Pat Nixon: Season of Gold

In 1969 Mrs. Nixon chose “State Flower Balls” as her first theme; volunteers created velvet and satin ornaments embellished with craft flowers. The original set of “State Flower Balls” once archived, has been sourced and select pieces will be incorporated into the trees in 2012. In 1970, the decorations were a continuation of 1969’s theme along with the addition of gold foil fans. The theme in 1971 was “Gold Foil Angels” and Mrs. Nixon took the décor to the next level adding a bit of glitz and gold. “Nature’s Bounty” was the theme for 1972, inspired by the lush painting of fruit and flowers by German American artist, Severin Roesen. The tree was covered in faux fruit, gold stars, and pastel satin balls along with the state flower balls from 1969. The Christmas of 1973 was the year of “Gold Tree Honoring James Monroe” decorated with dainty gold beading; gold balls hung again with the state flower balls. (Photos Courtesy of the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum)