Text by Bethany Adams
The Glovers owned their lakeside getaway for 20 years before they decided on a fresh start. “It just wasn’t enough space for people,” says Janice Glover, who’s used to playing host alongside her husband, Doug, for everything from summer retreats to holiday dinners. “So, we chose to do a full demolition.”
The rebuild came to fruition in the summer of 2020, and by November, Janice was more than ready to deck the halls. “I was very excited to decorate for Christmas the first year that we were in,” she says. “I’ve always been a fanatic about Christmas; when I was a child, it was a big deal with myself and my siblings . . . and then [when they were] growing up, I really enjoyed making it special for my kids.”
Janice’s enthusiasm translates into multiple trees throughout the home, two of which cozy up the small living space she and her husband enjoy in the evenings. “A big thing to me has always been to have a tree next to the fireplace so that, when you’re sitting, you see it all in one view,” Janice says. The space didn’t allow for a large fireside tree, so Janice got creative, tucking a pencil tree to one side and pairing it with another to spread the glow across the room.
The dining room, however, more than accommodated a grandiose tree, and Janice jumped on the opportunity to create a spirited display. Brilliant reds and shining golds pop against flocked branches, embracing a cardinal motif that celebrates the view outside. “Since my husband and I got married, we always had Christmas at our home,” Janice says—so the kitchen and dining spaces were of the utmost importance during the build.
Originally, the cottage featured a small, closed-in kitchen that wasn’t functional for family gatherings, so priority one was a large island and plenty of space for Janice and Doug to work in. “I love to entertain; I love to make things look beautiful and welcoming for people, and he’s the one who enjoys cooking,” she says. “So, it makes a good combination.” Foraged from around the property, garland, sprigs, and other clippings dress the kitchen with an extra dash of color, complementing the deep blues that shine year-round.
As in the living room, the blue color palette makes another appearance in the primary bedroom, inspired by Janice’s favorite tartan pattern. In addition to the garland strung across the headboard and the festive bedding she pulls out for the season, Janice also takes pleasure in decorating a tree for her personal enjoyment. “That was always a big thing for [my family] growing up,” she says. “We always had our own little tree in the bedroom, and I always gave my kids trees in their bedrooms, too.”
While, come January, you’ll find the Glovers thawing out in their Florida home, as long as December lasts, Janice is enchanted with her personal winter wonderland. “When the sun comes out after a snowfall . . . it’s just magical,” she says. “I jump out of bed like it’s Christmas morning when we get a snowfall.” Whether the family is cozied up watching the flakes drifting beyond the windowpanes or enjoying the porch spaces dressed in greenery and warm throws, spending the holidays in this cottage means enjoying every charm the season has to offer.
For more information, visit @jubileehavencottage on Instagram.
