Southern Visit to the White House

My, it has been a busy and fast week. I was going through a drawer the other day and came across pictures from my lovely time attending tea at the White House a few years ago. I wish I had gotten more of the beautiful tables.

All of the tables were decorated with roses. Many colors of roses. They were absolutely stunning. Wouldn’t you love to have a florist dedicated to making the events at your home spectacular? They did a fabulous job.

The food was wonderful as well. My favorite was a small meringue that was filled with fresh strawberries in a strawberry jam. If my mama hadn’t taught me better, I would have just parked right there and finished off the tray of those yummy goodies!

Here is the invitation:

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The East Entrance:

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The main table. This table was set up in the State Dining Room:

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There were also tables set up in the vestibule:

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Every surface was adorned:

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We were able to roam freely (somewhat) through the rooms. That meant we could spend as much time as we wanted in the china room on the ground floor! You know I was there taking notes!

We also had our picture taken by the official White House photographer. After the event, they sent us the picture. That’s me on the far left.

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I hope you find some inspiration in these pictures. While most of us don’t have a full-time staff to help us entertain, it doesn’t mean we can’t do it beautifully ourselves. I am reminded of that as I visit all of the beautiful tablescapes that are created every week and posted on Susan’s beautiful blog, Between Naps on the Porch.

A late edit: I have one word of advice for anyone who is invited to the White House – wear comfortable shoes!

Today’s Lagniappe: Bess Truman’s Ozark Pudding
In keeping with the White House theme, this recipe from Bess Truman.

1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped peeled apples
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream (with a touch of rum, if desired) or vanilla ice cream
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch pie pan.

Beat the egg and the sugar together until smooth. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Blend well. Fold in the apples, nuts and vanilla. Pour into the prepared pie pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven; the pudding will fall, but it’s supposed to. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.


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34 responses to “Southern Visit to the White House”

  1. Sandy Avatar

    Christi,
    Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. Everything looked so beautiful and you will carry those memories with you for a lifetime.
    Sandy

  2. Bill Avatar

    Hi Christi,
    Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures, and an experience of a lifetime. Laura Bush was definitely the most popular figure of that era/administration. She certainly comes across as a kind, thoughtful, gentle Southern lady!

  3. Jane Avatar

    What a priceless experience! Thank you for sharing your experience…

    Jane (Artfully Graced)

  4. Jane Avatar

    Wow, you were invited to the White House? I’m so impressed! Everything looks so beautiful. I love watching the White House Christmas specials on HGTV. They always inspire me.

    Jane

  5. Katherine Avatar

    What a wonderful experience!! Thank you for sharing it with us! I enjoyed hearing about it and seeing the pictures!

    Katherine

  6. Fifi Flowers Avatar

    How EXCITING to have tea at the White House!!! Lucky girl!

  7. Lillyb Avatar

    Wow!!! I hope you had an amazing time. I love Mrs. Bush (both of them) She is a true lady and she loves the Lord!
    What a wonderful memory and story to share!!
    God Bless!!
    Lilly

  8. lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart Avatar

    Christi, so nice to meet you. What a wonderful trip you had. what a treasure this memory is. Thanks for taking us along your journey with us.
    hugs ~lynne~

  9. Mari at Once Upon a Plate Avatar

    Christi ~ What a memory for you ~and a treasure for us, now that you’ve shared your visit to the White House!

    What a thrill ~ I’ve always been very fond of Laura Bush too.

    Thank you so much, it was delightful to get to see pictures of the event.

  10. Kathleen Avatar

    Wow, what a wonderful experience..the pics are wonderful..Loved the tour!
    And Laura Bush, such a lovely lady!

  11. Sue Avatar

    What an honor! I have been thrilled to receive Christmas cards and a personal letter from the Bush family, but tea with Laura Bush!!! WOW!

