The Blue Room is one of three formal parlors on the south side of the State Floor. The White House Christmas tree is usually placed in the center of this room. With the Yellow Oval Room above it and the Diplomatic Reception Room below it, the Blue Room is one of three oval rooms conceived by James Hoban in his original design for the White House. It is currently furnished in the French Empire style - the decor chosen for the room by President James Monroe in 1817.