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White House to host state dinner for Nordic allies

White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan Morrison shows the dessert during a press preview in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 12, 2016, for the state dinner in honor of the official visit of Nordic leaders. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan Morrison shows the dessert during a press preview in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 12, 2016, for the state dinner in honor of the official visit of Nordic leaders. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan Morrison shows the dessert during a press preview in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 12, 2016, for the state dinner in honor of the official visit of Nordic leaders. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON (AP) – When the White House set out to throw a party for a group of its Nordic allies, it found inspiration in something they all share: the cold.

Friday’s state dinner for the leaders of Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Denmark and Norway will include several nods to wintry and wet weather.

The wooden tables on the south lawn will be set with beveled, crystal candles sticks that reflect the rainbows of the northern lights.

Ice columns and vases will melt slowly in a tent designed with a transparent ceiling to allow guests to see the night sky.

The first course of Atlantic, salt-cured tuna will be served on an ice platter.

White House officials previewed the dinner for the media on Thursday.

Singer Demi Lovato is schedule to provide the after-dinner entertainment.