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Architectural Plans and Decorations for the "Red and White" Gingerbread House

This photograph, taken by Shealah Craighead in 2006, shows a table in the China Room topped with materials used by the White House pastry team for the creation of the "Red and White" gingerbread house. Included among the materials are architectural drawings of the White House, which the pastry team consulted in creating the model of their gingerbread house. Construction and design of the "Red and White" gingerbread house was overseen by former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Mesnier's career at the White House began in 1979. He retired in 2004, but returned at the request of First Lady Laura Welch Bush to create the "Red and White" gingerbread house for the 2006 holiday season. Mesnier and his team decorated the gingerbread White House with more than 850 snowflakes and red bows made from royal icing.
Photographer
Shealah Craighead
Date of Work
ca. November 2006
Type
Photograph
Credit
Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead/Private Collection
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