Official White House 2025 Ornament Honors State Dinners
Reagan and Clinton china depicted in ornament that celebrates 150 years of White House State Dinners.
In honor of 150 years of White House State Dinners, the White House Historical Association (WHHA) Friday revealed its Official 2025 White House Christmas Ornament of which the design reflects two State china services from the Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton administrations.
The Official 2025 White House Christmas Ornament is made of brass and finished with 24-karat gold, featuring the design of the red Reagan State china service and the gold-rimmed Clinton State china service, that was created to celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of the White House. The china services are part of the White House State china collection.
“When we have a moment to highlight significant anniversaries or occasions at the White House, we don’t want to miss that opportunity,” said Stewart McLaurin, President of The White House Historical Association in an email. “State dinners are an important part of the American diplomatic process and an opportunity for our presidents to establish friendships with heads of state through the extension of hospitality.”
The front side of the 2025 ornament is the red-rimmed service plate from the Ronald Reagan State Service. The Reagan State Service was manufactured by Lenox China of Trenton, New Jersey in 1981 and was personally selected by First Lady Nancy Reagan. The plate also features the presidential coat of arms at the center. The front of the ornament also features the North Portico of the White House at top and a wreath of holiday holly and snowflakes surrounding the plate.
On the back side of the ornament, also surrounded by a wreath of holly and snowflakes, is the gold-rimmed service plate from the Bill Clinton State Service. The Clinton State Service was selected in 2000 in anticipation of the 200th anniversary of President John Adams becoming the first president to reside in the White House. The service was first used at a dinner honoring that anniversary in November 2000. The plate features the North Portico at the center. Like Reagan, Clinton State Service was also manufactured by Lenox China in 2000.
The Reagan State China Service was funded by a donation from the Knapp Foundation through the White House Historical Association and used by the Reagans and all presidents to follow for many State and official dinners, smaller private meals, and other events.
The Clinton State China Service is distinguished by a gilded White House in the center. In 1999, in preparation for celebrating the 200th anniversary of the White House, First Lady Hillary Clinton accepted the offer of the White House Historical Association to fund the creation of a commemorative China service. The first service to be embellished with an image of the White House, the commemorative China was first used for the gala White House dinner to celebrate the anniversary, according to the WHHA.
The role of first ladies and White House china selection dates back to 1861 when First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln, traveled to New York City and ordered new china service from E.V. Haughwout & Co. The 190-piece china set, made with imported porcelain blanks from various French factories and hand painted by E.V. Haughwout & Co., was delivered in September 1861 and cost $3,195, according to the WHHA.
The Official White House Christmas Ornament is made in America, and a new design has been released annually since 1981. Proceeds further the Association’s mission to promote a deeper understanding of the Executive Mansion—not just as the home of each president, but as a cornerstone of the American story, according to the WHHA. The Association’s acquisitions, preservation, research, and education efforts continue through private donations and the sale of its published books, products, and the Official White House Christmas Ornament.
The Official White House Christmas Ornament retails for $24.95 and can be purchased online at shop.whitehousehistory.org.
Calendar
April 16, 2025
Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women
The George and Barbara Bush Foundation will present a program with co-authors Anita McBride, Diana B. Carlin and Nancy Kegan Smith on their book Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women on April 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. local time followed by a book signing at 6:30 p.m. The event is being held at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center in College Station, Texas. Registration is required.
April 17, 2025
WAMU Trivia Night at The People’s House
Calling all history buffs! Grab a team of 2-6 people and join WAMU for the first-ever White House history trivia night on April 17 at The People’s House: A White House Experience (1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C.). Test your knowledge of White House history; presidents and first ladies; and popular culture with WAMU Host Natalie Yuarvlivker. Read more
April 17, 2025
Third Thursday Wine & Cheese with the First Ladies: The Final Toast to Leaders in Literacy
The National First Ladies Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio, is saying goodbye to its exhibit, Leaders in Literacy: First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, & Librarians. On April 17 at 6:30 p.m. local time, attendees can enjoy an evening of elegance and history, complete with a curator-led journey through the exhibit, a celebration of artifacts on special loan from the Bush Presidential Library and a final look at the original dresses of first ladies before they return to preservation. Tickets are $25 each. Read more
April 22, 2025
Unsung and Unstoppable: The First Ladies and Facts You Never Knew
Join the National First Ladies Library & Museum for a virtual program in honor of National First Ladies Day (April 26) on April 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. EST. The discussion is a collaboration between the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE) and the National First Ladies Library & Museum (NFLLM) led by Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith—founding members of FLARE. Patty Dowd Schmitz, president and CEO of NFLLM, will be moderating the panel.
This program will uncover surprising stories and little-known facts about some of our nation’s most impactful first ladies, including Louisa Adams, Mary Lincoln, Edith Roosevelt, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Pat Nixon and Laura Bush.
No registration is required. Visit their YouTube page to join.
