Homes for the Holidays, in its 17th year, has become a much-anticipated Holiday Tradition in the Beaufort area. Each year the tour highlights a variety of homes in a selected neighborhood to showcase talented local designers and florists and kickoff the holiday season.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Dataw Island, once a prosperous Sea Island cotton plantation, is graciously hosting this year’s tour. The tour promises to awe and inspire visitors as they view each unique home reflecting the spirit of the holidays with themes from a Rustic Winter White Wonderland to a Starry, Starry Nordic Christmas. It will feature seven individual homes as well as the historic Sam’s Plantation Tabby Ruins, which will be decorated by the Dataw Island Garden Club.

Featured tour designers include Lynn Monday Homes &amp; Design, Sweet Bay-Maggie Engstrom, Pier 1 Imports-Barb Farley, Scout Southern Market-Ann Higgins, The Spirits of Christmas Group, Macdonald Market Place, Dataw Garden Club and W.E.D.-Katie Huebel.

On Friday, Nov. 16, the event will feature a magical Gala Evening in St. Peter’s Catholic Church Walsh Palmetto Room. Dance to the popular sounds of the Maxx Band and enjoy the delectable treats provided by Southern Graces catering. There will also be a silent auction with amazing jewelry, unique trips, elegant and casual dinner parties, local art and a host of other bidding items. Tickets are $100 per person. Tickets are limited.

The home tours will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 18, from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 prior to November 17 and $35 if purchased on the day of the tour. There will be designated parking on Dataw Island with shuttle service provided to the homes.

For tickets call 843-522-6503 or purchase online at beauforthomesfortheholidays.com. Area locations for tickets include: The Chocolate Tree, Sweet Bay, Scout Southern Market, The Kitchen, Markels Card and Gift Shop (Bluffton) and Branches (Wexford). They will also be available November 12-16 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

<em>Photo at top by Sandy Dimke.</em>