Holiday Home
Sometimes the best alternative to a typical dining room for the holidays can be a barn setting. Carriage houses, barns, and other such warm and old-fashioned rustic buildings can be used as comfortable locations to adorn for your holiday feasts.
The carriage house we have featured here is used by North Andover’s McLellan family for their annual holiday celebrations. Because of its open-air feel and convenient location near the kitchen, it’s easy for even large groups to gather there.

The carriage house has enough room for a tree, piano and several sideboards. Simple strung lights enhance the mood and children can play inside without feeling constrained. Celebrations are relaxed, with the focus on enjoying family rather than doing anything elaborate or fancy.

Right: Custom table credenza, pricing upon request – Melissa’s Perfect Piece, Georgetown, Mass. Small urns, $42 to $66 – Les Fleurs, Andover, Mass. Red berry wreaths, $68 each; Camac Fragment by Aidan Gray, $110 – Acorn Design Center, Andover, Mass.
If you have an area outside the home that would make a cozy place for the holidays, take a chance and explore simple ways to transform it into something special.

style editor and set design
Lysa Pelletier – Anchor Artists
photography
Emily O’Brien – Boston, Mass.
accessories
Acorn Home & Design
Andover, Mass.
(978) 273-9717
AcornDesignCenter.com
Rose & Dove
Specialty Gift Shop
North Andover, Mass.
(978) 689-4141
RoseAndDove.com
Helen Thomas Simply Smashing
Andover, Mass.
(978) 475-7981
ShopHelenThomas.com
floral and accessories
Les Fleurs
Andover, Mass.
(978) 475-9669
LesFluers.com
Special thanks to the McLellan family of North Andover for their hospitality during this photoshoot at their homestead.