Recapping the Year of 2014

Before the year is up, I would like to recap and highlight some memorable times.

Once again I have learned so much about myself and what I want for the future. I have been able to teach others and grow at the same time.  Folks have enjoyed my Victorian interpretation and have respected my style of life.

 I sent much happy and rewarding hours in research to find other amazing people with the same passion for the restoration of the historic lifestyle, as myself.
 I have meet so many new friends that have been very inspirational to my growth..

 I had a very wonderful year inspiring young girls to embrace the social graces that life has to offer. . Teaching them good manners, to be graceful and to respect their appearance is something that will be useful throughout their lives. It has been very rewarding to me as well as my family. This young lady is my new adopted grand daughter who has embrace history and it's lifestyle.

I would like to sent Christmas greeting to my faithful readers and  assure you more adventurous stories to tell you in 2015.

RE-CAPPING "What's Happening with Lady Estelle Tea corner....good bye to 2014

 These lovely photos are taken at the Downton Abbey Tea, hosted at the Historic Hearthside House in Lincoln, Rhode Island. ...I was Mrs P,




 These photos were at a young girls birthday party. It was on a very warm July afternoon in her back yard, I brought my tea sets, pots and everything needed to enjoy a summer's tea.

It was a great Year.

Victorian Christmas at Hearthside!

DECK THE HALLS - IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AT HEARTHSIDE!

The warmth and charm of the traditions of an old-fashioned Christmas come to life at Hearthside during the holiday season. During the month of December, the house is transformed into a genuine old-fashioned Christmas card, with its elaborately decorated rooms, dressed up to recall the traditions of Christmas at the turn of the century, along with the volunteers dressed in their Victorian finery, creating a cozy nostalgic scene.

Festive holiday music, caroling, twinkling trees, flickering candlelight, a cozy fire, hot cider and yuletide treats help to evoke memories from Christmas' past. Santa Claus, also in Victorian finery, awaits visits from young and old, and he'll be there for all the events prior to Christmas! And our Gift Shop is stocked with gift ideas for that special someone.
Come see why Hearthside has been featured in local, regional and national publications for its stunning decorations and Christmas tours! There are several opportunities for a visit to Hearthside during December, each one offering something special.

- AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS -
Saturday, Dec. 6th 2-6 p.m.
Hearthside opens its doors to the holiday season between 2 - 6 p.m. by inviting guests to stroll through each room and enjoy the dazzling beauty of the home in a self-guided tour. Welcome the season with the beautiful sounds of the harp performed by Liz Ammerman from 3-5 p.m. Bring the family to capture a memorable photo by one of the trees in every room of the house, and get your wish list in early with Santa Claus. Admission $8/adults; $6/seniors; $4 ages 10-17; under 10 and members free.

- AN AMERICAN GIRL DOLL CHRISTMAS PARTY -
Sunday, Dec. 7th 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
THIS POPULAR EVENT FOR GIRLS AGES 5-10 AND THEIR MOMS IS SOLD OUT!

- CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR -
Saturday, Dec. 13th 4-7 p.m.
The treasured elegance of Christmas is truly appreciated by the amber glow of candlelight and the twinkling lights of the ornate trees, adding even greater warmth to this beautiful home. Enjoy the sounds of the season with traditional caroling by singers from Second Stage Studio of Cumberland led by founder Joanne Vecchio. Snap a picture with the Victorian Santa. Take a leisurely self-guided tour through the house between 4 - 7 p.m. to enjoy the decorations at night time. Admission $10/adults; $8/seniors; $5 ages 10-17; under 10 and members free.

- AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS -
Sunday, Dec. 14th 2-6 p.m.
Stop by Hearthside for a very special afternoon. A selection of seasonal sounds will be featured with a performance on Hearthside's antique piano, which is only played at Christmastime. Boston's renowned forte pianist Sylvia Berry, along with her husband Dale Munschy, who is also a professional musician and a builder and restorer of historical keyboard instruments, will perform both solo and duet throughout the afternoon. Guests are invited to enjoy the music and stroll through the house in a self-guided tour to discover the dazzling beauty that each room holds. Santa will also be ready to hear those last minute gift wishes. Admission $8/adults; $6/seniors; $4 ages 10-17; under 10 and members free.

- HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS CANDLELIGHT TOURS* -
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 27th & 28th 4-7 pm (last tour at 6 p.m.)
* By Reservation
Before the end of the season and once the holiday rush is over, there is still time to visit Hearthside to enjoy the decorations. These candlelight tours will be the only time during the month that a fully-guided tour by the costumed interpreters about the history of the house will be given. It's a chance for an evening out with family, house guests, or an opportunity to see the decorations if you didn't get a chance earlier in the season. Advance reservations are required since space is limited for each tour. Tours are given every half hour starting at 4:00 p.m. with the last one at 6:00 p.m. Admission is $10/adult; $8/seniors and $5 members and ages 10-17; under 10 free. To reserve tickets, call 401-726-0597 or email Kathy.hartley@hearthsidehouse.org.