‘Tis the season to tour stately mansions arrayed in their holiday best; and although located a wee ways up the road in Rhinebeck, Wilderstein can hardly avoid joining the Hyde Park historic sites associated with the Roosevelt family in putting on a show worthy of this festive time of year. The estate of FDR’s close confidante Margaret “Daisy” Suckley, who died at the age of 100 in 1991, underwent its annual Yuletide transformation over Thanksgiving weekend, and self-guided tours of the decorated mansion will continue from 1 to 4 p.m. every weekend through the end of December. A docent is stationed in each room to share information and answer questions.

This year is Wilderstein’s 30th anniversary as a not-for-profit historic site, and the 30th anniversary of its annual holiday celebration as well. Wilderstein is particularly notable for its grounds designed in the American Romantic tradition by Calvert Vaux, and Daisy Suckley was esteemed for her gardening prowess, so you can bet that floral arrangements will be integral parts of the seasonal display as always. While many of the rooms display period ornamentation and are meant to appear as though the Suckley family had just stepped out momentarily, the staff of volunteer decorators changes from year to year, so that other rooms showcase unexpectedly modern holiday décor, juxtaposed dramatically against the home’s Victorian backdrop.

During Christmas season tour hours, complimentary hot mulled cider and cookies are served. But if you want a more total immersion in the world of a genteel Hudson Valley family and a glimpse of what tea-time was like during the Victorian Era, check out Wilderstein’s annual Yuletide Tea, to be served on Saturday, December 11 at 1 p.m. Guests will enjoy a festive afternoon featuring fine tea, homemade cakes, cookies and delicate finger sandwiches.

Early reservations are recommended, as limited seating tends to fill up quickly. To reserve your place or find out more details, call (845) 876-4818 or visit www.wilderstein.org/news.html. And don’t forget to bring your best table manners along!