Every year Heritage House in Riverside hosts a Victorian Christmas Party, and this year I finally got to go!
Palm trees in the background, oranges in winter, and a pretty girl – all the elements of a vintage ad meant to entice people to move to beautiful sunny Riverside, circa 1895!
Me and my Mom in front of the Christmas deer. Notice the orange trees in the background. I love the California Christmas look! And one of the strolling musicians.
The Steam Punk Contingent! I don’t think these three were officially connected with the event–they were guests–but they were so cool as they serenely strutted around the circular pathways. True Victorian spirit on display. One of the real highlights of the event, in my opinion!
Hollyhocks! In December? How cool is that?
There were women demonstrating traditional domestic arts in the carriage house – these two were spinning and knitting.
My Mom and Grandma enjoying the garden area. That interesting piece of citrus fruit smelled fabulous. I’m a big fan of all citrus smells, and this one was really good!
Caroling and handing out programs.
We heard a rumor that each of the thirty docents was responsible for baking twelve dozen cookies each, and that they would still run out by the end of the afternoon. That’s over 4000 home baked cookies! It may not look it in these images, but there were a lot of people there – very popular event!
A couple of shots from inside the house. I couldn’t resist shooting the toilet – it was just so pretty!
And finally, the fountain in the front yard.
love your photography . . . absolutely gorgeous!
Such an enjoyable event!! The roving minstrels and characters playing specific persons who lived or visited the home made it even more special! I could have spent twice as much time in and out of the house enjoying the ambience and authentic costumes and activities. There was even a trolley car parked outside on the street that was decorated and reminded one of the type that would have traveled down Magnolia Avenue in the 1890s … except, of course, it was mule-drawn….not motorized!!!
Such beautiful pictures, Cheryl! They are indeed gorgeous. We had such a lovely time. Thanks for the memories… The Steampunk Contingent