1 × Buy Photo At the first party of the Obamas’ last White House holiday season, Michelle Obama got a little emotional. As military families sat on gold ballroom chairs in the White House’s East Room, the first lady talked about how proud she was to “open this house to as many people from as many backgrounds as possible.” She mentioned that inviting military families to be first to see the decorations was one of her favorite holiday traditions. She began thanking the ushers, florists, carpenters, chefs and calligraphers that make all the magic happen. Then her voice cracked. “So before I get choked up,” she said. “Let me officially kick off our final White House holiday season.” This year’s decorations have the theme “The Gift of the Holidays.” A giant red gift package, serving as a sort of outdoor selfie station, proclaims the theme just before the door to the East Visitor Entrance Hall. The scent of the holidays is everywhere, from a Cookie Crumble candle in the security guard station to the roasting meats in the outdoor kitchen.

For the media preview, volunteers were stationed in the White House public rooms. Patricia Ochan, a military spouse from Arlington, spoke about the 19-foot Blue Room tree, a Douglas fir from Pennsylvania that she helped decorate. The preamble to the Constitution can be read on the tree’s garland, and ornaments honor military service members. “The most exciting part, honestly, was doing one for the military families,” Ochan said. “I know what it feels like not to have your loved one with you home for the holiday. decorate house for fallSo I put my whole heart into this.” cheap christmas tree decorations ideasAs always, the gingerbread White House has a place of honor in the State Dining Room, with 150 pounds of gingerbread, 100 pounds of bread dough, 20 pounds of gum paste, 20 pounds of icing and 20 pounds of sculpted sugar pieces. wedding decoration rental las vegas

Among the new decorative elements are the gingerbread-style Lego houses in the State Dining Room, representing 56 states and territories and made from more than 200,000 of the plastic pieces. This year’s decorations are 90 percent repurposed and 10 percent new. Last year’s “snowpeople,” who were displayed outside in 2015, are now safe and warm indoors in the Ground Floor Corridor. One new holiday tree was not on view to the press: a tree entirely made of garden hoses on display at the White House Kitchen Garden. wedding decor rental floridaMeanwhile as members of the media were served hot cider and holiday cookies outdoors before the military families arrived, a last-minute tree tagged “Yellow Oval Room” was wrapped in canvas and carefully carried in the front door of the White House, destined no doubt for a glamorous holiday life in the Obamas’ private quarters. dining room decor apartment

After her remarks in the East Room, Michelle Obama joined service members’ children in the State Dining Room, making personalized felt stockings and decorating salt dough ornaments. She introduced Bo and Sunny, sitting on the floor in her full-skirted brocade party dress as the kids petted the dogs, her metallic pumps sparkling as cameras clicked. Then with a wave and a smile, she was gone. “All right, guys,” she said, “See you later.” More from The Washington Post: The rules for setting your holiday table (and why they matter) Holiday Gift Guide: Editors and tastemakers offer all the ideas you’ll need this season The president-elect traditionally stays here before inauguration. best beach house exterior colorsTake a look inside. Obama legacy includes a new look for White House’s State Dining RoomWhen it comes to Christmas decorating, 'tis the season to beFrom fairy lights to amazing trees (and alternative trees), get inspired with these

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The mid-century house was just snagged for $870,000. Keeping Up With the Kardashian Family's Collection Of Homes See the clan's impressive real estate portfolio throughout the years. No One Wants To Buy J. Lo's Los Angeles Mansion? 30 Gorgeous Photos Of Celebrity Bedrooms Sweet dreams are made of these. See Inside Ivanka Trump's New Washington D.C. Home She'll live around the corner from the Obama family. A Look Inside The First Family's White House Residence It's straight out of "House of Cards." Sign up for our newsletter and stay in the know. The 20 Most Noteworthy Celebrity Real Estate Happenings Of 2016 It's been a BIG year for celeb property. Peek Inside Meghan Markle's Toronto Home Prince Harry's new girlfriend has a taste for elegant but cozy. Celebrities Can't Get Enough Of This $20 Million Mansion In New York City It's been home to stars like Emma Stone and Courtney Love. This Quirky Forest Home Is What Your Creativity Is Missing