november president barack obama hosted state dinner inauguration honor manmohan singh honorable prime minister india wife gursharan kaur state dinners honoring foreign head states huge events attended members echelon society official white house fact sheet state dinner foreign head state held president ulysses grant december king david kalakaua hawaii dinner traditions added state official visits common theme forging friendships exchanging knowledge building bridges years remain unchanged world's largest democracies india united states share common ideals strengths united states india working address number global challenges century security economy climate change health education people previous state dinners white house honor india include hosted presidents ladies president george bush laura bush president william clinton hillary clinton president ronald reagan nancy reagan president lyndon johnson lady bird johnson president john kennedy jacqueline kennedy state dinner singh held held tent south lawn white house reflected obamas dedication green sustainable elements featured garden theme tables covered apple green linens deep purple flower arrangements table homage state bird india indian peacock centerpiece bouquets composed flowers evocative classic american garden hydrangea garden roses sweet peas rich palette deep plum purple fuchsia arrangements magnolia branches surround walls tent magnolias native india united states magnolia nandina foliage occasion locally grown sustainably harvested tables china white house's historic collection service plates eisenhower porcelain castle pennsylvania castleton china government purchase service plates clinton state china service china trenton jersey lenox gift white house historical association commissioned commemorate anniversary white house dinner plates george bush state china service china kinston north carolina lenox gift white house acquisition trust dinner prepared award winning guest chef marcus samuelsson obama worked guest chef marcus samuelsson white house executive chef cristeta comerford team create menu reflects american cuisine continues white house's commitment serving fresh sustainable regional food honors culinary excellence flavors present indian cuisine herbs lettuces harvested white house kitchen garden white house executive pastry chef william yosses team created desserts pears poached honey white house beehive desserts garnished mint lemon verbena grown white house kitchen garden attached dinner menu bottom article dinner entertainment included academy award winning musicians jennifer hudson rehman performers included time grammy nominee kurt elling national symphony orchestra conducted marvin hamlisch united states marine band star studded guest list included celebrities steven spielberg blair underwood knight shyamalan sanjay gupta penn bobby jindal state dinner menu photo courtsey 