CNN 2009-11-26（在线收听）

The first lady dazzled in her strapless champagne gown, the creation of an Indian-born designer. On her arm, traditional Indian bracelets. The menu eco-friendly and diverse, a potato and eggplant salad made with White House grown arugula. Potato dumplings with chick peas and okra for vegetarians like the honored guest. Caramelized salsify and smoked collard greens for the more epicurious (ph).

Another environmentally conscious touch, the Obamas hiring a new florist for the occasion, the tented dining room adorned with sustainably harvest magnolia branches and ivy.

JENNIFER HUDSON, SINGER/ACTRESS: A place for us.

DOUGHERTY: The entertainment -- can't miss headliner Jennifer Hudson, though the White House wouldn't let her performance be photographed. Among the 300-plus guests, Hollywood A-list heavyweights like Steven Spielberg. Big names from network news like Brian Williams, Katie Couric and a brain surgeon we're proud to call our own, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

And the Washington crowd included former Secretary of State Colin Powell, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and a slightly bewildered energy secretary.

OBAMA: To the future that beckons all of us...

DOUGHERTY: Even the toasts were short and sweet.

OBAMA: Let our two great nations realize all of the triumphs and achievements that await us. Cheers.