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This close-up photograph of decorations in the State Dining Room was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House decor. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. Scenes from Santa’s Workshop filled the State Dining Room. Around the Christmas trees were workbenches, stools, and ladders for the elves as well as toys and gifts in progress. Life-sized nutcrackers and dancing ballerinas were on display throughout the room, next to the trees and in the window wells. A garland of ribbons and gift tags adorned the mantel, wrapping up the room’s festive décor with a bow.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical AssociationGallery
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This glass locket containing the hair of President Thomas Jefferson and his daughter Martha was acquired for the White House Collection in 1975 during the Gerald R. Ford presidency. The locket is attributed to Fossin et Fils, a prestigious Paris jewelry company that provided goods to King Louis-Philippe of France (18301848) as well as other European heads of state, and was produced circa 1825 to 1868.
Bruce White for the White House Historical Association -
This punch bowl was created by Tiffany and Company in 1874. The punch bowl features an intricate and realistic design of pine needles with eagle's heads and talons around the brim of the bowl. The design of the punch bowl is attributed to James H. Whitehouse and Eugene Soligny is attributed with the modeling and chasing. An "M" stamp at the bottom of the bowl indicates the bowl was made under the leadership of Edward C. Moore during his tenure at Tiffany and Company. This piece was donated to the White House Collection in 2005 during the George W. Bush administration.
Bruce White for the White House Historical Association -
This photograph, taken by Pete Souza on October 31, 2014, shows the South Portico of the White House festively decorated for a Halloween celebration hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for local children and military families. The decorations included large inflatable pumpkins and facades of trees with autumnal leaves.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza -
This photograph was taken during a Halloween party hosted by Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence at the vice president's residence at the United States Naval Observatory on October 30, 2019. The festivities included trick-or-treating, a "pick your own pumpkin" field, pumpkin decorating, and thematic decorations including dry ice and lighting displays. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump also celebrated Halloween by inviting local school schoolchildren and military families to trick-or-treat at the White House on October 28, 2019.
Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour -
This photograph of the White House Historical Association’s Official White House Christmas Ornament was photographed by David Wiegold. The 2021 ornament honors Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States who took office on November 22, 1963 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The front of the ornament captures Robert H. Laessig’s painting of the 1967 Blue Room Christmas tree. Laessig, a designer with American Greetings, painted the tree at the request of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson for the Johnson family’s Christmas card that year. The card was sent to members of the White House staff, family, and friends. The back of the ornament features an engraving of a quote from President Johnson’s address to a joint session of Congress on March 15, 1966 in response to the violence in Selma, Alabama and the attack by law enforcement and counter protestors on Civil Rights activists. Johnson stated, “Our mission is at once the oldest and the most basic of this country: to right wrong, to do justice, to serve man,” calling on Congress to support a bill that would protect the right to vote and outlawing discriminatory actions that would inhibit African Americans from voting. The speech is most recognized for Johnson’s plea that, “We shall overcome.” Surrounding Johnson’s quote on the back are Texas bluebonnets to honor Mrs. Johnson’s dedication to beautification projects. The bluebonnets were a favorite of Mrs. Johnson’s and are the Texas state flower, a nod to the Johnson family’s home state.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
In this short video, White House Historical Association historian Dr. Matthew R. Costello shares the history of the Blue Room. This video was part of a series created to enhance the White House Historical Association's White House Experience app. The video was shot in 2020, during the Donald Trump administration. The videos were made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. This is a high-resolution version without subtitles. See 1130958 for high-resolution with subtitles, 1130956 for low-resolution with subtitles, and 1130957 for low-resolution without subtitles.
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This plan suggested a proposed expansion for the Executive Mansion attributed to First Lady Caroline Harrison around 1891. Compiled and drawn by architect Frederick Dale Owen, the plan proposes the addition of a private central court enclosed by historic and official wings as well as a series of greenhouses and conservatories housing palm gardens and a lily pond. While this proposal never came to be realized, the plan anticipates President Theodore Roosevelt's construction of the East and West Wings in 1902.
Library of Congress -
This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison with the White House Gingerbread House was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 2023 White House Gingerbread House, on display in the State Dining Room, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The display featured a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh soaring over the White House grounds.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association -
In this photograph, President George H. W. Bush laughs during the turkey pardoning ceremony while his grandson, Sam LeBlond, gets caught in the shot. Presidents and their families have received turkeys for the holidays since the 1870s. The origin of the turkey pardon is said to have started with President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, after he offered a clemency to a turkey purchased for Christmas dinner at his son's request. However, the pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey became a formalized tradition during the Ronald Reagan administration.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARA -
This photograph of country music star Mickey Guyton performing at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and concert was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on November 30, 2023. Guyton, in addition to performing, served as the host for the evening's celebrations. The 2023 tree lighting was the third presided over by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, with performances by Darren Criss, Samara Joy, Ledisi, Maddie & Tae, Joe Walsh, Dionne Warwick, St. Vincent, and the United States Coast Guard’s Guardians Big Band.
Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association -
This photograph of the Green Room was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The power of faith was represented with candles, stars, stained glass windows, and prisms throughout the Green Room. The tranquility of the decorations reminded visitors to value the quiet moments of reflection and appreciation for the wonders around us. A large Christmas tree was placed in the center of the room along with a festive garland on the mantel, floral arrangements, and orchids, a favorite of Dr. Biden's.
David Wiegold for the White House Historical Association