A Review of: Christmas at Designers' Homes Across America (McMillan) & Making Orange Pomander Trees

/ the.tartan.topiary
Almost 400 color images treat readers to dazzling holiday visions that leading designers have realized in their own homes-scenes usually reserved for family and friends. Be inspired by their decorating strategies and hands-on ingenuity while gleaning insider tips for preserving trees-both fresh and artificial-and caring for ornaments. Get the scoop on unusual color schemes and centerpieces. See how one designer used crushed red and silver ball ornaments as a light-catching base for glass vials of flowers, and a laundry-room tree whimsically decorated with miniature clothing-item ornaments. This treasure trove showcases one-of-a-kind holiday ideas from some of the nation's most talented interior designers, who share not only their aesthetic tastes but also family holiday rituals and favorite Christmas traditions.

[@amyjones2490]

I’ve got to say I really love vintage ornaments. Brings back nostalgic memories.

[@thedailymakermaking]

I love the pomander tree AND your toile tablecloth. 🌲🍊✨❤️🤍

[@aeriheirsling2735]

I liked the displays and the greenery on the chandelier.

[@lindaanderson1016]

I appreciate the author's dedication of the book to Jesus. He is alive and it is all because of His birthday.

[@thetartantopiary]

I was touched by that as well. The authors also wrote a book about historic homes at Christmas. I will review that one next week.

[@tonygarcia8720]

Beautiful and timeless !!!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

The Lily of the Valley ornament is so pretty! I have a May birthday too!

[@kaylamson5161]

Absolutely love the verse at the beginning. So beautiful thank you so much for showing that!!!! We need more Jesus for sure! God bless u, John 3:16🙏❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

You are right and I was touched by the dedication also.

[@kathymilesdesign]

Your content is made even better by your lovely voice and smooth cadence. I'm a new fan. Merry Christmas.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I'm never sure about my voice and accent, so I appreciate your comment.

[@robertwessels9827]

Beautiful decorating!

[@graemeneale9311]

What a beautiful home, tastefully furnished, elegant and inviting, the one in the latter part of the video.

[@mariatrotter6889]

Lovely especially the nativity as it was your mothers . Truly special

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes, I was happy to receive it. Thanks for watching.

[@charlavinyard4203]

Gorgeous! ❤

[@traceygartrell3419]

Thank you for your inspiration

[@janicekeisler9225]

Thank you for your reviews of these beautiful books. I really like your personal additions…the history of the pomander and the oranges with greenery tree. Your home is gorgeous and the decorations add to its beauty. As I have said previously, your voice is so calming, and I could listen to you all day!

[@thetartantopiary]

What a sweet comment. Thank you for that and I'm so glad you enjoy watching.

[@clarissahopkins1148]

Thank you for sharing your oh so lovely home. The decorations are beautiful. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much. I hope your Thanksgiving was a nice one.

[@cooperwesley1536]

I really dislike the Christmas season, but I love decorating my home for Christmas (as well as my mother's tree and my brother and his family's three trees). I fully recognize the irony of that, but I don't really care. LOL. Thanks for sharing the images from this particular book. All of them were beautiful and inspiring... as is your living room. Cheers, and Merry Christmas.

[@thetartantopiary]

I know you must have your reasons, but Christmas is a magical and joyous time for me. I’m glad you love decorating the trees. You must be very good at it and it’s a kind thing for you to help with your mom’s and your brother’s trees! Thx for the Christmas wishes! It’s always Christmas in my soul. 🎄 Cheers back to you!

[@cooperwesley1536]

@@thetartantopiary ☺😘Thank you

[@carolpipher4839]

🎄 ~Loved this, and.. your home is just beautiful!! 💫

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@pamelaprivette5361]

Lovely colors in your livingroom! Love Duncan Phyfe chairs with the lyre back spats! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate that and Happy Thanksgiving to you!

[@melaniemorris7757]

What a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing it and your lovely home. I made pomanders years ago( so long ago that I had forgotten!) They smell glorious and are a great addition to any home for the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from Goldsboro.

