My First Ladies: Twenty-Five Years As the White House Chief Floral Designer

I decided to purchase this book after reading so many great reviews on it and I have to say, I was not disappointed! The author, Nancy Clarke spent thirty years working at the White House, twenty-five of them as the chief floral designer. She worked at the White House through six administrations! She with the help of her staff, were responsible for keeping the White House decorated with fresh flowers, not just the public rooms but also the private living quarters of the First Family, often changing the flowers daily! She designed the flowers and decorations for state dinners honoring world leaders and dignitaries making spectacular arrangements!Nancy Clarke worked very closely with the First Ladies in planning an upcoming dinner or party. When she was first hired, Rosalyn Carter was the First Lady and by the time Nancy retired, thirty years later, Michelle Obama had the famous role. In between, she closely worked with Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. By reading this book, we get a feel of the different personalities of the First Ladies and the style and color choices that they preferred. Nancy also got to meet every president during her time at the White House. The author portrays everyone in an agreeable manner and doesn't write anything malicious about anyone. Before reading this book, I had no idea how many thousands of dollars the White House spends on fresh flowers and decorations! It was an eye opener! Especially during the Christmas season, they pull out all stops and they decorate the White House very extravagantly!From this book, I also learned that the First Lady takes an important role in choosing the theme of the flowers and decorations for a dinner or an event. Nancy, as the chief floral designer came up with ideas and suggestions, but ultimately it was the First Lady who made the final decision. The author was totally dedicated to her job and worked very long hours, but she she loved every minute of it! She also got to meet some famous celebrities over the years such as Elton John and John Travolta that either performed or were invited to some of the dinners given at the White House. This is a very interesting look at what goes on behind the scenes in decorating and keeping the White House looking lovely. There are lots of color photos too throughout this book! This book is definitely a keeper!

I didn't want this pleasant book to end! I read it on the Kindle Fire then ordered the hardback version to share and see better quality pictures of the White House floral arrangements over the past 3 decades. The author spent her days as the White House floral director doing exactly what she loved and her family encouraged her! Who knew there are flower arrangements all thru the White House, including the bathrooms! They are all closely monitored, changed almost daily, protected and subject to the whims of the first lady.The tone of the book is especially enjoyable - no first lady gossip or ill will toward anyone - plenty of insights into the five first ladies who learned to appreciate the art of flower arrangments and how to display them. There is humor (one first lady phoned the director at home to inform her there was a wilted flower in the residence quarters!) There are lovely pictures of various arrangements. It is very interesting as to the favorite flowers each first lady liked to display (Mrs. Reagan's favorite was peonies). Matching flowers to tablecloths and china and even attire, for important dinners is evidently an art!The book could have been longer and perhaps given more information about various flowers for arrangements. I was particularly surprised by the huge arrangements in the middle of round tables - wondering why they were not low displays so guests could see one another. The Christmas chapters were wonderful, particularly the needlepoint decorations Barbara Bush ordered one year. The author maintained a friendship with each of her five first ladies and obviously there was mutual appreciation. This book is a welcome addition to my shelf of White House memories which include books written by the chefs, staff, cookbooks, and presidential histories.Soon after my all night reading of this book, I purchased a bouquet of flowers, found some of my vases, and arranged them.Please, Nancy, write another book in your chatty casual way and discuss everyday fresh flowers for the home, especially for winter weather that could include green arrangements. Thanks.

As an amateur floral designer, I had noticed for years the lovely flowers in the background of all those White House photos. I had thought to myself that I'd like to know who arranges those flowers and what stories they would have to tell about behind-the-scenes preparations for world-class events. Then I happened to notice one day that this book had just been published, and I thought, This is what I've been wanting to know.Well, yes and no. The book does answer a lot of my questions about how the events are prepared for, the long hours and hard work behind the beautiful floral arrangements and glorious Christmas decorations. I enjoyed reading about all that and learning how decisions are made about table settings, Christmas themes, and who gets what flowers where and when. I also enjoyed the details about how the White House staff works. But what Nancy Clarke thought would be the biggest draw for readers--but wasn't for me--is her description of each First Lady's taste. If you're looking for juicy details about the First Ladies (I wasn't), you won't find them here, or if you'd really like a glimpse into the true character of these famous women, again, you won't find it here. What I did learn about the First Ladies (and Presidents) is that they (and presumably their assistants) spend a surprising amount of time being courteous and writing thank-you notes. I found that heartening. But my real interest was in the floral design in one of the world's most important and most public residences, so I especially liked the photos.

This was recommended to me by a friend, I'm so glad she did. A fascinating look at the flowers of the first ladies.

Really enjoyed reading this book. Fascinating insight into the what goes on on a day to day basis inside the White House. Heartily recommend it.