All White Party – Downtown Magazine

Le Dîner en Blanc, the exclusive, romantic pop-up picnic event that takes NYC by storm each summer in a sea of white clothing, is back for 2019. The ultra-secret event is a picnic, where you bring all of the silverware, dishes, and table to a location kept private until the last minute, features Broadway stars from shows like Hamilton and Waitress. We got the chance to chat with Linda Davis, one of the organizers for the annual event.

Downtown: 2019 is the year of the woman – tell us what it’s like to be a part of this incredible event and to be a businesswoman in 2019?

Linda Davies: As a “seasoned” event producer, and in my 30th year of business, I am in awe of how far not only the industry has come, but how brave so many women are now to take a leap of faith in themselves as I did 30 years ago, and just go for it! The greatest joy I have in my business, and personally, is mentoring women on how to navigate the many challenges presented to them including maintaining a sensible balance of work and play. One does not work without the other. The team that produces Diner en Blanc New York is 98% women and every day I am inspired by their strength and dedication to this event. The team – in every sense of the word – represents the very essence of what Diner en Blanc is about and the pride I feel when the last song is played is indescribable.

DT: This year DEB 2019 New York, what was your greatest challenge?

LD: Every year presents a different set of challenges. Always with this event, the challenge is finding a location that has the ability to handle not only the capacity needs of such a large event, but represents the city in a way that makes our guests truly feel they are in a New York moment!

DT: We see that this year there will not be a particular chef, what can the guests expect and what was the reason behind no chef this year?

LD: This event is all about self-containment, including your table, chairs, cutlery, etc, etc. New Yorkers are notorious for having a sophisticated palate and are completely capable of creating an amazing meal. We wanted to challenge them this year to show us their talent. With that in mind, we understand not everyone likes to cook, or has the time, so we partnered with a great caterer, Great Performances, to provide picnic basket options for those who chose to focus on other aspects of the event. Many of our guests purchase their baskets so they have time to assemble their amazing ensembles.

DT: Do you have a favorite city for DNB and do not feel that you need to say NYC?

LD: Paris. Simply said, Paris is the ultimate Diner en Blanc experience. It began there and certainly set the tone for all of the other cities around the world.

DT: Give us one tid bit since it’s only a week away, that you have not shared?

LD: I haven’t a clue what I am wearing. But, seriously, we are being treated this year to an amazing performance by Jonathan Cilia Faro, a world-renowned opera singer. The guests are going to absolutely love the entertainment this year!

DT: New York has just past the law that all women are to be paid equally how does this make you feel?

LD: Ecstatic! And it’s about time.

DT: Thus far over the many years of producing this event in NYC what’s been your favorite location?

LD: In Washington DC the event took place on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the Nations Capitol. For the US, you can not get any more iconic than that!

Get on the waitlist now for next year if you want to experience the once-in-a-lifetime event!

Photography courtesy of Eric Vitale Photography

Do you need a romantic dinner getaway but only have one evening? Get ready, because “Le Dîner en Blanc” is coming back to NYC. The French-inspired pop-up picnic presents unforgettable dinners in mystery locations. Guests dress up and gather for live music and dancing at an outdoor venue revealed at the very last minute. All you need–besides yourselves, your picnic basket, and your silverware–is an invitation. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Le Dîner en Blanc, despite its massive scope, is equally exclusive and elusive. If you’re just hearing about it now, you don’t have much time to act if you want to experience the picnic of a lifetime.

Hundreds of guests gather at one of Le Dîner en Blanc NYC's pop-up locations in 2017. — Hundreds of guests gather at one of Le Dîner en Blanc NYC’s pop-up locations in 2017.

Le Dîner en Blanc was founded in 1988 by François Pasquier. What started as a word-of-mouth tradition amongst friends has risen to global proportions–this year’s event aims to feed more than 130,000 people across 80 cities in 30 countries. New York City’s event alone will have 5,500 guests. Dîner en Blanc International was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. It didn’t hit the US until 2011, when the first Dîner en Blanc opened in NYC.

Registration is always for two, and goes out in three phases: the first phase is for attendees of the previous year, the second is new members referred by phase one members, and the third is for people who signed up on a waiting list. Phase One has already begun, so find your closest Phase One member before it’s too late. Hit up your closest celebrity friend, or that woman at work who always talks about the coolest parties. If all else fails, hop on that wait list ASAP.

Let’s say you find your Phase One friend, or you get picked off of the waitlist. Congratulations! You and your plus one are on your way to a night out or romantic dinner. Now you need the outfit. The dress code calls for all-white clothes and elegance, but leaves the rest to the imagination. Creativity is encouraged. A white three-piece suit and top hat? Queen Victoria’s wedding gown set in an all-white punk aesthetic? Let your imagination soar, as long as it stays elegant and tasteful. Just make sure it’s something you can walk in.

NYC attendees pose in white dresses at La Dîner en Blanc. — NYC attendees pose in their Dîner en Blanc outfits.

Next comes supplies. You’ll need a folding table, two white chairs, and a white tablecloth. You’ll need a picnic basket filled with fine food, proper stemware, and white dinnerware. Catered picnic basket options will be available to those who reserve them upon registration, but many guests prepare their own individualized gourmet meals. Don’t forget a garbage bag (also white).

A picture of a finely set table with a cake, candles, and food on white plates. — Le Dîner en Blanc guests set up their own romantic dinner settings.

So there you have it. Your chance to take part in a worldwide, top-secret picnic with you, a person of your choice, and 130,000 of your closest friends from around the world. Move quickly though, that waitlist had 64,000 people on it last year.