Holidays at Hay House

'Twas the weeks before Christmas, and all through the South, homes were festive, including Hay House.

Now open for holiday tours, Macon's own "Palace of the South" has taken a different route this year in decorating the historic home for the holidays. Traditionally, its halls have been decked in period decor. But this year, the poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" has served as Christmas decoration inspiration.

Eleven designers, plus staff and volunteers, have each taken a room of the home and used a verse of the poem to inspire them. What resulted is a sometimes whimsical, sometimes over the top, and altogether beautifully cohesive theme for this Renaissance Revival style mansion.

"The poem actually predates the house, which was inhabited until about 1960," said Kelley Everling, rental and events manager for Hay House. "Many of the designers have used items from the house's collection and added a modern twist."

The designers, most of whom are from Middle Georgia, have each interpreted versus to reflect their own individual styles, tying in a room's color, lighting and purpose into their decor.

There are many opportunities in December to explore the Hay House. Guided tours are offered 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Tours cost $11 for adults; $10 for seniors and military; $7 for students; and are free for children under age 6 and members of the Georgia Trust. For more information about the Hay House, visit www.hayhousemacon.org.

Here are two special events coming up:

Christmas Gala: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 16. Includes scenes from Theatre Macon's "A Christmas Story," local talent dressed in period costumes singing Christmas carols, self-guided tours, open bar and hors d'oeuvres. Reservations are required by Dec. 12. Call 478-742-8155 or email keverling@georgiatrust.org to RSVP. $30.

Holiday Luncheon: Noon-2:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Lunch catered by Twang, live holiday music and self-guided tours. Reservations are required by Dec. 14. Call 478-742-8155 or email keverling@georgiatrust.org to RSVP. $45.

This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 5:58 PM with the headline "Holidays at Hay House ."