Le Dîner en Blanc will be making it’s debut in Philly this year on Thursday, August 23, 2012. Now, what exactly is Le Dîner en Blanc?

Well, imagine getting together with a few thousand of your closest friends throughout the city for a picnic at a location that won’t be announced until the last minute, add some gourmet food and wine, and some unexpected happenings and you have the basics.

Dîner en Blanc in Paris 2011./ Photo Philip Menke

Not only does this event stand out because the location is secret until the last minute, but because everyone is dressed all in white (even the tables). Participants bring tables, chairs, non-disposable supplies, and their choice of great food and wine to the prearranged meeting spot.

Originally started by François Pasquier with a handful of friends nearly 25 years ago in Paris, this ‘secret’ event now draws nearly 15,000 white-clad diners in countries throughout Europe and North America. Last year, Le Dîner en Blanc debuted in New York, and this year Philadelphia will be a part of the night of elegance, beauty, and magic.

“Philadelphia is a city full of life with a passion and appreciation
for food, tradition and culture which makes it a perfect backdrop for
Dîner en Blanc,”said Natanya DiBona, Philadelphia Co-Chair. “The goal
is to spend an extraordinary night — an unconventional picnic — and
gather Philadelphians in a beautiful public space to reconnect friends
and create new relationships.”

Avenue of the Arts could be a potential location for this year’s Dîner en Blanc./ Photo Sean Corbett Photography

A special part of the Philly version is that participants also have the option to have their picnic catered by Garces Catering (the catering company of Jose Garces), that will be preparing a special menu for the event.

There are so many great locations throughout Philly that could play potential hosts to this très chic picnic. Where do you think this will all take place?

Other cities around the world that have been confirmed to participate are:

• Canada: Montreal, Quebec, Toronto et Vancouver.
• United States: New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Cincinnati, New Orleans, Las Vegas, San Francisco.
• International: Singapore; Mexico City; Sydney and Brisbane (Australia); Barcelona (Spain); Kigali (Rwanda).

The waiting list to register for this event is now open. Sign up before the waiting list fills up.

You can also follow Dîner en Blanc on Twitter, Facebook, and find out more on the website