Opulence and magnificent attention to details present Christmas decorations and trees to capture the imagination. For a brief moment the visitor is transported to a time of grace, elegance and luxury.

With only one hour between appointments, I felt the need to spend that time at Hillwood, the warm and festive museum estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post. The estate is nestled in the hills of Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Inside, five distinct and ever so creative Christmas trees cast the joyful glow of the home. My mission was to visit with each tree and take in the ideas, execution, and festivity of the displays. I have long ago given up hope of recreating any such displays myself, but a little bit of time amid the beauty is good for the soul.

This year’s theme for the Christmas decorations springs from the latest illustrated biography about Ms. Post, Marjorie Merriweather Post the Life Behind the Luxury as well as inspiration from the work of mid-century photography master, Alfred Eisensteadt.

This is a pictorial presentation of the best of the holiday decorations. Photography does not do it justice – steal a few hours and experience it for yourself.

If you have not yet visited Hillwood, add it to your 2020 resolutions.

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