The du Pont family sure did know how to party; and this year, the Longwood Gardens’ Christmas theme celebrates its founder Pierre S du Pont. Mr. du Pont and wife Alice began a holiday tradition of hosting extravagant parties for employees and their families. The holiday celebrations included spectacular Christmas trees, music, as well as presents.
This year, the Longwood Gardens conservatory displays the founder’s decadent holiday table with 48 place settings fit for a king, and reminiscent of the du Pont’s elaborate holiday parties. The red and white table setting boasts white holiday lights among white twigs centerpieces, surrounded by glowing white candles, white orchids, and a present on each place setting. The entire dinner party is surrounded by large towering trees, holly berry bushes covered with red berries, Poinsettia, and red Anthurium.
After dinner, the holiday party moves into the du Pont’s Music room; and in keeping with the “Star Laden” Christmas theme, you’ll find antique telescopes, star decorations, and a large and very decorated 18’ Fraser fir Christmas tree that holds 1000 Christmas bulbs and 3330 led lights. The music room is composed of stately walnut and silk paneled walls, a teak floor, grand fireplace, and elaborate plaster ceiling. This room originally housed the first organ console and one of Pierre du Pont’s two Steinway concert grand pianos. And when the party’s over, you can exit through foyer into the decked halls and back to the indoor gardens. This is how Pierre and Alice du Pont celebrated Christmas!
A Longwood Christmas will be on view from now through Jan. 6. Timed tickets are required. Don’t go without your ticket; tickets are limited and sell outs are likely. You can either buy tickets online directly from Longwood Gardens, or call 610-388-1000. Longwood Gardens is located 30 minutes from Philadelphia on US Route 1, about 3 miles northeast of Kennett Square, PA at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Directions to Longwood Gardens are easy and parking is free.
Go ahead, check out the slideshow and crash the party. This is a bloomin’ holiday office party that no one should miss.
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