Vases with portraits of President John Adams and George Washington

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the White House, the White House Historical Association donated a set of special gifts to America's home æa pair of elegant 19th century French porcelain vases, a rare 19th century mahogany desk and bookcase, and a new state dinner and dessert service for 300. The cylinder secretary and bookcase is a sophisticated example of American Empire furniture built by an unknown master cabinetmaker in New York about 1830. The gilded porcelain vases, circa 1820, feature hand-painted images of George Washington and John Adams on one side. The reverse sides include gilded eagles derived from the Great Seal of the United States, along with the words "E PLURIBUS UNUM," all executed in burnished and matte gold. The new state dinner and dessert service for 300 was used for the first time at a special dinner commemorating the 200th anniversary of the White House. President Clinton hosted a celebration of 200 years of life in the White House. The service incorporated designs inspired by architectural motifs in the State Dining Room, East Room and Diplomatic Reception Room.