In the late 1890s, Vanderbilt invited guests to enjoy the holiday season with fireplaces ablaze in the Banquet Hall, gifts hung from the immense Christmas tree and the seasonal bounty of his dining table. And while the scene was undoubtedly splendid, there was also a charm and warmth in the home where friends were received with open arms. As the Asheville Citizen newspaper wrote on December 26, 1895, "The hearth fires in Biltmore House yesterday cracked a cheering Christmas warming to members of George W. Vanderbilt's family who came from the North to honor the occasion. "In 2001, Biltmore Estate welcomes guests with the same warm hospitality during Christmas at Biltmore Estate, held November 6, 2001 through January 1, 2002.

With this year's decoratingfocus on "Hearth and Home," fireplaces and mantles become a showcase for the talents ofBiltmore's floral design team. Special touches, from wooden shoes and jumping jacks to goldfiligree topiary trees, will be found throughout the house. The d�cor is sure to inspire visions ofcozy fires, Santa's grand entrance and overflowing stockings on Christmas morning."Fireplaces were such a key element in the design of Biltmore House," said Floral DisplaysSupervisor Cathy Barnhardt. "Even with central heating, every bedroom has its own fireplace.With such a wide canvas to inspire us, we're taking special delight this year in concentratingour creative efforts on the hearths and mantles.

In the 19th century and in today's homes,the hearth is often the center of the Christmas celebration."The welcoming holiday feeling at Biltmore House begins, of course, at the front door whereevergreen garlands and wreaths will be decorated with pineapples, a symbol of Southernhospitality. Just inside the front door at the Grand Staircase, staff will decorate a 15-foot liveFraser fir in memory of the country's September 11th tragedy. The tree will be decorated with stars of various shapes and sizes as a tribute symbolizing goodness and hope.Once guests are warmly ensconced inside Biltmore House, they stroll past the Winter Gardenwhere an array of colorful poinsettias, fresh greenery and kissing balls accent the sunny room.Just beyond is the Banquet Hall tree, a renowned symbol of the Christmas celebration at Biltmore Estate.

A 35-foot Fraser fir will rise toward the 70-foot-high ceiling just as it did inVanderbilt's day. The tree will stand beneath the restored organ as holiday tunes ring out from the loft. And on the opposite side of the grand hall, the spectacular triple fireplace will befestooned with greenery and large hand-tied bows.In the Library, evergreen wreaths-traditional symbols of welcome and everlasting life-will beconnected by a swag of rich red velvet on the mantle. Topiary trees adorned with bright berries,gold fleur-de-lis and cranberry colored ornaments highlight the massive hearth. "Of all therooms in Biltmore House, we think of the Library as being Vanderbilt's favorite," saidBarnhardt. "He was such an avid reader. It's easy to imagine him sitting in front of the firewith a favorite book, chatting with friends and family. Although the room is very large in scale, it also has a cozy, inviting feel that really comes alive during the holidays."Spectacular decorations are just one way guests will feel welcome during the annual Christmascelebration.

The season brings a variety of holiday sights and sounds for guests to absorb-dayand night-across the estate. Traditional carols from the Banquet Hall organ, as well as livemusic in other parts of the house, fill the halls with familiar spirit. And in the evening, guestsexperience the warmth of hearth and home complete with flickering candles, firelight and musical performances during Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Reservations for nighttimevisits are required.Guests will also find a variety of activities at Biltmore Estate Winery during the holidays. Self-guided tours, seminars, cooking demonstrations and complimentary wine tastings supply visitorswith great holiday entertaining ideas. Cooking demonstrations are offered Wednesday throughSunday and will focus on "Scents of the Season." In addition, weekend guests can register inthe Winery Welcome Center for barrel tastings and several seminars throughout the day. Visitors can even pick up a bottle of commemorative Christmas wine-a special blend createdjust for the holidays by Biltmore's winemaster.

Christmas at Biltmore Estate will be celebrated through January 1, 2002, with daytime visits from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M., seven days a week. The estate is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days and is open on New Year's Day. General tours are self-guided. In addition to Biltmore House, admission includes the grounds, Biltmore Estate Winery,specialty gift shops and restaurants-all decked in their holiday best.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings, scheduled through January 1, 2002, are held nightly by reservation except on November 22 and December 11, 24 and 25. For information and reservations, call 1-800-289-1895. Tickets for daytime visits are $34.00 for adults and $25.50 for youth ages 10-15. Children ages 9 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission for CandlelightChristmas Evenings, Sunday through Thursday nights, is $36.00 for adults, $27.00 for youthages 10-15 and $10.00 for children ages 3-9. On Friday and Saturday evenings, admission is$39.00 for adults, $29.00 for youth ages 10-15 and $10.00 for children ages 3-9.For more information, contact The Biltmore Company, One North Pack Square, Asheville, N.C. 28801, phone (828) 274-6333 or 1-800-922-0046.

(Photos provided by the Biltmore Estate.)

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