Elegance & Patriotism
by guest contributor Tamara Buchwald
Photo credit: Jessica Latos Photography
As Washington’s social calendar reaches its spring peak with the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, one of the capital’s most anticipated lead-up events took place once again: the 4th Annual Meridian House Press Party. Held at the historic Meridian House, the celebration was co-hosted by Ambassador Stuart Holliday and Robert Allbritton, NOTUS founder, drawing together a dynamic cross-section of media figures, policymakers, diplomats and influencers from across the nation’s capital and beyond.
Ambassador Stuart Holliday and Robert Allbritton
Set amidst the elegant gardens and classic architecture of the Meridian House—a 20th-century Beaux Arts mansion just off 16th Street NW—the event blended diplomatic flair with media energy, reflecting both the global scope and domestic urgency of today’s political journalism. The party has quickly become a signature gathering during the week of the Correspondents’ Dinner, offering a slightly more refined and globally conscious prelude to the weekend’s high- octane festivities. The outdoor patio was beautifully lit like a parisian café.
The evening’s culinary offerings were a testament to the event’s commitment to excellence. An incredible assortment of gourmet hors d’oeuvres such as beer braised beef short rib sandwiches and corn souffle delighted the palate, featuring a blend of international flavors that reflected the global nature of the gathering. The highlight, however, was the array of patriotic desserts that paid homage to American traditions. From tuxedo dressed chocolate dipped strawberries to patriotic-themed cookies, each sweet treat was a visual and gastronomic delight, adding a festive touch to the evening.
Ambassador Holliday, President and CEO of Meridian International Center and a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for Special Political Affairs, welcomed guests with remarks emphasizing the role of journalism in fostering global understanding. Robert Allbritton, the media entrepreneur behind NOTUS, a rising force in nonpartisan political coverage, also addressed the crowd, speaking to the mission of creating a new kind of newsroom and the state of journalism today.
Kylie Atwood with Amb. Holliday
The guest list, as always, was an eclectic and influential mix. Journalists from major networks, such as Christina Ruffini (NBC), Kylie Atwood (CNN), Geoff Bennett (PBS) and Jessica Dean (CNN) and emerging platforms mingled with staff from the White House such as Liz Huston and Johanna Persing. Other notable guest include Ambassador Pablo Zambrano, Ecuador, Ambassador Ana Irene Delgano, Panama, Ambassador Catalina Crespo-Sancho, Costa Rica, Ambassador Nicole Bintner-Bakashian, Luxembourg and Ambassador Iztok Mirosic. The atmosphere was collegial but charged with the energy of a city deeply engaged in both domestic and global conversations.
Jessica Dean and Stuart Holliday
This year’s event also spotlighted young journalists and international fellows involved in Meridian’s public diplomacy programs, further tying together the themes of global exchange and journalistic integrity.
With conversations flowing over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the 4th Annual Meridian House Press Party once again proved itself to be more than just a social stop—it was a meaningful pause to recognize the shared responsibilities of a free press and an informed public in an increasingly complex world.