Creating A Glorious Gingerbread Cottage Posted on December 9, 2019 at 2:50 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Thank you for enjoying this archived content from 2019! Each year, the pastry team at The Inn on Biltmore Estate® welcomes Christmas at Biltmore with a special tradition: the construction of a gingerbread cottage inspired by the beautiful details of George Vanderbilt’s private estate. The Cottage on Biltmore Estate Choosing the perfect gingerbread cottage For 2019, the team has chosen to reproduce the charming Market Gardener’s Cottage that greets guests as they travel to and from The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Designed by Richard Howland Hunt, son of Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Market Gardener’s Cottage dates back to 1896. It was the site of the estate’s Market Garden, also known as the Truck Farm. Fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the fertile fields surrounding the cottage were served in Biltmore House, and the surplus was sold to area hotels, grocers, and community members. Now known as Cottage on Biltmore Estate, this historic structure is offered as a premier overnight property that allows guests to enjoy an extraordinary lodging experience. A challenging creation Members of The Inn’s pastry team contributed more than 295 hours of labor to construct this gingerbread replica of Biltmore’s historic Market Gardener’s Cottage. “Creating the cottage was extra challenging for us this year because we had to halt production for two days since Thanksgiving was so late,” said Pastry Chef Dana McFarland who oversees the project each year. A family of bears on the steps of the gingerbread cottage Special gingerbread cottage ingredients Her team used the following ingredients for their massive gingerbread construction project: 124 pounds of powdered sugar 17 pounds of gingerbread 15 pounds of modeling chocolate 14 pounds of Jolly Rancher® hard candies 8 pounds of fondant 5 pounds of old-fashioned candy sticks 5 pounds of caramel chocolate balls 4 pounds of Jelly Belly® jelly beans 9 ounces of M&M’s® 2 ounces of Sixlets® In researching the Market Gardener’s Cottage to make sure they had the details correct, the pastry team learned that there were originally several greenhouses behind it. They created an array of fruits and vegetables that might be grown in a greenhouse at this time of year to display in the cottage’s courtyard, including apples, butternut squash, carrots, pears, and pumpkins. Confection perfection! “All the shingles on the cottage were hand-cut out of modeling paste,” Chef McFarland said. “And though most guests have guessed that the courtyard bricks are made out of Tootsie Rolls®, we actually used Jolly Rancher candies to get that look.” The decorated Christmas tree in the courtyard of the cottage One special highlight of the gingerbread cottage is the Christmas tree in the courtyard–it has tiny garlands of popped sorghum on it–and it spins! “The wreaths and garlands on the cottage all have individually-cut cut green flowers on them to give the appearance of evergreens,” said Chef McFarland, “while the bushes in the front and the trees in the back are made with Rice Krispy® treats.” A perfectly detailed gingerbread wreath Last but certainly not least, Chef McFarland notes that there are 60 feet of mini lights on the outside of the gingerbread cottage, and an infuser placed inside the structure makes it look as if there’s real smoke rising from the chimney. Special thanks to The Inn’s talented pastry team of Chef Dana McFarland, Megan Shreve, Ron Levitan, Lucas Conti, Leilani Padilla, Rachel Tipping, Ashley Buchleitner, Laura Hinzman, Danyelle Sander, Sarah Vess, and Anthony Mushinski for all their hard work! Visit now Create your own charming confection at one of our Gingerbread House Tea events! This charming confectionery delight was displayed in the Lobby of The Inn during our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore celebration.
