2021 White House Holiday Theme:
Gifts from the Heart
We thought you might enjoy a tour of the White House this Christmas. While we didn’t have anything to do with the interiors, thought you might enjoy getting a sneak peak inside and reading through the inspiration behind this years décor.
The rooms throughout the White House this year were decorated to reflect Faith, Community, Family, Friendship, Learning, Nature, Gratitude, Service, Peace, Unity, and The Arts.
Enjoy!
East Wing – Gift of Service
East Wing – Gift of Service
We begin our 2021 White House holiday decor honoring the Gift of Service. Throughout the East Colonnade, iridescent doves and shooting stars illuminate the hallway, representing the peace and light brought by the service of our frontline workers and first responders. Poinsettias punctuate the glowing topiaries opposite the windows to the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, dedicated by First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson in 1965. The East Wing of the White House was expanded to its current form in 1942 and includes the Office of the First Lady.
EAST LANDING – Gold Star Tree
East Landing – Gold Star Tree
The Gold Star Tree honors the heroic men and women of our Nation’s military, who have laid down their lives for our country, and the families who carry on their legacies.
Library – Gift of Learning
Library – Gift of Learning
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt dedicated this room to serve as the White House Library in 1935. This space now holds approximately 2,700 volumes of books, focusing primarily on American history and literature.
This year, stacks of books as well as butterflies and birds made of recycled newspapers decorate the Library, reminding us that, with the Gift of Learning, we can soar to places we never imagined and rise to meet any challenge.
Vermeil Room – Gift of the Visual Arts
Vermeil Room – Gift of the Visual Arts
To celebrate the Gift of the Visual Arts, the Vermeil (French for “gilded silver”) Room glows with bright, bold, colorful paint brushes and paint swatches, representing the diverse American artists whose talents bring delight to all. From historic portraits to graphic art displays, from light installations to marble sculptures, from wood carvings to children’s handprint art, the visual arts bring us joy, calm our minds, and inspire our imaginations.
On the walls of this room, are the portraits of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Sixty years ago, Mrs. Kennedy founded the White House Historical Association to protect, preserve, and provide public access to the rich history of America’s Executive Mansion. Through educational efforts and programming, the People’s House is shared far beyond the White House gates.
China Room – Gift of Friendship and Sharing
China Room – Gift of Friendship and Sharing
The China Room was designed to inspire healing laughter, comforting meals, and warm memories with loved ones, extending the Gift of Friendship and Sharing. Wrapping the branches of the room’s Christmas tree are garlands of intertwined hands symbolizing friendship, fellowship, and merriment.
The China Room, which was formalized by First Lady Edith Wilson in 1917, houses tableware used by past presidential families. Each set reflects the presidents and first ladies who selected their designs and recalls the State Dinners and celebratory meals that have brought together world leaders and diplomats.
East Room – Gift of Gratitude
East Room – Gift of Gratitude
The East Room celebrates the Gift of Gratitude, symbolized by small acts of kindness and handwritten notes, full of grateful reflection.
Designed to be the largest room in the White House, the East Room has hosted public receptions, ceremonies, bill signings, and other memorable occasions. This room also features the most iconic White House artifact: Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, which First Lady Dolley Madison helped save in 1814 when the White House was about to be set aflame during the War of 1812.
It was George Washington who, when bidding farewell to the officers of the victorious Continental Army, described himself as having “a heart full of love and gratitude” for those who served with him in the cause of freedom.
Since 1967, the Neapolitan crèche, with over 40 figurines from the eighteenth century, has been displayed here every holiday season.
Green Room – Gift of Nature
Green Room – Gift of Nature
The Green Room honors the Gift of Nature. Arranged in the windows of the room are purple trees accented with natural orchids. Lush foliage and sprays of greenery are draped along the fireplace mantel. Once Thomas Jefferson’s dining room, the Green Room houses Henry Ossawa Tanner’s Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City, using actual sand to illustrate the windswept beaches of our coasts.
Blue Room – Gift of Peace and Unity
Blue Room – Gift of Peace and Unity
The Blue Room, featuring the Official White House Christmas Tree, celebrates the Gift of Peace and Unity. Cascading down the tree, peace doves carry a shimmering banner embossed with the names of each state and territory of the United States.
Beginning in the Eisenhower Administration, a large Christmas tree has been consistently featured in the Blue Room. The centerpiece of the holiday season, an 18 ½ foot Fraser Fir from Jefferson, North Carolina, stands floor to ceiling and fills the oval room. Every year, the room’s chandelier is removed to accommodate the Christmas tree’s full height. This year’s tree was presented by Rusty and Beau Estes of Peak Farms, who were named 2021 Grand Champion Grower in the annual National Christmas Tree Association’s National Christmas Tree contest—their third time winning this award.
Red Room – Gift of the Performing Arts
Red Room – Gift of the Performing Arts
The Red Room was designed to capture the joy and wonder of the holiday season by celebrating the Gift of the Performing Arts. Brass instruments hang from the mantel against the rich, red, silk wall coverings. Ballet slippers, tap shoes, and musical notes dance around the tree like sugarplum fairies.
In the Red Room, two cranberry topiaries are on display, a tradition which began in 1975.
State Dining Room – Gift of Family
State Dining Room – Gift of Family
The State Dining Room celebrates the cherished Gift of Family. Just below the family stockings, an engraving in the fireplace mantel reads, “I Pray Heaven To Bestow The Best of Blessings Upon This House…” The words from this blessing were taken from a letter written by President John Adams to his wife, Abigail, dated November 2, 1800. These words are now known as the White House blessing. This year, the Christmas trees in the State Dining Room glisten with ornaments featuring photographs of First Families, past and present. Each family who made this house a home reminds us all of the enduring love and lasting bonds of family.
The Gingerbread White House
The Gingerbread White House
Situated on the eagle pier table in the State Dining Room is the2021 Gingerbread White House. Inspired by our Nation’s frontline workers, the display includes eight detailed replicas of community buildings representing those workers. To complete the finishing touches, the White House pastry team used 55 sheets of baked gingerbread, 120 pounds of pastillage, 35 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing.
Grand Foyer and Cross Hall – Gift of Faith and Community
Grand Foyer and Cross Hall – Gift of Faith and Community
The Grand Foyer and Cross Hall of the White House celebrate the Gift of Faith and Community. Floating candles represent the light we carry out into the world. The hallway alcoves and tree displays depict wintry scenes of life within our towns and cities, reflecting the solace of faith, the lasting bonds of community, and the perseverance of the American spirit.
By the numbers…
By the numbers…
There are 41 Christmas trees throughout the White House.
Approximately 6,000 feet of ribbon, over 300 candles, and over 10,000 ornaments were used this year to decorate the White House.
Over 78,750 holiday lights decorate the trees, garlands, wreaths, and displays in the White House.
Twenty-five classic wreaths adorn the north and south facades of the White House.
It takes over 100 dedicated volunteers working a full week to decorate the inside and outside of the White House.