Jill Biden unveils the White House Christmas decorations for 2021 – and they come with a twist
The White House Christmas decorations celebrate festive traditions – with an intimate feature you can recreate at home
Dr Jill Biden has officially marked the start of the festive season by unveiling the White House Christmas decorations – for the first time since her husband took office.
The reveal is a continuation of a long tradition that sees the First Lady dress the White House for the holidays – and she has based her Christmas decor ideas around one personal theme: Gifts from the Heart.
To celebrate ‘Gifts from the Heart’, Jill added a tiny photo frame decoration that hangs from the State Dining Room Christmas tree. And, while this intimate gesture pays homage to the theme, we expect it will set Christmas tree trends globally.
Plus, while Joe and Jill Biden are behind the photo frame trend, their portrait is not the only image to hang from the branches of the Dining Room tree. Instead, the First Lady hung a selection of photographic memories and historical images from the Christmas tree branches.
Among the chosen photos is an image of former United States President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jaqueline Kennedy, who similarly decorated the White House whilst in residency. All images sit in tiny gold frames – and are tied with a red ribbon that stands out against the dark green branches of the tree.
These traditional red, green and gold tones are similarly reflected in the mantelpiece decoration and in other rooms around the White House, including the Christmas tree in the China Room.
The China Room similarly reflects quintessential dining table decor ideas through its ornate gold-rimmed china and abundance of natural flowers that add a natural element to the space.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Meanwhile, the Vermeil Room further upholds the traditional palette. However, this tree offers a youthful twist with its multicoloured glass balls that break slightly away from Christmas conventions.
To celebrate 'Gifts from the Heart' further, the White House has launched a variety of interactive viewing experiences so you can take further decoration ideas from the Heart. They will be available on Instagram, Google Maps, Street View and Snapchat over the festive season.
In the meantime, though, we’re scouting our gallery for the best photos for our Christmas tree frames.
Gold Picture Frame Ornament, Set of Two| $15.99 on Amazon
If you want to follow the First Lady's lead, you can pick up a similar photo frame ornament here. With its golden outline and traditional red ribbon, this is a close match to the one currently sitting in the White House.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
8 common solar light mistakes – and how to avoid them
I spoke to a lighting pro about 8 common solar light mistakes. He revealed the most likely reasons your lights aren't working – and how to fix them
By Alex David Published
-
Kelly Clarkson's urban collection celebrates all the fundamental elements of NYC design – and it's reduced for Way Day now
Quintessential NY design marries industrial bones with warm accessories, according to designers – and this collection captures this idea perfectly (plus, it's at the lowest price to date)
By Megan Slack Published