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Warning: You’ll have to break the irrelevant “don’t wear white after Labor Day” rule, because roving culinary phenomenon Dîner en Blanc (yes, the dinner originated in France) is coming back to NYC on September 15. Now in it’s sixth year in New York, the magical affair is the largest—not to mention most exclusive—dinner party in the world.
Over 5,000 New Yorkers—clad in all-white—are expected to attend the elegant outdoor soiree, where diners can eat, drink and celebrate summer with live music, dancing and more revelry. The fashion is not to be overlooked either: folks turn up in elaborate and creative outfits, sport fantastical headgear and create their own Martha Stewart-esque table settings.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Dîner en Blanc NYC
The night kicks off with thousands of cloth napkins waving in the air, followed by a sparkler lighting ceremony, which signifies that it’s time to boogie on the dance floor. When the trumpet sounds at the end of the night, revelers pack up their litter, crystal and tables, and scatter like ghosts in the night.
Note: This party is nearly impossible to crash (the super-secret location isn’t revealed until the last-minute). Attendees must first meet in groups of 100 to 300 people at designated spots in the city to meet their group leaders (all volunteers), which will then lead them to the party. Frankly, there are a lot of logistics involved in order to attend this spectacle, but judging by the photos, we reckon it’s worth it. That’s why we’ve taken the liberty to share with you all the rules and important information you need to get on the guest list. Note: the current wait list is 40,000 people—yikes. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Registration:
A ticket to the dinner party occurs in three stages: Phase 1 is for members who attended the previous year; Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase 1 attendees; Phase 3 is for people who ask to be put on the waiting list on the official website (newyork.dinerenblanc.info/register). Once you’re in, participation is mandatory. That’s right—the party is rain or shine, folks.
Dress code:
Unless it wasn't clear, you must show up wearing your sharpest and most-impressive all-white duds. Make a statement, but keep it tasteful.
Booze restrictions:
This is not a BYOB event, and you won’t find any beer or hard liquor here. You can only reserve Champagne or wine bottles (provided by Apothic Wine) online during registration. You’re more than welcome to bring virgin cocktails and sparkling non-alcoholic beverages, though.
What to bring:
Guests must show up with a folding table, two white chairs, a white tablecloth, a picnic basket filled with gourmet food (no PBJs), proper stemware and all-white dinnerware. You can opt for a catered picnic basket, which you’ll pick up on site.
There's the gist! If and when you go, make sure to tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #timeoutnewyork in your photos.
