"The Nutcracker" Gingerbread House

This photograph shows the 1996 Official White House Gingerbread House on display in the State Dining Room. Designed by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, the gingerbread house paid homage to first daughter Chelsea Clinton's love of ballet and participation in the Washington Ballet's production of Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovskys The Nutcracker. The interior of the house featured a display depicting the Christmas party from the first act of the ballet, with Chelsea in attendance.