  12. Maryrose Avatar

    Hi Christie,
    I shall add my WOW, what an honor. I love Laura Bush as well and to be invited to tea… “WOW”
    Wonderful post
    Maryrose

  13. Marty Avatar

    What a special and thrilling day. I really enjoyed the pictures and would love to have the opportunity to spend some time at the White House and to just stand and stare in the China Room. I’m sure you had a fabulous day. Hugs, Marty

  14. Morning T Avatar

    What a fun post! Thanks for sharing something that most of us will never get to see. It looks beautiful.

  15. Tammy518 Avatar

    Wow, that’s awesome that you had tea at the White House with Laura Bush! The tables and everything look wonderful, and the food sounds scrumptious.

  16. The Bloom Girls Avatar

    Wow! How awesome! I am sure those memories will stay with you forever! You are right, the roses are spectacular! Thanks for sharing!

    Karyn

  17. susan Avatar

    I hope you have that invitation framed. I am just betting that Laura Bush is a gracious hostess in and out of the White House! Thanks for sharing this!

  18. Designs on 47th Street Avatar

    Wow! I bet this was a real “pinch me now” moment for you! You didn’t tell us how you got an invite from Laura, but I am impressed. Those tables are something else. I’m so glad you shared so we could get just a feel for what goes on inside the White House. thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving sweet words for me to read. Hope you’ll come back.

    Donna

  19. Carrie Avatar

    Ohh, how exciting. Thanks for sharing your visit to our beautiful President’s house!

  20. The Tablescaper Avatar

    Wow! Invited to a tea at the White House!!!! Now that is spectacular. So glad you shared your photos! Amazing what the flowers do!
    -The Tablescaper

  21. Linderhof Avatar

    I am in awe as well. We got a White House tour and thought that was something! But to get to go to a function . . . wow!

    Beautiful tables.

  22. bj Avatar

    Just fabulous. I am such a huge fan of Laura Bush. She is so much a lady and always will be.
    Thanks so much for sharing.

  23. Christine Avatar

    Hi Christi! What a great honor to be able to step in the white house and espeically personally invited by Mrs. Bush herself! Beautiful dining room and you experienced it first hand. How exciting!…Christine

  24. joyce Avatar

    Wow a dream come true! It all looks amazing and a photo with Laura Bush is like the icing on the cake:)
    Joyce

  25. Sarah @ Hyacinth Avatar

    Another Wow! coming your way! And another huge fan of
    Laura Bush! Thanks for sharing these special photos from your album. It’s fun to get a look at a White House party!

  26. KBeau Avatar

    Now that was a “once-in-a-lifetime” event. Glad you got some good pictures.

  27. ellen b Avatar

    Christi! How fabulous is that…tea at the White House with Laura Bush. She really is a lovely lady. What a great memory to treasure :0)

  28. Ms. Sharlotte's...Southern Reflections Avatar
    Ms. Sharlotte’s…Southern Reflections

    I love Laura Bush too. She’s so sweet and sincere, I’ve heard that the staff adored her too!

    The tables here are gorgeous, of course. What else would we expect!

  29. Dana Avatar

    Oh my goodness, I would be afraid I’d trip on my lower lip as my mouth gaped open! Thank you for sharing your experience with us! I think Laura Bush is just about the most elegant and well-mannered first lady we have ever had. So much grace! I love her!

  30. Martha Avatar

    What a lovely memory this must be. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have this setting each day?

  31. Kammy Avatar

    Wow, what a fun time and memories you will have forever !
    Kammy

  32. Pat Avatar

    Wow!! Just that….WOW!!

  33. Christy Avatar
    Christy

    Blow my mind, would you?! WOW! These photos are amazing and what an unbelievable opportunity. I loved being able to pretend I was there with you!

  34. Eileen Avatar

    This is jaw-dropping! You were invited to tea at the Whitehouse by Laura Bush??!! Awesome!! Seriously, I have to catch my breath here! How wonderful for you!
    I love Laura Bush!
    You look so cool, calm, and collected. I would have been a bundle of nerves!
    You did yourself proud!
    Thanks for sharing this post! Most exciting thing I’ve read all day!
    All the best,
    Eileen

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