Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Inaugural Web Site. January 20, 2009; Printed from inaugural.senate.gov.

Luncheon

Often featuring cuisine reflecting the home states of the new President and Vice President, as well as the theme of the Inauguration, the Luncheon program includes speeches, gift presentations from the JCCIC, and toasts to the new administration. While this tradition dates as far back as 1897, when the Senate Committee on Arrangements first gave a luncheon for President McKinley and several other guests at the U.S. Capitol, it did not begin in its current form until 1953.

Learn why the painting, "View of the Yosemite Valley" will hang in Statuary Hall during the luncheon following the swearing-in ceremony
Download the recipes in PDF format
 

  • Statuary Hall

    After the president takes the oath of office and delivers his Inaugural address and following the departure ceremony for the outgoing President, he will be escorted to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the traditional Inaugural Luncheon.

  • See the unique gifts given to the president and vice president
  • Take a closer look at the china used at the luncheon
  • See the flowers that will decorate the tables.