Being a senior, I’ve found myself mentioning the “lasts” a lot more often as May quickly approaches. To be honest, it has turned into a bit of a litany with comments like, “the last time I’ll walk along West Pine lit up with beautiful autumn leaves” or “the last time I’ll register for classes.” It’s getting far too melodramatic and sentimental for me, so this week I’ve been looking for a “first” on campus and I’ve found it in the annual “Holiday Rooms in Bloom” at the Samuel Cupples House. Somehow I have managed to miss this event each year, but now is the perfect time to experience a little bit of history while getting into the holiday spirit.
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 guests are welcomed into various rooms of the house in order to view stunning floral arrangements and decorations. Local florists, such as Always in Bloom and Walter Knoll, participate each year in the event by providing beautiful bouquets that sprawl across every mantle and accent each table. Each florist is assigned a specific room so they have complete freedom to take their decorations in the direction they wish. In the past there has been everything from Poinsettias to polar bears in the arrangements.
Professionals are not the only ones to participate, with both Alpha Phi Omega and the Fine and Performing Arts Department playing major roles in the event. Each year Alpha Phi Omega does their part to help by decorating the second floor for the season. Also, musicians and vocalists from the Fine and Performing Arts Department entertain guests with carols as they pass from room to room.
Also, you’ll want to stick around until 5:45 p.m. when the former Dean of Student Affairs and ex officio of the Saint Louis University Women’s Commission Mary Bruemmer will have the great honor of lighting the Christmas tree. It might sound a little cheesy, but the tree lighting is a tradition and that’s something you just don’t mess with around the holidays.
I can’t fathom how many times I’ve walked by the historic Cupples House during my time at SLU. With its tall Romanesque roof, rounded arches and intricate masonry you really can’t help but to bask in the old house’s beauty. And yet, I have never set foot inside the building even though I have certainly seen it from every angle, light and season. “Holiday Rooms in Bloom” provides the perfect opportunity to walk amongst the halls of history while celebrating Christmas. Even though I am embarrassed about ignoring one of our school’s most iconic landmarks, at least it has left me a “first” to enjoy as I near my last semester at SLU.
Even if you can’t make it on Thursday night, “Holiday Rooms in Bloom” runs throughout the weekend; Friday 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admittance is free, but donations of winter clothing are requested for the St. Francis Xavier Church parish help center.
