By Anna Grace Moore
Photos by Blair Ramsey
As her children were growing up, Liz Guest always looked forward to the pitter-patter of little feet hitting the floor on Christmas morning. The sound of happy children barreling down the stairs to the living room Christmas tree–dressed in silver and gold, precious memories.
All of the sudden, happy squeals belt out, followed by pleas from her boys–pleas for her to come and see what Santa Claus had left underneath the emerald tree. Christmas mornings now are a little quieter, but nonetheless cheerful.
Liz and her husband Doug Guest purchased their beautiful, French provincial home in Magnolia Ridge to be closer to family. With help from interior designers Melissa McMurray and Mandy Carroll, they were able to create their dream home that’s now large enough to host their blended family of 15 for the holidays.
When they were approached by the Samford University Legacy League, they were thrilled to learn their home had been nominated for the annual Christmas Home Tour. The tour raises funds to provide scholarships for students with significant financial needs and challenging circumstances.
Liz says once again, she was able to create a “little more magic” during the holidays, inviting the community to tour her home for a worthy cause. She enlisted the help of her friend and interior decorator, Cindy Tyus, to help bring her home to life for the Christmas season.
Strolling inside, one is first greeted by a standing soldier at attention–a life-size nutcracker guarding the foyer stairs. To the left, the Guests’ dining room table is adorned with antique Christmas china and a marvelous Poinsettia.
The dining room’s buffet and adjacent living room’s fireplace are decorated with Norfolk pine garland with notes of silver and gold–a tribute to the story of Jesus’ birth. Everywhere one looks, he is surrounded by beautiful, handpicked decor, chosen to create an aesthetically pleasing environment.
However, it is not the decorations, Liz says, that makes her home so splendid. Rather, it is the joy radiating from each of her family member’s smiles–that little bit of happiness she and Doug are able to foster in the hearts of their loved ones each season.
The magic on Christmas morning can be felt all season–all year–if one remembers the best holiday cheer is felt in the spirit of those we hold dear.
Face of the Home
The Guests’ Magnolia Ridge home is a beautiful rendition of French provincial architecture.
Entryway
Adorning the foyer is a five-foot-tall nutcracker statue, greeting guests with holiday cheer.
Dining Room
The Guests’ incorporated a coffered design into the dining room ceiling, adding a bit of definition to open up the gathering space.
A Pop of Red
This gorgeous Poinsettia makes for a stately centerpiece.
The Buffet
Norfolk pine garland is cleverly blended with pops of silver and gold as the hues pay homage to the gifts the wise men bestowed upon baby Jesus.
Manger Scenes
Liz collected these beautiful, handcrafted manger scenes over the years.
Living Room
The Guests spend many a winter’s night sitting by the fireplace, enjoying one another’s company.
Father Christmas
Kitchen
The Guests credit Cindy Cantley for their kitchen cabinets. They chose a charcoal gray, granite blacktop for their perimeter countertops and a marble-colored, quartz stone for their island countertops. These design choices paired with the pendants from Mayer Lighting really brighten the room, making it feel warm and inviting.
Home is Where You Are
The Guests have a blended family of 15. Although sometimes chaotic, the best memories, they say, are when the whole family is enjoying each other’s company.
Dining Nook
This sitting area adjacent to the kitchen is the site of fellowship in the Guests’ home. Liz has hosted a Bible study group for 25 women for the past eight years, and amazingly, this nook can fit them all.
Christmas Trees
Between decorations and live trees, Liz estimates there are more than 15 Christmas trees decorating her family’s home.
Master Bedroom
The Guests replaced the original carpeting with all-new, hardwood flooring, choosing a mahogany red hue for a more traditional look. Contrasting the dark tones in the floors, they opted for a pale blue on their walls and light-colored furniture, creating an even balance about the room.
Behind the Scenes
Contractor: Tommy Coggins
Kitchen Cabinets: Cindy Cantley
Interior Designers: Melissa McMurray and Mandy Carroll
Interior Decorator: Cindy Tyus
Landscape Architect: John Russell
The Samford University Legacy League Christmas Home Tour
The Christmas Home Tour will return on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Advanced tickets are required and may be purchased here. Proceeds benefit scholarships for students in need.
