Behind the Scenes at the White House
Managing the White House involves the diligence and expertise of ushers, chefs, plumbers, florists, painters, butlers, groundskeepers, event planners and many others. These extraordinary individuals work to make the White House a place of pride for the American people.

The White House kitchen is a large, stainless steel workspace filled with slicers, choppers, mixers, ovens and walk-in freezers. Cuisine experts lend their talents for a variety of culinary needs throughout the year. In the spring, chefs dye thousands of boiled eggs for children participating in the White House Easter Egg Roll.

The White House residence staff played an important part in the 2001 White House holiday decor. They followed the original house plans of family homes of White House presidents to build models for Mrs. Bush's "Home for the Holidays" theme.

Staff also take pride in maintaining the White House interior and exterior. When needed, painters apply fresh coats of "Whisper White" to the exterior, and workers inspect chimneys, clean chandeliers and power wash balconies.

Staff assisted in refurbishing the Oval Office in December 2001. They installed a wool rug--30'5" by 23'5"--featuring the presidential coat of arms in the center and "bronze" silk damask draperies. In front of the fireplace, they arranged a pair of blue and gold striped chairs that were reproduced from an English armchair in the White House collection.