The Dodge-Wilson home will be decorated in holiday theme and filled with events inspired by celebrations of the past during the 41^st annual Holiday Walk Nov. 23 to Dec. 22 at Meadow Brook Hall.

“(The Holiday Walk) was originally an opportunity for people to view the Hall during the holidays since it used to have limited access, this made it accessible to the public,” said Shannon O’Berski, Meadow Brook Hall marketing and communications manager.

 

Floral experts help highlight vintage glamour

Each year, florists from across the state and country decorate for the Walk. With this year’s theme, they liked the challenge of using decorations in a new way.

“Puttin’ on the Glitz,” this year’s theme, will “highlight some of the most fashionable parties in history from the inaugural housewarming in 1929 to three generations of debutant balls,” according to a Nov. 5 press release.  The release said the dress Matilda wore from her service as Michigan’s first female lieutenant will be on display for the first time.

Many rooms of the mansion are themed, with the living room decorated as “the wedding” featuring Matilda’s wedding dress as a center piece, as well as the library’s theme of the family “housewarming party” and the downstairs game room Frank Sinatra celebration, according to floral decorator, Dorothy Weatherbee of Pontiac.

“As a design team we love decorating for the Holiday Walk because the house is so fascinating and the staff is so pleasant,” Floral Consultant Alice Waterous said. “They allow us to be creative. It’s a challenge using the decorations each year in a new way.”

 

Benefitting the Hall

The Holiday Walk has been a tradition for 41 years, and O’Berski said events like this help keep up the Hall and make future entertaining possible.

Ticket fees go back to the Hall for future funding.

“This really is a fundraiser for Meadow Brook Hall,” O’Berski said. “The proceeds brought in directly benefit the Hall, so we can maintain it and continue offering dynamic events.”

 

A variety of holiday events

About 10,000 people attended holiday events last year, according to O’Berski. For the Holiday Walk, tickets can be purchased at the door and O’Berski recommends people make reservations for other events.

Breakfast with Santa takes place Dec. 9 and 16. The new Teddy Bear Walk and Scavenger Hunt in the Knole Cottage is another event offered for children.

The Holiday Tea will be held Dec. 11 and 18 and tickets cost $50, and Ballroom Glitz will be held Dec. 13 and tickets cost $75. Tour hours during the holiday season are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., extending Dec. 17 through 19 until 9 p.m.

There is a $30 adult cost for Breakfast and Supper events, with a fee of $25 for children. The walk is $20 for adults and $5 for children.

Students and family members can purchase discounted tickets for $12 on OU Night Dec. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. Students receive a discount of $5 off all event prices.

OU students receive $5 off all fees. Reservations can be made by calling 248-364-6263 or visiting www.meadowbrookhall.org.

“With all of the entertainment offered, the Holiday Walk is a fun way to enjoy the Hall during the holidays,” O’Berski said.