White House Prepares for French State Visit (20 images)

White House Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes takes a close look at the table settings for the state dinner in honor of French President Francois Hollande in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on February 10, 2014.The place settings are set for the state dinner in honor of French President Francois Hollande in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on February 10, 2014. Hollande is officially welcomed by President Barack Obama to the White House on February 11, 2014 that culminates in a state dinner in the evening. France is considered America's oldest ally. In the background is a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. UPI/Pat Benic

White House Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes explains the preparations for the the state dinner in honor of French President Francois Hollande in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on February 10, 2014. Hollande is officially welcomed by President Barack Obama to the White House on February 11, 2014 that culminates in a state dinner in the evening. France is considered America's oldest ally. In the background is a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. UPI/Pat Benic

The place settings are set for the state dinner in honor of French President Francois Hollande in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on February 10, 2014. Hollande is officially welcomed by President Barack Obama to the White House on February 11, 2014 that culminates in a state dinner in the evening. France is considered America's oldest ally. UPI/Pat Benic

The place settings are set for the state dinner in honor of French President Francois Hollande in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on February 10, 2014. Hollande is officially welcomed by President Barack Obama to the White House on February 11, 2014 that culminates in a state dinner in the evening. France is considered America's oldest ally. In the background is a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. UPI/Pat Benic