I don’t know how I heard about it, but I did.  #DinerEnBlanc, is the event where people dress in white from head to toe, go to a secret location and spend an action packed evening together (food, entertainment, fun), but that is only the beginning. 8)

What Is Diner En Blanc? (This event has some major history)

In 1988, after spending a few years abroad, François Pasquier wanted to organize a picnic to reconnect with old friends. The concept was simple: “Bring a meal, and bring a new friend.” Seeing as his garden was too small to receive all the guests, he told them to convene at the Bois de Boulogne and to dress in white, so they could find each other. This friendly gathering became so popular that it grew over time. It now bringing together over 10,000 friends of friends every year in Paris. Nearly 30 years later, François Pasquier still organizes the Parisian Dîner en Blanc with those same friends.  This is how it started.  Diner en Blanc is held in over 70 cities worldwide.  To find out more about Diner en Blanc or to find out how to host one in your city click here.

So, What Is It Like..

Imagine being invited to an elegant outside dinner, you and well a few thousand of your friends (in the case of Philadelphia’s Diner En Blanc).  Now you have strict instructions, make sure you dress in white from head to toe and you must arrive at the holding place at a designated time, until the mystery place is revealed.  Yes, it really is a secret and that is part of what makes it fun.

Thirty minutes before the dinner is scheduled to start you get a message that tells you where to go.  You find yourself in a sea of white, people from all over who have come together for a unique experience called, Diner En Blanc.

” At the last minute, the secret location is revealed to thousands of friends who have all been patiently waiting to learn where “Dîner en Blanc” will take place. Thousands of people, dressed in all white, and conducting themselves with the greatest decorum, elegance, and etiquette, all meet for a mass “chic picnic”” in a public space.

Dinner With Friends New and Old Friends That Is

I wish I could of captured an aerial picture so you could see the sea of white.  Table after table filled with people. It was beautiful to say the least. People from all over laughing, sharing, talking, dancing, eating, exploring and enjoying the night. 

There was plenty of conversations. There was also networking, laughing, selfies and lots and lots of incredible food.  Everyone wanted to capture the evening.

The Table

Each table looked different, I mean the sizes were the same and then there were white tablecloths and napkins, but that is where the similarities end.  Whether it was how they decorated their table or the centerpieces, maybe it was the  foods at the table, each table had its own personality.  There were all kinds of tables decorated with creative themes of all kinds.  Of course, some were French inspired, others had an ocean scene, some were personal, but all were unique.

Don’t Forget The Food

At Diner En Blanc, you can order catered food or bring your own.  What was on the menu..

Cedar Planked Salmon

Crab and Mango Louie Salad

Charcuterie Board and Cheese Board

Watermelon And Feta Cheese

Chargrille Shrimp With Gremoulata

Panko Crusted Chicken with Parmesan Cheese

Grilled Sirloin Steak With Watercrest, Tomatoes and Salsa Verde

The food was catered by Feast Your Eyes Catering and it was delicious.

Whether you brought your own food or you ordered the catered food.  There were tons of options.

There were also great sweets available to help you with that sweet tooth.

Macaroons….so yummy 8).

What About Your Friends…

This event if nothing else is about friends and family.  Yes, you are surrounded by people you don’t know, but what stood out immediately to me is how many of the tables were full of family and friends. Dressed beautifully and having an incredible amount of fun.

There were artists to help you capture the moment. There was music, live singers, DJ’s and lots and lots of dancing. There were rides…a whole carousel people. There were also props to take pictures and tons of talking, laughing, and joy.

Bring On The Fun

There is something I noticed right away at #DinerEnBlanc, this event is an EXPERIENCE and it’s all about family, friends and fun. When you leave Diner en Blanc that night they want you to be able to say, you had a ball.

People stood in line to take everything all in.

To find out more about Diner en Blanc or to find out how to host one in your city click here.

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