By Liz Leamy
The Greenwich Historical Society will kick off this year’s holiday season in festive style with its much-anticipated Holiday Boutique that will be held at the Greenwich Country Club on 19 Doubling Road in December.
This popular Holiday Boutique, which will feature an extensive array of renowned vendors along with music, raffles and wine, will kick off on Wednesday, December 6th at 530pm and run through 8pm and then be held on Thursday, December 7th from 930am to 430pm.
Held for nearly 40 years, this annual event, which is free of charge for attendees, will feature more than 35 renowned vendors from Greenwich as well as from in and around the New York metropolitan and New England area who will showcase an exquisite array of terrific holiday items and gifts at the Greenwich Country Club’s expansive ballroom.
This year’s Holiday Boutique is especially noteworthy as it marks a return to the Greenwich Country Club venue after a hiatus since 2018.
“Greenwich Country Club has been home to our boutique for close to 40 years, so it’s a special treat to be back,” said Daniel Suozzo, Director of Special Events at the Greenwich Historical Society. “It will be the best boutique yet with an elevated collection of gifts from cherished longtime participants and several new ones joining from London, the Hamptons and Manhattan. The demand to participate has been so great we have a wait list.”
This year’s boutique, the proceeds of which will be allocated toward supporting the Greenwich Historical Society’s arts and education programs, will feature new vendors as well that include a Sag Harbor boutique known for its luxury clothing and accessories along with a purveyor of fine California olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, among others.
“We’ve curated a selection of fabulous holiday gifts, everything from the gift that will wow them to the stocking stuffer that will knock their socks off,” said Connie Anne Harris who is Co-Chairing this year’s event with fellow Historical Society Trustees, Mimi Moulton and Catherine Tompkins and interior designer, Patrick Mele.
“It’s all very exciting and should be a great time,” said Suozzo. “Everyone is looking forward to it.”
During the same week, the Greenwich Historical Society will hold its ever-popular fifth annual Festival of Tabletop Tree showcase in the Museum Lobby from Wednesday, December 6th through Friday, December 8th from 9am to 5pm, as well as on Saturday, December 9th from 11am to 7pm.
This event, first launched in 2018, will feature over 30 sponsors representing non-profit organizations, retailers, decorators and garden centers from Greenwich, the tri-state area and from all around the East Coast who will each decorate a unique tree expressing and capturing their personality and mission.
All of these trees, meanwhile, are available for purchase through a silent on-site auction, with proceeds from this event, as those of the Boutique, going toward the Greenwich Historical Society’s education and arts programs.
This year’s showcase represents the largest-ever showing of trees for this event that have been donated by such iconic local organizations and businesses as The Bruce Museum, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses and the Greenwich Library.
“These and all other participating organizations are eager to support our arts and educational programming and it gives them an opportunity to showcase their artistry,” said Barbara Johann, Manager of the Greenwich Historical Society’s Museum Store. “We’re flattered that so many want to participate.”
Certainly, the sponsors of this event seem thrilled to be part of the whole experience.
“We’ve been in Greenwich since 1930 and enjoy being part of the town’s holiday festivities, especially with an organization integral to the history of Greenwich,” said Kamil Jalonowski, Retail Store Manager of Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouses on North Street.
Others shared similar sentiments.
“The Bruce has donated a tree each year we’ve been open and with the grand opening of The New Bruce in April 2023, we are excited to be back,” said Justine Matteis, Manager of the Bruce Museum Store. “We are honored to support Greenwich Historical Society, a strong partner and community treasure. Plus, it gives us a chance to showcase some of our ornaments and it’s a lot of fun!”
This event, which also features six award categories, another one of its many exciting and fun aspects, seems to bring out the creativity and enthusiasm among everyone involved, that is for sure.
“We have a large workplace with many employees who like to contribute, so we expect another highly creative and eclectic tree to donate for the auction,” said Regan Avery, Greenwich Library Local History Librarian.
On Saturday, December 9th from 4 to 7pm the Greenwich Historical Society campus will come alive with outdoor family fun at its annual Holiday Festival that will feature live ice carving, crafts, carolers, cheer and food.
Tours of the National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House in full traditional holiday décor will run on Saturdays, December 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th with start times at 12pm, 130pm and 3pm.
For all those involved with the Greenwich Historical Society, whose campus, based at 47 Strickland Road in Cos Cob includes a nationally accredited Museum, Library and Archives, Community Education Center, Museum Store and café, it’s all about connecting the community in regard to embracing experiences from the past, present and future through lively and memorable events such as these holiday functions.
“It’s all about tradition and historic perspective and bringing these into the present,” said Dianne Niklaus, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Greenwich Historical Society. “Our local history is vital, relevant and evolving, and one of the best ways we can share, appreciate and build on the past is through working and gathering together as a community.”
