So, you got into Dîner en Blanc… now what?
The ever-entrancing “Dinner in White” is one of the most talked-about events of the year, and preparations for the evening cannot be left to the night before! After you’ve selected your meet-up location, it’s time to start shopping, crafting, prepping, and finally, uncorking! What do you need to plan and organize for this exclusive affair? We’ve got your checklist right here:
1. The Attire
Let’s admit it, the fashion code is the most enchanting part of the entire soiree! When the hosts say “all-white,” they mean it. For ladies, that includes a white dress, white shoes, white handbag, and accessories. For men, it’s white dress pants, shirt and/or jacket, white tie, and white shoes. Ladies, you might also want to tote a pair of white sandals for the trek to the secret meeting location – or for dancing afterwards!
2. The Set-Up
Dîner en Blanc is not just BYOB; it’s Bring Your Own Table and Chairs, too. That table will have to be square and sized between 26-32 inches in order to align with all others once you arrive on-site. Chairs should be white, however, you can get away with a different colored table because you will likely need a white tablecloth to deck your elegant dining space.
3. The Settings
As the most stylish event of the season, guests tend to bring their A-game when it comes to table settings! You absolutely won’t find any paper plates or styrofoam cups here (although disposable cutlery is not such a bad idea – they’re white and make for easy cleanup!)
In your bags, be sure to bring:
- Plates
- Wine or champagne glasses
- Bottle opener, if needed
- Water and water glasses (optional, but smart!)
- Cutlery and servingware
- Napkins
- Plastic bags and paper towels for cleanup
What’s more, the settings from this year’s Dîner en Blanc Preview Party can inspire your table’s theme and decorations! With DEB, it’s all about the presentation. A vase or bold centerpiece will elevate your table’s aesthetic, while feathers, flowers, and streamers are sure to up your points for creativity!
4. The Food
We know there’s a lot to remember, but you simply can’t skimp out on the food. This is a dinner party, after all! We’ve seen plenty of amazing dishes prepared in previous years. Our recommendation? Bring an app, the main course, and something sweet for dessert!
Pack as light as possible – after all, you may be shouldering everything with you across the city – but bring enough to sustain you after that trip for a night of fun, drinking, and dancing! Here are some ideas:
- Appetizers: Fruit salad, pasta salad, cheese plate, shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, salad, grilled veggies, or other bite-sized apps
- Entrees: Pasta, gourmet sandwiches, quiche, tarts, chicken, seafood, or kabobs
- Desserts: Macarons, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, bars, or chocolate-covered strawberries
- Drinks: Wine, beer, champagne, and tap or mineral water
Got all that? Be sure you grab sufficient baskets, bags, and coolers for carrying – all in white, of course! And don’t forget to check the weather, in case you need a white or clear-colored umbrella or parka. Rain or shine, Dîner en Blanc is sure to be magical!
Have you attended Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia previously? If so, your tips and advice are sure to be helpful in the comments section!
