By the numbers

Published November 23, 2009 5:00am EST | Updated January 10, 2024 10:18am EST



There is no prerequisite for the number of state dinners a president can hold during his time in office. Some presidents charm state leaders regularly and others, like George W. Bush, “considered it a very special venue to honor a head of state” and used it “judiciously,” according to his Social Secretary Catherine Fenton.

27

The number of state dinners hosted by President George H.W. Bush during his one-term presidency.

31

The number of state dinners hosted by President Clinton during his two terms.

6

The number of state dinners hosted by President George W. Bush during his eight years in office.