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Christmas Decorating Biltmore Estate Style

By: Cathy Barnhardt, Sat Dec 10th, 2005 12:43:20 AM

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, is well known for its spectacular Christmas decorations including miles of evergreen roping, more than 50 decorated trees, hundreds of poinsettias and, of course, the 35-foot tall live Fraser Fir on display each year in the Banquet Hall. And while, the scale of decorations in George W. Vanderbilt's 250-room French Renaissance chateau may seem daunting to the average guest, many decorating techniques used by staff work just as well on a smaller scale.

DECORATING

·A unifying theme gives polish and style to your decorating scheme. For example, in Biltmore House, the Billiard Room is very masculine so the tree and mantles are decorated with acorns and oak leaves, moss, dried flowers and animal figurines in deep, muted tones.

·Look for inspiration in existing decorative items. If you have a collection of blue and white porcelain, display it on a bookcase or buffet and pick up touches of blue in other decorations. Collections of dolls, baskets or crystal offer unique decorating options.

·Move everyday objects around, taking them out of their expected context. Take down the picture over the mantle and hang a wreath in its place.

·Put clutter away. Replace that pile of magazines with a potted white azalea or narcissus and some greenery. Clear an end table of knick-knacks and display a selection of holiday candles or a grouping of ornaments.

·Don't be tied to the traditional reds and greens. Unexpected colors like peach, orange or purple can add pizazz to standard decorations.

·Supplement purchased decorations with "gilded" items from nature. Use gold or silver spray paint to turn pinecones, egg shells, nuts, pressed leaves or flowers into decorations.

TREE LIGHTING

·Wire from the top to the bottom of the tree with lights turned on. Judge the placement of each light so the tree is evenly lit and lights are not too close together. Check your work often by squinting your eyes and checking for dark spots.

·Tuck cords into the tree trunk and run along branches so they don't show. Work the lights in and out along the branches to give depth to your display. On dense trees, work lights in about 12-18 inches. On trees with branches spaced further apart, work the lights in closer to the trunk.

·Never connect more than six sets of lights (300 bulbs total). Every connection you make weakens the power source and increases the risk of a blown fuse.

·The effect of your lit tree can be lost of the room is too dark or too bright. Experiment with various lamps and lights and variations in bulb brightness to achieve the balance you desire.

About the author: Biltmore Estate Floral Design Manager Cathy Barnhardt oversees the day-to-day decorations inside the 250-room Biltmore House and across the 8,000-acre estate. Barnhardt is a recognized expert in turn-of-the-century floral arranging and decorating. Over the course of her career, she has been featured in Southern Living, Victoria and the Wall Street Journal. Barnhardt holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture.

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