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Volunteers Transform the White House for the Holidays

The world of White House volunteer decorators is rich with tradition and enthusiasm, characterized by the commitment of individuals eager to contribute their skills during the holiday season. According to one designer who participated, the experience was both challenging and uplifting, highlighting the impressive talents of the volunteers who dedicate a week of their vacation to beautify the iconic residence.

Among the decorators was Beth Kingston, the owner of Kingston Crafts and The Kingston Home. She was particularly taken by a creative project initiated by Burke & Pryde, which featured a remarkable faux popcorn garland crafted from chenille yarn. Kingston remarked that this design became a focal point of conversation among decorators, leading many to recreate the garland for their own homes. She embraced this inspiration for her decorating style, creating extensive popcorn garlands and adopting a more lavish approach to holiday decor, moving away from her usual minimalist tendencies. Similarly, fellow decorator Spagnolo found new inspiration in the extensive use of faux snow, which prompted her to incorporate it into a client’s holiday designs.

Kingston’s enthusiasm for the volunteer experience led her to return as a team leader this year. She expressed delight in the strong sense of camaraderie that developed among the decorators, stating that the exchange of stories and creative ideas became an invaluable part of the experience. “It sounds so corny, but it is everything we all wish America could be 365 days of the year,” she stated, encapsulating the spirit of collaboration and community fostered during the decorating process.

This tradition of seasonal decoration at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has a rich history, evolving into a spectacle that captures the imagination and invites viewers to marvel at the creativity displayed each year. Continue reading for an overview of how the holiday decor has transformed over the decades at this historic site.

Source
www.architecturaldigest.com