[VT | September 24, 2026 | Washington D.C.]
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan to a State Dinner in the East Room of the White House on September 24, with a menu and décor designed to bring together American traditions and elements of Chinese culture.
The White House said the First Lady led preparations for the dinner, which will be attended by the two countries’ official delegations, government officials and business leaders.
A Toast With a Link to Nixon’s 1972 China Visit
The evening will begin with a toast of Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, a California sparkling wine with a notable place in the history of U.S.-China relations.
According to the White House, Schramsberg sparkling wine was served during President Richard Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to China, including the “Toast to Peace” shared with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing.
More than five decades later, the wine will return to the table for the State Dinner honoring Xi.
The Menu
The White House described the menu as showcasing American ingredients with “subtle Chinese influence.”
First Course — Yellow Squash Velouté
Wild mushroom fricassee, crispy pancetta and scallion oil.
The first course pairs a smooth yellow squash velouté with wild mushrooms sautéed with fresh herbs, crispy pancetta and scallion oil.
Second Course — Sesame Crusted Sea Bass
Braised baby bok choy, roasted garden eggplant and sauce verte.
The sea bass is coated in toasted sesame seeds and served with baby bok choy and roasted eggplant, finished with a fresh herb sauce.
Dessert — Vanilla Crémeux & White House Honey Ice Cream
Walnut frangipane and sour cherry confit.
The dessert features vanilla crémeux with a sour cherry center and walnut frangipane, accompanied by ice cream made with honey harvested at the White House.
Music From the Inauguration and U.S. Military Ensembles
Classically trained tenor Christopher Macchio, who performed at Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration, will headline the evening’s entertainment.
Military musicians from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army will also perform, 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.
Red Takes Center Stage
The White House said the evening’s décor draws on the longstanding cultural significance of the color red in Chinese history.
Red blossoms will fill urns throughout the setting, while tables will be covered in rich red linens and decorated with dahlias and ranunculus.
The tables will also feature vermeil pieces from the White House collection and the Reagan State Service.
The White House described the design as bringing together Chinese artistry and American tradition within the formal setting of the White House.
The administration separately released the full guest list for the State Dinner, which includes senior U.S. and Chinese officials and prominent figures from the technology, finance, manufacturing and business sectors.
