Events

Glamorous Greetings at Hillwood draws inspiration from the special exhibition From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley with resplendent Christmas trees and holiday decorations throughout the estate.

Festive décor, workshops, and holiday shopping add to the holiday splendor.

Christmas Trees on Display

Beginning Tuesday, November 25, the grandeur of the exquisite objects on view, which explore one of the twentieth century’s most glamorous icons, permeates the holiday décor that adorns the entire estate. As the exhibition demonstrates the style and elegance of this legendary figure and her remarkable treasures, so too do the Christmas trees, each inspired by a particular exhibition piece. 

The mansion entry hall will burst into bloom, with a tree inspired by Princess Natalia Pavlovna Paley with Lilies by Oliver Messel, an intriguing oil painting in which Paley poses with flowers. White permanent botanical lilies will festoon the tree, representing not only the painting but also Hillwood’s year-round propagation of these flowers for use in arrangements and in the gardens. White and silver ornaments will add a touch of sparkle and glamour to the tree.
A remarkable tree, based on Paley’s ‘Wrapped Package’ Brooch created by Verdura, will enhance the French drawing room. Decorated in dazzling shades of aquamarine, green, and gold, which reflect the magnificent brooch and complement the theme of the room, the tree will glimmer just as the brooch does. 

Bright blues, oranges, yellows, reds, and greens will animate the pavilion, with a tree that takes its cue from an incredible 1960s jumpsuit by Bonwit Teller. With multicolored lights and colorful baubles, the tree will be reminiscent of the mid-century modern era of both Paley and Marjorie Post, who built this room during this time period for her entertainment needs.

A plethora of silvers and diamonds will fill the dining room with sparkle and shine, as a tree reflects the beauty of the Paley family’s silver set, made of pieces from Risler & Carré, Aucoc, and Alber Schiffmacher. Just as Marjorie Post hosted notable dinner parties in this room, using similar serving objects, so did Paley’s parents during their exile in Paris. Completely covered in silver ornaments, with a few diamond-encrusted highlights, the tree will make quite a dramatic statement.

In the visitor center, a magnificent tree filled with reds and golds will greet guests with the spirit of the holidays. Drawn from an evening dress created by Mainbocher, the stylish tree will feature a dramatic, oversized red fabric bow, draping from the tree to the banisters. Red ornaments and gold accents will mimic the intricate beading on the dress, which recalls the style of some of the imperial Russian orders Marjorie Post collected. 

The Holidays at Hillwood

As always, the gardens at Hillwood reveal the beauty of the holiday season. Conifers such as the blue atlas cedar and false cypress show off their evergreen boughs, while holly and witch hazel provide bright spots of color. Pine trees adjacent to the mansion are lighted to lead the way into the holiday splendor. Wreath workshops brings the holidays from Hillwood to you, inviting participants to craft a one-of-a-kind holiday decoration.

Throughout the season, the museum shop is a favorite destination for holiday shopping. With dozens of unique items inspired by the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post, in addition to clothing, books, ornaments, and home décor, Hillwood’s shop offers distinct gifts for everyone.

The delightful Merriweather Café is the perfect complement to a day celebrating the holidays at Hillwood. Warm up with seasonal specials and hand-crafted food and beverages served in the gracious manner of Post.