Stunning floral displays created by our own Suffield Garden Club, a festive cocktail party, sweet Teddy Bear Tea and a book signing to honor a new publication will usher in Home for the Holidays at the Phelps-Hatheway House.
This year, the skilled ladies of the Suffield Garden Club, many of whom have graciously tended the Hatheway Gardens for many years, will dedicate hours to making wreaths, floral arrangements, and table décor and to embellishing live evergreen trees both inside and out of our 18th century museum. The theme this year is “’Twas the week before Christmas.” Visit a patisserie shop, step into a millinery boutique, feel the warmth of a gentleman’s chamber, marvel at Mr. Phelps’ luxurious foyer, parlor and dining room.
Friday, December 1 marks the grand opening with cocktails at Hatheway from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, December 2. A Teddy Bear Tea will be served at 11 a.m. (sold out) and 1 p.m. Scones, tea sandwiches, gingerbread, teddy cookies and pots of tea will warm our guests, both young and old. A holiday reading and a special guest appearance will end our time together. Reservations are required.
In addition to the regular viewing hours of 1–4 p.m., a very special book signing will complete our weekend on Sunday, December 3. Author and photographer Caryn Davis visited our site in December, 2015 and captured the exquisite talent of Suffield’s own rising floral designer, Julie Harrison. Caryn has included images of Julie’s work in her newly released book, A Connecticut Christmas. Both Caryn and Julie will be in our Visitors’ Center on Sunday, December 3 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. to sign books and to offer holiday tips.
Home for the Holidays”marks the end of a glorious year for our historic property. From the opening of our Flower Power exhibit to the final dismantling of the holiday decorations, many visitors from far and wide contributed to our mission. Whether you shared a cup of tea at our Mother’s Day Tea, attended an attic tour, played in our Summer Camp, celebrated a special event in our barn or merely stopped by to walk in the gardens, the staff of the Phelps-Hatheway House wish to thank you sincerely for your support.
For more information on our holiday program and upcoming events, please visit us at ctlandmarks.org, by calling 860-668-0055 or via email at phelps.hatheway@ctlandmarks.org.