A NEW FIRST FAMILY HAS ARRIVED, bringing a breath of fresh air to Washington culture. Are state dinners raring for a grand comeback? Capitol File asks three former social secretaries, who set the social agendas of presidents and first ladies, for their thoughts about White House entertaining then and now. The consensus: Administrations change, and the breadth and style of entertaining at the White House depends solely on the tastes of the occupants.

FROM LEFT: Jacqueline Kennedy, Letitia Baldrige, and Nancy and Roger Tuckerman.

LETITIA BALDRIGE, SOCIAL SECRETARY TO JACQUELINE KENNEDY
How does the first lady incorporate her style into entertaining at the White House?
The first lady infuses her style by her choice of theme (or lack thereof) for a state dinner, her menu decisions, floral decorations, who entertains after dinner… right down to the minutiae such as what kind of nuts are served with the cocktails and the style of calligraphy on the menu cards placed on the tables.

Do you think the role of social secretary should expand to include more responsibilities and visibility?
The role expands according to the person’s talent and the first lady’s wishes, and according to what is happening at the house and to the country at the moment. In times of emergency, such as a financial crisis or a new military alert, there are more meetings and meals served. At present there are far fewer state dinners, which are expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, than there were in the Kennedy regime. Each president chooses what he wishes to do, and the social secretary initiates and carries out the plan.

Do you think that state dinners are necessary? Will they help our international reputation?
I don’t think more state dinners are the answer to our problems. We don’t need all the fuss, except once in a while to remind us of the graciousness of upscale diplomatic entertaining. Just the thrill of being in the White House is enough for most people. I remember my mother’s advice when I went to the White House as a little girl for Easter lunch and egg-rolling in the Hoover administration: “Just remember where you are,” my mother said. “Look all around and think about what you are seeing.”

Michelle Obama will be the first African American first lady. Do you have any special advice for her?
I think Michelle Obama will work out just fine. The White House has seen revolutionary changes in social customs. It’s a great old house with so much history crammed into its walls, it’s impervious to change. People who work there do change; they become blessed with the dignity and traditions of our country and of the president’s house. Let’s face it, to reach the White House in the first place shows you have plenty of talent.

Capricia Penavic Marshall with the Clintons.

CAPRICIA PENAVIC MARSHALL, SOCIAL SECRETARY TO HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
How does a new administration affect the tone and culture of Washington?
While the culture of Washington will likely remain unchanged by a new administration, I expect Washington’s tone to be affected. A new administration can immediately strike a positive tone through deliberate outreach to the Washington community, from political and news institutions to charitable and cultural organizations. This inclusiveness will foster a cooperative, embracing environment and provide the new administration with true partners in their new home city.

How does the first lady incorporate her style into entertaining at the White House?
Before determining exactly how she wants to change White House entertaining, a first lady should immerse herself in the history of the mansion and its deep-rooted, rich traditions. Hillary Clinton made the Curator’s Office in the White House basement an outpost for recommended history books about the mansion. She would then pass them to me as required reading. Focusing on the “best of America” allowed Hillary Clinton to infuse a new, updated style to the mansion without compromising the traditions.

Do you think the role of social secretary should expand to include more responsibilities and visibility?
The 24-hour news cycle and heightened security measures have affected the way in which the Social Office functions. President and Mrs. Clinton were aware [of the fact] of the changing nature of the White House and that the Social Office was responsible for conveying meaningful messages and moments in history. For example, the world watched when Chairman Arafat, Prime Minister Rabin, and President Clinton shook hands on the south lawn of the White House, creating those first memorable moments of the Middle East peace process. President and Mrs. Clinton understood the value of the intersection of politics and policy with events and social occasions. I would advise future administrations to recognize the worth of the East Wing.

What would you think of a “Ministry of Culture” similar to the European model as part of the US government?
A cabinet position advising the president on the state of, and needs of, culture would be an extraordinary step forward. Such a dramatic gesture would encourage the arts and cultural industries to reinvigorate their efforts to protect America’s heritage. It would in addition advance the goals of established agencies such as the National Endowment of the Arts and the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The secretary could work with the Social Office to amplify the administration’s efforts to promote American culture abroad. A president committed to these goals will not only promote a more vibrant society, but will also see certain economic benefits as well.

Michelle Obama will be the first African American first lady. Do you have any special advice for her?
I would encourage her to facilitate a comfortable environment in these historic places for the family. First, I suggest decorating the private quarters to make them seem less “official.” Second, fill the house with friends—lots of friends! To make the White House more homey, Hillary encouraged Chelsea to invite her friends over after school and on weekends. For Michelle Obama, I highly recommend using the Solarium in the White House often—it has always been used by first families as a sunny hideaway for family and friends only. And use Camp David!

Mrs. Laura Bush, Amy Zantzinger, and chief usher Stephen Rochon.

AMY ZANTZINGER, SOCIAL SECRETARY TO LAURA BUSH
How does a new administration affect the tone and culture of Washington?
A new administration is incredibly dynamic and exciting for Washington, DC. There is always a strong curiosity about the first family’s and the first lady’s style of entertaining. And with a new administration, Washington will welcome newcomers to the city. This group of people from all over the country will infiltrate boards, philanthropies, and dinner parties.

How does the first lady incorporate her style into entertaining at the White House?
Mrs. Bush is extremely involved in the details, as she wants to ensure that everyone has a special experience when they visit the White House. Her style of entertaining is very personal and intimate. She prefers hosting smaller events, often in the Private Residence.

Michelle Obama will be the first African American first lady. Do you have any special advice for her?
As Mrs. Bush would say, “Make the White House a home.” I would add, “Do what comes naturally.” Every family who lives in the White House will live in it differently. The Obamas have young children, which may affect their entertaining style to some degree. The staff at the White House is trained to support the style of the first family. Whatever we can do to make their jobs easier and most successful is the goal.

Do you think state dinners are necessary? Will they help our international reputation?
State dinners are wonderful because of the pomp and circumstance surrounding them. The Bushes have hosted seven state dinners and have hosted dozens of heads of state, much in the style of how they entertain family and friends. They have chosen to entertain most leaders in a more intimate setting. An example is the dinner they hosted last year for the King and Queen of Jordan in front of the fireplace in the Yellow Oval Room with just the four of them, or the many overnight stays they’ve hosted at Camp David and the ranch, serving their guests delicious comfort food. ★