Holiday Favorite 'White House Christmas 2009' Returns to HGTV on Sunday, December 20, at 8 pm ET/PT

Holiday Favorite 'White House Christmas 2009' Returns to HGTV on Sunday, December 20, at 8 pm ET/PT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- With a new First Family in residence at the "people's house," viewer favorite White House Christmas 2009 returns to HGTV on Sunday, December 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Designer Genevieve Gorder offers viewers an insider's look at how dozens of volunteers find inspiration in this year's decor theme, "Reflect, Rejoice, Renew," to give the White House a traditional yet fresh and eco-friendly transformation for the holidays.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091214/CL25601-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091214/CL25601-b )

During the one-hour special, President Barack Obama and his family light the National Christmas Tree in a special ceremony. The event featured performances by a New York City choir, hip-hop artist Common and other celebrity entertainers.

"HGTV is excited to continue its longtime tradition of bringing the splendor of the holidays at the White House to the American people," said Freddy James, senior vice president, program development and production, HGTV. "The special captures the energy and spirit that the new First Family brings to this historic place."

Inside the White House, Gorder chats with White House volunteers to determine how they interpreted First Lady Michelle Obama's desire for a contemporary twist on this year's decorations. The decor weaves natural elements such as pine cones, dried flowers, pepper berries, painted magnolia leaves and cranberries into the stately space. Miles of garland, hundreds of wreaths and two dozen trees, including one made of recycled cardboard, set the stage for a spectacular holiday celebration for the Obama family. Viewers will see the First Lady and daughters Malia and Sasha receive the Blue Room Christmas Tree from the West Virginia farmers who grew it. As always, the breathtaking tree serves as a centerpiece attraction for thousands of White House visitors.

In the kitchen, Executive Chef Cris Comerford showcases the holiday menu, while Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses displays a magnificent gingerbread house and other holiday pastries. The special also highlights the work of 90 volunteers as they adorn the White House in only two days. In addition to discussing the White House decorations, the First Lady acknowledges the work of the volunteers and the importance of giving back to communities, especially during the holidays.

HGTV fans who have enjoyed seeing the holiday traditions at the White House come to life on the network for more than 10 years will appreciate this glimpse at the 2009 decor and festivities.

About HGTV

HGTV, America's leader in home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 98 million U.S. households and is one of cable's top-rated networks. HGTV's website, HGTV.com, is the nation's leading online home-and-garden destination, which attracts an average of more than four million unique visitors per month.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091214/CL25601-b
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091214/CL25601-a
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN15
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN14
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: HGTV

CONTACT: Lynne Davis, HGTV, +1-212-549-8612, ldavis@hgtv.com, Eileen
Campion, Dera, Roslan & Campion Public Relations, +1-212-966-4600,
eileen@drcpublicrelations.com

Web Site: http://www.hgtv.com/

-------
Profile: intent