Monday, December 8, 2008

I'm Dreaming of a White (House) Christmas...

Last week was First Lady Laura Bush's final reveal of the Christmas decorations and food for the Holiday Season at the White House.  I was fortunate to get to cover it, once again, for work.  I really LOVE being at the White House and I jump at the chance to get over there any time I can!  I'm snuggled in bed, trying to tackle all of this blog catching up... so I may get to just pictures, no stories... if that happens, I'll fill in the blanks tomorrow...


IMG_2905 Meet... the press!!











 


WHChristmas08 074

She's such a lady!







WHChristmas08 079 


It was really touching when she told us how much she's going to miss the staff of the White House.



She almost started crying while talking about the florist.









WHChristmas08 085 Here she is showing us the White House Christmas cards.


I got mine today!  It cracks me up that it always comes with a Crawford, TX postmark!


It's very pretty and on the inside, is Matthew 5:16:  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."



WHChristmas08 015 


Beautiful tables in the East Room.







WHChristmas08 016



A beautiful tree in Cross Hall.












WHChristmas08 034 


This is THE tree in the Blue Room.  A little crooked, yes, I know... sorry about that. :)





The theme this year is "A Red, White and Blue Christmas."  The tree has ornaments designed by artists all around the USA.


If you want to see your local ornament, you can click here.  (You'll have to know your Congressional district, if you don't click here.)










 


On our way out, we all posed for Christmas portraits by the infamous tree!


    WHChristmas08 026WHChristmas08 029WHChristmas08 027WHChristmas08 006WHChristmas08 030      Haha... it was like picture day at school or something!


Now... let's talk about the FOOD! (this wasn't even ALL!)


WHChristmas08 024Lobster Salad with Fresh Cucumber, Radishes, and Chicory


Smoked Salmon with Potato Pancakes and Chive Crème Fraîche



Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Madeira Sauce

Cauliflower Gratin

Shaved Virginia Ham with Plum Marmalade

Cheesy Stone-Ground Grits


Holiday Reception Desserts

Brioche Bread Pudding

Coconut Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with Chocolate Glaze

Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Yule Log

Lemon Layer Cake with Fresh Blueberry and Raspberry Topping

Pecan Pie

Red Velvet, Devil's Food, and Strawberry Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

Pecan Pralines

Chocolate Truffles **(my favorite!)

Blueberry Cobbler

Fresh Long-Stemmed Strawberries with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Barney, Miss Beazley, and Kitty Cookies

Star Cookies


WHChristmas08 022








































This is the annual giant gingerbread/white chocolate to scale White House!



It's made with more than 350 lbs of white chocolate and 125 lbs of gingerbread!


(whoa!  totally sounds like one of those shows on the Discovery Health Channel or something...)



WHChristmas08 032 


I saw a plate and glass and fork that someone left behind in the Green Room.



Seriously, how ghetto do you have to be to leave your stank dishes laying around the White House?  C'mon people!






WHChristmas08 052 


Eric took some questions in the Briefing Room.












WHChristmas08 054

And I sat in Helen's chair.




But I played nice!






That's a wrap!



No comments: