"Michelle's First State Dinner for India"

[Clio the Leo]

*** Warning: Fluff Ahead! ***

Michelle's First State Dinner for India

India, a democratic superpower has over a billion citizens with its own arsenal of nuclear weapons and the shared disgrace with America of being one of the top three polluters on the planet will have the distinct honor of being the first nation to receive the full ceremonial honors from a state visit. No doubt, difficult topics will be discussed by the heads of state. Yet, it is Michelle Obama who is going to hold the spotlight as she chooses, flatware, table coverings, floral design, china patterns, glassware, the menu(s), entertainment and music, seating arrangements, invitations for teas, luncheons and the attendees for the historic first state dinner on November 24th while choosing a never before seen fully formal gown to be discussed for eternity. Believe it or not, the gown actually helps settle the detailed choices of color used in the State Dining Room's or the East Room's table decor. Either room may be used and the East Room would hold more elegant diners, but makes the after dinner entertainment space a new challenge.

Her staff has been on the case since May. No rest for the weary as November looms large in the Obama White House cultural portfolio. Michelle Obama received kudos for her first turn as an international hostess with the G20 heads of state and their spouses. Her choice of a gift for the event was rare and a keepsake. The huge state dinner is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving which makes it doubly rich for grand and gravy leftovers.

<snip>

The East Wing communication staff will arrange a day of photo spray for the press to see Mrs. Obama in front of a fully set table complete with hand crafted calligraphy table cards while explaining which China pattern she is choosing to use. The menus for each setting will feature the salads, American vintage wines, entrées and desserts all in the same calligraphy style. It is usually a keepsake from the White House along with the invitation requesting the honor of their presence. That is definitely still a secret, but the Wilson China has made a debut. Part of the decision is made on which full sets of China are available in the right colors for a state dinner - Ronald Reagan China in a bold red, the George W. Bush set - never yet used in a green with basketweave pattern, the Clinton China with the golden rims and 24-karat gold images of the White House dead center, with which full set of flatware is available. The last first lady to purchase a full set of gilded formal flatware, late 19th century reproductions from Kirk Steiff of Baltimore, for elegant entertaining in the White House is Barbara Bush. Her daughter-in-law also purchased large sterling silver serving pieces.

The newly re-elected fourteenth Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Manmohan Singh and his lovely wife, Gursharan Kaur will receive the full ceremonial honors of arriving at the South Lawn. After a troop review and opening remarks, the couples will go through the Diplomatic Reception Room and usually share some time together before the spouses go one direction and the heads of state another. After a luncheon, the next arrival will be on the North side of the White House in view of the world's press as they are formally greeted by the president and first lady in formal attire on the red carpet. They will go upstairs and have a moment to share in the Yellow Oval Room in the private residence. Just before dinner, Ruffles and Flourishes will announce the president and first lady as they descend the Grand Staircase with their honored guests to stand and welcome each invited guest in the Entrance hall as the President's Own plays and photographers film. There are vast differences in height so the images will need some thinking through by the professionals.

http://eastwingrules.blogspot.com/2009/10/michelles-first-state-dinner-for-india.html

(extra Kennedy picture at no additional charge)

[LisaM]

1. I love state dinners, I really do

I'm sure Michelle will be a good host for this.

Jackie's elegance really set a standard. She left such an indelible print on the White House. I've got a book of menus (and recipes) for her state dinners.

[Phx_Dem]

4. Me too! I love all the pomp and circumstance.

[alsame]

2. Thanks Clio. I can't wait to see the two couples tonight. nt

[Clio the Leo]

3. Place setting (pic)....

(clicky clicky)

http://twitpic.com/qryba

[secondwind]

5. Dubya didn't like them, I don't think he had any or at least not any I recall..Laura complained

he would be in bed by 9 every night (probably hugging his teddy).

The Clintons held a lot of State dinners, I'm sure the Obamas will too. Although technically we are "at war".....

[DesertRat]

10. W hosted Queen Elizabeth at a state dinner in 2007

Look at how thrilled the Queen looks to be standing next to the buffoon.

[niyad]

12. according to KO tonight--the chimp had 6 state dinners in his eight years

[Ava83]

6. Thank you!

I am a total geek about this stuff! The site you linked to looks like it would be fun to read (hence me bookmarking it)

[MadMaddie]

7. We all know that the Repugs will find something wrong with

the way that the Obama's host the event.

I briefly caught a snippet on the tv tube and people are already complaining. The Event won't be held in the WH but on the WH lawn in a huge event tent...I think the blah, blah head was talking about ".....there is a tradition that has always been followed....blah..blah..blah....I turned it.

[Kdillard]

8. I heard that the Clintons had it in a tent before and Jackie Kennedy held one

Of her State Dinners away from the way White House. The media is beyond ridiculous.

[MadMaddie]

9. If only there were some true media organization that could

report the news and nothing but the news.

[kwassa]

11. here is a picture of the event

our stylish First Lady

[donheld]

13. Why did Hillary wear her bathrobe?