First Lady Rosalynn Carter explored a variety of holiday themes
in her years at the White House. Her 1977 Blue Room tree
featured painted milkweed pods, nut pods, foil and eggshell
ornaments made by members of the National Association for
Retarded Citizens. In 1978 Mrs. Carter decked an "antique toy"
tree with Victorian dolls and miniature furniture lent by the
Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum. In 1979 she honored American
Folk Art of the Colonial period, asking students of the Corcoran
School of Art to create imaginary symbolism pieces from balsa
wood, fabric and dried flowers. She revisited a Victorian theme
in 1980 with dolls, hats, fans, tapestries and laces.