Decking the Halls, Biltmore Style Posted on October 30, 2019 at 3:00 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from Christmas 2019. Each year, our Floral Displays team decks the halls of America’s Largest Home® for Christmas at Biltmore. For 2019, discover how they draw inspiration from the beautiful details, including the art and furnishings, in Biltmore House. Winter Garden and Surroundings Norene Barrett puts finishing touches on a Christmas tree topper Norene Barrett began working at Biltmore 18 years ago in the mail services department. Though she enjoyed her role, she looked for different ways to express her own creativity. In 2015, after taking an intensive course in floral design, Norene joined Floral Displays and is now responsible for decorating sections of Biltmore House and the estate. Floral team members Feny Bryan, Norene Barrett, and Kathy Nameth decorate a trio of trees inspired by the Greek friezes on the wall “This trio of trees is meant to take guests back in time,” Norene said of her design for the area between the Winter Garden and the Billiard Room. “The trees are cheery and bright, but I used a lot of white elements for continuity with the series of Greek friezes on the walls.” Norene added snowy branches to her décor along with period ornaments to bring a nostalgic feeling of Christmas past. Winter Garden decorated for Christmas at Biltmore For the Winter Garden, Norene is planning to light the evergreen garlands so that they glow, and instead of traditional kissing balls suspended from the greenery, she has created sparkling swags that catch the light. She’ll also add plenty of poinsettias to emphasize the garden feel of the space. Breakfast Room Joslyn Kelly adds ornaments to the Breakfast Room tree “This is the room where the family would eat breakfast, so I wanted it to have a warm, homey feeling as if you’re being welcomed to the table,” said Joslyn Kelly, floral designer. A selection of red and pink Christmas ornaments chosen to complement the Breakfast Room decor Drawing inspiration from the room’s elegant cut velvet draperies and upholstery, Joslyn decked the halls with ornaments in a range of pinks and reds to complement the lovely patterns and colors of the fabric. Lush floral displays and cranberry topiaries top the Breakfast Room table during Christmas at Biltmore Look for glorious floral arrangements, towering topiaries of deep burgundy cranberries, and gilded pears among the delicate crystal and china place settings on the table. Morning Salon The estate’s Nativity scene, often staged in the Tapestry Gallery in years past Cristy Leonard has been a member of the floral team for seven years, and the Salon is one of her areas to decorate for our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore celebration. The estate’s large traditional Nativity will be staged in the Salon this year, and according to Cristy, the set has been a major source of inspiration for her designs. “I’ve planned special new surroundings that includes twinkling lights to resemble nighttime in Bethlehem,” Cristy said. Cristy Leonard displays ornaments she created for the Salon tree Cristy chose to deck the halls of the Salon’s main tree in brilliant peacock blues and greens with bright touches of gold. She added cherubs, gilded grapes, and grapevines to symbolize the prosperity and blessings of the season. Salon Christmas tree wound with gold fabric As a finishing touch, Cristy swathed the tree in yards of gauzy golden fabric, echoing the look of the room’s iconic draped and tented ceiling. Third Floor Living Hall A harpist plays Christmas carols in the Third Floor Living Hall During the Vanderbilt era, Third Floor Living Hall was a place for guests to relax in the evenings, share the events of the day, and perhaps read or catch up with friends. Michelle Warren of Biltmore’s floral team created a child’s tree for this room, complete with dolls, toys, and wooden soldiers around the base, ready for the younger set to play with them while their parents indulged in a sing-along or a game of cards. A whimsical Humpty Dumpty and other toys under the Third Floor Living Hall Christmas tree As you enter Third Floor Living Hall, look for a charming scene featuring a table set up with paper, ribbon, and tags, just as if Edith Vanderbilt were wrapping her gifts for the Christmas season! Other 2019 Christmas at Biltmore highlights: Grand Staircase This elegant Christmas tree is centered under the Grand Staircase Chandelier, making it appear as though the four-story light is the tree topper. Banquet Hall From the 35-foot fresh Fraser fir at one end to the triple fireplaces at the other, the Banquet Hall is a traditional guest favorite and one of the most beloved rooms in Biltmore House. Library Themed around the idea of Christmas Traditions, the Library incorporates traditional colors such as gold, red, green, plaids, and a tartan print. Oak Sitting Room The colorful décor in rich jewel tones of red, cobalt, gold, and green is drawn from the room’s splendid Axminster—the only rug of English origin in Biltmore House. Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom The tree ornaments are inspired by the Vanderbilts’ courtship which took place in Paris. The room features a soft mix of lilac, amber, and cream colors drawn from the distinctive oval ceiling. Main Kitchen Look for a whimsical gingerbread replica of Biltmore House. Christmas at Biltmore Enjoy the daytime celebration November 1, 2019–January 5, 2020, and experience Candlelight Christmas Evenings through January 4, 2020.
