Holidaying at The Truitt House
Kristy Mccormally
Christmas in an historic home is like stepping into a festive time capsule. We often wonder what it must have been like during the holidays many decades or even a century ago.
It looked different, certainly, but it likely felt the same. The Truitt House is a naturally welcoming home. The sunlight into the large windows moves throughout the day and one can’t help but feel happy. It’s the magic of the house.
During the past year, everything has come together and we’ve become more comfortable with the space. This is saying a lot. Last year was our first Christmas here. We hadn’t fully unpacked and decorating with the volume of the entry hall was overwhelming.
Our ornaments and Christmas decorations were nowhere to be found. Sadly, I made the unfortunate decision to place a 15 foot tree in the space. Fully dressed, it was nearly 18 feet and, needless to say, it was overwhelming. Walking into the house felt more like stepping into Macys. It was anything but elegant. So, we said goodbye to that tree and started over in the new year.
The entry hall is grand, no doubt, but I’ve discovered the secret to decorating it well. Less is more. She needs just a touch of holiday spirit and her natural beauty takes over. A couple of smaller Christmas trees, amaryllis, paper-whites, and fresh greenery seems just the right amount to dress for the holidays.
The living room tree is decorated simply with french blue and gold ribbon, light colored ornaments and gold pomegranates to carry the theme of a favorite painting in the room. Magnolia greens from a tree on the front lawn dress the mantle, while a punch bowl full of amaryllis bulbs grows slowly on the coffee table.
My favorite room, regardless of the season, is always the dining room. It’s where my kind of magic happens. Celebrating anything or nothing gathered here with friends and family is always an experience.
The decor is simple in keeping with the rest of the house - a similar tree with magnolia accents and pretty paper-whites for everyday.
A holiday table is set with a black watch cloth, glass ornaments made by a local glass blower, and a table setting of red and green for a nod to tradition.
Perhaps the loveliest room this Christmas turned out to be the library. Mr. Truitt collected curly pine to adorn what was his office. Words cannot convey how special it is. This picture tries to do it justice. It’s an intimate octagonal room with dark walls, tapestry shades and velvet furniture wrapped in a bow of rich golden wood. With a fire going and a cup of good cheer - it’s the coziest space in the house during winter.
The most serene and peaceful space is our bedroom which is located on the third floor. Ironically, the bedroom was once the bar, adjacent to the ballroom. We’ve uncovered some rich stories which beg to be shared of good times and celebrations in this space, but for now, we are celebrating its new calling - a place for rest with a very calm arrangement of paper-whites in front of an impossibly beautiful oval window.
Thank you for sharing our Christmas at The Truitt House. We wish you happiness, love and so much joy this holiday season.
