A Jazzy, Jolly Holiday
A Jazzy, Jolly Holiday at Hillwood draws inspiration from the special exhibition Roaring Twenties: The Life and Style of Marjorie Merriweather Post with resplendent Christmas trees and holiday décor throughout the estate.
Virtual programs add to the Christmas grandeur.
Christmas Trees on Display
The mansion entry hall dazzles visitors upon entry, with a tree that sparkles and shines, inspired by Marjorie Post’s iconic “Midnight” gown (acc. no. 48.138.1-5), a heavily sequined dress she wore to the Everglades Ball in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1926. The tree abounds with gold, silver, stars, and diamonds, as seen in the opulent costume. Beaded ornaments, geometric shapes, and black and white baubles bring the celestial garment to life through the tree.
Vibrant greens and glittery silver and diamonds brighten the dining room, with a large tree that takes its cue from Post’s emerald brooch by Cartier (acc. no. 17.75). She was a discerning jewelry collector, preferring beautiful pieces with that were finely crafted or had historic or royal provenance. Round orbs, shaped green ornaments, and brilliant diamonds reflect the precious carved stones of the brooch, which features a large central gem from the Mughal dynasty.
Marjorie Post was a major client of Cartier during this period, and opted for exquisite personal accessories in bold, deco designs,
such as the compact and lipstick case (acc. no. 11.248) that inspires the tree in the French drawing room. The personal accessory served both practical and decorative purposes, housing a mirror and lipstick while also fitting on the finger like a ring. Gold, blues, and diamonds drawn from the piece complement the room, emulating the colors and over-the-top design. Bright balls and gem-encrusted ornaments throughout the tree espouse the exquisiteness of the object.
An elegant tree, inspired by a headpiece (acc. no. 2012.9.49) Post wore for a photo portrait, enhances the pavilion. Gold, silver, purple, drawn from the piece, complement the room built for after-dinner entertainment. Feathers, pearls, and diamonds add a glamorous and particularly 1920s feel to the tree.
In the visitor center, natural materials greet guests upon arrival and bring the outside in as a bountiful tree takes inspiration from the remarkable the special exhibition Kristine Mays: Rich Soil, on view throughout the grounds. From roots to flower, a garden forms throughout the tree, rising just as the ancestors do in Mays’s sculptures.
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. A virtual floral design workshop 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.