On the easel is an original oil painting by Donna Green, who has graciously provided the marvelous illustrations for this holiday booklet. She represents the fourth generation of artists in her family and is a descendant of John Fredrick Spencer, noted lithographer for the first greeting card company in the country and designer of many buildings on the Boston Freedom Trail. Ms. Green has illustrated and/ or written twelve books, including The Velveteen Rabbit; To My Daughter, With Love; and To My Son, With Love. She is also the founder of the Magical Moon Foundation, which provides assistance and encouragement for children with cancer.

Lower Cross Hall

The fragrance of paperwhites fills the Lower Cross Hall of the Executive Residence. Official portraits of former first ladies grace the walls, interspersed with myrtle topiary trees. The delightful animal topiaries on the pier tables are made of moss and ivy.

A mass of luscious orange-sherbet-hued Rilona amaryllis highlights the center table of the Library, which contains a permanent collection of books principally by American authors on American subjects. The mantel is draped with a thick garland of traditional holiday greens studded with green pears.

Across the corridor in the Vermeil Room, the center arrangement is of white tulips in a magnificent bowl, part of the extensive White House collection of vermeil. “Vermeil” is the term for silver which has been plated with gold, a process developed in 17th century France. A wonderful garland of lemons and lemon greenery ornaments the mantel.

East Room

The mirrors and chandeliers of the East Room magnify the sparkle and color of many things bright and beautiful. Splendid Christmas trees decorated with crystal and amber garlands, lime green balls, tiny white lights, and bright pink roses flank the traditional

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