Le Dîner En Blanc – Chicago Returns on August 23

This year, the original Le Dîner en Blanc in Paris marked its 30^th anniversary, while Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago will celebrate its 7^th edition in Chicago. On Thursday, August 23, 2018, Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago will pop up in an undisclosed and unexpected public space in the city of Chicago allowing guests to enjoy the food and wine scene of the Windy City. 

Every summer in cities around the world, thousands of people dressed entirely in white descend on a landmark public space with everything they need for an elegant soirée in tow, including folding table and chairs, gourmet picnic food, fine china, silverware and a tablecloth. Over the course of the evening, the guests eat and celebrate amid live music and dancing, many of them spending weeks in advance planning their lavish menus and striking ensembles. The event offers attendees the perfect occasion to express their unique fashion and design style; the often elaborate and creative outfits, fantastical hats and decorative table settings are always a fabulous spectacle.

“Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago is a unique opportunity to celebrate and honor our city. Deeply rooted in the traditions of the original Parisian event, the Chicago edition prides itself on offering an inclusive environment that brings people together to represent and celebrate the vibrant community of Chicago. Every year, we are overwhelmed and delighted at the bonds that have been formed and reinforced, reuniting old friends and creating new ones. This year, we are pleased to welcome a new addition to the Le Dîner en Blanc – Chicago host committee as well: Brandy Koch,” state the hosts of the Chicago event - Roger Hobby, James Wild and Lauren Haras.

Invitations for this event occur in three stages. Each invitation is for two people: Phase 1 is for returning 2017 members; Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase 1 attendees; and Phase 3 is for guests who register on the waiting list. The waiting list is still open, so guests can sign up today at chicago.dinerenblanc.com/register

To keep with Le Dîner en Blanc’s unique 30-year tradition, guests observe a few key rules: 

• Once confirmed, guests’ participation is essential.
• The dress code is simple! Elegant, white outfits and accessories. Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.
• The table setting should be all white. This is a green event, so no disposables!
• Wine and/or Champagne. Beer and hard liquor is prohibited. 
  • Per venue, City of Chicago, and state regulations, guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy wine or Champagne must reserve a voucher through the Dîner en Blanc – Chicago e-store. Non-alcoholic beverages are welcome.
• The location is a secret. Guests meet at their selected departure point and are escorted by a Dîner en Blanc – Chicago volunteer to the secret event site.
• At the end of the evening, guests are required to take all of their belongings, leftovers, and garbage, leaving the secret location as pristine as they found it. 

Like all picnics, guests must bring some key items:

• One portable table, white folding chairs, white tablecloth, and white cloth napkins.
• A picnic basket with a three-course meal for two, proper stemware, and white dinnerware. 
  • Catered picnic basket options will be available to guests who do not wish to pack their own. Guests wishing to order a basket must do so prior to the event via the Dîner en Blanc – Chicago website. Baskets will be available for pick-up on-site (no on-site sales).
• Valid Driver’s License or State ID (all guest must be over 21). 

For full details on the event’s rules and additional tips, please visit chicago.dinerenblanc.com.