By Diane Macrides
The much-loved annual event, The Garden Club of Long Beach Island’s “Holiday Tour of Homes” saw its fifty-seventh successful undertaking in December. Thanks to the generosity of Islanders who graciously opened their homes to the club’s design teams, the tour encompassed a number of Long Beach Island private homes in a variety of styles that gave attendees a captivating glimpse of the holidays on our barrier island.
Over 1200 tour attendees traversed Long Beach Island stopping along the way at five homes magically transformed for the holidays by the immense talents of The Garden Club’s decorators whose breathtaking designs brought the season to life in a style befitting the uniqueness of each venue. In keeping with Garden Club traditions, fresh cut evergreen trees, greens, flowers, and live plants — together with handmade ornaments and features — were highlights throughout the day and provided holiday décor inspiration.
The Garden Club’s House Tour Luncheon Committee transformed the Brant Beach Yacht Club into a festively decorated, welcoming venue where attendees took time out to relax with a delicious, boxed lunch, enjoy tranquil bay views and mingle.
Another highlight of the tour is the Garden Club’s Pop-Up Holiday Boutique which is kindly hosted each year by the Surf City Fire Company. Offerings at the boutique include homemade holiday cookies, lovingly baked and packaged by club members, a variety of beautiful fresh greens, holiday arrangements, and wreaths all handcrafted by the Garden Club’s Greens Committee, along with a wonderful collection of wares and gifts offered by a selection of local shops and artisans.
The Holiday Tour of Homes is one of two annual fundraisers sponsored by The Garden Club of Long Beach Island. Together with the Outdoor Living Tour hosted each year in June, the Garden Club raises funds to support local environmental initiatives, including their stewardship of three public gardens on LBI, college scholarships for local teens who pursue environmental studies, and workshops for local youth and seniors to foster a love of gardening and floral design.
