Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy Invite New Jersey Residents to Attend The Holidays at Drumthwacket
The self-guided, open house tours are on the following dates:
- Wednesday, December 12, 2018, 11:00 – 1:30 PM
- Sunday, December 16, 2018, 11:00 – 1:30 PM
- Wednesday, December 19, 2018, 11:00 – 1:30 PM
“The longstanding tradition of opening Drumthwacket during the holidays is a wonderful way for all New Jersey families to feel pride in the historical mansion, beautifully decorated for the season at the discretion of local garden clubs,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Phil and I look forward to welcoming everyone and opening our doors and hearts this holiday season.”
Reservations are required, admission and parking on-site are free of charge. Drumthwacket is also wheelchair accessible. To make your tour arrangements, visit http://drumthwacket.org/visit/ The Drumthwacket Foundation, in partnership with New Jersey Garden Clubs, will decorate each room using fresh arrangements and green fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the architecture and décor of the historic Greek Revival building.
The Holidays at Drumthwacket includes the following display presentations located throughout the first floor of the residence:
Front Portico: DECORATED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
With the intoxicating scent of fresh greens and striking magnolia leaves cut from Drumthwackets’ gardens. The Garden Club of Mountain Lakes welcomes Governor and Mrs. Murphy to celebrate their first holiday season in their new home. Natural accents dress the grand entrance and its magnificent surround. Traditional colors of the season pop against the crisp white of the mansion, while candle lanterns warm the entrance for friends, old and new. Happy Holidays!
Foyer: DECORATED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF KEYPORT
The Garden Club of Keyport creates a “Childhood Christmas Memory” in the welcoming entry foyer at Drumthwacket, which is decorated in traditional and elegant Dickensian style. The magnificent staircase displays a wonderful garland of traditional Christmas greens and colors that bring us back to happy childhood Christmas memories. Victorian era decorations adorn the wall to wall window seat in the landing, and an assortment of toys from the era delight children of all ages. The lovely wood pieces in the entry foyer are decorated with seasonal greens and twigs, Hydrangeas in varying colors, Gomphrena stems in beautiful red and white, Sedums and Celosia, as well as a touch of yellow Asters, are all collected and dried by our gardeners. Our décor is enhanced throughout with Victorian favorite fabrics, pieces and colors. The red, gold and silver ribbons are threaded throughout the garlands to bring cheerfulness to the room. The Hall Christmas Tree is regaled in red, gold and silver Christmas ribbons and balls, Cherubs and Victorian style ornaments. Finally, matching tear drop garlands welcome you over the doorways.
Dining Room: DECORATED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF ESSEX FELLS
The Garden Club of Essex Fells celebrates the holidays and our club’s pre-centennial year by bringing some of the magic of the Essex Fells wooded Glen to Drumthwacket with a festive “Partridge in a Dogwood Tree” theme. Branches of Dogwood, the symbol of Essex Fells, faux birds from our Bird Sanctuary and glimmering arrays of natural Hydrangea, Hemlock, Elderberry’s, Winterberry’s, Violets, Lily and Partridgeberry adorn the magnificent Dining room to delight the holiday guests.
Parlor: DECORATED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF BERNARDSVILLE
The Garden Club of Bernardsville is excited to welcome guests to “Step Into the Georgian Parlor.” The decorations enliven the Christmas spirit of the mansion’s parlor with the symmetry of Georgian decor. The room is accented with topiaries, fruits and classic touches of flowering seasonal plants. A palette of white shades of winter and soft greens are accented by gold and seasonal reds. A special Georgian Santa, handmade by a member, adds enchantment to the room.
Music Room: DECORATED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF WEST TRENTON
The Garden Club of West Trenton invites you to enter the beautiful Music Room where you can almost hear the string quartet or the pianoforte being enjoyed by refined Drumthwacket guests during the Victorian Era. The West Trenton Garden Club celebrates the musical heart of this gracious home by sending you back in time with decorations of natural evergreens, holly, and garlands, gilded pine cone creations, soft candlelight, elegant ribbons, and period décor perfect for their holiday gatherings. Let the merriment begin
Library: DECORATED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF STONY BROOK
The Garden Club of Stony Brook highlights the beautiful architectural details of this peaceful reading space, and enhances its cozy corners with seasonal decor. The Garden Club brings warmth, color and tradition into the library, using various combinations of red branches, vibrant amaryllis blooms, bright berries and green foliage. The historic literary legacy of the library is represented using books and book-related themes as decorations on the trees and throughout the room.
Governor’s Study: DECORATED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF BELVIDERE
The Garden Club of Belvidere is delighted to welcome you to the Governor’s Study which is decorated with its concept of a “Winter Fantasy.” The room is lightened and brightened with glistening and shimmering decor in shades of pale gold, muted silver, frosted white with splashes of turquoise and shades of green. Holiday greens, pine cones, feathers, live plants, crystals and mirrors as well as deer and owls are used within the study to enhance the room’s rich features.
Residence Wreaths: DECORATED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF WARREN
The Garden Club of Warren is following the design concept of “Traditional Elegance” chosen by the Drumthwacket Foundation by adding bright red bows to the the simple green wreaths hung across the front façade of the residence.
The wreaths on the front gate include components from the Lenox’s New Jersey “Colonial Christmas” plate. Using this plate as inspiration, we include many different types of “Jersey Fresh” greens, holly berries, spruce and cedar berries, pinecones and apples. The wreaths are finished with complementary bows tinged with gold to brighten the gates and welcome guests to Drumthwacket for the holiday.
About the Partners
GARDEN CLUB OF NEW JERSEY
The Garden Club of New Jersey (GCNJ) founded in 1925, serves over 4700 members in 109 clubs throughout the state. Landscape Design, Gardening Study and Flower Show Schools are offered for educational development. Local and state projects are encouraged to meet the diverse interests of the GCNJ membership. The GCNJ provides education, resources and many opportunities for adult and youth members to expand the love of gardening and floral design and encourages active participation in civic, environmental and historic preservation projects to protect the past for the future.
THE DRUMTHWACKET FOUNDATION
Founded in 1982, the Drumthwacket Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. It serves to inspire pride in and enhance the civic awareness of Drumthwacket, the official New Jersey Governor’s residence and a nationally landmarked historic site. The Foundation facilitates restoration and conservation of the residence and offers education and cultural programs that recognize the rich diversity of New Jersey’s communities and residents.
Information about the history of the Governor’s Residence can be found on the Governor’s website.
