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Jill Biden unveils the White House Christmas decorations for 2021 – and they come with a twist

The White House Christmas decorations celebrate festive traditions – with an intimate feature you can recreate at home

The White House Christmas decorations 2021, designed by Jill Biden
(Image credit: Alex Wong / GettyImages)

Dr Jill Biden has officially marked the start of the festive season by unveiling the White House Christmas decorations – for the first time since her husband took office. 

The reveal is a continuation of a long tradition that sees the First Lady dress the White House for the holidays – and she has based her Christmas decor ideas around one personal theme: Gifts from the Heart

To celebrate ‘Gifts from the Heart’, Jill added a tiny photo frame decoration that hangs from the State Dining Room Christmas tree. And, while this intimate gesture pays homage to the theme, we expect it will set Christmas tree trends globally. 

The White House Christmas decorations 2021, designed by Jill Biden

(Image credit: Alex Wong / GettyImages)

Plus, while Joe and Jill Biden are behind the photo frame trend, their portrait is not the only image to hang from the branches of the Dining Room tree. Instead, the First Lady hung a selection of photographic memories and historical images from the Christmas tree branches.

Among the chosen photos is an image of former United States President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jaqueline Kennedy, who similarly decorated the White House whilst in residency. All images sit in tiny gold frames – and are tied with a red ribbon that stands out against the dark green branches of the tree. 

The White House Christmas decorations 2021, designed by Jill Biden

(Image credit: Alex Wong / GettyImages)

These traditional red, green and gold tones are similarly reflected in the mantelpiece decoration and in other rooms around the White House, including the Christmas tree in the China Room.

The China Room similarly reflects quintessential dining table decor ideas through its ornate gold-rimmed china and abundance of natural flowers that add a natural element to the space. 

The White House Christmas decorations 2021, designed by Jill Biden

(Image credit: Alex Wong / GettyImages)

Meanwhile, the Vermeil Room further upholds the traditional palette. However, this tree offers a youthful twist with its multicoloured glass balls that break slightly away from Christmas conventions.

The White House Christmas decorations 2021, designed by Jill Biden

(Image credit: Alex Wong / GettyImages)

To celebrate 'Gifts from the Heart' further, the White House has launched a variety of interactive viewing experiences so you can take further decoration ideas from the Heart. They will be available on Instagram, Google Maps, Street View and Snapchat over the festive season. 

In the meantime, though, we’re scouting our gallery for the best photos for our Christmas tree frames.  

Gold Picture Frame Ornament, Set of Two| $15.99 on Amazon

Gold Picture Frame Ornament, Set of Two| $15.99 on Amazon

If you want to follow the First Lady's lead, you can pick up a similar photo frame ornament here. With its golden outline and traditional red ribbon, this is a close match to the one currently sitting in the White House. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.