THE PARLORS
The charming, intimate Green Room is used for small
teas andreceptions. Throughout the year, the renowned portrait of Benjamin
Franklin by David Martin,which hangs above the fireplace, is a focal point
of this traditional room. During the holidays,the mantel becomes the focus
of holiday decorations. This year, the mantelpieces in both the Green Room
and the Red Room werecreated by a number of talented artisans and craftsmen
under the direction of artist ChristopherRadko. The Green Room mantel features
a night-time scene inSanta's village, as the elves and Mrs. Claus make sure
theat all is ready for Santa's round-the-world journey.
 By
tradition, the Blue Room is the residence of the official WhiteHouse tree.
This year, the tree is an 18'6" Fraser fir from the Grouse Ridge Tree Farm
in GrassyCreek, Ashe County, North Carolina. The tree was presented to Mrs.
Clinton by Sanford andDeborah Fishel and their daughters, Maggie and Sara
Beth. The Fishels won the honor of beingnamed the 1997 Grand Champion Growers
by the National Christmas Tree Association.
Also by tradition, the First Family invited special
groups and individuals to contribute ornamentsfor the official tree. For Holiday
1997, following the theme of Santa's Workshop, designersfrom the Council of
Fashion Designers of America created their versions of suits from Santa andMrs.
Claus. Glass artisans from across the country used their talents to create
characters, scenesand images one might find at the North Pole. And members
of the National NeedleworkAssociation stitched ornaments representing toys
and workshop scenes.
The green velvet handmade tree skirt was designed by
individuals from each of the 50 states,territories and the District of Columbia,
in celebration of the Clinton family's first holiday at theWhite House.
Furnished in classic American Empire style, the Red
Room is warm,inviting, and showcases the second Christopher Radko mantelpiece.
The scene is of Santa'sWorkshop on December 23rd, where a merry mayhem
ensues. Elves are busily crafting toys,musical instruments and holiday decorations,
while Santa oversees every last detail.
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