Notable State Dinners at the White House
December 12, 1874: First state dinner for a foreign head of state King David Kalakaua of the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). Hosted by...
The Hospitality of Diplomacy
The White House has hosted many important heads of state over the years. Typically, the President and First Lady join the visiting leader for official talks, leisurely activities and, in many cases, a State Dinner. When Chinese Vice Premiere Deng Xiaoping and his wife Madame Zhuo Lin came to the White House in 1979, it marked the highest-ranking Chinese guest since 1943. In honor of the visit of President Xi Jinping, we thought we’d take a look at the history, food and protocol of official foreign visitors to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
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Collection A Cultural Connection
For over two hundred years France and the United States have enjoyed a relationship unparalleled in world history. From the...
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Collection Italy in the White House
Long before the emergence of the United States and Italy as nations, close connections between our two peoples influenced political...
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Collection Diplomacy With Our Northern Neighbors
Geography, history, and friendship have been the driving force of official ties between the United States and Canada. In 1927, our...
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Collection Dining in the Executive Mansion
A dinner at the White House has always had significance beyond the merely gastronomical. The elegance of the State Dining...
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Japanese State Dinners
Following the close of World War II, Japan and the United States developed a close alliance and strategic and trade...
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The United States Marine Band: Music as Diplomacy
Music has been an essential part of life in the White House from the earliest days of our nation, not...
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The United States Marine Band: In Performance
Many of the world's finest performing artists have shared the White House stage with the Marine Band. Great tenors and...
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The United States Marine Band: Musicians
Since 1798, the Marine Band's primary mission has been to provide music for the President of the United States. Whether performing...
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Splendor and Scrutiny of White House Tableware
When Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau attended a State Dinner at the White House o...
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John and Abigail Adams: A Tradition Begins
John and Abigail Adams had a wealth of experience in establishing and living in official houses prior to their move...
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Frank Sinatra Sings at the White House
Throughout his legendary music career, Frank Sinatra performed several times at the White House. On April 17, 1973, Sinatra performed at a...
