White House Correspondents’ guests prepare for the night at annual Garden Brunch

The annual White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch welcomed hundreds of guests to the Beale Washington House on Saturday, with many gathering for a final gathering before the main event later in the evening.

Celebrities, journalists, politicians and even local social media influencers flocked to the Georgetown mansion, which is usually vacant most of the year. Despite Saturday’s inclement weather, the atmosphere inside was warm and lively.

Partygoers can dine on a seemingly endless variety of menus, including a hearty buffet, a breakfast bar with Yorkshire puddings, a juice bar, and an unassuming corner shelf packed with cocktails, lattes, and desserts. I did.

This year’s event was co-hosted by Tammy Haddad, Ruth Porat, Kevin Sheekey, Mark and Sally Ein, Simone Saunders-Townsend, John Banner, Craig Minassian, and Franco Nuches.

This is the 31st year the brunch has been held. Several partygoers said the brunch was scheduled to be the last event before preparing for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The rain became heavier during the day, so organizers handed out umbrellas and hats, and many female attendees happily accepted party favors while trying to keep their hair dry.

In attendance were Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), Anthony Fauci, Savannah Guthrie, Deborah Roberts, Al Roker, Dana Bash, Chris Wallace, Chuck Todd, Wolf Blitzer, Kellyanne Conway.

Some of the biggest names in show business stopped by, including Fran Drescher, Kyle MacLachlan, Lynda Carter, Lauren Ash, Diedrich Bader, Jason Kravitz, Kevin McHale, Rufus Sewell and Gus Kenworthy. Local DC influencer Anthony Porcari was also seen entering the party.

Ash, known for his comedic roles on Superstore and Not Dead Yet, spoke to The Hill about attending his first White House Correspondents’ Party.

“It’s amazing. I had no idea this would last a week. This is like awards season in Los Angeles,” Ash said. “It’s beautiful. It’s so much fun. We’re having a great time.”