H1: Introduction to Volunteering to Decorate the White House

The application process to volunteer and decorate the White House for Christmas is a unique and exciting opportunity. It is not something that comes along often, and the requirements are quite rigorous. This article provides an overview of the process and shares personal experiences from those who have volunteered.

H2: The Application Process and Security Requirements

Volunteering to decorate the White House is no small feat. You need to time your application early, ideally by July 2018, and go through a variety of security and paperwork requirements. Here's what you need to know:

You need to have a time machine to go back and apply early, You need to fill out all kinds of forms and secure various security clearances, Your best bet is to check with the offices of the White House directly for the necessary paperwork.

From personal experience, it is estimated that the application window for 2019 might have already passed, but it's not too late for 2020.

H2: The Selection Process and Background Investigation

Applicants who are successful must be willing to go through a thorough background check. This can include contacting the Secret Service and providing information related to Jimmy Hoffa's whereabouts. It's a necessary step to ensure the safety and decorum of the White House.

H2: Personal Experience and Insights

The story of Claire Jones, a garden and floral designer, serves as a testament to the possibility of volunteering. Claire's journey to volunteer for the White House's holiday decorations is detailed below:

H3: Claire Jones' Journey

After watching an HGTV special featuring the Christmas decorations at the White House in 2017, Claire wrote a letter to Michelle Obama. Despite her initial skepticism, she was eventually accepted to volunteer. The application process involved explaining her experience in decorating and providing pictures of her work. Claire had decorated Hampton Mansion for Christmas with her garden club for many years and hoped that this experience would help her application.

H3: Volunteer Preparation and Logistics

Once accepted, Claire got in touch with the event planning company, AgencyEA, known for planning Oprah Winfrey's events. They booked a hotel for her and her team to stay near the White House, ensuring they were centrally located and with excellent rates.

H3: Experience at the Warehouse

The team's first task was to work at a warehouse where all the Christmas decorations were stored. They were responsible for inventorying boxes, removing wrappings, and organizing the decorations.

H3: Tasks at the Warehouse

The team assembled various items, including cedar stars, pine cone garlands, and felt trees. It was a grueling but rewarding process, with constant movement and detailed work.

H3: The Grand Finale - White House

The most exciting part of the experience was the opportunity to decorate the White House itself. The Red Room was one of the state parlors that the team was tasked with decorating. The team used a variety of materials, including copper gold, dark red, wine, cinnamon, and cream, to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

H3: The Day at the White House

On the day of decorating, the team went through a rigorous security check to enter the White House. They were given a tour of the building and met the Chief Usher, the Special Assistant to the President, the Curator, and the White House Housekeeper. They were informed not to touch the furnishings and were eager to decorate the rooms.

H3: Conclusion

Volunteering to decorate the White House is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that requires dedication, hard work, and a love for the holiday season. If you are passionate about decorating and have the time and resources to apply early, it's worth considering. However, the security and paperwork requirements make it a challenging and selective process.