Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will be collecting new or handmade mittens, scarves, hats, gloves, or socks for local charities in our community during its annual Share the Warmth Drive from Dec. 2 to Jan. 12. All sizes are welcome. There will be a table located in the Library lobby. Anyone (residents or nonresidents) are welcome to donate during Library hours. 631-941-4080
Travel back in time to visit an imaginative old-fashion pushcart of newspapers, candy and treats – all for those young at heart.
The Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Project invites you to the opening reception of a very special art installation created by local artist Michael Rosengard titled ‘Sweet Memories.’
This outdoor work of art, located outside the front entrance of the historic Stony Brook Station House, creates a sense of nostalgia for commuters, or those passing by the station in their vehicles. The unique artistry of Michael Rosengard highlights a simpler time in America, as well as the importance of the Long Island Rail Road in bringing families together during this time of the year. The installation helps kick off the Holiday Season and also celebrates the ongoing accomplishments of the community based Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Project.
Artist Michael Rosengard, on reflecting on his installation noted, “I’m passionate about improving our community. This project is meant to promote the sense of joy and pride so many of us feel for the Three Villages! I hope people smile when they see Sweet Memories, and tell their family and friends to visit the display and take photographs.” Herb Mones, president of the Three Village Community Trust observed, “Michael’s work enriches the cultural and social fabric of our North Shore community. His art installation demonstrates the vibrant, creative, and giving spirit of so many of our residents. The Three Village Community Trust and its partners in the Station Beautification Project are proud to facilitate “Sweet Memories.”
Over the past three years, the Three Village Community Trust, along with the Three Village Civic Association, the North Suffolk Garden Club, the Three Village Chamber of Commerce, the Three Village Rotary, the Three Village Historical Society, and students and faculty at the Stony Brook School have engaged in the Beautification Project at the Stony Brook Train Station. Significant progress has been made removing debris, weeds, and invasive plants from the landscaped beds. Now, a wide variety of Long Island native plants have been added to the landscaped beds.
Place it on your calendar to join them for a celebration of the season at the outdoor reception for Michael Rosengard’s “Sweet Memories” at the Stony Brook Train Station. There will be light bites, sweet treats and hot beverages.
Happy Holidays!
Date and Time: Monday, December 2th – Noon – 1pm at the Stony Brook Train Station
Sweet treats, light bites, hot chocolate and coffee will be served.
Meet the artist, take photos, and celebrate the Holiday Season!
For more information – call 631-942-4558
Three adorable children and grandchildren of the staff of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack led the way for the 4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27.
The parade is a local take on the MACYs Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, where staff guided more than a dozen homemade “floats” – made from medical carts and decorated with balloons, steamers, signs and lights – on a parade route through the halls of the facility, as residents sang and clapped along to music provided by the Commack High School “Jazz Messengers.”
The parade is an annual event held to enhance and reinforce the emotional health of residents who are apart from their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
“The holidays can be a rough time for residents who are here, because they’re used to being at home. So starting new traditions can help them see the positive light of being here,” said Nicole Hopper, Director of Therapeutic Nursing, Gurwin Healthcare System. “The smiles are incredible! We get cheers and claps. Some people can’t believe what they’re seeing.”
“I think it was so great, it was wonderful!” said Linn Carlson of Long Beach, who is at Gurwin for a short rehabilitation stay. “The imaginations that created these floats was ways up there. They were good.”
“That parade, all those balloons, and the costumes! One came over and gave me a hug!” said Mary Creter, resident council secretary. “And the music was nice. I wanted to get up and dance!”
This is the second year students from Commack High School have participated in the event.
About Gurwin Healthcare System
The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 5-star CMS rated 460-bed skilled nursing care facility in Commack, Long Island, and is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System, a renowned health-care provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for medically complex individuals and frail older adults. Gurwin successfully rehabilitated more than 200 of its residents who were diagnosed COVID-19, through the work of its dedicated team of doctors and nursing staff.
Historic All Souls Church at 61 Main Street, Stony Brook invites the community to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as it joins with thirteen other faith communities to present its annual Lessons & Carols concert on Saturday, December 7.
The concert will feature Stony Brook University soprano Heidi Schneider and tell the story of the Nativity in scripture and song. Schneider’s solos will include “Ave Maria,” “Silent Night,” and “Away in the Manger.”
Setauket guitarist Bill Clark and his Brave Trio will also perform “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Halleluiah,” and “What Child Is This?” Miriam and Lexi Salerno from St. James RC Church will sing “Breath of Heaven,” “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “Noel”.
