I’ve just completed a fantastic week long adventure in our nation’s capitol that culminated in a gorgeous holiday reception at The White House. And when I say White House, I do indeed mean that big white building behind the gates at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I know. It took me a minute to get over it as well. At the invitation of The First Lady, it is estimated that between 400 and 500 guests braved the chilly, damp DC air that night to get a magical view of the 2014 Holiday decorations and Mrs. Obama herself. This year’s theme: A Children’s Winter Wonderland.
Go. See. It. Beyond inspiring.
I’m pretty sure I don’t push travel spots on you…but…there’s a first time for everything. If you can get to DC to do a holiday White House tour, I highly recommend you Go. See. It. Besides the obvious (you’re in The White House!), you’ll love that although there is a cohesive theme, each space has something special about it and different from the last. This is inspirational eye candy at its best. Rich history, gorgeous furnishings and heights of over 20 feet in some spaces combined with the glistening ornaments and innovative decor ideas will have the avid decorator or crafter in you wishing you could leave with a book of all the “How To’s”. It’s the best time of year to see the White House in my opinion. Besides – who doesn’t like twinkle lights, snowy winter wonderland scenes and even a little bit of Bo and Sunny the first family’s dogs? Let’s not forget the massive gingerbread house. And…I helped decorate. So yeah, there’s that. Even being there as part of the volunteer decorating crew, there was still so much to take in at the Holiday Party that night. But here’s a small sample of inspiration:
Clusters of traditional with non-traditional colors, shapes and sizes. These book pop-ups = genius.
Hand stamped ribbons and ornaments. Picture frames.
Glittery layers make clusters of items stand out on swags or wreaths.
Yes, those are little “villages” placed in the trees!
Scrabble whimsy + beautiful non-traditional colored bling mixed in = Gorgeous. Don’t be afraid to layer those ornaments on. LOVE how full this tree is.
Layers of ribbon and ornaments top this doorway swag.
Love that the mirrors and sconces got dressed as well. Do it all!
It was truly an honor to attend the reception. And you know I’m an eater…so yes, I’ll say it…the food at The White House was good. We were like kids in a candy store, snacking, running through The House taking in the marble floors, stately columns and rich drapery in all its glory. The holiday decor was divine and I know everyone worked crazy hard on it. To my girlz (sisters and partners in crime) Maureen Petrosky and Coleen Christian Burke – Ladies, We Came. We Saw. We Conquered. And Jen…well…
See more details on 2014 Holidays – Inside the White House and get information on tours here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside-white-house/holidays-2014
For my behind the scenes addicts out there (you know who you are), don’t miss the lovely Genevieve Gorder as she hosts HGTV’s White House Christmas. Airing December 14th, this show takes you deep inside the decorating process. This is THE show that started the obsession for me…and I’m certain for many others.
Although I’m not certain I have the energy to…This trip has me very excited to finally pull out all of my own decorations. I’m late this year with the decor…mainly because I left on this trip the weekend I would have normally put up our tree. But I’m sure I will make up the time. I predict that this week will be a holiday decorating frenzy at my house. I may share some of that with you here as well. Stay tuned!
edit. your. life. 