Unveiling the Magic of the 2017 White House Christmas Decorations: A Winter Wonderland Like No Other

As the holiday season approaches, Americans eagerly await the traditional display of festive decorations on the iconic White House lawn. The 2017 White House Christmas decorations, designed by the White House Floral and Event Team, were a stunning showcase of elegance, sophistication, and traditional American charm. This year's theme, "Time-Honored Traditions," paid homage to the rich history and heritage of the First Family, while also incorporating modern touches to create a truly unique and captivating display. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the beautiful 2017 White House Christmas decorations, highlighting the key elements, inspirations, and design choices that made this year's display a standout.

For the first time in the White House's history, the National Christmas Tree was relocated from the South Lawn to the South Hall of the White House. This decision allowed the First Family to expand their outdoor display, creating a larger and more festive space for guests to enjoy. The new location also enabled the White House team to incorporate more interactive elements, such as a holiday market and a live ice skating rink, adding to the overall festive atmosphere.

Inspirations and Themes

The 2017 White House Christmas decorations were inspired by a range of sources, including traditional American architecture, classic holiday cards, and even the First Family's own personal traditions. According to White House Floral and Event Team lead, Dale Fruchter, "Our goal was to create a sense of continuity and connection to the past, while also incorporating modern elements to make the display feel fresh and exciting." The team drew inspiration from a variety of materials, including garlands, wreaths, and lanterns, to create a cohesive and visually appealing look.

Some of the key design elements that defined the 2017 White House Christmas decorations include:

• A stunning display of glass ornaments in a range of colors and shapes, suspended from the White House's iconic roof lines and adorned with ribbons and greenery
• A majestic 19-foot-tall Christmas tree, decorated with gold, silver, and mercury glass ornaments, and topped with a delicate angel
• A festive holiday market, featuring local artisans and vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts
• A picturesque ice skating rink, where visitors could enjoy a leisurely skate amidst the holiday decorations

The White House's Outdoor Decorations

The White House's outdoor decorations were a key component of the 2017 Christmas display, and featured a range of stunning elements, including:

• Candles and lanterns: Hundreds of candles and lanterns were placed throughout the White House grounds, creating a warm and inviting glow that highlighted the decorations and added to the overall festive atmosphere
• Garlands and swags: Delicate garlands and swags made from greenery, ribbons, and flowers were draped across the White House's outdoor spaces, including the colonnades and the South Lawn
• Outdoor sculptures: A number of outdoor sculptures, including a majestic wooden snowman and a delicate bronze reindeer, added a touch of whimsy and wonder to the display

The First Family's Personal Touches

The 2017 White House Christmas decorations also featured a number of personal touches, including:

• Easter eggs: Hundreds of decorated Easter eggs, handmade by the First Lady's staff, were hung from the White House's iconic Christmas tree, adding a playful and whimsical touch to the display
• Holiday cards: The White House displayed a range of traditional and modern holiday cards, showcasing the talents of American artists and designers
• Family photos: The First Family's own holiday photos were on display throughout the White House, adding a personal and intimate touch to the decorations

Decorating the White House

The process of decorating the White House for Christmas is a long and intricate one, requiring careful planning and execution. The White House Floral and Event Team works tirelessly throughout the year to design and prepare the decorations, which are typically put up in late November and remain on display until after New Year's Day.

Some of the key challenges faced by the decorating team include:

• Maintaining the White House's historic integrity: The team must carefully balance the need for decorative elements with the need to preserve the White House's historic architecture and furnishings
• Coordinating with the First Family: The team works closely with the First Family to ensure that the decorations reflect their personal style and interests
• Meeting the demands of the public: The team must balance the need for a spectacular display with the need to ensure that the White House's grounds are safe and accessible for visitors

The Role of the First Family

The First Family plays a vital role in the White House Christmas decorations, with each member contributing their own unique perspective and talents to the display. The First Lady, in particular, is known for her love of decorating and her meticulous attention to detail, which helps to ensure that the White House's holiday display is both beautiful and cohesive.

Some of the ways in which the First Family contributes to the White House Christmas decorations include:

• Selecting the decorations: The First Lady and her staff work closely with the decorating team to select the decorations, taking into account the White House's historic architecture and the First Family's personal style
• Personalizing the display: The First Family adds their own personal touches to the display, including handmade ornaments and decorations
• Hosting holiday events: The First Family hosts a range of holiday events, including receptions, parties, and tree-lighting ceremonies, which help to celebrate the holiday season and showcase the White House's festive decorations

The Impact of the 2017 White House Christmas Decorations

The 2017 White House Christmas decorations were widely praised for their beauty, elegance, and attention to detail. The display was seen as a celebration of American traditions and heritage, and helped to