Step into the Sutton family’s den this time of year, and a striking Christmas tree is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
“(The tree) stands 10 feet tall with gold ornaments along with touches of black and white to show our love for the Saints,” says homeowner Christie Butts Sutton. “Each present wrapped under the Christmas tree is wrapped in gold and platinum as well.”
Sutton, a stay-at-home mom, lives in the 3,905 square-foot Gulfport home with her husband, Dr. Trey Sutton; her 12-year-old daughter, Sadie; and her 3-year-old Lhasa Apso, Lexie.
The Suttons bought the home on Stanton Circle a decade ago.
“We were thrilled when we found this home on the market because we were looking for a neighborhood for Sadie to grow up in with plenty of children for her to have bike rides and lemonade stands,” Sutton says. “Stanton Place has been the perfect neighborhood for us!”
The family has made many holiday memories in their home, and some of Sutton’s favorites include building gingerbread houses with Sadie, baking cookies for Santa and leaving “reindeer food” in the front yard on Christmas Eve night. A group of children also go caroling throughout the neighborhood, she says, “which is always a delight.”
The family goes out of town for Thanksgiving, which Sutton deems the “perfect excuse” to start decorating early.
“Since we moved into our home, we have always had a Saints-themed Christmas tree and a collection of manger scenes,” she says, “and we have angels throughout our home in memory of loved ones we have lost too soon.”
Sutton credits Sadie Jane’s in Gulfport with making the property gorgeous inside and out for the holidays. Last December, the house was featured in the Gulfport Civic League’s Tour of Homes — “Christmas on the Island.”
It takes Sadie Jane’s several days to decorate, according to Sutton, because they don’t miss a thing.
“They added beautiful platinums, golds with white and touches of black to compliment every detail of our home,” she says.
2020 is the second year the Suttons have entrusted their home’s holiday aesthetic to the mother-daughter team at Sadie Jane’s — Jeanne Brackin and Ashley Fillingame. With every detail, Brackin says, “we try to make their vision come to life.”
“The look we were going for (at the Suttons’ home) was classically elegant,” says Brackin, “with a touch of whimsy that we added with pops of black and white.”
The pair use both faux and fresh flowers and greenery to achieve a jaw-dropping result. They also like to incorporate the homeowners’ own heirlooms and keepsakes to make the design unique and special. A favorite feature of both the Suttons and the Sadie Jane’s team is a platinum-colored Christmas tree in Sadie’s room, which stands 5 feet tall and is adorned with sparkling lights, hanging crystals and pink accents.
While Christmastime certainly will look different this year due to Covid-19, Sutton says she intends to stay positive — and to focus on what really matters.
“This year has definitely been a year to remember, but this Christmas, we will truly cherish the time we spend together with our family and close friends,” she says. “Most importantly, my family never forgets the true reason for the season.”