[@thetartantopiary]

It seems to be popular in the south. I remember making some in Sunday School when I was very young. I think that is great that you are from Goldsboro. ❤️ Happy Thanksgiving!

[@mariemaladorno8788]

Your house is so pretty.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@shirleyprescott1528]

lovely!!!! just lovely!!!!! I enjoy these videos so very much. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@thetartantopiary]

I really do appreciate that, Happy Thanksgiving to you!

[@elizabethlara4070]

Such a festive review! Thank you! Your living room is gorgeous! I will borrow the nut cracker idea at the fireplace too and attempt at making the DIY with oranges and cloves. Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for your book reviews!

[@thetartantopiary]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and thank you for your kind comment.

[@AJones-xo3jg]

You have so many beautiful items in your home. Comethe eye candy! Would you share your resources where possible or links?

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you and I will. Was there anything in particular you were interested in?

[@AJones-xo3jg]

The pagoda monogrammed napkins.

[@johanna191]

Too Kitsch OMG !!! Looks like Chinese Made Plastic

[@janiceminuto1707]

I enjoyed the book review it was lovely, however your Christmas home decorations and displays are very beautiful and inspirational. This will be my first time to decorate again, since becoming widowed at Christmastime 6 years ago. Thank you for lighting up my life ❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Janice, what a sweet thing to say. I hope decorating for Christmas brings joy to your heart. My father loved Christmas and after his death I put his picture in a small frame ornament and I place it on the tree where I can see it as I pass by. It makes me smile. ❤️

[@janiceminuto1707]

@@thetartantopiary Wow, that is a great remembrance, nice idea!

[@lauriediener5328]

Beautiful decorating 🎄

[@grigsbywhite3309]

Your home is beautiful and I love the nutcrackers by the fireplace. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you also!

[@maureenlee-grant5773]

Thank you Mary once again for another wonderful review, for inviting us into your home and sharing some of your traditions with us. A joyous Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for watching and Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!

[@gildastigliano7936]

these are GREAT!!! I love your aesthetic sense and commentary; very relaxing! and how you include either a craft or other important tip for us! I must search your archives for more...thank you!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate that very much!

[@2atthemill190]

Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for allotting the few extra seconds to linger on the dedication page. Where would we be without that love. All the lavish decorations in all the designers' home will never equal the beauty of heaven if we humble ourselves and embrace that sacrifice. I'm beginning to enjoy your thoughtful and enchanting pieces at the end of your reviews as much as the reviews themselves.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I was touched that the authors included that dedication. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I am so enjoying your videos!

[@raffaellarabizzi129]

Your special May bubble takes inspiration from a Fabergè egg, my favourite!!!😂fabulous taste and atmosphere in you house🌹

[@thetartantopiary]

I think that's another reason I love the ornament. I have a love of Faberge also. Have you ever seen Joan Rivers collection? Many of her pieces were sold by Christies after her death, but they were all beautiful.

[@raffaellarabizzi129]

Yes, I have seen it. I would like so much to visit st Petersburg to see the collection at the Ermitage which is now something unattainable. This year instead of getting back to USA ( my favourite) I am spending two weeks in London where all the museums and exhibitions as far as afternoon teas will be mine😁

[@thetartantopiary]

@@raffaellarabizzi129 I’m jealous, this would be great, enjoy!

[@lindawatts5260]

Your home is beautifully decorated for Christmas, Not to much but just enough. Like that the author recognized that Jesus is the real reason for the season. I will be buying her book. Also, I like the new intro look to your video, very impressive along with the craft idea. My teenage daughters would like to do these I’m sure. Merry Christmas!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate that. The pomander tree was a lot of fun and relatively easy, but it smells fabulous. I also appreciated the authors dedication in the book. I will be doing another book written by them next week.

