Dîner en Blanc: the world-renowned secret in white

But it’s a relatively well-kept secret - Though there are so many people in on the secret, there is still an astounding desire to keep it a secret, and every year organizers keep the information about the pop-up picnics confined to a chosen handful, keeping the location a surprise until the last 10-15 minutes before its commencement.

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You can be blacklisted - Once you participate in one dinner, you will be invited to the next, unless you fail to comply with the rules. Additionally, if you get on the list and withdraw at the last minute, you will reportedly be blacklisted.

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Mr. and Mrs. White - The generic name used by the organizers, and Mr. and Mrs. White invite people to "be part of the temporary thrill of an exceptional dinner."

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Some events are more established than others - For example, the Montreal-based Diner en Blanc International runs a prestigious evening with the help of local hosts and volunteers, and for their work they can charge US$30-50 for entry.

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Many others are free - In most cities, the pop-up open-air dinner is organized independently, and the event is free of charge.

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A large part of its appeal is its exclusivity - Philadelphia, for example, hosts the second-largest event in the US, and in 2018 it reportedly saw more than 30,000 people vying for 5,000 spots.

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Others rebel against the exclusivity - When Vancouver Dîner en Blanc organizers decided to host a second event because of the huge number of applications, a group decided to host a counter-event protesting the exclusive element. They called it “Ce Soir Noir,” or Dinner in Black.

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A rare occasion of good behavior - One of the most remarkable parts of these massive gatherings is that they completely depend on order, respect, and the shared desire for a few hours of good “clean” fun.

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Though the white stands out, it’s about blending in - “Everyone must remain simple and forget about their social status," Pasquier explains. "During this dinner, we are all equal and there is no special treatment for wealthy people or celebrities."

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The opposite of snobby -

Pasquier also said that the event, and Parisians in general, have been accused of being snobs, but that “it’s the contrary: We are simply committed to good manners, and that costs nothing."

Dîner en Blanc: the world-renowned secret in white

Have you snagged an invite to this chic pop-up picnic?

23/07/19 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Curiosity

Every year, in numerous cities around the world, thousands of people don their finest white apparel and indulge in al fresco dining, a high sense of decorum, and the devilish sweetness of being in on a secret just for one warm, fleeting night.

Dîner en Blanc began over three decades ago in Paris, and has since blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, becoming one of the best-kept “viral” secrets and somehow growing even more appealing in its paradox.

Imagine sipping champagne at an endless white table dotted with candles, while people dressed in white laugh and chatter to each other into the fading summer light. No one knows where the magical event will take place until minutes before, and when it’s over there is not a trace left behind.

Enticed by the elegant, surprise open-air dinner? Check out this gallery to find out all the details.