Tag: Holidays

Second Lady Karen Pence Unveils the Christmas Decorations at the Vice President’s Residence

Washington, DC—Second Lady Karen Pence continues the tradition of decorating the Vice President’s Residence for the Christmas season. This year’s theme is “Make the Season Bright” with metallic ornaments, stars, and candles throughout the residence. There are four Christmas trees on the main floor, donated by Hedlund Christmas Trees of Montesano, Washington. Thirty-six wreaths hang throughout the residence; nearly a mile of Christmas lights brighten the place; and 800 yards of ribbon adorn the Christmas trees. Approximately 40 staff and volunteers helped to decorate the residence. In the foyer, there is a fireplace with stockings hanging on the mantel for all of the members of the Pence family, including their pets. Throughout the month of December, the Pence family will welcome more than 2,000 guests into the Vice President’s Residence. The photos below provide a look at Christmas inside the Vice President’s Residence.

In the dining room, guests will see a beautifully decorated fireplace mantel and tree. The tree is known as the Grand National Reserve Tree.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

In the foyer, a Christmas tree stands in the nook, decorated with ornaments created by participants in the Art Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. A nutcracker stands on each side of the tree.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

Ornaments created by participants in the Art Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis decorate the tree in the foyer.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

Gingerbread house designed as a replica of the Vice President’s Residence.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

The gingerbread house is made of more than 100 pounds of gingerbread, candy, and icing.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

A nativity scene is on display in the foyer.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

Metallic stars hang in the living room and wreaths decorate the windows.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

Garland drapes the mirror in the living room with Christmas floral arrangements on the tables.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

A Christmas tree dedicated to military service members and veterans stands in the sunroom. Each branch of the military is represented with ornaments created by family members of the military.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

Ornaments created by military families hang on the Christmas tree in the sunroom.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

Garland drapes the fireplace mantel in the library of the residence with candles and pine cones on top of the mantel. Nutcrackers and miniature Christmas trees sit on the bookshelves.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

A Christmas tree, located in the library, is decorated with ornaments that recognize the Pence’s pets, Harley, Hazel, and Pickle.

There are copper dog bones and a whimsical mouse ornament on the tree.

(Official White House Photo by Amy Rossetti)

First Lady Melania Trump Unveils Christmas at the White House 2017

The First Family will celebrate their first Christmas in the White House with a nod to tradition. This year’s theme, “Time-Honored Traditions” was designed by First Lady Melania Trump to pay respect to 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House.

In the East Wing, visitors find a tribute to our service members and their families with the Gold Star Family Tree, which has been decorated with gold stars and patriotic ribbon. Visitors are encouraged to write a message to their loved ones who are on duty or abroad on the digital tablets provided.

After passing through the East colonnade, visitors will see the China Room, which honors the holiday traditions of dining and hospitality. The room is set up for a family Christmas dinner, with the table displaying the china from President Ronald Reagan. Then, visitors will see the Library, which features President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1866 edition of “A Christmas Carol,” as they recall the time-honored custom of reading Christmas stories to loved ones.

 

On the State Floor of the White House, the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall celebrate the first themed White House Christmas, which was the “Nutcracker Suite” in 1961. The Green Room honors the festivities of crafts, paper, and classic design.

The Blue Room holds the official White House Christmas tree, which is decorated with glass ornaments depicting the seal of each State and territory.

The Red Room hosts delightful holiday treats, and has been decorated with peppermints, candy, and cookies. The State Dining Room holds a traditional gingerbread house, which depicts the South facade of the White House and features Mrs. Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths.

“The President, Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People’s House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays. On behalf of my husband and Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season.”

Throughout the month of December, the White House will host more than 100 open houses and many receptions. More than 25,000 visitors will walk the halls taking part in public tours.