First lady Melania Trump on Monday said patriotism and the “Spirit of America” is the theme of this year’s White House Christmas display that features ribbons of red, white and blue and a model of U.S. landmarks made of 200 pounds of gingerbread.
Mrs. Trump said she wanted to honor “the courageous individuals who have shaped our country and kept the American spirit alive.”
Visitors to the East Wing will find a tree adorned with golden stars and patriotic ribbons to honor Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in war.
The East Colonnade features a timeline of American design, innovation and architecture, while the East Garden Room displays the first family’s annual ornament and Christmas card. The American flag will be showcased this year as a symbol of national pride.
Entering from the ground floor corridor, the Vermeil Room will highlight the “spirit of generosity” of previous first ladies, the library is dedicated to past presidents, and the China Room is set with a holiday feast to illustrate how families come together at the holidays.
“This Christmas season I want to honor those who have shaped our country and made it the place we are proud to call home, and I am excited to announce our White House holiday theme, ’The Spirit of America,’ ” Mrs. Trump said. “When I travel the country, I am inspired by the hardworking people and families that I meet. No matter which state they call home, many Americans share a strong set of values and deep appreciation for the traditions and history of our great nation.”
This is Mrs. Trump’s third Christmas in the White House.
Last year’s edition featured blood-red trees in the East Colonnade, the hallway of the East Wing, prompting a string of talk-show jokes and prompting Mrs. Trump to retort, “Everybody has a different taste.”
A video released by the White House late Sunday showed Mrs. Trump admiring the decorations, sprinkling fake snow on a Christmas tree and opening the door on a White House Advent calendar in the Green Room. The room also showcases beloved Christmas tales.
The State Dining room features a gingerbread house depicting the South Portico of the White House and landmarks from across the country, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Space Needle, Mount Rushmore, the Alamo, Gateway Arch, Liberty Bell and Statue of Liberty.
White House pastry chefs used 200 pounds of gingerbread dough, 125 pounds of pastillage (a sugar paste that dries hard), 35 pounds of chocolate and 25 pounds of icing.
They painted dried pasta to depict the White House’s staircase and banisters.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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