Holiday Favorite 'White House Christmas 2010' Returns to HGTV on Sunday, December 12, at 8 PM ET/PT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- With the seasonal splendor of the "people's house" on full display, HGTV's popular coverage of the White House Christmas 2010 returns on Sunday, December 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Designer Genevieve Gorder will offer viewers an insider's look at how dozens of volunteers work with the White House staff to implement this year's decor theme, "Simple Gifts," a celebration of friends and family, hearth and home—all of the simple pleasures that make the holidays special. In addition, visitors to HGTV.com will see an extensive behind-the-scenes photo gallery of the decorating process, as well as a retrospective of holiday decor at the White House.

"HGTV is privileged to continue its longtime tradition of sharing the special holiday decor and festivities of the White House with the American people," said Freddy James, senior vice president, program development and production, HGTV. "Our audience will be inspired by the White House decor theme and will enjoy seeing ways to bring the look into their homes."

HGTV fans who have enjoyed seeing the holiday traditions at the White House come to life on the network for more than 11 years will be inspired by the tour of the 2010 decor and festivities.  The one-hour special features President Barack Obama and his family lighting the National Christmas Tree and highlights the work of nearly 100 volunteers as they adorn the White House in only a few days.  

During the special, Genevieve chats with volunteers and White House staff about how they interpreted the decor theme to remind onlookers of the simple things that bring joy at Christmas. Many of this year's decorations are made from natural materials such as wood, paper, leaves, fruits and vegetables, and are interwoven throughout the stately space. Two doorways in the visitors' entrance area, for example, are decorated with surrounds of roses which are handmade from dried oak leaves collected from the homes and neighborhood parks of volunteers. Also new this year is a Military Appreciation Tree, an idea from the First Lady Michelle Obama that is designed to honor the contributions of America's military personnel.  In the kitchen, Executive Chef Cris Comerford showcases the holiday menu, while Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses displays a magnificent white chocolate replica of the White House and other holiday pastries.

In addition to discussing the White House decorations, Mrs. Obama acknowledges the work of the volunteers and the importance of giving back to communities, especially during the holidays.  

About HGTV

HGTV, America's leader in home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 99 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.  

SOURCE HGTV