Aluminum trees, flocked trees, pink trees and blue trees — we've seen them all. But a Christmas tree covered in fresh orchids? That's just one of several decorative spins on the holidays that will be found Friday through Sunday on the Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Pilgrimage.

Four houses, decked to the hilt indoors and out, will be open for touring during the biennial event that has raised more than $3 million for local charities since its founding in 1941. Located in River Oaks and Memorial, the houses are individually decorated by the floral designer of the homeowner's choice.

No ordinary decor would do for the Wade home in River Oaks. Following an Asian motif, the house is filled with contemporary art and thus required something unique. Voila, the orchid tree.

Rebekah Johnson of Bergner & Johnson is dressing up the Mithoff home in River Oaks while Ben R. Shamooelian of River Oaks Plant House is filling the Johnson home in Memorial with fresh flowers. Christmas enthusiasts won't want to miss the Lloyd home in Memorial that will feature close to a dozen trees indoors and out, decorations courtesy of Walter Gutierrez.

To get a look at the tree dressed in orchids, you'll need to go on the tour. Tickets, $20, are available online and at numerous locations including Cornelius Nurseries, Cotton Club, Out of the Box and Leonard Rutan.