8th Annual Festival Presents Winter Wonderland November
20-22
 Now
that fall is here, planning for Van Vleck’s annual Deck the
Halls event is in full swing. This year’s theme is Winter
Wonderland, and the house will be transformed into an enchanted
snow-covered fantasyland.
Our annual showcase and silent auction features trees, wreaths,
and mantel decorations that are all hand made by local artists
and designers. Additionally, The Garden Cottage of Fairfield
will set up a boutique in the library with an array of elegant
home furnishings and accessories for sale.
Public viewing hours are Friday,
November 21, from 10 am to 5 pm, and
Saturday, November 22, from 12
noon to 2 pm. These showcase hours offer a rare
opportunity for the public to tour the interior of the Van Vleck
House. General Admission is $5; children under 12 are free. The
opening event kicks off on
Thursday evening, November 20, with a unique and
festive approach to wine tasting, the Sparklers & Ice wine and
dessert party.
The evening will include a sampling of Champagnes, sparkling
wines, and dessert ice wines, served by the knowledgeable staff
of sommeliers from Amanti Vino. Michael Trullinger will also be
serving an assortment of fine artisan cheeses, and desserts will
be offered to complement the sweet wines. The festivities
continue on Saturday morning with what is now a Van Vleck
signature event, Morning with Santa. Richard Titus, a
professional photographer in Montclair, will take photos of the
children on Santa's lap. The pictures will be available on the
Van Vleck website for parents to view the week after the event.
Elves will escort the children to the Education Center for a
choice of crafts. Refreshments will be available. There will be
two sittings with Santa, from
8:30
to 9:30 and from 10 to 11. Space is limited, so
please reserve in advance.
The merriment concludes on Saturday evening with the Winter
Wonderland cocktail party, highlighted by the auction of trees,
mantel décor, and wreaths at
8:45
pm. A special feature of this year's party will
be a holiday performance by the Princeton Tigertones, an
all-male a cappella group. Visit
www.tigertones.com for a preview. A light supper by
Claudia’s will be passed, along with drinks. Don’t forget to
wear white and silver! Deck the Halls 2008 is generously
sponsored by
PNC Bank.
 |
All proceeds benefit Van Vleck House & Gardens and
its educational programs.
Please visit
www.vanvleck.org
or call
(973)
744-4752 for more information or to
purchase tickets. Reservations are required for all
events. Deck the Halls is a wonderful tradition and a
great way to kick off the holiday season with old and
new friends. |
We look forward to seeing you!
Shea Malloy,
Deck the Halls Chair
Beth Milke,
Van Vleck Fundraising Chair
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