A Storybook Christmas at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
December 5 – January 7
One widely known holiday tradition is to go see a gigantic Christmas tree at a national historic landmark in Midtown Manhattan, but I want to tell you about eight amazing Christmas Trees inspired by children’s books and beautifully decorated by an impressive group of interior designers at a New York City landmark right here in The Bronx.
The exquisite Christmas trees make each room of the mansion sparkle with the magic of the holiday season while providing a glimpse of the 1800’s in the Pelham Estates. The books that inspired each tree are a charming mix of nature-oriented stories, some by well known authors such as Eric Carle, Jan Brett, and Ezra Jack Keats. Each tree brings to life these whimsical stories with every carefully selected ornament and decoration designed to perfectly fit the feel of the mansion.
The Snowy Day, Storybook by Ezra jack Keats: Tree design by Bryant Keller, Bryant Keller Interiors, NYC.
The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits, Storybook by Ulf Stark; illustrations by Eva Ericksson; Tree design by Alice Pirsu, Alice Pirsu Interiors, Pelham NY. This beautiful tree has a story behind the storybook, each bunny used to decorate the tree comes from a family who will be faced with the fun challenge of identifying their bunny during their visit to the mansion.
Christmas Farm, Storybook by Mary Lyn Ray; illustrations by Barry Root; Tree design by Joshua Greene and Katrina Hernandez, Hernandez Greene Design, New York City.
Cobweb Christmas: The Tradition of Tinsel, Storybook by Shirley Climo; illustrations by Jane Manning; Tree design by Bartow-Pell Docent Tom Berta, Westchester.
One Snowy Night, Storybook by Nick Butterworth; Tree design by Ken Binder, City Island. Ken selected bubble christmas lights and mini stuffed animal decorations to bring his storybook to life. This Bronx designer, who is also Jewish, was kind enough to share with me that decorating the Christmas tree was an enjoyable first time for him. With nearly 50 years of experience in the field I asked how he did it, he explained that the most important thing is to put aside your own ideas and listen attentively to what a client says in order to provide them with what they want.
Dream Snow, Storybook by Eric Carle; Tree Design by Peti Lau, Peti Lau Interiors, New York City.
Angel Pig and the Hidden Christmas, Storybook by JanWaldron; illustrations by David McPhail; Tree design by Charles Faruggio, Charles Farruggio Interior Design, New York City.
Snow, Storybook by Uri Shulevitz; Tree design by Michael Van Nort, MVN Interiors, New York City.
In addition to experiencing the mansion as a backdrop to these beautifully decorated Christmas Trees on display from Friday, December 5 all the way through Wednesday, January 7, you can also take part on the various holiday special events taking place at the mansion.
Friday, December 5th – Holiday Luncheon
Friday, December 5th – Holiday First Friday! Featuring the Hudson Valley Chamber Singers performing in the double parlors.
Saturday, December 6th 10am-1pm – Annual Holiday Family Day when children and parents will enjoy holiday storytelling and crafts, caroling by the Morrisania Glee Club and meeting Santa.
Saturday, December 6th – Holiday Party to support the museum will have a live auction featuring vacation houses and a very special winter dinner at the mansion, a raffle of over-the-top items including hotel stays and more.
For more information on these events or additional holiday events visit www.bpmm.org or call 718.885.1461.