{"id":5074,"date":"2018-11-02T11:27:15","date_gmt":"2018-11-02T15:27:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lizzieborden.org\/CuratorsCorner\/?p=5074"},"modified":"2018-11-02T16:49:51","modified_gmt":"2018-11-02T20:49:51","slug":"tribulations-christmas-decorating-at-the-frhs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/2018\/11\/02\/tribulations-christmas-decorating-at-the-frhs\/","title":{"rendered":"Tribulations: Christmas Decorating at the FRHS"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The holiday season \u2013 the busiest, by far, at the FRHS \u2013 is fast approaching and staff and volunteers are in the process of decking the place out in holiday finery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Somewhat overwhelming, if truth be told.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Two trees with room decorations <em>en suite<\/em> are underway \u2013 the parlor and dining room \u2013 with the former nearly complete and six days in the making. I suspect the latter will be the showstopper but cannot quite say \u2013 the others are not done yet, so one never knows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, how does the design come about?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I would like to say that we plan months in advance, and have various components fabricated and ready for installation long before needed. Not quite the case, alas. With a very small staff, overtaxed volunteers, and a great deal to do, that is a luxury not available to us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In some cases there is an idea for a theme so decorations are planned accordingly, but often we simply wing-it in a baptism-by-fire sort of manner and hope for the best. In fact, in past years, our best trees have come about in this manner \u2013 one was an international prize winner from the Holiday and Decorative Association.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Case in point: The FRHS parlor decorations for 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The parlor tree is white and gold, ten feet in height and rather full, with soft white lights; there is garland roping to match. Several weeks ago we purchased frosted Magnolia branches at the florist supply and thought they would work well on the tree, combined with gold velvet poinsettias, heightened with glitter that the FRHS used a few years back and had in storage; we have plenty of those. Add some ribbon, throw on a few ornaments and voil\u00e0 \u2013 done.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Not quite.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A trip to storage facility brought with it reality:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We did not have \u201cplenty\u201d of the gold velvet poinsettias; only half a bin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The color was wrong \u2013 too brassy \u2013 and looked like hell.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Slight panic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Regroup \u2013 quickly, because the clock was ticking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A phone call to assemble \u201cthe team\u201d and a hasty visit back to the florist supply. Fortunately, a new line had arrived: Poinsettias, Hydrangeas, and leafy things in pale pink and cream, heightened in gold \u2026 perfect with the Magnolias, and the tree.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Relief.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, now the doing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">First off: Drape the tree in yards of wide white mesh fabric shot with gold, arranged billowy and cloud-like for fullness and texture; leave sections of the tree exposed for hanging ornaments. Best of all \u2013 the mesh will cover large parts of the tree so there will be less decorating to contend with.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The tree is very much asymmetrical in design, so add groupings of floral sprays made up of the heretofore mentioned flowers strategically \u201carranged\u201d throughout; shove in a few long gold spiky twigs covered in glitter, add several green poinsettia leaves for contrast, stud it with various size glass balls in gold \u2013 shiny and matte \u2013 and white.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Done.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use quantities of hot glue to hold it all together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Note: Start at the top because the very high ladder \u2013 frequently moved \u2013 will bump into everything below and make an absolute mess of it, causing untold frustration, a mess on the floor, and oftentimes rather choice expletives uttered by yours truly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Shove in more yards of wide white mesh fabric shot with gold to cover up stems and nestle in the \u201ccarefully\u201d arranged flowers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Decide on a tree skirt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A gold one was the obvious choice but it read green so use the white instead; artistically arrange so as to cover the creases \u2013 no ironing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Someone walks in and says: \u201cOh, that looks lovely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Thought to self: \u201cDoes it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Next up: Make a good-sized bow, rather full \u2026 I hate making bows, by the way. In this case, two ribbons were used: A white satin imprinted with gold design, and a gold mesh, the former layered over the latter for contrast.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Perch precariously on the ladder and mount the bow to the top of the tree, likely burning oneself with hot glue in the process of trying to secure it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Drape the tree with cascades of pearl roping, making sure the drapes are somewhat rambunctious and uneven, often appearing as if they have fallen off the bowers \u2013 believe me, this sounds awful but works well. Nothing worse than a tree covered with even loops of roping \u2026 much uninspired.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The desired end result: Controlled excess.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lizzieborden.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104445-1.jpg\" rel='prettyPhoto'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5080 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/lizzieborden.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104445-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"736\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104445-1.jpg 736w, https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104445-1-184x300.jpg 184w, https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104445-1-628x1024.jpg 628w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Now the excruciatingly difficult part: Cascades of ribbon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A fact: Making ribbon appear as if it is richly meandering throughout a tree and falling in loose curvaceous loops is not easy and extremely time consuming; several people are required to bring it to fruition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Person #1:<\/span><\/strong> Mount the ladder fully prepared to stretch into uncomfortable positions in order to try to make the ribbons look like something, all the while taking direction from <strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Person #4<\/span><\/strong>. This is not for the timid \u2013 be fully prepared to get irritated and have fingers burned with hot glue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Person #2:<\/span><\/strong> Hold a makeshift ribbon dispenser and try to keep said reels of ribbons from getting twisted and badly tangled, yet always loose enough so as not to pull <strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Person #1<\/span><\/strong> off the ladder. Despite resolute attempts to prohibit twisting and tangling from happening, it will \u2013 causing frustration in <strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Person #1<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Person #3:<\/span><\/strong> Hold the glue gun, attached to a very long extension cord, and be ready to hand it off to <span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>Person #1<\/strong><\/span> when required, often indicated by sign language or grunts \u2026 one must be very perceptive when undertaking this task. It is best to drape the extension cord over one\u2019s shoulders so as to alleviate some of the cord weight when handing it off to<strong> <span style=\"color: #800000;\">Person #1<\/span><\/strong>, perched precariously on the ladder. If the latter step is not followed the cord weight will pull out the plug, likely disarranging things on the tree, and the glue will quickly go cold, causing further frustration for <strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Person #1<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Person #4<\/strong>:<\/span> Stand on the floor some distance away in the area used by visitors, and try to relay in a coherent manner to <strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Person #1<\/span><\/strong> where to place the ribbons to have them meander and fall in the desired effect. This may sound fairly straightforward \u2013 I can assure you, it is not.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Estimated time for ribbon application: Hours \u2013 lots of them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I, by the way, am the guy on the ladder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Finally, hang gold glass pendants and glittery ornaments in the areas of the tree not covered by the white mesh shot with gold, this for texture, contrast, and glitz. If you see any blank spots, fill them with something \u2013 mesh works well because it covers a multitude of sins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Now walk away. After staring at it for several days you will hate it, but it will look grand come morning; absence, as they say.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Do not forget: During the process of decorating the tree, be sure to work on the mantelpiece and door swags in tandem, having them appear decorated <em>en suite<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fun, is it not?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ah, Christmas preparation at the FRHS!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lizzieborden.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104641-1.jpg\" rel='prettyPhoto'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5083 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/lizzieborden.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104641-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"675\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104641-1.jpg 675w, https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104641-1-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/20181102_104641-1-576x1024.jpg 576w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The holiday season \u2013 the busiest, by far, at the FRHS \u2013 is fast approaching and staff and volunteers are in the process of decking the place out in holiday finery. Somewhat overwhelming, if truth be told. Two trees with room decorations en suite are underway \u2013 the parlor and dining room \u2013 with the &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5082,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,61],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5074"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5074"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5074\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5085,"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5074\/revisions\/5085"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5082"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5074"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5074"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fallriverhistorical.org\/CuratorsCorner\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5074"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}