Saturday, December 6

NC Governor's Mansion ~ 2008



CLICK TO ENLARGE!!

The tree in the Ladies' Parlor is 15 feet tall this year (as are the other two trees) and none of the trees were perfect specimens, to say the least. Each had huge holes and misplaced limbs, that had to be removed and wired into other bare areas. Decorating the trees was a real feat, and the women volunteers who did it (along with the prison trustees who lit the trees) did a spectacular job. All I did this year for the trees was make or remake the bows for the top, which look like a gum-drop on top of a mountain, since the trees are so large! In the two photos here, the middle of the tree is missing; it was impossible to get all of it into a photo.


It took us 3 and 1/2 days to complete the mansion decor this year. As I have said before, it is a wonderful place to work. The staff is so welcoming and helpful, and they feed us like kings. We all said that if we worked at the mansion every day, we'd weigh 500 lbs. inside a year. Mel sits in the Governor's chair and presides over his harem (as we call ourselves).


The mantel in the Ladies' parlor. Mantels are Mel Day's (my employer) domain, and he does five of them every year. There was no particular theme in this room this year.....just lush elegance.....as usual. Nearly all of the decor items are donated or bought at deep discount. All of the greens are cut from the mansion grounds or other state properties.



I did this arrangement in the foyer of the mansion; holly, eleagnes, pine, cedar, fir, ribbon and ornaments are included.


I also did this small arrangement, which sits on a chest to the left of the tree in the Ladies' Parlor.


Rhonda, my coworker, did these showy sprays on the doors leading to the service area of the mansion. They are almost 5 feet tall.

I have a lot of photos from the mansion this year, and it will take a while to process them and decide which ones to post. Bear with me!

18 comments:

Granny Annie said...

Unbelievable! You are such an artist as are your co-florists. It has to take extreme talent and skill to continue to get this gig.

(As an aside, certain of your followers need to visit a certain contest over my way don't you think?)

Lisa said...

Wow. That is sooooo beautiful! Lush elegance for sure. It's very Williamsburgy and that's right up my alley. This inspires me to finally get my decorating under way.

Time to go chop some greens!

sage said...

I have gotten to where I look forward to your decorating my home state's governor's mansion. If you get to see Mike, give him my best!

bobbie said...

The mantel is absolutely beautiful!

Kay Dennison said...

All I can say is: Utterly FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beverly said...

That is a lot of work, isn't it, especially when you have to rebuild the tree! Your arrangements are lovely. Thanks for sharing them.

Evil Twin's Wife said...

They're all so pretty. You really have a gift - lucky!

Jay said...

Wow, this is just beautiful, so lush!

Star said...

My favorite ( so far) is the foyer arrangement you did.

Ginnie said...

You have such a fun job, Judy. I just got home from a party in Pinehurst and they must have taken their ideas from you...very elegant and lush.

Jamie Dawn said...

Your arrangements are beautiful! Plus, I'm guessing you are the ribbon expert since you did the ribbon tree tops.
Those sprays are nearly five feet tall, which means those doors are very very tall.
I'm sure the mansion looks elegant and festive.
What a fun job to do every year!

awareness said...

What an amazing feat! I would LOVE to have been there with you decorating. Fabulous job!

Pat said...

I wonder Judy - with all the work you do for others -can you be bothered to do it at home? I'm doing the minimum this year - with MTL's approval.

Bobkat said...

Ooh! Opulent :) I particulalry love the mantel and the decoration you did for the foyer. Stunning!

Netchich send me this time but I pop by whenever I can!

Joy Des Jardins said...

Just absolutely gorgeous Judy. Geesh, and I was pooped from putting up MY little stuff. Nice work Judy.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, Judy! Both posts of the Mansion Pictures....You all do such a magnificent job...! Your "displays" are absolutely gorgeous!

Thanks so much for your visits and your kind words about my health. I am s-l-o-w-l-y getting better....It does seem to get harder as we get older....At least, that is what I am experiencing.

Unknown said...

Nice work, Judy! How nice it must be to have people come in and decorate your home for the holidays! All I want around here is a couple of extra hands!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my word. Everything is so beautiful!!