Who say’s “you can’t wear White after Labor Day”? Diner En Blanc say’s “you can”.

History of Diner En Blanc

Upon returning from being abroad in France, Francois Pasquier returned home to Paris and invited his friends to dinner. In the summer of 1988, they met at Parc de Bagatelle in the Bois de Boulogne. Mr. Pasquier friends were instructed to wear all white, in order to easily identify one another when arriving at the park. This was the start of something magnificent. Diner en Blanc is now held in over 70 cities and countries including America, Middle East, Asia, Europe, Pacifica and Africa.

My story of Diner En Blanc: Los Angeles

I saw friends post pictures of an all-white party last year on Instagram and Facebook. I was curious about the event and decided I would would attend this year. Unfortunately, the expected date for Diner en Blanc Los Angeles was on the same date that I was going to be out of town. Bad news: I had to cancel my vacation, Good News: I was now able to attend Diner en Blanc. I was going to be able to go the largest all white dinner party. The cool part is that the the secret location would not be revealed until minutes before I arrived.

I placed my name on the wait list and received the email to register several weeks later. As I attempted to register, I kept receiving an error message and was unable to complete the registration. I contacted organizers via social media who informed me that the tickets were sold out. I was devastated and bummed that I could not go. Several days later, someone posted on Facebook that they needed a plus one to attend with them. I immediately contacted them, to claim the extra ticket.  I was super excited but felt overwhelmed due to the preparation needed to attend the event.

When you sign up to register you are allowed to pick your location and team leader. Due to my partner registering in advance, I was provided with designated location and team leader. On 11/4/16, I arrived in Downtown LA at City Hall. It was a little frustrating because there is minimal parking in DTLA. I eventually found a parking lot near the location but had to call an LYFT driver because I was unable to carry all my items (table decorations, food, and chairs) to the meeting location. After arriving I was able to have my partner carry the chairs and I continued carrying the rest of the items. We had to walk several blocks up a hill to our secret location, which turned out to be the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Center. Other locations such as Lankershim and Redondo Beach were bused to the Pavilion Center. I think I would have preferred to take a bus to the secret location instead of walking up a hill with sweat forming on my forehead and under my armpits.

After arriving my partner and I set up the table and decorations in a row in accordance with our table leader and group.

Table Setting

Shortly after setting up, you are allowed to eat, drink and be merry. While conversation is flowing and dinner is being eaten, soft music is being played in the background.

Steak and rice from La Nueva Flor Blanca

Strawberry Shortcake

I enjoyed meeting my partner who is a part of my travel group but whom I have never met before. We were great at communicating prior to the event and conservation flowed easily throughout the night. I definitely think we will remain in touch and see each other at various local events.

Partner in Crime for the evening

 

I also sat next to an old high school classmate. Although she didn’t remember me, we were able to reminisce about high school and realized we indeed have mutual friends on Facebook.

King/Drew Medical Magnet High School

Entertainment included acrobats, performers on stilts, and a photo booth. Soon after dinner is finished, the DJ cranks up the music and everybody goes to the dance floor.

 

Cha Cha Slide

Being prepared to attend Diner en Blanc

• Pay- $37 for ticket and $8 for membership fee (Please sign up now, https://www.dinerenblanc.info if you are interested in attending next year)
• Purchase- a white table, chairs, linen and table decorations (My partner purchased a collapsible table from amazon $49. 25 and I borrowed the other items from a friend)
• Food-Trying to decide what to bring was difficult because I knew that I couldn’t warm the food once arriving. I decided to bring sandwiches, chips, macaroni salad dessert (Strawberries, cake & whip cream). At the last minute, my partner bought El Salvadorian food (Steak, rice, and salad) which stayed warm and was delicious.
• Plate and Silverware- Must be real; plastic is not permitted but is to be noted your table will not be checked for real or plastic ware.
• Outfit- It is difficult to find white after Labor Day. I found a couple of white outfits but didn’t like the way they fit. I decided to wear a white dress I had in my closet. You must wear head to toe white but you can accent with silver or gold. Be elaborate as possible with head pieces or accessories.

  

  Follow her on Instagram @sirenmasquerades

• I recommend bringing a wagon or dolly to carry your items in case you have to carry them to the secret location.

In preparation for next year, I would bring fewer items, try to invite more people and bring something to carry my items in. Despite all the preparation to attend the event, I will be back next year.  The ambiance, food, entertainment, and people having a great time made the event a fun and successful evening. Don’t forget to check out Diner en Blanc 2017 in your local city!

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