DESIGN

It’s Christmas Time in the City! STORY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE ROBERTS

…whether that city is Memphis or the Big Apple, this home ups the holiday spirit to an elevated level.

to say that Jim King loves holiday decorating is the understatement of the year. Decking the halls of his home has been his passion since 1973. His enthusiasm went worldwide last year, however, thanks to a YouTube video he and his husband Everett Lawson made. Originally intended to show their holiday decor to family and friends who were unable to view the display in person, the clip went viral, garnering over 450,000 hits.

It’s no wonder that almost half a million viewers have enjoyed King and Lawson’s handiwork; their creation leaves no room inside their East Memphis home unadorned, and extends into the exterior and yard.

The homeowners begin the decorating process on August 1 annually, revamping the look and adding new features each year. Last year’s theme was a tribute to Christmas in New York City. No detail was overlooked in transforming the primary suite into a snowy Manhattan scene. Lawson explains how the metamorphosis happens. “We order custom printed backdrops for all four walls in the room. And then we add the things that we associate with New York and Christmas, like the tree in Rockefeller Center and some of the sculptures and ornaments. Everything just kind of pulls together as we put things in and move them around.”

pulls together, indeed. The couple’s sitting room became a replica of the iconic entrance to Saks Fifth Avenue, while the bedroom featured Radio City Music Hall, complete with the Rockettes. Lights, trees, trumpeting angels and life-sized nutcrackers complete the snowy scene.

While the owners’ suite brings all the glitz and glam of the city, the rest of the home is no less festive for the season. Christmas is everywhere in the residence—2021’s decor included 17 trees, and King announced that this year’s count is up to 22.

The great room features a massive tree and yards of garland, all twinkling with white lights that play up the room’s sophisticated white upholstered furniture. Santa oversees the goings-on from his beautifully adorned perch on the Juliet balcony. Old-fashioned carolers all clad in white grace living room, along with more wintery and wonderful accents. The dining room decorations exude elegance. Even the room’s modernstyle crystal chandelier seems to transform into artistic icicles to complete the snowy holiday feel.

The portion of the home dedicated to guests also receives special attention. King and Lawson treat the glass front of their guest house like a traditional city store window at Christmas, creating a glitzy tableau with a reindeer and sleigh to welcome visitors as they pull through the porte cochere, also illuminated for the season. It’s only a small part of the total transformation

the beautiful home’s exterior receives for the holidays. Last year was the first time King positioned matching trees on the front porch and directly above on the upper balcony. “I was trying to design it where it looked like one tree going all the way up,” he says. Mission accomplished. The setup was such a hit it’s featured again this year.

King and Lawson labor tirelessly to adorn their home, and they do it hand in glove, matching their skill sets to achieve holiday perfection. “Everett’s an engineer and I’m the decorating part behind it, so we work well together,” says King.

Case in point stands in the home’s entryway. The spectacular tree has a grand arch bursting from its top in all directions, sparkling with lights and crystal ornaments. It’s King’s brainchild, as is all the decor. Lawson recalls, “He described what he wanted and told me to figure out how to make it work.” Technical expertise employed, Lawson got the job done in grand fashion.

The couple’s creativity and knowhow were surely called upon again recently, as they choose a new theme for their holiday decor every year. Spoiler alert: think Hogwarts and Harry Potter for 2022.

"I try to do everything different than somebody else would do,” says King.

holiday gifts

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Havana Cigar Cutter by William Henry

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Infinity Link Necklace

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Henri Daussi Five-Stone Ring

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Madame Pompadour Diamond Bracelet

The best gifts come in Sissy’s blue boxes. This 1.50-carat total weight diamond and 14K white gold bracelet is sure to bring holiday cheer. Surprise her this Christmas with an elegant piece from the Madame Pompadour Collection.