When we think of the White House, we often imagine a grand building filled with important people and history. But what about the objects that fill its rooms? One such object is the White House china.
White House china has been used in presidential state dinners since 1817. The first set was ordered by then-first lady Dolley Madison, who selected French porcelain from Parisian manufacturer Dagoty-Honoré for President James Monroe’s inaugural dinner.
Since then, every president has had their own unique set of china, which is usually commissioned during their time in office. Some presidents have even made changes to existing sets. For example, President Theodore Roosevelt added his personal emblem to the McKinley service and removed the Great Seal from dessert plates in favor of his own family crest.
The design of each set can be quite elaborate or simple depending on the president’s preference. George Washington’s original china featured a blue eagle and border design while Franklin D. Roosevelt’s was more minimalistic with just a gold rim.
One interesting fact about White House china is that it isn’t actually owned by the president or First Lady; it belongs to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. This ensures that all pieces are preserved and cared for properly so they can be enjoyed by future generations.
Over time, some sets have become more well-known than others due to their unique designs or use during significant events in history. For example, John F Kennedy’s administration designed an iconic “Camelot”-themed China which was only used once before JFK’s assassination but became famous after Jacqueline Kennedy requested them back for her husband’s funeral repast at The White House itself.
Another famous set belonged to President Richard Nixon during his historic 1972 trip to China where he famously toasted with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai using both American and Chinese-made glassware alongside both country’s flags as decoration on officially-commissioned plates..
But perhaps one of the most unique sets of White House china was commissioned by President Bill Clinton in 2000. The set featured a blue and gold design with the presidential seal, but what set it apart was its use of quotes from famous Americans on each piece. For example, dessert plates included quotes from Mark Twain and Georgia O’Keeffe while coffee cups featured quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr.
The use of these quotes sparked controversy among some who felt they were too political or inappropriate for official state dinners, but others appreciated the effort to incorporate American history and culture into such an important aspect of White House protocol.
Regardless of personal preferences or opinions on individual designs, one thing is for sure: White House china holds a special place in American history. Each set represents not only the president who commissioned it but also the time period in which it was used.
In addition to their historical significance, White House china sets are also works of art created by skilled craftsmen. Pieces can take months or even years to complete depending on their complexity and level of detail.
Overall, White House china is more than just fancy dishes used during state dinners; it’s a tangible representation of American history and culture that has been passed down through generations. From Dolley Madison’s French porcelain to Bill Clinton’s quote-adorned pieces, each set tells a unique story that adds to the rich tapestry that is our nation’s past.