Holiday Gingerbread at The Inn on Biltmore Estate Posted on December 6, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton This gingerbread creation was on display during Christmas at Biltmore in 2018. Please enjoy this archived content. To celebrate Christmas at Biltmore, we deck the halls of America’s Largest Home®, place thousands of twinkling lights in Antler Hill Village, and turn the ceiling of our Winery into a dazzling burst of ornamental bubbles that resemble a glass of sparkling wine. And then there’s the gingerbread. Holiday gingerbread tradition Each year, The Inn on Biltmore Estate® constructs a spectacular scene out of gingerbread, carefully crafting all the delicious details with a sampler of sweets including frosting, candies, cookies, and more. Leilani Padilla with The Inn’s pastry team adds “snow” to branches This year’s building project is a replica of the Lodge Gate—one of the first historic buildings you’ll see when you arrive at Biltmore. Serving as the estate’s main entrance, the impressive structure was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the same architect who designed Biltmore House. It features a wide two-story arch that guests have been driving through for more than a century. Biltmore’s iconic Lodge Gate, decorated for the holidays Historic inspiration “It’s a challenge to replicate the look of original estate architecture,” said The Inn’s Pastry Chef Dana McFarland, “but we loved creating something so special for our guests to enjoy during their stay with us.” Under construction For 2018, Chef McFarland and her team set their sights on the Lodge Gate. From the steep tiled roof and distinctive brick and stucco exterior to the iconic arch, this glorious gingerbread creation was a labor of love that tested their engineering abilities. Demi chef Megan Shreve adds details by hand Work began the week after Thanksgiving, with pastry team members* spending a combined 150 hours to bake, assemble, and decorate their holiday masterpiece. (L-R) Team members Leilani Padilla, Megan Shreve, and Laura Hinzman “Our shopping list for ingredients was a little overwhelming,” Chef McFarland admits. Shopping list • Powdered sugar: 200 lbs. • Chocolate: 40 lbs. • Foiled chocolate balls: 35 lbs. • Rolled wafer cookies: 30 lbs. • Gingerbread: 20 lbs.• Fondant: 20 lbs. • Isomalt: 20 lbs. • Rock candy: 15 lbs. • M&M’S®: 6 lbs.• Jordan almonds: 2 lbs. • Gumballs: ½ lb. Inside information Look for charming touches like these BFFs (Best Frosting Friends)! On display now through January 7, 2019, The Inn’s gingerbread Lodge Gate is a feast for the eyes and the nose. “In addition to the spicy fragrance of ginger and the sweetness of all the candy decorations, we placed a cinnamon-scented infuser inside the structure,” said Chef McFarland. “It makes it look as if there’s real smoke coming from the chimney—and it smells delicious!” Create your own gingerbread masterpiece Join us for a Gingerbread Tea at The Inn—a time-honored tradition that offers fun for all ages! The Inn’s pastry chef will be on hand to assist you as you decorate your house with a selection of colorful candies. Also available, assorted tea sandwiches and desserts from our Holiday Tea menu, and for an additional charge, seasonal cocktails. Find complete details and make reservations now for December 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, or 22 by calling 866-336-1245. *Pastry team members Ashley BuchleitnerAspen GalleyDana McFarlandKaren NealLaura HinzmanLeilani PadillaLucas ContiMegan ShreveRachel TippingTony Mushinski Featured blog image: Biltmore’s Lodge Gate, constructed of gingerbread, on display now at The Inn on Biltmore Estate
Reimagining the Tapestry Gallery for Christmas Posted on November 26, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Coleman Minter Lucinda Ledford is a skilled and seasoned member of our Floral team. This Christmas marks her second year in a row decorating the Tapestry Gallery—the team rotates rooms about every two years—and this time, she decided to shake things up a bit. “In Christmases past, we’ve typically had four 14-foot trees in this room,” Lucinda said. “One on each side of the two massive fireplaces.” But after meeting with our Museum Services team, Lucinda learned that there was concern about how that arrangement may impact the furniture and other pieces of the collection in that room. “In order to get those larger trees in this space, we were moving the same items year after year—which was not ideal,” she explained. So this year, the longest room in America’s Largest Home® boasts two 10-foot trees and three 6-foot trees instead. The new arrangement also allows for the Flemish tapestries to be displayed more fully throughout the season. “It worked out well since the colors for the décor are pulled from the tapestries themselves,” Lucinda said. This year, she’s incorporated rose gold and lighter metallic elements into her design. Also on display in the Tapestry Gallery is Santa’s list filled with employee Christmas wishes. And there is one thing you may notice is not in the room: the nativity scene. “The nativity scene is on display in the Salon this year,” she said, “and we’re hoping that the new placement will make it easier to guests to view and enjoy.” Join us for our Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration or Candlelight Christmas Evenings to experience the reimagined floral design in the Tapestry Gallery, the nativity scene in a new light, and so much more.
