Overview

Illustrated with over 500 exquisite photographs, most of which have never been viewed by the public before, the 408 page book is the first documented and published history of 50 years and nine different administrations beginning in the early 1960s with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who initiated formal Christmas themes at the White House. This book should be on every person's gift list, regardless of age or nationality, says Letitia Baldrige, Jacqueline Kennedy's former White House Social Secretary, who wrote the introduction to the section on the Kennedy years. First Daughters Lynda Johnson Robb and Tricia Nixon Cox provided insights into what Christmas was like when they were at the Executive Mansion.

Full Product Details

9780615287645

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Reviews

It was quite interesting reading and looking at the old pictures of past presidents and their families during the holiday season.4/5 stars <br>Misty Hazard<br>NetGalley

<p>It is interesting to look at these books and see how trends have and have not changed over the last four decades. The strength of this book are the pictures. Because there is a lack of pictures from the Kennedy's and other presidential administrations, this book lacks some of the intrigue it could have. <br>Having said that, the pictures that it does have are facinating. To see how the trends have continued and changed over the years is a reflection not only of the administration but of the United States over time. <br><br>Rebecca Pausely <br>NetGalley

The White House: it is both the most recognized home in the United States and, in some ways, the most mysterious. At the forefront of American history for so many years, the mansion is infused with generations of holiday traditions, but the number of people who actually get to glimpse the December White House in all its decorative glory is very small. Jennifer B. Pickens visited the White House for the first time in 2004. She was so impressed with First Lady Laura Bush's A Season of Merriment and Melody theme that Pickens wanted to share the joyous experience with her friends and family. She was disappointed to discover that no book had been written about Christmas at the White House and decided to remedy the gap. The result is a collection of charming photographs and detailed descriptions of the efforts of nine recent First Ladies to make the White House festive and enchanted during the holiday season. Pickens also includes excerpts from the First Ladies' own reflections. Pickens' descriptions of the decorations, along with the work that goes into them, are thorough and enjoyable. Not only does she show talent at choosing words and phrases, but she also includes a host of fascinating facts about things like the weight of the traditional gingerbread house, for example. Charmingly, she manages to show glimpses of the presidents and their families as they celebrate: a playful picture of Nancy Reagan sitting on Santa's lap (who happens to be President Reagan), and a picture of George W. Bush decorating a cookie. This delightful collection of essays and photographs is refreshingly apolitical. Pickens only seems to be concerned with enchantment and beauty, which is evident in a paragraph about Christmas in President Nixon's White House: The vibrant decor contrasted with the dark mood of the political scene, where events were unfolding that would lead to the President's resignation in the coming year. Yet the First Lady found comfort in a bird's nest that s

Author Information

Jennifer Boswell Pickens is a White House social expert, speaker, and event planner. She has personally interviewed dozens of White House insiders, including First Families, social secretaries, chiefs of staff, presidential aides, and White House Executive Residence staff. Her first book, holiday top-seller Christmas at the White House, was the first to fully and accurately document the lavish public and private Christmas decorations, celebrations, themes, traditions, and memories of more than 50 years of First Families. And, like its predecessor, Pets at the White House includes intimate contributions from living former First Families. An accomplished historian, Pickens has served on the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board, Friends of the SMU Library, and on other civic and prominent boards.

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