Give Santa something to rave about this year with inspiration from a home with wildly realistic greenery, pinecones gathered on garlands, and sentimental homemade antique ornaments scattered among heirloom furniture pieces.

Michele Boiani inherited her holiday decorating traditions from her grandmother, Elsie Panza, who displayed as many as 45 themed trees – inside and out, at home and at Panza’s Restaurant - some even hung upside down from the ceiling! The gingerbread and doll houses were also dressed in their holiday best as carolers sung by the piano, and the entire family gathered for traditional Italian fare including briny stuffed artichokes, capellini with a vibrant puttanesca sauce, sweet baklava, and roasted chestnuts. 

Beginning in October, Elsie collected beads, sequins, plus other bits and bobs, and crafted them into ornaments that she used to decorate her own home but also gave away as gifts. In the late 1980s, the Panzas’ 1939 house was featured on PBS and recognized by former Governor Mario Cuomo. Elsie’s handmade ornaments also graced Queen Elizabeth’s residence and hung in the White House for their Bicentennial celebrations. 

In addition to being an inviting ambiance for the Panza family and friends, the property hosted numerous holiday home tours, with the proceeds used to benefit the Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital at the Albany Medical Center, and other charities. 

Since Elsie’s passing, Christmas has again become a production in the house, albeit a smaller one, as every room - even the bathroom, hallways, and in-between spaces, are decked out for the holiday. 

“I have to pay homage to what was her legacy,” said Michele, who has renovated and reignited the holiday fanfare since moving back to the family home as an adult. “The whole experience of Christmas has changed for me.”

Timeless Sparkle

Mixing up metallics adds sophistication without losing the whimsy when embellished pillows and opulent trees are coated with gold. Statuesque lamps and Roman-inspired décor paired with pops of lime green allow each piece to shine. 

Atop the flocked tree, snow-dusted ornaments, gold, and silver adorn the frosted branches where furry owls in various sizes, carved oversized acorns, wooden dowels, and glittery balls made from corrugated cardboard and twine, flatter the wintery scene. 

Playful Pinks

In the hall, a fun pink tree sings, “C’mon let’s go party!” with a cohesive blend of animal prints, pearly sprigs, and the glamour of gold.

For a captivating, full-bodied entrance, iridescent whites and the weightlessness of wispy feathers fanning out from the tree are anchored by a lush fur skirt. 

Let it Snow!

Keeping the home fires burning in the den, the crackling cast iron stove warms a worn leather chair draped in plaid flannel. 

Softly glowing white lights and layers of blues, greens, and coppery golds create a welcoming home for décor depicting the quintessential family road trip.

Down-Home Holiday

Wrangling Western charm in our neck of the woods with touches of turquoise, burnished golds, and black baubles, this cowboy Christmas scene is highlighted with native American symbolism in heartwarming vignettes and with a tree topped in a wrought iron bull’s head decorated with dramatic arrows.

Woolen buffalo, patterned antelope, and oxen roam among the tree’s branches, while woven snowflakes and natural wood accents merry up the mantle into a beautifully repurposed headboard

Country Christmas

Horsemanship takes on a Saratoga-themed twist in another bedroom where a riding cap and dried grasses are joined by a woodsy mantle and a rustic tree. Festive on their own in their home by the fire, knitted stockings and a comfy throw create a cozy spot for a long winter’s nap. 

Swapping out the standard fare for unexpected ornaments, a braided garland, and bunches of blankets, this room has a classic look that will continue to delight year after year. 

Utilitarian Space Spruce Ups

Pared-down and almost minimalist by comparison, the most-used rooms in Michele’s home feel festive thanks to a limited color palette of whites and browns, tabletop evergreens, and a collection of natural finds. 

In the bathroom, an ultra-slim illuminated tree is squeezed-in amid a selection of pinecones and seashells, creating a clean, but jolly look. 

In the kitchen, velveteen fawns, natural fibers, and sweet floral scents cook up a deliciously cheery mood without taking up too much space. 

…Oh, what an Enchanting Christmas indeed!

Written By Megin Potter

The recipe for a Saratoga restaurant that lasts 85 years and transcends locations starts and ends with home-cooked Italian cuisine. 

Known as the Starlight Room when Joseph and Teresa “Ma” Panza opened it on Saratoga Lake in 1938, politicians, movie and music celebrities, Thoroughbred families, and society’s most influential movers and shakers flocked to Panza’s Restaurant. 

When Panza’s moved to Broadway in 2019, many of their most loyal local customers followed. 

“If we had to go somewhere else, I’m glad it was here,” said Tony Panza, who began working in the kitchen with his grandparents before becoming head chef in 1973. 

65 Years of Joy

Every week since Tony Panza was a kid, Harry W. Seibert Jr. has returned to Panza’s Restaurant. 

Nervous during his first visit in 1958 for Senior Prom, Harry has since returned for innumerable family dinners, celebratory drinks with work buddies, birthdays, and special events with Liz, his beloved wife of 40 years. 

Today, the Panzas are close friends. When Harry comes into the restaurant, Tony prepares his favorite; lobster tails (despite them not being on the menu).

“I’m happy to say to everyone that I’ve never had a bad experience with Tony, Panza’s, or the Starlight Room,” said Harry. “They have good food in nice surroundings with wonderful service (and I don’t say that much about anybody or anything).”

Starry-Eyed Traditions

Still serving traditional favorites like Ma’s famous pork chops and seafood that liberates your tastebuds, Panza’s Restaurant is an extra-special experience during the holidays thanks to the talents of Tony’s brother; singer, and designer Michael Panza. 

From the day after Thanksgiving until the New Year, Panza’s Restaurant is decked out with glitz and glamour from the wine cellar to the main dining room, the cozy Grotto Bar & Tavern’s massive stone fireplace, to the upper-level music lounge. 

“It makes people happy when they come in the restaurant,” said Tony’s niece, Michelle Boiani, co-owner of Dock Brown’s Lakeside Tavern and The Nest on Saratoga Lake. “It makes people very excited and puts them in the spirit.”

Like his mother Elsie used to, Michael goes over-the-top with holiday decorating. As many as 45 holiday trees are set-up to create an elegant winter wonderland… glittering with metallics and animal prints for that classy 70’s retro lounge vibe. 

“Christmas here is an event,” said Tony, who describes himself as a “Scrooge.” He prefers to stay in the kitchen during the festivities, missing out on the holiday music, singing, and shows to do what he loves most – working seven days a week making memorable Italian cuisine   …I think we’re okay with that!