White House Christmas Tour 2021, Pt. 1

HGTV host Genevieve Gorder takes viewers on an extensive tour of the White House as decorated for the 2021 Christmas season.

The exterior of the White House, seen here from the South Lawn, is highlighted by three massive wreaths with bright red bows. This year no less than 25 classic holiday wreaths adorn the north and south facades of the White House exterior.

"Gifts From the Heart" is the overarching theme for the holiday design and decor at the nation's first residence this year. Moreover, the decorations selected for each of the individual rooms throughout the tour allude to a specific concept reflecting our nations values — all common elements tied together under one thematic whole. Themes for the individual spaces include: Faith, Community, Family, Friendship, Learning, Nature, Gratitude, Service, Peace, Unity and The Arts. The theme for The Blue Room, seen here, is "The Gift of Peace and Unity."

HGTV host Genevieve Gorder helps the White House pastry team with finishing touches on the official 2021 Gingerbread White House, a popular annual tradition overseen by the White House executive chef and bakers.

Genevieve assists with arranging garlands and greenery with volunteer White House decorators.

At the East Portico entrance this year, visitors enter via an archway formed by a collection of holiday packages wrapped in crimson red.

The interior of the East Portico entrance continues the decorative theme of stylized wrapped packages and bright red tones.

The East Landing is home to the 'Gift of Service' themed Gold Star Christmas Tree.

The Gold Star Tree honors the heroic men and women of our Nation’s military who have sacrificed their lives for our country, and the families who carry on their legacies.

The theme for the East Room this year is "The Gift of Gratitude" — celebrating small acts of kindness and grateful reflection.

With its grand scale and formal ambiance, the East Room was designed as the largest room in the White House and serves as setting for public receptions, ceremonies bill signings and other special occasions.

In keeping with the "Gift of Gratitude" theme, oversized replicas of holiday cards and handwritton notes symbolize small acts of kindness, generosity, appreciation and thanks.

The greeting-card motif is continued in the East Room's tree decorations. "Whether it is penning a thank you card, sending a sweet text with a heart emoji, or dropping off muffins on a neighbor’s front porch," reads this year's visitors' White House tourbook, "these expressions of gratitude heal our hearts and bring us together."

The East Room features one of the home's most vital and historic artifacts — the portrait of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stuart. First lady Dolly Madison helped save the portrait in 1814 when the White House was nealy destroyed during the War of 1812.

A favorite feature among annual holiday displays is the Neapolitan Creche that includes more than 40 handmade figurines from the 18th century.

The Neapolitan Creche has been displayed in the East Room each year since 1967.

The Neapolitan Creche, detail

The Neapolitan Creche, detail

Among the most identifiable and impressive spaces in the White House during the holiday season is the famed East Colonnade — an ideal backdrop for a celebratory setting with visual drama and creative design.

Iridescent doves and shooting stars illuminate the hallway, representing the peace and light brought to us all by the service of frontline workers and first responders during the pandemic.

White poinsettias adorn the bench planters opposite the windows that look out onto the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden.

East Colonnade, detail

The theme for the Grand Foyer is The Gift of Faith and Community, alluding to the hope and assurance that "with the strength of faith and love of community, we are never alone." Floating votive candles throughout the hall symbolize the light we carry out into the world.

Framed shadow boxes display some of the Biden family's personal Christmas tree ornaments.

"The hallway alcoves and tree displays depict wintry scenes of life within our towns and cities, reflecting the solace of faith, the lasting bonds of community, and the perseverance of the American spirit."

" ... Just like the shooting stars in the night sky, we are encouraged by the brightness of tomorrow and the hope it can bring."

The spectacular Blue Room is home to the White House official Christmas tree. This year, in total, there are 41 Christmas trees throughout the White House.

Cascading down the tree, peace doves carry a shimmering banner embossed with the names of each state and territory of the United States, reminding us all of the importance of unity and national harmony.

The Red Room captures the joy and wonder of the holiday season by celebrating the theme of 'The Gift of the Performing Arts.'

Brass instruments hang from the mantel against the rich, red, silk wall coverings.

Ballet slippers, tap shoes, and musical notes adorn the tree and mantel decor — all in keeping with the theme of the vital importance of the performing arts in our lives.

Appropriately the chosen theme for the beautiful Green Room this year is 'The Gift of Nature.'

Lush foliage and sprays of greenery are draped along the Green Room's fireplace mantel.

What is now the Green Room once served as Thomas Jefferson's dining room during his tenure as president.

Arranged in the windows of the room are trees fashioned from dark-purple and blue tree ornaments.

Among the paintings housed in the Green Room is Henry Ossawa Tanner’s "Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City," which incorporates actual sand to symbolize the windswept beaches of our coasts.

Live natural orchids with deep magenta blooms are used as accents throughout the green room's decor.

Genevieve Gorder works with one of the volunteers in the decorations for the Green Room. More than 100 volunteers work a full week to decorate the White House interior and exterior.