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Le Dîner en Blanc celebrates its 25th anniversary!

Posted by Sandy Safi on May 19, 2013 | 0 comment

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Le Diner en Blanc, the worldwide epicurean phenomenon, is now celebrating its 25th anniversary! Launched by François Pasquier and his close friends 25 years ago, Paris’ Dîner en Blanc now brings together over 10,000 people each year in some of the most prestigious locations throughout the French capital.   In the summer of 1988, Pasquier had just returned to Paris after a few years abroad and held a dinner party to reconne...

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How many Dîner en Blanc events are there in the world?

There are about a dozen or so now. Most take place in Europe and total several hundred members each year. The most important Dîner en Blanc, which was also the starting point of the movement, is the one in Paris. Instigated over 25 years ago with a handful of friends, today it attracts 15,000 people.

What must guests bring?

A table, two (white) chairs, a picnic basket comprised of quality menu items and china dinner service. They must wear white and be dressed elegantly. Originality is encouraged as long as it stays stylish and denotes taste.

How can we participate?

One must know a member of the organisation to receive an invitation. In other words, it’s a friendly co-optation system.

What are the key rules of the event?

Le Dîner en Blanc is quite different from other evenings. Seats are allotted on site in a very specific manner. - Once confirmed, the presence of each guest thus becomes essential and mandatory, whatever happens and regardless of weather conditions; - Colour: white only; - Bring a picnic basket, white table cloth, table (between 28”x28” and 32”x32”) and foldable chairs (white); - Arrive and depart by bus or organised public transit; - Bring one’s refuse when departing and leave the place as clean as it was upon arrival.

Is it an illegal activity?

Le Dîner en Blanc events are held on some of the most prestigious sites of the city, often without authorization. The first editions were not easy to put in place. Today, the authorities know the organisation and know that it’s always well controlled. Moreover, the event’s photogenic quality adds to the city’s image of a modern and stylish city, open to the world.

Why are the tables and chairs not being rented this year?

It’s almost impossible to find 1500 identical tables and it can be very difficult having to deal with several suppliers. In Paris, guests have always brought their own table and chairs and it’s much simpler that way. They thus play a bigger role and, in a way, they too become organisers of the festivity. As well, we would like to keep the same friends over several years and their table will in this way become cost-effective.

Will members registered for the first edition be automatically re-invited?

Yes. Only those having transgressed the rules or desisted at the last moment, deterred by ominous clouds, will not be re-invited to the following editions. Their name and email will be put on a black list, prohibiting them from registering for future editions.

There are lots of rules and many of the guests may find these restrictive. Isn’t there a risk that this will inhibit the spontaneity and festivity which are at the origin of the concept?

All these rules may in effect seem restrictive, and can be seen as over-controlling. One must keep in mind that the Dîner en Blanc is not an ordinary event. The evening takes place in a public place which was not designed for such a purpose and is often very busy. It must necessarily be very controlled in order for future editions to be held. Such measures never taint the festive and friendly spirit which prevails each year.
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