The 28th Zonta Club of Porterville Christmas Home Tour was back and people were so pleased to see the 6 properties that were festively decorated in Porterville and Springville.

The four homes in Porterville were an interesting mix, from a magnificent turn of the century home that has been lovingly refurbished by the Seth and Heather Ishida family for the past 10 years, to the delightfully decorated Mike and Millie Andrews home, that’s contemporary. The Andrews have pulled out all the stops with their fabulous Christmas decorations, and personal Scottish and Celtic decorations, and other decorations throughout their home. The Andrews decorate for every holiday, and it sure shows.

The next home belonged to Stan and Carrin Blyth, another contemporary home built within the last couple of decades. They had festive Christmas decorations throughout their split level home, with a baby grand piano, a pool table in the sunken living room, with a decorated dining table on another level.

There were a lot of Christmas decorations and a Christmas tree in the Blyth home, but no photographs were allowed in most of the homes per the homeowners’ instructions. 

Next door was the Cameron and Allie Miller home, which is a 1950’s farmhouse with dormer windows, and a front porch. The house had lovely Christmas decorations, and there’s a fireplace in the family room, with a Christmas tree next to the large front window. The children’s bedrooms have their own whimsical Christmas trees, decorated with stuffed animals and children’s handmade ornaments. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” played throughout the home during the tour.

Many of the homes featured Christmas music, and that was certainly a festive way to bring in the holiday spirit.

The first Springville home on the tour belonged to Ryan and Joslyn Walker.

Their home is a contemporary farmhouse-ranch style home, which was decorated throughout with Christmas decorations, including 9 Christmas trees and 8 Elves on the Shelf.

The home was so light and airy, even with all the wonderful decorations that have been lovingly collected throughout the years, and were so thoughtfully presented. “This home is so comfortable and what I love about it is that the decor in each room is different,” said Marsha Huckabay, who was visiting with her daughters. 

Donna Raymond, a volunteer tour docent at the home said tJoclyn is a Zonta member and she decorates for every holiday. 

Iris Ceballos, one of the Granite Hills High School Z Club volunteers said, “This is an amazing opportunity. Not only are we helping with the club advocating, but it is also really nice to see all these beautiful houses and spread the Christmas spirit.”

In the Walker living room there was a gorgeous fireplace decorated with garlands and a wooden soldier Nutcracker from Germany, as well as a wonderful Family Keepsake tree decorated with handmade ornaments. There was another wonderful Christmas tree in the entryway/dining room that was marvelous, right before you went into the large beautiful kitchen.

Another GHHS Z Club volunteer Valeria Ibarra recommended more people come on the tour, and said it was her first time helping.

“I enjoy helping with Zonta and love everything we do,” said Damara Carrasco, a first year member. “They have been so welcoming and it’s very fulfilling to give back to the community.” She was showing visitors the upstairs including the children’s playroom and “Snoopy Christmas” and the Walkers’ teenage daughter’s room.

There were Christmas trees in every bedroom, and most of the rooms in the home. 

Jackie Pennell said she was glad to support Zonta and happy the tour was back. “All of the homes on the tour have been so nice and it’s generous that they allow us to tour them.”

The second home in Springville was the Josh Pearson and Lisa Ruffa home, which was modern and brand new, with an open concept layout designed by Pearson, a contractor. The house had expansive windows and gorgeous views of the river and River Island Golf Course. Of all the homes it was “more minimalist,” clean and quite contemporary. 

As you entered the home there was a large decorated Christmas tree with a Christmas village layout. There was Josh’s antique wooden crib, which was handed down through the family, as well as an exceptionally beautiful handcrafted wooden dining room table that was made by Josh’s father, said his mother, Joanne Pearson.

Nancy Likins said they’d been to three homes and they were all lovely, and it helped get them in the holiday spirit.

Karen Jordan and her daughter Kim Marler said they’d missed the Zonta Tours for the past years, and were happy they were back, saying they enjoyed all the decorations and seeing all the properties..

Lupe Hernandez and Rhonda Harvey were both new Zonta members and helped with the tour at the Pearson/Ruffa home. Another Z Club member from GHHS Andrea Andrade said the home tours were a great way to connect with the community and the city of Porterville.

Before the tour of the elaborately decorated homes there was a Christmas Artisan boutique at the former Porterville Women’s Club building, which is now the Myers Funeral Service and Crematory Reception Area on E St.

There were refreshments of coffee, apple cider and cookies available to people on the tour and there were all kinds of vendors selling handmade jewelry, hand dyed clothing, accessories, antique and household items as well as fresh baked goods.

Artisan Diana Mitchell of D’Rose Art met her cousin Karen Hill, who owns Mom’s U-Bake Pizza in Porterville, at the boutique. Maria Roman was at the boutique, and met friends there. She said, “This is so great, because you can meet people you haven’t seen in a long time, and do some Christmas shopping for gifts at the same time. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday by supporting local businesses.”

Roman and Mitchell worked together at Porterville College years ago, and Roman wanted Mitchell to give a presentation to AAUW about her art and craftsmanship.

Amanda Gray from Porterville makes handmade jewelry from stones that she finds in the mountains, including lovely artistic copper wrapped jewelry. Her company is Shady-Acres-Wrappings. She said her jewelry is a labor of love and she uses stones that are meaningful.

More whimsical and fun jewelry for the younger crowd was from Bougie Beads Boutique. Kindall Mauldin said their jewelry is always made with love and care.