No home in America celebrates the holidays quite like the White House, and behind each annual celebration is a first lady who lends her own style to the festivities. Coleen Christian Burke, a professional holiday decorator who was part of volunteer teams that decked the halls with Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, has captured this colorful aspect of presidential history in her book Christmas with the First Ladies: The White House Decorating Tradition from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama.
Spend an afternoon with Burke as she covers the traditions of White House holiday decorating, brings you behind the scenes as the seasonal transformation takes place, and shares some practical tips on how you can make your own holiday home reflect the history and sparkle of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. You’ll take away your own hand-crafted ornament as a start.
2 to 2:45 p.m. Setting the Stage With the First Ladies
Burke discusses how each year’s visual themes are developed and the planning and execution of these elaborate displays. She explores how the personal style and personal interests of the first ladies find a reflection in seasonal decorations, and traces the changing look of holidays at the White House from the Kennedy through Obama administrations.
2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Crafting Traditions
See samples of the hand-made ornaments that have been part of the White House’s holidays, including Jacqueline Kennedy’s miniature gift-wrapped presents, Rosalyn Carter’s birthday hats, Barbara Bush’s ballet slippers, and Michelle Obama’s gingerbread men. Then Burke leads you in creating your own ornament inspired by a White House original.
3:30 to 4:15 p.m. The Sweetest Season
Follow the traditional gingerbread house display through the years and learn how the White House pastry kitchen produces the treats served during the holiday festivities.
4:15 to 5 p.m. Inside the White House
Burke shares a round of White House holiday trivia, stories of her work on the decorating team, and how you can apply to become a volunteer for Christmas decorating or in the White House’s floral or correspondence offices.
A book signing follows.
Burke is the founder of Sugar Plums, a holiday decorating firm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Other Connections
See some of the distinctive holiday decorating themes chosen by first ladies in this television interview with Coleen Christian Burke.
