Dinner is Served

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a State Dinner

White House state dinners offer the most glamorous American hospitality. Served when a U.S. president hosts another leader during a state visit, the formal dinners also put diplomacy on the menu. “It isn’t just about food and entertainment, but about keeping America’s alliances together,” says Matthew Costello, senior historian at the White House Historical Association. 

The dinners bring allies and even adversaries closer. They celebrate triumphs too, such as in 1979, when President Jimmy Carter hosted the leaders of Israel and Egypt after they signed a peace treaty.

Anwar Sadat, Jimmy Carter, Menachem Begin raise their glasses (© AP)

From left, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin raise a toast at a White House state dinner March 27, 1979. (© AP)

From left, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin raise a toast at a White House state dinner March 27, 1979. (© AP)

The first state dinner was served in 1874, when President Ulysses S. Grant hosted the last king of Hawaii, David Kalākaua. There have been more than 300 since. Ronald Reagan takes the prize for hosting the most — 59 during his presidency. Not all state dinners hosted by the White House are served there. For instance, the Reagans hosted a state dinner (according to Reagan’s diary) at the M.H. de Young Museum in San Francisco, and the Kennedys once hosted at Mount Vernon, the Virginia home of George Washington.

Are you ready to experience a state dinner? Throughout, you will respond to questions that many a White House staffer or VIP invitee contemplates leading up to one of these historic events. Your decisions may unlock some surprises and put you front and center in the White House dining room.

How will you help?

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Waiters in formal wear carry platters of food (White House Photographic Office)

Waiters prepare to serve platters of food at a state dinner honoring Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako of Japan October 2, 1975. (White House Photographic Office)

Waiters prepare to serve platters of food at a state dinner honoring Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako of Japan October 2, 1975. (White House Photographic Office)

> Waiters pour wine at tables graced with flowers and glassware (© Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

White House waiters work every dinner at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, including this smaller one President Barack Obama holds in the candlelit East Room for congressional leaders March 4, 2009. (© Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

White House waiters work every dinner at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, including this smaller one President Barack Obama holds in the candlelit East Room for congressional leaders March 4, 2009. (© Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Workers talking and checking place settings (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

On January 19, 2011, staffers prepare for a state dinner in honor of China’s President Hu Jintao. (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

On January 19, 2011, staffers prepare for a state dinner in honor of China’s President Hu Jintao. (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

When the White House holds a state dinner, it’s all hands on deck. Staff from several agencies handle everything from selecting flowers to planning transportation. Every decision is made keeping the social customs of a visiting leader in mind. On the evening of the dinner, military social aides escort invited guests and answer their questions.

Ready to pitch in? Whose job will you do?

White House florist

White House florist

White House florist

Executive chef

Executive chef

Executive chef

White House social secretary

White House social secretary

White House social secretary

Chief usher

Chief usher

Chief usher

U.S. Marine Band director

U.S. Marine Band director

U.S. Marine Band director

What will you wear?

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President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao shake hands, while first lady Michele Obama looks on (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Chinese President Hu Jintao at the White House’s Grand Staircase as he arrives for a state dinner January 19, 2011. (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Chinese President Hu Jintao at the White House’s Grand Staircase as he arrives for a state dinner January 19, 2011. (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Jill Biden gesturing as Joe Biden speaks to Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron. (© Patrick Semansky/AP)

First lady Jill Biden gestures as she and President Joe Biden prepare to pose for photos with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, who have just arrived for a state dinner on the North Portico of the White House December 1, 2022. (© Patrick Semansky/AP)

First lady Jill Biden gestures as she and President Joe Biden prepare to pose for photos with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, who have just arrived for a state dinner on the North Portico of the White House December 1, 2022. (© Patrick Semansky/AP)

Michele Obama, Barack Obama, service members standing outside the White House, with an automobile roof visible (© Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

The Obamas wait to greet South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his wife, Kim Yoon-ok, at the North Portico of the White House October 13, 2011, before a state dinner. (© Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

The Obamas wait to greet South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his wife, Kim Yoon-ok, at the North Portico of the White House October 13, 2011, before a state dinner. (© Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Gerald Ford, Queen Elizabeth II, Betty Ford, Prince Philip at dinner table (© AP)

President Gerald Ford chats with Queen Elizabeth II as first lady Betty Ford speaks to Prince Philip at the head of the table during a state dinner July 7, 1976. (© AP)

President Gerald Ford chats with Queen Elizabeth II as first lady Betty Ford speaks to Prince Philip at the head of the table during a state dinner July 7, 1976. (© AP)

High fashion is often on display at state dinners. The first lady, in particular, dresses to make a statement, often in support of U.S. fashion designers.

