Evoking gatherings of royalty, diplomats, politicians and celebrities at the White House, this volume depicts more than 200 years of china and porcelains purchased for presidential entertaining. From George Washington"s personal selection of French and Chinese porcelains to the gold-encrusted American china used for more recent state dinners, the book shows trends in taste and culture that reflect both personal and national aspirations. The second edition includes essays by White House curators that provide information on pieces acquired since 1975.