The Magazine Publishers of America teamed up with the U.S. State Department this year to bring guests inside two State buildings—the Harry S. Truman Building and the Blair House—as part of the first Magazine Holiday Design Showcase of decor from different shelter publications.
Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, Mother Earth News, Natural Home, This Old House, and Traditional Home have taken responsibility for the 17 rooms included in the initiative. Each will play on different themes pertaining to the holidays and their different titles while highlighting the venues' rarely seen furnishings and art.
The Blair House, in particular, will also get some high-profile traffic. As the official presidential guest house, just across the street from the White House, it will welcome dignitaries, diplomats, and plenty of U.S. elected officials during the month. The display opens to the public December 7, and both the State Department and the Magazine Publishers of America intend for the initiative to continue annually.
And State isn't the only government institution bringing on famous names in design for holiday decor this year. The White House hired Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan—famous for designing the retailer's holiday windows—as official decorator for the holiday season.
