Jim Shea of the Hartford Courant writes this article about how the White House ornaments got started:
When she moved into the White House in 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy was said to have been appalled when she realized the president of the United States and his family were expected to live in a place that had the ambience of a rundown hotel.
As the first lady embarked on a major redecoration and restoration of the residence, the National Park Service suggested a private organization be formed to promote the understanding and appreciation of the national landmark. Thus was born the private, nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association.