Table of contents for White House Christmas 2011 in Victoria

The White House is an awe-inspiring place to work. Serving first as a volunteer in 1978 and then as a member of the Residence staff for 30 years (25 as Chief Floral Designer) was such an honor for me. Of all the events and functions the Flower Shop supported, Christmas was always splendid, in part because the various departments collaborated so well to ready the White House for the holidays. I also had the special privilege of working with some of America’s finest designers and craftsmen, as well as hundreds of volunteers, to decorate the Executive Mansion for each First Lady. Planning for Christmas usually started in the spring, and my secret planning date was that of the annual Easter Egg Roll. By then, I felt, we had to determine…

MATERIALS • Assorted fresh greenery • Garden shears • 1 (14-inch) clamp-style EZ Wreath Wire Frame* • Heavy-duty pliers • 3 to 4 (12-inch) green chenille stems† *Available at garden centers or online †Available at craft stores INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Arrange greenery into small bunches. Place one bunch between two prongs. Using heavy-duty pliers, close prongs as tightly as possible. (If prongs seem loose, use a hammer to tighten them more.) Step 2: Add a second bunch on top of the first bunch, staggering the placement. Close prongs. Step 3: Continue adding bunches in a staggered fashion until wreath frame is filled, lifting first bunch to tuck final bunch of greenery in place. Step 4: Bend about 3 inches at one end of two chenille stems. Hook stems together at…

Large double doors open into the Grand Foyer and entrance to the Cross Hall in the White House, the most historic home in the country. This storied foyer and hall serve as the backdrop for many kinds of holiday ornamentation, including a plethora of elaborately decorated trees draped in strand after strand of twinkling lights, beautifully embellished garland, and handcrafted kissing balls. Such a large space can be difficult to decorate, as the area must remain fairly open to accommodate any festivities. For some special events, the military band may take up a corner of the room to play throughout the evening. THE GRAND FOYER, CROSS HALL, AND GRAND STAIRCASE ARE THE CENTRAL LOCATION LO OF ENTRY TO THE WHITE HOUSE. Presidents and First Ladies often pose for photographs with…

FOND Memeries “It took volunteers two days to decorate the 28 trees with fake snow, icicles, and snowflakes,” says Nancy of the gorgeous winter wonderland. “And on the last day of decorating, we had snow fights!” Holiday gatherings and decorations are a sign of the times. Early administrations chose simple décor, often only green garland tied with red ribbons. However, decorations became more elaborate in later administrations, with a multitude of trees gracing the foyer. The Grand Foyer’s main pier table is a prime place for holiday decorations as one enters the White House. For the 1987 “A Musical Christmas” theme, Nancy Clarke and her staff made Santa Claus and children figurines for display on the table. Simple garlands of fresh greenery and potted red poinsettias completed the décor. Little…

Shades of green abound in this well-known room, which is situated just off the Cross Hall east of the Blue Room on the first floor of the White House. Events and special occasions are celebrated here, and Christmas décor fits in perfectly with the room’s color scheme. Topiaries, flower arrangements, window wreaths, and mantel decorations change yearly and range from simple to elaborate, depending on the look the First Lady desires. A n overall view of the Green Room shows the many variations of seating, as well as the gorgeous artwork and the distinct mantel. A door, barely visible behind the topiary, leads to the Cross Hall, while the other two doors open into the East Room. Bowls of fruit, peach poinsettias, and sparkling topiaries all blend for a cohesive…

MATERIALS • 1 (18-inch) ball topiary form* • Oasis glue chips* • Glue pan* (An old electric skillet works great, but it cannot be used again for anything except glue.) • 1 silver pedestal container large enough to hold base of topiary form† (This container cannot be used again after the cone is glued in place.) • 2 to 3 stems silver artificial leaves* • 7 to 8 clusters silver artificial grapes* • 20-gauge wire pins‡ • 20 clusters (25-millimeter) silver glass balls† • 12 to 15 clusters (30-millimeter) silver glass balls† • 4-inch-long wooden picks* Available at craft stores or floral shops Available from wholesale floral houses or florists See instructions at right. INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Dip base of topiary form into hot glue, and place in container, being…

HOW-TO FRESH FLOWERS: Turn to page 92 to discover how to make these test tube ornaments. HOW-TO MOSS TREE SKIRT: Learn how to make this nature-inspired tree skirt on page 96. A table set in the Blue Room at Christmas is indeed enchanting, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the White House tree. Dining in this setting is reserved for special people on rare occasions.…

