Catherine and Jim Hutson are taking a trip down memory lane to Christmases past for the upcoming Homes for the Holidays tour.
Having opened up their Queen's Park home for the heritage home tour in the spring, the Hutsons are now letting folks see how they decorate for the holidays. On Dec. 7, they'll be showing off their collection of Christmas kitsch from the 1940s to 1960s.
"Jim likes to recreate the Christmas of his youth," Catherine said. "I call it his Mad Men Christmas."
While some of the homes on the Homes for the Holidays tour will be decked out in more classic décor, the Hutsons are opting for a funkier vibe in their 1912 home. As folks check out the home, decorated in a mix of shabby chic/vintage flair, they'll hear Christmas records from the '50s and '60s spinning on a replica turntable.
Jim, a flea market and thrift store aficionado, has amassed a collection of vintage made-in-Japan Christmas figurines that will be on display. Santas, angels, reindeer - and maybe even an elf or two - will also be featured in the Hutson's home.
"You have to play on your strengths," Catherine said. "We are not an HGTV show by any means."
The Hutsons, who have been involved with the New Westminster Heritage Preservation Society for many years, have restored a number of homes and won awards for their efforts. They’re more than happy to take part in the Homes for the Holidays tour, which is raising funds for the Queen’s Park Healthcare Foundation.
"It's fun," Catherine said of the tour. "It's for a fabulous cause. If you age out in New Westminster, chances are you are going to use the services of Queen's Park Care Centre."
Queen's Park Care Centre provides residential services, but it's also home to adult day care programs and rehabilitation programs used by many community members.
The Homes for the Holidays tour takes place on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and features five heritage homes in Queen's Park and Galbraith Manor in the Brow of the Hill, all of which have appeared on the spring heritage home tour. The homes will be decorated inside and out for the season.
Some of the homes will be selling items such as scarves, jewelry and Christmas decor that are stocked in the foundation's gift shop at Queen's Park Care Centre. Net proceeds from the event will support patients and residents at Queen's Park Care Centre.
For tickets or information about the homes featured on the tour, visit www.qphf.org. Tickets are also available at Brick & Mortar Living, Cadeaux Gifts and Home Embellishments, Champagne Taste Home and Royal City Colours.
