Tour of Trees with Billie Cornwell.

Billie 1

Billie Cornwell of Benton has more talent in her little finger than I can even begin to wrap my head around.  She’s a self-professed Pinterest and Southern Living addict who titles herself “Martha Stewart on a budget.”  In her former life, she was an exec with Arkla who took early retirement to become a full-time grandmother,  church and community leader and  civic volunteer.  She’s the person I look to for every decorating question — including the staging of our ARWB booth at the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show last February.

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, Billie is all about family.  There are little touches of family throughout her home from the sentimental, handmade aluminum foil star made by her daughter Meredith in elementary school,

billie meredith star

 to her son’s favorite sock monkey

bllie 16 sock monkey

or the handpainted ornaments from a favorite aunt or a grandson, the prominently- paced spike symbolizing those used on the Cross of the Crucifixion
 billie ornament collage

 to the handwritten, framed recipe card for muffins handed down from her mother, now deceased.

billie muffin

Family is everywhere.

And taking center stage  among the nativities collected from their travels, is an original painting of three snowmen made especially for her by one of her grandsons.  A masterpiece to be sure.

billie 12 3 snowmen2

From the time you arrive at her front door, you sense the presence of the Christmas holidays.  Simple yet elegant.  Welcoming.  Beauty abounds in every nook and corner.  Yet, by her own admission, she’s cut back quite a bit.  (Yeah, right) 

billie front porch

It’s just a sense of style that comes as naturally to her as breathing, I think.  Some of you are talented in much the same way.  As for me, I have to admire your talent and prey on your generosity for assistance.  You see it.   You take what you have and create a beauty like no other.

bllie 12 mantel

And sometimes it’s all about discovering the unexpected in unusual places
billie tree top

 When I asked Billie if she would be willing to let me give you a tour of not just her Christmas tree but of her home as well, she was more than willing.  I also imposed upon her for some words of wisdom — five pointers that would guide all of us in decorating our own homes for the holidays.  Simply put, here’s what she shared:

  • Stick to a clearly defined color palate and transition that color scheme throughout your home.

billie 7 kitchen table

  • Make one big statement whether a floral arrangement or a huge vase filled with fresh greenery.

billie 17 lanterns

  • Keep it simple.  (Her tree is totally striking in its simplicity.)

billie 9 angel choir

  • Invest in heirlooms…something you love and will use year after year, such as a manger scene.

billie nativity

  • Learn to cluster—use things in 3’s or 5’s.

billie tree

  • Use what you have.

billie 11 kitchen center cab

 And that really is what she does.  I’m just waiting for her to come do the same thing at my house.

Debbie Arnold

 

 Arkansas Women Blogger member and co-administrator Debbie Arnold pontificates and eats at Dining With Debbie.  She and her Hubby split their time between Central and Northwest Arkansas.  She loves to cook, develop recipes and have play dates with her two perfect grands.  Mostly, she has play dates with the Perfect Ones.  Twitter: @diningwithdeb  Intagrams : @diningwithdebbie

3 comments

  1. I’m with you, Debbie. I don’t have the decorating gene, but I love to see how others love their homes (and their families) in these beautiful ways. I’m sure Billie’s home is a hundred times more beautiful than photos could ever convey. Thank you for sharing a glimpse.

Comments are closed.