Holidays: Decorating the Historical Block Home

Decorating the Historical Block Home

For the past several years, my family and I have decorated a local historical home for a holiday open house. This home is located at a nearby state park, and it is one a several historical homes decorated for this event. Most of the homes are decorated for the Christmas season. However, the Block family, who were the original occupants of this home, were Jewish. As such, their home is decorated for Hanukkah. 

There are only three main rooms open to the public, so it's not a very big job. Besides, I truly enjoy this yearly ritual. The home's setting is remote and peaceful. With no electricity or passing traffic, working in the home gives you a feeling of being transported back in time.

I try to decorate the home simply: in keeping with the park's regulations and my own personal style.

Here a few photos from this year's finished product. I hope you enjoy!

The parlor is ready for spinning the dreidel.

This dreidel set was made by my husband many years ago.

It is a wooden set, perfect for little ones to enjoy.

The parlor's fireplace is decorated with evergreen, dried pomegranates, salt dough ornaments, and holly berry swags.

A close up of the parlor fireplace décor.

The front door was given a simple swag of cedar clippings, jasmine vine, magnolia leaves, and pinecones.

A simple blue grosgrain ribbon is the perfect finishing touch.

The dining room's fireplace is decorated with evergreen, blue ribbon, and golden walnuts.

The dining room table holds the menorah.

Only simple touches were needed here.

A centerpiece of blue grosgrain ribbon, cedar clippings, and golden walnuts compliment the home's Blue Willow collection.

The kitchen table is set for a light tea.

I must admit, my tea set does look lovely after a good polish.