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The annual Home Tour also included a public showing of the homes on the day following the gala, and a boutique held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Newhall.
The gala began at the elegantly festive dining room of Valencia's Tournament Players Club where more than 100 guests gathered for cocktails before setting off to view the extensively decorated homes.
The event, which raises funds for the hospital's women's services unit, benefited the new neonatal intensive care unit at Newhall Memorial scheduled for completion in 2011.
"We're happy to be back with our two-day celebration. The diversity of the homes is really special, there's something for everybody," said Sue Smyth, Home Tour League president. "We're really looking forward to raising funds for the NICU and adding to the contributions we've made over the years."
Dressed in a stunning red holiday gown, gala chair Shelly Hann was excited to be a part of the all-volunteer league for the first time, as well as to offer her family's Westridge home for the tour.
"I love elegant events and this is really the Santa Clarita Valley's kickoff for the holiday season. It's just incredibly fabulous and festive," Hann said.
Themed "Black, White & Vegas Glamour All Over" and decorated by Jeanna Crawford, the Hann's home was particularly dramatic.
Outside, guests were greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of a roaring fire, while inside an incredible art deco chandelier held center court over a dining room table abundant with sparkling wrapped treasures.
Upstairs, there was a massive, black leather custom bed from the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas and golden upside down tree in the master bedroom. Down the hall, the Casino Room featured a black, red, and silver Christmas tree.
In Stevenson Ranch, it was "An Artist's Holiday" at the home of Byron and Sue McMichael. Their shiny red corvette was on display in the driveway, an ode to the couple's love of travel, with a sign that read "Santa's red sleigh always takes Route 66."
An artist who has been featured in "Sunset," Sue McMichael also took on the role of home decorator and her original art was on display throughout the two-story house, from tree ornaments to murals to hand-sewn tapestry pillows wrapped with ornate ribbons.
Overlooking a cavalcade of tasty goodies, her whimsical Santa stood in the kitchen corner, delicious holiday menu in hand.
"A Traditional Christmas" was the theme of Sally Coss' Valencia estate, which she decorated with a treasure trove of heirlooms she has collected for more than 40 years. From the multitude of trees that remind the homeowner of her Wisconsin childhood, to the hundreds of bunnies found nestling in secret nooks and trees throughout the two-story residence, Coss' love of nature and family was evident.
In the children's guest room, Raggedy Ann, Raggedy Andy and Pinocchio were having playtime with Santa and several elves. Across the way, a real bearskin rug was topped with a Santa hat.
Downstairs, Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer watched over one of several family areas. Just around the corner, an elegant display of cranberry glass and Christmas Spode adorned the massive dining room table, set for the holidays.
"This event really puts me in the holiday mood," said Vanessa Wilk of Saugus, who has attended the Home Tour Gala for the last three years. "It's so much fun to see these houses decorated for the season and I love to support my local hospital as well."
Many guests were enthralled with Coss' mirror collection that took up substantial wall space in an interior hallway and her collection of small glass Christmas trees nestled in curio cabinets in the living room.
Roger Seaver, Newhall Memorial president and CEO, was also impressed with the tour preview. "As usual, the homeowners really put on a great holiday display," he said. "We really appreciate their dedication to the hospital and to helping us build a NICU for our community, as well as their involvement with the Holiday Home Tour and those of the volunteers that help them. We're always happy and honored to benefit from the work they do."
For information on The Holiday Home Tour League, call (661) 253-8051 or visit www.henrymayo.com. To contribute to Henry Mayo's NICU campaign, please visit www.henrymayogiving.com or call (661) 200-1200.