At the 2022 dinner honoring French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte , first lady Jill Biden wore a dress by Oscar de la Renta, an American fashion house that has dressed first ladies since Jacqueline Kennedy. Young American designers Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim custom-made Jill Biden’s dress.

For his part, the president wears a tuxedo. (First lady Michelle Obama joked that her husband wore the same one to every state dinner during his two terms.)

During the Kennedy administration, invitations changed from indicating white tie (the most formal) to black tie (formal, but somewhat less so and therefore more comfortable, according to invited congressmen at the time). Presidents since have at times reverted to white tie.

What sartorial choice, among these true-life examples, will you make in dressing for dinner?

A black business suit

A black business suit

A black business suit

Racing flag socks

Racing flag socks

Racing flag socks

An asymmetrical purple gown

An asymmetrical purple gown

An asymmetrical purple gown

Elbow-length white gloves

Elbow-length white gloves

Elbow-length white gloves

A black gown with flowered sleeves

A black gown with flowered sleeves

A black gown with flowered sleeves

Where will you sit?

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Betty Ford and Betty Sherrill looking over table settings (© AP)

On July 7, 1976, first lady Betty Ford, center left, and decorator Betty Sherrill look over the table settings before a state dinner in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. (© AP)

On July 7, 1976, first lady Betty Ford, center left, and decorator Betty Sherrill look over the table settings before a state dinner in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. (© AP)

Barack Obama speaking on podium during dinner (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

President Barack Obama speaks before a state dinner he hosted for China’s President Hu Jintao January 19, 2011. (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

President Barack Obama speaks before a state dinner he hosted for China’s President Hu Jintao January 19, 2011. (© Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Barack Obama, David Cameron, attendees having dinner (White House/Pete Souza/White House Historical Association)

Guests are seated at President Barack Obama's table at the state dinner held in honor of British Prime Minister David Cameron March 14, 2012. (White House/Pete Souza/White House Historical Association)

Guests are seated at President Barack Obama's table at the state dinner held in honor of British Prime Minister David Cameron March 14, 2012. (White House/Pete Souza/White House Historical Association)

With input from the president and first lady, the White House Social Office creates the guest list, sends invitations and assigns seats. Officials from both countries are at the heart of any seating arrangement, with the U.S. vice president and Supreme Court justices at or near the head table. Celebrities from the worlds of film, sports, music and fashion are interspersed, helping to guarantee interesting conversation. Members of the working press cover it all.

With whom will you sit?

Oprah Winfrey, media mogul

Oprah Winfrey, media mogul

Oprah Winfrey, media mogul

Amy Carter, first daughter

Amy Carter, first daughter

Amy Carter, first daughter

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom

George Clooney

George Clooney, actor/producer

George Clooney, actor/producer

The press

The press

The press

What will you eat?

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Table setting with menu on plate, two forks on side (Andrew Harnik/AP)

A table is seen during the media preview for the state dinner with President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron in the state dining room of the White House November 30, 2022. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

A table is seen during the media preview for the state dinner with President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron in the state dining room of the White House November 30, 2022. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Cristeta Comerford in chef outfit holding plates of food (© Andrew Harnik/AP)

White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford holds dishes as she speaks during a November 30, 2022, media preview for the state dinner the Bidens held for French President Emmanuel Macron. (© Andrew Harnik/AP)

White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford holds dishes as she speaks during a November 30, 2022, media preview for the state dinner the Bidens held for French President Emmanuel Macron. (© Andrew Harnik/AP)

Cristeta Comerford, Susan Morrison in chef outfits holding plates of food (© Andrew Harnik/AP)

White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford, left, and White House executive pastry chef Susan Morrison, right, hold dishes during a media preview for a state dinner. (© Andrew Harnik/AP)

White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford, left, and White House executive pastry chef Susan Morrison, right, hold dishes during a media preview for a state dinner. (© Andrew Harnik/AP)

A place card for ”The President“ on dinner table with tableware (© Evan Vucci/AP)

President Barack Obama’s table setting for a state dinner. (© Evan Vucci/AP)

President Barack Obama’s table setting for a state dinner. (© Evan Vucci/AP)

Presidents, just like cooks, know that food is central to good relationships. That’s why six months before a state dinner, the president and first lady ask the White House executive chef and pastry chef to begin preparations for a multicourse meal of sumptuous American dishes.

