Every year we volunteer to decorate the historic Vanderbilt Estate, "Eagles Nest", in Centerport, NY. This year we decorated "The Arcade", a stone hallway with huge arched windows that connects two wings of the mansion. We chose a "Woodland Garden" theme using all natural materials, most of which were foraged from the estate's grounds. Mosses, Pine cones, greenery, holly, ferns, mossy rocks and flat cedar were some of the materials we collected. Greens were used to construct sprays for the hall's 10 stone ledges, the live Christmas tree's garland and the asymmetrical wreaths on the entry doors. Greens and berries were also used to make 3 kissing balls that were hung from from the 3 iron lanterns in the space. Small birch trees were placed on either side of the entrance to the mansion with small decorative birds in their branches. In a dedication to the estate's name, we placed a decorative eagle amid some greens in the elaborate stonework above the main entrance. If you live locally, stop by and take a tour!