MATERIALS (per ornament) • 24-inch length (120-gauge) Oasis Aluminum Wire • Measuring tape or ruler • 1 (6-inch-long) clear glass test tube • 1 flower NOTES • Check water level in test tube daily. Replace flower, if necessary. INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Bend wire 6 inches from one end. Step 2: Keeping bent end of wire free, begin wrapping remaining 18 inches of wire around test tube. Step 3: Wrap wire tightly around test tube. Step 4: When wrapping is complete, pull wire to spread wraps evenly down test tube. Step 5: Bend 6-inch free section of wire over your finger to form a hook that faces away from test tube. Step 6: Fill with water, place a flower in test tube, and hang where desired.…

MATERIALS • 1 Tree Skirt Pattern (see page 93) • 1 (54-inch) square brownish-green heavy cotton fabric • Straight pins • Permanent marker • Fabric-cutting scissors • 3 (18-x-48-inch) rolls green sheet moss mat* • 1 (16 ounce) container Aleene’s Tacky Glue* • 1 wide paintbrush *Available in craft stores or floral markets NOTES • Stretchy fabric is not suitable for this project. INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Place pattern on wrong side of fabric, and pin in place. Draw around pattern with a permanent marker. Step 2: Draw a straight line from outside edge to smaller center circle. Draw center circle. Remove pins and pattern. Step 3: Cut out fabric along drawn lines. Step 4: Unroll one moss mat, and center over fabric (wrong sides together). Pour glue into a bowl,…

The décor of the Red Room mantel changes each Christmas according to the seasonal theme. Because it is a focal point, the mantel lends itself well to a variety of decorating touches, from large and ornate garlands to whimsical nutcrackers to needlepoint houses and much more. FOND Memories “My assistant Ronn Payne created the beautiful church displayed on the lamp table. It was a replica of his family’s church—and the first time Ronn had ever attempted to do needlepoint,” says Nancy.…

When not set for a special event or decorated for the holidays, the State Dining Room’s mahogany table holds a Monroe-era 14.5-foot-long mirrored gilt plateau service. During Christmas, however, colorful topiaries, flocked trees, and other seasonal items enhance the long table that can be used for a seated dinner or as a buffet table for a reception. The substantial table can hold large pieces, from figurines to candlesticks and more. The Flower Shop staff is responsible for creating the centerpieces, whether they be large-scale botanical arrangements or elaborate vignettes with seasonal characters.…

The State Dining Room is transformed every year in accordance with the motif for the season. Eight sconces hang on the cream-colored walls, awaiting decorative touches. While marble-topped tables provide additional surfaces to embellish during the holidays, the White House gingerbread house takes its customary spot atop the eagle pier table.…

FOND M emories “The National Park Service placed all-white poinsettia standards and white candles atop candle stands in the Colonnade for evening events during the Reagan administration. In 1987, the simple, mixed-greenery wreaths were suspended by a green velvet ribbon. The wreaths were double faced for a fuller, lush appearance from the Colonnade or the East Garden,” says Nancy. Sunshine glows through the many windows of the long hallway that links the Presidential Residence with the East Wing. This is an ideal spot for making a big impact with a multitude of suspended wreaths, floral topiaries, and tall candlesticks. Gold and white are popular choices for holiday décor, as they offer many ways to incorporate the annual theme, whether through satiny ribbons, decorative pinecones, gold-wrapped packages, or twinkling lights.…

MATERIALS • Electric or cordless drill • 12 to 14 red artificial apples or pomegranates • 10 golden artificial pears • 6 to 8 small artificial apples or pears • 1 package (6-inch-long) wooden picks • Oasis glue chips • Glue pan (An old electric skillet works great, but it cannot be used again for anything except glue.) • 1 (20-inch) wreath, either fresh or silk (See instructions on page 28.) • Shears or trimmers for cutting wooden picks • 10 artificial grape clusters • 1 package (18-inch-long) 26-gauge green floral stem wire • Wire cutters • 12 pinecones • 3 to 4 stems multiheaded light-colored artificial berries, separated into smaller clusters NOTES • All items are available at craft stores. I advise purchasing the materials during seasonal sales when…

FOND M emories “Assorted types of sweet treats, such as artificial ice-cream cones, cupcakes, and lollipops, decorated wide silk garland in 2003. It took volunteers approximately two days to completely fill in the garland,” says Nancy. The home of the President of the United States of America must have a magnificently appointed foyer. And Christmastime is no exception. The Grand Foyer’s marble floor almost glows as it mirrors lights from the trees and garlands. It also serves as the ideal stage for musical performances that reflect a holiday theme; a military fife and drum corps was featured during a patriotic Christmas celebration in 2008. Impressive decorations like heavily ornamented garlands and oversized nutcrackers are well suited to this large entryway and provide a cheery seasonal welcome.…

