White House state dinners have a storied history . The first was in the early 19th century when President James Monroe dined with his wife, Dolley, at the home of her sister Martha Washington and their children. Washington ( CNN ) -- State dinners are highly coveted events full of pomp and pageantry . Recent Presidents have held fewer dinners than their predecessors .
White House state dinners have a storied history . The first was in the early 19th century when President James Monroe dined with his wife, Dolley, at the home of her sister Martha Washington and their children. State dinners are highly coveted events full of pomp and pageantry . Recent Presidents have held fewer dinners than their predecessors .