Dîner en Blanc – Chicago

City Lights, Dressed In White and a dinner to delight!

Dear VIE Readers,

We invite you to join us for a night of fun, fancy, and feasting. Adorn yourself in elegant whites as you step into this unique dining experience that comes with a marvelous view. Raise your glass and toast to this elegant occasion as we take a look back at last weekend’s Dîner en Blanc – Chicago, because it’s too stunning not to gush over!

Everyone loves a good party, and Dîner en Blanc is an exceptional one. The surprise end-of-summer soiree boasts all the desirable elements in a well-planned party, from food and beverages to location and entertainment.

Bringing thousands of guests annually, the festivities start off with a secret location reveal just a couple days before the actual event. This year, Chicago happened to pick one of the most picturesque locations in the city, Grant Park. Magic begins to unfold as the “room” (perimeters of Grant Park) transforms into a vision of white: white tables, white linens, white chairs, white dinnerware, and so on.

Thousands of excited faces filled the space last weekend. United and dressed in white, these strangers came together and become friends for the night, celebrating each other and a delicious meal in a chic and easygoing atmosphere. After a couple of drinks and countless laughs came the sparklers and entertainment.

With the panoramic backdrop of Buckingham Fountain, Lake Michigan, and the tips of iconic Chicago skyscrapers hovering over giant oak trees, against soft blue skies which turned sherbet-colored during sunset, this was probably Chicago’s most stunning year of the fanciful event. Considering the rainy, gloomy days prior, we’d say that the party was a success. Of course, they were prepared for anything, and had the most darling clear umbrellas as party favors—just in case.

Chicago is only one of many international cities that hosts this elegant dinner party each year. If you’re looking to join the party the next time around, visit DînerEnBlanc.info to get more information and the complete list of cities where you can catch the magic.

Then again, why wait? Inspired to throw your own “Dinner in White” party? As Labor Day Weekend is quickly approaching, we can’t think of a better time to host one for your friends. Here are some ideas of decor and more for your own stylish Dîner en Blanc!

 

 

1. Admiral Hanging Mirrors: Anthropologie, $18–$24;  2. Waterford Lismore Essence Hi-Ball Glass: Harrods, $114.30;  3. Flicker Flameless Pillar Candles: West Elm, $24–169;  4. Pinpoint White Dinnerware: Red Vanilla, $7.95–$19.95;  5. Urban Spin Watch: Folli Follie, $335;  6. Linea Jasper Crin Bow Fascinator: House of Fraser, $26;  7. Giuseppe Zanotti White Croco Embossed Leather Pump: Forzieri, $875;  8. Moet Ice Imperial: Moet, $359;  9. Kim Seybert Tree Peony Napkin Rings: Saks Fifth Avenue, $156;  10. Kate Spade “Rain Check?” Umbrella: Macy’s, $38

Excited to throw your first Dîner en Blanc? Don’t forget our invite! In all seriousness, we’d love to hear about your fabulous all-in-white gathering.