Now that fall is here, and we are winding down our gardening activities, planning for our much-anticipated holiday fundraising event, Deck the Halls, is in full swing.  Our annual showcase and silent auction will feature holiday centerpieces, wreaths, trees, mantel and sconce decorations, all hand made by local artists and designers.  The Garden Cottage of Fairfield will set up a boutique in the library with an array of elegant home and holiday accessories.

Open House hours are Thursday, November 18 from noon to 5pm, Friday, November 19, from 2 pm to 5 pm, and Saturday, November 20, noon until 3 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.

We are delighted to announce a new program this season, the opening event, Friends for Friday, will be on Friday, November 19, from 11:30 to 1pm.  Join us for insiders tour of the Van Vleck House followed by an elegant lunch buffet.  This is a rare opportunity to view the inside of our impressive estate home normally closed to the public.  The tour, lead by one of most knowledgeable docents, will discuss the history of the home and will share fun stories about the role it has played in the Montclair society.  Invite your friends and neighbors to join you.  The boutique will be open, and you may place bids for the silent auction.  Space is limited to 50 guests.

The festivities continue on Saturday with Morning with Santa.  Michael Stahl of Best Friend Photography will take professional photos of the children on Santa’s lap.  His portraits are timeless and are sure to treasured for many holidays to come.  Santa’s elves will escort your children to the Education Center for a choice of crafts.  Refreshments will be available.  New this year, accommodate increased demand we will be increasing the number of seating’s.  There will be three time-slots with Santa, the first from 8:30 to 9:30 am, the second from 10 to 11 am, and the third from 11:30 to 12:30pm.  Space is limited, so please reserve in advance.

 The merriment concludes on Saturday evening with the “Seasonal Splendor”, highlighted by the silent auction of the holiday decorations, vacation homes, golf packages, and many more sought-after items.  Although the silent auction closes at 8:45 pm, its final moments will be anything but silent as spirited bidders vie to become happy winners.  For many of you, the auction frenzy has become part of your holiday tradition! A delectable selection of gourmet hors devours created by Erin Cacciabaudo Catering will be passed, along with drinks.  Don’t forget your festive attire!