1 day Ago By DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The art of culinary diplomacy, practiced by presidents at White House state dinners for more than 150 years, is the theme of this year's official White House Christmas ornament. Unveiled by the White House Historical Association, the ornament's design features the red china plate of Ronald Reagan's administration on one side and the gold-rimmed china plate of Bill Clinton's on the other. White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin poses Thursday with the 2025 White House Christmas ornament, front and back, at the association in Washington.
First issued in 1981, the annual ornament typically features the presidents in their order of service. Last year's was in the shape of an anchor to recognize his service in the Navy. The ornament sometimes is used to highlight important White House anniversaries or occasions, association President Stewart McLaurin said.
For example, the ornament in 2000 highlighted the 200th anniversary of the White House. Next year's will mark . “Presidents will resume, or pick up, or continue at some point, but when we have a moment to highlight significant anniversaries or occasions at the White House itself, we don't want to miss that opportunity, also,” McLaurin said.
President Ulysses Grant hosted for King David Kalakaua, one of the last monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom, in December 1874. Nearly 400 were held since then, McLaurin said, growing in stature and size. held two state dinners in his first term, for and .
A third one, for , in 2020 was canceled due to the spread of COVID-19. There's been no word yet on how soon Trump might hold another one now that he's back in office. “State dinners are an important part of the American diplomatic process,” McLaurin said in an interview.
“It’s an opportunity for our presidents to establish friendships with heads of state through the extension of hospitality. They’re not just fancy parties.” They are the highest diplomatic honor the United States has to recognize close allies and dazzle their leaders with an evening of first-rate food, decor and entertainment in the company of hundreds of invited guests.
The glitzy affairs close a state visit that begins with an elaborate arrival ceremony for the visiting leader on the White House lawn. is a privately funded, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that raises money mostly through private donations and sales of retail merchandise, including the annual Christmas ornament. First lady Jacqueline Kennedy created the association in 1961 to help preserve the White House interior and educate the public.
The front and back of the 2025 White House Christmas ornament is pictured with the box and information packet, Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the association in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin poses with the 2025 White House Christmas ornament, seen both front and back, in front of a display of White House china, Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the association in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) FILE - Gold china commissioned under the President Bill Clinton administration to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the White House, is seen with place settings for President George W.
Bush, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, right, before official dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House, June 29, 2006, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) FILE - The new White House china, chosen by first lady Nancy Reagan and purchased for $209,509 through private donations, is unveiled to the press at the White House in Washington, Feb. 3, 1982.
The china, as laid out for a state dinner, includes 220 place settings with 4,372 pieces. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File) FILE - The new White House china, chosen by first lady Nancy Reagan and purchased for $209,509 through private donations, is unveiled to the press at the White House in Washington, Feb. 3, 1982.
The china, as laid out for a state dinner, includes 220 place settings with 4,372 pieces. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File) White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin poses with the 2025 White House Christmas ornament, seen both front and back, in front of a display of White House china, Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the association in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A 3D interactive room with dinner tables, music and videos of State Dinners at the White House, shown at The People's House exhibit, Monday, Sept.
16, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) A 3D interactive room with dinner tables, music and videos of State Dinners at the White House, shown at The People's House exhibit, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 in Washington.
(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) A 3D interactive room with dinner tables, music and videos of State Dinners at the White House, shown at The People's House exhibit, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) For the holidays: Get inspiring home and gift ideas – sign up now!.
