The opportunity to decorate the White House for the holidays was not just a professional honor but a dream come true! However, as much as I want to share every detail of my trip, there is too much to write in one post. Undoubtedly, I couldn’t help but infuse a touch of personal enchantment inspired by the halls of this iconic residence. Here are three DIY inspirations that I crafted, drawing from the spirit of the White House to bring magic, wonder, and joy into my own festive decor.

I felt a jolt of creativity that was much needed! Here are three DIY inspirations that I crafted.  It was a treat to bring magic, wonder, and joy into my own festive decor.

Fairy Light Fillers: Illuminating the Tree with 3D Depth

In the grandeur of the White House, I marveled at how every corner exuded a sense of wonder, especially the beautifully adorned Christmas trees. To recreate this magic at home, I introduced the Fairy Light Fillers technique. By strategically placing fairy lights in the back of the tree near the trunk, I created a captivating 3D visual depth effect. The key here is to ensure the lights are nestled behind the ornaments in the front, allowing them to peek through, casting a warm and enchanting glow. It’s a simple yet effective way to transform any tree into a radiant centerpiece that captures the essence of holiday magic.

Ornament Ball Clusters: Elevating Elegance with Voluminous Charm

Inspired by the meticulously decorated rooms of the White House, I devised the Ornament Ball Clusters technique. This is the perfect way to impart a touch of grandeur to my own holiday tree. Instead of the traditional method of hanging ornaments one by one, I gathered different sizes, textures, and colors of ornaments. Then I clustered them using wire. The use of odd-numbered clusters adds an artistic flair. It truly creates a voluminous and sophisticated look. This DIY hack not only adds elegance but also makes even a standard-sized tree appear larger than life. The result is a tree adorned with a captivating array of ornament clusters. The clusters echo the festive charm of the White House.

Core Memory Calendar: Unveiling Family Stories in a Tapestry of Memories

The White House-inspired Core Memory Calendar combines the magic of the season with the richness of family memories. Drawing from the essence of the White House advent calendar trees, I had a Home Therapy epiphany!  This DIY project isn’t just about counting down the days; it’s about opening hearts. For the next 12 days, my family gathers around the tree to unveil a cherished memory. Each day becomes a chapter, a page in our family history book, creating a unique tapestry of shared experiences. I used Canva to create the template for the important dates chosen by my 3 daughters and husband. I had it printed out on cardstock. Next,  punch a hole for the wire. Attach it to the branches and you’re set! Easy Peasy!

The 5 of us hung each card lovingly onto the branches. Most importantly, we shared a card with a story of why that date was dear to our hearts. So many conversations stemmed from the initial share! We laughed, cried and reminisced around the tree. This DIY core memory calendar encourages connection, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse journeys that make our family whole. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the White House’s theme of “Magic, Wonder, and Joy,” echoing the importance of shared stories during the holiday season.

Cheers,

Anita