Melania Trump gave a behind-the-scenes look Monday at all the work she and the White House staff have done to put on a state dinner for the French president and his wife.
“After months of preparations, President @realdonaldtrump and I are looking forward to hosting our first State Dinner with France! Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this visit a success,” the first lady captioned her post on Instagram, along with a video that highlights all the details designed “to complement and pay homage to the long-standing friendship between the United States and France.”
She and President Donald Trump will welcome President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron of France for the Trump Administration’s first state visit.
“Upon the arrival, the two couples will plant a tree, a gift from the President and Mrs. Macron, together on the South Lawn of the White House. The sapling is a European Sessile Oak that measures approximately 4.5 feet tall with an estimated age between 5-10 years old,” a release from the first lady’s office read. “The tree comes from Belleau Woods, and is a historic landmark of the United States engagement in the First World War. Over 9,000 American marines died in the Belleau Wood battle in June 1918 and the forest is a memorial site and important symbol of the sacrifice the United States made to ensure peace and stability in Europe.”
Some of the other details that have been shared about the evening include, that the Cross Hall will be decorated with over 1.200 branches of cherry blossom that have been grown in the United States. And the main course will included Rack of Spring Lamb and Carolina Gold Rice Jambalaya with a Nectarine Tart and Crème Fraîche Ice Cream for dessert.
Later, the first couples will leave the White House on Marine One to see the historic monuments in Washington, D.C., ending at Mount Vernon–the iconic home of America’s first President, George Washington.