Designing Christmas One Room at a Time Posted on November 6, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from a Christmas past. To design Christmas at Biltmore, our Floral Displays team* draws inspiration from the details of America’s Largest Home®, including the style and furnishings of the rooms and objects from Biltmore’s collection displayed within them. For 2018, let’s explore the stunning holiday décor created for some of the most iconic rooms in Biltmore House, learning how each designer brings their vision to life. Designing the Vestibule, Entry Hall, and Grand Staircase “This connected set of open spaces is the first thing guests see when entering Biltmore House,” said Joslyn Kelly, floral designer, “and it sets the tone for their whole visit.” For the Vestibule, Joslyn used crystal garland and swags accented with gold to create an impression of entering heaven. She placed trees behind the paned glass in that area, adding twinkling lights for a star-like effect. The heavenly theme continues into the Entry Hall, with soft, iridescent hues of blue, gold, and pink drawn from the painted ceiling in the Library. Look for candelabras on the table above a seasonal display of fresh poinsettias and amaryllis. “I chose a very different look for the tree under the Grand Staircase this year,” said Joslyn. “I was inspired by the celestial details on the face of the grandfather clock that stands nearby.” Crowned with suspended stars and featuring charming cherub ornaments, this tree is centered under the Grand Staircase Chandelier, making it appear as though the four-story light is the tree topper. “The tree looks different at each level, giving our guests a new perspective as they go up and down the Grand Staircase.” Designing the Breakfast Room “When you have two paintings by Renoir in a room, that’s a wonderful source of inspiration,” said Sara Merkel, another member of Biltmore’s Floral Displays team. “The artist painted these after he retired to the Mediterranean, so I’ve pulled out the warm orange and green tones of the region that are featured in both Child with Orange and Young Algerian Girl, plus a bit of blue for the Wedgwood-style fireplace surround.” In addition to the colors, look for Sara’s décor to incorporate a rich assortment of herbs, olives, fruit, pomanders, and nuts. Designing the Morning Salon Designed to appear as though Edith Vanderbilt might be using the space to write out her Christmas cards, Deborah Link of Floral has created a feminine feel with elegant cobalt and gold ribbon and a Victorian tussie-mussie on the desk. “In addition to those elements, I wanted to hint at both George and Edith Vanderbilt’s Dutch origins with classic blue-and-white Delft-style ornaments on the tree,” said Deborah. Designing Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom “We’re telling a very special story about George and Edith Vanderbilt this year,” said floral designer Kyla Dana. “The tree décor is inspired by the first Christmas of their courtship, which took place in Paris.” According to archival information, George’s close friend Willie Field secretly took one of George’s stockings and gave it to Edith who filled it with treats including a copy of Quo Vadis—a novel George Vanderbilt enjoyed. When you enter Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom, note that the room features a lush mix of purples, ambers, and oranges, all inspired by the colors of the distinctive oval ceiling. Designing the Billiard Room Lucinda Ledford with Biltmore Floral sought to bring the great outdoors into Biltmore House with details drawn from Buckspring Lodge—the Vanderbilts’ rustic retreat built on the slopes of Mt. Pisgah. “Since this room features sporting prints and other elements of outdoor pursuits,” said Lucinda, “I utilized natural colors and textures such as feathers and pine cones to introduce a woodland tone. There are also small framed photographs of the Vanderbilt family on the tree as ornaments.” Other 2018 Christmas at Biltmore Highlights: Banquet Hall From the 35-foot