A White Christmas: Winthrop Resident Helps Decorate the White House

Winthrop resident Maureen Reddy joined a team of artisans from across the country to decorate the White House in Washington, D.C. for the holidays.

This year’s decorating theme was Shine, Give, Share as the home of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama was transformed into a wonderland with over 35 trees, 60 wreaths, countless garlands, and much love and excitement.

The owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery on Willow Avenue for 15 years, Reddy wrote a letter to the First Lady in April expressing her interest in decorating the White House for the holidays. She followed that up with a letter to the White House florist and social office.

In October, Reddy received a correspondence stating that she had been selected to a team of 120 interior designers to decorate the White House.

Reddy worked inside the White House for three days, helping to prepare 16 rooms for the holidays.

One of the highlights of her experience was attending a reception at the White House during which Mrs. Obama thanked Reddy and the other designers for their decorative work. The First lady said that she expects 85,000 visitors to enjoy the elaborate décor over the holiday season.

The trip to the White House was an adventure that Reddy added to her ever-expanding design experience. “I was thrilled and honored to have been a small part of creating a vision that brings much joy to many,” said Reddy.

Reddy is no stranger to “decking the halls.” She started her career in the early 1990s at Jordan Marsh, fluffing Christmas trees, tying bulbs, and hanging garland throughout Boston’s beloved department store. Her career path widened as she continued as a visual merchandiser, regional designer for a national furniture chain, manager of an event planning company, and ultimately the owner of DaVinci Designer Gallery, a full service interior design firm.

The Reddy name is well known in Winthrop. Maureen’s father, the late Jim Reddy, served on the Winthrop Board of Selectmen.