Newport Christmas

I have always wanted to go to Newport, RI at Christmas time, and every year I miss the opportunity.  So this year I scheduled a trip for the first weekend in December, back in the beginning of November!  It was an easy going trip (not typical – I usually have every second planned, but not this time, I needed the break –  We drove up Friday toured and strolled and returned Sunday.

Newport Preservation Society added Christmas decorations to the Marble House, Breakers and the Elms.  Delightful feather trees and wrapped gifts in bedrooms, trees and poinsettias everywhere – even giant poinsettia balls hung from the ceilings, mantels were dressed, tables topped, kitchens filled with garland and oranges.  We declined the head set audio tours - they are wonderful go at your own pace and full of information; however, I enjoyed a primarily visual only tour of the Marble House and Elms – amazing how different details emerge.   I enjoyed the new family tour option at the Breakers – playful and entertaining – it was nice to tour the house with a child’s perspective (well done preservation society, I hope children are using and enjoying it).  An unusual treat there were a few rooms where we could photograph the Christmas display.  I was delighted to photograph inside!

Breaker’s Main Gate decked with two huge wreaths.The grand ballroom was filled with trees and a single red chair for Santa Claus.  The Breaker’s first floor veranda offered eggnog, cider and cookies

Marble House’s gothic room – which is an absolute masterpiece in gothic revival style – featured a photographable tree – the tree was in every shot – I attempted every angle possible.  The tree was magnificent,I loved the careful attention to gothic details in the ornaments, a quiet, elegant medieval flare to the Christmas Decorations.  After all, the gothic arch is my favorite arch, with ogee a close second!                 The Elem’s Mantels were amazing, snow cover topiary trees, sticks, cardinals all nestled in with the mantel statue.  and a grand poinsettia tree was the focal point of the room.

Magnificent!  What a treat to see these homes at Christmas!  Newport was a Christmas buzz, tree lightings, shops elaborately decorated, and Santa comes to the Warf by way of boat!