A tender TENNESSEE Christmas

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Cindy and Fred McCords simply elegant seasonal decor sets the stage for their holiday gatherings.
Cindy and Fred McCord have been ready for the holidays for months. To Cindy, Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ. "It is a time we spend with our families and try to slow down, but the older they get the more I realize how difficult that is. With my first off to college this year, I realize that these family times are more special than ever. My husband Fred is from Atlanta and we are very close to his family. I grew up here in Memphis and my mother and sister are still here. My children are Davis, 19, Claire and Mary Helen, 14, and sweet Maisy is five." Cindy and her family use the holidays as a time for honoring traditions and making memories. And their home in Germantown sets the stage for this years gathering.
Cindy, an interior designer, worked with her florist, Paula DeClerk, to design a holiday theme that would blend well with the homes existing style. The McCords, who have lived in their current home for six years, have chosen traditional Christmas decor with natural elements this season. The elegant yet natural effects with green ribbon and silver accents flow throughout the house to create a consistent look. By adding consistency in color and theme, each detail adds seasonal flair without overwhelming the senses. Also, decorating only spaces that are conducive to entertaining allows the McCords to concentrate on areas of the house where they will spend most of their time.
The inspiration for her design is simplicity. "I like simple, not overdone decorations," Cindy claims. "More than anything else, I want to display ornaments on trees, manager scenes and anything that my three children will remember as being special in our family in years to come. Of course I want it to look beautiful, but more so I want it to be meaningful to my family so they may carry the same special collections on to their own children one day."

Upon arriving at the McCord home, you immediately feel the warmth of soft, glowing white lights and the smell of the season. The homes facade features fresh garland wrapped in white lights and traditional pine and cedar wreaths on each door to welcome guests. A step inside continues the natural theme. Evergreens fill the entryway as fresh garland lines the stair bannister and framing in the doorway to the hallway and family rooms. A traditionally decorated Christmas tree stands in the center of the window where it shows through to the street. A focal point for the season, the tree boasts white lights, red and green glass balls, and is topped with red holly berry branches to add fullness and is topped with a familiar green bow. Paulas attention to detail is unmatched. She uses a simple red tree skirt and existing ornaments from years past, including a unique Christopher Radko stocking ornament that Cindy purchased when the children were younger, and incorporates a new ribbon or ornament each year. A nice compliment to the traditional theme is the collection of caroling snowmen standing on evergreen boughs under another beloved collection of majolica. It has become a Christmas tradition for the family to get a new snowman every year.
Another favorite tradition is trimming the family tree. "Our family always decorates the family tree together," Cindy recalls. "Each child has their own box with every decoration beginning at birth. They choose which to put on the tree because now there are so many. That box grows each year, so one day they will have ornaments for their own first trees. For some silly reason we always go to our favorite Chinese restaurant to get take out and eat while we decorate!"
The kitchen and den both reflect a simple design. White and red roses in silver mint julep cups are spread through the rooms and large iron urns filled with red poinsettias shape the spaces open floor plan. Moss Christmas tree topiaries sit above the natural stacked stone fireplace and seasonal accents such as a snowman throw pillow in an oversized chair are added for comfort. Nothing is too small to decorate, including Maisys jingle bell dog collar.
Small bow - hung wreaths are placed on each of the French doors leading to the outdoor living room. The outdoor living room is where the family spends the majority of their time together during the holidays. Whether watching football games, eating dinner, playing cards with friends or just sitting by a roaring fire, this is a common place where they can all enjoy the outdoors.
The simplicity of foliage along with natural holiday touches reflects the greenery of the outdoors. Holiday touches include an embellished gas lantern on the wall along with garland, ornaments, white lights, fresh berries and pomegranates placed atop the mantel. Candles are placed in a bowl with loose green and red glass balls on a bed of greens and pyracantha branches are placed in a neutral planter in the center of the table. The lighted grapevine tree, a great alternative to a additional traditional evergreen tree, is situated in the corner to draw the eye outside and bring in the rustic feel of the outdoors.
The formal dining room is dressed for entertaining with elegant simplicity. Although the natural theme is woven in, chic accents and floral elements soften the environment. Silver goblets are filled with flowers and holly berries line the center of the table. Each place setting is arranged with crisp white linen napkins, silver bread and butter plates, crystal stemware, sterling silver flatware and fine china. Fresh pears hold place cards and mimic the large pear painting on the dining room wall. A new edition to Cindys collection, a large ceramic manger scene, sits on the buffet beside the table.
The effect throughout the house is a nod to the seasons meaning and traditions without being incongruous with the existing design. This subtle decorating scheme will take the McCords through the holidays without wearing out its welcome.

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A tender TENNESSEE Christmas

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