Winterthur Wonderland

This time last year we had the pleasure of visiting Winterthur during Yuletide, which the H. F. du Ponts celebrated in their home during the first half of the 20th century.  As we strolled through the house, we marveled at the decorations and the beautiful trees, many inspired by the estate’s gardens.  One gorgeous tree was made of dried flowers gathered on the property throughout the spring and summer…

while another honored the earliest blossoming bulbs of spring with daffodils, crocus and snowdrops.

One of our favorite trees was bedecked with a bounty of beautiful butterflies.

Even the enormous conservatory was home to a tall spruce trimmed in the traditional way with lights and colorful Christmas balls, a mass of red poinsettias at its base like a lush living tree skirt.

We’ve visited many historic homes during the holiday season but none seemed to capture the festive fun and sparkle as well as Winterthur.  So while we’re still trying to come up with a theme for our holiday decor, we hope these trees might inspire you to turn your homes into winter wonderlands, too!

Photos from Winterthur