Flanked by the American flag and the Presidential flag, the door to the Blue Room, directly off the Cross Hall, is crowned with the Presidential seal. This corridor has received a variety of treatments from year to year, depending on the First Lady’s chosen design scheme. For instance, at Barbara Bush’s direction, red ribbon and garland surrounded the doorway, with red poinsettia plants at the base. However, the same area became completely different in 2001 with Laura Bush’s white-themed selections. Approximately 28 trees occupied the Grand Foyer and the Cross Hall.…

A Christmas dinner at the White House is a special event indeed. If the guest list is large, people may be seated at tables scattered throughout several rooms on the State Floor. However, for smaller occasions, the Green Room is a marvelous venue, as its size and décor lend themselves to a number of lovely centerpieces.…

MATERIALS (per ornament) • 1 (8- to 10-inch) square piece embossed foil paper* (We used green foil paper for Steps 1 to 5 and gold for Step 6.) • 1 (18-inch) piece 26-gauge green floral stem wire • Sharp paper-cutting scissors Available in arts and crafts stores and online NOTES • Embossed foil paper comes in many colors. For high impact, use all one color, such as gold, to decorate the tree (see pages 72 and 73). • Regular aluminum foil that you use in the kitchen will not work. INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Fold foil paper into quarters (in half and then in half again) to create a 4- to 5-inch square. Press folds down tightly. Step 2: Fold diagonally, aligning folded edges. Step 3: Cut away desired shapes from…

MATERIALS • 54-inch square heavy brown kraft paper • Paper-cutting scissors • 30 inches string or yarn • Pen • Black marker • Measuring tape NOTES • If necessary, tape together two or more pieces of kraft paper to achieve a 54-inch square. • If a larger tree skirt is desired, use a larger square of kraft paper and a longer length of string. And conversely, use a smaller square of kraft paper and a shorter length of string if a smaller tree skirt is needed. • This pattern will be used for creating the Friends & Family Tree Skirt and the Moss Tree Skirt. INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Fold kraft paper into quarters (in half and then in half again) to create a 27-inch square. At the corner where folds…

Because it is adjacent to the State Dining Room, the Red Room, once known as the Music Room, now is considered to be a prime venue for receptions, teas, luncheons, and dinners when not used as a sitting room. This boldly hued room is easily decorated for Christmas: Its walls covered in red twill satin and embellished with a gold scroll border beautifully complement traditional holiday color schemes. THE RED ROOM IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE BLUE ROOM AND THE STATE DINING ROOM ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE STATE FLOOR. Exquisite portraits grace the Red Room, along with elegant furnishings in the Empire style. Woven red and gold fabric with period motifs covers the upholstered portions of the chairs, the sofa, and the fireplace screen.…

MATERIALS • 1 block Oasis floral foam* • 1 gold container with at least a 6-inch opening† • 1 (18-inch) Styrofoam cone* • 5 pounds boxwood‡ • 20-gauge wire pins†† • Wire cutters • 1 (18-x-48-inch) sheet moss mat* • Scissors • 3 (39-gram) tubes Oasis Floral Adhesive* • 10 pounds fresh dark red cranberries** • 3 to 4 (6-inch-long) wooden picks* *Available in craft stores or floral markets †Available from florists ‡ Available from floral markets or nurseries **Available seasonally in grocery stores ††Instructions for how to make wire pins are on page 70. NOTES • Topiary should last 7 to 8 days at room temperature. Refrigerating between uses may allow it to last up to 12 days. • If foam becomes dry, add water to container. • If…

Presidents and First Ladies host dinners throughout the White House. Whether on the second floor for an intimate private luncheon or in the State Dining Room for an elegant affair, tablescapes set the tone for the event, especially at Christmas. HOW-TO RED ROSE CENTERPIECE: Beautify your table with this gorgeous arrangement. Learn how on page 128. HOW-TO CARNATION CENTERPIECE: Vivid bunches of flowers fill this festive display. Find the steps on page 129. Vibrant clusters of flowers can be elegant or more casual, depending on the shape and the container. In addition to being lovely and in keeping with the atmosphere of the event, arrangements must always be of a height and a form that encourages rather than hinders dinnertime conversation. A tall, thin centerpiece allows guests to see one…

