Bo Knows Christmas!

(A White Chocolate White House!)

This afternoon, the BCs were extremely privileged to have been invited to a Holiday Reception at the White House. Now, we know that basketball is President Obama's favorite sport. And of course, it's the BCs' favorite sport, too. Do we think that's why we were invited to the reception? Well, in a word, NO. Quite frankly, we aren't exactly sure how we made the guest list, but when you receive an invitation from the President and the First Lady to come to their home, you say YES. We always do. (That makes us 1 for 1.)

Normally, visitors are not permitted to bring cameras into the White House, but for today's reception, that rule was waived . . . so the BCs and the other guests could take photos of the holiday decorations.

Naturally, then, we brought our camera along with us to 1600 Pennyslvania Avenue, and we'd like to share a little of our wonderful afternoon with you:

Our visit to the White House began on the Ground Floor, where guests were treated to the beautiful voices of the Wilberforce University Choir from Wilberforce, Ohio. And we had our first sighting of Bo, who figured prominently in this year's holiday decorations.

Here's Bo again, in the Library. If you are on the Obamas' holiday card list, you'll recognize this homey scene.

Lady Bird Johnson looked down over the hearth in a small ground floor room containing portraits of other presidential wives. We don't know the official name of this room, but given the portraits, and given the fact that there was a women's room directly through this room, we think a good name might be the First Ladies Room.


Also on the ground floor, the appropriately named China Room. We were told that's Mrs. Calvin Coolidge.


From the Ground Floor, we made our way up the marble stairs to the State Floor, where parties, formal dinners, and receptions are held.


The first stop on the State Floor was the magnificent East Room, which was beautifully decorated. There were also tables filled with delicious food.

The desserts were yummy, too!

In fact, in keeping with the festive spirit, there were plenty of spirits on hand, and appropriately, they were "Made in America," including one of the BCs' favorite domestic sparkling wines, Domaine Chandon. We don't normally drink at two in the afternoon, but we were in the White House, after all, so how could we not? And see that egg nog? It was delicious. After sampling it (for research purposes only, of course), we concluded it was 1 part egg nog, 1 part vanilla ice cream, and probably 3 parts bourbon!

The beautiful White House creche and one of the (several) Christmas trees in the East Room.


Although there were Christmas trees virtually everywhere, this is the official White House Christmas tree, in the Blue Room.


Just in case guests hadn't had enough to eat in the East Room, there was plenty more food and drink to be had in the State Dining Room, presided over by Abe Lincoln.

A Marine Band played in the Entrance Hall, suitably decorated with a portrait of Bill Clinton, former Saxophonist-in-Chief.

Of course, every successful party needs a good host. And today's hosts, POTUS and FLOTUS, stopped by to welcome their guests. They made quite a grand entrance, hand in hand, down the stairs from the White House Residence.

The BCs wish all our readers could have been there this afternoon. It was a very lovely, enjoyable, and unexpected treat. We hope that all of you are having fun this holiday season as well.

Photo Credits: DC BasketCases