We Went There: Gilded Age Christmas Dinner

During a series of Gilded Age Christmas dinners at the Holladay House, guests were treated to a tour of the historic building, which was decorated with era-appropriate items such as Victorian dresses from the James Madison Museum. (Photo Credit: Heather Griffin)

"Beautiful credit! The foundation of modern society. Who shall say that this is not the golden age of mutual trust, of unlimited reliance upon human promises? That is a peculiar condition of society which enables a whole nation to instantly recognize point and meaning in the familiar newspaper anecdote, which puts into the mouth of a distinguished speculator in lands and mines this remark: I wasn't worth a cent two years ago, and now I owe two millions of dollars."

- Mark Twain, “The Gilded Age”

In the midst of all the holiday events happening through town, one shone bright in the darkness of the cold, looming winter. The Gilded Age Christmas dinner series at the Holladay House was a special Dickensian treat, a way to leave your troubles at the door and step into the past, surrounded by the warm scents of herbs, spices and turtle soup.

Built around 1830, the Holladay House certainly set the mood. Patrick McAloon and Monica Xia are the latest stewards of the impressive house with a notable history. Standing at the crossroads of the Town of Orange at the intersection of Main Street and Caroline Street, the inn is one of the oldest structures remaining downtown.

During a recent evening, the hosts treated guests to a tour of the building, sharing the history of the Holladay House and tales of those who have lived and visited there. Two dresses from the 1880s, on loan from the James Madison Museum, were displayed amidst the holiday decorations.

Also included at the event was a four-course dinner, which was catered by Provisions Market Table and paired with local beverages, including wine from Chateau MerrillAnne and sparkling cider from Monticello.

After an impressive meal of roasted duck and Christmas pudding, the fun wasn't over. Instead, guests took part in Victorian-era parlor games like Minister Cat and Forfeits, making memories and new friends as the evening progressed.

While the evening was geared toward fun and games, Holladay House also acknowledged the wealth disparity the term "Gilded Age" was named after, donating a portion of proceeds from the event to the Orange County Children's Toybox.

If you missed the festivities this year, don’t fret: the owners already have plans for something equally enjoyable next year.

In the meantime, Holladay House will be hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on Jan. 28, 2023. Be sure to welcome the Year of the Rabbit with them next month.

For more information about the history of the Holladay House and upcoming events, visit www.theholladayhouseinn.com.