Leeds Arts Council Christmas Tour of Homes set for this Sunday

By Regina Arnold/For The Leeds News

The Leeds Christmas Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Leeds Arts Council, will be December 6, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to visit beautifully decorated homes and businesses to get fresh new decorating ideas embracing new innovative styles; as well as rich traditional motifs. The tour begins at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center, located at 8140 Parkway Drive in downtown Leeds, where you purchase your $10 ticket and proceed to The Monkey’s Uncle Christmas Shop.

Selected as this year’s business partner for the tour, the Monkey’s Uncle was voted Alabama’s Retailer of the Year. When you see their large selection of Old World ornaments, decorations, collegiate novelties, gourmet food mixes and collectables like Marc Roberts Christmas fairies, you will understand why they received this recognition. Here you will receive a map to the other homes on the tour. You will also enjoy holiday refreshments and may want to pick up a few ornaments for your holiday tree.

Homes on the tour include the McCormick home. Though this home was built only two years ago, Ms. McCormick has lived in Leeds since 1952, when she was a mere child. She decorates each room with its own theme, including a snowman room, angel room, Santa room and a fantasy of lights room which integrates flowers into the décor.

The Barnes home, built in the early 1920’s, was previously owned by Irene Whithers; one of the four Fuller Mills’ sisters. Fuller Mills is represented by the mural painted on the side of the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library. Renovated in 2004, this home mingles the old and new to create a new old world style. Ms. Barnes’ favorite part of her holiday decorating is a tree decorated with a collection of ornaments from her travels, including special pieces from Germany, Italy and England.

The White home is a lovely new model home available for purchase. It has 13’ ceilings in the great room and a beautiful view of the mountains. With seasonal decorations inviting nature indoors, you may decide this will be your next home. Ms. White loves making natural old fashioned cinnamon decorations with her mother each year, giving off the essence of the Christmas season. She also incorporates lots of natural greenery, dried oranges and cranberries to top off her nature themed décor.

Another historic home, built in 1863, is the Bass House and Museum. Notice the live cedar tree adorned with old-time handmade decorations made by students from Leeds Elementary School. Also enjoy the Bass House Barbie Doll exhibit celebrating Barbie’s 50th anniversary. Bass House Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase for $23.

Also included on the tour is the Leeds Presbyterian Church. Established in 1821, it is the oldest church in the city of Leeds. You will be enamored by its historical architecture and the beautiful Chrismons tree. The tree’s Chrismons, or ornaments, are symbols of Christianity that are not to be bought, sold or put into kit form. They must be handmade. These ornaments were made over the years by congregation members. The Chrismons hang on an evergreen, which symbolized the eternal life, and forms the background for tiny white lights and the gold Chrismons designs.

For tickets and more information call 699-1892.

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