Editor’s Note: Kiran Chetry anchors CNN’s American Morning, but proves that morning newswomen know how to enjoy an evening.

The second I saw the invite to the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, I thought the same thing every other woman does: “What the heck am I going to wear?” Thankfully, I was able to borrow probably the most incredible designer dress I’ve ever worn. It was bright coral silk with a halter neck, open back and long train. And I mean long. It got stomped on numerous times. I met many people by politely asking them to lift their foot off my dress. Ha! (Next year, I’m going with something knee length.)

I was already planning to be in DC for Mother’s Day. My parents live in Gaithersburg, MD. And the best Mother’s Day gift of all was having my mom watch my two little ones (three and one) for the night and help me figure out how to get my hair into an updo. That in itself was enough of an adventure — even before I stepped foot into the Hilton. We had Velcro rollers stuck all over the place… There were many mishaps with the self-tanner and, of course, trying to stay upright and mildly graceful in five-inch platform sandals proved to be tough.

The scene at the Washington Hilton itself was energetic, frenzied and exciting. I arrived early and was one of the first to make my way down the red carpet. You never quite get used to the flashing of cameras and shouts of “Look here!” “Stand back!” “Turn!” But it’s really surreal and quite fun.

I linked up with my executive producer, Janelle Rodriguez, and we made our way to the pre-dinner cocktail party hosted by Time, Inc. and CNN.  We hung out for a bit with Chace Crawford, star of "Gossip Girl." He was a polite, sweet and interesting young man. I asked him if it gets weird to always be on the cover of In Touch Weekly, where the headlines claim that one minute the cast is fighting, then they are dating, then they hate each other again. He laughed and swore that they all really like each other and love hanging out. I also had a chance to chat with Eva Longoria (see pic). People joked that we looked alike, which I take as a huge compliment. In person, she was petite and stunning with flawless skin and a gorgeous smile.

As we made our way into the actual dinner, security was pretty tight. We went through metal detectors and were warned to keep our tickets if we wanted to leave and return.

It’s always great to mingle and catch up with colleagues, old and new. It’s also fascinating as a TV journalist to see which Hollywood stars show up to the “DC prom” as many call it. I saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher seated with CNN/US President Jon Klein. I also saw Jon Bon Jovi, who was very gracious and sweet. I sat at the table with Bradley Cooper, who starred in movies such as “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “Wedding Crashers.” Whoopi was there with Barbara Walters. I bumped into Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy in the elevator. They were so adorable — looking like just a normal couple chatting on their way back from dinner.

President Obama was quite funny — delivering his jokes with great timing. Wanda Sykes took some heat for the Rush jokes, but all in the crowd seemed to like her. They definitely roared louder for the president’s jokes.

By the end, we hit one after party at the Corcoran. And while I would have loved to stay longer, it was my feet, quietly suffering all night in the five-inch platforms that finally called me home.