This year’s official White House Christmas ornament honors the art of culinary diplomacy, a tradition practiced by U.S. presidents at state dinners for over 150 years. The ornament, revealed Thursday by the White House Historical Association, features two iconic china plates: one from Ronald Reagan’s administration, a red plate, and the other from Bill Clinton’s, a gold-rimmed design.
First introduced in 1981, the annual ornament typically showcases the presidents in chronological order. Last year’s ornament was shaped like an anchor to honor Jimmy Carter’s service in the Navy. However, the ornament can also commemorate significant anniversaries or events at the White House, such as the 200th anniversary of the White House in 2000. The 2024 ornament will celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
State dinners, which began with President Ulysses Grant’s hosting of King David Kalakaua of Hawaii in 1874, have been a staple of White House diplomacy, with nearly 400 held since then. These dinners serve as an important part of American foreign policy, offering presidents a chance to build friendships with foreign leaders through hospitality. President Donald Trump held two state dinners during his first term, one for France and one for Australia, although a planned dinner for Spain in 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These grand events have grown in significance and size over the years, with state dinners now seen as the highest diplomatic honor, used to recognize key allies and celebrate their leaders in a lavish setting with first-class food, decor, and entertainment.
The White House Historical Association, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961, is responsible for creating and selling the ornaments. The group raises funds to help preserve the White House’s interior and educate the public about its history.
