Le Dîner en Blanc is returning to Washington, D.C. August 25. This year’s event celebrates the fifth anniversary in D.C. The Davis Group, LLC, which also hosts the events in Boston, New York and in Charleston, S.C., is a full-service event and design company, and has increased the guest count this year to 5,000, from the 4,500 it had last year. Typically, Dîner en Blanc D.C. is a sold-out affair and by invitation only or selection from the waiting list, and runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at an undisclosed location.
Attendees don’t find out where they’re going until just minutes before the event begins.
The epicurean affair is not for the faint at heart. Guests are dressed full-clad in white and bring their own white tables, table settings, picnic items and chairs to the clandestine outdoor location. Throughout the evening, they’ll be treated to music, entertainment and dancing. Washingtonians attending the event can also rent tables and chairs and purchase a chef-curated picnic basket for convenience.
The event started in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and some friends. Le Dîner en Blanc – Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year and is an all-out phenomenon.
Outside alcohol sales are strictly prohibited so there is a process for indulgence. The event organizers have stated, “As outside alcohol is strictly prohibited by the D.C. Liquor Board, all guests who wish to enjoy Champagne Jacquart – the official champagne partner of Le Dîner en Blanc – Washington – and wine from the vineyard of Pedroncelli, must pre-purchase in advance from the Dîner en Blanc e-Store.”
The official Le Dîner en Blanc event sponsors include Sofitel Resort & Hotels, Luxury Retreats, Champagne Jacquart and Pedroncelli Wine. Sofitel and Luxury Retreats are the national lodging partners and both are partnering to offer a luxury travel prize to one lucky Dîner en Blanc attendee.
The registration process is threefold. See below for the details, as explained by The Davis Group:
- Phase 1 is for members who attended the previous year;
- Phase 2 is for new members who have been referred by Phase 1 attendees;
- Phase 3 is for guests who signed up on the waiting list. Those interested can sign up at washington.dinerenblanc.com/register.
At the end of the evening, attendees pack up all their belongings and leave the outdoor setting as pristine as it was when they arrived.
Event recap:
When is Le Dîner en Blanc D.C.? Le Dîner en Blanc D.C. starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. on August 25, 2018.
Photo: Le Dîner en Blanc – Washington, D.C.
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