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- calendar_today October 31, 2026
Castle Pines Designer Selected for White House Christmas 2026
As many people focus on Halloween festivities, one Colorado designer is setting her sights on an even bigger stage for the upcoming holiday season. McKinsie Ortegon, a Castle Pines resident and founder of House by McKarthur Designs, has been chosen for the prestigious honor of helping decorate the White House for Christmas in 2026.
A Competitive Selection Process
Ortegon's selection is a testament to her skills and dedication. She was one of only 150 designers chosen out of around 15,000 applicants to join the team responsible for the White House Christmas decorations this year. The honor places her among an elite group of christmas designers who contribute to one of the nation’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Overlooking an Unexpected Opportunity
Despite her excitement, Ortegon nearly missed the chance entirely. After applying in August, she assumed her chances were slim. When the invitation arrived in her email, she initially dismissed it as junk mail and deleted it. It was only after some time that she discovered the message was real and that she had been selected to participate in the white house decorating team.
A Lifelong Appreciation for Holiday Decorations
For Ortegon, contributing to the famed White House holiday display is especially meaningful. She has admired the home's festive decorations for years, inspired by the history and timeless style the displays bring each year. Though the specific theme for this season's decorations has not been revealed, Ortegon and the other designers will be divided into teams to decorate various rooms of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Turning Challenges Into Inspiration
Ortegon’s path toward this national recognition began during a challenging period. Six years ago, her son, Briggs, was born during the COVID-19 lockdown and was diagnosed with a rare skin condition that forced the family to spend significant time indoors, often in hospitals. During this time, Ortegon found joy and solace in creating magical holiday environments at home for her family. This passion eventually evolved into a professional career when she founded House by McKarthur Designs.
Bringing Colorado Flair to the Nation’s Capital
As she prepares for her journey to the White House, Ortegon hopes to incorporate elements from her home state into the holiday decorations. "I hope we can get some Colorado flair into these trees!" she shared. For Ortegon, the opportunity to contribute to the country’s most iconic holiday decorating tradition is the culmination of a journey that began with supporting her family through tough times and grew into a successful business and a national honor.
A Moment to Remember
Decorating the White House for Christmas promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for Ortegon—a moment reflecting not only her professional success but also her resilience and devotion to creating holiday magic for others. Her story is a reminder that even in challenging times, new traditions and achievements can blossom.
Source: kdvr.com.
