Deck the Halls
Higher Grounds Photography
P
Pat also finds joy in decorating her beautiful home, Oakgrove Plantation, for
the Christmas season. Originally built in 1850, the home has remained in her
husband’s family. In 2002, Pat and her husband decided to restore it and, that
first Christmas, Pat knew exactly what she wanted to do with the home. “I knew
in my heart that the house had to be decorated as it would have been long ago.”
This involves using many beautiful, natural resources from the abundance of
greenery on the plantation. If it’s on the land, chances are that Pat can use it.
Hundreds of yards of fresh garland, as well as clippings of cedar and cypress,
are brought in each year for her to create each bow that adorns every present
and piece of decor. Holly and “popcorn” bushes are used, as well. She and Jimmy spend an afternoon gathering mistletoe from the trees by the Little Pee Dee
River to create a “kissing ball” that’s annually hung on the chandelier by their
front door.
In the gathering room where family congregates, the mantle has a Williamsburg style, consisting of magnolias, candles, pineapple and clove-studded
fruit. In the parlor sits a nativity scene, which has been a beautiful holiday piece
in the Godbold house for many years. There are also carolers and Pat’s favorite
mantle, which is usually embellished with flowing ivy, cedar, cypress and curly
willow. Mantles in the dining room and bedroom change almost every year and
are the locations where Pat utilizes her creative energy the most. “The mantles
are certainly the most difficult to create but are also the most enjoyable when
finished.” One theme Pat has incorporated is peacocks, which holds significant
meaning, since the Godbold family had peacocks on the plantation many, many
years ago. Peacock feathers adorn the main Christmas tree, as Pat’s collection
of nutcrackers and Santas “stand guard” in the hallway and front rooms. The
natural beauty of her kitchen, fireplaces and mirrors are all enhanced by fresh
fruit, a tree made of peppermints and individually themed wreaths. Because all
of the greenery is live, Pat’s decorating process normally doesn’t start until two
weeks before Christmas. It typically takes up to six hours to complete the front
door alone and up to 40 hours to finish the entire house.
With so much work to be done, Pat is grateful she doesn’t have to do it all
alone. While Jimmy is her somewhat hesitant (but always cheerful!) accomplice, Pat is also thankful for a local team of mother/daughter florists in Marion
who help her when needed. “There have been moments during the hard work
of decorating that I have wondered why in the world I do it… But, oh, the joy!
Especially at night when the candles are lit. The beauty of it all is just overwhelming and makes the effort worthwhile.”
Pat hosts many get-togethers during the holidays, including private parties with families and friends
and community drop-ins. This month, Pat anticipates hosting the Marion County Arts Council’s annual
Christmas party. “It is a delight to see our home through the eyes of others, especially those seeing it for
the first time. It is quite a privilege to be able to present the house as it would have been years ago. The
essence of the holidays at Oakgrove Plantation is the happiness the season brings in celebrating the birth
of Christ and the joy of being with family and friends.” Once the decorating, cooking and entertaining
have slowed down, Pat plans on enjoying the beautiful abode she calls home. “It is such a quiet, peaceful
feeling to sit in the rooms by the light of candles and fireplaces and imagine the Godbolds doing the same
over the past 165 years.”
I KNEW IN MY heart
THAT THE HOUSE HAD TO BE
DECORATED LIKE LONG AGO.
“
94
DECEMBER 2015
Newly retired, Pat Godbold is enjoying life on the Godbold family plantation in M arion, South Carolina,
with her husband Jimmy. She has two stepchildren, Trish and Elliott.
SHEMAGAZINE.COM