White House state dinners are formal events hosted by the U.S. President and First Lady to honor visiting foreign leaders and strengthen diplomatic relationships. These elegant occasions combine tradition, protocol, and cultural exchange, showcasing the best of American hospitality.
Guests typically include top government officials, business leaders, artists, and other distinguished figures. State dinners feature carefully planned menus, often highlighting regional American cuisine, as well as musical performances and ceremonial toasts. These events symbolize friendship and cooperation between nations while reflecting the dignity and prestige of the U.S. presidency.
When should bells ring for a state dinner?
At 6:50pm on the evening of a formal state dinner at the White House, the bell at St. John’s Church Lafayette Square sounds three times briskly.
This “dinner bell” sounds in recognition of the contribution of $100 in public funds, authorized by President James Monroe, that supported the bell’s casting at the Revere Foundry of Boston in 1822. The bell, weighing 964 pounds and costing a total of $400, served not only church purposes, but was also a fire alarm for neighborhood residents, businesses, and nearby public buildings, including the White House.
Cover image: The belfry at St. John's Church, Lafayette Square, in Washington, D.C.
