Le Dîner en Blanc

Seattle ⚜ July 27, 2017

Taken directly from DEB's website - At the last minute, the secret location is revealed to thousands of friends who have all been patiently waiting to learn where “Dîner en Blanc” will take place. Thousands of people, dressed all in white, and conducting themselves with the greatest decorum, elegance, and etiquette, all meet for a mass “chic picnic” in a public space.

Over the course of the evening, guests experience the beauty and value of their city's public spaces by participating in the unexpected. Beyond the spectacle and elegance of the dinner itself, guests are brought together from diverse backgrounds by good taste and a love of beauty. Le Dîner en Blanc recalls the elegance and glamor of high French society, and guests engage one another, knowing that they are taking part in a truly magical event. There are no disruptions: no car traffic, no pedestrian traffic—only amazed and astonished looks from passersby observing the scene before them. And participants, like spectators, wonder whether it's all not a dream…

It wasn't a dream for Colleen, Cara, Abby or myself. Being the organizers we are, we set out to make the planning of this event nothing but fun and stress free! I took on assembling the tables, chairs, linens, wine and glasses - making them portable by hand truck, of course. Abby, the master chef that she is, prepared the most elegant dinner conveniently packed in their picnic basket (which took one for the team by being painted white by Cara). Colleen created the most gorgeous florals which I am still enjoying today!

Arrival

Accompanied by our table leader, Kristin, 

we traveled by charter bus to our secret location.

Set-up

Without wasting any time, we set up our table and chairs,

and waited for our entire row to be set up before taking our seats. 

Beautiful Myrtle Edwards Park on the shores of the Puget Sound

  

The Beginning

Once everyone is set up, the table captain waves her napkin and all join in,

indicating the beginning of dinner and the occupation of the public space. 

Le Dîner

In one of the most beautiful settings in the city, Myrtle Edwards Park, accompanied by close friends, we enjoyed a beautifully prepared meal by Abby!

Sparklers

The most magical time of the night was the

lighting of the sparklers!

Dancing

The Park was alive with music, laughter and so much fun!

Clean Up

Guests make sure they leave the park clean, leaving nothing behind!

Including the beautiful florals which are gracing my buffet!

An incredible memory - truly magnificent!

This was the first year Le Dîner en Blanc was held in Seattle and I certainly hope it is the start of many more!

Until next time, la chasse au bonheur