April 25, 2025
Cooking with the First Ladies Man
The 20th Annual Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Missouri, will feature Andrew Och. On April 25 at 4:35 p.m. at the Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall (1538 W. Washington), Och will lead a cooking demonstration with Allethea Wall (Sister of First Lady Rosalynn Carter) and Julie Wall-Smith (niece of Carter). They will share stories and favorite recipes from the former first lady and Plains, Ga. Tickets are $20 per person and will benefit the Rosalynn Smith Carter Childhood Garden. They can be purchased online or by calling 417-860-4996.
April 25, 2025
Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Lunch: “Women of the Civil War Era”
You know their famous husbands, but First Ladies Mary Todd Lincoln, Lucy Webb Hayes and Ida Saxton McKinley participated in history that shaped the nation. In a luncheon benefitting the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield Foundation, hear from a fascinating panel who bring unique perspectives about women who lived during the Civil War Era. Panelists will include Margaret Hayes Clark, great-granddaughter of President Rutherford B. Hayes, Massee McKinley great, great-nephew of President William McKinley and Christy Lindberg, former National Park Service ranger for the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
In a lead up to National First Ladies Day on April 26, the luncheon will be held on Friday, April 25 at 12:45 p.m. at the Marshfield Assembly of God. William Piston, Missouri State University Professor Emeritus, Civil War historian and president of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, will moderate the panel discussion. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling 417-861-9905 or on the Wilson’s Creek website.
National First Ladies Day — April 26, 2025
4th Annual Rosalynn Carter Luncheon
In honor of National First Ladies Day in Marshfield, Missouri, join the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival for its 4th annual Rosalynn Carter Luncheon. Rev. Tony Lowden, the personal pastor to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, will be interviewed by presidential historian Larry Cook. Benefits will support the Friends of Jimmy Carter organization of Plains, Georgia. The luncheon also celebrates the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival’s sister festival relationship with the Peanut Festival in Plains.
The luncheon is happening at the Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall from 12-1 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online or by calling 417-860-4996. The fried chicken luncheon will reflect a Southern menu.
If you’d like to share scheduled events celebrating National First Ladies Day on April 26, send information to jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com.
April 28, 2025
White House History Live: The First Ladies
The White House Historical Association announced an upcoming virtual presentation on the first ladies and their countless contributions to U.S. history. Join Lisa Burns and Teri Finneman, editors of The Cambridge Companion to U.S. First Ladies, as they discuss the political, social, and cultural influence of first ladies from Martha to Melania. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on April 18 and can be viewed on Facebook or YouTube. Read more
May 7, 2025
Sixth & I Politics and Prose: Isabel Allende In Conversation With Jill Biden
Bestselling author and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Isabel Allende will speak with Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on May 7 about Allende’s new book, My Name Is Emilia del Valle. The book is a historical novel about a young writer who journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father and herself. The event, held at 7 p.m., will take place both in-person at Sixth & I (600 I St NW Washington, DC) and online. Tickets start at $12 each. Read more
May 8, 2025
The White House Food History Symposium
The White House Historical Association in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is presenting the White House Food History Symposium on May 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Historic Decatur House, the event will explore the evolution of food history, presidential and White House foodways, how White House staff and chefs have shaped presidential taste, and the role of food and wine in social diplomacy. Registration includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and reception. Guests will also receive a copy of the White House Historical Association’s latest publication, Cooking to the President’s Taste: Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History. Read more
May 9, 2025
Legacy Lecture: What Six Months Back Reveal About Melania Trump
Join Jennifer Taylor, editor and founder of East Wing Magazine, for a virtual lecture with the National First Ladies Library & Museum exploring the early days of Melania Trump’s return to the White House during the second Trump administration. On May 9 at noon EST, this in-depth discussion will explore how Trump has navigated her role as first lady this time around, the initiatives she has revived or introduced, changes in East Wing traditions and norms and the potential influence she may wield over the next four years. Tickets are $9. Read more
May 14, 2025
Talk with a Curator
The National First Ladies Library & Museum’s Michelle Gullion, Senior Director of Curatorial Services, is hosting a virtual behind-the-scenes adventure into first ladies history. Join Gullion at 7 p.m. EST on May 14 for a lively and exclusive look behind the scenes of the National First Ladies Library & Museum. She will cover fascinating artifacts from the first ladies collection, the stories behind the historical treasures and how the team preserves and shares these unique pieces of history. Tickets are $9. Read more
May 15, 2025
Third Thursday Wine & Cheese: Nancy Reagan's Designer Secrets Unveiled!
The National First Ladies Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio is hosting an evening dedicated to First Lady Nancy Reagan’s style and sophistication. On May 15 at 6:30 p.m. EST, they’ll showcase six of Reagan’s rarely displayed and absolutely breathtaking designer handbags from Yves Saint Laurent to Valentino. The iconic accessories tell the story of how one first lady made elegance her signature and a powerful political statement. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. Read more
Submit calendar items, announcements and press releases to East Wing Magazine at jtaylor@eastwingmagazine.com.