For over two centuries, presidents and first ladies have welcomed guests to the White House for lavish parties. Some first families have been known for hosting awe-inspiring gatherings, while others were not expert entertainers.
But the presidential couple that stood out from the rest was former President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan. The 40th President of the United States and his wife were known for throwing elegant, star-studded soirées.
Given his Hollywood connections, Reagan’s parties were filled with some of the biggest Hollywood celebrities, in an era when fabulous people reigned supreme.
Step inside the Reagan White House parties:
As the nation saw an increase in millionaires and billionaires, the Reagans hosted parties in gilded surroundings with superstar guests, such as Frank Sinatra.
Source: AP
In this famous photo of Sinatra, Reagan cut in to dance with his wife.
Source: Town & Country
Keeping with tradition, the Reagans hosted foreign heads of state and dignitaries for special dinners at the White House. But some did criticize the Reagans fancy parties for being elitist.
Source: Reagan Presidential Library
The events were largely inspired by the events put together by their predecessors John and Jackie Kennedy, who were also known for having famous guests over.
Source: Getty
When the Reagans arrived at the White House, they hired the Kennedys' social secretary as a consultant.
Source: Town & Country
The guest list at the Reagan parties, which was usually under 100 people, included Gloria Vanderbilt, Brooke Astor, Clint Eastwood, Neil Diamond, Tom Selleck, John Travolta, Cary Grant, and Audrey Hepburn — to name a few.
Sources: Town & Country, Washington Post, The New York Times
A young Meryl Streep also stopped by ...
Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
... as did comedian Joan Rivers ...
Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
... and actor Sylvester Stallone.
Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
The Reagans and their guests dressed to the nines. Men often wore black ties, while women dressed up in designer ball gowns.
Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
In May 1981, the Reagans welcomed Prince Charles of Great Britain to the White House for a royal visit.
Source: Washington Post
The dining options were tough to beat. At the intimate private dinner, guests had asparagus, crab mousse, cheese twists, lamb, fennel, green beans, and sorbet.
Source: Washington Post
In November 1981, the prince brought his new princess for an official state dinner.
Source: The New York Times
It was one of the Reagans most legendary dinner parties.
Sources: Town & Country, The New York Times
Celebrities were everywhere. Princess Di met actor Tom Selleck.
Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
And the food sounded divine. The menu included Lobster mousse with Maryland crab, spicy glazed chicken, and peach sorbet.
Sources: Town & Country, The New York Times
The Reagans loved to dance with their guests after dinner.
Source: Town & Country
In this iconic photograph, Princess Diana and John Travolta famously took a turn around the dance floor.
Sources: The Washington Post, People
The dress she wore was called the "Travolta Dress." It sold at auction for over $362,000 in 2013.
Source: CNN
Nancy Reagan's elegance may have been most evident in the china she selected. She ordered over 4,300 pieces of crimson china for state dinners that totaled $209,000. That's enough china for 220 guests to have a 19-piece place setting.
Sources: White House Historical Association, HouseBeautiful
Along with state dinners, the Reagans would host big birthday parties at the White House, too.
Source: Reagan Presidential Library
Not all of their parties were fancy.
Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
The Reagans also hosted picnics on the South Lawn.
Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
No matter the menu, guest list, or dress code, their parties looked legendary.
