Preparation of the "Red and White" Gingerbread House

This photograph was taken by Shealah Craighead in 2006, during the construction of the "Red and White" gingerbread house in the China Room. Here, former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier completes the finishing touches on a vibrant red tree made of marzipan "berries" that accompanied the gingerbread display. Prominently featured in the background is Howard Chandler Christy's ca. 1924 portrait of First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge. 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.