[@kaywallace6139]

Lovely presentation

[@cindybennett9923]

The book looks great, full of beauty and inspiration! And your home is GORGEOUS!!!! Love your style, and the stories behind some of your most special items. Thank you for all you share. I look forward to your videos and reviews!!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, Cindy. I appreciate your comment! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@jamesparciak5387]

You are a true artist... how you go about presenting your videos . Thank you. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

[@bwiseok]

Absolutely beautiful. I’ve done this orange and clove idea but did not think about putting them on Styrofoam but instead laid them in a bowl at Christmas time for my children to enjoy well over 30 years ago. Your house is stunning

[@elizabethhealey5609]

Thank you very much , to sharing your beautiful home you decorate , sou beautiful for Christmas holiday and I love the tradition Christmas decoration .❤❤❤

[@jcrane45585]

Nothing says Christmas down south more than satsumas bedazzled with cloves in a blue willow bowl and sago palm branches woven into the greenery.

[@pathader4839]

Some very expensive trees and decorating but very beautiful

[@d.l.l.6578]

Lovely book and lovely they dedicated it to Christ, whose birthday we are celebrating. Thanks

[@vivienmcnaul109]

Loved the book and the stories of your home. My taste is very similar to yours so we will say it's "good taste". Coming from Co. Antrim we have a European traditional. When I came to America I started collecting Santa's. My cousin loves nutcrackers. I have Christmas dishes and of course Christmas crackers. Happy Thanksgiving. See you for Saturdays review.

[@thetartantopiary]

I love that, and yes, let's call it "good taste"! 😉Happy Thanksgiving, Vivien!

[@johnmyers7008]

Wow, you have been busy, Mary! Wonderful review and your home is beautifully decorated for the holidays! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@thetartantopiary]

Happy Thanksgiving to you, John, and thank you!

[@brendadudderar8230]

Totally agree about being a peeping Tom but even other parts of the year. Warm light glow coming from a home always makes me try to look in😮

[@thetartantopiary]

Me too, often, when on walks with my husband, I'll tell him to act like he's tying his shoe so I can take a longer glance into a beautiful entry or large window. I may have a problem.

[@davidwall951]

Wow! My mother had the same Nativity set when I was a kid. It now belongs to my son and daughter in law. Beautiful Christmas!

[@thetartantopiary]

They just don't make them like that anymore! I think it was made in Italy.

[@grandaflora4191]

Love the tartan plaid mixed in. My roots are Scottish also. Happy Thanksgiving🦃

[@thetartantopiary]

I think I bleed tartan. ❤️

[@JJ33438]

LOVE IT AND really like the oranges with the cloves going to try that!

[@thetartantopiary]

It was fun. I did the oranges over two days so it wouldn't be so monotonous. It was worth it. It smells great.

[@suzieq2493]

Such a lovely home you have! Thank you for sharing

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for watching and I appreciate your comment.

[@gretchenlott4203]

Love your videos and the information you share. Your home is beautiful!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@sharonchilds3871]

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

[@virginiawomack7167]

Love the book! Your home is perfectly elegant and speaks to my own aesthetic.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you. The authors also have book about Christmas at Historic Homes across America. I'll review it soon- it's great too.

[@virginiawomack7167]

@@thetartantopiary As with all your reviews, I will be looking forward to it.

[@alices.1824]

I was going to purchase the book, however, after reading the Amazon reviews I’m hesitant to spend the money. The negative reviews were due to the poor quality of some of the photos. Do you have a recommendation?

[@thetartantopiary]

I purchased this about a year ago. It was used and I was able to get it at a discount. I would not pay full price. However, the authors have a book on American historic homes at Christmas and that one, in my opinion, is much better. I will review it next week.

[@alices.1824]

@@thetartantopiary I also want to say your living room is elegant and love the understated and classic Christmas decor. I also enjoy when you share your home. Thank you.

[@dn5582]

I love your channel and your home!

[@thetartantopiary]

I really appreciate that, thank you.

[@lindaanderson1016]

Your home is also lovely.

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@Gweynn5]

THANK YOU! ❤️

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for watching! 💗

[@buickinvicta288]

Just beautiful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you! You too!

[@karellarsen939]

So beautiful Mary. Such a beautiful book and the beautiful home! Did I hear right, the home is yours! ❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Yes, I live here with my husband and our son.

[@debramorgenroth7420]

You're home is so beautiful

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I appreciate that!