Each year, we look forward enthusiastically to beginning the process of turning Fountainview Mansion into a winter wonderland.  This year’s transformation actually began with the initial design schematic completed on paper in August and the first tree going up in late September.  My wife Julie thought I had gone mad when she came home from work to find the first tree completed in one of our personal rooms.  We soon discovered, we would have never made it had we waited until later in the season.  Between full houses for all home game weekends, a wonderful wedding season for the fall, and numerous other events, we had to pace the project around all the other things occurring at the mansion as well as in our personal lives since we both have very full and demanding “day jobs” outside of Fountainview. 

One of the highlights of this year’s decor was inspired by two of our lovely December brides.  We had normally kept the main floor reception foyer color palette quite subdued and muted.  However, when you are blessed with two brides who love bright and vibrant colors, that gave us the go ahead to do something completely different.    With the inspiration of their wedding colors, we opted for a bold and celebrative color combination of purple, gold, fuchia, and hints of teal.  Using what seemed like miles of ribbon all new bows utilizing 4 types of ribbons were created to adorn the magnificent wrought iron stair railing and the tops of the 20+ trees displayed in just the upper and lower reception hall alone.  Hundreds of ornaments in the bold color palette were incorporated into the stairway garlands as well creating a joyful burst of holiday cheer to all who have entered this beautiful facility throughout the holiday season.

All told, we have just completed decorating our 84th tree.  We always jokingly tell our guests that while we are not as big in square footage as Biltmore House (one of our absolute favorite places) we do have many more Christmas trees in our interior.   Christmas is a very big deal at Fountainview because we strongly believe that Jesus is still the reason for the season.  The tradition of utilizing so many holiday trees was actually inspired by necessity the first season we enjoyed (2006)  We were still awaiting zoning approval and we were asked to live on site to basically be caretakers for the caretakers and ensure that the mansion wouldn’t become an easy target for vandalism, etc.  We were honored and delighted to do so.  However, sharing our home with family and friends had always been a big part of our family tradition and although the structure was magnificent, there were no draperies, furnishings, etc.  So, we discovered the art of “Christmas tree camouflage” and it’s been a holiday tradition that grows each year.

This photo shows the dining room as it appeared during our first Christmas at the mansion in 2006. The fabric you see behind the trees was to hide the red brick hole in the wall since there was no mantel ever installed. With no draperies, holes in the wall where there were to be wall sconces and no main light fixture in the room, we needed some creative way to still utilize the space. Multiple trees were just the ticket.

The dining room now adorned in its regal splendor complete with 7 elegantly decorated Christmas trees, a myriad of marbled poinsettias all surrounding the fabulous hand carved rosetta marble from Italy. What a fabulous room in which to dine.

The magnificent Christmas creche - always a focal point of the holiday decor at Fountainview. This year's display was built around the beautiful 1869 sqaure Steinway grand piano - a recent gift to the mansion. This is Julie's labor of love each year. No one can do this better than here. One truly feels the peace and serenity of the nativity in this beautiful space. We hope you'll come and visit it soon.

An image of the foyer decked out in its new color scheme for 2010 - bold, vibrant and celebrative!

Another image of the reception foyers showing the extensive use of garlands, ribbons, and ornaments.

Some shots by our professional photographer will be posted soon, but here are a few shots to show you what we’ve been creating for you to enjoy this holiday season.  We hope to see you at one of our upcoming public holiday events.

God bless.

Gary & Julie Klarenbeek