Holiday tour of homes offers inspiration, benefits local charities
For many years before the pandemic, a holiday tradition for many was the holiday tour of seasonally decorated homes hosted by the Spade and Trowel Garden Club. After four years, the tour returns.
“The home tour, which has long been a must-do outing during the run-up to Christmas, will be the first since 2019, before the Covid epidemic," said Mary Marks, president of the garden club.
With a theme of “Christmas on the River,” the tour features two stunning Merritt Island homes decorated to the nines for the holidays and is one of the earliest holiday events of the season. The tour runs from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15.
The tour provides visitors with decorating ideas, a chance to pick up Christmas goodies and a feel-good day enjoying the Space Coast during the best weather. Both riverside residences - one on South Tropical Trail and the other near historic Georgianna Church - are located in outstandingly pretty locations. Both owners wanted to capture the beauty of the river and feel as if they incorporated their homes onto the sites
Kristi Everingham, owner of one of the featured houses, enjoys a large family with plenty of cheer to share.
“We embrace the holidays around here,” she said.
“We have neighborhood caroling we do every year with our friends in Crooked Mile. We have an annual cookie-baking tradition that started with my mom and I but has expanded to include other family members and friends.”
The home was inspired by traditional Florida Cracker architecture and reflects the family’s passion for the Indian River.
The Wall home, the other on the tour, also embraces the natural features of their property. The house was designed by interior designer Cynthia Wall to capture the views of the property’s heritage oak trees. She relied on natural materials for a seamless transition of outdoor to indoor.
Photography and art throughout the home, featuring the work of Margaret Tolbert and Roman Loranc, also repeat the love of nature. A passion for reading is also reflected throughout the home, as is husband Scott’s association with basketball as a referee for the National Basketball Association.
Outdoor swags and wreathes are adorned with oyster shells from the Wall’s Annual Christmas Oyster Roast that brings over 75 friends to the river for roasted oysters over a fire pit with special invitations to join the Official Shucker Crew.
A sale of hand-made seasonal crafts and baked goods created by the club members will be held in conjunction with the home tour at the Provost Building of Georgianna Church, 3890 Old Settlement Road.
The three locations are just a few minutes’ drive from each other, and visitors can start the tour at any of the locations.
Nonprofits Candlelighters, Walk on Water and Life Recaptured will be getting a bonus Christmas gift from the tour, since all proceeds will be donated to these local charities. Candlelighters is dedicated to helping children with cancer; Walk on Water, a horse-based ministry, helps special needs children, and Life Recaptured operates safe homes for individuals recovering from the effects of human trafficking.
“We are very excited to resume this home tour to enhance our fundraising efforts,” Marks said.
Spade and Trowel Garden Club tour of homes
Where to buy tickets
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour. For more information, call 321-474-3890. Here's where to purchase tour tickets.
On Merritt Island
Sugas Hair Salon, 695 South Courtenay Parkway
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, 1070 North Courtenay Parkway
Cabana Boutique, 2275 North Courtenay Parkway
Sir Walter Uniforms, 500 South Plumosa Street
Merritt Island Florist, 133 South Courtenay Parkway
Life Recaptured Resale Boutique and Market, 5515 North Courtenay Parkway
In Cocoa
Lucille Jane Salon, 10 Oleander Street
West Cocoa Pharmacy and Compounding, 2711 Clearlake Road
Additional ticket outlets
Rockledge Gardens, 2153 U. S. Route 1, Rockledge
Candlelighters Thrift Shop, 436 5th Avenue, Indialantic
Meehans’ Office and Art Products, 900 East New Haven Avenue, Melbourne
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Garden club hosts holiday home tours on Merritt Island
