peace on Ea r th Holiday Home Showcase Fall 2014

A cherished Christmas sentiment was beautifully expressed in Holland’s Landscaping and Garden Center decorations for the annual Homes for the Holidays charity tour last year.

“All the decorations we used in the home were inspired by the beauty of nature,” explained Sarah Liljestrand, Holland co-owner and designer. Birch wood and twigs, metallic doves, white and Norway pine boughs, root tables, decorative deer, artichoke hearts and white roses were some of the natural elements delightfully woven into the décor of this historic downtown Fargo home.

Although an historic home where former President John F. Kennedy once visited, the current owner enjoys a more contemporary style inside. Liljestrand melded that contemporary flair and the theme for the year in the natural inspiration.

Natural elements grace the front entry. The traditional heating radiators are topped with marble and become home to decorative deer, mini trees and branches along with an unusual root container. An oversized pottery vase is filled with bare branches, decorated with rustic birds, and copper, silver and bronze frosted pine cones. At the base a lamb sculpture reminds guests of the holiday theme.

The dining room has a lovely view from the mullioned windows. Anchoring the space is the owner’s dark trestle dining table and hand-carved wood chairs. Liljestrand adds glamour with a silver and white chevron pattern table runner, matching the accent pillows on the window seat. Crystal beads carried by glittering doves provide sparkle for the natural twigs in birch holders used as centerpieces on the table. Crimson roses and dusted greenery fill unusual mercury glass jars. Silver charger plates are set with white mini pumpkins, pine cones and napkin holders that have a pheasant feather as lovely detail.

To the side of the dining table is a beautiful natural root table. The tree roots create the base and the top of the table, creating a lovely contrast to the artificial frosted trees placed on the top and at the base. White lights on the trees keep the look contemporary and bright. Tucked at the base is a charming rustic fawn sculpture in a playful pose.

A Christmas package, in recycled paper and tied with raffia, hints at the holiday fun. The window ledges are trimmed with little sparkling trees and natural branches.

In the large living room, twigs and pheasant feathers in mercury glass jars adorn the mantle above the birch logs in the fireplace. Above, an original artwork done by Liljestrand, entitled “Those Who Dwell,” emphasizes the contemporary motif. Candles add warmth and light to the mantle display. Between the two couches near the window, an unusual custom Christmas tree was created by Holland's out of reclaimed wood. Wood pallets from deliveries were repurposed into a hand-crafted tree, with doweled branches supported by a center pipe. Individual branches hold candles in mercury votives, silver wire birds as a symbol of peace and their intricate nests, complete with eggs. Copper wire, accented with silver balls and wire pine cones complete the tree. Presents wrapped in recycled paper and tied with yarn sit nearby.

The coffee table boasts a bouquet of JFK roses in creamy white, with white pine accents. A carved teak fish floats gracefully on a pedestal above the coffee table, and complements the carved burl wood footstool. Candles used in the room are from Hollands' line of soy candles that are made in Minnesota. Relaxing under the coffee table is a stoic fox sculpture.

In the kitchen, natural elements take a sophisticated twist to complement the room’s modern style of oversized brushed nickel hardware and a black granite-topped island. On the island, a large wire tree ornamented with glass prisms and icicles draws attention to the tall ceilings. At the base of the tree, a pair of graceful deer created from silver wire, seem to approve the choice of wines offered. Greens and an artichoke garnish a silver holiday tray while red roses and white pine make a holiday bouquet in the mercury glass vase. Other white vases hold pine twigs.

Leading to the back porch, Liljestrand used a frosted tree with white lights to complement the artichoke ornaments and red dogwood twig accents. A door to the study has a bittersweet and rose hip wreath done by Prairie Wreaths.

About the Holiday Tour

The annual Homes for the Holiday Charity Tour event is hosted by the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at NDSU to raise funds for various local charities. Last year, Churches United was the beneficiary, in conjunction with the sheltering churches, who helped shelter homeless individuals during the harsh winter weather. The beneficiary for the 2014 tour will be the YWCA, which helps women and children. The event is held the first weekend in November, and tickets are $20 to tour the beautifully decorated homes. Tickets can be purchased at the various decorating entities, including Holland's, as well as Alpha Gamma Delta members. Liljestrand said they will be decorating a red farmhouse in a modern Scandinavian theme this year for the tour.

About Holland's

“We could see blue sky when we first bought the building,” commented Liljestrand about the building they bought in 2006 that currently houses their landscaping and garden center. “We’ve been fixing it ever since, so there’s something new every year.”

A family business, with Liljestrand’s husband as coowner, and her mom, cousins and sister as co-workers, Holland's has earned a reputation for offering a fresh perspective for homeowners, both inside and out. “We enjoy taking things from nature and repurposing it for a specific design.” The hand-crafted tree used in the showcase is a classic example of the unique style, ensuring that each tree is different and unusual, and something that no one else would have.

“We love the holidays,” confessed Liljestrand. “Every year, we totally transform our space for the holidays, and every year is different. We love to feature the natural beauty of the region, in the décor, accessories and gift items.” [AWM]

For more information

about the annual Holiday Tour of Homes or Holland's, please contact:

Mike & Sarah Liljestrand

Holland's Landscaping & Garden Center

1201 Center Avenue

Moorhead, MN 56560

218-233-6131 facebook.com/hollandsgarden.mn www.hollandslandscapingandgarden.com