Last weekend was one of our favorite Galas in DC: the Meridian Ball. Why do we love it? Formality meets festivity in the way only 
Washington can do it.
Preceded by dinners at various ambassadors’ residences as well as at the Meridian International Center’s White-Meyer House, this year’s Ball celebrated the Center’s 50th anniversary (and the 46th annual Gala event), showcasing Meridian’s global leadership through the exchange of ideas, people, and culture.
A receiving line of dignitaries greeted guests atop the Meridian’s sweeping staircase. After pressing hands and kissing cheeks, everyone migrated into an adjoining room with jazz music 
— or into the courtyard, where casual carnival themed stations juxtaposed (or complemented?!) an abundance of shoulder-to-floor sequined evening ensembles.
Hot dogs and ice cream temptations led to more desserts (seriously, there was an entire ROOM of them!) and working off those calories with high-energy dancing.
Among those getting rhythmic and rowdy on the dance floor were husband-and-wife House of Cards actors Michael Gill (President Garrett 
Walker) and Jayne Atkinson (Secretary of State Catherine Durant), the UN Foundation’s Anastasia Dellacio, Albright Stonebridge Group’s Ben Chang, the Washington Ballet’s Septime Webre, and political analyst Jackie Kucinich Allen.
