A photographic tour of the Obamas' 10 state dinners

How does the White House welcome heads of state? With glitz, glam, and exquisitely particular place settings.

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President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and their wives Michelle Obama and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The state dinner is one of Washington's most glamorous rituals. In honor of a visiting head of state, the president and first lady, dressed in designer duds, invite politicians, distinguished leaders, and celebrities to enjoy a unique multi-course meal on the White House's fine China in an exquisitely decorated room befitting the guest of honor.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau were celebrated Thursday night with an elegant wilderness-themed dinner of Alaskan Halibut casseroles, baby lamb chops, and maple pecan cake. The affair was the Obamas' 10th state dinner in their seven years in the White House. Let's take a photographic tour:

(Image credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

(Image credit: The Associated Press)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

(Image credit: The Associated Press)

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Lauren Hansen
Lauren Hansen

Lauren Hansen produces The Week’s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.