The White House has seen some exceptional and beautifully decorated Christmases since it was inaugurated as the Presidential home but there are three that truly stand out from the rest. CeremonialSupplies.com, the best on-line shop for all the essential products needed to create memorable events such as groundbreaking ceremonies, grand openings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, graduations, military functions, fundraising galas, weddings, and many more, is please to explore here the three most extraordinary Christmas decorations in the White House. Over the years, each of these White House Christmas celebrations have uniquely reflected the era, the First Family, and the state of the nation. Here are three of the most decorated White House Christmases, where Presidents and First Ladies left an indelible mark with imaginative, lavish displays. Using red ribbons, green ribbons, golden ribbons, red carpets, and Christmas ribbon wreaths, these holiday seasons were celebrated with extraordinary style.
1. Kennedy’s Camelot Christmas (1961)
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy celebrated their first Christmas in the White House in 1961 with a refined elegance that echoed the optimism of “Camelot.” This year marked the first truly themed Christmas, as Jackie introduced a “Nutcracker Suite” theme, inspired by Tchaikovsky's ballet. Red ribbons, green ribbons, and golden ribbons intertwined with ornaments that depicted characters from the ballet. Each tree was adorned with Christmas ribbon wreaths to bring warmth to each room, adding a touch of enchantment to the White House halls.
Amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Kennedy years, the First Lady’s decorating choices brought sophistication and culture to the White House’s holiday decor. CeremonialSupplies.com, the premier online source for ceremonial ribbons, offers similarly luxurious options today in widths up to 12 inches wide, suitable for decorative table runners or as branded mementos. A red carpet and green ribbons lined the hallway, inviting visitors into a fairy-tale Christmas setting that symbolized the Kennedys’ modern Camelot.
2. Reagan’s Patriotic Christmas (1981)
Ronald and Nancy Reagan brought a uniquely patriotic theme to their first Christmas in office, resonating with an era defined by a revival of American pride. Amid economic challenges, their 1981 Christmas theme was “An Old-Fashioned American Christmas,” a reflection of Nancy Reagan’s commitment to family values and the simplicity of traditional American holiday celebrations. The East Room was filled with a large Christmas tree, adorned with red ribbons and golden ribbons that cascaded down its branches. Giant green ribbons added depth, and Christmas ribbon wreaths were strategically placed throughout, each embodying a sense of American resilience.
Red carpet runners led guests through the White House, lined by stanchions draped in Christmas ribbon wreaths, enhancing the traditional Americana feel. At CeremonialSupplies.com, today’s event planners can find ceremonial ribbons and accessories in similar patriotic shades, perfect for creating festive bows and decorations for high-profile events. The Reagans’ first Christmas celebration struck a chord with Americans, delivering a message of hope and strength that lifted spirits nationwide.
3. Trump’s “Spirit of America” (2019)
In 2019, Donald and Melania Trump’s “Spirit of America” theme brought a classic, patriotic touch to the White House Christmas decor. With red ribbons, golden ribbons, and green ribbons as core design elements, this theme aimed to honor the nation’s heritage and unity. The White House halls were filled with Christmas ribbon wreaths, and red carpets welcomed guests into rooms adorned with iconic American symbols.
The decor was intended to evoke a timeless, traditional atmosphere, with giant Christmas ribbon wreaths and golden ribbons symbolizing strength and prosperity. In keeping with the patriotic theme, green ribbons framed the fireplaces, and each room featured seasonal accents that mirrored the nation’s enduring spirit. Today, CeremonialSupplies.com offers ceremonial ribbons that are perfect for creating lasting, personalized touches in holiday decor, including luxurious event carpets and table runners in patriotic shades. Each corner of the White House sparkled with celebratory red, white, and green, providing an elegant backdrop that captured the nation’s resilience and unity.
These iconic White House Christmases underscore the powerful role that holiday decor plays in uplifting spirits and mirroring the times. Ribbons, in particular, offer a meaningful, versatile touch—from red and green to golden, creating a harmonious balance that reflects both tradition and the current American spirit. With suppliers like CeremonialSupplies.com, event planners have endless options for high-quality, beautiful ribbons and accessories that bring elegance and warmth to any celebration. Talk to us on our live chat, or click here for a quote.