Southern Style and Inspiration Offered at
the 18th Beaufort Homes for the Holidays Tour in Downtown Beaufort

story by KAREN SNYDER

Nothing says “Christmas in the South” than the beauty of magnolias, the smell of fresh garlands and greenery, the sparkle of a candlelit tablescape, and the magic of an ornament-clad Christmas tree. Add the charm of a welcoming front porch decorated with boughs and bows, and yes, you might just be in Beaufort at the holidays!

Those looking for holiday inspiration and hallmarks of Southern-style are sure to find it at the Eighteenth Annual Beaufort Homes for the Holidays tour, November 23-24, in the historic Bay Street area of Downtown Beaufort. The event itself is a much-anticipated holiday tradition and this year features seven professionally decorated homes all within walking distance. The tour, a fundraising event for St. Peter’s Catholic School, provides a rare opportunity for locals and visitors alike to view homes dating as far back as the 1800s to the present decade. Among the featured homes are those built by a sea captain and Civil War soldier, a plantation-style home, a carriage house and freedman’s cottage, an inn, a loft, and a modern home built to reflect a Beaufort historic home. Those wanting to preview the homes and their history may visit the event’s website at beauforthomesfortheholidays.com.

“It’s a wonderful community event,” says Pam Johnson, now in her third year as marketing co-chair for the event. “We love the community outreach aspect of the event,” she adds, explaining that both parishioners of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the community at large volunteer their time for the event. “We’re excited to have the tour for the first time along the Bay Street corridor, including several of Beaufort’s historic homes.”

Visitors will see both traditional holiday home décor as well as decorations with a modern twist all provided by the talents of local interior designers, artists, and florists including long-time tour participant Maggie Engstrom, owner of Sweet Bay; Barb Farley of Pier 1 Imports; Maison Beaufort featuring Buxus Greenery; Dataw Garden Club; Urban Nest; Buds & Blooms; and Elizabeth O’Herron Interiors.

“We’re pleased that the homeowners have graciously opened their homes so we can enjoy their beautiful houses and the time and talents of these individuals and businesses,” states Johnson. She adds that the designers work with the residents up to a week in advance to transform their homes into a holiday delight. “Sometimes the designers work with the holiday décor belonging to the homeowner and sometimes they design with their own materials — or a combination of both,” explains Johnson.

In fact, nearly 1,000 guests will visit during the two-day tour. “We expect an even greater number of visitors this year since our homes are part of the historic Downtown Beaufort area.” She hopes that tourists who are visiting Beaufort during the event weekend will also attend. Tours of each house are led by docents who’ve been educated about and are ready to share details of the home’s holiday décor.

Another important part of the weekend is the gala event which kicks off the Beaufort Homes for the Holidays tour held on Friday, November 22nd from 7-11 p.m. on St. Peter’s campus. “The Walsh Palmetto Room is truly transformed for the event!” Johnson explains, “You can’t even recognize it.”
It’s a chance for Beaufortonians to dress up in their finest (black-tie optional) and enjoy and food and décor by Southern Graces and live music by The Maxx, a popular band from Atlanta. One highlight, according to Beaufort Homes for the Holidays Auction Chair Mary Cunningham is the silent auction. “The gala really isn’t to be missed,” she insists.

According to Cunningham, the silent auction includes more than 100 items with one featured offering being a cocktail party at the former Bay Street home of Broadway actress Maude O’Dell. O’Dell is buried in the historic graveyard of St. Peter Church on Carteret Street.

“There are plenty of other exciting items, too, including vacation stays on Fripp Island, Tybee Island, and others,” she adds, “and lots of area restaurant offerings. New items come in each week.”
Gala tickets are $100 per person and are available online at www.beauforthomesfortheholidays.com or at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church office. Tickets to the tour are $30 prior to November 23rd and $35 if purchased the day of the tour. Tour tickets are available at area business locations including The Chocolate Tree, Sweet Bay, Scout Southern Market, The Kitchen, Nuances (Port Royal), Markets (Bluffton), and Branches (Wexford). Tour tickets can also be purchased online or at the church office.

“During the tour, there also will be ticket tables in both downtown parking lots,” adds Johnson.
Held rain or shine, she invites the community to attend the Eighteenth Beaufort Homes for the Holidays tour “to inspire your own holiday decorating,” she says, “But more than that, we love the outreach and the goodwill that this event generates in our community.”

Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, if possible, and enjoy your dose of holiday inspiration.