Events

Haute Holidays at Hillwood draws inspiration from the special exhibition Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior 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 22, the elegance and opulence of Grace Kelly, princess of Monaco, permeates the holiday décor that adorns the entire estate. Kelly was a style icon, whose image was created in response to Hollywood’s wish for glamour and the desire for sophistication in her stately duties. As an actor turned princess, Kelly found herself as a legendary public figure, and she carefully cultivated her image to reflect her status as a darling of the public and a modern, socially engaged woman. As the exhibition celebrates Kelly’s renowned style and dedicated relationship with the House of Dior, so too do the Christmas trees, each inspired by a particular piece on view.

The mansion entry hall bursts into colorful bloom, with a tree inspired by two of Kelly’s iconic dresses: an ivory silk georgette dress, embroidered with multicolored pearls and sequins in a floral design, which she wore to events in 1971 and 1973; and a red silk crepe cocktail dress from 1966 that features a bow detail on the shoulder. The tree abounds with dark pink and red flowers along with diamond and red bows, as seen in the garments, combining the two into one fabulous tree. Red ball ornaments enhance the over-the-top tree, adding a bit of holiday cheer.

Vibrant pinks and glittering diamonds decorate the French drawing room, with a tree that takes its cue from a polka dot tulle evening dress Kelly wore to a the Mycca Gala in 1970 and the Cannes Film Festival in 1972. The two-tone gown will come to life through light and dark pink orbs and diamond ornaments, and will be topped with a large pink bow, drawn from the waist of the piece itself.

Grace Kelly appreciated an interesting and intricate neckline, as evidenced by the brown pleated dress with the attached pearl necklace and crystal pendants that inspires the large tree in the dining room. Gold will brighten the space through both matte and shiny round ornaments, complemented by dangling crystals to mimic the decorative collar of the dress.

An elegant tree, inspired by the sky blue evening dress and tunic outfit from 1970, enhances the pavilion. Fabulous fringe, as seen on the outfit, will dominate the tree, with silver and blue complementing the room built for after-dinner entertainment. Vintage glass balls will add shape and movement to the tree.

In the visitor center, guest designer Quintece Hill-Mattauszek has created a tree titled “Moments in Time,” to serve as a celebration of Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post. Appearing like a giant collector’s item, featuring gold, pinks, and turquoise, it will be as a tree within a tree, with a metal frame featuring important moments from Post’s life, like a storybook.

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.