For the first time, the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport has invited a professional designer to deck the halls for its annual Candlelight Tours, scheduled this year for Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, from 5 to 8 p.m.
This holiday event, part of several seasonal celebrations at the Spanish Revival mansion, will feature the design influence of celebrated designer and author Tricia Foley. Foley, known for her work at Colonial Williamsburg, Ralph Lauren Home, top department stores, and home magazines, has crafted a holiday décor inspired by the past.
The mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in stages from 1910 to 1936. Foley and her team decorated eight rooms, while five local garden clubs contributed to the design of another eight.
Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, the museum’s executive director, expressed her excitement about Foley’s involvement. “She’s a big deal. When I say renowned designer, I really mean it,” Wayland-Morgan said, noting that Foley, principal of New York-based Tricia Foley Design, has authored at least 12 design and lifestyle books.
“She’s just putting the final touches on everything, and the mansion looks more beautiful than I have ever seen it,” Wayland-Morgan added. "The mansion feels really bright and alive."
To maintain a historic ambiance, Foley intentionally avoided mimicking the Vanderbilts' personal style, as they used the property as a summer home. Instead, she drew inspiration from the period and incorporated greenery and natural elements. According to Wayland-Morgan, Foley kept the décor simple and used some of the museum’s decorative objects, such as Tiffany boxes with gold bows.
“There’s an earthy elegance to the design, and it just makes for a magical and timeless atmosphere for the season. We are very excited about it this year,” Wayland-Morgan said.
A press release from Vanderbilt Mansion quotes Foley’s design strategy for the Candlelight Tours, about which she said: “Red and green is expected, but we’re using silver, gold and cream. Instead of color, we’re using candlelight and crystal—as much sparkle as we can get.”
Wayland-Morgan also credited the following garden clubs for their contributions: Dix Hills, Asharoken, Centerport and Nathan Hale and Three Village.
Candlelight Tours are free for members and $15 for non-members. Private tours are also available, with prices ranging from $150 to $200, depending on group size. For more details, visit the museum’s website.
The annual tree lighting at Vanderbilt on Saturday, Nov. 30, is already sold out, as Wayland-Morgan explained, “We only have capacity for 300.” However, other holiday attractions are still available, including the planetarium show "Season of Light" on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 to 28, at 7 p.m.
“The show explores the fascinating historical, religious, and culturally rich rituals practiced during the winter solstice. So that’s a very popular one,” Wayland-Morgan said.
Later in the month, Vanderbilt will offer winter solstice workshops for kids on Dec. 26 and 27, where they can create a working sundial and enjoy a planetarium show. The workshops will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and cost $20, or $18 for members.