This holiday season, the six period rooms of Glenview, our Gilded Age home on the National Register of Historic Places, are decked out with garlands, baubles, and trees. The Dining Room, once the scene of many Trevor family gatherings, is set with an elaborate Victorian Christmas tablescape designed by interior designer Debra Blair. Following a “Winter Wonderland” theme inspired by the snow-covered landscapes in the permanent collection, white and gold accents are paired with layers of porcelain dinnerware, utensils, and wine glasses. Blair is a trustee of the Hudson River Museum and has been involved with historic preservation for many years; her services were donated.

The holiday dinner, circa 1870, was an extravagant affair consisting of many courses. Traditionally, the meal would start with soup, followed by fish, a sorbet palate cleanser, and finally the main course—a roast of game or beef—with a different, specific utensil, plate, glass, and wine selection for each course. After a dessert of fruit, nuts, and other sweets, ladies would retire to the sitting room for coffee while the men adjourned to the library to smoke cigars and share their best brandy.

The holiday decorations in Glenview, which also include installations by theatrical designer Karin White and miniatures in Nybylwyck Hall dollhouse courtesy of D. Thomas Fine Miniatures, will be on view through December 30. The decorations are generously supported by Jan Adelson. 

Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday, at 1 and 3pm, and Glenview is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 to 5pm.

Don’t miss Holiday Stories from Around the World, a special performance in Glenview by storyteller April Armstrong and musician Mario Sprouse on Saturday, December 13, at 3pm.