Good Morning Lacquered Lifers! For some reason this year I am struggling to truly get into the Christmas spirit. It could be that we are not celebrating Christmas at our house this year, or it could be that it is 65 degrees outside. Now don’t get me wrong, I am so lucky to live in Charleston and will be extremely happy in February when it is freezing in New England and tolerable here, however, this time of year I could use a little bit of the “white christmas” feeling to put me in the mood. And let’s be honest, there is nothing like Gilded Age Newport Mansions draped in over the top Christmas decor to get one in the Christmas spirit.  Built between 1892 and 1901, The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House are some of the finest examples of Gilded Age architecture in the country, and lucky for all of us, are open to the public. Between November 22nd and January 4th the Preservation Society of Newport County decorates the houses for Christmas, and based on these photos, the decorations are pretty spectacular. If you are anywhere near Newport, Rhode Island this holiday season, I would highly recommend a visit to these historic homes. For more information on touring the famed Newport Mansions, visit the Preservation Society of Newport County website.