Barack Obama hosted his final state dinner on Tuesday, welcoming the Italian prime minister, Matteo Renzi to the White House and spurring nostalgia for the Obamas’ final months on Pennsylvania Avenue.
State dinners are a longstanding presidential tradition to host international heads of state in the US. Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini, were treated to a night featuring Italian-influenced food, decor and fashion. Michelle Obama dazzled quite literally in an Atelier Versace gown. The rose-gold, chain mail dress elicited instant reactions online, as well as several look backs at the first lady’s fashion over the years.
"Do I have anything in my teeth?"
— Myles Brown (@mdotbrown) October 18, 2016
"No one is looking at you Barack." pic.twitter.com/AjI2OchgzK
The president made brief remarks at the dinner, toasting the relationship between the two countries and touting Italy’s influence on American culture.
“Some days our presidential campaign can seem like Dante’s ‘Inferno,’” he quipped.
The first lady tapped Babbo chef and Food Network regular Mario Batali to prepare the multi-course meal, featuring vegetables from the White House garden. As usual, the chef donned his familiar orange Crocs while preparing and serving the meal.
Mario Batali brings his signature style to the White House State Dining Room. pic.twitter.com/fhMwZ5khT1
— Jura Koncius (@JuraKoncius) October 17, 2016
After the first lady told Batali her favorite foods were steak and sweet potatoes, Batali served attendees sweet potato ravioli and beef braciole pinwheels.
The @Mariobatali agnolotti made for Italian State Dinner is yummy. White House gave media a taste at today's preview pic.twitter.com/lezGd9X15N
— Jura Koncius (@JuraKoncius) October 17, 2016
The evening included about 400 guests, who were all housed in a tent on the south lawn of the White House. Multiple stars made Tuesday night’s guest list, including Chance the Rapper and Frank Ocean, both of whom brought their parents as their dates. Jerry Seinfeld and Rachael Ray were also in attendance.
Thanks Dad for raising me right. Look at us all fancy for the White House. I ain't even wearing a hat tonight #BlackBoyJoy pic.twitter.com/cCnHJL9EFP
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) October 18, 2016
Frank Ocean in checkered Vans (with his mom!) at the state dinner, tho... 👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/Jz87wOggZY
— Alyssa Vingan Klein (@alyssavingan) October 19, 2016
Gwen Stefani performed at the dinner, with a set that included a duet with Blake Shelton.
Gwen Stefani just sang to me at the White House. And pointed at me. Bro. I'm dead.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) October 19, 2016
