Christmas at the White House During the Presidency of John F. Kennedy

This napkin fold was used during the Kennedy administration at the White House. Though simple in its execution, it carries a quiet elegance that reflects the refined style of the era. Here are a few impressions inspired by that time.

In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the official White House Christmas tree. She decorated a tree placed in the oval Blue Room with ornamental toys, birds and angels modeled after Petr Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet. Mrs. Kennedy reused these ornaments in 1962 for her children’s theme tree. Set up in the North Entrance, this festive tree also featured brightly wrapped packages, candy canes, gingerbread cookies and straw ornaments made by disabled or senior citizen craftspeople throughout the United States.

I love this 18 ft Balsam tree. In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the official White House Christmas tree. She decorated a tree placed in the oval Blue Room with ornamental toys, birds and angels modeled after Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet. Mrs. Kennedy reused these ornaments in 1962 for her children’s theme tree. Set up in the North Entrance, this festive tree also featured brightly wrapped packages, candy canes, gingerbread cookies and straw ornaments made by disabled or senior citizen craftspeople throughout the United States. The blue ribbon looks so regal and ties the room together.

John F. Kennedy Library and Museum

2020/2026

Our Advent Calendar – 2019