CRAIN’S

Chicago Business, Chicago 2007

Family inspiration

On the Homefront, the inspiration to do it up big at the holidays comes from all fronts, including family members. Deidra Byrd’s children, ages 9 and 11, prompted her to make this holiday season lighter and a little brighter than last year, when she decorated her Glenview home with demure white Italian lights…

This year, 44 year old divisional vice president at Walgreen Co. in Deerfield turned up the wattage with colored lights, multiple wreaths and yards of lighted garland. She also decorated the back of the house, which is visible only to her, her family and immediate neighbors, “more just for us than for the public.”

All told, Ms. Byrd spent 30% more this year on holiday lighting, which was designed and installed by Glen view based Light Up Your Holidays. Kellee Fitzsimmons. The firm’s owner, says most of her North Shore clients feel the need to make each Holiday “more glorious” than the last. And they are not above swiping decorating tips from neighbors.

“They say: ‘I really like the wreath she has. Can you decorate our trees like that?’ “ Ms Fitzsimmons says.