All attending will be invited to sing “Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” as All Souls organist Dan Kinney plays the church’s 1855 Tracker Organ. The readings will be done by clergy and lay people from The Stony Brook School, Caroline Church, Bethel AME Church, Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stony Brook Community Church, Three Village Church, Religious Society of Friends-Quakers in St. James, Little Church of Smithtown Landing, St. James RC Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, Mt. Sanai Congregational Church, Setauket Methodist Church, and St. James Episcopal Church.
There will be a 15-minute intermission and refreshments will be served. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
All Souls Church collects food each week to feed the hungry at the St Gerard Majella’s food pantry. Please bring a can of food to donate (“Lend a hand, bring a can”). Call 631-655-7798 for more information.
By Heidi Sutton
While a few communities took part in holiday tree lightings last week, the majority of tree lightings on the North Shore will take place this weekend and next weekend with caroling, treats and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Centereach
The Centereach Civic Association invites the community to its annual holiday tree lighting and menorah lighting at their 2nd annual Dickens Festival on the lawn of Capital One Bank, 2100 Middle Country Road, Centereach on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, cookies and a visit from Santa. Rain date is Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
Cold Spring Harbor
The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. Santa Claus will light the hatchery’s Christmas Tree at 5:30 p.m. Free admission after 5 p.m. Suggested donation of $10 per family. 516- 692-6768
Coram
Coram Engine Company 2, corner of Route 112 and Pine Road, Coram will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Join them in Santa’s Workshop to decorate your own Santa hat while you wait for Santa Claus to arrive to light the tree with music and refreshments. 631-698-9714
East Northport
— Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will hold its 3rd annual Community Tree Lighting event on Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Free family activities starting at 2:30 p.m. include ice skating, live nativity, Christmas show, cookie decorating, indoor snowball fights and much more. Visit islandchristian.com/christmas for more info and to register. 631-822-3000
— Join the East Northport Chamber of Commerce for the East Northport Holiday Tree Lighting at Clock Tower Park (corner of Bellerose Ave., and Larkfield Road) in East Northport on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Come say hi to Santa, and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies courtesy of Copenhagen Bakery.
Farmingville
The Farmingville community will hold its annual Tree Lighting at Triangle Park on Horseblock Road in Farmingville on Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Join Santa in lighting the Christmas tree and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday. Refreshments will be served at the Farmingville Fire Department after the event.
Flanders
The annual Big Duck Lighting will be held on Flanders Road in Flanders on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. The event features a visit from Quackerjack, the Long Island Ducks baseball team mascot, duck carols led by students from the Riverhead Middle School Show Choir, refreshments and the ever-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus by fire truck.
Greenlawn
The Greenlawn Civic Association hosts its 32nd annual “Meet at the Tree” Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 7 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, dance and musical performances, plus a special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus on the Greenlawn Fire Dept. truck Bring your letters to Santa for the North Pole mailbox. www.greenlawncivic.org.
Holtsville
The Town of Brookhaven will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. with costumed characters, musical entertainment, complimentary candy canes and hot chocolate, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive via helicopter, and then assist with the countdown to light the tree. 631-451-9276
Huntington
The Town of Huntington’s Holiday Spectacular Tree Lighting will be held at 12 Wall Street in Huntington Village on Nov. 30 around 6:30 p.m. The event will be preceded by a vintage holiday parade at 5:30 p.m. 631-351-3000
Kings Park
The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony/Menorah Lighting at Veterans Plaza, 1 Church St., King Park on Dec. 8 at 4:15 p.m. Enjoy holiday music selections followed by invocation and welcome remarks from the chamber with hot chocolate and cookies. Held rain or shine. 631-269-7678
Lake Ronkonkoma
Join the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce at Raynor Park, 174 Ronkonkoma Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma on Dec. 1 for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting starting at 1 p.m. Enjoy holiday carols by local schoolchildren and a visit from Santa. 631-963-2796
Miller Place
— The 16th annual Tree Lighting and Polar Express will be held at the Aliano Shopping Center, 691 Route 25A, Miller Place on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. Enjoy a performance by the Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center, as well as Miller Place students, and a visit from Santa Claus before the tree lighting along with live music, vendors, food and fun.
— Join the Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society and Santa Claus for a tree lighting at the Daniel Hawkins House on North Country Road, Miller Place on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Then follow Santa and carolers on a candlelight tour of the William Miller House, 75 North Country Road, Miller Place and meet Clement Clarke Moore, author of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” $5 fee. For tickets, visit www.mpmshistoricalsociety.org.
