State Dinner

Michelle and Barack Obama threw a "quintessentially American" State Dinner for the president of China, Hu Jintao, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.

Section:Gallery

Wed., Jan. 19, 2011

First lady Michelle Obama talks to President Barack Obama as they wait for the arrival of China's President Hu Jintao, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the White House in Washington.

Pablo Monsivais Associated Press
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcome China's President Hu Jintao to the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, for the State Dinner.

Carolyn Kaster Associated Press
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie Ballmer arrive at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, for a state dinner in honor of China's President Hu Jintao.

Evan Vucci Associated Press
Actor James Brolin, left, and his wife, singer Barbra Streisand arrives at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, for a state dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Evan Vucci Associated Press
Designer Vera Wang arrives at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, for a state dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Evan Vucci Associated Press
Walt Disney Company CEO Robert Iger and Willow Bay arrive at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, for a state dinner in honor of China's President Hu Jintao.

Evan Vucci Associated Press
Musician Yo Yo Ma and Jill Hornor arrive at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, for a state dinner in honor of China's President Hu Jintao.

Evan Vucci Associated Press
Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan arrives at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, for a state dinner in honor of China's President Hu Jintao.

Evan Vucci Associated Press
Actor Jackie Chan arrives at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, carrying a camera for a state dinner in honor of China's President Hu Jintao.

Evan Vucci Associated Press
San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, left, and Oakland, Calif. Mayor Jean Quan, arrive at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011 for a state dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Evan Vucci Associated Press
A place setting for the State Dinner in honor of China's President Hu Jintao is seen at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.

Carolyn Kaster Associated Press
President Barack Obama and China's President Hu Jintao toast during a State Dinner in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.

Carolyn Kaster Associated Press
From left, Coca Cola Company CEO Muhtar Kent, first lady Michelle Obama and China's President Hu Jintao toast during a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.

Carolyn Kaster Associated Press
President Barack Obama listens as China's President Hu Jintao speaks before offering a toast during a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.

Carolyn Kaster Associated Press
China's President Hu Jintao speaks before offering a toast during a State Dinner hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

Carolyn Kaster Associated Press