This composite is a compilation of photographs from the Chef Roland Mesnier Collection. White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1979 to 2004. This composite may only be used for press and publicity purposes related to the collection. All other uses must be approved by the White House Historical Association in writing.

In this photograph, White House pastry chefs pose with "Topiary Valencia" desserts made for a State Dinner honoring King Juan Carlos I of Spain and Queen Sofia on February 23, 2000, during the Bill Clinton administration. From left to right are Marlene Roudebush, Patrick Musel, Susan "Susie" E. Morrison, Roland Mesnier, and an unknown pastry chef. Inspired by Spain's citrus fruits, White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier created fruit shaped orange, clementine, lemon, and lime sorbets, each filled with a different mousse. The sorbet fruits, along with marzipan roses and crystallized violets, were held in chocolate boxes bearing the emblem of the King of Spain. Each display of fruit was topped with a pulled-sugar orange blossom branch and surrounded by fresh kumquats and raspberries. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1979 to 2004.

This is a photograph likely of the desserts served at the New Year's Eve celebration at the White House on December 31, 1999. President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton hosted the night's festivities, which were a celebration of the new millennium. The desserts are photographed here in the Family Dining Room, located on the State Floor of the White House. For the full menu, see 1141182. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1979 to 2004.

This is a photograph of a wedding cake created for the wedding of Jessie Woodrow Wilson to Francis Bowes Sayre. Jessie Wilson, the daughter of President Woodrow Wilson and First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson, married Sayre in the East Room of the White House on November 25, 1913. The Wilson-Sayre wedding cake was decorated in the popular Art Nouveau style of the day with flowing, rhythmic lines and floral motifs, which embraced nature. The cake was served in the private Family Dining Room to only 20 of the couples’ closest friends and family as the dinner party continued in the State Dining Room for the remaining guests.

In this photograph, taken by Kevin Smith on January 18, 1968, American singer and actress Eartha Kitt questions President Lyndon B. Johnson during a "Women Doers" luncheon hosted by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Mrs. Johnson hosted the luncheon series to encourage discussion of the roles women could take to address various social issues. The topic for the January 18 luncheon was "Crime on the Streets." Kitt, who was invited to speak at the luncheon due to her work with at-risk youth, defended anti-Vietnam War protestors and spoke critically on President Johnson's policies regarding taxes, social welfare, and childcare. Due to her remarks, Kitt faced media backlash and career repercussions that lasted several decades.

This photograph, taken by Robert L. Knudsen on August 28, 1963, shows the Family Dining Room on the State Floor following the refurbishment and repurposing of the room during the John F. Kennedy administrations. The redecoration of the room followed a vibrant yellow color scheme, featuring a gold lattice and pink rose rug personally selected for the room by interior designer Sister Parish. Other additions to the room included yellow silk curtains, a French white and dark green marble mantel, a New York convex mirror, and an 1859 portrait of Virginia planter Brig. Gen. John Hartwell Cocke by artist Edward Troye, From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph, taken by Robert L. Knudsen on November 25, 1963, shows the table in the Family Dining Room set with refreshments for a reception that followed President John F. Kennedy's State Funeral. Following his assassination in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, Kennedy's body lay in state in the East Room of the White House and the United States Capitol Building prior to burial at Arlington Cemetery three days later. The funeral service was held at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The design of the room reflects its appearance after First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy repurposed the space into a dining room for small functions and a staging area for state dinners. The redecoration of the room followed a vibrant yellow color scheme, featuring a gold lattice and pink rose rug personally selected for the room by interior designer Sister Parish. Other additions to the room included yellow silk curtains, a French white and dark green marble mantel, a New York convex mirror, and an 1859 portrait of Virginia planter Brig. Gen. John Hartwell Cocke by artist Edward Troye.

This photograph, taken by Robert L. Knudsen on November 25, 1963, shows the table in the Family Dining Room set with refreshments for a reception that followed President John F. Kennedy's State Funeral. Following his assassination in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, Kennedy's body lay in state in the East Room of the White House and the United States Capitol Building prior to burial at Arlington Cemetery three days later. The funeral service was held at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The design of the room reflects its appearance after First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy repurposed the space into a dining room for small functions and a staging area for state dinners. The redecoration of the room followed a vibrant yellow color scheme, featuring a gold lattice and pink rose rug personally selected for the room by interior designer Sister Parish. Other additions to the room included yellow silk curtains, a French white and dark green marble mantel, a New York convex mirror, and an 1859 portrait of Virginia planter Brig. Gen. John Hartwell Cocke by artist Edward Troye.

