What Melania Wore Welcoming 2020 White House Christmas Tree

First Lady Melania Trump kicked off the holiday season by welcoming the arrival of the 2020 White House Christmas tree Monday afternoon.

Emerging from the North Portico of the White House, Melania sporting a newly blond look stepped out wearing a wool houndstooth bubble tie-neck coat from Balenciaga. Hailing from the Spring 2018 Collection, the black and white houndstooth wool coat is tailored to stand out. Dubbed the iconic ‘Egg’ coat, the oversized cocoon-like shape features cropped, fluted long sleeves, front central button fastening, and an exaggerated raw-edged necktie that is fully lined to give off a clean drape. It retailed for $3,700, but it has long sold out.

To complete her look, Melania paired the bubble tie-neck coat with an all-black look consisting of black skinny jeans, black leather gloves, and black suede knee-length boots from Christian Louboutin. The Eleonor Tall suede red sole boots is an almond toe that features an asymmetrical, curved top collar. It retails for $1,795 and is available for purchase at bergdorfgoodman.com.

Two large Clydesdale horses transported the tree down the White House’s northern driveway as a military band played “O Tannenbaum” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” The Christmas Tree from Dan and Anne Taylor’s farm in West Virginia, who were the winner of the 2020 National Christmas Tree Association’s (NCTA) National Christmas tree contest.

The tree chosen for the White House’s Blue Room is an 18 1/2-foot Fraser fir, picked out by White House superintendent of grounds Dale Haney.

“This special tree has to fit exacting and particular specifications to go on display is such a historic room,” an NCTA press release said. “Mr. Haney’s viewing of the trees that day became the selection process.”

The Taylors, the tree farm owners attended the event.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to represent the Christmas tree growers of America, by continuing the tradition of providing a tree to the White House Blue Room, which will be viewed by millions of people,” Dan Taylor said.

The 18 1/2 Christmas Tree will sit in the Blue Room of the White House as the center of the holiday decorations. The first lady’s office will unveil after Thanksgiving the White House Christmas decorations and theme.

“Merry Christmas,” Melania told reporters when they shouted questions regarding how President Trump is doing.

The White House holiday gatherings and events are scheduled to begin later this month, soon after the Thanksgiving weekend, but will be smaller than previous holiday parties held.

“The parties this year will be smaller than they were in the past,” Melania’s spokeswoman and chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. “The People’s House will celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah while providing the safest environment possible. This includes smaller guest lists, masks will be required and available, social distancing encouraged while on the White House grounds, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the State Floor.”

“Guests will enjoy food individually plated by chefs at plexiglass-protected food stations. All passed beverages will be covered. All service staff will wear masks and gloves to comply with food safety guidelines. Attending the parties will be a very personal choice. It is a longstanding tradition for people to visit and enjoy the cheer and iconic decor of the annual White House Christmas celebrations,” she added.

Today I welcomed the arrival of the beautiful @WhiteHouse Christmas Tree! We are excited to begin decorating the People’s House for the holiday season! #WHChristmas pic.twitter.com/8Qaq9sfiw9
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) November 23, 2020

The White House Hanukkah reception is scheduled at 3 pm on December 9 and the congressional Christmas party is slated for December 10.

President Trump and the First Lady have canceled their plans to spend Thanksgiving at their Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, and will remain at the White House.