fresh Fraser fir at one end to the triple fireplaces at the other, the Banquet Hall is a traditional guest favorite and one of the most beloved rooms in Biltmore House. Library Themed around George Vanderbilt’s love of travel—especially nautical travel—the décorations will include ships, stars, and rope knots. Oak Sitting Room Look for colorful décor in rich jewel tones of red, cobalt, gold, and green, all drawn from the room’s splendid Axminster—the only rug of English origin in Biltmore House. Watson Room As the sole room featuring twin beds, it’s easy to imagine children staying here on Christmas Eve. Look for stockings hanging on the bedposts and a small floor tree decorated with dolls, beads, and German blown glass ornaments. South Tower Room This charming scene features a table with paper, ribbon, and gifts since archival notes tell us this is where Edith Vanderbilt wrapped her gifts for the Christmas season!
Decorating for Christmas With Lizzie Borchers Posted on November 1, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton When your responsibilities include decorating America’s Largest Home® for Christmas, you want to make sure you’re ready for the start of the holiday season. Create a Biltmore Christmas tradition with your family Ahead of schedule “We’re a little ahead of schedule this year,” said Lizzie Borchers, Floral Displays Manager for Biltmore, “and that’s a great place to be, because there’s no telling what bumps we may encounter!” Now in her second year leading the team that creates the spectacular décor for Christmas at Biltmore, Lizzie feels she’s got a handle on the whole process. “I feel fortunate to have gone through the entire Christmas at Biltmore season last year before I had to plan it all,” she said. Todd Roy, Clare Cottrell, and Kathryn Marsh of Biltmore’s landscaping team with decorative poinsettias Team effort Although her team includes nearly a dozen full-time floral designers and several reserve members who assist with special events, it still takes more than 100 people to bring Christmas together, from housekeeping and engineering to logistics, landscaping, and more. Not everything happens as expected, however, and Lizzie admits they always have back-up plans, just in case. “Orders can be delayed and things can change at the last minute, but we make it work, even if it means pulling extra items out of storage. It’s really all about the details—that’s what sets Biltmore apart. We’re fastidious about what we do, from developing beautiful displays that delight our guests all the way to straightening the ornaments and carefully spacing the lights.” Antler Hill Village illuminated for the season Beyond Biltmore House In addition to decorating Biltmore House, Lizzie’s team also enlivens Antler Hill Village & Winery, both hotels, and all estate restaurants and shops with seasonal splendor. Compared to the formal tone of Biltmore House, Lizzie and her team create a more rustic feel that is authentic for the village. Bubble ornaments sparkle at the Winery “Inspired by the name, we’ve used a lot of antlers in the décor this year. We’ve added more illuminated grapevine spheres around the Village Green and more cascading waterfall lights in the trees—guests told us how much they love those. And don’t forget all the beautiful bubbles adorning the Winery ceiling—it’s like being inside a glass of champagne!” Memories that last a lifetime Although she doesn’t plan to make sweeping changes to the look and feel of the estate’s decorations, Lizzie wants to continue exploring ways to distinguish between Christmas at Biltmore during the day and Candlelight Christmas Evenings at night. Choirs perform in the Winter Garden during Candlelight Christmas Evenings “They’re very different experiences,” she said, “and I want to ensure that our guests enjoy how special the décor is during regular hours, and then return at night to an entirely different feeling, like they’ve stepped back in time. Christmas is the perfect season to discover Biltmore all over again.” Featured blog image: Lizzie Borchers with some of the “bubbles” that adorn the Winery ceiling
