Members and guests of the Pride of Greenville Garden Club got into the holiday spirit last Thursday during their November meeting at the home of Nonnie Hardin.

The ladies were welcomed into the historic Herbert St. home with twinkling lights and festive garlands gracing the doorway.

Inside were yet more holiday touches, proving guest speaker Laurie Hardin of Birmingham had already been hard at work.

Hardin, a floral designer with Flower Buds in Vestavia Hills, shared a number of decorating tips and techniques with those present, as she put together several tabletop decorations featuring a variety of flowers and greenery.

The November meeting marks the date each year the garden club members bring their gift items for those spending Christmas in the Veterans' Hospital.

A contest is held to see which of the carefully wrapped presents is judged the most beautiful.

Guest speaker Hardin was the judge, and member Caroline Ryan proved the winner with her eye-catching patriotic package trimmed in red, white and blue with starry spangles.

&#8220This is a special project we really enjoy every year and it's fun to see all those beautiful packages,” Nonnie Hardin said.

Before the demonstration, the ladies all enjoyed a light supper of sandwiches, cheese straws, nuts, and chocolate cake with whipped cream, served with spiced cider and coffee.