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White House Holiday Decor has Local Touch |
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 White House Holiday
Decor Has Local Touch
Annette Valentine of Valentine Interiors in Brentwood recently returned from helping decorate the White House for the holiday season. She was one of 140 people from 40 states that were selected to help decorate 37 Christmas trees and wrap the White House in Washington, D.C., with festive decor for the holiday season. See the rest of the story for a downloadable copy of the 2011 White House Holiday Tour Book (with directions for a do-it-yourself project).
The theme for this year's holiday season is "Shine, Give, Share" and pays tribute to the United States troops, veterans, and their families. Thirty of the trees are natural trees, while seven are made from paper, felt or aluminum. Also included is a gingerbread model of the White House made of 400 pounds of gingerbread, white chocolate, and marzipan, plus five different representations of First Dog Bo Obama.
Blue Room
The centerpiece of the Blue room is the official White House Christmas tree—a breathtaking 18-foot-6-inch balsam fir from Neshkoro, Wisconsin—which honors our men and women in uniform and features holiday card created by military children. Collected from United States military installations around the world, these thoughtful and poignant cards celebrate their parents serving in uniform. Medals, badges, and patches from all of the military branches are displayed as ornaments, historic military images are displayed with volunteer-made pinecone frames and ribbons inspired by the Armed Forces colors represent the brave women and men who protect our Nation and defend our freedom.
Gold Star Tree
The Gold Star Families Tree pays tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our Nation and to the families who continue to carry their proud legacy forward. Photos of these fallen heroes and messages from their loved ones honor their courageous service, and remind us of the great sacrifices made for our freedom. Visitors can write notes to service members showing their thanks and visiting Gold Star Families will have the opportunity to inscribe a ceramic gold star with a personalized note to decorate the tree. Honoring Gold Star Families in this fashion was the First Lady’s idea, and the tree was decorated by Gold Star families who volunteered their time this holiday season.
T o download the 2011 White House Holiday Tour Book, which includes directions for making the East Garden Room mini-tree, click here. |
