Christmas with the First Ladies The White House Decorating Tradition Due in October 2012

No home in America celebrates Christmas quite like the White House. Whether adorned with handmade ornaments or thoughtful crafts, the White House has warmly welcomed celebrities, dignitaries, and hardworking Americans who epitomize the Christmas spirit. And behind each holiday celebration is a first lady who lends her own style and grace to the festivities.

Christmas with the First Ladies is a look at the holiday magic that happens in the White House, capturing Christmas decorating history and techniques from Jackie Kennedy through Michelle Obama. Each first lady's design aesthetic is profiled, such as Ladybird Johnson's themes of home and family to help heal the nation after John F. Kennedy's death; Nancy Reagan's interest in renewing a childlike sense of wonder; and Laura Bush's "Red, White, and Blue Christmas" for a nation banding together. Coleen Christian Burke, an interior decorator who was part of Laura Bush's 2008 Christmas decorating team (where she created the icicle trees in the Grand Lobby and Festive Fife and Drum motifs in the State Dining Room), has collected the inspirations, the recipes, the excitement, as well as the decors of these illustrious presidential wives.

The festively vibrant full-color and iconic black and white photos throughout Christmas with the First Ladies capture the heartwarming grandeur of officiAl White House trees and decor of the many public rooms. The book also enables you to glimpse at modest private moments in the family living quarters with rare candid snapshots. In addition to breathtaking imagery, this multifaceted holiday treasure includes instructions for such holiday decorations and treats as Laura Bush's Shimmering Topiary Champagne Buckets, Betty Ford's Cranberry Tree, Jackie Kennedy's Enchanted Christmas-Present Tree, and Barbara Bush's Embellished Ballet Slippers. It also includes tasty First Ladies' holiday recipes such as Hillary Clinton's Chocolate Chip Cookies and Nancy Reagan's famous Monkey Bread.

With anecdotes and intimate photos of the presidential families during the holiday season, a tender and spirited foreword by Inside Edition's anchor Deborah Norville, as well as personal crafts and recipes used by the first ladies, Christmas with the First Ladies is the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings!

Coleen Christian Burke is an esteemed interior decorator who was part of the White House decorating team in 2008, where she created icicle trees in the Grand Lobby and festive Fife and Drum motifs in the State Dining Room. She is a former television producer for media out­lets such as CBS, CNBC, and Access Hollywood, as well as an on-air entertainment reporter for Extra!, MSNBC, and Fox News. Burke is also the founder of Sugar Plums, a premier design and decor business in New Jersey.

Deborah Norville is the host of Inside Edition, and the former host of the Today show. She has served as the anchor for NBC Nightly News and CBS Evening News. She has also authored five books, including The Power of Respect: Benefit from the Most Forgotten Element of Success.

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