Linda Vater invites you into her Cottage on the Hill bedecked for Christmas for a festive, one-of-a-kind weekend…
While you’re in the neighborhood, you’ll explore several other beautifully decorated Oklahoma City homes, including those on the Mesta Park Holiday Home Tour, and meet some of Linda’s most stylish local friends. You’ll spend a festive afternoon shopping with interior designer John Turman, and close the weekend by celebrating a milestone birthday with Linda. If you don’t arrive in Oklahoma City with friends, we’re confident you’ll be leaving with new ones — people who share your love of garden-inspired living.
This welcoming weekend is co-hosted by Kristin Beane Sullivan, former executive editor of Garden Gate, Fine Gardening and Horticulture magazines.
December 4-December 7, 2026 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Double Occupancy
- $3,200
- Single Occupancy
- $3,800
Deposit of $1,600 due with reservation. Reservations canceled before 10/30/26 are refundable less $200 administrative fee. Final payments due 10/30/26. After this, all fees are nonrefundable.
What’s included:
- 3 nights’ accommodation at a historic boutique hotel in downtown Oklahoma City
- Entrance fees for all experiences and sites
- 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, including a special birthday celebration dinner for Linda
- Comfortable coach transportation
- Exclusive curated holiday gift bag
- Design and garden expertise of Linda Vater, Kristin Beane Sullivan and other Oklahoma City collaborators
What’s not included:
- Transportation to and from Oklahoma City
- Meals not explicitly listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
Activity level:
- Expect to walk 8,000–10,000 steps per day, all on paved surfaces.
Friday, December 4
Evening — Welcome Dinner
Meet Linda and Kristin, greet your fellow travelers, and settle into the weekend over dinner at a beautiful downtown Oklahoma City restaurant (included).
Saturday, December 5
Morning — John Turman’s Home
After breakfast on your own at the hotel (included), we’ll depart with Linda and Kristin for Lincoln Terrace, near the Oklahoma State Capitol, where interior designer John Turman has dressed his cozy 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival home to the nines for the holidays. His maximalist, layered style and extraordinary collections make every room a discovery. John will walk us through his design choices and share the stories behind his most treasured pieces.
Midday — Shopping and Lunch
It will be difficult to tear ourselves away, but we’re lucky that John will be joining us for the rest of the day. As we wander through some of his favorite shopping districts, feel free to ask him for opinions, advice, and — when needed — a little encouragement to buy. We’ll begin in Midtown, where many local stores will have set up holiday pop-up spaces. You’ll find lunch on your own at The Collective food hall, if you wish.
Afternoon — The Paseo Arts District
Next we’ll make our way to The Paseo, Oklahoma City’s beloved arts neighborhood, known for its galleries, specialty boutiques and striking Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Late Afternoon — Oklahoma City Art Museum
We’ll close our afternoon at the Oklahoma City Art Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Dale Chihuly blown glass in the world — and a fantastic shop. We’ll enjoy an exclusive after-hours shopping experience here.
Evening — Dinner
Linda will rejoin John, Kristin and the group for dinner, with plenty of conversation about the day’s finds, holiday decorating ideas, books and more (included).
Sunday, December 6
Morning — Antique Shopping
After breakfast on your own at the hotel (included), we’ll board the bus for a morning of treasure hunting in one of John and Linda’s favorite antique shops. You’ll want to leave room in your suitcase!
Midday — Group Lunch
We’ll enjoy lunch together (included).
Afternoon — Exclusive Holiday Home Tour and Mesta Park
We’ll begin our afternoon with an exclusive tour of some of Linda’s favorite holiday homes, then spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through Mesta Park on the neighborhood’s beloved Holiday Home Tour, taking in the unique architecture and festive décor of some of Oklahoma City’s most charming homes, accompanied by seasonal music and snacks along the way.
Late Afternoon — Cocktail Reception
We’ll close the afternoon with an exclusive cocktail reception at Linda’s Cottage on the Hill — the perfect pause before the evening ahead.
Evening — Birthday Celebration Dinner
We’ll celebrate with Linda’s family and friends at an exclusive birthday dinner in the ballroom of one of Oklahoma City’s oldest and finest historic homes (included).
Monday, December 7
Morning — Breakfast and Checkout
We’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel (included) before checking out and heading home — you’ll take with you warm memories, new friendships, and perhaps a few beautiful things you couldn’t leave behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests will be on this trip?
We keep our groups intimate — between 15 and 25 guests — so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to connect with Linda, Kristin and your fellow travelers throughout the weekend.
Is this trip appropriate for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many of our guests travel solo, and they always leave with new friends.
What should I wear?
Smart casual — dress for comfort and plenty of walking. Some guests change for dinner, others do not. On our final evening together, we won’t have time to change before dinner, so keep that in mind when packing.
What is the weather like in early December?
Early December in Oklahoma City can be unpredictable — temperatures typically range from the low 50s during the day to the 30s at night, with occasional cold snaps. We recommend layers and a warm coat, particularly for the Mesta Park outdoor home tour on Sunday afternoon. Most of our Saturday activities are indoors, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to warm up along the way.
How do I reserve my spot?
Complete the reservation form here. Once we receive your form, we’ll send you an invoice and a secure payment link for your deposit. Your reservation is secured once we’ve received both.
What is the deposit and cancellation policy?
A deposit of $1,600 is due at the time of reservation. Deposits are refundable, less a $200 administrative fee, until October 30, 2026. Final payments are due October 30, 2026, after which all fees are nonrefundable. Total trip price is $3,200 per person double occupancy and $3,800 single occupancy.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks mailed to Arbor Tour Co., 2824 47th St., Des Moines, IA 50310, or credit card payments made through the secure link in your invoice. If you’d prefer to pay by phone, please call Kristin Beane Sullivan at 515-577-0922.