- Photos posted on my blog are mine unless stated otherwise. BH

Thursday, December 31, 2009

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







4 comments:

  1. Thank you for the tour to Maymont house... Richmond is so very rich in history...
    Lee

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  2. Hello Betsy.... I’m so pleased that you stopped by and left a comment for me and of course by doing so it has enabled me to discover your lovely blog too

    What an interesting house Maymont. is.... just the type of place I like to visit. Yes, I can well imagine how wonderful it must have been to take a peek into the year of 1893 and glimpse the Dooley’s family Christmas.... absolutely fascinating! Like you, I am always keen to pick up ideas from a bygone age and enjoy them myself.... so simple and sweet... just beautiful!

    Love the red sleigh what an elegant shape..... I can just imagine it being pulled through a landscape of crisp white snow with its passengers all muffled up in fur coats & hats.

    I have read you profile and see we have many things in common. Do keep in touch. Wishing you a Happy New Year - Marion

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  3. Hello mom
    Love the pictures of maymont. I would like to decorate my house like that for christmas. In the old style of christmas. The way it started. The christmas pictures are great. I love the blog.

    Annette

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  4. Thank you to all for the very kind comments.
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete

Enjoy reading your comments always!
If there is a return email address when I check my moderation of comments, I will reply then. If no reply is enabled, I will reply to comment under post. Thank you - Betsy