If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a Fitzgerald novel, then your fantasy can become a reality at Le Dîner en Blanc, an epic and ultimately fabulous dinner party attended by thousands of white-clad movers and shakers. The catch: the secret location—typically held somewhere iconic with a landmark in the background—isn’t disclosed until the exact moment that the pop-up picnic dinner is held. Oh yeah, and you have to vie for tickets, carry your own stuff (trust us: tables, tableware and picnic baskets laden with champagne aren’t easy to lug for miles, especially in heels). But all that is about to change thanks on the eve of Le Diner en Blanc’s 30th anniversary (which was feted thanks to a stellar new partnership with Sofitel Hotels & Resorts: the brand has been named the official luxury hotel partner for Le Dîner en Blanc in North America.
For the first time ever, guests in six North American cities will be able to claim a highly coveted ticket to Le Dîner en Blanc—a cultural icon since its inception three decades ago in Paris when Frenchman François Pasquier invited a group of friends to an elegant picnic at Bois de Boulogne, asking them to dress in white in order to make it easier to find one another, which has turned into an 80 city worldwide-event w ith over 130,000 guests—and skip the aforementioned carting of white tables, chairs and dinnerware to seek out this elegant, sophisticated, once-in-a-lifetime, exclusive and all-inclusive experience without any muss and fuss through what the Accor-owned hotel brand has dubbed “Sofitel en Blanc.”
Available to a very limited number of attendees, the Sofitel en Blanc All-Inclusive Luxury Package includes a welcome champagne toast at Sofitel; luxury transport to a preferred departure point; an elegant tablescape (pre-set; no carrying required); a gourmet menu and selection of fine wines; an evening of revelry & dancing; and a few special surprises. Available in Chicago (August 23, 2018), Los Angeles (September 29, 2018), Montreal (August 16, 2018), New York City (tbd), Philadelphia (August 16, 2018) and Washington D.C. (August 25, 2018), tickets are sold in pairs and pricing varies from city to city. For attendees who want to stay at Sofitel following Le Dîner en Blanc, Sofitel is offering a special event-exclusive rate at 20 percent off and complimentary breakfast.
So basically, Sofitel makes the experience easy for you. Otherwise, you might be SOL because these tickets go fast and they’re tricky to get even when they become available: you can score that Willy Wonka-esque white ticket either by personal referrals or by waitlists. The event location changes annually, and is a closely guarded secret, to be revealed (even to attendees) only as thousands of revelers in white descend for the world’s most chic and magical popup picnic.
The partnership, dubbed ‘Sofitel en Blanc,’ was unofficially celebrated in Paris, the origination of Le Diner en Blanc, this year at Les Invalides, a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans. 20,000 white clad-revelers—many of whom were staying at Sofitel’s numerous Parisian properties, including Sofitel Hotel Baltimore Paris, Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Hotel Sofitel Paris Arc
In a statement, João Rocco, Vice President, Luxury Brand Management, Sofitel Brands, said, “Sofitel is proud of its French heritage and of playing the role of an ambassador of modern French luxury around the world. We are honored to partner with Le Dîner en Blanc, an event with an equal passion for sharing the French art de vivre. From the lively atmosphere and sophisticated setting to the inspired cuisine and chic attire, Le Dîner en Blanc promises magic and enjoyment for all who attend. We are incredibly excited to be the first Le Dîner en Blanc partner to create and offer an exclusive luxury experience within these extraordinary events.”
Echoed Diner en Blanc International co-founder Sandy Safi, “We are absolutely thrilled to announce Sofitel Hotels & Resorts as the official luxury hotel partner for Le Dîner en Blanc in North America. This partnership is a magnifique blend of Le Dîner en Blanc’s appreciation for refined elegance, design and culinary excellence, and Sofitel’s exquisite hotels, sophisticated service and chic contemporary style.”
*Also coming soon, Sofitel and Dîner en Blanc International will launch the #SofitelenBlanc Sweepstakes, which will be open until December 31, 2018. Participants will have the chance to win a trip for two to Paris or a trip for two to any Sofitel destination in North America.
RULES FOR FIRST-TIME DINER EN BLANC ATTENDEES
- Wear White. This doesn’t mean nude, eggshell, tan or taupe, it means white. It’s an aesthetic thing, and people will raise questioning eyebrows before returning to their merriment. And you don’t want to be that guy (or girl).
- Accessorize. This is where you can introduce your gold and silver flair. Or be cool and Coachella by wearing a flower crown (bonus points for scoring a handmade one).
- Plan For A Walk (Unless You Score Sofitel’s Package, That Is). Wear comfortable footwear like sneakers or flip-flops and change into something more extravagant when you arrive. Depending on what your position is, you could be walking for miles.
- Bring Champagne. It’s a must.
- Be Creative. You’ll make more new friends (or at least have a lot more photos taken) if you have a table that stands out from the rest.
- Prepare For A Late Night. In Paris, there were still stragglers at this party come 1 a.m. It’s hard to bid adieu to such a good time!
- Enjoy Yourself. It isn’t often that you find yourself in such a magical, fairytale time (which will happen regardless of which city you live in, though sending up sparklers as the Eiffel Tower glitters in the background is pretty hard to beat). Take your photos, but make sure to live in the moment. Your memory of the night is much better than any photo ever could be.
