My husband Christopher and I spent our Thanksgiving Holiday weekend in Asheville, North Carolina, and we found that Christmastime is well in progress there! During our visit we spent a great deal of our time exploring The Biltmore Estate, one of its major tourist attractions. The Biltmore House was built for George Vanderbilt by the architect Richard Morris Hunt, who had previously designed homes for the Vanderbilt family. Construction of The Biltmore House took place from 1889-1895, taking 6 years to complete. Designed to mimic a French Renaissance chateau, it is the largest house in the United States, boasting 250 rooms. The home contains over four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The estate, which includes 8000 acres, is still family owned.
The Biltmore is beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, with so many trees in it that you quickly lose count. No two are exactly alike. I’d love to show you some pictures of the inside of the house, but unfortunately there’s a “no photography” rule there. Trust me, seeing the beautiful Christmas decorations inside is worth the ticket price! It has definitely inspired me to start planning the decorations for my own house. While there, I (of course) bought a few ornaments in their gift store to add to my growing collection. I did get a picture of one of the decorated trees that was in the “Welcome Center”. It’s just as beautiful as the ones inside the house.
On one of our visits, we toured the conservatory (photographs allowed) where I saw some wreaths that were creatively designed. For the next two pictures, the designers used succulents instead of ribbons and faux flowers. Beautiful!
I found one wreath inspired by terrarium plants.
The Conservatory also has traditional wreaths that were made from ribbons and other faux elements. They, too, were quite elaborate.
This picture is a little out of focus, but I think you can still appreciate the beauty of the wreath design.
This is my favorite wreath. I love the use of the moss for the bow. Very creative!
Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas if poinsettias weren’t around. The designers were very creative in their staging of the plants, making them look like Christmas trees. In this picture, the red poinsettias look like a Christmas tree skirt, don’t you think?
Pretty in pink!
Before they closed the conservatory for the day, Christopher and I shared a lighthearted moment.
Seeing Christmas at the Biltmore Estate has put me in a decorating mode. It was truly an inspiration to see the imagination and creativity of their designers. I’m visiting my local nursery today for my tree and wreath. I’m ready to decorate! How about you?
Simone
