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Dîner en Blanc—'Dinner in White'—Returns to NYC September 14th

Dîner en Blanc was started in Paris in 1988. An exclusive pop-up picnic where all guests wear white (hence blanc), the dinner has become a worldwide sensation every summer since, New York City included. The event is a thrilling throwback and a novelty, with an added dose of mischief.

2022 New York official video

Dîner en Blanc returns to New York City for the 11th time on Thursday, September 14th. Five-thousand guests will attend, replete with white dresses, suits, hats, and table settings, in an iconic outdoor location that has yet to be disclosed. The bright-white, ostentatious clothing, and fine food and drink make quite a sight to behold and create an elegant, unforgettable evening.

Eric Vitale Photography.

Le Dîner en Blanc has flourished across the globe, taking place this year in 42 cities nationwide and 65 cities worldwide. Each location contributes its own culture and culinary voice. More than one million people are on waiting lists globally. 

Every year in New York and cities around the world, thousands of people dressed entirely in white descend on a landmark public space with everything they need for an elegant soirée in tow, including folding table and chairs, gourmet picnic food, fine china, silverware, and tablecloth. They first meet in groups of between 100 to 300 people at designated spots in the city and follow group leaders to the appointed location. The exact location remains a secret until the moment guests arrive, creating an air of mystery and excitement. It’s a magical moment in time—from different points throughout each city, thousands arrive at the same moment, at the same place.

Over the course of the evening, the diners eat and celebrate amid live music and dancing. Many spend weeks in advance planning their menus. Guests also use the venue to express their unique fashion and design style; the often elaborate and creative outfits, fantastical hats, and decorative table settings are always a fabulous spectacle.

diner en blanc nyc

Hal Horowitz Photography.

Visually breathtaking moments include the waving of thousands of cloth napkins to mark the beginning of the dinner, as well as the lighting of sparklers to let participants know they are now free to mingle. When the trumpet call sounds at the end of the evening, guests pack up their crystal, dinnerware, and tables, pick up all their litter and head into the night, leaving behind no sign of their elegant revelry.

New York was the first city in the U.S. to host a Dîner en Blanc in 2011. Sandy Safi, President of Dîner en Blanc International, notes "Since my first involvement with the launch of Le Diner en Blanc here in New York in 2011, the feeling of accomplishment and enchantment that the event brings when all guests and volunteers all dressed to the nine in white descend on the then revealed location is indescribable."

diner en blanc nyc

Eric Vitale Photography.

As per New York alcohol regulations, guests cannot bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy some wine or Champagne must reserve online through Le Dîner en Blanc’s e-store. However, guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages.

A catered picnic basket option, which can be picked up on site, will be available for those who do not wish to pack their own. Guests wishing to do so must reserve online through Le Dîner en Blanc’s e-store.

Eric Vitale Photography.

To be part of the celebrations, people can sign up now by visiting newyork.dinerenblanc.com and clicking on the Register tab.

The extra challenge—besides gathering a fabulous all-white ensemble—is finding your own picnic table, chairs, and food, which you’ll be required to transport to the undisclosed location. This is no slapdash meal on a blanket in the park. You must bring silverware and dishes and glasses for your meal. The table must be square, and your chairs and tablecloth and accompanying trash bag must be white. Once you get in as a guest, Diner en Blanc sends guests various communications and one of them has a link to stores where tables and chairs with the exact dimensions required can be purchased. Upon arrival, you’ll set up tables and chairs yourself. Some go the extra mile with birdcages, LED lights, and candelabras to decorate their tables!

It’s an amazing spectacle, with people decked out in light-up headdresses, huge hats, and capes. In recent years, there was also a CoverGirl station where guests could touch up their makeup. After the dinner comes the dancing. You and your friends can party the night away to live music and top off the evening with sparklers provided by the organizers. It’s a fabulous celebration of life in New York, fine food, and community.

As the party winds down, gather your trash, supplies, and tables, and leave your picnic space spotless.

diner en blanc nyc 2022

Eric Vitale Photography.

Dîner en Blanc NYC 2023 Entertainment

Special entertainment for the September 14th event is two acclaimed Broadway singers.

Photo: Laura Irion.

Margo Seibert (vocalist) is a Drama Desk Award winner and starred as Adrian in Broadway’s Rocky the Musical, as well as in Broadway’s first a cappella musical, In Transit; Off Broadway, she recently co-starred in Dave Malloy’s Octet.  Her debut album, 77th Street, was released on Yellow Sound Label.  She performs in club and concert dates, including at Lincoln Center, while theatrical appearances also include Playwrights Horizons, Shakespeare Theatre (DC) and Paper Mill Playhouse.  TV: Boardwalk EmpireElementaryInstinct and The Good Cop.

Margo will sing:

  • Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin version)
  • Journey to the Past (from Anastasia, movie version)
  • Cabaret (Liza Minnelli version)

Photo: Corinne Louie.

Allison Blackwell (vocalist). Broadway appearances include New York, New York: The MusicalThe Gershwins’ Porgy and BessThe Lion KingPretty Woman: the Musical, and  A Night With Janis Joplin. She’s sung with the Boston Pops, Philly Pops, New York Philharmonic and Atlanta Symphony, and in the Live from Lincoln Center concert productions of Show Boat and Sweeney Todd. Extensive work in leading regional theatres includes recent critically lauded Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Barrington Stage.

Allison will sing:

  • One Night Only (Dreamgirls, Beyonce version.)
  • The Circle of Life (Lion King)
  • I Say a Little Prayer (For You)

The wait list to attend is still open, register here

Visit newyork.dinerenblanc.com for more information.

About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

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