This photograph of President John F. Kennedy attending a luncheon for newspaper editors and publishers from Idaho was taken by Abbie Rowe on June 15, 1962 in the Old Family Dining Room. Clockwise from left: President Kennedy; editor of the Moscow Idahonian, Louis A. Boas; publisher of the St. Maries Gazette Record, Robert M. Hammes; publisher of the Parma Review, Theron M. Gough; president and publisher of the Lewiston-Clarkson Tribune, A. L. “Bud” Alford; press secretary Pierre Salinger; president and publisher of the Blackfoot News, Drury R. Brown; publisher of the Pocatello State Journal, Hugh A. Wagnon; publisher of the Twin Falls Times-News, John J. “Jack” Mullowney; publisher of the Burley Herald. The recently redecorated room included historic objects from the White House Collection including an early 19th-century French mantel clock with a figure of George Washington and two 19th-century still life paintings by German émigré artist Severin Roesen. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph of a recently acquired serpentine chest and 18th-century looking glass was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on August 9, 1961 in the Old Family Dining Room. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962, with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph of the Old Family Dining Room and table settings was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on December 12, 1961, during the John F. Kennedy administration. From around 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was re-purposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plaster work and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph of the Old Family Dining Room was taken on February 9, 2015 by Amanda Lucidon, during the Barack Obama administration. The room opened to public tours for the first time on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings.

This photograph of a staff party in the Family Dining Room was taken on June 15, 1987, during the Ronald Reagan administration. In the foreground of the photograph are five members of the White House Kitchen staff. From left: White House Executive Chef Henry Haller, kitchen steward Adam Collick, assistant pastry chef Franette McCulloch, chef Frank Ruta, and White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. As executive chef from 1966-1987, Haller catered to the tastes of five first families and their distinguished guests.

In this photograph, White House Executive Chef Henry Haller consults with Maître d'hôtel Eugene Allen, head butler John Johnson, and the team of butlers in the Family Dining Room. The table is lined with trays of lobster, waiting to be served. Both Haller and Allen were long-time employees at the White House. Haller served five first families as White House executive chef from 1966-1987. Allen began working at the White House in 1952, as a pantry man during the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration. He was promoted to the position of maître d'hôtel during the administration of Ronald Reagan. This photograph is part of Chef Haller's personal collection.

This behind-the-scenes photograph, taken October 2, 1975, shows a team of White House butlers, including John Johnson, carrying trays of "lobster en bellevue." The butlers transferred the dishes from the Family Dining Room to the State Dining Room, where they were served to guests at a State Dinner hosted by President Gerald R. Ford in honor of Emperor Hirohito of Japan. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.

This behind-the-scenes photograph, taken October 2, 1975, shows a team of White House butlers, including John Johnson, carrying trays of "lobster en bellevue." The butlers transferred the dishes from the Family Dining Room to the State Dining Room, where they were served to guests at a State Dinner hosted by President Gerald R. Ford in honor of Emperor Hirohito of Japan. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.

This behind-the-scenes photograph, taken October 2, 1975, shows butler John Johnson and his colleagues carrying trays of "lobster en bellevue." The butlers transferred the dishes from the Family Dining Room to the State Dining Room, where they were served to guests at a State Dinner hosted by President Gerald R. Ford in honor of Emperor Hirohito of Japan. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Henry Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.

In this photograph, taken October 2, 1975, White House Executive Chef Henry Haller and Maître d'Hôtel John W. Ficklin add the finishing touches to a dish of veal medallions with wild rice and green beans niçoise in the Old Family Dining Room, as a team of butlers including John Johnson stands by. The dishes would then be served to President Gerald R. Ford, First Lady Betty Ford, and their guests Emperor Hirohito and Empress Kōjun of Japan in the State Dining Room as part of a State Dinner held in the emperor's honor. Both Henry Haller and John W. Ficklin, provided years of service to the White House. Haller was executive chef from 1966-1987, while Ficklin devoted 43 years to the White House, serving President Franklin D. Roosevelt to President Ronald Reagan. This photograph is part of Chef Haller's personal collection.

In this photograph, taken on February 6, 1981, members of the White House Kitchen staff including Assistant Executive Chef Hans Raffert and chef Frank Ruta stand proudly by platters of colorful desserts that were offered to guests at President Ronald Reagan's 70th birthday party. Over 100 guests attended the surprise party, which was held in the East Room. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.

This photograph of the Old Family Dining Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph of the Old Family Dining Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph of the Old Family Dining Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph of the Old Family Dining Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph of the Old Family Dining Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time.

This photograph of the Old Family Dining Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. From 1825 to 1962, presidents and their families traditionally dined in the Old Family Dining Room. In 1962 with the addition of a new private family dining room on the Second Floor of the White House, the room was repurposed for small official dinners, working lunches, and also serves as a staging area for state dinners. Located on the State Floor of the White House, the room features architectural details such as elegant plasterwork and vaulted ceilings. During the Barack Obama administration, the room was opened to public tours for the first time. In this photograph, a photographer, likely Victor Boswell, Robert S. Oakes, or Nelson Brown, can be seen behind his camera and tripod.