2009: Have a Witty Holiday
The Obamas chose Simon Doonan, the creative director of Barney's New York, to decorate the White House for Christmas this year and he starts today. Will there be a fake Madonna? Probably not. Lots of Jonathan Adler stuff? Maybe. What do you think? We rounded up past holiday window displays at Barneys for inspiration.
The White House tree arrived last Friday and the White House will be open for for tours starting today while the decorations begin.
The New York Times predicts that Simon will use lots of artwork by children. What do you predict? Maybe face caricatures of the Obamas?
(Images: 1, Habitually Chic; 2-6, gonyc.about.com; 7, Simon Doonan)
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Make Perfect Bacon in the Oven
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Hmmm....decorate the tree with miniature Nobel Peace Prizes....have the nutcrackers dressed in military cami....be sure Oprah is represented somewhere ;-)
I love Simon Doonan's wit, but this is just another instance of retail decor used in a home. True, the WH is a big public/private house, but I don't like to see commercial ideas intrude into a home.
BaHumbug. Am I the only person who completely doesn't get this guy's appeal? I still remember his appearance on the Martha Stewart show this time last year, his 'chic' holiday decor was a visual assault at best: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4O_1LawgUk. I hate top be a grinch, but he strikes me as someone who tries way too hard. That being said, I can't wait to see what he does.
I'm going on a white house tour later this week...I hope that I get to see a peek!
Something campy, colorful, and fun. Beyond that, I wouldn't put anything past Simon.
Well, some of these comments are kinda 'bah humbug" if you ask me! I think it only adds to the Michelle Obama coolness factor that Simon D. is doing their decorations! He can decorate my house any time!
The Obama's chose a BRITISH designer whose past efforts at holiday decor for Barney's have included tableaux of blood-red and black glitter and tangled heaps of non-working Christmas lights? I have never seen any commissioned work Mr. Doonan has created so it will be interesting to see how his eccentric aesthetic plays against the desires of a VIP client and the needs of a public space that should appeal to American tastes.
I am pretty sure that Doonan became a citizen last year, in which case, in my opinion, it is even nicer that the Obamas chose a new American to decorate their house. Immigrants are a source of strength to our country!