Christmas with the First Ladies {Book Review and Giveaway}

Just in time for the Holiday season, "Christmas with the First Ladies" arrived at my home for me to enjoy. From Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama this book shares how each First Lady has decorated and celebrated Christmas at the White House. 

Each with their own decor style and trends from when they were in the most visited House in the U. S. The book was written by Coleen Christian Burke who is an interior decorator that was part of the White House decorating team in 2008. 

Last year I shared about how the White House invites volunteers from around the Country to help decorate for their annual Christmas celebrations. In 2011 37 Christmas trees were part of these decorations. I have yet to visit the White House, but if I were to choose a season to visit it would be the Christmas season. Specially after reading this book. 

Like I said before, each First Lady incorporates their own style and I do have my favorites from this book: 

Jacqueline Kennedy in my opinion, had the tree decorated beautifully and accordingly to her children's ages {they were still young}. The tree was decorated with wooden toys and candy canes in true "Nutcracker" theme. I also thought it was very cute that she wore a red dress when she visited the District of Columbia Children's Hospital and a little boy confused her with Mrs. Santa. 

My other personal favorite was Betty Ford, she proposed the White House adopt the family's traditions, which were based on creativity, love and thriftiness. The theme for 1974 was "Patchwork Christmas" and it was special. At that time the country was in recession and the theme was selected fittingly. There are pictures in the book showing her and her daughter prepare homemade decorations. Still it ended up being one of the most expensive decorations compared to ones before.

Michelle Obama also has a personal style that I love, the simplicity in which she dresses and comfort. I loved the cranberry garland around the mantel instead of the traditional cranberry tree. I love how the First Lady includes her daughters in every activity as much as possible. Such as when they visited the Children's National Medical Center and they each took turns reading Christmas stories. 

But the book not only talks about the decorations and festivities, it also shares instructions on preparing one item of the of their holiday decor: Michelle Obama's Gingerbread Ornaments which are super cute, Hillary Clinton's Chocolate Chip Cookies {which just looking at the picture made my mouth water!}, Betty Ford's Cranberry Tree, Nancy Reagan's Monkey Bread and more!

As you can see this book had me very entertained for a little over 2 weeks and gave me some wonderful and easy ideas on how I'd like to decorate this year for Christmas. I liked it so much that I want to share it with you!

One lucky reader will win a copy of the book "Christmas with the First Ladies". It's perfect for this time of the year and to help you get inspired to decorate for it. 

To enter simply complete the Rafflecopter form below, winner will be contacted via e-mail and posted on this post. So please make sure your e-mail is complete and correct. 

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