Page 142 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

HOME their cup of tea
bring fun to Biloxi home’s holiday décor
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of Darlene Peterson
With homeowners Darlene and Bob Petersen’s affinity for color, their holiday decorations with a theme of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass are a perfect fit. The pinks, reds, blues, greens and purples of these classic children’s books are happily at home with the décor that Darlene describes as Parisian whimsical. “I find something I like and I buy it, then figure out where to use it,” she said. “I like bright colors.”
The cheerful theme begins at the Biloxi home’s front door where a bright red Queen of Hearts tree holds court, matched by a red garland on the door. A looking glass with blue butterflies sits on an easel to complete the scene.
The Queen of Hearts also sits amid lights and garland atop the mantle in the living room where colorful stockings for the couple’s three grandchildren await Santa’s visit. Alice reigns in the dining room where Wonderland china
is ready for tea. In the kitchen, pig sculptures — that normally wear berets — sport a top hat and a crown and themed china and napkins make meal time fun.
Other fictional characters including the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Rabbit who was late for a very important date and
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum
are in appearance throughout the living room, dining room and kitchen. The sun room has a special tree that brings all the delightful elements together.
The home’s Sherwin Williams paint colors include pale aqua, brick red and a shade of green called Rye Grass. Drab colors are not allowed.
The local design team of
Peggy Ryland and Mike Morken orchestrated the holiday décor for the Petersens.
The Petersens met at Keesler Air Force Base when both were in the service. Since that time, Darlene has been a realtor, a nurse and
is now a nurse practitioner. Bob continues to work on base as a simulator trainer for the Hurricane Hunters’ C-130 airplanes.
142 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017
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