North Gate entrance to the White House *

View of White House North Portico. *

View of White House taken from North West Corner of estate.

West view of White House estate.

View of the Old Executive Office Building.

The State Dining Room tablecloths are red-on-red polka dots with a little forest of trees that run down the center of the tables

White House staff member adjusts paintings before the arrival of the First Lady. Painting of Martha Washington in the background. *

Closeup view of the silver used in the White House State Dining Room.

White House Executive Chef, Cris Comerford enters the State Dining Room. *

Chef Mesnier’s perfection and dedication have been felt throughout the entire White House, whether by the First Family, their guests, or the White House staff, he has left his mark.

First lady Laura Bush.

Mrs. Laura Bush and White House staff explain the holiday receptions held in the State Dining Room.

Nancy Clarke is the White House chief florist. The White House Chief Floral Designer is responsible for the planning, design, arrangement and placement of all floral decorations for the First Family, their private entertaining, and official state functions at the White House, the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. *

"[Nancy] starts brainstorming about possibilities for decorations very early. We usually start in March, to first start talking about what we want to do for the next Christmas. And once again she's done a really fabulous job. She's also a delight to work with, and so much fun to get to decorate this beautiful house for the holidays," remarked Mrs. Bush. *

Gary Walters is the White House chief usher. He oversees all of the placement of decorations throughout the White House. *