Touring Maymont

My husband and I toured Maymont House tuesday before all of the decorations were taken down.  Opulence is the word I use to describe the Dooleys,  their decorating style was  ecclectic.   Statue to greet you at the entrance,  draperies hung at  two doorways,( 2 is what I remember anyway)  gorgeous china.  The swan bed in her bedroom brought from their summer home "Swannoa".   Oak trim and paneling in home is local and beautifully carved.

It was Fun to see how an 1893 Christmas was spent by the Dooleys.

Beautiful tree decorated with handmade ornaments, such as paper cones and glittered pictures that looked like this one I purchased from "Through the Garden Gate".  I must  make some of these next year.  Our guide told us that presents would be tucked into the branches with the decorations. 

The best I can show of the tree is this Poster that greeted us from the gazebo coming onto the grounds

Beautiful green garlands were strung in one room from the chandelier to four corners of the ceiling.

The packages were wrapped in white paper and tied with red ribbons.

Mrs. Dooley we were told - liked to use red satin ribbons in her home for Christmas.   The bows were simply tied,  I like that better.

They were beautiful.  

Upstairs was a sitting area  with wrappings , ribbons and such, as if packages were in the process of being wrapped.

ribbon was strung leading from the light fixture in the ceiling with childrens names.  We were told that the children would have their name attached to a ribbon and the child would follow it to a gift,  some gifts were in chairs.

I think I may try that next year with some little ones.

Beautiful wreaths outside and in. 

This home is a must see if visiting Richmond , Va. 

 View from entrance into home

Beautiful light fixture on porch entrance

View of statues from entrance looking towards river