You expect the holidays to be filled with magic and surprises, but never did I expect to find myself mingling in the East Wing of the White House during one of the Obama’s last Christmas parties. Pure magic! From the moment I stepped foot on property I knew it would be one of those lifetime experiences that I’ll look back on, much later in life, and be even more proud about it than I am right now.
For an in depth description of the party and its happenings please read my story for the New York Amsterdam News here! (I work really hard on these stories and would truly appreciate your support in reading each of them)
The holiday decor in this home was exactly what you’d expect out of a place so grand with an unlimited amount of resources. The gift-shaped pergola on the outside staircase and the ornament-adorned threshold over the entrance were just the beginning of the magic awaiting because with each turn beyond that door came another opportunity for a holiday postcard worthy pic.
I was first greeted by the Obama’s dogs –Bo and Sunny, well larger than life versions of them. And then, I entered a hallway that could easily be a scene from any princess fairytale. In my NY Amsterdam article I describe the hall and the moment:
“Suspended from the ceiling in the hallway, which led me toward the sound of holiday music and a crowd in good spirits, were long ribbons in a few shades of red and purple. Several of those strands dangled crystals, which reflected the sunlight as a snowflake would have and cast tinted shadows along the hallway. The magic of the moment was intensified when I realized the sun was coming through windows that overlooked the lawn Michelle Obama referenced in her now-famous DNC speech earlier this year.”
The party was filled with guests chatting with new and old friends, dancing to the sounds of the live band, and eating (and drinking) what was provided. Everyone was merry and obviously in the holiday spirit! Rooms were decorated in various themes, but every single room had a tree. The heavy hors d’oeuvres and the bar, along with a couple of giant nutcrackers and four beautiful trees were found in the first room we entered.
In the other rooms you’d find more holiday decor, lots and lots of people, and another hors d’oeuvres table. One of those rooms is the Blue Room and is where the most photographed tree in the house sits. It is the most photographed tree in the house because it sits behind the door that the seal of the President sits over. Each year it is decorated differently, but with the thought that it will be seen the most in mind. This year the nearly 17.5 foot tree is wrapped with the preamble of the US constitution.
Guests began lining the staircase and rope line when as soon as they got wind that the Obama’s would be making their entrance soon.
After a short speech and a little time chatting with those right in front of them, the Obama’s retired upstairs and guests continued to mingle throughout the rest of the wing.
My absolutely favorite room was BY FAR the Vermeil Room (which was named for the gold-plated serving pieces that were gifted to the White House in 1956)! But that’s because it was all pink, held the painting of Jackie Kennedy, and was dedicated to ballet- an art form that it is synonymous with the holidays. The room had four trees decorated with string pearls and ballerina ornaments, garland handing over the mantel that was made from the same material as tutus, and displayed several pointe shoes in glass tables on a table in the center of the room.
