Melissa Haupt didn’t need much convincing when she was asked to open her home for the Deck the Halls of Glennon Homes Christmas Tour in 2020. An accomplished hostess, she loves entertaining. “It’s a great cause, and I was happy I could contribute,” says Haupt.

Choosing Holiday Garland: A client’s personal preference is always the first consideration for choosing garland in the home. For example, if the scent of Christmas is the priority, then using fresh cedar would be a consideration. Where a garland is to be placed also determines what to use. If on or near fabric, such as silk drapery, I would steer them to artificial garland.

After months of dreaming of a white Christmas, the time has finally come to decorate your home against the cold. We suggest bundling up and making your space as cozy as can be!

One: White brushed twig screen, available at Mary Tuttle's Floral and Gifts.

Two: Shimmering white forest paintings, available at Blue Dahlia Designs.

Three: Assorted velvet, wood and garland holiday trees, available at The White Hare.

Four: Rustic metal bells, available at The White Hare.

Five: Two-toned basket, available at Blue Dahlia Designs.

Last year’s holiday season was especially celebratory for Jenna and Jason Siebert and their teenage daughter. They’d spent two years extensively renovating their new home, a 1926 bungalow in Webster Groves, and Christmas Eve of 2018 was the first time they’d hosted Jenna’s entire family in what felt like forever. On top of that, they’d accommodated 1,300 visitors during the Webster Groves Holiday House Tour earlier in the season. “During the renovation, the house was a mess,” says Jenna.