Melania Trump welcomes the official White House Christmas tree

Melania Trump opened the holiday season in the White House by accepting delivery of the official White House Christmas tree

The first lady, dressed in Christian Louboutin over-the-knee high-heeled black boots and a floral Dolce and Gabbana coat, welcomed the delivery of the Douglas fir that will stand in the White House Blue Room.

“Thank you, Merry Christmas!”@FLOTUS Melania Trump participates in White House Christmas Tree delivery. pic.twitter.com/iAEyhvCOXv

— The Hill (@thehill) November 25, 2019

This was no ordinary tree delivery; as expected, there was pomp and ceremony surrounding its arrival. Members of the U.S. Marine Band played ‘O Christmas Tree’ as a pair of horses named Cash and Ben trotted up the White House driveway pulling a green carriage that carried the 18 ½-foot (5.49 meter) towering tree.

Today, @FLOTUS received the White House Christmas tree near the North Portico. The tree was brought from Pennsylvania to serve as the centerpiece of White House holiday decorations in the Blue Room on the State Floor.

Matthew D’Agostino for the White House Historical Association pic.twitter.com/FydOgG0KqN

— White House History (@WhiteHouseHstry) November 25, 2019

It will be the centrepiece of the White House decorations, which will soon be unveiled.

The theme of last year’s display was ‘American treasures,’ and the layout was designed by the first lady herself. Unlike traditional decorations, the 2018 decorations at the White House featured US landmarks and the logo for Melania’s anti-cyberbullying campaign.

Christmas planning starts several months out in The White House.

In late July, Mrs. Trump tweeted photos of herself in the Map Room looking over a table covered with fabric swatches, floral samples and Christmas photos.

“Christmas planning has begun in the East Wing at the @WhiteHouse,” she wrote. “I’m looking forward to sharing our final vision for this unique tradition in the coming months.”

Main photograph: @morganwrightTV