President Obama and his wife, Michelle, hosted their first state dinner for their guests of honor, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, on Tuesday night. The Obamas greeted their guests at the White House.
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The state dinner in India's honor followed a morning welcome ceremony and a press conference.
The evening was a potent mix of politics, diplomacy and glamour.
Guests included, from left, Steven Spielberg, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, Jhumpa Lahiri and Alberto Vourvoulias, Colin Powell and his wife, Alma Powell.
Politicians mixed with Hollywood celebrities and Indian dignitaries decked out in tuxedos and designer dresses. From left, Kathleen May and Steny Hoyer, Brooks Perlin and Katie Couric, and Nancy Pelosi and Paul Pelosi.
Prime Minister Singh delivered a toast to President Obama during the event.
The Obamas held their dinner under a grand tent on the South Lawn to allow for a more expansive guest list.
They hired a new florist, Laura Dowling, who bedecked the tented outdoor dining room with locally grown, sustainably harvested magnolia branches and ivy. Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit was the guest chef.
Mrs. Obama made a splash by showcasing deep, rich colors -- apple green for the tablecloths and varying shades of plum, purple and fuchsia in the hydrangea, roses and sweet peas in the centerpieces. A member of the staff prepared an example of a table setting.
The meatless menu included a mix of Indian and American favorites, including some African-American standards. Collard greens and curried prawns, chickpeas and okra, nan and cornbread were served to the 320 guests. A member of the kitchen staff left the kitchen with a representative dish from the dinner.
Last but not least, the dinner plates were an eclectic mix of Clinton and Bush China. For Mr. Obama, it was a rare break from the bruising business of governance, allowing him to showcase his role as a world leader and gracious host.
SOURCE: The New York Times