Mount Sinai
Join the North Shore Youth Council and the Mount Sinai Fire Department for their 17th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. Listen to festive caroling by the Sing 4 Music choir, warm up with hot chocolate with marshmallows and fresh baked cookies and visit with Santa. 631-403-4846
Nesconset
The Nesconset Chamber of Commerce will hold a Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at the Nesconset Gazebo on Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. with music, refreshments, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. 631-724-2543
Northport
The Northport Village Tree Lighting event at Northport Village Park will kick off on Nov. 29 at 6:40 p.m. with a performance by the Posey School of Dance followed by Christmas Carols sung by the Northport Chorale! Stick around for the arrival of Village firetrucks carrying some very special visitors.
Port Jefferson Station
Join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for a Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, candy canes, cookies, holiday music, dance performances and pictures with Santa & Mrs Claus who will arrive in an antique fire truck. 631-821-1313
Rocky Point
The 40th annual Rocky Point Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and Prince Road, Rocky Point with live holiday music, hot chocolate and candy canes and a special visit from Santa. 631-729-0699
Ronkonkoma
Join Station Yards, 3 Hawkins Ave., Ronkonkoma for its 1st annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. Santa himself will lead the countdown to light the tree, followed by storytelling and photos with the children. Come early to explore the Holiday Market from noon to 4 p.m. 631-751-0300
St. James
The St. James Chamber of Commerce, Deepwells Farm Historical Society and the St. James Fire Department invites the community to a Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Deepwells Farm County Park, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James on Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with holiday music, kids crafts, pictures with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate. 631-584-8510
Shoreham
Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham invites the community to their annual Holiday Lighting at Wardenclyffe event on Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy music, festive exhibits and activities for all ages with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Rain date is Dec. 14. Register for your free tickets at www.teslasciencecenter.org. 631-886-2632
Smithtown
— Town of Smithtown will host its annual tree lighting ceremony at Town Hall, 99 West Main St. Smithtown on Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with live music, performances from local school districts and dance companies, holiday treats, and a special guest from the North Pole, Rain date is Dec. 5.
NEW LOCATION — Smithtown Library, 148 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset will light their holiday tree on Dec. 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with refreshments, music and photos with Santa. 631-360-2480
Stony Brook
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts a Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa at the Stony Brook Village Center Green, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. as part of the WMHO’s 45th annual Holiday Festival. 631-751-2244.
Wading River
The Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River will host its 8th annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy live DJ entertainment and a dance number by All Star Dance Academy. Children can ride Rudolph on the carousel and put in a letter in Santa’s mailbox. Santa arrives on a Wading River Fire Department fire truck at 6 p.m. to light the tree. 631-846-2372
By Heidi Sutton
Once your holiday feast comes to pass, you’re almost certain to find your refrigerator stuffed with leftovers. However, that doesn’t mean you want to eat the same meal again and again in the days that follow.
Gone are the days of simply reheating turkey and stuffing or making a turkey sandwich. Instead, reinvent your holiday extras through fresh takes on classic dishes like this comforting Leftover Holiday Biscuit Pot Pie.
Leftover Holiday Biscuit Pot Pie
Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net
YIELD: Makes 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
Biscuits:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon butter melted
Turkey Pot Pie Filling:
1/2 cup turkey fat
1 1/2 cups diced onion
1 1/2 cups diced carrots
1 1/2 cups diced celery
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
1 tablespoon diamond crystal coarse salt
1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour divided
8 cups cold turkey stock
6 cups leftover cooked turkey chopped
DIRECTIONS:
To make biscuits: In mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cream of tartar. Grate butter and mix with dry ingredients. Carefully add buttermilk and mix until incorporated. Fold over 5-6 times, roll out and cut into 10-12 rounds. Place cut biscuits on floured surface. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
To make turkey pot pie filling: Preheat oven to 375 F. Heat large pot over high heat and add turkey fat. Add onions, carrots, celery, bay leaf, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper; gently sweat. Add 1/2 cup flour and cook 2-3 minutes. Add turkey stock 2 cups at a time, allowing to thicken before adding more. In bowl, mix remaining flour with turkey. Add turkey pot, bring to simmer until thickened.
Add pot pie filling to casserole dish and gently place biscuits closely together on top. Brush biscuits with melted butter and bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 10-15 minutes before serving.
