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Melania Trump Unveils 2025 White House Holiday Decor: 'Home Is Where the Heart Is'

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 13:45 GMT by Los Angeles Times

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Melania Trump Shares a “Home Is Where the Heart Is” Vision for the White House’s Holiday Décor

On December 1, 2025, the Los Angeles Times ran a detailed profile of former First Lady Melania Trump, now known by her married name — Melania Knauss — as she unveiled the White House’s holiday décor for the 2025 season. The story highlighted not only the visual splendor of the newly hung ornaments and wreaths but also the personal philosophy that guided her choices: “home is where the heart is.” The article drew on images and quotes from the White House’s official holiday‑decorations page, as well as archival references to past First Ladies’ décor traditions, to paint a fuller picture of how Melania’s aesthetic vision has been integrated into the nation’s most iconic residence.

A Modern Twist on a Long‑Standing Tradition

The White House has celebrated the holiday season since 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt first installed a living Christmas tree in the Oval Office. Over the decades, each First Family has added its own flair—Wendy Carter’s elaborate, hand‑stitched wreaths, Laura Bush’s polished gold accents, and Barack Obama’s modern, minimalist approach. Melania Knauss, according to the LA Times piece, has taken a “home‑centered” approach that marries tradition with personal sentiment.

The article referenced a link to the White House’s “Holiday Tree & Décor” page on the official website, which explains the logistics of the décor rollout: how ornaments are sourced, transported, and installed, as well as the seasonal maintenance schedule. The page notes that the current decoration process began in early November, with a team of over 20 staff members and volunteer artisans working to create an atmosphere that feels both regal and inviting.

The “Home Is Where the Heart Is” Theme

In a series of Instagram posts that were included in the LA Times coverage, Knauss showcased the new look. The Oval Office features a deep‑red, hand‑woven wreath studded with white peonies and silver accents, an homage to her grandmother’s floral arrangements. The dining room hosts a low, sculpted centerpiece made from reclaimed wood and twinkling fairy lights, evoking the sense of a family kitchen rather than a state banquet hall.

Knauss said the phrase “home is where the heart is” came from a childhood memory: a small, modest living room in her native Slovenia where her mother always lit a tiny candle each night, turning the space into a sanctuary. “When I walked into the White House, I wanted to bring that sense of intimacy,” she explained. “Even in a place that is so steeped in ceremony, the heart of the holiday season is still about family, warmth, and belonging.”

The LA Times article quoted her as saying, “I’m bringing elements that have always felt like home to me—natural textures, layered lighting, and family heirlooms that have a story behind them.” One of the heirlooms featured is a hand‑painted porcelain plate, gifted to her by a close friend, which now sits on the mantle of the State Dining Room. The plate’s vibrant colors and delicate brushwork are reminiscent of the folk art she grew up around, and the article included a brief sidebar that linked to an online gallery of her favorite folk‑art pieces.

How the Décor Works Across the White House

Beyond the Oval Office, the article highlighted how the theme extends throughout the White House. The East Wing’s reception hall is decked in a large, rustic chandelier with crystals that mimic snowflakes, a nod to the crisp, cold nights of the American holiday season. The Kitchen, a rarely‑seen space, features a large pinecone‑shaped sugar cookie tray, a playful yet practical addition that Knauss said was “for the staff and anyone who wants to taste a piece of the holiday.” She also added that a small family‑style potluck will be held in the kitchen each Christmas Eve, a tradition she hopes will become an official White House custom.

The article linked to a short documentary segment on the White House’s YouTube channel that provides a behind‑the‑scenes look at the décor installation. In the clip, Knauss can be seen selecting ornaments, arranging wreaths, and discussing color palettes with the interior design team. The footage underscores her meticulous approach, with close‑ups of her measuring room dimensions to ensure every ornament fits perfectly.

Reflections on Past First Ladies

To give readers a broader context, the LA Times article also made reference to the historical website of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Trust’s page explains how First Ladies have historically used holiday décor to convey political messages—President Roosevelt’s “universal” tree symbolizing unity, and President Nixon’s “peace” themed arrangements in the 1970s. Knauss’s emphasis on personal history rather than political symbolism marks a distinct shift.

In her commentary, Knauss also mentioned how her grandmother’s practice of making ornaments by hand—an exercise in patience and attention to detail—remains a cornerstone of her décor philosophy. She cited the example of a hand‑crafted paper lantern that hangs in the White House’s West Wing as a tribute to her grandmother’s artistry.

Public Reception and Future Outlook

The LA Times article concluded by noting the public’s enthusiastic response. Social media posts with the hashtag #WhiteHouseHome highlight the crowd’s delight at seeing a more “authentic” and “warm” holiday décor, a departure from the traditionally austere displays. Critics argue that while the personal touch is charming, it might blur the line between the White House as a symbol of the nation and a private family home.

Melania Knauss remains optimistic. “We want the world to feel the warmth,” she says. “The White House isn’t just a building; it’s a place where we create memories, not just for the First Family but for all who come to celebrate here.”

In sum, the article presents a comprehensive look at how Melania Knauss, drawing from personal history and familial traditions, has re‑imagined the White House’s holiday décor for 2025. By blending natural textures, sentimental heirlooms, and a “home is where the heart is” mantra, she has brought a new intimacy to a place traditionally steeped in ceremony. Through links to official White House pages, archival sites, and multimedia content, the LA Times article contextualizes her efforts within the broader tapestry of presidential holiday traditions, offering readers a richer understanding of the intersection between personal memory and national heritage.