A House Full of Christmas

The Collavino House Takes Decorating
for Christmas and Family Entertaining Seriously

Story by Alysia Therrien
Photography by John Liviero

The decorations are hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that our loved ones will soon want to share! The holidays, that is, which as you know are always a busy time of year. Yet, to the Collavino family, it is the perfect time to fill the house with holiday magic.

Paula and Renzo Collavino, a local Lakeshore couple, have become THE host for their family holidays. Year after year, the two create a Christmas atmosphere that spans from the outside of their house, through the foyer, to the kitchen and nestles right under their living room fireplace. 

According to Paula, it all starts with the tree. The Collavinos have been purchasing a real Christmas tree since they were first married in 1990. Their first tree, a potted tree to accommodate their apartment, is now planted in the yard of Paula’s childhood home. “I’ve always had a real Christmas tree growing up, so my past definitely spearheaded our Christmases,” Paula remarks about her urge to maintain the festivities.  

Keeping with tradition, Paula has made a point to begin her holiday decorating right around the time of American Thanksgiving. A process she states that takes about a week to complete and includes a nativity set on the mantle, real Christmas garland and a collection of flowers. The centerpiece, the tree, has over 1500 lights and hosts all sorts of ornaments, which includes the annual Swarovski ornament addition each year thanks to their in-laws.  

It doesn’t stop there! Each light fixture, table and corner is filled with holiday fixings. “Whatever you see, when someone walks in, is decorated!” says Paula. She further explains how the front and backyard follow suit like the indoor decorating. The back patio hosts a string of lights and an outdoor firepit. In past seasons when there has been enough snow, the family has packed together snow blocks to create chair-like seating. 

Although the bulk of the season preparations happen in a week, Paula is on the scout for a particular holiday signature during early fall. Chestnuts, which Paula shares, if bought locally are ready in early October and sell out fast. A nearby chestnut orchard is her go-to because she claims the store-bought ones are just not as sweet. She shares her experience with the roasting process and how, “The local ones, the chestnut just slides right out,” compared to the store-bought ones that often stick. Without meaning to, she references her holiday expertise just by sharing her knowledge of perfecting the roasting of the chestnuts in the oven, or on the fire if you prefer.

With all this prep comes the moment the Collavinos have prepared for; the guests arriving! When you attend a holiday party hosted by Paula and Renzo, you can expect awe from every detail. From the surprise balloon drop in the foyer, where a collection of balloons have been strung up to the ceiling and will release by the pull of a string, to themed drinks, the Collavinos prepare to impress. 

They prepare appetizers, like freshly cut prosciutto on a large wood board crafted by Paula’s brother, tiramisu in martini glasses, and crushed candy cane rimmed glasses filled with a festive cocktail. “Anything I can think of to be creative; I’ll do it!” says Paula. Of course, the chestnuts make their appearance near the end, which the Collavinos pair with mulled wine.

The Collavino house is the spot for holidays and they claim each year gets bigger and bigger. They enjoy treating everyone, Paula puts plainly, and they have been since they were married. “We’ve always entertained,” says Paula, “it’s an entertaining house!” Paula and Renzo recall how both their parents used to take on the entertaining, but now they have “picked up the ball”. All the holidays are important to Collavinos and their extended family, which they mark by making sure they always get together. The biggest, however, is Christmas, so Renzo and Paula have taken on the task of ensuring they make it feel that way.

A new edition to their family has sparked a new holiday tradition. A few years ago, Renzo happened to be growing out his facial hair for Movember when their daughter-in-law’s two-and-a-half-year-old nephew saw him and shouted: ‘Santa’! From that point on, every time the couple saw the young boy, Renzo was referred to as the man in red. Of course this led to the next big purchase: the Santa suit. From that moment on, the tradition came that Renzo plays Mr. Claus and he delivers the gifts himself to the children of the family. The couple have recently become grandparents themselves and are now eager to keep the magic going for their grandson. 

Paula shares how even the Santa suit has plans for revisions this year, only proving their dedication to keeping the holidays alive and well. Whether it be adding a new festive pillow or a ribbon for the tree, they like to keep things fresh. 

Although they have gathered numerous things throughout the years, the Collavinos like it when these things can spread cheer a bit further. Paula shares that she likes to bring holiday items to a familiar county thrift shop, which is run by volunteers. “Everything goes to the community, and they are collecting stuff for Christmas,” she explains. With boxes of things to go through, she hopes she can bring them in to help them raise some money. 

With all the busyness of the season, somehow all the things that are needed to do find their way to get done. Whether that means putting things together at the last minute or staying up all night, which Paula admits she’s done. It takes great dedication to create a house full of Christmas, but it pays off when everyone is together and enjoying it.