CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Time to Decorate for the Holidays!

Now that Halloween is in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to think about decorating for the holidays.

’Tis the season for open houses and many interior and floral design shops will be hosting theirs this month. Tours also provide lots of ideas. If you’re looking to explore the latest seasonal trends and holiday décor or shop for gifts, this is your opportunity to obtain some professional advice and get into the spirit of the season. (Note: While Open Houses are offered on specific dates, the shops will be decorated through the holidays.)

Interior Fancies Christmas Open House

November 2 and 4-8

After returning from Furniture Market in High Point, North Carolina, owner Kathy Shenk and her team made like Santa and his elves and got to work transforming the shop/studio into a Christmas spectacular. The trees they designed are decorated around themes such as traditional, vintage and boho. Their decorations speak to trends such as natural elements (cornhusks), sparkle and nature (reindeer ornaments). You’ll definitely be inspired.

Information: 1520 Commerce Dr., Lancaster. Facebook.com

Olde Mill House Shoppes Christmas Open House

November 2-3

If you love the cozy and comfortable look of traditional or country styling, this is your destination. The shop will be bursting with holiday decorations, wreaths, arrangements, candles and more. The house will be fully decorated, providing you with lots of ideas for your own home. Food sampling will keep you energized.

Information: 105 Strasburg Pike, Lancaster. Facebook.com

Heritage Design Interiors’ Holiday Open House

November 7-17

This is one of my go-to sources for ornaments. Several years ago, I became infatuated with the color pink and bought a bunch of pink ornaments during the shop’s after-Christmas sale. I stashed them away and made a mental note of where I put them. The following November I was in the store for the Best Kept Secrets Tour, saw pink ornaments and bought a bunch. Lo and behold, a few weeks later I found a mystery bag in my bedroom closet and, you guessed it, they were the after-Christmas-sale purchases. Oh, well, you can never have enough pink tree ornaments!

The store will be filled with all-things holiday, including ornaments, accessories, floral arrangements, swags, wreaths, candles and more. Decorating ideas can be gleaned from the five decorated fireplaces and eight trees. Door prizes and special promos will be offered. Extended hours (including Sundays) will be offered November 9-10 and 16-17.

Information: 1064 E. Main St., New Holland. Heritagedesigninteriors.com

Always Never Done Holiday Open House

November 8-10

If you love vintage, mid-century and upcycled furniture and unique accessories, this is the place for you! For the annual Open House, the store takes on a holiday vibe thanks to the ornaments, accessories, throw pillows and more that make their appearance. It’s also gift central. There’s a café onsite, so make a morning or afternoon of it.

Information: 3090 Harrisburg Pike, Landisville. Facebook.com

Floral Designs of Mount Joy

November 22-23

Jill Erb and her team spent the last days of October transforming the shop into a holiday wonderland. In addition to lots of shimmer and sparkle, natural elements are being used to convey the spirit of the holidays. Also expect to see lots of red and metallic hues. Stop in and see everything from decorated trees to holiday accessories, arrangements and gift items.

Information: 1599 West Main St., Mount Joy. Facebook.com

Marietta Candlelight Tour

December 1

One of the state’s longest-running holiday tour of homes (this will mark the 58th year), Marietta’s tour will feature seven private homes – all decorated for the holidays – as well as several public buildings. Other activities taking place include a Local Artist Showcase. Sponsored by Marietta Restoration Associates, proceeds benefit the care and upkeep of Old Town Hall and the Union Meeting House. Pre-ordered tickets are $25. Day of tickets are $30 and can be purchased at Donegal Intermediate School, Old Town Hall Museum and First National Escape Bank. Tour hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: Mariettaresoration.org

Best Kept Secrets Tour 

Berks County: November 7-23

Lancaster Christmas: December 5-14

Several years ago, friends invited me to join them on one of the Lancaster tours and I was hooked. Since then, we’ve done tours in Berks, Lebanon and Chester counties, as well as Maryland. They never disappoint. (The secret component: stops are not announced ahead of the tour but are revealed when a person purchases a ticket/booklet.) This year’s Christmas tour will be centered in northwest Lancaster County and will feature 13 shops, three cafes and one winery. Ticketholders will be treated to such perks as discounts, coupons, refreshments, treats and small gifts. Collect a stamp at each location and be eligible to win one or two shopping sprees. Also of note: $1 from each $12 ticket will benefit Communities in School. Information: Bestkeptsecretstour.com

Ken’s Gardens Christmas Open House

December 5-7

Holiday workshops will be held throughout November at both locations. The open house will feature Ken’s expansive selection of poinsettias and other seasonal  blooms, as well as holiday décor. Homemade cookies and refreshments will be served. Door prizes will be awarded. The annual Ladies Night will be held December 6 and will feature a workshop, shopping, door prizes and a coffee bar. (Free but reservations suggested.) 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Smoketown, and 3552 W. Newport Rd., Intercourse. Information:KensGardens.com

Strasburg Holiday Home Tour

December 7

The Strasburg Heritage Society is hosting its 13th annual tour that will take visitors into seven festively decorated homes that range in style from historic to contemporary. Three local churches will be open as well. Advance tickets ($20) can be ordered online or purchased at Main Street Antiques and Speckled Hen. Tour-day tickets ($25) can be purchased at Strasburg First Presbyterian Church (101 S. Decatur St.), where food, greens and craft items can be purchased. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A tree lighting will take place December 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Borough Building. Information: Strasburgheritagesociety.org

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