The china, as laid out for a state dinner, includes 220 place settings with 4,372 pieces. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File) Gold ...

is unveiled to the press at the White House in Washington, Feb. 3, 1982. The china, as laid out for a state dinner, includes 220 place settings with 4,372 pieces. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds ...

is seen with place settings for President George W. Bush, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, right, before official dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House ...

President Ulysses Grant hosted the first White House state dinner for King David Kalakaua, one of the last monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom, in December 1874. Nearly 400 have been held since then ...

The china, as laid out for a state dinner, includes 220 place settings with 4,372 pieces. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File) FILE - The new White House china, chosen by first lady Nancy Reagan and ...

President Ulysses Grant hosted the first White House state dinner for King David Kalakaua, one of the last monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom, in December 1874. Nearly 400 have been held since then ...

WASHINGTON (AP) — The art of culinary diplomacy, practiced by presidents at White House state dinners for more than 150 years, is the theme of this year's official White House Christmas ornament.