Green was the color of the night at the Embassy of Finland’s celebration of their LEED Gold certification status as the first green embassy in the U.S.

By Julie LaPorte

Embassy of Finland. Photo by Vincent Gallegos.

Built in 1994, the Finnish Embassy was notable from the first for its modernist approach. “It’s an architectural landmark,” said Ambassador Pekka Lintu who was accompanied by his wife Laurel Colless. “And now it’s a green architectural landmark.” He cited Finland’s history of supporting environmental initiatives and spoke proudly of their position as world leaders in the sustainability movement. “We practice what we preach.”

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Pomp and Circumstance at the Obamas’ first State Dinner for the Indian Prime Minister Singh

Brian and Meredith Williams Photo by Kyle Samperton

By John Arundel

There was an element of suspense and breathless anticipation to the Obamas first State Dinner Tuesday. Staff and Secret Service shuttled around in tuxedos and floor-length ball gowns, as a fireplace crackled in the Green Room and the Marine Corps Orchestra filled the Grand Foyer with New Orleans jazz tunes.

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Prince Fahad Al-Saud and Bayanne Surdashi

Location: Residence of the Ambassador of Yemen

WL EXCLUSIVE – Photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke

THE EVENT: Yemeni Ambassador Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri hosted an intimate dinner for Prince Fahad Bin Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Saud and Prince Bandar Bin Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Saud, who were visiting from Saudi Arabia. Over a meal of traditional Yemeni specialties, the two royal brothers discussed U.S. relations with the Middle East with such well-informed guests as Tom Friedman (New York Times), Bayanne Surdashi (Al-Hurra), and Jay Newton-Small (Time), who all regularly report on the region.

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Writers Amiri Baraka and Joseph O'Neill

Location: Folger Shakespeare Library

Photos by Tony Powell

SIZZLING START: Usually a genteel affair with readings by noted authors on a special topic, this year’s “Promises, Promises” theme inspired novelist Terry McMillan and poet Amiri Baraka to seize the spotlight with attacks on the GOP presidential ticket. SETTLING DOWN: Christopher Buckley and other participants defused the situation with less dyspeptic contributions that were later reinforced by digestion-soothin Champagne-and-peach-glazed poussin, parsnip potato mash and coconut cake timbale. G-LITERATI: Sen. Patrick Leahy, David and Katherine Bradley, Lisa Pumphrey, Lucky Roosevelt, Connie Carter, Lolo Sarnoff and Cynthia Howar.