White House decks its halls for the holidays

The White House has decked its halls with boughs of holly and plenty of shiny, sparkly bling for Christmas 2011 — including 37 trees, a 400-pound gingerbread house and other artsy, creative touches meant to evoke the spirit of the season. On Wednesday, dozens of guests (including media outlets like theGrio) were among those invited to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for its annual holiday preview, hosted by first lady Michelle Obama and volunteers from across the country. With all manner of real and artificial trees, topiary and flowers, it all made for a stunning display. The trees were decorated with star motifs, quartz and metallic like copper, aluminum and mirrored paper, set amidst the backdrop of grand, colorful rooms with Antiques, china, books and portraits of past American leaders and first ladies. The scene also included handmade decorations made of felt, paper and even recycled cans. Homemade cookies decorated like snowflakes, Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer and more were set out on silver platters, as servicemembers in uniform escorted guests around, and another plucked out holiday tunes on a piano. (more…)

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