Decking the Halls: Inside the White House Holiday Decor

This holiday season, the White House is aglow with the theme of “Magic, Wonder, and Joy,” thanks to a collaboration between Pinterest and the Office of the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Transforming 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue into a festive wonderland involved the expertise of 12 talented creators, selected for their crafting and decorating skills. With the help of 300 volunteers, these creators worked tirelessly to adorn the White House with holiday cheer.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting and Decorating

The selected creators, representing various fields from crafting to home decor, brought their expertise to the task. Among them were renowned individuals like Anita Yokota, Marite Espinoza, the Crafty Lumberjacks, Kelly Marcelo, and Brittany Jepsen. Together, they embarked on a week-long journey, including Thanksgiving Day, to trim trees, embellish mantels, and create holiday vignettes from scratch.

A Glimpse into the Collaboration

While touring the glitzed and glammed-up White House during the holiday season is a coveted experience, this collaboration offers a behind-the-scenes look without the need for waiting in long lines. Each creator shares static and video pins documenting DIY projects and innovative ideas that contributed to the White House’s transformation. The collaboration is also showcased on Pinterest’s search landing page, providing ample inspiration for crafting projects and holiday celebrations.

Tips from the Creators

I spoke to some of the creators to glean insights into holiday decorating, White House style. Despite the grandeur of the displays — featuring 98 Christmas trees, 72 wreaths, over 350 candles, almost 15,000 feet of ribbon, 34,000 ornaments, and over 142,000 lights — many of the materials used were simple and affordable. Each space reflected a classic holiday theme or iconic symbol, with emerging trends like bows and books making appearances.

Budget-Friendly Decorating Hacks

1. DIY Ornaments: Cluster small ball ornaments together to create statement ornaments without breaking the bank.
2. IKEA Stools: Paint and stencil IKEA stools for festive seating options or additional surface space.
3. Modern Garland: Opt for chenille and red beads for a modern twist on traditional popcorn garlands.
4. Button Decor: Use buttons to adorn trees and create charming tabletop vignettes.
5. Literary Holiday Look: Upcycle old books into tree skirts, tree collars, and tabletop trees for a literary touch.
6. Ribbon Magic: Transform mantels and staircases with simple runs of ribbon for a festive flair.

Conclusion

With these clever hacks and creative ideas, decking the halls in White House style becomes accessible to all. From DIY ornaments to upcycled decorations, there’s plenty of inspiration to infuse your home with holiday magic, wonder, and joy.