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

by Nancy Clarke, Christie Matheson

In this book Nancy Clarke reveals the touching, funny, and illuminating story of what it was like to serve under six administrations and to help each first lady find her own personal style when it came to planning flower designs, state dinners, and holiday festivities in the White House. Readers learn how Nancy gave comfort to Nancy Reagan when she discovered she had cancer and how she helped Laura Bush to gain the confidence to select bright, bold flower arrangements over the more conservative palettes she had used in her first years as first lady. See the deep bond that developed between Nancy Clarke and Barbara Bush and feel what it was like to be standing in a bunker right next to President Bush in the days following 9/11. Only Nancy Clarke can reveal the inside story of what it was like to work for more than 30 years in the White House she called her second home.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Audiobook, Politics, Memoir, Adult

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this memoir of over 30 years working at the White House in the floral shop! What an exciting career! She writes warmly of her relationships with all of the First Ladies during her tenure as Chief Floral Designer, no snarky remarks. Nancy's floral arrangements and Christmas decorating set the mood for so many people, including the First Family's children. Her creativity and dedication produced outstanding results and the colorful pictures give a hint of all the state dinner and galas that the White House hosted. I learned so much of not just the Floral Shop but the whole workings of the First Family and White House.

[Koren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Clarke worked for 6 First Ladies as the White House florist. I did not know what a big job that is or how much input the first ladies have. If you are looking for any dirt on president's wives here you are not going to find it. The author liked and got along with every one of them. At times I wondered if so much money needed to be spent on flowers or decorations but it seems that this is a very important job. This is a short book with lots of pictures and it was very interesting.

[Marisa Maloney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended from my friend Candy. Would have loved to read this In a picture book form because I bet there would have been beautiful pictures of the flowers, and the audio was read by the author and it was no good at all. But regardless I loved learning of her relationship ship with the First Ladies she worked for from Carters’ to Obamas’. I totally want to go to a White House Christmas and it was interesting to her what her day was like on 9/11.

[Abigail King · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating story! I loved learning what Nancy Clarke’s interactions were like with the First Ladies, some behind the scenes within the White House, and the incredible impact she had on so many throughout her career as chief floral designer (didn’t even know that was a job!)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

#73 of 120 books pledged to read during 2020

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An fast, interesting read about the first ladies & the floral designer at the White House. Very talented and hard working. What a career she had!

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5... a little slow at times, but interesting/enjoyable to read. It was a little repetitive but she's a floral designer, not a writer. It was interesting to read her observations on the differences of the First Ladies and their preferences/styles. This is a book you can put down and come back to.

I'm most definitely not a Republican, however I think I enjoyed reading about Barbara Bush the most. She was so different than Nancy Reagan and of course, Hillary. Mrs. Bush was not frivolous in her choices and nor did they entertain every day like the the Clintons. The older I get and the more taxes we pay, I can appreciate Mrs. Bush's practicality.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realy enjoyed this book and the glimpses into the lives and personalities of the six First Ladies the author worked for. Ms. Clarke recounted her work, the feedback she received plus many behind the scene antedotes with class and grace. The photos are fantastic and fun to look at. I was most surprised by her description of Hillary Clinton.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning about our first ladies. I did the audio book. Reader moved along at a good pace. The stories and tidbits were wonderful. Just what I was looking for.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book and enjoyed hearing the author's experience not only working in the White House flower shop, but working directly with multiple first ladies. Appeared to be a dream career and I believe that is why Nancy Clarke chose to share her story. What better way to celebrate your retirement than to share your experience with others? It helps to know your flowers as the author shares many details about arrangements. Having grown a variety of flowers around my yard, I know just how delicate some are, how fragile, how seasonal, etc. The size of arrangements for many of the White House rooms would require lot$$$ of flower$.
Before reading this book, I never thought about the thousands of dollars spent each day in the White House on flowers. With 5 full time staff throughout the year and hundreds of volunteers for Holiday decorating, what exactly do all the flowers, greenery, containers, tablecloths, etc. Having read other books about the White House, I was aware the "staff" that takes care of running the household is approximately 90 people, and that includes cooks, cleaning staff, plumbing, 5 floral staff, organizing tours, etc. etc. It is a big business to run the White House.
Clarke's impression of Rosalyn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama were not out of line with other things I've read. I'm sure it was an honor to be in that inner circle.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this as an audiobook, read by the author. It was interesting to hear her story related by Nancy Clarke herself, but I came to find out that there were many pictures in the book, so I borrowed the book from a friend and have to say that the memoir is enhanced by the photos. In fact, I would love to see even more photos of the breathtaking table settings for White House events! Ms. Clarke tells interesting stories from her experiences with six first ladies, from Carter to Obama. All first ladies were presented respectfully and affectionately, with stories that gave the reader a glimpse into each woman's style and influence in the White House. The scope and effort of the White House floral department was an eyeopener, and yes, the Christmas decorations are covered as well!

[Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read!! Nancy Clarke tells of her time across six White House administrations, and she does so in a way that vividly paints pictures of the glamorous events, historical moments, and average days of the White House. There are lots of pictures, which adds greatly to this book. Nancy tells her story in a way that makes you feel like she has taken you to work with her for a day (or many!). She has a humble, fun, and gracious tone, and was clearly all in on her goal to make the first families happy. I highly recommend this book. It provides such a fun inside look into the operations behind running the White House, and to get to learn more about each first lady and her tastes in designs.

[Cindy H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good fun, although needed some stronger editing. An insider’s view of the floral designs & antidotes she witnessed throughout 6 presidents over 31 years. Simply written but full of delightful details about the inner workings of the White House. The author narrates her book, which was a little robotic sounding. I enjoyed learning about the various First Ladies personal taste and style.

Mrs Reagan was a bit of a diva, who knew???
Roslyn Carter - low key
Nancy Reagan - perfectionist
Barbara Bush - easy going and affable
Hilary Clinton - eclectic/ contemporary
Laura Bush- reserved/polite
Michelle Obama - chic/modern

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely tribute to all the First Ladies who Nancy Clarke worked for during her long career as White House floral designer. The stories she tells are heartfelt and provide such interesting insight into the role of the First Lady and their personal style. It also shows how as a culture we have changed over the 35 years she worked in the White House. You can tell how much she loved her work and how talented she was in design and navigating relationships. We all should be so lucky to have a job we love so much and such wonderful people to work alongside and with.

[Wilma · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fast read to cross off the biography on my Bingo card at the library. It was about the chief floral designer at the Whitehouse. She worked there for 30 years and for six first ladies.

What I got out of the book was that the American people could save a lot of money if we cut down on flowers for every room in the Whitehouse and all the events.

It was an interesting look at the various first ladies. Of course, I loved Barbara Bush the best and I got a new glance at Hillary Clinton.

I wouldn't recommend it unless you are into flowers and first ladies.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are like me, and strive to read anything written about the First Ladies, then this is practically required reading. It isn't riveting or full of fantastical tales. But what it offers is humanizing glimpses into the lives of six former First Ladies, as observed by a retired White House chief floral designer. It's surprising how much you can learn about a person just by their floral arrangement preferences. The gorgeous pictures throughout were an added bonus to a pleasant read.
3.5

[Jennifer Barrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a literary masterpiece, but rather a lovely historical review of Nancy’s years as the chief floral designer at The White House. I enjoyed reading behind-the-scenes details. My favorite part was this book provides insights to the personalities of the First Ladies which I found very interesting. It’s a very light read and perfect if you want a break from fiction.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this started out as interesting, it seemed to circle a little on the same things.
It was touching to read how each first lady reacted with their departure from the White House and their respect for the staff working there.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clarke worked at the White House for thirty years and left on good terms. There's no dirt to be found here. Instead, she focuses on the differences between the First Ladies. The moral of the story is always be nice to the help and you will be remembered fondly.

[Gayle DuBois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Gaining insight into the life of a First Lady from a person I never even knew existed, was so interesting. I am now a little obsessed with the floral arrangements at the White House.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, fun reading. Not politely. Interesting tidbits about the First Ladies. As a former florist I really enjoyed this.

[Barbara Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of details required for WH events.

[Nancy Newman Bricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my what a fantastic book. I learned so much about each of her “First Ladies” it was fascinating !!!

[Linda Gaines · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of photos of bouquets and comments ( all good) on the six First Ladies in the White House.

[Nicole Marble · Rating 3 out of 5]

The White House from the point of view of the chief florist. Remarkably interesting.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much "dirt" about the presidents and their wives. Interesting how the inner parts of the White House work Quick read. Lots of pictures.

[Ranette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate how Mrs. Clarke only said nice things about all the first ladies. Lots of information about the running of the White House and the parties held there.

[Kayla Gillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me tear up a bit. Such a good insight into a fascinating life and career.

[Julie Burenga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick read. I love flowers and it was really fun to read about the various first ladies Nancy worked with from her perspective.

[Sophie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not even listen to it. Her voice ruins it for the reader.