Red carpets were rolled out, lanterns were hanged, fine china was laid on freshly starched tablecloths; it was a setting fit for a king.

Indeed it needed to be, as President Hu Jintao on Friday hosted a banquet lunch at the Great Hall of the People for state leaders and royalty from almost half of all the nations on the planet.

President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing enter the banqueting hall yesterday, accompanied by George W. Bush and other special guests. [China Daily]

"The historic moment we have all been waiting for will soon arrive," Hu said.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests who have come to Beijing for the Games."

Hu was dressed in a black suit with a red tie, perfectly complementing his wife Liu Yongqing, who was a picture of elegance in a traditional red silk suit.

The Chinese people have been "working earnestly to honor the solemn commitment we made to the international community", Hu said.

"I am confident that with the support of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family, and together with you, we will deliver a high-quality Olympic Games with distinctive features."

The president thanked the international community for its continued support for the Games, and also its generous help after the May 12 earthquake, which killed about 70,000 people.

"The Chinese people will remember for ever the profound friendship shown by people throughout the world," he said.

The honored guests were seated at nine tables named after flowers, such as peony, jasmine and orchid. Each table sat 25 to 27 people.