A Colonial Christmas

OK, so I didn't get any Christmas decorations put up this weekend, but we did visit the Jacobus Vanderveer House, which was decorated for the holidays with a beautiful array of natural elements which would have been available to it's original colonial inhabitants.  

Here is the parlor room (above) which dates back to the 1770's.  The room includes original wide plank flooring, beautiful barrel back cabinetry and original window frames and ceiling beams.  The blue Delft tile is similar to what would have been used in that period.  

Several interior designers and floral designers were invited to do the holiday decorations, and the house was filled with beautiful small trees, wreaths and swags.

There were also several period costumes displayed, and some really lovely antique furniture.

My daughter loved this stairway swag, made of greens and pine cones, and ornamented with fruit and berries.

This room, (above)  which is part of an 1813 Federal addition to the Dutch frame colonial, has a charming corner fireplace with a beautiful raised wood paneled mantel.

A small tree in the entry hall was adorned with cinnamon sticks, gingerbread men and dried orange slices.  There were so many beautiful, natural decorations throughout the house, and so much inspiration.  

Here is a link to last year's display.  I think I'm finally getting some holiday spirit.  There will be some Christmas decorations here at our Little Red House any day now.

I promise.  ;)

For more information on the historic Jacobus Vanderveer House, please visit their website here.