Imagine seeing a large group of people at a bus stop schlepping folding chairs, card tables and picnic baskets. Strange, right? To top it off, each person is clad in white from head to toe.
A new flash mob phenomenon called Le Diner en Blanc has come to the U.S. Since it began in Paris, this combination white party and impromptu picnic has spread like wildfire to 26 other cities in five continents. New York City held the first American Diner en Blanc, proving that the concept was a success after 31,000 locals signed up, hoping to get on the list. This summer, the event will be recreated in Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Northern New Mexico, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco and our very own Cincinnati.
So what’s the catch you ask? Le Diner en Blanc is invitation only and takes place at an outdoor landmark in the city, the location of which is unknown to guests until their designated public transportation arrives at the event. In addition to wearing only white, there are a number of other strict rules. Participants must bring certain sized card tables, white linens, white chairs, a picnic dinner and china place settings to keep with the elegant traditions of the event.
When it began over 20 years ago, Le Diner en Blanc was solely a word of mouth event. Thanks to the pervasiveness of digital media, the event has expanded exponentially. Despite the changes in technology, Le Diner en Blanc has maintained the intrinsic elements of surprise, class and camaraderie.
Cincinnati is one of the final cities to host their Diner en Blanc in September. As the event nears, guests will heighten their excitement by planning their attire, gathering their picnic and guessing the undisclosed location. So if you see groups of people dressed in white with card tables and picnic baskets on an upcoming September evening, you’ll know the secret…..