~
Have you ever been to or hosted a “White Party” before? “White Parties” tend to be popular during the summer months… you know where everyone is asked to attend wearing their most unique and stylish all white outfit?!? I’m not sure where the themed white party idea came from… possibly from the 30-year-old Paris tradition Diner en Blanc. What started as strategy for guests to identify each other at a public dinner has now become a history rich event spread over multiple countries in hundreds of cities all over the world.
~
~
In less than a month, Baltimore will host their 2nd annual Diner en Blanc, and I am extremely honored to have been selected as one of their influencers. I can’t believe it is finally here…. tomorrow Phase One opens at 9AM sharp! There are a total of three phases to sign up for the dinner. If you have registered with interest to attend you should receive an email for one of the phases. Unconfirmed, but rumor is 11,000 people have signed up to attend!!!! How cool and crazy is that?! I believe only a few thousand receive an invite to DEB Baltimore {Diner en Blanc}. Can you imagine what this must actually look like in person? A sea of white all pulled together by a few thousand people dining at a mystery location in the city??? Ahhhh… I am SOOOO excited!
There are several rules and guidelines for attending a Diner en Blanc event. Each event is uniquely special but the premise is always the same! This might be the first time you are hearing about Diner en Blanc or maybe you have been before. And if you have been please share!!! There is so much to learn and like I said they are all a little bit different! This will be my VERY first Diner en Blanc experience and there is a lot of coordinating and planning left for me to do!
The past month has been a little hectic, so my planning has been slow, but now being a month out I have to get my blanco bottom in gear! Big things to accomplish are my outfit, Spencer’s outfit, our table design, and the logistics of transporting all of our goodies. Full Disclaimer – I am SUPER excited about this event and giddily dragging my hubby along… he is not totally down for all the white on white on white theme and will definitely be putting my styling skills to the test!
the ladies look
This is one of those moments when you can be lavish in your ensemble… think “elevated elegance”. I’m not even sure there is an over for the top for this one! Diner en Blanc is the perfect opportunity for you to have some fun with fashion! Bring out all your favorite things… lace, fringe, tulle, leather, satin, and silk. One idea I was toying with was to wear my wedding dress however, I have Lilly Pulitzer fabric in my dress and NO COLOR is allowed at Diner en Blanc. BUT, wearing your all white wedding dress is still a great idea… I mean how many other opportunities would you have to wear it again? If you are searching for a white dress or gown I suggest checking out prom/bridal/bridesmaid dresses and my amazon shop. I have added a bunch of stylish and affordable looks perfect for Baltimore’s Diner en Blanc. You might be wondering at this point what am I going to wear. Most likely I am going to wait and reveal it on the 30th but for now I will share that I partnered up with the one and only Erin Boggs, Stevenson University Senior Fashion Design Student. {She designed and handmade my 2018 Preakness dress}. Erin’s Diner en Blanc dress design is inspired by feminine strength, sexy elegance, eye catching glam… think boho chic meets forest princess.
the lads look
In all honesty, the gentlemen do have it a bit tougher to dress their best for Diner en Blanc; however, it is not impossible. The rules narrow the options for sure… Gents are NOT allowed to wear shorts, sneakers or any color {white only}! Baltimore late August in undoubtedly going to be HOT, sooo I immediately think linen! I envision Spencer in white linen pants, white v-neck tee, white vest, shoes and fedora… but hey, that’s just me. We are still in the negotiating phase of what he will be willing to wear. White skinny pants, dress shirts, ties, bow ties, and suits are all possibly options too. I am going to start working on Spencer’s look over the next two weeks… hoping since it is close to the end of summer that some white items will be on sale!
tablescape
Designing your own tablescape is highly encouraged… it is practically a requirement! At least bringing your own items is, but you could certainly work with an event planner or event design company to help you create a Diner en Blanc dining masterpiece. I don’t think I mentioned this yet, but there are several contests that go on during the evening. Best Table Design along with Best Dressed Lad and Lady being one of them. Ninety percent of your decor must be white/white; however, you are allowed to accent with metallics. If you are wondering what defines a metallic here is what is acceptable: gold, silver, bronze, and rose gold. For our table, I am thinking rustic whimsical… not sure exactly what that will look like but I am starting to plan now. And I have been searching Amazon pretty hard for some ideas… take a look to see what I have found so far!
~
the rules
Here is my simple version of the rules as I have interperted.
1} Desire to attend Diner en Blanc Baltimore
A DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED
BUT THE PUBLIC EVENT LOCATION WILL NOT BE REVEALED TILL THAT NIGHT
2} Register to attend DEB Baltimore
3} Three Phases open up starting a month out of the event. Should you receive an invitation to a particular phase SET YOUR ALARM CLOCK! And sign up as soon as that phase is open.
THINGS TO NOTE FOR SIGNING UP
a} You will need to enter your guest – YOU CAN ONLY ATTEND AS A PAIR
b} You must select a departure location, Group Leader and Table Leader
c} If you are attending with others besides your {+1} they MUST select the same departure location, Group Leader and Table Leader otherwise you will NOT be sitting together.
4} Once your registration is confirmed start planning!
5} Decide Purchase vs. Bring
DEB Baltimore has several sponsors to help make your evening spectacular. You can opt to purchase food and beverage from the preferred sponsors. NO alcohol can be brought in and must be purchased through DEB sponsors.
6} Select your Show Stopping ALL White Looks for the evening {remember you can accent with metallics}
7} Design your tablescape. Everything must be white {table, linens, chairs, glasses, centerpieces with the exception of metallic accents} Additionally, the table MUST be foldable between 28-32 inches. You can get away with a non white table as long as it is completely cover with table linens.
8} Consider your transportation… THERE IS WALKING INVOLVED! Ladies think about your footwear! My plan is to wear sandals and carry my heels. Most importantly how are you going to carry in your food, table, chairs, tableware? Possibly a cart or wagon?
Guests are asked to bring the following: A square folding-table and two white chairs; a white picnic basket and/or bag including a gourmet meal for two, a white tablecloth and cloth-napkins, cutlery, dishware, and glassware; and a garbage bag.
9} Start to plan the actual DEB Baltimore day. Departures leave promptly so you CAN NOT be late. I am planning on getting my hair and makeup done, possibly some photos earlier in the day with my hubby so I am going to take the day off so I’m not rushed but will most likely happen any way. I plan to have all of our table items packed up the night before which will help with the chaos that is surely bound to occur at some point in the day.
10} Arrive at your departure point 30 minutes early just to be on the safe side! Once you arrive you will be guided by your Group and Table Leaders for setup. All tables are lined up in a row and set by you.
Then you enjoy the evening!
I know there is a lot more that will happen after the table setting but like I said I am learning as I go. When I have more details and progress on our outfits and tablescape I’ll update again!
If you have any questions about the event or want to talk style please leave a comment below, email me or DM me through instagram.
thank you
