Thirty years ago Frenchman François Pasquier had returned home to Paris from aboard and wanted to catch up with friends. He had so many people he wanted to see that he couldn’t host them all at home. So, he asked them to come to the Bois de Boulogne park, and to dress all in white so they could find one another.
This elegant picnic-in-the park grew in popularity over the years (although it remained exclusive – you had to know someone to receive an invite). To avoid their public gathering being shut down by authorities, they started changing the location and keeping it a secret until the last minute.
This mysterious soiree is now an international epicurean sensation in 80 cities across 30 countries.
On 3 June this year Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris marked its 30th anniversary and a record 17,000 guests from Paris and around the world gathered at the Esplanade des Invalides to celebrate the historic moment.
Now, it’s Toowoomba’s turn.
Dîner en Blanc will be held for the first time on Saturday 20 October.
To stay true to the traditions of Le Dîner en Blanc guests must observe certain requirements and follow a few key rules:
- To participate in this first edition guests must be invited via the hosts’ or participating partners network, or get on the waiting list via the official website at dinerenblanc.com/register
- Note that registration is always for two people. One person registers, and invites someone as their guest. Please see the Toowoomba Dîner en Blanc FAQ page to get an overview of how the event is run. EDIT: As this is an inaugural event everyone wanting to attend must register.
- Follow the dress code of elegant and white only. Originality and creativity are encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.
- Your table setting should be all white.
- Champagne/wine: as per Queensland alcohol laws/regulations guests wishing to enjoy wine or champagne must reserve online through the Dîner en Blanc’s e-store. You are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages.
- To ensure the location is kept secret until the last minute, guests meet at an assigned departure location and are escorted by Dîner en Blanc volunteers.
- It’s a pop-up picnic – so the area must look like you were never there. Guests are required to leave with all their belongings and leave no rubbish.
Guests must bring:
- A table (must be square, foldable and between 71 and 81cm), two white chairs, white tablecloth. The table doesn’t have to be white as it will be covered by the tablecloth.
- A picnic basket with your gourmet picnic, with white dinnerware and real silverware, not plastic knives and forks.
- You can pre-order food and pick it up at the site. Book this option when you are registering online.
To keep up to date on event announcements visit the Facebook or Instagram pages and follow the #dinerenblanc #DEBtoowoomba hashtags.
Dîner en Blanc Toowoomba is supported by official partners Colliers International Toowoomba, along with Hit FM, Moet & Chandon, Fitzy’s and Land Rover.
