A Colonial Williamsburg Christmas by Cynthia Howerter

There’s nothing like Christmas at Colonial Williamsburg. Beginning Thanksgiving week, nearly every house and shop on Duke of Gloucester Street is decorated with Christmas finery. I'm in need of some new ideas for door decorations. What about you? Let's stroll together along Colonial Williamsburg’s main street and get inspired.

People often think that all of the outdoor Christmas decorations at Colonial Williamsburg are rather elaborate, but the simple decorations on this plain six-panel door prove otherwise.

This beautiful wreath caught my eye. I couldn't help but wonder if the gentleman of the house had recently been pheasant hunting. Because the colonists wasted little, it appears that his wife found a lovely way to use the feathers along with apples and magnolia leaves. 

Who wouldn't love to hang this beautiful swag on their front door (photo below)? If you look closely, you'll see that only six different items - one apple, two oranges, pine branches, pine cones, magnolia leaves, and wheat heads - are used to enhance the arched panels on this lovely door.

By the looks of the pheasant and wild turkey feathers on the swag below, the owner of this house must have accompanied the other gentleman on his hunting trip. Bright yellow yarrow, orange Chinese lanterns, and large pine cones are used effectively to compliment the feathers.

I'm beginning to think that a number of men who live on Duke of Gloucester Street went on a group hunting trip! The deer antlers this gentleman brought home were put to use by his very creative wife. Note the antlers in the two wreaths and above the doors. 

A close-up allows us to see that pheasant feathers and red berries were used along with the antlers. It must have been quite a hunting trip.

Notice the pineapple - a colonial symbol of hospitality - prominently displayed between the antlers. If you look closely, you'll also see some lovely green holly leaves. 

At the same house, two sizes of apples, small grapevine wreaths and pine roping frame this box window and the deer antler wreath.

What a clever use of apples in this sign!

To achieve an exquisite entry, simply combine two sizes of apples, boxwood, several pomegranates, red berries, and pine.

Rather than cover the lovely arched window above the double front doors, this owner adorned the porch railing with a large wreath.

I'm so glad you were able to join me in Colonial Williamsburg. I hope these photos have given you some ideas for your own door decorations. May you have a very merry Christmas, and because I won't see you again until after the first of the year, please allow me to also wish you a healthy and joy-filled New Year.  Fondly, Cynthia Howerter

All Photographs ©2014 Cynthia Howerter

Award-winning author Cynthia Howerter loves using her training in education, research, writing, and speaking to teach and inspire others about a time in America that was anything but boring. A member of the Daughters of the American revolution (DAR), Cynthia believes history should be alive and personal.

Visit Cynthia's website: Cynthia Howerter - all things historical