The menu typically includes references to the guest of honor’s home, a way to emphasize goodwill between two nations (or between the U.S. and a territory). When President Bill Clinton hosted British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1998, pastry chef Roland Mesnier baked chocolate cookies shaped like Big Ben. And when President Biden hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022, American artisanal cheeses — including an award-winning blue cheese, sure to please French palates — were served as a pre-dessert course.

What will you have as a main course?

Halibut

Halibut

Halibut

Roast sirloin of beef

Roast sirloin of beef

Roast sirloin of beef

Leg of Lamb

Leg of Lamb

Leg of Lamb

Hot Dog

Let’s skip the state dinner and eat hot dogs

Let’s skip the state dinner and eat hot dogs

Will you dance?

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Queen Elizabeth II dancing with Gerald Ford (Gerald R. Ford Library/White House/Ricardo Thomas/AP)

President Gerald Ford and Queen Elizabeth II dance July 17, 1976, in Washington. (Gerald R. Ford Library/White House/Ricardo Thomas/AP)

President Gerald Ford and Queen Elizabeth II dance July 17, 1976, in Washington. (Gerald R. Ford Library/White House/Ricardo Thomas/AP)

Ne-Yo singing (© Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

American R&B singer Ne-Yo performs during a state dinner in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping September 25, 2015. (© Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

American R&B singer Ne-Yo performs during a state dinner in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping September 25, 2015. (© Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

George W. Bush, John Agyekum Kufuor and cast members in bright costumes (White House/Chris Greenberg/George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum)

President George W. Bush and President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana join cast members of The Lion King on stage in the Rose Garden at the White House following a performance at the state dinner in honor of Kufour’s visit in September 2008. (White House/Chris Greenberg/George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum)

President George W. Bush and President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana join cast members of The Lion King on stage in the Rose Garden at the White House following a performance at the state dinner in honor of Kufour’s visit in September 2008. (White House/Chris Greenberg/George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum)

Betty Ford, Tony Orlando dancing (White House Photographic Office/Karl Schumacher)

Singer Tony Orlando and first lady Betty Ford dance at a state dinner honoring President Urho Kekkonen of Finland August 3, 1976. (White House Photographic Office/Karl Schumacher)

Singer Tony Orlando and first lady Betty Ford dance at a state dinner honoring President Urho Kekkonen of Finland August 3, 1976. (White House Photographic Office/Karl Schumacher)

Music is “wall to wall” at state dinners: Guests hear it as they come in, as they leave and at many moments in between. After state dinners, highly popular performers entertain.

The intimate setting allows for spontaneity. At the 2022 dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron, jazz musician Jon Batiste invited the Marine Band to stay on stage, creating an unplanned, special collaboration. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s wife, Peng Liyuan, a singer in her own right, sang along with R&B singer Ne-Yo. (White House social secretary Deesha Dyer had booked Ne-Yo, knowing Peng loved his music.) 

Other performers who have graced the White House stage include singer Stevie Wonder, singer Wayne Newton (who also played the guitar, banjo and violin), the cast of a Broadway production of The Lion King musical and ballet dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 

Dinner’s over. Which show will you choose to enjoy? 

Lou Reed

Lou Reed

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra

Pablo Casals

Pablo Casals

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald

Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste

Since the first state dinner a century and a half ago, American presidents have taken their hosting duties seriously — showcasing American hospitality and culture in order to forge lasting connections with our international partners.

Well, it’s getting late, and things seem to be winding down. Perhaps it's time to say good night. Dinner was great, though. Wouldn’t you agree?

> Barack and Michelle Obama enjoy a private moment (White House/Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama talk and look out at the foggy evening as they wait for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s motorcade to depart after the state dinner November 24, 2009. (White House/Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama talk and look out at the foggy evening as they wait for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s motorcade to depart after the state dinner November 24, 2009. (White House/Pete Souza)