Presenting the First Dog: Mrs Obama was joined by the real-life Bo as she posed for photographers

Presenting the First Dog: Mrs Obama was joined by the real-life Bo as she posed for photographers

Bo's fan base: The Portugese water dog got a warm welcome from the military kids in attendance

Bo himself made an appearance during Wednesday's festivities, sporting a jingle bell collar, and was quickly swarmed by young guests.
This year's decorations include lots of handmade items that could easily be done at home, including patriotic wreaths and ornaments wrapped in red, white and blue yarn to fit with Mrs. Obama's emphasis on supporting military families.

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (C) participates in craft activities with military children at the State Dining Room after a preview of the 2012 White House holiday decorations

All in the detail... Mrs Obama decorates a lollipop with the help of the White House chefs

Woof! woof! A replica of Bo, the first family's Portuguese Water Dog

The gargantuan gingerbread house, however, is not a feat for amateurs to attempt: It contains more than 175 pounds of gingerbread and modified gingerbread and more than 50 pounds of chocolate.
Pastry chef Bill Yosses mixed up a combination of wheat, rye and white-flour gingerbread that mimics the color of the sandstone house prior to 1798, when the house was first painted white.

Festive spirit: A Christmas tree decorated in a rainbow of colors sits next to a statue of President Lincoln in the East Garden Room of the White House

Splash of colour: Chicago artist David Lee Csicsko designed stained glass windows decorating the grand entryway at the White House

Main attraction: The official White House Christmas tree, an 18ft 6in Frasier fur from Jefferson, North Carolina, trimmed with ornaments decorated by children of military families

More than 90,000 visitors are expected to pass through the White House this holiday season.
Executive chef Cristeta Comerford said she's drawing on the recipes in Mrs. Obama's gardening book, American Grown, as she prepares food for all the guests. 
The treats will include sweet potato quick bread, green beans with almonds and a winter salad featuring fennel.

Ta-da! The First Lady seemed delighted with her efforts

Taste test: The First Lady also made time to sample her handiwork

Season's greetings: Mrs Obama said that the theme for this year's decorations was Joy to All

The massive decorating job - there are 54 live Christmas trees in the White House - comes together in just five days, with the help of 85 volunteers from around the country.
This year's volunteers included Nellie Funk, a military wife from Carlisle, Pa., who was working beside retired homicide detective Tracy Jacobson from Southern California.
Asked which job was more fun - detective or decorator - Jacobson deadpanned: 'This has been much more fun.'

Magical display: Lauren Ray (far left) and Olivia Marlow of Northern Virginia look at ornaments on a Christmas tree in the White House

Theatrical edge: A tree festooned with ornaments in the Blue Room at the White House

Joy to all: The Truman China is set on a table in the China Room of the White House during a preview of the holiday decorations