The Garden Club of Long Beach Island — Holiday House Tour 2022
Ship Bottom: The nostalgic scent of fresh-cut evergreens mingled with salt air and delicate shades of the sea evokes memories of winters past in this new beach-front jewel. Cathy Sutton and Bonnie Korbeil, House Decorating Chairs
By Gillian Rozicer
Photography by Jeannette Michelson
Good cheer abounds at The Garden Club of LBI’s Holiday House Tour, now in its fifty-sixth year. More than one thousand visitors streamed through five amazing private homes. Happy homeowners from Barnegat Light to Beach Haven gladly turned over their bit of paradise into the clever hands of Garden Club members who transformed each into breathtaking holiday beauties.
All the handmade decorations were natural, many from members’ own gardens, the colors of the flowers and greenery blending into the hues of the houses. The seashells and pinecones saying, “Yes, it is our much-loved LBI.” Creative surprises included gurgling snowmen melting in the shower, Santa Claus preparing his suit for the sleigh ride, and solid silver antique ornaments dancing on a tree. It is no wonder the Holiday House Tour ticket is one of the most sought-after tickets of the year.
Brant Beach: The modern eat-in-kitchen of this 1902 beach house enrobed in hues of the season —traditional, glittering and charming radiates the warmth of holiday entertaining. Beverly Reitinger and Monica Moeller, House Decorating Chairs
Members of The Garden Club — now numbering 174 — come together each year to prepare for this festive event. Whether it is baking aromatic cookies for the gigantic cookie sale or twisting a wee bit of holly onto a wreath, all of the members join in to spread the excitement.
A delectable gourmet box lunch served at the elegant Brant Beach Yacht Club was included with this year’s ticket. The Surf City Fire House turned over their wide-open spaces for the hand-fashioned greenery sale, the luscious cookie sale, and a holiday gift shop featuring many local vendors and artists.
Beach Haven: The Pollinator Room in shades of yellow abuzz with bumble bee accents embraces a wonderland of glowing hues and ocean views. Dianne Barbieri and Sue Warren, House Decorating Chairs
Proceeds from the Holiday House Tour allow the Garden Club of LBI to continue supporting local environmental initiatives, awarding college scholarships, and providing free services for the Island’s children and seniors.
SAVE THE DATE: 56th Annual Holiday House Tour, Thursday, December 7, 2023
Preparations are underway and The Garden Club of LBI is extremely excited to present the Holiday House Tour once again. Mark your calendar for an exquisite day of visiting five outstanding LBI homes showcased in their holiday finest. Tickets go on sale in the fall.
