Christmas wonderland
FOR the past 15 years, Arthur Muller has invited people into his home in Framesby Extension to share in his joy of Christmas and the joy of giving – and this year is no different.
His home has once again been transformed into a smorgasbord of Christmas, from elegantly-themed trees and wreaths and ornaments.
Each year, the philanthropist and Christmas tree designer, and his life partner Darrel Lee open up their homes to showcase their love and joy for Christmas.
In the true spirit of the festive season, they use all funds and donations to give to a different charity each year.
A donation of R15 and dog and cat food is the entrance fee to view his home.
This year, all the proceeds will be going to Save-a-Pet.
There is a new addition to Muller's usual collection of Christmas trees. The Winter Wonderland-themed tree is made from painted sticks shaped in a cone, with white-painted branches.
The tree is decorated with beautiful jeweled crosses and white and silver owls and swallows, which Muller says is "in" right now, with baubles from Prague. Inside the tree stands a Father Christmas ornament, and at its foot miniature Father Christmases.
There are also Christmas clouds – tufts of organza between the tree's branches, with the look pulled together with blue Christmas lights.
The Midsummer Night's Dream tree is full of fairies and has a whimsical look to it.
The classic Victorian is donned with gold candles on pinecone-shaped candle holders. The tree has a classic look of holly and ivy with crystals.
The newly-dubbed Chanel tree is usually flooded with red but this year has a classy, modern look with pearl and white colours, and beautiful large white flowers.
But it is the garland of ornaments that decorates the beam in the dining room that catches the eye.
It is adorned with various decorations from around the world. "I still have to put up three other smaller trees. I have so many decorations. It all comes up to about R90000, if not more," Muller said.
Muller's favourite would have to be a small tree decorated with pearls, red berries and lights that sits on a table.
"The Pearl and Berry will always have a soft spot in my heart because I designed it for my mother, who is no longer with us.
"She was a classy lady, so I used the pearls, and it doesn't matter how much someone offers me for this tree, I will never part with it," he said.
This tree has even been featured in the Garden and Home magazine at least 13 times.
Arthur's Christmas Wonderland at 4 Framesby Villas, Heilbron Street, Framesby Extension will be open to visitors on November 30 and December 7 and 14 from 2pm to 5pm.
For more information contact Muller on 082-565-4216.