The logistics involved in pulling this off were amazing,” Lynn Fernbaugh said with a warm and gracious laugh. “We have detailed plans and schedules, telling each of us what to do at exactly what time.”
The “we” she was talking about? Herself and husband Richard, Robert and Sandra Dickerson, and Jim and Kelly O’Neill.
The three couples are neighbors in historic Palm Court, an old, architecturally eclectic enclave dating from the 1920s and ’30s.
The three couples each live in a lovingly restored, gorgeous home, lavishly decorated for the holidays. Awesome and breathtaking are apt adjectives for their collective Christmas décor.
United Way board president Sandra Dickerson, who co-owns “Your People Professionals” with PCPA Foundation board member Cindy McKellar, had a burst of inspiration.
What about a holiday progressive dinner/candlelight house tour as a fundraiser?
Dickerson cell phoned YPP staffer Lynn Fernbaugh, en route to Los Angeles, with her idea. “Sure, whatever,” Fernbaugh agreed, thereby committing to long hours of cooking, cleaning, and coordinating. Kelly and Jim O’Neill, not adverse to work and holiday hosting, agreed to join the fun.
The event was auctioned off to three different groups at Discovery Museum and PCPA Foundation events, as well as at the United Way Mayors Ball. Winning bidders were allowed to invite nine guests to join them on a Candlelight House Tour, the evening of Dec. 12.
Each group began the tour at a different home.
Winning bidder Jim Diani graciously allowed me to hobnob with his guests. (Thanks, Jim, for all the laughs generated by your banter with Jim Glines and Jim O’Neill.)
Diani’s dozen (including tour leader Eddie Taylor) started at the Fernbaughs’. There were candles and Christmas trees everywhere.
Regarding the restorations: The Fernbaughs did most of the work themselves, including laying brick in the kitchen and tile. The multi-talented and highly experienced home decorator Lynn Fernbaugh does it all—she even painted murals on the walls of her office.
We enjoyed a brief history of the area, a tour of the house, guitar music by two Lompocans, and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. French 75s (Champagne and cognac—a drink popular in the 1930s, when the house was built) were served (simultaneously at all three tour homes).
Then, it was off to the O’Neills’ beautiful domicile a short walk away for the main course, also served at the same time at the two other homes. Beef tenderloin, crisp green beans, and Sandra Dickerson’s immensely popular potatoes Anna were served on antique Limoges.
Eight Brownies from Kitty Ballay’s Girl Scout troop sang Christmas songs for us before dinner and great wine.
Next came dessert and brandied eggnog at the Dickersons.’ A 10-foot, old-fashioned Santa presided over the Dickersons’ living room, while a 10-foot nutcracker figure welcomed guests on the porch. Some Palm Court residents take Christmas very seriously!
The Dickersons’ outdoor Christmas decorations won them a “Best Nostalgic” Christmas holiday decoration plaque from the city of Santa Maria and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
This was a classy affair with exceptional food and good wine, orchestrated by generous and caring people. We can only hope the hosts will do it again!
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Dec 16-23, 2010.