Showing posts with label Biltmore Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Biltmore Christmas. Show all posts

Monday, November 5, 2018

Christmas preparations at Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, Part 1.








Winter is almost upon us, and our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and planning for the Holidays. Visions of Christmas Trees, Gifting, and Family get-togethers all come to mind. We were so lucky to be able to tour Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. I had read all about it and it is  definitely on my bucket list.  We drove from Raleigh into Asheville, taking the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we stopped numerous times to breathe in that fresh mountain air, and gaze at the beautiful views all around us. Usually the mountains are cloaked in Fall colours, but this year was unusually warm, and there were just a few leaves turning. We visited Biltmore Estate on a weekday, and it did not disappoint.  


This is the entrance to the building where you purchase tickets...which are $75.00 U.S. a person, but keep in mind that prices vary. 








I am already enthralled with the ornate woodwork, and large floral wreaths and green garlands encircling tall pillars. We watch a short film about Biltmore Estate, and then take a bus along meandering pathways leading to the large Home, this estate is large, 8,000 acres. 






One can imagine these large evergreens all lit up and decorated at Christmastime. 


The above photo shows a small part of the outside of Biltmore. It reminds you of the chateaus in France! Watch these 2 videos below which show you all the work that goes into decorating at Biltmore. 



At the entrance to Biltmore, you are greeted by beautiful urns filled with a mix of preserved leaves, hops, dried grasses and hydrangeas. They are simply stunning. Flowers add so much to our lives. 



These floral urns are a work of Art. 




Beautifully decorated Christmas trees are almost in every room. Each tree tells its own story, and has its own colour scheme. 




Teams of people are working on each tree, with multi level trays beside them, filled with ornaments. 



It seems strange to see people dressed in shorts decorating trees, but this is North Carolina, and it is a rather warm day today. Ladders and Lifts are in place as this tree is very tall! 



Outside Biltmore, beautiful views are plentiful. One can't help but feel refreshed by the mountains. 




How often do we have a 'Bah, Humbug' feeling about Christmas? It's too much work to put up a tree, I don;'t want to put up any decorations, it's so much work, etc. 
Visit The Camellia in beautiful Slate River Valley, and see how you can add Winter decor to your Home, with minimal effort. 
The Camellia at 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River. 
Open Wed. 11-5. Thurs. 12-5 Fri. and Sat. 11-5. Sun. 12-5
p 807-475-3551 
We will be at Artisans Northwest Show which takes place Nov. 10 & 11th. 2018 at the Valhalla Inn.