As you can see, the staircase is another unfinished project.
The son left all the materials to finish.
This is planned as our first project after the first of the new year.

I have a friend with a 12000 sq ft home and when I first went there I got lost.LOL They even have two tunnels going out from the basement level. I've learned my way around and it doesn't seem so bad now but it was funny to start with.

Punk

The utilities are actually not much for a house this size.
We questioned the builder's son on several occasions because we knew we couldn't afford a high utility bill.
He assured us his Dad had incorporated numerous energy-efficient features in our home.
There are four AC units...two for upstairs, two for downstairs.
The heating is some type aquatherm system...it works off the hot water somehow. ???
We live in the HOT deep south.
Our highest power bill this summer was around $300.
Last month was $207.
I've lived in an 800 sq/ft mobile home that the utilities were more.

LOL getting lost in your friend's home.
I got turned around a couple times myself in the beginning.

I see 'Scarlett O'Hara ...yup ... & I can see Rhett @ the bottom of that staircase! Wow...how many yards of garland did that take!!!

Well, finished or not...it looks beautiful ...the rails are gorgeous as is the bannisters! Looking very festive! TFS! Jeanne S.

DD is buying a new home on the golf course so we're going up to see it tomorrow. I think it's over 4500 sq ft and 3 stories. I'm going to be jealous for awhile but that too will pass.LOL

I did offer to decorate it for her if she can get paperwork done before Christmas. I'll see if my battery is charged and try to share a few pics of my decorating. I'm keeping things a little simpler so it should be easier to put away!haha

Punk

Lynne

Thank you.

I do plan on adding...when decorations are marked WAY down.
It took approximately 150 feet of garland.
The garland had lights but not enough for me so I added more lights.

My 'illness' has a terrible 'enabler' close to me.
It's called Dirt Cheap.
They buy out last year's leftovers from large retail chains.
The prices start at 50% off and are marked down another 10% about every 10-14 days.
On Tuesday I get another 10% off for being a 'senior citizen.'
So....most of my seasonal items (that don't come from yard sales/resale stores) come from there.
I very rarely purchase anything regular price.

punk,
How exciting!!
That will be such fun to help her decorate.

All kidding aside, it is truly spectacular. And you've done a beautiful job decorating it. The chandelier is BREATHTAKING!

You mentioned that you were going to add bling next year. It may appear to be a little bare compared to the staircases we see decorated in magazines, but I think it gives a wonderful Christmas feeling while still allowing the woodwork on the staircase to be the focal point.

P.S. Love the tree. My motto is, "You can never have too many little white lights."

Well, Gulfport Gail ...I think you are foolin' me ...I think you're a re-incarnation of 'Scarlett O'Hara' & that you've come to make my world a better place! And your 'Rhett' ...well, he seems to be the dashing hero in this saga (no cussing, now, Rhett!) Well, you've certainly got Scarlett's spirit, GG! Fiddle-dee-dee! Jeanne S.

I hadn't thought about the aspect of allowing the woodwork to show through...thanks for the food for thought.

The chandelier(s) also have a history.
The son of the builder (previous owner) told us his father, being a contractor, had a lot of contacts.
He found out about this chandelier in the ballroom and the two sister chandeliers, in the parlor and dining room, from a refurbish/recycle lighting place.
They reportedly came from a castle in England that was being demolished.
I think that is such a fun fact.

From the day we signed the papers on the house, we started planning a New Year's Ball for Jan. of 2014.

I'm coming as Carol Burnett as Scarlet O'Hara and he's coming as Harvey Korman as Rhett Butler.

If you aren't familiar with that skit...a parody from GWTW where Scarlet wore a dress made from the curtains...here's a link. It is a hoot!

Your 2014 New Year's Ball is going to be spectacular!

Lynne

Gail, I'm with you about those after christmas sales. Around us, we have a large garden center that eventually gets to 80% off. My heart starts racing and my mouth starts watering just thinking about it. With that size house, you better just take a moving truck when you go to those sales, I sure would lol :)

Great job on the garland.

That skit from Carol Burnett has always been one of the funniest ever. I have it saved from YouTube to watch occasionally. Never fails to make me laugh out loud.

How big is that beautiful mansion of yours? I can sure see someone getting lost just from looking at the outside photo of it. Amazing place! If you open a Bed n Breakfast, we might have to get Janie to drive a busload of us there!!

Poor Mr Honey, making him freeze after all the work he's been doing! You better control your power surges and let him warm up. ;o)

hugs, Karen

It's beautiful!

party,
Thank you very much.
It'll be party time before we realize it!

Lynne,
Yep...a year from now.
So...start making plans to attend.
No kidding...I would love for my 'partners in crime' to attend.

marlene,
Thank you.
All of our granddaughters, from 18 to 8, have already said they're getting married here.

decor,
LOL. I've already started hitting some sales...70% off.
Can't start too early planning for next year.

Fun,
Thank you very much.

Jeanne,
You are such a sweetheart for taking the time to find the link of your GWTW tablescape.
I love all your GWTW items.
Dollybaby is a cutie...love the way you dressed her for the part.
Thank you for sharing that with me.

milo,
Thank you very much.
lol the stairs and muscles.
There are certainly some days it's harder to go up than other days.
I have a trick of putting a laundry basket at the bottom of the stairs on each side...on one side, the basket goes to my bedroom...on the other side, the basket goes to my son's bedroom.
It saves a few trips.

Karen,
Thank you so much.
Start getting that van ready.
I'm serious about y'all coming any time.
You're all invited to the New Year's Eve party.

nana,
Thank you.
Count this as your invitation to the ball.
Janie is already warming the van up.

alex,
Thank you so much.
I love the Victorian era...romantic...lace...fufu.

OA,
Thank you.
Thanks for your suggestion about the faux presents.
I bought some gold paper yesterday at 80% off with just that in mind.
When I get the tree/presents/etc. finished, I'll post a pic.

Again, thanks to all of you for your sweet comments and encouragement.

GGail

Luvs