Every year, Leslie Saeta transforms her South Pasadena home into a Winter Wonderland — in October. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
For her holiday cocktail party for 200, Saeta will make 17 appetizers, which will be laid out on her dining room table. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
Saeta works on sugar cookies in her South Pasadena kitchen, three weeks before her annual party. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
An array of festive cookie cutters includes a black one that’s a replica of Saeta’s 100-year-old home. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
Saeta ices sugar cookies. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
Saeta bakes desserts in advance of the holiday party and freezes them. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
Frosted sugar cookies are a Saeta holiday tradition. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
The blogger and DIY guru created the place mats, which include verses from holiday carols. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
DIY tree decorations, made by Saeta, are detailed on her blog My 100 Year Old Home. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
The color scheme, and the pillows, reflect the holiday. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
Wreaths in Saeta’s craft room are among 18 that hang throughout the house. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
The holiday is in the details for Saeta. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
A vintage sign hangs in the family room. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
The entryway of the South Pasadena home, which Saeta and her husband bought from his parents. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
Leslie Saeta works in her kitchen, with Sport by her side. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times )
Holiday decor gives the modern farmhouse-style kitchen a festive mood. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
The entryway features greenery from the Original Los Angeles Flower Market. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times)
Leslie Saeta and Sport. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times )