By The White House | Created at 2026-09-24 12:40:14 | Updated at 2026-09-26 03:04:04
1 day ago
President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of The People’s Republic of China, and Madame Peng Liyuan for a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House this evening. The First Lady led the preparations for the dinner, which will be attended by the official delegations as well as business leaders and government officials.
MENU
The menu showcases American ingredients with subtle Chinese influence, bringing the culinary traditions of both nations together. The meal begins with a toast of Schramsberg “Blanc De Noir,” honoring the historic “Toast to Peace” shared by President Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing in 1972. The same American sparkling wine served at that historic gathering continues to be enjoyed at White House functions today.
First Course
Yellow Squash Velouté
Wild Mushroom FricasséeCrispy Pancetta
Scallion Oil
The first course offers a refined and silky-smooth velouté made of sweet yellow squash. This course is gently blended to highlight its delicate seasonal flavors of earthy wild mushrooms, sautéed with fresh herbs. Together, these ingredients create a rich fricassee, complemented by crispy pancetta for a savory and smoky contrast. A finishing drizzle of scallion oil adds vibrance and a subtle allium brightness to the dish.
Second Course
Sesame Crusted Sea Bass
Braised Baby Bok ChoyRoasted Garden Eggplant
Sauce Verte
The second course is prepared delicately with fresh seabass and coated in toasted sesame seeds. This combination creates a fragrant nutty crust while keeping the fish tender. The fish is served with crisp baby bok choy and roasted garden eggplant, creating lightly caramelized flavors. The dish is finished with a vibrant sauce verte of fresh herbs, which add brightness, acidity, and a garden character.
Dessert
Vanilla Crémeux & White House Honey Ice Cream
Walnut FrangipaneSour Cherry Confit The dessert course is a smooth vanilla crémeux with a vibrant sour cherry confit center, set a top a rich walnut frangipane. The dessert’s fruit shaped form is complimented by a delicate ice cream made with harvested White House honey.
ENTERTAINMENT
There will be several performances during the formal dinner, which will be headlined by Mr. Christopher Macchio, a classically trained tenor who performed at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. The evening’s entertainment will feature performances by military musicians from the United States Marines Corps and the United States Army, including “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the United States Army Chorus, and the United States Army Strings.
FLORAL & DÉCOR
The décor for the evening is an expression of warmth and celebration and draws on the color red’s longstanding cultural significance throughout Chinese history. Urns showcase overflowing red blossoms. Tables are dressed in rich red linens and adorned with dahlias and ranunculus. Among the seasonal blooms, the tables feature vermeil from the White House collection. The Reagan State Service is featured on the tables. These details blend Chinese artistry and American tradition together, showcased within the timeless elegance of the White House.