Labor of Love: 40 Years of Christmas at Biltmore Posted on October 26, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Now in its fourth decade, Christmas at Biltmore has become a beloved annual tradition for both staff and guests of Biltmore. It is a holiday experience like no other, with more than 50 hand-decorated and styled Christmas trees gracing America’s Largest Home®—including the traditional 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall—plus hundreds of wreaths, thousands of lights, and miles of garland that extend across the estate. Christmas at Biltmore The celebration wasn’t always this elaborate—just ask Cathy Barnhardt, Floral Displays Manager. When she came to work for the estate 40 years ago, Christmas at Biltmore had happened exactly one time before. As part of her job she was asked to “do Christmas,” which amounted to decorating five trees inside Biltmore House. “I went to work at Biltmore straight out of college, and I didn’t know much about Christmas decorating or Gilded Age décor,” Cathy recalled. “For my first Christmas here, my mom and I sat at a card table and made paper ornaments to hang on the trees!” Making a change After planning 40 and implementing 39 holiday seasons at Biltmore, Cathy retired this year. Developing and shaping the Floral Displays program at Biltmore has been her life’s work, and she leaves an indelible stamp across the estate, embodying Biltmore’s gracious hospitality with four decades of creative and elegant designs. This year’s holiday theme is “A Vanderbilt Christmas,” a fitting finish to Cathy’s career because she always starts her planning with Vanderbilt stories. “As a child growing up in New York, George Vanderbilt loved Christmas, and his journals reflect how his holidays were centered around traditions and family,” said Cathy. “And the fact he chose to open Biltmore to family at Christmas 1895, even though the house wasn’t completely finished, tells us how much he loved this season.” Candlelight Christmas at Biltmore As night falls over Biltmore, Cathy also loves to see Biltmore House begin to glow with candlelight and firelight, changing the mood and the experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings allow guests to step back in time, experiencing the estate more like Vanderbilt’s guests did that first Christmas Eve 1895. On the Front Lawn, a lit 55-foot Norway spruce surrounded by 20 illuminated evergreens—70,000 lights in all—sets the tone. Soft luminaries line the walkway to the house. “We started doing Candlelight in response to guests’ requests. At that time, we were only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights,” Cathy explained. “We would work during the day and be at Candlelight at night. I was one of the candle lighters and got to listen to the musicians. Our guests loved it from the beginning.” Through the years, the small gap between daytime and Candlelight Christmas Evenings remains one of Cathy’s favorite times. “The first evening I take a 30-minute break and simply walk through Biltmore House. It’s quiet, and I see all the planning come together and really look at decorations through our guests’ eyes,” she said. “I have loved that!” Leaving a legacy “When I started there were only 50 employees, now we have more than 2,000,” Cathy said. Her team of seven full-time designers and 10 reserve staff members will continue Biltmore’s incredible decorating heritage, and she has full confidence in them. “All these folks are awesome, creative people and great designers. Many of them have been here for 15–20 years! I’ve been blessed to work with them, and I will miss them,” said Cathy. “But what a wonderful opportunity this has been for someone like me who loves art and history and flowers!” Christmas at Biltmore Visit tips Christmas at Biltmore can be a lot to take in, especially for first-time visitors, so Cathy advises guests to start with the daytime experience, and then come back for Candlelight Christmas Evenings.
