Exploring the White House holiday decorations this year

A team of 150 volunteers spent an entire week preparing the White House for the holidays, using 25,000 feet of ribbon, 120 pounds of gingerbread, thousands of decorative butterflies and a 6,000-piece Lego portrait of President Donald Trump. According to the first ladys office, Melania Trumps fifth holiday theme is Home is where the heart is.

This years design leans heavily on classic holiday aesthetics, with warm lights and large velvet bowsa more traditional approach after previous dcor drew criticism. Public tours will resume Tuesday, following a new, shortened route created after the East Wing was demolished for construction of the presidents new ballroom. During Mondays media preview, the sounds of ongoing work echoed in the background while a military band played seasonal music.

With the East Wing gone and the East Colonnade closed, visitors will now step through the main entrance. The tour begins in the East Room, themed America 250 in recognition of the nations upcoming milestone anniversary. Four evergreen trees stand adorned with red, white and blue ornaments and patriotic ribbons.

The Green Room highlights family fun, showcasing two 6,000-piece Lego portraitsone of Donald Trump and one of George Washingtonalong with a card-built castle and domino-crafted trees. Michigans contribution, the official White House Christmas tree, fills the Blue Room. The towering concolor fir features deep blue velvet bows, gleaming stars, and frosted ornaments representing each state and territorys official flower and bird. The chandelier was removed to accommodate its full 18-foot height.

In the Red Room, the first ladys Be Best initiative is reflected in a display of blue butterflies across the tree, mantel, and glowing topiaries. Meanwhile, pastry chefs constructed a detailed gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room using 120 pounds of gingerbread, including a cutaway view of the Yellow Oval Room complete with a fondant tree, gold-and-crystal chandelier, and soft pink sofa.

Volunteers from across the country worked through Thanksgiving weekend to finalize the decorations. Among them was Amber Welch, a small-business owner from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who was assigned to the Blue Room. She spent hours tying bows and preparing ornaments. Welch described the experience as a powerful sense of patriotism and humility, recognizing the history contained within the room.

Though Melania Trump has spent much of this term outside Washington, her office says she was deeply involved in developing this years holiday theme. She explained that her idea was shaped by the constant movement of balancing motherhood and business, which taught her that home is the comfort one carries within. Her statement followed the announcement of her new production company, Muse Films.

The former first lady has recently increased her public appearances, noting that her upcoming documentary projectproduced under a major deal with Amazonhas occupied much of her time. The film, titled Melania, is scheduled for a January theatrical release and is directed by Brett Ratner.

During her earlier years in the White House, Melania Trump selected a range of themes: the 2017 Time-Honored Traditions, the 2018 patriotic red motif that sparked debate, the 2019 emphasis on national symbols, and the 2020 tribute to essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She has previously expressed frustration over the pressures of holiday obligations, as revealed in recordings from 2018 in which she voiced feeling criticized while managing traditional first lady responsibilities.

Analysis: A Traditional Yet Modern Twist to White House Holiday Decorations

The 2023 White House holiday decorations, prepared by a dedicated team of 150 volunteers, offer a striking contrast to previous years' themes, leaning into classic aesthetics with an air of modernity. This year's theme, “Home is where the heart is,” reflects Melania Trump's desire to evoke warmth and comfort—concepts that resonate deeply, especially during times of transition. The use of velvet bows, warm lighting, and an intricate gingerbread model of the White House are a nod to traditional holiday elements, balancing with more contemporary pieces such as the detailed Lego portraits of President Trump and George Washington.

One of the significant shifts this year is the embrace of nostalgia, especially given the East Wing's demolition and the restructured public tours. The "America 250" room, featuring patriotic colors and symbols, reflects an emphasis on national unity and heritage. This is further emphasized by the towering Christmas tree in the Blue Room, adorned with state-specific symbols. This approach appears to be an intentional pivot from previous, more experimental decorations, which had sparked debate and controversy.

The involvement of volunteers across the country, like Amber Welch from Tulsa, highlights the powerful sense of community and patriotism tied to these annual preparations. This hands-on engagement with the White House’s seasonal display brings a personal touch to what has become a symbol of the nation’s holiday spirit.

It’s clear that Melania Trump’s personal experiences and challenges have shaped the 2023 theme. Balancing public duties with personal life seems to have driven her concept of “home” as a place of inner peace, something that can be carried within. Her recent shift towards a more visible public role, marked by her documentary deal with Amazon, underscores her desire to control her narrative while honoring her role as the First Lady.

The theme's traditional elements paired with modern touches suggest a deliberate attempt to find a middle ground between the expectations placed on the First Lady and her personal aspirations. It’s a delicate balance, one that reflects both the legacy of the White House and the ongoing evolution of its symbolism during the Trump administration.

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• Inside this year’s White House holiday decor