Confessions from the Velvet Ropes: Christmas at the White House Party at the home of Glenn Belverio, December 13, 2008

Above: "Hope for the Holidays": An Obama finger puppet tops my tree but is slightly upstaged by John Toth's "Dianne Brill Goes to the White House" piece.

Dear holiday hellraisers,

Since this is probably the first time in eight years that we Americans don't have to feel embarrassed about being American (for the time being, at least) I chose a "Christmas at the White House" theme for my holiday party this year. A week before the party, I invited some friends over to help decorate my tree and was very impressed by their politcally themed contributions.

Above: Knitwear designer Tom Scott devised these genius First Lady decorations, while Corey made the Sarah Palin ornament ("I can see Santa and the entire North Pole from here!"). Priya and her husband Ab brought the Obama air freshener (off to the left of Jackie) which was very controversial because it smelled like vanilla! I think it was from the Ralph Nader line of political Christmas ornaments. Sylvia Heisel and her husband Scott made the Obama and Bush fortune garlands. One of the fortunes chosen for Bush reads: "A person is never too old to learn." Also, "Don't ever slam a door; you might want to go back." Good luck with that, hon.

More Tom Scott creations: Pat Nixon and, of course. Nancy Reagan.

Betty Ford always brings a prophetic vibe to any booze-soaked soiree.

Christine Martin and Ben Stock adorned themselves in festively colored duchess satins.

The always fab Carole Pope. Carole just finished work on her role in an upcoming vampire film that also stars Iggy Pop, Michael Stipe, Alice Cooper (!), Henry Rollins, and Moby. Sounds like the hippest vampire film since "The Hunger"!

Because it just wouldn't be a White House/fin-de-siecle Christmas party without an Obama gingerbread cookie (baked by Corey Sabourin). From left: Nancy Stout, Jill Smith, and Thomas Onorato.

Artist Mathias Kessler and Karina Daskalov of Marian Goodman Gallery

Angela Gaimari and Christopher Voigt. I'm still stepping on the bits of broken glass from the champagne flute that Angela smashed onto my floor. Thanks, doll!

A bevy of bearded men! Mathias and Demetre Daskalakis. Demetre is currently one of the featured "Do-Gooders" in PAPER magazine as recognition for his admirable work with the Men's Sexual Health Project.

Graphic designer Michelle Gorman

Thomas, Jll and Tim McKlusky hanging out in my bedroom discussing the state of fashion, makeup and politics.

Keepers of the subcultural and fashion flames, Patrick Lehman and Adrian Milton. It was great to catch up with the boys after not seeing them for ages.

Of course legendary & international DJ sensation Larry Tee was at my party--he'll go to the opening of a toilet!

Writer Christopher Anthony Stoddard and artist Scott Neary.

Above: Of course I screened Jackie Kennedy's Tour of the White House, which first aired in 1962, during the party.

Me working some (borrowed) anti-recession chic in Sylvia Heisel's mink coat.

Everyone wanted to try on Sylvia's mink!

Invisible mistletoe! Fashion writer Joselle Yokogawa and her boyfriend Crazy Legs of Rocksteady Crew.

Graphic designers Michelle Leung and Minori Kuroishi

Yuli Ziv of the fashion site My It Things

Minh and Mary Poon shared laughs with Christine into the wee hours of the morning.

Joselle and Legs analyze Veruschka's breakdance moves in my Blow-Up poster.

Oops! Joselle spilled red wine all over Legs' sweater (I think it was cashmere). He was like, "Oh, I'll just throw it away, it's just cashmere." I concurred. "The one on the floor is vicuna," I said pointing to a sweater lying by my closet. (That was my token "Boys in the Band" reference that only Bruce LaBruce will get, I'm sure).

Other guests arrived just in time for the floor show, which as you can see is on the floor.

Joselle hides her discomfort as Cator debases the Obama cookie with a lewd gesture, as Abe Lincoln looks on with a poker face. Blasphemy or the shape of things to come?