Overheard at Lunch: D.C. Gossip Girl

Mixed Reviews for Melania Trump’s Holiday Décor
First lady Melania Trump unveiled the 2017 White House holiday decorations in a short video last month. Though some praised the administration’s traditional aesthetic, others went crazy on Twitter, captioning photos “American Horror Story” or using Photoshop to insert “Stranger Things” monsters. Meanwhile, President Trump may not be as Grinchy as he seems; Obama family holiday cards are rumored to be on display.

Rita Moreno and four others were honored at the National Portrait Gallery.

Portrait Gallery Salutes American Icons
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery continued its biannual tradition of paying homage to five American icons. At the 2017 American Portrait Gala, held Nov. 19, the honorees were filmmaker Spike Lee, actress Rita Moreno, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, AIDS researcher Dr. David Ho and choreographer Bill T. Jones.

George H.W. Bush Is Oldest POTUS
As of Nov. 27, George H.W. Bush has a new distinction. The former president is now the longest living president, at 93 years and 166 days. Jimmy Carter is a close second, clocking in at 93 years and 55 days. The other living presidents are younger (no surprise). George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are both 71 and Barack Obama is in his 50s.

Bonjeans’ Celebrity Guest … Any Guesses?
The Bonjeans’ annual holiday extravaganza will take place on Dec. 9 this year, and there have already been clues as to who their celebrity guest will be, the Hill reported. GOP strategist Ron and wife Sara have a yearly fete that has previously featured such surprise guests as rapper Flavor Flav and actor Gary Busey. This year’s first clue: scenes from the 1970s “Wonder Woman” TV show.

Matt Lauer Ousted from ‘Today’ Show
Adding to the long list of men accused of sexual misconduct, Matt Lauer’s “Today” show contract was terminated in late November, just after Thanksgiving. According to a Variety exclusive, Lauer exposed himself in front of a female NBC employee, gave a sex toy to another female employee and had a lock installed on his office door that he could activate with the push of a button.

Bernie Sanders is up for a Grammy.

Bernie Sanders Nominated for Grammy
Yes, you read that headline correctly. Bernie Sanders, the man frequently impersonated by look-alike (and distant cousin) Larry David, has been nominated for a Grammy for the audio recording of his book “Our Revolution.” The New York Times reported that late-night hosts went wild with the news. Seth Meyers joked that Sanders was nominated in the “shouted word” category.