Barack Obama office says she chose the bold hue to distinguish her family 's china from the red , green , blue and yellow used on more recently . The Obama state china service consists of 11-piece place settings for 320 people and the blue appears on all pieces but the dinner plate . Pickard China , of Antioch , Illinois , was brought in to consult on the project three years ago and it 's just now come to fruition . The china as paid for from a private fund that is administered by the White House Historical Association .
Michelle Obama 's office says she chose the bold hue to distinguish her family 's china from the red , green , blue and yellow used on more recently . The Obama state china service consists of 11-piece place settings for 320 people and the blue appears on all pieces but the dinner plate . Pickard China , of Antioch , Illinois , was brought in to consult on the project three years ago and it 's just now come to fruition . The china as paid for from a private fund that is administered by the White House Historical Association .