Interesting secrets about 14 state dinners under Obama

President Barack Obama and his wife are said to have "modernized" the state dinners held for distinguished guests. What are the special features?

President Barack Obama (right) and First Lady Michelle Obama (second from left) welcome Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini at the White House on the evening of October 18 - Photo: Reuters

While the United States and media around the world are following the preparations for the final debate between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, White House logistics staff are equally busy preparing for the final state dinner for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to welcome Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

At his last state dinner as White House owner, Mr. Obama gave a touching speech, seemingly evaluating his views on life.

"Finally, I just want to reflect on my recent visit to Rome. Thanks to the Ministry of Culture of Mr. Matteo here, I had the opportunity to visit the Colosseum. One of the privileges of the President is that you can visit the Colosseum at a time when there are no other tourists there. It was late afternoon. It was quiet. The sun was setting. As I walked on the ancient stones eroded by 2,000 years of history, I was humbled to realize my place in this world. In the great flow of time, each of us exists for only a brief moment. So many things that we pay attention to every day - the ups and downs, the successes and failures in our political careers - those things are just fleeting. In the end, what matters is what we have built. What matters is what we have left for posterity. The legacies that, after we are gone, will still endure with time."

President Obama took office at the age of 47, making him the fifth youngest president in American history. His youthful energy and enthusiasm are reflected not only in his policies, but also in the way he designs and organizes state banquets to entertain politicians from around the world.

While President Bill Clinton hosted 28 state dinners and George W. Bush hosted 11, the Obamas hosted 14, and Tuesday night (October 18) was their last state dinner as hosts.

Besides maintaining the traditional elements of the American state banquet, the Obama family also had some interesting innovations.

They chose younger, more modern musicians and entertainers, and performed a more diverse range of music than previous administrations had chosen.

The Obama family also did not hesitate to include in the menu when receiving politicians homegrown vegetables grown right on the White House grounds.

Traditionally, state dinners at the White House include only heads of state, politicians, corporate executives, movie stars, or influential figures.

However, the Obama family made two exceptions: Army Major Jeremy Haynes and his wife Chelsea. Chelsea wrote a touching letter about caring for her husband when he returned from Afghanistan, wounded. Because of that letter, First Lady Michelle Obama invited them to attend the state dinner last February.

President Obama's family attends state banquet in splendor - Photo: AFP

Let's review the unique features of the Obama family's previous state dinners.

Skin

During state banquets, the evening gown worn by the First Lady of the United States is certainly the topic that receives the most media attention.

To date, Michelle Obama's outfit for her first state dinner is perhaps the most highly regarded. Featuring silver beading, the evening gown truly exuded elegance and formality for the First Lady.

During that state dinner, Mrs. Michelle Obama showed her sophistication and personality by incorporating modern patterns and accessories, inspired by the innovative outfits of Hollywood movie stars.

Michelle Obama's outfit at her first state dinner in November 2009 to welcome the Indian leader - Photo: AFP

Food

The Obamas are known for their support of American food and produce. One of their most homegrown dishes is the “Winter Garden Salad” that White House chefs served to French President Francois Hollande in 2014.

The daikon and baby carrots are topped with herbs grown right in the White House garden, and are sweetened with honey, also produced at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The dish is served in a bowl shaped like a fish pond, a simple yet unique dish.

Decoration

The décor at state banquets is often traditional, with lavish floral arrangements in a warm and luxurious setting. One of the most striking designs was the reception for Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015. The table was covered in linen in shades of pink and red, and adorned with a series of rose and dahlia garlands.

But perhaps the most impressive table setting was the state dinner for the heads of state of five Nordic countries. Abandoning traditional styles, the White House introduced a rustic country-style dining table with minimalist chairs. Equally unique was the ceilingless reception tent, allowing politicians to gaze at the stars at night.

Guest

Celebrity guests such as Hollywood stars are an integral part of White House state dinners. For example, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively were invited to attend a reception for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregorie Trudeau in March.

American singer Gwen Stefani was a guest and performer at the state dinner on October 18 - Photo: Reuters

Music

Any grand celebration would be incomplete without melodies and lyrics, and selecting a singer for a state dinner at the White House always requires careful preparation.

The Obama family is known to be a fan of Beyonce, so it was no surprise when the black singer appeared at a reception for Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his wife Margarita Zavala in 2010.

Not only heating up the audience with her passionate melodies and lyrics, Beyonce also attracted all eyes with her strapless off-the-shoulder dress meticulously embellished with 20,000 Swarovski crystals.

According to Tuoi Tre