A family affair: Oxford's Swaney family decks their halls with fresh greenery, fruits, and joy![ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some 34 family members converge on the Swaney home for dinner on Christmas day. Molissia Lovelady Swaney is a third-generation Oxfordian. "My husband is from Holly Springs, so we have lots of family in the area. In addition to the dining room table, we place tables in the hall, to accomodate everyone for our Christmas evening dinner." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 A custom-made table runner of cranberry-red slipper mystique satin lined in green taffeta taffeta, cloth, originally silk but now also made of synthetic fibers, supposed to have originated in Persia. The name, derived from Persian, means "twisted woven." Taffeta is in the same class and demand as satin made of silk. lines the dining table with a centerpiece of white Dendrobium orchids, white snapdragons, Ilex, winterberry winterberry, name for two species of shrubs or small trees of the genus Ilex of the family Aquifoliaceae (holly family), native to the eastern half of North America. Both are deciduous but have winter-persistent bright red or yellow berries. holly, and clusters of red Charlene roses. Candles with antique etched glass globes on heirloom silver plateaus complete the landscape. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 The 12-foot tall Christmas tree Christmas tree Evergreen tree, usually decorated with lights and ornaments, to celebrate the Christmas season. The use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands as symbols of eternal life was common among the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. in the foyer shines through the glass front door. The tree is trimmed with family ornaments, large colored lights, tiny white lights, and cranberry-red velvet ribbon lined in emerald green taffeta, custom made for Molissia by Oxford Floral Company. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 3 In the Swaney's family room, colorful stockings hang from the mantel topped with boxwood boxwood see buxus sempervirens. topiaries. An arrangement of fresh magnolia leaves, stemmed berries, and potted amaryllis amaryllis (ăm'ərĭl`ĭs), common name for some members of the Amaryllidaceae, a family of mostly perennial plants with narrow, flat leaves and with lilylike flowers borne on separate, leafless stalks. grace the armoire. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 4 In the front frescoed-ceiling parlor, windows flame wreaths hung by red ribbons. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 5 Both staircases in the front and the back of the home are draped drape v. draped, drap·ing, drapes v.tr. 1. To cover, dress, or hang with or as if with cloth in loose folds: draped the coffin with a flag; a robe that draped her figure. in fresh greenery garlands and wide cranberry ribbons. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 6 "Everything has to look good on the inside and the outside," explains Butler. "Because you can see the wreaths and garlands from inside the home." photography by john keen |
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