Real Estate

Who won our Deck the Halls holiday decorating contest?

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(Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

The Marchetti family

52 Josica Drive, Aquebogue

Average score: 7.7

John Marchetti understands spacing.

His outdoor Christmas decorations are almost too perfectly laid out — as though he measures the distance between items and makes certain not to overdo it during the three days it takes to set everything up.

“A lot of people think the more lights the merrier,” he said. “I don’t think so.”

We agreed, and that’s probably why his house earned the highest score of any home in Riverhead Town. Two of our judges gave the house a 9. Three more scored it an 8. “It’s just so nicely laid out,” said judge Tina Volinski.

Judge Cerria Torres was impressed with the attention to detail. “I loved the star on the top of the tree,” she wrote.

Mr. Marchetti, who was nominated by his wife, Janine, said he’s been decorating their home for 17 years. He was inspired by the way his father decorated his childhood house.

“And I hope my son will do it when he gets older,” he said.

It’s a standout home that adds a level of joy to the family’s beautiful Aquebogue street.