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As I mentioned, Alex and I were lucky enough to attend a holiday party at the White House, and it was magical…
On Friday morning, we drove down to D.C., where we stayed at The Avery Georgetown. Side note: A four-and-a-half hour drive is a TOTAL JOY when you don’t have kids with you — we talked, listened to a ton of music and played Would You Rather.
The party started at 6:30 p.m., so we got dressed early. Alex put on a suit and tie, and I wore an off-the-shoulder dress and my go-to $6 lipstick. We then pulled up Uber and typed in our destination: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue!
Guests had to pass through multiple security checks and metal detectors outside, and Alex and I got separated in the chaos. While waiting for him just inside the White House doors, I stood next to a young staffer, who was friendly but looked stressed. “I’m trying to memorize a woman’s face,” she told me, staring at her phone. “I’m supposed to greet her personally.” She showed me her Google image search and it was: Ina Garten! I was like, I CAN HELP YOU WITH THIS. Lo and behold, 10 seconds later, the Barefoot Contessa walked in with Jeffrey, and the staffer strolled up gracefully to say hello.
Once Alex and I reconnected, we headed inside. We wove our way around giant nutcrackers and Christmas trees. The Marine Corps band played holiday music, and portraits of former presidents and first ladies filled the walls. The official White House tree was decorated with sweet cards written to service men and women.
We expected maybe a cheese plate, but the spread was was lavish. Guests mingled around carving stations and a long buffet table filled with shrimp, crab claws, lamb, salad and a seriously amazing cauliflower mac n’ cheese. Along the side of the room, long tables were lined with dozens of wine and Champagne glasses, so you could walk up and grab a drink anytime. Alex beelined for the White House egg nog, which was spiked and strong. (Here’s the recipe.) The executive pastry chef had also created a perfect White House replica, made of gingerbread and covered in white chocolate.
The highlight of the evening, needless to say, was the speech from President Obama. He and Michelle descended the stairs from their apartment (which was DIRECTLY ABOVE where we were, I almost died). They looked gorgeous and glowing as he thanked his team, made jokes about the egg nog and talked about the future. The crowd was going wild — every two seconds, someone would yell out, “Four more years!” or “We love you!!!!!” Afterward, the Obamas headed right back upstairs (to watch a movie and relax?), but it was intoxicating, and we were pinching ourselves for getting to be there for such an incredible night.
Thank you so much for reading! Have you ever been to the White House? We never had before. Any other things you’re curious about? xoxoxo
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