First Lady Melania Trump officially commenced the festive season at the White House, stepping out to receive this year's official Christmas tree in a display of understated elegance.
A Festive Arrival at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
The 55-year-old First Lady appeared at the White House in Washington, D.C., to greet the delivery of a magnificent 25-foot concolor fir. The tree arrived in traditional style, transported by a horse-drawn carriage, creating a picturesque holiday scene.
Braving the cool weather, Mrs Trump wrapped up warm in a sophisticated long cream-coloured overcoat, cinched at the waist with a belt. Opting for a bare-legged look, she accessorised with striking dark red elbow-length gloves and tartan Manolo Blahnik heels, a subtle nod to her husband Donald Trump's Scottish heritage.
Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders as she inspected the delivery, which she described as 'beautiful'. The First Lady was seen shaking hands with the carriage driver, who wore a traditional top hat, and a woman standing with the two Clydesdale horses.
The Story Behind the White House Christmas Tree
This year's centrepiece tree hails from Korson's Tree Farms in Michigan, having secured the top spot in the National Christmas Tree Association's contest back in July. This biannual competition gives Christmas tree growers across the United States the opportunity to have their trees featured in the White House and Vice President's residence each festive season.
The newly delivered tree will now take pride of place in the Blue Room of the White House, marking the beginning of a series of festive events planned by the First Family in the coming weeks.
Expanding the Festive Celebrations
The tree welcoming ceremony signals the start of numerous holiday traditions at the executive residence. On Tuesday, President Trump is scheduled to pardon two North Carolina turkeys, named Gobble and Waddle, during a special ceremony ahead of Thanksgiving.
Last month, Melania Trump launched her 'Celebrating America' ornament line on her website, featuring limited-edition, handcrafted Christmas decorations. The collection, which includes ornaments depicting the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore, ranges in price from $75 to $90.
Each item bears Melania's engraved signature and purchases include a special 3D animated digital collectible. The First Lady's office stated that the decorations are 'designed to celebrate America and the upcoming 250th anniversary'.
While many have praised the ornaments' beauty, some critics have questioned the exorbitant cost and urged the First Lady to release a more affordable range.
This isn't the first time Melania Trump's festive decorations have attracted attention. During the previous Trump administration, her decoration of the White House with Balsam fir trees dripping with icicles drew mixed reactions, with some social media users describing them as 'eerie and cold'.
Her use of 40 bold blood-red trees in the East Colonnade and 14,000 red ornaments throughout the White House, while intended to symbolise 'valor and bravery', quickly earned the nickname 'murder trees' online, sparking a wave of memes and public commentary.
