Classical guitarist Giovanni De Chiaro to return to Merrehope for Trees of Christmas
By Glenda Sanders
– Advent wreaths , mimosas , yoga and a classical Christmas concert featuring acclaimed guitarist Giovanni De Chiaro are among the events planned for this year ’ s Trees of Christmas at Merrehope .
The 54th annual Christmas tree exhibit will run from Sunday , Nov . 20 , through Saturday , Dec . 31 . This year ’ s theme is “ Up on the Housetop .”
“ Trees of Christmas is the gem of the holiday season here in Meridian ,” said BJ Hatten , who will co-chair this year ’ s event with Bet Deweese . “ It kicks off the season and gives people the holiday spirit just like an old-fashioned Christmas gathering .” Trees of Christmas is Merrehope ’ s largest fundraiser of the year . “ The theme , ‘ Up on the Housetop ,’ kind of goes with what Merrehope needs the most right now and that is a new roof ,” Hatten said .
Like most historic homes , Merrehope ’ s roof has years of damage , and repairs will be costly . A new roof is one of the main focuses of the Meridian Restorations Foundation at the present , she noted .
Trees of Christmas will kick off with an opening gala from 1-4 p . m . on Nov . 20 . During the come-and-go event , attendees will enjoy live entertainment , holiday refreshments and tours of the holiday decorations and trees .
“ The F . W . Williams House is closed this year due to repairs ,” Hatten said . “ We have mixed the trees that are normally decorated at the Williams home in with those at Merrehope so we will have over 50 trees , mantles and festive tabletops on display .”
Decorator Jason Ivey of Franklin , Tenn ., who has ties to Quitman , excitedly posted about being invited to decorate a tree .
“ It ’ s humbling to be a small part of this beautiful and fun tradition which benefits this amazing property ,” he wrote on Facebook . “ I grew up with Trees of Christmas at Merrehope .”
Local decorator Tonya Davis , who will serve as chairperson of the exterior decorating , said she and her sister , Teresa Scarborough , were thrilled to be invited to decorate the home ’ s exterior entrance .
“ It is an honor for us to be a part of making Merrehope beautiful for the holiday season ,” Davis said . “ Merrehope is a historical treasure that we are blessed to have in Meridian .”
The Meridian Children ’ s Museum will decorate the garden / picnic area with bird feeders , and the Okatibbee Creek Audubon Society will keep up its bird sanctuary in front of the Williams home , Hatten said .
At least 50 designers , businesses and organizations from across east central Mississippi have agreed to take part in this year ’ s decorating . From Rose Hill Theatre Company and East Mississippi Regional Library System to The Max and the Junior Auxiliary to Kademi in Philadelphia and Fantasy Cottage in Quitman , it is an eclectic mix .
Wilson Lovett , who greets guests daily at the historic home , will again decorate the tree and mantles in the double parlor . Local designer Sara Emma Hall will show her holiday decorating style as well .
Perhaps the highlight of this year ’ s Trees of Christmas will be the Christmas concert featuring classical guitarist Giovanni De Chiaro from 5-8 p . m . on Sunday , Dec . 18 . Tickets are $ 50 and will include the concert , home tour and hor d ’ oeuvres .
De Chiaro , who taught guitar at the University of Southern Mississippi for
www . meridianstar . com
• 37