Curious thing missing from Michelle Obama's birthday party

First lady Michelle Obama is ringing in her 50th birthday and she's celebrating with a party at the White House that's missing something: namely, food.

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Instructions on the invite tell recipients to eat before they come, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune:

The White House has been sending out save-the-date emails for a Jan. 18 gala dubbed "Snacks & Sips & Dancing & Dessert," sources told the Tribune.

Guests are being told: Wear comfortable shoes, eat before you come and practice your dance moves. Who's invited and who'll entertain remain under wraps.

We've requested comment from the White House about the invitation.

The Washington Post interviewed several party experts on the matter.

"To ask people to ‘eat before you come’ is not the way I would have done it,” Colin Cowie, celebrity party planner, told the Post. “I always think of the food. When it comes to making people feel welcome we give them great music, a well-stocked bar, and excellent food — and you do it abundantly.”

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