"A Red, White And Blue Christmas"
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The White House released information this morning about its many holiday soirees -- from the menu for all receptions to the musical groups featured at events. First Lady Laura Bush's office also offered up a string of 2008 holiday trivia.
Ever wonder, for example, how many holiday cards President Bush and the First Lady mail to friends and associates?
1.25M this year.
The number of poinsettias sprucing up the White House?
412.
The origin of the White House Christmas tree?
The 18 ½-foot tall Fraser fir hails from North Carolina. It was presented to Mrs. Bush by Jessie Davis and Russell Estes of River Ridge Tree Farms in Crumpler, NC.
Gallons of egg nog served at the White House during the holiday season?
700.
Yum. I digress.
The White House wil host 25 holiday receptions and seven dinners as part of its themed "Red, White and Blue Christmas." After the jump, browse the music makers who will lend their songs to the festivities. Also take a gander at the extensive holiday buffet menu (think Miss Beazley and Barney cookies, among other treats).
MUSICAL GROUPS TO BE FEATURED
AT WHITE HOUSE HOLIDAY EVENTS
December 6, 2008
Adam Strube and Carl Ruck from Binghamton, NY
Allegro Foundation from Charlotte, NC
Mary Millben and Kyle Creekpaum from Arlington, VA
Landon Little Singers and Junior Bearitones from Bethesda, MD
The 4 Bows from Mooresville, NC
Asian American Music Society from Rockville, MD
Mackenzie Melemed from Paxton, MA
Texas State University Chamber Orchestra from San Marcos, TX
December 9, 2008
Ariella Sophia Nounna-Holton from The Lakes, NV
Variety, The Children's Charity of St. Louis from St. Louis, MO
Grace Christian Middle School Choir from Bowie, MD
Vocal Tapestry from Fairmont, WV
Linda Rice Productions from Bodega Bay, CA
Marble Falls High School Chorale from Marble Falls, TX
Adrianna Sgarlata from Fairfax, VA
Blue and Grey Chorus from Inwood, WV
December 11, 2008
St. Andrew's Choral Scholars from Middletown, DE
Albin C. Whitworth from Lexington, KY
The Heights Men's Chorus from Potomac, MD
Anne Marie Gunther from Salt Lake City, UT
First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir from Midland, TX
Timothy P. McKee from Reston, VA
The National Presbyterian School Chorus from Washington, DC
Richard Williams and Dana Lux from Baton Rouge, LA
December 13, 2008
Lake Highland Academy Singers from Orlando, FL
Angela Ballard from Iron Station, NC
Barrington Madrigal Singers from Barrington, IL
Michael Puglia and James Ruck from Fair Lawn, NJ
University of North Carolina at Asheville Chamber Singers from Asheville, NC
Princeton Area Homeschool Choir from Belle Mead, NJ
December 15, 2008
Yale Scott, Matthew Wendel, and Deanna Ballard from Washington, DC
California University of Pennsylvania Choir from California, PA
Gabrielle Monachino from Pittsford, NY
Fletcher High School Vocal Ensemble from Neptune Beach, FL
The Conn-Men from Storrs, CT
December 17, 2008
Voices of Mobile from Mobile, AL
The Alabama Boychoir from Tuscaloosa, AL
The Branson School from Ross, CA
Ramtones from Mobile, AL
Incarnate Word High School Madrigal Singers from San Antonio, TX
Glenn Draper Singers from Signal Mountain, TN
Prince George's Choral Society from Upper Marlboro, MD
The Gary Bonner Singers from Glendora, CA
Top of the Seventh from Washington, DC
Hyde Park Baptist from Austin, TX
Kim Cannon Music Ministries from Navarre, FL
December 22, 2008
The Canterbury Carollers from Villa Park, IL
Women's Ensemble of Kingwood United Methodist Church from Kingwood, TX
Bensing Family Strings from Ephrata, PA
Salem Madrigals from Virginia Beach, VA
David Osborne from Henderson, NV
The Master's Touch Chorale from Manlius, NY
Sneak Preview from Iron Station, NC
Vienna-Falls Chorus from Fairfax Station, VA
Elliot Shackelford from Atlanta, GA
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MENU FOR THE 2008 HOLIDAY RECEPTIONS
Holiday Reception Buffet
An Assortment of American Artisanal Cheeses served with a Display of Crackers, Winter Fruits, and Spiced Pecans
Lobster Salad with Fresh Cucumber, Radishes, and Chicory
Smoked Salmon with Potato Pancakes and Chive Crème Fraîche
Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Madeira Sauce
Cauliflower Gratin
Shaved Virginia Ham with Plum Marmalade and Spicy Mustard
Cheesy Stone-Ground Grits
White and Green Asparagus Tier with Saffron Aioli
Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Creamed Horseradish
Served with Yeast Rolls
California Avocados, Grapefruit, and Poached Heart of Palm with Citrus-Avocado Vinaigrette
Chilled Gulf Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce and Spicy Remoulade
Holiday Reception Desserts
Brioche Bread Pudding
Coconut Cake with Seven-Minute Frosting
Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with Chocolate Glaze
Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
Yule Log
Lemon Layer Cake with Fresh Blueberry and Raspberry Topping
Pecan Pie
Red Velvet, Devil's Food, and Strawberry Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting
Pecan Pralines
Chocolate Truffles
Blueberry Cobbler
Fresh Long-Stemmed Strawberries with
Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Barney, Miss Beazley, and Kitty Cookies
Star Cookies
