Author: Autumn (Janette)
Well, I really didn’t dine at the governor’s mansion, but I toured it during a recent fund raiser and have some yummy tables to show you. There are lots of photos, so now might be the time to make that cup of tea. Nationally known garden designer, Jon Carloftis, a Kentucky man, thought up the event and was the head decorator. He uses natural touches as much as possible.
The Old Kentucky Governor’s Mansion is the second oldest governor’s residence in the country. It was recently completely restored and is used by guests of the governor, kind of like the Blair House is used in Washington, DC for the President’s guests. The governor and his wife actually live in a newer residence.
Only in Kentucky can a steeple chase become a Christmas centerpiece.
One of the side boards was filled with lilies, a flower we don’t normally associate with Christmas, but the moss and boxwood made it work.
This is the second side board in the dining room.
The dining room has two fireplaces, and the mantels were decorated to complement one another.
Ducks, bark, pine cones, berries, branches, and bulbs spell “more is more”.
Similar items are used throughout the room to tie everything together.
Next to the dining room is this breakfast room.
Its centerpiece was adorable, too.
Southern Living magazine photographed the mansion for a feature article in next December’s magazine. Remember that you saw it on The 2 Seasons first.
This room is much less formal but still loaded with charm.
This is one of the side board features.
These little evergreen trees have been very popular this year. This is such a simple vignette – trees in clay pots with some assorted nuts in a silver dish.
Even the little ones get some special attention.
Wreaths were in each of the breakfast room windows.
Jon even worked his magic in the caterer’s kitchen. (I think the florist forgot to remove the watering can. She was there refreshing the flowers).
This stove is ready for some serious cooking.
The kitchen was staged to look as if they were preparing for a big gathering.
Christmas made its way into the pantry which was stocked with only Kentucky products.
Kentucky wines were included.
A bar was set up in the butler’s pantry located between the kitchen and the breakfast room.
I hope you enjoyed dining at the Governor’s Old Mansion. Next week I’ll share the rest of the house with you. There wasn’t one thing I didn’t like.
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Oh my goodness the table is just gorgeous! I bet it was awesome getting to tour the governors mansion!!
Absolutely beautiful post!
I don’t know what I love the most! I’ll start with the horse table, the scene and the plates! But I love it all!!
Debbie
What a lovely table.. the horse on the dishes was certainly a surprise but not unexpected.. Love your photos and feel so privileged that you shared them with us! Merry Christmas. May you and yours be blessed! xo marlis
Beautiful table! That centerpiece is quite impressive!! That silver tray is beautiful! I’ve been looking at some of your older posts, and I have enjoyed visiting! Window boxes are great, and I can’t wait to try the skinny white cosmo.
Beautiful tables, especially the centerpieces! Those soup bowls are pretty cool.
I wish I had been there on your shoulder to see this fabulous holiday treat. The centerpieces are out of this world. I love the Kentucky china with the horses on them. the kitchen all set up like they are preparing a feast is wonderful too. Lucky you and thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Wow, thanks for sharing! That was an amazing table in the main dining room and the other table too! That’s some kitchen! The mantel is really cool with all the amaryllis that are going to bloom. I like how they decorated around them and made them look like they are coming out of the ground. Neat stuff!
Wow! Amazing centerpieces! Thanks you so m uch for sharing these wonders!..Christine
They also told us when we were there last Saturday, Guns and Gardens has also done a photo shoot for their 2012 Holiday issue. This tour was a real treat and I thought it was a sensational fund raising event. From the second we drove up, I knew it was going to be special.
What a trip this was, and it looks like there’s no shortage of things with which to be creative! Hmmm, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone come in and make everything lovely? It certainly worked here. Thanks for sharing this glimpse inside the mansion.
Oh wow, how pretty is all of that!? Thanks for letting me know. What a gorgeous table setting and all the natural decor is just gorgeous. I know you enjoyed your visit. I’m doing a 3 day spread on Christmas at Callanwolde here in ATL starting Friday, so hope you’ll come back for that. Merry Christmas!
Good morning. I love all of this. What a wonderful table and what a wonderful blog you have! Love that you and your daughter are doing it. It is wonderful. I have my daughter in my profile picture with me…she’s wonderful too. Have a Merry Christmas.
Debbie
How pretty! I love all of the natural touches included in the table decor and the gorgeous arrangements of red berries in silver urns. I am sure it was a treat being able to tour such a special place decked out for the holidays.
OMG~ right up my alley!
Loving every tiny detail of this decor and especially the equestrian touches.
I would imagine to see it in person was a treat for sure!
LOVE THE PHOTO OF YOU TWO.
How sweet and I love the way you completely captured
your love and admiration for each other in one simple pose!
I am so glad I did not miss this post!
xx
Alison