The State Banquet will be held in the Ballroom of the Buckingham Palace in London on the first night of President Xi Jinping's State Visit.[Photo by Zhang Chunyan/chinadaily.com.cn]

During a state visit it is customary for gifts to be exchanged on the first day as a symbol of goodwill between the two countries.

Afterward, the queen will invite Xi to view a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of China-related items from the Royal Collection. On the first evening, she will also host the state banquet.

At the start of the banquet, the queen and the president will proceed to the palace ballroom along the East Gallery with other senior guests.

The queen and Xi will sit at the top of the horseshoe-shaped table.

More than 100 candles in silver-gilt candelabra will adorn the table, along with displays of seasonal fruit and floral arrangements in silver-gilt centerpieces, many from the reign of King George IV in the 19th century.

Two displays of ornamental precious silver, silver-gilt and gold vessels will also be on show in the ballroom — a tradition dating from many centuries and a sign of respect for the rank of the guest of honor.

The queen takes a great personal interest in preparations for a state banquet and the table setting. She will approve the menu beforehand and will preview the table and inspect the flowers on the night of the banquet.