<P> A state dinner or state lunch is a dinner or banquet paid for by a government and hosted by a head of state in his or her official residence in order to renew and celebrate diplomatic ties between the host country and the country of a foreign head of state or head of government who was issued an invitation . It may form part of a state visit or diplomatic conference . In many countries around the world , there are many different rules governed by protocol . State dinners often consist of , but are not limited to , black tie or white tie dress , military honor guards , a four or five course meal , musical entertainment , dancing , and speeches made on behalf of the head of state hosting the state dinner as well as the foreign head of state . </P>
<P> A state dinner or state lunch is a dinner or banquet paid for by a government and hosted by a head of state in his or her official residence in order to renew and celebrate diplomatic ties between the host country and the country of a foreign head of state or head of government who was issued an invitation . It may form part of a state visit or diplomatic conference . In many countries around the world , there are many different rules governed by protocol . State dinners often consist of , but are not limited to , black tie or white tie dress , military honor guards , a four or five course meal , musical entertainment , dancing , and speeches made on behalf of the head of state hosting the state dinner as well as the foreign head of state . </P>
who pays for state dinners at the white house
who pays for state dinners at the white house
government
government