Jennifer Hudson to Sing at State Dinner

Michelle Obama wore Naeem Khan, and other tidbits

(NEWSER) - Didn't have a ticket to the country's hottest social event? No worries. Here's the who and what of last night's state dinner honoring Indian PM Manmohan Singh:

• The outdoor tent was decorated with local, sustainably harvested magnolia branches and ivy; centerpieces of hydrangeas, roses, and sweet peas evoked India's state bird, the peacock.
• Obama greeted his guests in Hindi.
• Michelle wore a strapless, silver-sequined, cream-colored gown custom-made by Naeem Khan; it reportedly took three weeks to complete the dress—with 40 people working on it.

GOP, Dems rub elbows with movie stars, media types

(NEWSER) - Swaths of green and purple surrounded guests tonight as the White House paid tribute to Indian PM Manmohan Singh at the first state dinner given by President Obama. The company was top-notch, with Washington’s elite (from both parties) rubbing elbows with Hollywood stars and media elites. For the guest list, check the top right link. More»

It's the latest gift that seems to have come out of left field

(AP) - It's better than a gift card, but the White House's latest round of gifts for a foreign dignitary is raising a few eyebrows: President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, have presented the British PM David Cameron and his wife, Samantha, with a wood and charcoal burning grill engraved with American and British friendship flags. The grill came with his-and-her White House chef jackets embroidered with the Camerons' names. Maybe they're manning the grill for tonight's state dinner ? More»

Calderon the guest of honor at White House shindig

(NEWSER) - White House staffers kept a very close eye on the guest list as the Obamas hosted Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his wife at the second state dinner of the Obama presidency last night. No gatecrashers slipped through this time, and one assistant secretary of state was actually sent home to get proper ID, the AP reports. The 200 guests who made it through after their invitations were triple-checked included Whoopi Goldberg, George Lopez, and Olympic speed skater Shani Davis. More»

A look back at Michelle Obama's daring sartorial debut

(NEWSER) - After a year of big guns, big designers, and bold choices, New York takes a look back at the many styles of first lady Michelle Obama. Who can forget the inaugural outfits, the Grand Canyon shorts, and all those cardigans? For many more photos, and info on designers, click here . More»