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The Reagans hosted the best White House parties of all time
The Reagans hosted the best White House parties of all time
Pat RalphMay 5, 2018, 19:35 IST
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For over two centuries, presidents and first ladies have welcomed guests to the White House for lavish parties. Some first families have been known for hosting awe-inspiring gatherings, while others were not expert entertainers.
But the presidential couple that stood out from the rest was former President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan. The 40th President of the United States and his wife were known for throwing elegant, star-studded soirées.
Given his Hollywood connections, Reagan's parties were filled with some of the biggest Hollywood celebrities, in an era when fabulous people reigned supreme.
As the nation saw an increase in millionaires and billionaires, the Reagans hosted parties in gilded surroundings with superstar guests, such as Frank Sinatra.
Source: AP
In this famous photo of Sinatra, Reagan cut in to dance with his wife.
Keeping with tradition, the Reagans hosted foreign heads of state and dignitaries for special dinners at the White House. But some did criticize the Reagans fancy parties for being elitist.
The events were largely inspired by the events put together by their predecessors John and Jackie Kennedy, who were also known for having famous guests over.
Source: Getty
When the Reagans arrived at the White House, they hired the Kennedys' social secretary as a consultant.
The guest list at the Reagan parties, which was usually under 100 people, included Gloria Vanderbilt, Brooke Astor, Clint Eastwood, Neil Diamond, Tom Selleck, John Travolta, Cary Grant, and Audrey Hepburn — to name a few.
The dining options were tough to beat. At the intimate private dinner, guests had asparagus, crab mousse, cheese twists, lamb, fennel, green beans, and sorbet.
Nancy Reagan's elegance may have been most evident in the china she selected. She ordered over 4,300 pieces of crimson china for state dinners that totaled $209,000. That's enough china for 220 guests to have a 19-piece place setting.