HOW-TO EVERGREEN WREATH: Learn how to make a fresh wreath for your window on page 28. The East Colonnade serves as a corridor between the public entrance in the East Wing and the actual Residence. A row of windows looks out onto a garden of trees and flowers known by several names, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, the First Ladies’ Garden, and the East Garden. Wreaths often grace these windows at Christmastime, and evenly spaced candles and poinsettias add a festive feel while echoing the colors of the First Lady’s holiday decorating theme. FOND Memories “Laura Bush and I used an old light bulb on a cord to test several ways to light the glass topiaries. We came up with lighting them with pin spots mounted in the ceiling,” says…

Prior to September 11, 2001, in this area at the end of the East Colonnade known as the Booksellers Room, visitors touring the White House could purchase memorabilia of their trip to the President’s home. The arched entrance that connects the Colonnade to the room is ideal for embellishing with lush garlands of fresh greenery. Ribbons, ornaments, large pinecones, and white twinkle lights are favorite trimmings used through the years. The Booksellers Room is often bedecked with a gorgeous tree at Christmastime. Like its counterpart in the East Garden Room, this tree usually features special ornaments from the prior year’s Blue Room tree or from guest designers, although both trees are considerably smaller.…

MATERIALS • 3 yards (4-inch-wide) velvet ribbon (Yardage is enough for a double-loop bow. If additional loops are desired, increase ribbon 1 yard per loop.) • 1 yard (24-gauge) green floral wire, folded in half NOTES • The trick to making a good bow is to twist tightly the wire holding it together. • An assistant is helpful for the wire-twisting step to avoid losing a grip on the ribbon. • Attach bow to wreath or garland with wires, and then trim tails to desired length. To trim tails, fold ribbon in half vertically, and cut at an angle with tip of scissors pointing up toward bow. INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Measure a length of ribbon for the tail. (Err on the long side of measurement, as it’s always better to…

Standing in the Cross Hall, one has a view of the Grand Staircase, which ascends toward the private second floor where the First Family resides. The view when walking down the staircase is of the Cross Hall, with the Green Room visible through the facing doorway. Because of its prime location, the Grand Staircase is the perfect place to carry through the chosen theme of the holidays. Banisters and railings provide ideal display areas for simple wreaths or beribboned garlands. Stairs easily become casual or elegant, depending on the year’s design scheme, just by changing a few elements of the décor. During the Reagan administration, small Steiff teddy bears, dressed in red and white garments made by Nancy Clarke, adorned a fresh wreath. Later, during the George W. Bush years,…

FOND Memeries “This is a picture of the Cross Hall looking into the East Room during the Reagan administration. The pier table has a musical vignette, and red and white poinsettia plants line the hallway. Inside the doorway is the crèche, which features 47 carved wood and terra-cotta figures. The crèche was a gift to the White House and has been displayed at Christmas since 1967,” says Nancy. The White House, like any other home at the holidays, becomes magical with seasonal décor. Red and silver glass balls gleam from the multitude of garlands hanging throughout the hallways, bringing holiday cheer. Miniature figurines, poinsettias, and a traditional crèche also signal Christmastime at the President’s home. Lighted, snowcovered trees create a wintry forest inside and cast a beautiful reflection on the…

Garland, a must during the Christmas season at the White House, is often draped across mantels with the excess puddling slightly on the floor. Whether the greenery is real or silk, its appearance around the Green Room’s fireplace signals the arrival of the holidays. Over the years, favorite embellishments for the intertwined evergreen boughs have included clusters of colorful ornaments, sprays of metallic-hued faux berries, sprigs of beautiful blossoms, and varying shades of wide ribbon.…

MATERIALS • 1 (30-inch) Styrofoam cone* • Knife for cutting Styrofoam • 1 can moss green floral spray paint* • Oasis glue chips* • Glue pan* (An old electric skillet works great, but it cannot be used again for anything except glue.) • Pedestal container with a 7- to 8-inch opening† (This container cannot be used again after the cone is glued in place.) • 12 to 15 pieces large red beaded artificial fruit‡ • 12 to 15 pieces large mauve beaded artificial fruit‡ • 100 to 120 (6-inch-long) wooden picks* • Sheers or trimmers for cutting wooden picks • 25 clusters artificial grapes‡ (Assorted colors and sizes are preferred.) • Several sets 3 to 4 sparkly multiheaded artificial stems‡ • 4 to 5 clusters multiheaded gold artificial berries‡ •…

