courtesy Le Dîner en Blanc
From a press release:
“For the fifth year in a row, Washington, D.C. hosts Le Dîner en Blanc. On Saturday, August 25 from 6-10 p.m., the annual affair promises another unforgettable evening of elegance, beauty and magic, as it acquires a secret, public location, revealed only minutes prior to the commencement of the event. To mark the 30 year anniversary of Dîner en Blanc – Paris and D.C.’s fifth annual event, the guest count will increase to include 5,000 Washingtonians at this year’s extravaganza. Last year, Le Dîner en Blanc D.C. sold out in minutes to 4,500 district foodies, fashion and cultural enthusiasts.
Year after year, the breathtaking scene of thousands of white-clad guests descending upon one of the city’s most prestigious public space becomes more extraordinary for guests and passerby alike.
Registration for the unique experience happens in three stages: Phase 1 is for members who attended the previous year; Phase 2 is for new members who have been referred by Phase 1 attendees; and Phase 3 is for guests who signed up on the waiting list. Those interested can sign up at washington.dinerenblanc.com/register.
Guests bring their all-white tables, chairs and table settings, and if truly ambitious create their own French picnic. For those looking for a more convenient option, attendees can rent a table and chairs from Rentals to Remember and order a professionally prepared picnic basket from this year’s curated chef. As outside alcohol is strictly prohibited by the DC Liquor Board, all guests who wish to enjoy Champagne Jacquart – the official champagne partner of Le Dîner en Blanc – Washington – and wine from the vineyard of Pedroncelli, must pre-purchase in advance from the Diner en Blanc e-Store.
Over the course of the evening, 5,000 guests will dine and celebrate the fifth anniversary of Le Dîner en Blanc – Washington amid live music, entertainment and dancing.
The evening is marked with Dîner en Blanc traditions like the waving of the napkin to signify the beginning of dinner and the lighting of sparklers to conclude the meal and ignite the dance floor. At the end of the evening, guests pack up all of their belongings, pick up all their litter, and head into the night, leaving behind no sign of their elegant revelry. For out-of-town guests or those looking to turn the evening into a staycation, Dîner en Blanc Washington has partnered with the Sofitel.
Le Dîner en Blanc – Washington gratefully acknowledges Champagne Jacquart and Pedroncelli Wine as the official local partners of the 2018 edition of Le Dîner en Blanc D.C. and the Sofitel Resort & Hotels & Luxury Retreats as the national partners both of whom will be offering a luxury travel prize to one lucky Diner en Blanc attendee.
About Le Dîner en Blanc
On June 3rd, Le Diner en Blanc de Paris marked its 30th anniversary! A record 17,000 guests from Paris and around the world gathered at the Esplanade des Invalides to celebrate this historic moment. Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Le Dîner en Blanc – Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on six continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fueling this fantastic event have not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in close to 80 cities in 30 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info, photos and videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.”