In Photos: State Dinners Held by Past U.S. Presidents

President Jimmy Carter offers a toast to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during a state dinner in honor of Mrs. Thatcher on December 17, 1979, at the White House.

Dennis Cook / AP

Former President Richard Nixon, President Jimmy Carter, and Chinese Deputy Premier Deng Xiaoping speak at a state dinner in honor of Deng’s visit to the United States, in Washington, D. C., on January 29, 1979.

Corbis via Getty

A view of the White House Rose Garden during the state dinner for President Evren of Turkey on June 27, 1988. President Ronald Reagan can be seen at middle-right, standing in front of a woman who is wearing a pink dress.

National Archives

President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Chinese President Jiang Zemin (right), and Jiang’s wife Wang Yeping pose for photographers upon Jiang’s arrival at the White House for a state dinner in his honor on October 29, 1997.

Luke Frazza / AFP / Getty