Company is coming! Time to sweep the porch, hang the wreath and light the tree. It’s Christmastime in Natchez.

For the 24 Bed & Breakfasts that comprise the Natchez B&B Association, these words have special meaning this year — we are getting ready for a competition.

This Thursday, Dec. 12, a special group of “out-of-town” judges will be descending upon our beautiful city.

Beginning at 7 p.m., they will be driving around our historic neighborhoods searching for the Best Decorated B&B’s.

This competition presents an excellent opportunity for residents and tourists in Natchez to enjoy seeing some beautifully decorated properties during the holidays.

The B&B’s are “stepping it up” a notch. And together with all of the beautiful homes and buildings now decorated in our city, I am certain that Natchez has never been more dressed up for Christmas.

Even the Bluff is decorated!

Just take a stroll, or a drive down Main Street and take it all in, especially at night.

The City Christmas Tree at Main and Commerce is beautiful as always. Shops and restaurants all over town have gone all out.

And the light-wrapped live oaks along Broadway, back-dropped by the Gazebo and the Mississippi River Bridges, makes for a breath-taking view. 

Ever since childhood, I have found Natchez at Christmas to be magical. And this year truly is special.

So, if you’re ready to see some beautiful properties, here is the list.

Large: Choctaw Hall, The Guest House, Linden, Monmouth, Pleasant Hill

Medium: Concord Quarters, Devereaux Shields House, GardenSong, Magnolia Cottage, Oak Hill, Stanton Guest House, Weymouth Hall

For more information, including property addresses, please visit the Natchez B&B Association’s website: www.natchezmsbandb.com.

There you will find pictures and great information on Natchez’ Bed & Breakfasts which, for many years, have been bringing thousands of travelers into the Miss Lou area.

Merry Christmas Natchez — it’s a wonderful season, and a wonderful time, to live in such a beautiful city.

Dan M. Gibson is a member of the Natchez Bed & Breakfast Association.