ABOVE: The circular sitting room's creamy color palette - highlighted by a dramatic antiqued fireplace, chandelier and luxurious fabrics - is a calming backdrop to the most intimate of conversations. The twin trees, topped with flowing ribbons and opulent ornaments, can be enjoyed from the interior and exterior of the home. LEFT: Warm wood floors welcome guests, but it's the forty feet of fabulously-rich garland that invites them in to stay.

Festival of Trees supporters and former Henry Mayo Home Tour participants, Richard and Marian Sandnes, have a heart for the holidays. "It's one of our favorite times of year," says Richard. "We love decorating for Christmas - and giving back." The family, known for philanthropy, have called their sprawling Sand Canyon estate "home" for decades. "It's fun to see a space that you've been in for years totally transform for Christmas," says Marian. "The whole family looks forward to all the trees and garlands - it's magical!"


ABOVE: The home's expansive gourmet kitchen, with warm woods and an oversized wreath, has the recipe for holiday-decorating success: Balance appropriately-sized, eye-catching elements in your everyday spaces for a holiday "feel" that's never overwhelming. RIGHT: The formal dining room is a refined collection of special touches from the top down, starting with an exquisite medallion that pairs perfectly with the dramatic chandelier - and ending with the expansive hand-tooled rug below. The coordinating centerpiece, wreath and swags bring a holiday touch to the space without overwhelming the conservative design elements.


ABOVE: Woodsy wonderment, lots of leather and authentic vintage Western accents bring the Sandnes's favorite things together in one space.


ABOVE: Grand and glowing, the festive tree even sparkles during the day, thanks to sweeping ceilings and cascades of natural sunlight. Traditional holiday hues and wrapped gifts combine to create a timeless look that sets the tone for the relaxing space. LEFT: Bold beams add architectural symmetry above while the hand-carved head and footboards draw the eye with intricate luxury below. A simple swag of glimmering greens adds a happy holiday touch to an oversized mirror.


2017 Festival of Trees
Friday | November 17 to Sunday | November 19
The Festival of Trees is a fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley and a great way to kick-off the holiday season! Not only can you view the many beautiful, elaborately decorated trees that are available for purchase - many just like the trees featured here in this story - but you can also purchase small tabletop trees, holiday wreaths and charming one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses. Large trees range in height from six to nine feet and many come with gifts including furniture, event tickets, wine, jewelry and more.
There is something for everyone at the Festival. Children will find a variety of fun crafts and activities in the Kids' Corner (Additional activity ticket required.). The singers, musicians, dancers and more will be featured on the stage throughout the Festival and strolling magicians will be on hand to dazzle the crowd with amazing tricks. The boutique features booths with handmade crafts, fashion jewelry and accessories, clothing, food, gifts, holiday decor and much more. Park at Mission Valley Bank, located at 26415 Carl Boyer Drive, and enjoy a free shuttle ride to the event.
www.scvbgc.org

Holiday Home Tour 2017
Benefiting Women's Services at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
For more than three decades, the Holiday Home Tour has been a cherished tradition of the Home Tour League, raising funds for Women's Services. To date, the League has raised almost $1 million, which includes naming rooms in the Emergency Department, the Trauma Center and the Kim and Steven Ullman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This year, the League will be naming a nurse's station in the Women's Unit of the new Patient Tower set to open in 2019. This year's Holiday Home Tour includes the following activities.

Friday | December 1
Preview Gala
Held at Tournament Players Club Attendees will enjoy an elegant black-tie/holiday-attire buffet dinner and be the first to tour the homes. Reservations may be made online at henrymayogiving.com.

Saturday | December 2
Home Holiday Tour
From 9:30am to 4:30pm, attendees view selected Santa Clarita Valley homes exceptionally decorated for the holiday season. Each home is professionally decorated and adorned according to a chosen theme. Tickets are $30 each in advance, $35 the day of the tour. For a list of shops selling tickets, or to purchase online, please visit henrymayogiving.com.

Holiday Home Tour Boutique
From 9am to 4pm, enjoy over 30 vendors offering women's and children's clothing, jewelry, holiday items, gourmet food and much more; you'll find it all in room 4 through 7 on the first floor of the Henry Mayo Education Center, located at 23803 McBean Parkway in Valencia. Admission is free with complimentary coffee and cookies.