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Two local residents were invited - and their names were on the guest list - when the Obama administration hosted its first Christmas party last week.

Allen Taylor and James Guy, both of Wheeling, had the opportunity to not only see the White House Christmas tree (which also came from West Virginia), but to walk freely throughout much of first and second floor areas that often are restricted from public viewing.

They were served food prepared by the White House staff and were permitted to sit on historical furniture in the building while they ate it.

They also got to meet President Barack Obama in person at the dinner and to have a lengthy political discussion with his senior adviser, David Axelrod.

Cameras were discouraged among attendees, but many shots were snapped on cell phones.

About 350 people were present at the reception. Guy estimated that about six of those in attendance were from the Mountain State.

Obama told them in his remarks that it had been important to him and his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, that those most instrumental in helping his presidential campaign be invited to his first White House Christmas party.

Taylor and Guy were involved with the Obama presidential campaign through "Organizing for America."

"Someone recognized our efforts and did us a big favor," Taylor said. "We were two of the very fortunate ones to be selected."

Both received in the mail on Nov. 29 what appeared to be a Christmas card - with "The White House" as the return address.

Neither Taylor nor Guy could believe it when they opened the envelopes to find they were being "cordially invited" to a holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 4.

"I thought it was a joke," Taylor said. "Then I called the number that was listed and found out it was the White House. I love American history anyway, and it really touched me."

Guy said he hadn't immediately opened the envelope, thinking it was a simple Christmas card. After seeing it was an invitation, he called a friend at the Democratic National Committee office to make sure it was legitimate.

"First you don't believe it," he commented. "Then you freak out. Then you go shopping."

The invitation called for attendees to wear business attire, he noted.

Guy has lived in Wheeling for 14 years but is a native of the Washington, D.C., area. Members of his family work or have worked in federal government offices there.

Guy and Taylor stayed with Guy's parents and took the Metro into downtown Washington and the White House. They were among the first to arrive for the 7 p.m. reception, Guy said.

While Secret Service agents and White House staff weren't dressed as Santa, they did check their lists four times to make certain each guest was, in fact, invited, according to both Guy and Taylor. This came in the wake of an incident the week before in which two uninvited guests were permitted entrance to a state dinner at the White House.

Photo identification was required of those coming in for the Christmas party.

"There were several checkpoints, but everyone was very nice," Taylor said. "You don't feel intimidated. And I don't think anybody sneaked in."

Dinner included prime rib, turkey with stuffing and crab legs, along with a selection of fresh vegetables and baby potatoes, according to Guy.

They were permitted to sit and eat on furniture in revered White House areas such as the Red Room and the Vermeil Room.

Guy said he felt the impulse to go around the room and place napkins under the glasses set on end tables, only to be told by White House staff, "Thank you, but it's OK because the tables are coated."

The pair said the highlight of the evening, though, was when the Obamas came down the stairs from their executive residence to greet those attending the party. The president spoke "for a few minutes," Taylor said, then conversed with individuals present for about 20 minutes.

"Everybody wanted to shake his hand, but he could only accommodate so many," Taylor added.

While the president was in the room, Axelrod entered though another door and few noticed, according to Guy. Guy approached him, and the two spoke "for about 10 minutes," he said.

"I love America anyway, and here you're right in the heart of it there," Taylor said. "You think about all those great men who walked the halls and the burden they carry with them."

Guy was impressed by the politeness of the White House staff even when they ushered everyone out at 9:45 p.m. to start preparing for the next day's event.

"If they treat all guests who come to the White House like we were treated, dignitaries are going to go back to their countries with amazing thoughts of what American hospitality is," Guy said.