Winter tour of Winterthur

So what do you do if it's cold outside and the garden is slowly retreating and taking a break from the frenzy of growth and blooms? Well, one appealing option is to bring the garden indoors and admire the green and colors in the comfort of your own home. Except most of us do not have large conservatories to do that. And the next best thing? Visit an estate that does.

And so it was that I found my way to the Winterthur Museum and Garden for a special winter tour with some family in tow.  I have been here a few times, usually admiring the world-renowned collection of American furniture and architecture along with the gardens and grounds in spring or summer. This is my first time though, visiting Henry Francis du Pont's purpose-built home and public museum in the midst of winter. While the colors in the garden grounds have turned to a monochromatic green with the various coniferous trees, it's a very different story within the 175-room mansion and museum. 

Detail on Christmas tree

Camellias Christmas tree 

We only got to see a small sliver of these splendid rooms but it was fascinating enough to get a glimpse of how the du Ponts would have entertained their guests during the festive holiday season. Fresh flower arrangements in every room, Christmas wreaths and Christmas trees decked out with dried flower cuttings from the estate or with silk and other faux flowers. And of course, matching upholstery, curtains, and dining china that complement with the flowers, furniture, and artwork in many of the rooms we saw. What a wonderful way to drive away the winter blues!