Thousands of white napkins wave in the air to signal the start of THE culinary and experiential event of the year.
“Diner en Blanc is the legendary French-inspired urban picnic that is all about breaking bread with your neighbors and celebrating with food, wine and friendship,” said Monica Castaneda, CEO of Event Mavens and one of the hosts of this year’s dinner, to be held August 1. She is also Vice President of Special Projects for Wolfgang Puck Catering. Her specializations span festivals, galas, and picnics, each executed with a consistent focus on exceptional attendee experiences, so she knows what’s involved in putting on a party for thousands.
And what a party! Diner en Blanc has over 1,500 guests dressed all in white gathering at a secret location under the stars to eat, drink, dance and celebrate.
Every guest contributes to the atmosphere, bringing their own table settings to create imaginative tableaus that can feature elaborate floral arrangements, candelabras and even aviaries.
This year’s theme is Une Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque, which Castaneda says will create an atmosphere that is elegant, timeless and unapologetically French!
Guests spend weeks curating inventive all-white ensembles – from elegant dresses and tailored suits to embellished hats, tuxedos and top hats, Marie Antoinette wigs, headpieces and more. “Belle Époque is going to see some amazing outfits,” laughed Castaneda.
Diner en Blanc guests register in advance and meet at a designated spot the day of the event, and then are led to the secret location where the dinner is held. “The backdrop is the beauty of the city. We showcase a location to people that necessarily wouldn’t go there on their own. Even though it’s an international event it’s important to keep it local. Los Angeles is a city known for its creativity, style, and energy, and we are excited to bring Diner en Blanc back in a way that feels both elegant and uniquely LA. Our team is working hard behind the scenes to deliver a fun, immersive, and truly memorable experience for every guest,” said Castaneda and co-hosts Josellyne Del Rosario and Elana Leaf. Previous dinners have been held on the plaza at the Music Center and on Rodeo Drive.
Castaneda said that title sponsor Bright Rentals is going to deck out the outdoor space to make it even more magical.
Guests can bring their own inspired picnics or order a special curated dinner from renowned chef, restaurateur, author and television personality Todd English, a four-time James Beard award winner. As this is a French-inspired event, only champagne and wine will be served and must be ordered in advance, and Chambord is the official partner of the evening.
Participants must follow a few guidelines. The dress code mandates head-to-toe white only, with elegance and originality the key.
All table elements like chairs, tablecloth, linens and decor must be white to uphold Diner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
“This is more than an event,” Castaneda explained. “It’s a unique cultural movement that empowers friends to gather and celebrate their shared passions for food, fashion and community. Over the course of the evening, guests from all backgrounds sit next to each other, eat, dance and connect with the finer things in life!”
To register for the August 1 Diner en Blanc visit losangeles.dinerenblanc.com. Tickets range from $65 to $80 and are sold in pairs. There is also a $14 membership fee to Diner en Blanc.
