Submitted Photo Pictured is one of the decorative scenes at the recent Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club Christmas party.

A holiday snow was falling the evening when Janet Centner entertained fellow members of the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club at a Christmas party on Dec. 14. She and her husband Bud welcomed the guests into their 1870’s Italianate home which they have restored to shine as in its past. Their home was the backdrop for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration.

As guests arrived in the entryway, they were greeted by the first of seven large Christmas trees placed throughout their wonderfully restored home. This tree had a grape theme decorated to show the history of grapes at Welch’s. The Centners have been grape growers for Welch’s for many years.

Entering into the kitchen, guests were greeted to the amazing aroma of Christmas smells. The smell of turkey and all the trimmings, candles and fresh evergreen boughs filled the air. The other senses were awakened by the sounds of Christmas music and cheery holiday lights.

Each room was beautifully decorated for the holidays against the backdrop of beautiful antique wood moldings and floors. There was a tree in every room with various themes. One tree actually had snowflakes falling on it! Another tree was ablaze with gold and silver boughs and ornaments. There was an entire wall of shelves featuring various size nutcrackers and a jolly Santa adorned each step of the spiral staircase. There were Christmas greens and fresh flowers throughout the house. Several Christmas villages added to the feeling of Christmas joy.

Entering the dining room, a huge tree adorned with bubble lights and other antique ornaments reminded members of their childhood Christmases.

A full course turkey dinner was served family-style for the 16 friends. The 12-foot table was beautifully decorated with holiday china and glassware with themed serving dishes. Down the center of the table were glass bowls of red and white roses, with carnations, holly and mums interspersed with pots of miniature roses. Each place setting had a miniature lantern decked out in Christmas greens and red ribbon. Bud, Janet Arnold and Judy Wilcox assisted the hostess.

After dinner, members gathered in the front parlor near a revolving Christmas tree which was decorated completely with angel ornaments. Another member, Lucy Hurley, played the 1842 baby grand piano and led members as they sang their favorite Christmas carols. The very memorable and relaxing evening felt like a festive celebration taking place back in time.

A short business meeting was held to discuss upcoming events. There is no meeting in January. In February, members will meet to make Valentine arrangements for the residents at the WCA Home. In March, members will visit Plantasia Garden and Landscape Show at the Hamburg Fairgrounds.