State Dining Room, State dining room in White House, Washington D.C., United States.
The State Dining Room is a dining hall inside the White House in Washington D.C., United States, spanning an area of roughly 48 by 36 feet (15 by 11 meters). Neoclassical architectural elements define the space, including oak paneling on the walls and Corinthian pilasters that run throughout the interior.
The room changed from Thomas Jefferson's private office into a formal dining space during James Madison's presidency in 1809. A portrait of George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart, has hung on the wall since that time and looks down on guests.
The room carries its name from the time when it began hosting large receptions with foreign delegations, with table placement reflecting each guest's diplomatic rank. During official dinners, the meal is served to the president first before other guests receive their courses, a tradition that continues today.
The expanded dining hall can seat up to 140 guests during state dinners, formal luncheons, and receptions. It serves as the main location for diplomatic events at the White House and is used regularly for high-level gatherings.
A carved inscription from a letter by John Adams, written on his second night in the White House, decorates the stone fireplace mantel beneath Abraham Lincoln's portrait. Adams wrote in the letter his wish that only honest and wise men should rule under this roof.
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