FOND Memorie “Christmas 2001 was Laura Bush’s first holiday season in the White House. Though the all-white theme, ‘Home for the Holidays,’ had been well planned before the events of September 11, Mrs. Bush and staff worked extensively to be sure everything was appropriate. She contacted the governors to ask if they would each select four artists to recreate in ornament form historic white buildings from their states. We also decorated the tree with crystal snowflakes, icicles, glass pinecones, glass balls, and oldfashioned tinsel,” says Nancy. The White House Christmas tree occupies a prominent place in the center of the Blue Room, usually touching the ceiling’s center medallion. Dressed in their holiday finery, the President and the First Lady traditionally pose in front of the well-adorned evergreen for their official annual…

MATERIALS (per ornament) • Aleene’s Tacky Glue • 2 Christmas cards of approximately the same size • Scissors • Wide paintbrush • Small-hole punch • Thin decorative ribbon or rattail cording NOTES • To make quick work of threading ribbon through hole, use a needle threader. If a needle threader is not available, make your own by folding a 6-inch piece of 26-gauge wire in half. INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Pour some Aleene’s Tacky Glue into a bowl, and add a little water to thin glue enough to make it easy to spread. Step 2: Cut backs from Christmas cards, and discard. Line up card fronts to check size. If necessary, trim slightly. Step 3: Spread a thin coat of glue on wrong side of one card front. Step 4: Place…

MATERIALS • 1 Tree Skirt Pattern (see page 93) • Paper-cutting scissors • Straight pins • 2¾ yards velvet fabric • Permanent marker • Yardstick or ruler • Fabric-cutting scissors • 8 friends or family who love to sew or embroider • Sewing machine • Thread to match velvet • Hand-sewing needle • 1 square lining fabric equal to size of finished tree skirt • 4½ yards purchased cording or trim for lower and top edge (optional) • 1 (18-inch) piece dark Velcro tape NOTES • If making a tree skirt larger or smaller than shown here, determine the amount of cording needed by multiplying the diameter of the tree skirt by 3.14 and the diameter of the center circle by 3.14. Then add those products together to get the…

Regal and formal, the State Dining Room is the primary site for elaborate dinner parties. The spacious room easily houses a multitude of tables for sizable gatherings. Beautifully inscribed personalized cards reserve places for honored guests. Printed menus detailing the delicious food they can expect that evening await them as they take their seats. THE STATE DINING ROOM IS SITUATED IN THE RESIDENCE ON THE STATE FLOOR ON THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE WHITE HOUSE. The perfect piece to display food or seasonal ornamentation during a party is a long serving table. Small, circular tables around the perimeter of the dining room provide ample seating. Ribbontied wreaths adorn the windows, while the mantel and sconces feature vivid garland in keeping with the annual theme.…

A historical portrait of President Abraham Lincoln hangs above the mantel in the State Dining Room. From year to year, it is surrounded by ornamentation such as extravagantly embellished garland, simple greenery, and fresh flowers. The possibilities are endless.…

MATERIALS • 1 (8-inch) Oasis ball-shaped floral foam* • 1 silver pedestal container large enough to hold the floral foam† • 40 red Charlotte roses† • Sharp knife for cutting stems • 12 to 15 stems green holly‡ • Clippers for cutting holly • 3 to 4 stems red ilex berries‡ *Available in craft stores or floral markets †Available from florists or floral markets ‡Available from yards, floral markets, florists, or nurseries INSTRUCTIONS Preparation: Place floral foam in container. Put floral foam under running water until thoroughly soaked (15 to 20 minutes). Step 1: Place a ring of roses around top of container so sides of stems touch container rim. (As you work, cut stems of roses on a very sharp angle for better water absorption.) Place a rose in…

MATERIALS • 1 (12-x-9-x-6-inch) Designer Block Oasis floral foam* • Container with a 6- to 8-inch opening • 74 red carnations, stems trimmed to 3-inch lengths • 1 red carnation, stem untrimmed *Available in craft stores or floral markets NOTES •This basic technique can be used to create conical centerpieces using flowers of the same kind, size, and color INSTRUCTIONS Preparation: Carve a tree shape from floral foam, trimming bottom to fit tightly in container. Put floral foam under running water until thoroughly soaked (15 to 20 minutes). Step 1: Insert a short-stemmed carnation into apex of prepared floral foam, burying stem completely. Insert a row of similar carnations around base of foam with stems touching edge of container. Step 2: Hold untrimmed carnation from top flower to bottom flowers,…