Gov. Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy invite New Jersey residents to holiday open houses at Drumthwacket
PRINCETON, NJ (Mercer County) – With the arrival of the holiday season, Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy invite 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 seven garden clubs from across New Jersey, has decorated each room using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the architecture and decor of the historic property.
“Drumthwacket is a beautiful point of pride for our state and we hope everyone will visit and enjoy the historic property,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Phil and I look forward to the tradition of opening the People’s House and sharing this joyful season with all New Jerseyans.”
The tours are self-guided and there will be several docents stationed throughout Drumthwacket to answer questions and provide historical information about the property. The open house tours will be held on the following dates:
- Friday, December 1, 2022 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 2, 2022 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 3, 2022 – 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 16, 2022 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 17, 2022 – 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 19, 2022 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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: Warren Garden Club
The entrance gate wreaths are decorated with fresh cuttings of evergreens, boxwood, pinecones, sparkling décor, and lush red velvet bows. The 29 residential window wreaths are adorned with thinly gold-edged red velvet ribbon bows.
Foyer & Solarium: Allentown Garden Club
In contrast to the wintry season outside, the foyer and solarium are warm and welcoming. The décor features fresh flowers and pines highlighted by glistening gold and sparkling silver tones, pearlescent whites, and a deep rich burgundy color.
Dining Room: West Trenton Garden Club
It is 1915, and the dining room table is elegantly set for the arrival of Moses Taylor Pyne, Drumthwacket’s second private owner, who loves to entertain in style. The room is decorated with elegant ribbons, delicate ornaments, and a beautiful Christmas tree with lush greens and florals throughout.
Parlor: Long Valley Garden Club
The Garden Club of Long Valley presents Victorian Tea in the parlor.
Using dried botanicals, Club members created delicately adorned petit fours, teacups, and a silver tea set ‘Victoria’. A botanically designed hostess (mannequin) will be there to preside over the tea and elegantly wrapped gifts.
Music Room: Keyport Garden Club
The music room’s theme is ‘Heavenly Music’. Teardrop garlands adorn the step banister as well as the fireplace mantle. The dried plant materials, including Autumn Sedum, Golden Rod, and Oak Leaf Hydrangea, are from the gardens of Garden Club members. Symbols of both Christmas and Hannukah adorn the room.
Library: Mountain Lakes Garden Club
The Macleod tartan upholstery on the sofas served as an inspiration for the room. If you look closely, you will even find the Macleod tartan used to wrap holiday packages. Shades of blue, green, red, and yellow fill the room with exuberant festive spirit. New Jersey’s state bird, the American goldfinch, can be found flitting around the room from the two beautiful Christmas trees to the tabletops. The demilune table serves as an ode to Kwanza and is dressed in fabric from a Garden Club member’s recent trip to Tanzania.
Governor’s Study: Belvidere Garden Club
Simplistic elegance characterizes the Governor’s Study. Shades of pale gold, small mirrors, and crystals add sparkle and shimmer among fresh and dried plant materials including nuts, pinecones, and seed pods.
