Annalee collectors across the country helped celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by filling their homes with creativity, charm, and plenty of patriotic spirit for the Great American Annalee Decor-Off Photo Contest! From dazzling displays and festive scenes to imaginative arrangements filled with personality, collectors showed us the many wonderful ways Annalee patriotic designs become part of life’s special moments.
We were absolutely delighted by the incredible entries we received. Each display told a story and reflected the creativity, passion, and love our collector community pours into their Annalee traditions. Seeing your collections come to life was truly inspiring!
Choosing our winners was no easy task. With so many thoughtful details, clever designs, and heartfelt displays, narrowing it down to a Grand Prize Winner, runners-up, and honorable mentions was quite the challenge. We’re thrilled to celebrate the collectors whose creativity captured our hearts and earned special recognition.
Congratulations to all of our winners—and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined the celebration and shared your America 250 displays with us. Your imagination, enthusiasm, and love for Annalee continue to bring smiles to life and remind us why these crafted treasures have been cherished in homes for generations.
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $100 Annalee.com gift card, and each runner-up will receive a $25 Annalee.com gift card. Now, let’s celebrate this year’s talented decorators and their amazing creations!
Grand Prize Winner:
Marijo S., of Bend, OR
Wow, Marijo! Your displays are truly magical, and we were captivated by the incredible stories you brought to life. From charming everyday moments to festive celebrations, each scene you create feels like stepping into a little world of its own—filled with personality, imagination, and delightful details waiting to be discovered.
It was especially meaningful to see you feature our beloved founder, Annalee Thorndike, as a special guest in your Fourth of July BBQ scene. During a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, it felt like the perfect tribute to a woman who embodied creativity, curiosity, independence, and the spirit of the American dream.
Often hailed by collectors as the “Norman Rockwell of dollmakers,” Annalee Thorndike was a true pioneer. She was a trailblazing businesswoman whose extraordinary life was shaped by imagination, determination, and a passion for bringing smiles to others through her art. Her legacy continues today through the collectors who carry her vision forward in their own homes and traditions.
What makes your displays so special, Marijo, is the storytelling. The more you look, the more magic you discover—the thoughtful details, the charming interactions, and the little moments that make each scene feel alive. You don’t just decorate with Annalee creations; you create stories that invite everyone to stop, smile, and imagine.
But don’t just take our word for it… enjoy a look at Marijo’s incredible storytelling scenes that captured our team’s hearts and earned her the title of Great American Annalee Decor-Off Grand Prize Winner!
Runners-Up
The magic didn’t stop with our Grand Prize Winner! Our five outstanding runners-up created enchanting displays filled with creativity, storytelling, and delightful details that made our team stop, smile, and look a little closer. Each scene showcased the imagination and heart our collectors bring to their Annalee creations. Choosing these special recognitions was no easy task, and we’re excited to celebrate these five talented decorators whose displays truly captured the spirit of the Great American Annalee Decor-Off.
Honorable Mentions
There was so much creativity on display that we simply couldn’t keep all of our favorites to ourselves! These five honorable mentions caught our eyes with their charming details, imaginative scenes, and the special touches that make every Annalee display unique.
We especially loved seeing the stories behind some of these collections, including cherished heritage pieces that have been passed down through generations and continue to bring smiles today. These displays were a beautiful reminder of the memories, traditions, and connections that make Annalee collections so meaningful.
While these entries weren’t selected for prizes, they absolutely deserve a moment in the spotlight. Thank you for sharing your creativity, your stories, and your love of Annalee with us — we’re delighted to celebrate these wonderful displays with our collector community!
Thank You for Celebrating America 250 With Us!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the Great American Annalee Decor-Off Photo Contest and shared your festive America 250 celebrations with us. Click here to see all the entries! Your creativity, patriotic pride, and love for Annalee brought so much joy to this special milestone celebration.
From longtime collectors showcasing treasured heritage pieces to creative new displays filled with storytelling and charm, each entry reminded us what makes the Annalee community so special. Thank you for inviting us into your homes and sharing the memories, traditions, and magical moments you create with your collections.
The fun doesn’t have to stop here! Our Christmas in July Sale is happening now, with up to 70% off select Annalee designs. It’s the perfect time to add new favorites to your collection, stock up on patriotic décor, and discover treasures that will help you create your next magical display for future contests and holiday celebrations.
Happy decorating—and we can’t wait to see what you create next!