As I am going through my most favorite White House Gingerbread houses, I have to think of course about my good friend Roland Mesnier, the fabulous Executive Pastry Chef that created masterpieces for foreign heads of State as well as the President, his family and friends – and many times the fabulous staff that serve our country at the White House. Truly he is a nothing short of amazing.
Roland recently came out with another great book- A Sweet World of White House Desserts is available through the White House Historical Association (see more about his book below). The book should be on everyone’s gift list.
You can also see in person one of Chef Mesnier’s fabulous confectionary masterpieces at Mount Vernon at the home of our very first President. The replica of the Mansion was created from scratch and is five feet wide and three feet tall. It includes such intricate details as works of art on walls, marzipan George and Martha Washington figures, and the grounds surrounding the Mansion.
If there was one place I would want to visit other than the White House at Christmas, Mount Vernon would certainly be at the top of my list, and I can not think of a more appropriate time of year to visit than at Christmas. They have an incredibly special tour at the home with the Candlelight tours, and more details and photos of these tours can be found below.
Historic Mount Vernon Sparkles with Holiday Cheer During Candlelight Tours
Tickets on Sale. Event Dates: Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3 & 4, Dec. 10 & 11, and Dec. 17 & 18
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Join “Mrs. Washington” as she hosts an enchanting evening of candlelight tours, fireside caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. Tours include merry music, and characters from Washingtons’ world guiding visitors through the first and second floors of the home, adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon. By popular demand, an additional weekend has been added this year. The event takes place on November 25, 26 & 27 (Friday – Sunday), December 3 & 4 (Saturday – Sunday only), December 10 & 11 (Saturday – Sunday only), December 17 & 18 (Saturday – Sunday only) from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Starting November 1, tickets may be purchased in advance at the Ford Orientation Center (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily), or through www.MountVernon.org. Admission is $20 for adults and $14 for children under 12.
Visitors will also meet a cast of friends and family of the famous founding couple. In the kitchen, the final stop on the tour, guests will hear about 18th-century holiday cooking, see Martha Washington’s Great Cake, and be given a complimentary copy of the recipe to try at home. Following the Mansion tour, guests are invited to stroll candlelit walks, join in fireside caroling, and enjoy complimentary hot cider and cookies.
The Food Court at Mount Vernon is open during Candlelight Tours for fresh and convenient meals and special holiday treats. The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, with its early-American fare and colonial servers, offers the perfect complement to the Mount
Vernon by Candlelight program. Reservations are suggested for this popular dining experience.
The Shops at Mount Vernon are open late during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Twelve themed departments, including The Christmas Corner, abound with a broad selection of unique gift items including holiday ornaments, estate jewelry, and an exceptional selection of gifts for children.
The Shops, normally open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, are open until 9:30 p.m. during Mount Vernon by Candlelight. No admission is required to shop. Mount Vernon’s Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center will be closed during this evening event.
Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.MountVernon.org
