I went with Trish and Phor to the White House Christmas Open House. It was a rainy day that contrasted with the gorgeous colors, smells, and music from within the White House. I took so many photos but regretted all of the ones I didn't take after the tour was over.
I really enjoyed seeing the Presidential and First Lady portraits. It was a game of who I could recognize.
Trish in the East Garden Room.
The Vermiel Room - tree skirts made of garland.
The Library - more than 2,700 books chronicle America's history.
China Room which displays over 200 years of china services used by First Families. The portrait is of Grace Coolidge who was a beautiful woman.
The East Room
This was close as I could get to Edith Wilson's portrait - another incredible glamorous painting.
The Portrait of George Washington that Dolly Madison saved from the burning White House.
The White House creche, composed of 44 figures, has been displayed in this room for nearly 50 years.
Teddy Roosevelt. I was disappointed not to find FDR's portrait.
The Green Room which was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy. It's a parlor used for teas and receptions. It's difficult to think of these rooms being comfortably used for anything.
The Red Room
The State Dining Room with a portrait of Lincoln. And the gingerbread house below is a 300-pound sugar creation featuring a skating rink and marzipan sleigh and reindeer. The dogs are right in front of the house.
Carolers entertained us at the end of the tour. This group was from Illinois. I kept imagining a holiday Hallmark movie about them needing to raise the money so they could sing at the White House and romance probably happened on the way.
I love Truman.
So neat! I wish I could have seen it all. Especially the crèche.
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