Montclair Author's New Book Reveals Style Secrets From The White House

Want to learn Michelle Obama's recipe for gingerbread ornaments? Want to find out which family had a Christmas White House wedding? And what about Laura Bush’s Christmas connection to coconuts ... what's that all about?

It's all in a new book from Montclair auhor Coleen Christian Burke called Christmas with the First Ladies that includes a forward from TV host and author Deborah Norville.

Indeed, you can discover the individual decorating style of each First Lady, from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama. And you can see an amazing array of intimate historical photos including one of Betty Ford playing basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters amongst the Christmas decor, right outside the Oval Office.

The hardcover book, which costs $29.95, will be celebrated with a launch party at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The author, Coleen Christian Burke, is a holiday decorator who was part of the team that decorated the White House at Christmas for First Lady Laura Bush.

To find out more about Burke, here's a quick Patch Q&A with the author:

1) How did you come up with the idea for the book?

In 2008, I was honored to be part of the team of Christmas designers who decorated the White House for Christmas. When I came home, I wanted to purchase a book on White House Christmas decorating. When I couldn't find one to buy, I decided to write the book myself!

2) What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is always changing. Right now, my favorites are Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez' A Hundred Year's of Solitude. And p.s., I hated the first page of both!

3) What are you working on now?

I am working on a line of Christmas ornaments that reflect the individual holiday style of each First Lady. Look for me on QVC! My next book project is called The Wedding Dress Tea. It's the true story of a group of women who were invited to put on their wedding dresses, years after they first walked down the aisle, and wear them to a party. The Wedding Dress Tea tells the story of how these women felt, not only about their dresses, but about their marriages, given the passage of time.

4) What do you think of First Lady Michelle Obama?

Michelle Obama is one of my favorite First Ladies. I love that she is striving to bring a heartfelt message to the Christmas celebration at the White House. Last year, she chose Simple Blessings as her Christmas theme, and it struck a chord with me. I also love that she works to have Christmas craft projects that involve children. As a mother of three, I loved making her adorable gingerbread ornaments with my own children.

5) What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I'm a Montclair baseball and softball coach! If you would have told me that I'd grow up to be a coach when I was a kid dreading gym class, I would have never believed you. I love the Montclair Baseball and Softball program, and am proud to have been a coach for the last five years. Surely, my team will win the championship this year!