New Jerseyans Invited to Drumthwacket for Open House Tours to View Holiday Decorations

December 10, 2021

PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy today announced the return of The Holidays at Drumthwacket, a longstanding tradition of open house tours at the Governor’s official residence in Princeton to celebrate the holiday season. New Jerseyans are invited to attend the open house tours to view the holiday decorations on display. The Drumthwacket Foundation, in partnership with six garden clubs from across New Jersey, have decorated each room using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the architecture and decor of the historical property. “The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate with loved ones and reflect on our blessings,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy, President of the Drumthwacket Foundation. “After a challenging year for all, we are thrilled to open the People’s House and invite everyone to safely tour the beautiful décor and magical holiday displays created by New Jersey’s renowned garden clubs. Phil and I look forward to this tradition every year, and we are grateful that we can once again open Drumthwacket’s doors to share in this joyous season with all New Jerseyans.” The tours are self-guided and there will be several docents stationed throughout Drumthwacket to answer questions and provide historical information about the property. The open house tours will be held on the following dates:

• Thursday, December 16, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 18, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 20, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Admission and on-site parking are free of charge, but reservations are required to ensure proper social distancing. All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask. To make tour arrangements, visit https://drumthwacket.org/visit/open-houses/.  TheHolidays at Drumthwacket includes the following display presentations located throughout the first floor of the residence: 
Entrance Gate & Window Wreaths
Decorated by Belvidere Garden Club
Simplistic elegance characterizes the Entrance Gate wreaths decorated with pinecones, berries, and pheasant feathers with splashes of crystal and gold and complimented by rich red velvet ribbon trim. The 29 window wreaths are festooned with bows of rich red velvet ribbon. 

Foyer
Decorated by Keyport Garden Club
The theme of this room is pearl, gold, and silver elegance. The Pearl represents Keyport itself as it is often called the “Pearl of The Bayshore” and the gold and silver speak to the elegance. The staircase is adorned with tear drop garland adorned with cream, gold, and silver ribbons. The tree in the foyer is decorated with ornaments representing Keyport. The sideboard is adorned with both a Menorah, honoring Chanukah, and a Nativity, honoring Christmas. The dried florals in the foyer have been harvested from Keyport Garden Club member gardens. 

Dining Room
Decorated by Garden Club of Long Valley
The stunning Tiffany silver punch bowl is filled with orchids, anthurium, western cedar, and magnolia branches with white ferns, pampas grass, lunaria, and dried Chinese lanterns. Each table setting features small botanical packages. The mantles are adorned with garlands and white magnolia branches. The room’s magnificent 9 foot tree is decorated with dried hydrangea and ornaments inspired by the room’s hand-painted wall panels. 

Parlor
Decorated by Warren Garden Club
The parlor’s theme is a “Tribute to the State Forests and State Parks of Warren County.”  Faux flora and fauna are aesthetically interspersed with fresh plant materials providing a glimpse of the wonders of nature which may inspire visits a State Forest or State Park in the future.

Music RoomDecorated by West Trenton Garden Club
The theme for this room is “Gingerbread Wonderland.”  Several gingerbread houses and ornaments adorn the carved mantle and period tables. The room’s central round table resemble a town center with a large tree in the middle surrounded by a gingerbread village. 

Library
Decorated by Allentown Garden Club
The theme in this room is “Peace,” which is symbolized by white doves and feathers, olive branches and origami cranes in addition to white orchids and peace lilies. To create a welcoming and peaceful holiday atmosphere, the Library celebrates both Christmas, with traditional decorations and trees, and Kwanzaa, with décor representative of this annual celebration of African-American culture. 

Governor’s Study
Decorated by Allentown Garden Club Co-Chair Debi DeLorenzo & Chris Endris
The Governor’s study is adorned with natural arrangements and mementoes of Christmas past.

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