What is Dîner en Blanc?

According to Wikipedia, Dîner en Blanc is a worldwide event, spanning six continents, in which people flash-gather in a public space and set up a temporary, chic dining area. Guests come dressed in white to enjoy quality food and wine. I have been attending Dîner en Blanc for few years running now, and have attended in both the Okanagan and in Vancouver.

With the Vancouver Dîner en Blanc event coming up this week, I am excited. For the first time ever I have sponsored new people, and I forgot how there are a few things to learn.

It is quite the adventure to participate in this annual event so I wanted to share a handful of my top tips that I have learned over the years:

1. It is a huge pain (until the night of the event).

There is a ton of work to be done: from logging on and getting signed up quickly to finding your perfect white outfit to making sure that all of your accessories, and table and chairs are white; preparing and packing your food, and then moving it all to the rendezvous point for the secret location.

2. Pack light.

You never know how many blocks you may need to walk or what kind of terrain you will encounter – so far I have been through stairs in transit stations, across grass and dirt fields, and loading things off and on buses. It pays to have a little cart with wheels – just make sure you can hide it under your table. And wear comfortable shoes – as above, you will be schlepping many things – you want to be balanced and be able to move with pace.

3. Keep the meal simple (but still elegant!)

I find it a bit hard to focus and eat with all the movement and fun – so based on my own situation, I recommend you keep your ingredients simple and easy to assemble, and a cold preparation will be easiest. Ideas include charcuterie boards, with bread and olives and oil, or prepared salads of quinoa or noodles. You can also opt for a catered food option when you sign up.

4. Remember to wear white underwear.

Unfortunately, each year we all see a little too much of what is underneath the all-white garments. Remember: the blue and white striped ginch that worked earlier in the day will not work under white slacks.

5. Enjoy the magic.

When your table finally gets popped up, and you are surrounded by everyone else dressed so elegantly in white and then the napkin waving kicks off the party, you know the tough part is over, and the rest of it is up to you to relax, enjoy the company you are with, and have fun.

Have you ever attended a Dîner en Blanc event? What was your biggest take away? Let me know…