By Tara Mae
The holidays are a time to celebrate community, both big and small. Local holiday markets abound with opportunities for festive fun and merry memories in the making.
Whether singular excursions or weeks-long endeavors, these holiday affairs are designed to foster a jovial mood. More than just shopping sites, they enable attendees to forge new traditions as they support local craftspeople and discover one-of-a-kind items.
Upcoming celebrations include the Holiday Market Wonderland at the Reboli Center in Stony Brook, Winter Holiday Market at Setauket Neighborhood House, and Holiday Gift Bazaar at Gallery North in Setauket, Station Yards Ronkonkoma’s Holiday Market and Holiday Markets of the Huntington Holiday Spectacular.
Set up in a large heated tent behind the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook and organized by Tracey Balaker of Freebird Events, the third annual Holiday Night Market Wonderland will be held on Saturday, November 30, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reboli’s gallery and gift shop, which normally close at 5 p.m., will stay open for the duration of the occasion.
“I am excited to bring this event to the Reboli Center, right in the heart of magical Stony Brook Village; it is such a great location. I was trying to create a Bryant Park village, Christmas market feel — everyone comes dressed and adorns their spaces with lights,” said Balaker.
Approximately 55 vendors — both inside and outside the tent — will offer items such as baked goods, handmade crafts, unique gifts, and clothing. A food stand will provide sweet treats, including cider and hot chocolate, for visitors to enjoy as they are serenaded by carolers, the Celestial Singers. Frosty the Snowman, the Gingerbread Man, and other holiday characters will make cameo appearances, and a pony from Peaches Pony Parties will be decked out as a reindeer and pose for photo opportunities.
“Everyone who has come to it the past few years says it feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie,” said Balaker.
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From a film scene to a historic setting, Three Village Historical Society’s (TVHS) fourth annual Winter Holiday Market will take place at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Sunday, December 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Displaying an array of evergreen accent pieces, edible artistry, and artisanal craftsmanship, 32 vendors will be situated throughout the building and on the porch.
“We have stunning greenery displays and floral arrangements, New York cheese, balsamic glazes, local honey, decorated cookies, delicious baked goods, spices and seasonings and soups, farm fresh preserves, and a brand new distillery with a Culper Spy theme,” said TVHS Community Engagement Manager Kimberly Phyfe.
Other participants will be offering their artisanal products: jewelry, soaps, candles, pottery, knitwear, clothing, personalized drinkware, and artwork. TVHS will likewise have a pop-up gift shop with trinkets, books, and other selections from its inventory.
“We are so looking forward to giving our guests a place to shop small & support local,” Phyfe said.
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Located at 90 North Country Road in Setauket, Gallery’s North’s fourth annual Holiday Gift Bazaar is another celebration of communal appreciation as well as artistic expression. On Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., it will highlight the work of 12 artists displaying their jewelry, ceramics, wood craft, fiber art, candles, and printmaking.
“The Gallery North Holiday Gift Bazaar is a special indoor holiday gift market that provides an alternative to online and department store shopping. Artists will display their work on tables in both the Gallery and the Studio,” Gallery North Director of Development Erin Smith said.
Patrons will also be able to choose works from the gallery’s current exhibition, Deck the Halls, and choose from an array of handmade, local goods in its gift shop. Level Up Kitchen will be onsite, selling food and drinks.
“The Bazaar is an excellent opportunity to support local artists and businesses,” Smith said.
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The newly opened Station Yards at 3 Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma and the Holiday Markets of the Huntington Holiday Spectacular will give audiences multiple chances to embrace the joyful camaraderie of the season.
On Saturdays, November 30 to December 21, from noon to 4 p.m., Station Yards will premiere its first Holiday Market around the Village Green. Shop from a curated selection of local vendors and artisans, offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and seasonal treats—perfect for holiday gifting.
Available every Friday and Sunday in December, from noon to 5 p.m., except Friday, December 6, when it turns into a night market from 5 to 9 p.m., the Holiday Markets along Wall Street in Huntington will be multi-sensory spectacles presenting a collection of shopping and social conveniences.
At the heart of these five holiday markets is the enticement of strengthening existing human connections and forging new ones while promoting common interests.
“When your holiday gifts come from small business owners and local vendors, the money stays within the neighborhood. It’s more than purchasing the perfect present, it’s building up our own community,” Phyfe said.
By Fr. Francis Pizzarelli
It is hard to believe that the holiday season 2024 is so fast approaching. As I write this column, it is still a week before Thanksgiving and the holiday lights are appearing everywhere. For college students, final exams are fast approaching.
