Bedecked halls at White House show first lady’s touch
The decor also nods to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.
Several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped deck the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees and more than 700 feet of garland, 2,000 strands of lights, 25,000 feet of ribbon, 2,800 gold stars and 10,000 butterflies — plus 120 pounds of gingerbread.
A few things are different because President Trump tore down the East Wing to build a ballroom he’s long desired.
This year the official White House Christmas tree, which is always on display in the Blue Room, also honors Gold Star families, those who lost a service member during active-duty military service.
That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first one visitors encountered after they entered through those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were demolished in October as part of Trump’s ballroom plan.
Public tours, which had been suspended because of the construction, are to resume Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.
The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor — one level below the State Floor — were cut from the tour route because of the construction.
The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.
A statement from the White House said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. exceptional and that, while every home has its own traditions, shared values unite Americans.
“In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude,” the statement said. “These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.”
Planning for the holidays starts months in advance, and the White House said Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.
Trees in the East Room are trimmed in red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration.
The official White House Christmas tree is decorated with gold stars honoring families who lost loved ones serving in the military. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory and this year’s fir is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.
The Green Room celebrates family fun, featuring large portraits of the first and the current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.
Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and in tribute to Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative, which is part of her Be Best child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.
A holiday highlight, the gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room, shows off the mansion’s South Portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the president’s private living quarters on the second floor.
It was made using 120 pounds of gingerbread, 100 pounds of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; more than 10 pounds of chocolate and 5 pounds of royal icing.
Part of the White House nativity scene is on display in the Grand Foyer while the rest of it is undergoing a restoration overseen by the curator’s office.
Most of the tree trimming and hall decking were done after the Trumps decamped to their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.
