More than one hundred people discovered recently why the Vanderbilt Mansion, overlooking Northport Bay, is one of the most glamorous and romantic settings on Long Island.
The guests dined on February 10 in the grand summer home where Hollywood stars and European royalty were entertained by Rosamond and William Vanderbilt, members of one of America’s most famous and powerful families.
The Valentine’s Day Dinner is a winter-season highlight. It is held each year in the Northport Dining Room Porch of the elegant 24-room, Spanish Revival Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Following hors d’oeuvres and wine in the Memorial Wing – amid Mr. Vanderbilt’s exotic collections of ethnographic artifacts from Africa, Asia and South America – diners toured the family’s private living quarters, filled with fine art and antique furnishings. After dinner, dessert was served in the Lancaster Room, with a side trip to the Vanderbilt Library and the Moroccan Court.
One satisfied guest, T.C. of Melville, wrote to the Vanderbilt:
“I wanted to say thank you for all that you did to make the Valentine’s Dinner a success. In addition to a wonderful and delicious dinner, we were treated to a tour of the beautiful mansion and learned much about the way of life of the elite of the past. This was such an enjoyable event and we couldn’t get enough… something that we will remember for a long time! Please put me on the list for next year’s dinner.”
