The minute that Jacqueline Kennedy entered the role of First Lady (a term she wasn’t fond of) after her husband, John F. Kennedy, was sworn in on January 20, 1961, she began to turn the White House into a home. She redecorated the state rooms, created a guidebook to the house and its history for those she invited over, held tea parties for her family and close friends, and, most importantly, created a comfortable and inviting environment in a building known for having a rather stiff, formal interior. Not only did she make White House visitors, whether tourists or state dinner attendees, feel adored and appreciated, she gave them the chance to network, to learn, and to leave full of good food, great conversation, and a joyful spirit.

Above, we look back at Kennedy’s most memorable entertaining moments, and below, in honor of her birthday, on July 28, a few of the many things that she taught the world about being a truly gracious hostess.

Have a well-stocked bar.Mrs. Kennedy started the trend of having a proper, well-stocked bar located in the State Dining Room. There were butlers who acted as bartenders and ashtrays for smoking—something that was previously rarely done in the White House quarters.

Create a casual, comfortable environment.Where the rooms in the White House were meant to be showpieces rather than gathering areas, the first lady gave them new life. She lit all the fireplaces when guests came by in the winter, nixed the idea of a receiving line at formal affairs, and was thoughtful of her flower arrangements, making them look natural and rustic and not like they came from an expensive florist. Mrs. Kennedy also started the tradition of inviting the men and women to have coffee together after dinner, when historically they’d retire to separate rooms.