The halls have officially been decked in the White House just in time for the holidays.
First lady Melania Trump unveiled the first photos of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue decorated for Christmas in a theme she designed and dubbed "The Spirit of America."
"This Christmas season I want to honor those who have shaped our country and made it the place we are proud to call home," she said in a White House press release. The first lady's official Twitter page also released a short video showing more of the glistening decor in various rooms of the White House.
The "Spirit of America" theme is a "tribute to the traditions, customs, and history that make our Nation great," according to the White House. "The decorations celebrate the courageous individuals who have shaped our country and kept the American spirit alive."
This is a similar theme to last year's "American Treasures," which the first lady said honored the "heart and spirit of the American people." The 2018 decor included 40 crimson trees, which sparked criticism and jokes online. The first lady defended the jarring red shrubs, calling them "fantastic."
In the East Wing, the Gold Star Family tree, which was decorated by survivors of military members who have died in American wars — known as Gold Star families — is perched before a grand window and embellished in red bows and gold ornaments.
The East Colonnade, in a white color scheme, features hanging stars and silhouettes of United States landmarks, displaying a timeline of "American design, innovation and architecture."
Star-spangled ornaments and winter greenery adorn the fireplace in the East Room.
Snow dusts the floors of the Grand Foyer, decorated with gold trimmings and bright lights. A glistening winter garden after the Grand Foyer is filled with 22 evergreens, 14 golden magnolia topiaries, 10 floral urns, and dusted with fresh-fallen snow.
Elegant red roses line the fireplace and dinner table of the State Dining Room.
The State Dining Room also features a gingerbread replica of the White House surrounded by more U.S. landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The White House pastry team created this piece using 200 pounds of gingerbread dough, 125 pounds of pastillage dough, 35 pounds of chocolate and 25 pounds of icing.
The official White House Christmas tree was delivered to the Pennsylvania Avenue on Nov. 25 from Mahantongo Valley Farms in Pitman, Pennsylvania. The 18-foot tree — pictures of which have not yet been released — lives in the Blue Room and is decorated with handmade paper flowers that represent the floral emblems of every state and territory.
The White House will be hosting tours, open houses and receptions throughout December for guests who wish to see the decorations up close.
