There are dinner parties, and then there are dinner parties… The famed “Dîner en Blanc” falls into the latter.
Translating as “Dinner in White”, the social phenomenon is one of the most celebrated dining experiences in the world. Originating in Paris in 1988, the mastermind François Pasquier wanted to catch up with old friends with a picnic but needed a larger venue than his garden. He decided they would meet at Le Bois de Boulonge, a large public park, and would wear all white so they could identify each other. Thirty years later, there are 80 cities, 30 countries, and over 10,000 people take part in the phenomenon in Paris, as well as hundreds of thousands worldwide.
Honoring traditional French dining customs, the dinner is influenced by Parisian high society, with courtesies being practiced like men sitting on one side of the table and women opposite of them. An elevated aesthetic is essential to to the dining atmosphere, which is why following the all-white dress code is of imperative importance in order to enhance style and symmetry. In order to uphold the intimate ambiance, the event is kept as invite and membership only and the venue location revealed only on the day of the event. For patrons to leave their own stamp on the evening, it is compulsory to bring your own food and dining décor, which allows attendees’ imaginations to run wild. From filet mignon to tuna tartar and everything in between, the lavish spread possibilities are truly endless. White tablecloths draped in string nights and elegant floral bouquets can even upstage some of the finest local restaurants.
All these guidelines would make you think this is too much for just a dinner, but not to Toronto artist Andrea Bolley (recently dubbed the 6ix mom, who’s caught Drake’s eye), who was in Paris this summer to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the initial Dîner en Blanc. “It was just amazing,” she said with a passion in her voice. “The number of people from all over the world that attend, all dressed in white. Imagine 20,000 people all joyous, breaking bread and celebrating each others’ company. The atmosphere is incredible, with DJs at the end of the tables, and a couple spots down there would be a singer from Germany performing. It was like a giant art installation! No red wine though!” she exclaims with a laugh. When asked about her favourite part of the dinner, it was simple. “The secret location, that’s definitely my favourite part of Dîner en Blanc. You’ll have people waiting throughout the whole city dressed in white and it creates this buzz, this energy. And the suspense, yes that’s definitely my favourite part.”
From the coast of Cape Town to the hills of Honolulu, this chic soirée’s influence spans every corner of the globe for a spontaneous social gathering that lasts only for a moment. Blink, and it’s gone. But keep your eyes open, and prepare to witness something truly special. New friends are made and old friends are reunited. That is the spirit of Dîner en Blanc.
