Drumthwacket in Princeton is open for the holidays! Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy recently welcomed New Jersey residents to attend The Holidays at Drumthwacket, a longstanding tradition of open houses at the Governor’s official residence in Princeton. The Drumthwacket Foundation, in partnership with six garden clubs from across New Jersey, has decorated each room in the public first-floor of the residence using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the architecture and decor of the historical property.
“Phil and I are happy to welcome thousands of New Jersey residents to what we like to call the People’s House for the holiday season,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The six fabulous garden clubs from across the state, along with the Drumthwacket Foundation, have done an amazing job this year in creating a magical winter wonderland at our historical Drumthwacket! This holiday season, as you spend time with loved ones, we hope that you can join us for this truly unique experience.”
The tours will be self-guided with several docents stationed throughout the residence to answer questions and provide historical information about the property. The open house tours will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the following dates:
- Saturday, December 3, 2022
- Sunday, December 4, 2022
- Monday, December 5, 2022
- Thursday, December 8, 2022
- Monday, December 12, 2022
- Thursday, December 22, 2022
Reservations are required; admission and on-site parking are free of charge. To make tour arrangements, visit December Holiday Open Houses – Drumthwacket, the Official Residence of the Governor of New Jersey.
The Holidays at Drumthwacket includes the following display presentations located throughout the public first-floor of the residence:
Entrance Gate & Window Wreaths: Belvidere Garden Club
Simplistic elegance characterizes the Entrance Gate wreaths decorated with fresh pines and evergreens, magnolia leaves, holly branches, and snippets of variegated boxwood, pinecones, berries, feathers, and a sprinkling of sparkling crystals. The 29 window wreaths are festooned with bows of rich red velvet ribbon.
Foyer: Mountain Lakes Garden Club
The foyer is resplendent with elements of the season. Festive greens and white florals evoke a fresh and festive feel. Holiday hues of champagne, chocolate and meringue fill the space from the magnificent Palladian window to the glittering Christmas tree.
Dining Room: Allentown Garden Club
The stately dining room is decorated with a fanciful bird theme. The color palette includes opal, white, crystal, pearl, sage, gold, with hints of teal and navy that complement the room’s hand-painted wall panels. Feathers, candles and garden elements mixed with traditional decorations of holiday greens, ribbons and a Christmas tree, create a lively and festive environment. The room’s grand table is set with Drumthwacket’s formal dinnerware and historic silver collection. The distinguished guest list for this holiday dinner party includes past and present residents and citizens of the state, who, through their talents, actions and diverse contributions, are a celebrated source of New Jersey pride and inspiration.
Parlor: West Trenton Garden Club
Decked in silver and gold with fragrant greens and warm white florals, the parlor is a scene of festive holiday celebration about to unfold.
Music Room: Long Valley Garden Club
The music room’s theme is winter floral notes. Music themed decorations abound throughout. Decorated instruments, a botanically designed mannequin, garlands with music note pinecones and poinsettias complete the décor.
Library: Keyport Garden Club
The theme is Reading with whimsical vignettes representing Christmas and Chanukah. Memorabilia representative of the Club’s beloved Keyport will also shine through.
Governor’s Study: Hunterdon Hills Garden Club
The Garden Club chose a nature inspired theme to create a contemplative atmosphere in the cozy wood paneled Governor’s Study. The tabletop tree is adorned with pinecones, teasel, rosehips, and other natural elements and topped with a golden allium. The window wreaths are enhanced with magnolia leaves and pods in a nod to the magnolia allay that extends into the lawn behind the solarium. Accents of silver and gold complement the warm wood tones of the room.
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