Victoria Mansion-Portland, Maine Christmas Gala The Gilded Age & My Part

Christmas in The Gilded Age 

circa 1875-1914

I am so pleased to be a part of this special event, at one of the most interesting historical landmarks here in Maine -The Victoria Mansion located in Portland, which will  reflect a unique lifestyle & era in American History.

Timeline of Events:

• November 19, 2012 - Meet the Designers Nite 5:30-7:00 pm
• November 23, 2012 - Victoria Mansion opens for Christmas Tours 
• December 7, 2012 Five after Five First Friday / ALL admissions only $5.00 from 5pm-8pm

Address:   

109 Danforth Street, Portland ME  04101

Phone:

207 772 4841

A little history on this period of time is the period in America where it boomed socially & economically -benefitting the "Upper Class"; however, Mark Twain felt there was little to be had for some and that the American Government was corrupt.

Christmas was approached by the women of the household, with the utmost of expended energies with everything but the "kitchen sink" embellished from mantle piece to tree tops.  With that said, hours of energy were expended in the physical sense with decorations made from scraps, made additionally by the family members.  The approach to Christmas decorating was also taken VERY seriously, as it set the rank of where the women & men in society fell.

Materials used were that of chromolithograph papers     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromolithography

Some of the MANY items/motifs embellishing the homes and trees were that of gilt peapods, butterflies, lanterns, birdcages/nests, gilded & jeweled fruits.  

Flowers in this region of New England and during this era were Red Roses, White Lilies, Purple Passion flowers & Violets.

Colors & Fabrics - Not all Red & Green or Gold for that matter!  Colors encouraged were whites/browns/pinks & blues.  Lending to expressed light & radiance - of which I hope, together with Home Accents, to captivate.  

Please mark it on your calendar and enjoy the splendor of modern-day Christmas with a flair from Yesteryear!