2012 Mount Vernon Hospitality Ornament

As George Washington’s fame and importance to our country increased, more and more visitors came for a visit at the historic Mount Vernon home he shared with his wife Martha. There are countless pages of guests’ memories and fond experiences that were recorded in a guest book which is still on display at Mount Vernon. This guest book is a standing tribute to the willingness and true hospitality the Washington’s displayed in opening their home to their guests.

The 2012 Mount Vernon ornament celebrates this kindness with a painting inspired by an original 1878 print of Mount Vernon by artist G. F. Gilman that shows George Washington greeting one of his guests on the lawn. The frame of the ornament is colorfully decorated in a 24K gold finish with a pineapple at the top. The pineapple is largely regarding as a symbol of true hospitality.

The back of the ornament includes a quote from one of their famous guests, Eliza Powel from her 1787 visit, to Martha Washington that reads, “The elegant Hospitality exercised at Mount Vernon… renders it a most delightful Residence to your Friends.”