White House State Dinners

I love a big fancy event and I don't think we get bigger or better that a good old fashioned State Dinner. Last night, the Obama's welcomed Chinese President Hu Jintau. Regardless of which party is in power and who is occupying the Oval Office, a State Dinner is an important part of US diplomacy and has been so since the Grant administration which first started using the State Dinner as a diplomatic tool, honoring a specific foreign head of state. It's part diplomacy, part theater. And a whole lot of fun to watch. Wouldn't you love to be invited??

The traditional formal welcome of the honoree

The State Dining Room is clearly the place to be in the place to be. Love the portrait of Lincoln overlooking the events of the day.

State Dining Room formal table setting

The Blue Room table setting. I am wondering which invited guests don't make it into the big room (State Dining room) and are relegated to the Blue and Red rooms?

Another view of the Blue Room table setting. I love the acrylic chairs, but am not sure about the table cloths.

The Red Room (note the flat screen tv so diners in this room don't miss the main events).

The State Dining room getting set up.

Pardon me, excuse me, pardon me, excuse me... get out of my way!

Seat cushions for the acrylic chairs - keeping famous tushies comfy!

Here are some interesting State Dinners in history:

1902 State Dinner for Prince Henry of Germany (Prussia). Note there are no women at the table.

 The White House Historical Association (White House Collection)

 Maimie Eisenhower in the Red Room in 1958

The Kennedys honoring the President of Peru, 1962

State Dinners in their modern form began with President Grant. Historically, they featured the traditional long table. It was Jacqueline Kennedy who started using the small round tables which promoted conversation and accommodated more people. The setting above was from 1902.

 

1974 State Dinner featured then president Richard Nixon accompanying singer Pearl Bailey.

 The First Lady and her staff are responsible for the decor, menu, etc. for State Dinners. This is from the dinner the Bushes hosted for the Japanese Prime Minister. Love the color palette!

This is the table setting for Queen Elizabeth at the 2007 State Dinner. Note the use of the same gold plates and pearl cutlery as used in this weeks State Dinner.

If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks!

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