster’s home, Mayor Tony Van Bynen’s home and former mayor Tom Talyor’s home, will be featured.
Tickets: www.pickeringcollege.on.ca or 905-895-1700.