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WASHINGTON – Second Lady Karen Pence‘s inspiration for this year’s holiday decorations at the vice president’s residence was the home itself.

“This year’s theme, `Victorian Christmas’, showcases the rich history of the residence and highlights the beauty of the special landmark that we are blessed to call home,” Pence said in a statement.

First Lady Melania Trump likewise revealed the White House decorations this week, presenting a more traditional display with a patriotic flair following last year’s controversy over her red Christmas tree display.

White House Christmas 2019: Melania Trump unveils holiday decorations

At the vice president’s home, oversized Victorian-style ornaments hang suspended down three flights of stairs in the foyer of the Queen Anne-style house on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory where the Pences live with their pets.

Paper cones filled with dried baby’s breath and gold ribbons hang on branches of one of the seven Christmas trees provided by Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm in New Jersey. 

Dusty rose and burgundy ornaments are intertwined with greenery over the living room mantle hung with stockings for the Pence family as well as for Harley, the dog; Hazel, the cat and Marlon Bundo, the rabbit.

More than 40 volunteers helped string yards of cranberries, secure electric candles on tree branches and set a Victorian-style dining table as if it were hosting a 1906 dinner for President Theodore Roosevelt and his vice president, Charles Fairbanks of Indiana. 

The current vice president from Indiana and his wife will welcome more than 3,000 guests through their garland-draped door this holiday season.

A watercolor rendition of the door appears on the Pence’s Christmas card, designed as it has been in the last two years, by Karen Pence.

The Christmas Season is here!Always a joy to design our Christmas cards! This year’s card is a watercolor painting of the front door of the ⁦@VP⁩ Residence! 😃#Christmas 🌲 pic.twitter.com/4URHpTXm5L

— Second Lady Karen Pence (@SecondLady) November 29, 2019

Fun facts: More about the vice presidential residence and its inhabitants

Built in 1893 for the superintendent of the Naval Observatory, the vice president’s residence is less known than the White House as there are no public tours and only a small portion of the home can be seen from the street. Also, it didn’t become the vice presidential residence until the 1970s.

A gingerbread replica of the residence, weighing 70 pounds, sits in the sunroom.

On the front lawn, a 16.5 foot Fraser fir tree is adorned with multi-colored lights and ornaments designed by children from Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Pence has supported the hospital’s art therapy program for years.

“We are looking forward to the memorable moments,” Pence said, “and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”

Interview: Karen Pence talks 2020, her views on Trump and her job at Christian school

More: How Karen and Mike Pence — and their pets — have put their personal stamp

More: The secret history of Mike Pence’s new house

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