Fresh Ideas for Tree Trimming at Home
When it comes to holiday decorating tips, take a page from the Grinch: “What if Christmas he thought, doesn’t come from a store, what if Christmas means a little bit more?” Christmas doesn’t have to be entirely store bought. Get creative: “homespun” ornaments are the best kind.
Take those so-so Christmas lights and jazz them up with ribbon or go for unconventional garlands, such as one made from gumballs.
Take old holiday cards and repurpose them as thoughtful ornaments.
Change the tree topper this year. It doesn’t have to be a traditional star or angel: Go for something different like a monogrammed letter for your family.
— Allie Mann, designer
“I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to meet my partner Sophie, her wonderful family, and share their story.”
— Allie Mann
A few local designers are using their talent to bring holiday cheer to some local pediatric cancer patients. Arlington resident Allie Mann, a senior designer at Case Design/Remodeling, Inc., and Alexandria resident Allison Priebe Brooks, owner of Queen Bee Designs, were among the tastemakers selected to participate in the Georgetown Jingle, a fundraising effort for pediatric oncology programs at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington.
The Georgetown Jingle was created in 2006 to raise money for the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program at Georgetown University Hospital. Over the past six years, the Jingle has raised $1.5 million.
Members of the Washington area design community are each paired with a Georgetown patient ambassador who has undergone or is undergoing treatment at the hospital. Mann was assigned to patient ambassador Sophie, whose neuroblastoma is currently in remission.
“I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to meet my partner Sophie, her wonderful family, and share their story,” said Mann. “It makes you really take a step back and appreciate the gifts/blessings in your life, especially good health.”
Sophie is a fan of Dr. Seuss, so Mann designed and created a Seuss-themed Christmas tree, and Sophie helped make ornaments.
“Sophie and Allie met in June and instantly hit it off,” said Ashley Myler Klick, an Alexandria resident and event manager for Georgetown Jingle. “The Seuss tree is definitely one of the more popular ones at the hotel right now. Everyone loves Dr. Seuss.”
Brooks, a jewelry maker, decorated a mantle using many of her own designs. “Georgetown Jingle is such a wonderful organization, and I am really proud to have done the display,” she said. “We donated more than 30 necklaces, 10 pairs of earrings and 12 bracelets. All of it is going to help fight pediatric cancer.”
The trees and other decorations are on display at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. Additional events include a family fundraiser from 1-4 p.m., Dec. 16, followed by Jingle the Night Away from 7-11 p.m. For more information visit www.georgetownjingle.com.