Innholdsfortegnelse for Whitehouse Christmas 2011 i Southern Lady

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 • As sorted fresh greenery • Gar den shears • 1 (14-i nch) clamp-style EZ Wreath Wire Frame* • Heavy-duty pl iers • 3 to 4 (12-i nch) 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…

Presidents and First Ladies often pose for photographs with visiting dignitaries and heads of state at the foot of the Grand Staircase. This is also the ideal spot for forming a receiving line for guests. The Presidential seal is above the doors leading to the Blue Room, which holds the White House Christmas tree. Through the door on the left, the East Room is decorated for Christmas.…

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. FOND Memories “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!” 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…

An 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 appearance.…

MATERIALS • 1 (18-i nch) ball topiary form* • O asis glue chips* • Glue pan* (An old electric skillet works great, but it cannot be used again for anything except glue.) • 1 s ilver 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 s tems silver artificial leaves* • 7 to 8 cl usters silver artificial grapes* • 2 0-gauge wire pins‡ • 20 cl usters (25-millimeter) silver glass balls† • 12 to 15 clusters (30-millimeter) silver glass balls† • 4-i nch-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…

HOW-TO FRESH FLOWERS: Turn to page 92 to discover how to make these test tube ornaments. 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. HOW-TO MOSS TREE SKIRT: Learn how to make this nature-inspired tree skirt on page 96.…

MATERIALS (per ornament) • 24-i nch length (120-gauge) Oasis Aluminum Wire • M easuring tape or ruler • 1 (6-i nch-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 T ree Skirt Pattern (see page 93) • 1 (54-i nch) square brownish-green heavy cotton fabric • Strai ght pins • P ermanent marker • F abric-cutting scissors • 3 (18-x-48-i nch) rolls green sheet moss mat* • 1 (16 ounce) contai ner Aleene’s Tacky Glue* • 1 w ide paintbrush *Available in craft stores or floral markets NOTES • St retchy 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…

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.…

Cover: George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, photo by Shealah Craighead, 2008 Page 2: George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, photo by Tina Hager, 2002, wreath in Blue Room window Page 3: (Left) George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1992; (Center) George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, photo by Shealah Craighead, 2008; (Right) George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1992 Pages 6–7: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 1991, Cross Hall A LETTER FROM NANCY CLARKE Page 8: (Top) George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 2001; (Bottom) George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 2007 Page 9: George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, photo by Shealah Craighead, 2008 THE MAJESTY OF THE WHITE HOUSE Page 10: Nancy Clarke’s scrapbook, year unknown Pages 10–11: George W.…

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. FOND Memories “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.…

MATERIALS • El ectric or cordless drill • 12 to 14 r ed artificial apples or pomegranates • 10 gol den artificial pears • 6 to 8 small artificial apples or pears • 1 package (6-inch-long) wooden picks • O asis glue chips • G lue 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.) • S hears or trimmers for cutting wooden picks • 1 0 artificial grape clusters • 1 package (18-i nch-long) 26-gauge green floral stem wire • W ire cutters • 12 pi necones • 3 to 4 s tems multiheaded light-colored artificial berries, separated into smaller clusters NOTES • All items are available at…

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. FOND Memories “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.…

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-i nch) square piece embossed foil paper* (We used green foil paper for Steps 1 to 5 and gold for Step 6.) • 1 (18-i nch) 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…

MATERIALS • 54-i nch square heavy brown kraft paper • P aper-cutting scissors • 30 i nches string or yarn • P en • B lack marker • M easuring 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…

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 bl ock Oasis floral foam* • 1 gol d container with at least a 6-inch opening† • 1 (18-i nch) Styrofoam cone* • 5 pounds boxwood‡ • 20-gauge w ire pins†† • W ire cutters • 1 (18-x-48-i nch) sheet moss mat* • Sci ssors • 3 (39-gram ) tubes Oasis Floral Adhesive* • 10 pounds fresh dark red cranberries** • 3 to 4 (6-i nch-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. INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Cut a block of floral foam to fit in container and to extend 3 inches above rim. Place Styrofoam cone atop floral foam, and…

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. 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 Nancy. Giant topiaries and wreaths embellished with red glass balls coordinated with the colors used for the tree at the end of the Colonnade in 2006. To allow the topiaries to clear the doorways, the National Park Service had to construct them from two-part wire frames. Once the topiaries were in their proper places, volunteers covered them in a plastic flexible mesh and then glued on layer upon layer of glass balls.…

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 yar ds (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 yar d (24-gauge) green floral wire, folded in half INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Measure a length of ribbon for the tail. (Err on the long side of measurement, as it’s always better to have too much than too little.) Hold ribbon between thumb and index finger. Step 2: Holding ribbon tightly, turn it over so both front sides are facing up. Step 3: Pull top piece of ribbon around thumb to form the center loop, letting wrong side show as ribbon comes out from hand. Step 4: Twist ribbon to turn wrong side over in hand. Step 5: Make the first loop, and…

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,…

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 floors. FOND Memories “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…

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-i nch) Styrofoam cone* • Kni fe for cutting Styrofoam • 1 can m oss green floral spray paint* • O asis glue chips* • Gl ue pan* (An old electric skillet works great, but it cannot be used again for anything except glue.) • P edestal container with a 7- to 8-inch opening† (This container cannot be used again after the cone is glued in place.) • 12 to 15 pi eces large red beaded artificial fruit‡ • 12 to 15 pi eces large mauve beaded artificial fruit‡ • 100 to 120 (6-i nch-long) wooden picks* • Sheers or trimmers for cutting wooden picks • 25 cl usters artificial grapes‡ (Assorted colors and sizes are preferred.) • Several sets 3 to 4 sparkly multiheaded artificial stems‡…

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 Christmas portrait. FOND Memories “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,”…

MATERIALS (per ornament) • Al eene’s Tacky Glue • 2 Chri stmas cards of approximately the same size • Sci ssors • W ide paintbrush • Sm all-hole punch • T hin 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…

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 INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Fold pattern into eighths. Step 2: Cut out one piece on fold line. Step 3: Pin pattern piece to wrong side of fabric. Step 4: Using a permanent marker and drawing a broken line, trace around edge of pattern. (This will be the…

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 s ilver 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…

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,…