Holiday Decoration Press Preview, 1985

This photograph was taken on December 9, 1985, during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations hosted by First Lady Nancy Reagan. Here, Mrs. Reagan holds her dog Rex and laughs during the presentation of the official White House Gingerbread House. The display was made by Assistant Executive Chef Hans Raffert and included figures based on the Hansel and Gretel fairytale and a pathway made of jelly beans, President Ronald Reagan's favorite treat. Raffert's A-frame style gingerbread houses were a traditional part of the White House holiday decorations from 1969-1991. Also pictured at the far left of this photograph is actor Larry Hagman, who accompanied Mrs. Reagan for the press preview dressed as Santa Claus.