Queen Creek to Host 54th Annual Christmas Idea House

This year’s Christmas Idea House promises to be a “destination to remember” for visitors and shoppers alike who crave something truly unique for the holidays. For the first time ever, the charity event will be held in Queen Creek at The Pecans, a luxury estate community.

A 54-YEAR TRADITION

The Christmas Idea House, which has become a must-see for thousands of visitors each year, is the primary fundraiser for Desert Club, an all-volunteer women’s organization. All proceeds support need-based student scholarships and grants to local charities. To date, Desert Club has raised more than $2.2 million.

The event is held at a different luxury home each year in locations throughout the East Valley. The homeowners “move out” temporarily, and Desert Club members converge to decorate the home with hundreds of thousands of items… including holiday décor, unique gifts and gourmet goodies…. ranging from $2 to several hundred dollars each. All of the items are for sale, and all proceeds go back into supporting the community.

THE DETAILS

The Idea House kicks off on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. with the Holiday Soiree preview party, which includes a first-look home tour, music, gourmet food and a silent auction (reservations required). Friday, Dec. 2, tickets are available for the Yuletide Brunch (9 a.m.) and Lunch (12 p.m.) where guests enjoy gourmet catered food and the home tour and shopping (reservations required). Reservation information can be found at www.christmasideahouse.org.

The home is open for Public Tours and shopping on Friday, Dec. 2 from 4:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the entry. A $2 coupon is available at www.christmasideahouse.org. Directions: The Pecans of Queen Creek is located on the south side of Chandler Heights Boulevard, just west of Ellsworth Road. Follow signs to entrance and to the event.

THE PECANS: AN ENCHANTING SETTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Homeowners Lonnie C. and Debbie McCleve found the decision to “donate” their 7,000 square foot home for this event easy. In August of 2010, their granddaughter Emmie passed away after suffering with Cerebral Palsy. “Emmie truly loved school and the knowledge which her limited abilities allowed her,” said Lonnie McCleve. “If we could help other children learn through Desert Club’s scholarship program, which would be a great way to help preserve her memory.”

A visit to the McCleve’s home in The Pecans is like stepping into another world; thousands of pecan trees line quiet boulevards among   homes of grand European design and architecture. The McCleve’s 5-bedroom, 6 baths home rests on 2 acres and was modeled after traditional French country estates. Exterior features of the home include stone turrets, a slate roof with copper accents, wide shutters and ornamental finials. Step inside to find a variety of warm textures and design including beamed ceilings, hardwood and stone floors, Venetian plaster walls and soaring ceilings. The homeowner’s collection of art includes several oversized pieces that become an instant focal point for many of the exquisitely decorated rooms.

For more information on Desert Club or the Christmas Idea House, visit www.christmasideahouse.org.