2020 Holiday Decorations in the State Dining Room

This photograph of a floral arrangement on display in the State Dining Room was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on November 30, 2020 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. The flowers are displayed in a gilded bronze basket attributed to the French firm Denière et Matelin of Paris. It was purchased for the White House in 1817, when James Madison and then James Monroe held office. The basket depicts the Three Graces, Greek goddesses of beauty and charm. The holiday theme for 2020 was America the Beautiful, which celebrated the natural wonders of the American landscape. Selected by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations also paid tribute to the courage and resilience of frontline workers, members of the military, and other American heroes. In 2020, American frontline and essential workers faced unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.