December 30, 2012

Christmas in Washington: Decorations at the Smithsonian

2012-12-30-acorn-hydrangea — A glass acorn ornament and natural dried hydrangea on a tree at the Museum of Natural History

Even if you don’t score tickets to view The White House Christmas decorations, there are still plenty of gorgeous decorations to see at the Smithsonian. Here is a small sampling of what we came across.

2012-12-30-si-lamppost — A lamppost outside the Smithsonian Castle adorned with evergreen pomander balls.

I like how the Smithsonian surrounded the base of its trees with poinsettias.

2012-12-30-si-natlhistorytree — A tree inside the Natural History Museum Rotunda.

2012-12-30-si-castletree — A butterfly-themed tree inside the Castle building.

2012-12-30-si-staircase — A garland of poinsettias and other gilded greenery winding up a staircase.

The gardens at the Smithsonian were another wonderful source of natural decorations. The urns outside the Castle had sprays of orange pyracantha berries mixed with evergreens.