The Trumps prepare to hold a Sino-US banquet for Xi Jinping in the East Room of the White House

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are preparing to host a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping in the East Room of the White House on Thursday night.

According to the three-course menu announced by the White House, the selection of dishes focuses on showcasing American ingredients while "subtly incorporating Chinese elements."

The chef will serve Trump, Xi and other guests an entree featuring sesame-crusted sea bass and crispy baby cabbage. The yellow squash bisque as a starter will be topped with scallion oil. The White House said the dishes "bring together the culinary traditions of both countries."

The dining tables in the east room will be covered with red tablecloths and the flower pots will be filled with red flowers. The government said the arrangement echoed the special significance of red in Chinese culture. "The evening's decorations reflected the warm and festive atmosphere," the White House said.

The dinner will start with a toast using sparkling wine from Schloss Schönberg. In 1972, President Nixon drank this California sparkling wine when he visited Beijing. That visit started a historic ice-breaking in U.S.-China relations.

first course Yellow Pumpkin Soup Wild Mushroom Stew Crispy Italian Bacon chive oil

second course Sesame Crispy Sea Bass Braised baby cabbage Grilled Garden Eggplant green sauce

Dessert Vanilla Cream Mousse with White House Honey Ice Cream Walnut Almond Cream Pie tart cherry jam

performance Tenor Christopher Macchio will lead the evening's musical performances. This month, he sang at the Republican midterm election convention in Dallas.

The U.S. Army and Marine Corps military bands will also perform.