f For those who seldom entertain, the tasks that
go along with planning an event—hand-lettering
place cards and topping hors d’oeuvres with a uniform
number of caviar eggs—may seem as challenging as searching for a perfect last-minute gift on Christmas Eve. But for
a master hostess like Jennifer Abramczyk, there’s nothing more
exciting than transforming her and husband Jon’s 1928 Colonial residence into a homemade Christmas adventure for a
family that offers hospitality nonstop.
The Abramczyks serendipitously stumbled upon their Wilmington, Delaware, house nine years ago. Situated in the same
subdivision three blocks away from their much smaller home,
it was built the same year. As a couple who loves to entertain,
extra space was at the top of their wish list. When they learned
that the owners of the larger home they admired wanted to
downsize—voilà: the two families swapped residences.
After relocating, Jon and Jennifer decided structural alterations
should come before aesthetic touches.“This place was built when
houses were staffed,” says Jennifer. “And since I am the staff, a
number of things had to change.” They chose architect John
Milner, whose firm specializes in restoring and adapting historic
structures. The house was in good shape, with large living and
dining rooms and enough bedrooms and baths. But Jennifer, an
accomplished cook undaunted by serving dinner for 40, needed
an expansive kitchen plus a butler’s pantry where she could house
a massive collection of china, crystal, and serving pieces.
After Milner completed the addition, the next step was to
add vitality to the interiors, using plenty of blue and yellow, the
couple’s favorite colors. A presentation that Jennifer attended
at the nearby Winterthur Museum led her to the design team
of Courtney Coleman and Bill Brockschmidt. The duo seemed
to understand color, lush fabrics, and tradition, but in a 21st-
Right: Jon and Jennifer Abramczyk host
many events throughout the year at their
1928 brick Colonial home, including an
annual Christmas dinner party.
Opposite: In the living room, wooden
ornaments crafted by Jennifer’s mother
hang from the home’s most spectacular
Christmas tree. Jon’s childhood train set
works its way around the tree’s base,
adding nostalgia.
Above: An atypical holiday color scheme
of marine blue and yellow adds to the
festive spirit enlivening the rooms.
Preceding pages: Lemons and greenery are
combined in pyramid form to create
miniature citrus trees on the table. The
dining room can seat 24 guests, making
formal dinners grand and special.