This has been a really challenging year for us as a nation. The election of our President brought out great divisiveness. The negativity was painful and the intense polarization was so infectious.
However, the mood is changing. Thanksgiving is upon us. It’s a time for building bridges, not walls. It’s a time to take pause and be profoundly grateful for all of our blessings. It’s a time for reaching out to our neighbors, even if we’ve disagreed with them. It’s a time for us to celebrate the greatness of our nation.
We should take a moment this holiday season to give thanks for what we have and build upon it in the new year.
Every year I am so impressed with my college students and what they do for others. My university students at St. Joseph’s are so generous with our Thanksgiving and Christmas projects that serve those in need. My Suffolk County Community College students are equally generous with their time and talent. They give so much during this wonderful season that it really makes a difference. I am so proud of them. They inspire me to stay the course and continue in higher education.
More than three decades ago, a young lawyer named Charlie Russo wanted to teach his children the real meaning of the Christmas season. It gave birth to a program that has grown tremendously known as Christmas Magic (christmasmagic.org). It reaches out to all of our children that must spend the Christmas season in our county homeless shelters.
Now more than 30 years later, the organization continues to inspire young people and adults from all over the county to give their time and talent during the holiday season. Hundreds of our high school students volunteer to wrap presents and volunteer as elves. A growing number of college students are also volunteering every holiday season to help and support the efforts of Christmas Magic.
We also cannot forget the extreme generosity of our larger community who contribute money and presents so Christmas Magic can continue to touch the lives of thousands of little kids who are in our county homeless shelters.
By the time you read this column, you will be in the midst of celebrating this wonderful time of year, a time for love for peace and for gratitude. May this holiday season be a real blessing to all of you.
Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s holiday centerpiece is the summer mansion of William and Rosamond Vanderbilt, decorated each year by local designers and garden clubs. Their creative touch brings additional charm and magic to the spectacular, 24-room, Spanish-Revival house. Built in stages from 1910 to 1936, the grand waterfront house overlooking Northport Harbor in Centerport is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Renowned designer and author Tricia Foley has just completed decorating eight rooms for the holidays while five local garden clubs — Asharoken, Centerport, Dix Hills, Nathan Hale, and Three Village — decorated an additional eight rooms. The stunning results will take visitors on trip back in time at the estate of a prominent family whose guests included famous Americans and British royalty.
“The historic mansion has never looked more stunning for the holiday season, thanks to the extraordinary vision of Tricia Foley, her brilliant team, and their collaboration with the garden clubs. The mansion is bright and alive with earthy elegance and the inviting scents of the season — a magical and timeless atmosphere,” said Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, Executive Director of the Vanderbilt.
Foley, who has decorated houses at Colonial Williamsburg, is principal of Tricia Foley Design. She specializes in all aspects of home design and restoration and is known for her simple, classic style.
“The challenge in decorating historic houses is, what is period appropriate?” she said during a decorating break at the mansion. “In the early days, people did not use much décor. They might place a sprig of greenery on a mirror or looking glass, as they were called.
“Here, we want to bridge the gap. The mansion is elegant, with original furnishings, tapestries, sconces, lamps, and crystal. Red and green is expected, but we’re using silver, gold and cream. Instead of color, we’re using candlelight and crystal — as much sparkle as we can get.”
Foley said she wanted to create a “natural” look, with greenery, garlands, ribbons, and ornaments on the mantelpieces. She also made use of decorative objects the museum had from past years — Tiffany boxes with gold bows, and small brass instruments.
“There are so many beautiful things to work with,” she said. “The Vanderbilts were not here in December, so we have to imagine what it would have been like. If they had been here, they would have used poinsettias, apples, oranges, and greenery.”
Foley has decorated homes for House Beautiful, Victoria, and Country Home as well as four historic houses in Yaphank for their historical society. Her own house on the East End of Long Island has been photographed for Neiman Marcus, the Pottery Barn, and Land’s End for their Christmas catalogs
Enjoy the holiday magic at the Vanderbilt mansion during guided tours now through December. Regular guided tours will take place on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and weekends from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Special candlelight tours will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, and Friday, Dec. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Private tours of the mansion are also available.
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum is located at 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. For more informaton and ticket prices, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
The staff at TBR News Media wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday filled with the warmth and happiness of the season! The office will be closed for the holidays on Nov. 28 and 29. We will reopen on Monday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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