With the turkeys eaten and the leftovers in the fridge, it is time to start thinking about the next holiday. Right at the forefront of the Christmas brigade is The Eugene Symphony Guild.
The guild’s 18th annual Christmas Walk is held in three homes that have been decorated in themes by local florists to celebrate the holidays. The walk will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Each home will feature a small shop of either food or crafts, and all three will have live music performed by 140 local artists who have donated their time.
The Eugene Symphony Guild is a group of 220 people who support the symphony by raising awareness and funds.
Dorothy Kays, co-chairwoman of the event, says that this is the guild’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
The themes of the homes this year are “Holiday Wedding Celebration,” “Grandmother’s Christmas,” and “La Dolce Vita.” The themes are created by the florists who decorate the homes.
Scott Sunderland, owner of Shamrock Flowers and Gifts and Urban Garden, designed the decorations for “La Dolce Vita.” He said that the colors and design of the home all went along with a very Italian style.
To actually decorate the homes, much of the homeowners’ furniture and decorations are removed and replaced with items that better fit the theme.

“There is a lot of attention to detail,” Sunderland said. “When we’re done, it’s like walking through a magazine.”
Sunderland has been participating in this event for more than 10 years, and each time, it takes between 40 and 50 hours just to set up. That’s about two days that these three families’ homes are not theirs. One could wonder who would volunteer their home for such an intrusion.
Sheri and Mitch Hammerstad’s home will be transformed by the Hirons drug store on 18th Avenue and The Flower Market into “Grandmother’s Christmas.” Sheri has been attending the event for about as long as it has been happening, although she has no official affiliation with the guild.
“It’s kind of exciting to see what someone else thinks your home should look like at Christmas time,” Sheri said.
The Hammerstads’ involvement in the event started with a desire to contribute back to the guild and the community.

“This event starts the Christmas season for a lot of people,” Sheri said. “It’s full of the holiday spirit, and it’s very community oriented.”
“Holiday Wedding” is located at 765 Sand Ave., “Grandmother’s Christmas” is at 680 Sand Ave. and “La Dolce Vita” is at 750 Club Way. All three homes are within walking distance from the others.