Welcome to Tales of the Traveling Totes #5
Miss Merri Mac and I have been busy
preparing for the holidays.
The Annual Junior League of Austin Christmas Affair
kicks off the holiday shopping season in November of each year.
Miss Merri Mac is the perfect shopping companion
because most Austinites have adopted the
European custom of carrying one's own shopping bag.
Merchants from far and wide join local merchants
to offer shoppers a variety of merchandise.
There is something for everyone.
Even a local favorite ~ Tiny Pies.
The first week in December signaled
the start of decorating in our homes around Austin.
Miss Merri Mac and I were thrilled and honored to receive
an invitation to help decorate a historic home.
Not just any historic home,
but the beautiful Greek Revival-style mansion
that has been home to Texas Governors since 1856.
that has been home to Texas Governors since 1856.
~ The Texas Governor's Mansion ~
The most historic home in Texas.
The most historic home in Texas.
The Texas Governor's Mansion was built in 1856
and is the oldest continually
and is the oldest continually
occupied executive residence west of the Mississippi.
This beautiful home is both a Texas and
a National Historic Landmark.
a National Historic Landmark.
The First Lady of Texas decides on the theme
of the decorations for each room and a group of
volunteers arrive ready to deck the halls with holiday magic.
Last week while my sister was in town for a visit,
we spent some time touring our
state's Capitol and Governor's Mansion.
state's Capitol and Governor's Mansion.
Welcome to the Texas Governor's Mansion.
Let's go in and take a peek at this
grande dame dressed for the holidays.
First Lady Cecelia Abbott chose a Texas theme
for the Mansion Christmas tree this year.
The large tree and the decorations in the
living room and adjoining parlor
living room and adjoining parlor
feature the colors of the Texas flag along
with golden stars and balls.
with golden stars and balls.
Beautiful Texas flag glass ornaments
are prominent on the tree.
are prominent on the tree.
The library is just across the main hall. The fireplace mantel is
decorated with large glass ornaments of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Large orbs of russet, gold, copper, and bronze rest among
the green garland infused with springs of golden berries.
The dining room, decorated in traditional Christmas colors,
features swags of Christmas greens with vibrant red poinsettias.
The day we visited, the table was set for an evening dinner party.
The sterling silver flatware is by
Reed and Barton in Pointed Antique
Reed and Barton in Pointed Antique
and bears the seal of the State of Texas on each piece.
The conservatory, in the back of the house,
is filled with natural light.
is filled with natural light.
Mrs. Abbott, with a nod to her Hispanic heritage,
chose to decorate this room with bright vibrant colors.
Papel picado, traditional Mexican folk art
in which intricate designs are chiseled out
in which intricate designs are chiseled out
of layers of tissue paper to create flags and banners, along with
paper flowers and corn husk flowers create a color filled garland
that decorates the beautiful antique breakfront on the east wall.
A smaller tree decorated in the same paper items sits
in the southwest corner of the room.
in the southwest corner of the room.
Mrs. Abbott is the first Hispanic First Lady of Texas.
Another beautiful Christmas tree can
be seen at the Texas State Capitol.
be seen at the Texas State Capitol.
The 26 foot Virginia pine sits in the Capitol House Chamber.
It is decorated in ornaments that represent
the uniqueness of each district.
the uniqueness of each district.
Spouses of House Members decorate the tree.
There are numerous holiday activities to take in this time of year,
and Miss Merri Mac and I want to share one more of our favorites,
Georgetown Heritage Home Tour.
Georgetown, Texas is a thriving community just north of Austin.
The homes on the annual heritage tour this year
were all built by Belford Lumber Company between 1901 - 1925.
The tour featured four homes
and a former hotel, now an office space.
and a former hotel, now an office space.
Each of these beautiful heritage
homes reflected the contemporary lifestyle of
homes reflected the contemporary lifestyle of
vibrant young families while
retaining the period integrity of the original home.
retaining the period integrity of the original home.
Home owners had their homes exquisitely
dressed for the holiday season,
and all tables were styled with gorgeous
and all tables were styled with gorgeous
tablescapes ready for holiday entertaining.
Kudos to these talented young families!
Sadie and I'll be back soon to share holiday
decor here at Hyacinths for the Soul.
A very Merry Christmas to all!
so be certain to visit each of the Traveling Totes.
Don't miss the fun!
Patti and Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box
Linda and Miss Posie @ More Fun Less Laundry
Debbie and Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths
Rita and Miss Luna C @ Panoply
Sammie and Miss Christabel @ Samantha Stone
Give Away @ Pandora's Box
Winner Announced December 27th.
Give Away @ Pandora's Box
Winner Announced December 27th.
Leave a comment on Pandora's Box for a chance to win a MacKenzie_Childs Flower Market soap dish, Balsam scented soap from the Adirondacks, and a mini soap from Cape Cod, all items purchased on Miss Kenzie's recent travels.
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