Toronto keeps gaining traction in joining the ranks of other cultured and fashion-forward cities in terms of our social life and initiatives. This week is no exception. The socially-savvy have read about it in the New York Times, Vogue and the Huffington Post; now, the Diner en Blanc, the famous, very white “secret” picnic-esque dinner party, officially pops up in Toronto this Thursday, August 9th. Joining a growing network of over 15 international cities, this event is anything but your typical Thursday evening dinner.
This is definitely the hot ticket of the summer; just ask fellow New York City culture-loving YPs, over 30,000 of whom tried to secure a coveted spot out of the 1,000 afforded. In similar fashion, the Toronto event is sold out but we still thought we would fill you in a little on what is going on, as it is certainly Notable newsworthy. So, what makes it so special? Not your typical picnic, Diner en Blanc marks an evening full of mystery, elegance and surprises, with the location disclosed at the last minute via text or email, to what will surely include familiar faces from Toronto’s social set.
The idea is a very whitely dressed mass “chic picnic” at the heart of one of the city’s most beautiful locations. Any guesses? Trust us, we are dying to know as much as you are! We do know this much: the location is virtually disruption-free, with no car or pedestrian traffic, except for the occasional amazed and astonished looks from passersby at the dream-like setting in front of them.
The dress code allows for few deviations. With the exception of shoes, guests’ entire outfit must be white, and elegant in nature. Think The Hamptons. Guest are also required to bring their own food, whether a carefully thought-out homemade creation or from a favourite gourmet pre-made counter, but should include an appetizer, main course and dessert. Tableware is also up to the guests, which should keep with the theme of white, elegant and chic. You need to bring your own utensils, plates and extras, like (white) flowers. Wine can be ordered ahead of time. We admit, it sounds like a lot of work, but well worth it. Plus, it provides an opportunity to cross “picnic” off your summer to-do list.
The evening is arranged into neatly organized characteristic steps. 1) Arrival: Guests arrive at the secret location by chartered bus or organized public transport, accompanied by their Table Leader, who assigns table arrangements. 2) Set-Up: Guests set up their tables and chairs, and don’t sit down until their entire row has done the same. 3) The Beginning: Once set-up is completed, guests spontaneously lift their white cloth napkins to indicate the start of the dinner and the successful occupation of public space. 4) Le Diner: Guests get to enjoy a finely prepared outdoor meal surrounded by friends and acquaintances, and will remain in their seats until the official opening of the dance floor 5) Sparklers Time: All white-clad guests will light sparklers to further signify the opening of the dance floor. The rest is left to the imagination but the evening promises to be a memorable one, full of dream-like surprises and good company.
Started over 25 years ago in Paris with a handful of friends, today Diner en Blanc attracts 15,000 people, with over a dozen dinners globally. Most take place in Europe and total several hundred members each year. The most influential dinner is still in Paris, with dinners occurring at some of the most prestigious sites, including the Pont des Arts, the Eiffel Tower site, the Louvre Pyramid, the Château de Versailles, the Esplanade de Notre-Dame, the Esplanade des Invalides, the periphery of the Place de l’Étoile, the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde and The Carousel du Louvre, among others.
Diner en Blanc events will also happen in Montreal (August 16th) and Vancouver (August 30th).
Photos courtesy davidgiralphoto.com