Handcrafted arrangements of foliage and fruit ready this Birmingham, Alabama, dwelling for participation in an annual Christmas tour.
Birmingham-based floral designer Buffy Hargett Miller of Buffy Hargett Flowers has decorated the home of her longtime friends Linda and Charlie Israel at Christmastime for about five years. When the Israels were asked to participate in the 10th anniversary of a holiday home tour, Buffy dressed the abode with natural touches like fresh fruit, classic magnolia cuttings, and snow-white flowers.
Friends new and old are put at ease as they approach the Israels’ warm and welcoming entryway. “Whenever there’s a gathering, we’ll make a fire for people to feel relaxed when they walk up,” Linda says. Festive throw pillows on wicker rocking chairs contribute to the sense of coziness.
A peek at the glorious flocked Christmas tree just inside the window adds to the anticipation of staying awhile in gracious company. “Whether we have a fire going or not, the entire design says, ‘Come on in,’” says Linda.
Buffy let the natural beauty of every space serve as her muse—from variegated stone and creamy plaster to limewashed pecky cypress and white oak. “It’s a great house, and I was inspired by its rustic appeal,” she says.
See the entire feature in our Holidays 2021 issue.
Text by Ashley Shaw
Photography by John O’Hagan
Interiors by Beth Webb Interiors
Styling and floral design by Buffy Hargett Miller of Buffy Hargett Flowers
Construction by TCC General Contractors
Architecture by Jeffrey Dungan Architects
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