• Red Room Decorated for the Holidays, Ford Administration
    Karl Schumacher
    winter holidays
    decorations
    State Floor
    Christmas
    Red Room
    This photograph of the Red Room decorated for the holidays was taken by Karl Schumacher on December 13, 1974 during the Gerald R. Ford administration. The decorations included a patchwork quilt on the table, tabletop topiaries with cranberries, and ivy on the mantel. First Lady Betty Ford selected handmade crafts as the theme for the holiday decor. The theme promoted Americana and provided inspiration for thrifty decorations, as many households limited their holiday budgets due to a poor economy.
  • State Dining Room Decorated for the Holidays, Ford Administration
    Karl Schumacher
    Christmas
    State Floor
    decorations
    winter holidays
    State Dining Room
    This photograph of Christmas decorations in the State Dining Room was taken by Karl Schumacher on December 13, 1974. A patchwork quilt is on the table, with dolls of Mr. and Mrs. Clause and elves as a centerpiece. The fireplace mantel is decorated with candles and a garland of poinsettias and ivy. The walls, sconces, and chandelier are also decorated with garlands, alongside a topiary made from poinsettias in the corner of the room. First Lady Betty Ford selected handmade crafts as the theme for the holiday decor. The theme promoted Americana and provided inspiration for thrifty decorations, as many households limited their holiday budgets due to a poor economy.
  • View of the Grand Staircase from the Entrance Hall
    Karl Schumacher
    winter holidays
    decorations
    State Floor
    Christmas
    Entrance Hall
    Grand Staircase
    This photograph taken by Karl Schumacher shows the view of the Grand Staircase from the Entrance Hall decorated for Christmas on December 13, 1974. The Grand Staircase was trimmed with garlands and bows. The light standards flanking the doorway are decorated with a garland and topped with foil angels and candles. First Lady Betty Ford selected handmade crafts as the theme for the holiday decor. The theme promoted Americana and provided inspiration for thrifty decorations, as many households limited their holiday budgets due to a poor economy.
  • Christmas Decorations in the State Dining Room, Kennedy Administration
    Robert L. Knudsen
    winter holidays
    tables
    restoration
    mirrors
    furniture
    furnishings
    flowers
    decorations
    State Floor
    State Dining Room
    Christmas
    refurbishment
    This photograph of Christmas decoration in the State Dining Room was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on December 13, 1961, during the John F. Kennedy administration. The image also shows the newly painted and gilded mahogany sideboard and console tables with eagle supports, made by A. H. Davenport & Company during the 1902 White House renovation. They were refinished in keeping with French interior designer Stéphane Boudin’s vision for the State Dining Room.