Imagine receiving a random email saying you have been hand picked to take a private first look tour at the White House holiday decor. The invite came a week and half before the scheduled tour date…and I live in Los Angeles so the dilemma was to hop on a plane or not hop on a plane. With a little push from family and SJ, I ended up going. I did not mention this trip to anyone really because I wasn’t sure it would really happen.
Yesterday, after I walked through the east gates at the White House I knew it was real (insert all of the smiley face emojis here!! I could not contain the excitement and awe that I was living this moment.)
It was a magical hour and a half private tour with 20 or so people in the East Wing. It was an experience of a lifetime…and of course any experience of mine is both fantasy and comedy at the same time. I buzzed from one room to the other. I was juggling several devices and social media. Many times the White House interns had to gently remind me to move on…Special Thank You to White House staffer Jillian for inviting me into the most important house in the world. I will never forget this experience. A holiday dream.
I hope you all enjoy this tour with inside view of the White House! Happy Holidays! 
Arrived at White House at 8:30 am to the east wing entrance. It was a beautiful rainy morning in DC. Was met by White House guards. After being let in, I walked over to the East entrance with one other nice guest. She went inside…I stayed outside fiddling with my phone and camera and ran right into White House dogs Bo and Sunny.
Then it was just Christmas tree and holiday decorations galore. From the China room, to the library, to the Green Room, to the State Dining Room all were dripping in holiday cheer apparently all decorated by volunteers.
You can still follow along on my Instagram story for the play by play!
xo
Coco
PS. Got into DC at midnight the night before and had the cab take me to the Lincoln Memorial. Had come from Chicago where I started the day before at 5 AM on a location shoot outside for several hours and it was so peaceful to sit in the quiet and regroup before the big day ahead.
PPS. I stayed at the Hay Adams Hotel – if you’re ever in the D.C. area it is a must-stay!
I so envious! This is always one of my favorite holiday events on HGTV. You look incredibly happy, love the stop at the Lincoln memorial. Such a perfect way to start your trip. Your family was right to encourage you to take this amazing trip. Happy holidays!!
Wow! I’m much enjoyed with the tour. So nice and beautiful Christmas tree in the White house. I love to visit there.
Hey Coco, they are fantastic photos of the White House and Christmas, thanks for sharing. I wonder how it will look in 2017 when trump is living there?
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing.