Tuesday night's state dinner with Germany may have been No. 4 for the current administration, but it's the first time the Obamas have entertained both a European and a female head of state.
For Michelle Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's trip to Washington made for a perfect educational moment. As she debuted the evening's menu, decor and musical acts Tuesday afternoon, she entertained about two dozen area high school girls, explaining to them Merkel's importance and why she was receiving a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama.
"Her life reminds us of the opportunities that women have in leading our governments and shaping our world," said the first lady, looking gorgeous in a dress by designer Diane von Furstenberg. "Be reminded that women are amazing," said Obama, who also gave props to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice.
Rice and Clinton were both on the guest list, which also included prominent female politicians House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. ABC's Diane Sawyer also made the cut.
Instead of bringing in a guest chef, the Obamas tasked White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford to craft the menu -- a "spring harvest" theme -- which featured veggies and honey from the White House garden, tuna from Hawaii, blue crab from Maryland and apple strudel for a taste of Germany.
The decor for the Rose Garden dinner was light and airy. Yellow and light green flowers, including calla lilies and viburnum, accented tables decorated with white votive candles on stands and milk-colored glass globes. The Bush 43 china was placed atop white sequined tablecloths.
While it was a day to toast to the successes of women, the final act was a man. James Taylor was tapped to be the distinguished musical guest.