Top Five Favorites: Holiday Fun for Overnight Guests Posted on August 8, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Since it’s never too early to plan your holiday getaway at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, here are our Top Five Favorites for making memories and having holiday fun with your family! 1. Gingerbread House Tea at The Inn on Biltmore EstateGet into the spirit of the season by decorating your own gingerbread house with assistance from The Inn’s Pastry Chef. Santa even makes a special appearance while you enjoy the Holiday Tea menu and delightful Christmas décor. 2. Crafting a keepsake ornament at The Inn Gather the family together with local Asheville artist Andrea Kulish as she guides you through the creation of of your own traditional Ukrainian Pysanky-style eggshell ornaments–it’s a remarkable way to commemorate your holiday stay with us. 3. Storytelling Events at Village Hotel on Biltmore EstateCelebrate the joy of hearing classic holiday tales performed aloud throughout the season, including timeless stories that bring the season to life, just as they did for George Vanderbilt’s family and friends on Christmas Eve, 1895. 4. Cookie Decorating at Village Hotel Enjoy the sweetest event of the holiday with our family-friendly cookie-decorating event! The hotel’s pastry team joins you to offer expert tips and take-home techniques, guaranteeing your creations are sure to be a hit at your next holiday cookie exchange. Bonus: Your own personal chef hat and apron “sweetens the deal” as you decorate assorted sugar cookies with icing and edible decorations. 5. Wrapping Paper Weigh-inGo ahead and give your gifts in grand style! When the wrapping comes off Christmas morning, the staff at each hotel will weigh the paper that covered your family’s gifts and award a prize for the heaviest haul. (Weigh-in held December 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) These are just a few ways to experience the fun of the holidays at Biltmore. Book your seasonal stay now at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate and discover your own ideas for the merriest months of the year!
Gingerbread Architecture: Incredible AND Edible! Posted on December 9, 2016 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst Ever since The Inn on Biltmore Estate opened in 2001, its Christmas at Biltmore decorations have included a miniature version of the hotel made from gingerbread. This year, however, Pastry Chef Cheryl Brookhouzen changed things up with her Walled Garden-inspired gingerbread Conservatory! According to her co-workers, Chef Brookhouzen’s vision and attention to detail make this gingerbread display truly over-the-top spectacular. Special features include rotating Christmas trees in the front and back, a lighted roof and windows, charming animals, and a host of other miniature touches. “We’ve been doing a gingerbread model of The Inn for nearly 15 years, so I thought it was time to try something new,” said Chef Brookhouzen of her design. “I hope that having something so different will delight our guests and make them interested in seeing what we create next year.” Gingerbread Conservatory Fun Facts 1. The Conservatory was constructed with the help of 11 members of The Inn’s team, from pastry professionals to engineering, banquet, and purchasing services 2. Chef Brookhouzen baked the gingerbread in large slabs before cutting it into the right shapes 3. The display required 175 pounds of gingerbread dough, 160 pounds of powdered sugar, and more than 15 kinds of candy and snacks such as Kit-Kats, M&Ms, Sixlets, Sour Tape, Hershey’s chocolate bars, pretzels, old-fashioned candy sticks, mint candies, chocolate bears, chocolate caramel balls, chocolate leaves, lollipop trees, and more* 4. The windows and roof are made of poured isomalt sugar 5. The Conservatory shines with 800 white lights *An additional 4 pounds of candy was consumed by the builders of the Conservatory!
Highlighting the Hearths of America’s Largest Home® Posted on December 1, 2016 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst Please enjoy this archived content from a Christmas past. Each Christmas season, our floral department selects a theme for décor throughout Biltmore House. This year, the team has interpreted the theme of “Hearth and Home”—inspired by stories of Vanderbilt family hospitality—throughout the house, emphasizing fireplaces and mantels in the grand spaces of America’s largest home. Here’s a glimpse at how this year’s theme has come to life… In the Breakfast Room, originally intended for less formal dining, the mantel is draped with lights, garland, and multiple strands of beads for a casual, almost bohemian-style feel. Surrounding the low-lying fireplace in Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom is more richly colored garland, adding a touch of subtle seasonal elegance in the most feminine room in Biltmore House. The mantel in the Music Room features a dash of classic Christmas crimson with simple strands of crystal beading. The traditional yet chic elements add genuine warmth to the special mantel, which displays carvings of the initials and life dates of Albrecht Dürer, one of George Vanderbilt’s favorite artists. In the Oak Sitting Room, the theme of “Hearth and Home” has been taken to new heights. Lush strands of festive garland line the full mantel as well as sections between the room’s oak paneling and cornice frieze, adding emphasis to the high ceiling and its intricate plaster carvings. View all of these Biltmore House fireplaces and more with a Candlelight Christmas Evenings visit. Feature image: The Library fireplace and mantel