December 14 - 22, 2002
Hours: Noon to 4 p.m.
Group Tours Available: 703-777-2414

Walk-ins are welcome
Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more.

Christmas at Morven Park Decorating Details

Morven Park, a place of grace and beauty, glows with good cheer this holiday season. Based in Leesburg, Virginia, Morven Park will celebrate Christmas with special tours in December. Once home to Governor and Mrs. Westmoreland Davis, (he was governor of Virginia from 1918 - 1922), the stately Greek Revival mansion will glimmer with the elaborate decor of the time just after he returned from being Governor.

You'll begin to feel time stand still when you enter our lovely 1,200 acre estate and walk through the formal boxwood gardens. Using traditional decorations of lush greens, many grown on the property, the mansion will give the feel of a home - that the Davis' are personally inviting visitors to come celebrate Christmas with them. You'll imagine the Davis' welcoming important Loudoun County guests to join them in celebrating the governor's return to Leesburg.

From the moment you enter the iron gates and drive down the mile long, tree lined drive, you will feel that you are entering another era - one of glittering lights and gaiety. The Mansion's signature lion statues greet guests on the front portico which leads inside to the traditional 14' tree. This tree will show elaborate decorations, using lights and glass ornaments typical of the post World War One period of history.

Cascading ribbons and bows and gifts wrapped for the holidays can be seen as well as many personal items that belonged to the Davis' that are not normally on display.

 

The celebration will take place starting on December 14 - 22. Please call 703-777-2414 for tour information. The fee is $7/adult, $6/seniors and $1/ages 6 - 12. Group tours are available for $5/per person.

Group rates are available by advance appointment only. For more information, call 703-777-2414. The first floor of the mansion is handicapped accessible; please call ahead for special arrangements.

 

 

Morven Park Kissing Ball Instructions

 

Materials:

Florist Wire
Heavy string or strong ribbon
Styrofoam ball
Boxwood clippings
Garden Clippers

Instructions:

1. Thread a heavy piece of straight florist wire through the center of a large Styrofoam ball, 12" diameter or larger depending on the desired size of the kissing ball.

2. Make a loop or eye at the end of the wire sticking through the ball. (Fig. 1)

3. Thread the string or ribbon through the eye and gently pull both through the Styrofoam ball, leaving enough at the end to tie around a small piece of stick from the other end to make a large loop for hanging the finished ball. (Fig. 2)

4. Cut the boxwood pieces leaving some of the stiff woody stem on each piece.

5. Starting at the bottom insert the ends of the boxwood pieces into the Styrofoam ball, keeping the pieces as close together as you can until the ball is completely covered with boxwood. (Fig. 3)

6. If possible hang the ball just above eye level and trim the boxwood evenly all around.

7. Trim by fastening ribbon, bows or any desired ornaments and hang from a doorway or above an entrance.