Daniel Boulud Joins Dîner en Blanc: A New York Night of Blooming Elegance

Photo Credit: Hal Horowitz Photography

When the world’s most glamorous dinner party returns to New York this fall, it’s bringing a culinary icon to the table. On September 19, Dîner en Blanc — the legendary all-white pop-up picnic — will welcome Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, who for the first time will curate two special picnic baskets exclusively for guests.

“As a French New Yorker, I’m honored to prepare a festive picnic basket for this magical evening,” Boulud says. “It will certainly be the largest and chicest gathering of fête à la Française!”

Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography

For one dazzling night only, over 4,000 guests dressed head-to-toe in white will gather at an undisclosed, iconic location — revealed at the very last moment — to share a meal, raise a glass, and dance under the stars. It’s a tradition that began in Paris and has since swept the globe, from Montreal to Singapore, and today, New York remains one of its crown jewels.

This year’s theme, Blooming Elegance, invites guests to adorn their tablescapes and outfits with floral details, elevating the signature all-white aesthetic with touches of romance and whimsy. Think cascading arrangements, intricate blooms tucked into gowns, and tables dressed as if Monet himself had lent a brushstroke.

Photo Credit: TOURNESOL

Dîner en Blanc isn’t just a dinner. It’s a cultural movement — one that transforms dining into an art form and strangers into friends. Over the years, New York has hosted some of the most unforgettable editions yet: from reimagining the cobblestoned charm of the Meatpacking District to transforming Union Square into a gleaming white wonderland, with even Mayor Eric Adams stopping by in his own chic ensemble.

The magic begins before guests even arrive. The location remains secret until the last moment, with attendees gathering at designated departure points before being whisked to the venue. As tables, linens, and baskets are set up in unison, the cityscape is transformed into a vision of elegance. The signature signal — thousands of cloth napkins waved in the night air — marks the start of the feast, followed by laughter, music, and spontaneous dancing beneath the stars.

With Chef Boulud’s curated baskets, the 2025 edition promises to reach new heights of sophistication. A native of Lyon and one of the most revered chefs in America, Boulud has built a culinary empire rooted in French tradition and driven by innovation. From his flagship Daniel to a global roster of restaurants, his influence on fine dining is unmatched — making his partnership with Dîner en Blanc a perfect pairing of gastronomy and glamour.

Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography

As always, the evening is more than its aesthetics. It’s a celebration of joie de vivre — a reminder that community, connection, and shared beauty remain the ultimate luxuries. Whether it’s the delicate flicker of candlelight, the swell of live music, or the delight of discovering who’s seated across the table, Dîner en Blanc is designed to be an experience you’ll carry long after the night ends.

And when it does, guests pack up their tables, crystal, and décor, leaving no trace of the magic — only the memory of a night when New York was transformed into a dream.

Photo Credit: Eric Vitale

Read more on chef Daniel Boulud HERE