by Andrea Fanning | Photography by Michael Hunter
Every room is decorated,” says homeowner Victoria Perry. Eleven Christmas trees can be found throughout the 14,000-square-foot house she shares with her husband in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas. Inspired by palatial style from Louis XV and XVI, the Perrys designed and built this home from the ground up, with construction lasting from 2009 to 2012. And after moving in five years ago, the family made it a priority to carry on their annual holiday tradition of decking the halls and hosting a black-tie Christmas ball.
Preparations begin in early November, and by December, each room is filled with holiday finery. “I come up with the theme, design all of the trees, and pick out every ornament,” says Victoria. “Then I call on Dr. Delphinium to add the magic that helps pull it all together.” The Perrys have partnered with the local florist for years, and they are quick to credit the talented team with the realization of their holiday design dreams. This year, the Perrys’ daughter, a recent college graduate and owner of Flowered by Grace, added to the merriment by designing the fresh table arrangements throughout the house.
With the same careful attention given to furnishing their home, the Perrys choose holiday décor that complements their collections. Ceiling heights range from 12 to 40 feet, so the trees are selected accordingly. In the foyer, a 35-foot tree is covered in so many doves and other white ornaments that the evergreen tree itself appears almost white. This same space includes water-gilded consoles from the Kellogg estate, a pair of gilded beveled mirrors, antique Aubusson chairs, and a 95-light Baccarat chandelier. Venetian plaster walls add to the ambiance, along with thousands of white lights.
The dining room pays homage to the announcement of Christ’s birth with a pair of trees bearing topiary angels with trumpets. A Waterford chandelier shines down upon a dining table surrounded by 12 Louis XV side chairs from the William Randolph Hearst estate. An antique Aubusson rug anchors the setting. In the family room, the decorations take a fanciful turn, playing to the childlike wonder associated with the season. A 4-foot nutcracker, pink toe shoes, and a tutu from a performance of The Nutcracker add seasonal whimsy to the water-gilded Louis XV and XVI furnishings dressed in Scalamandré and Fortuny fabrics. Rock candy, peppermints, and other edible goodies can be plucked from a dish or straight from the tree.
“The theme of the family room really adds to the magic of Christmas,” says Victoria, “especially for the children who visit.” Her own children, ages 23 and 21, still love to come home for the holidays. They particularly look forward to seeing the Christopher Radko tree in the kitchen that is bursting with bright ornaments. And they enjoy the upstairs tree filled with handmade ornaments, popcorn garland, and tinsel.
“This truly is a magical time in our home, and we love sharing it with others,” says Victoria. “Every detail reflects our joy, and we hope guests experience the love expressed here.”
