(The Verge) – We are all likely familiar with the cultural phenomena flash mobs, but have you ever heard of a flash diner party?
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, over 4,000 partygoers took over New York City for the third Annual Diner en Blanc, or diner in white. Diners took to the streets dressed white head toe to a location that remained a secret until mere moments before the event began.
(Footage from last years Diner en Blanc in NYC)
In order to gain access to the secret party location, guests met at a designated location and were led by group leaders. Even the leaders were not privy to the exact location until a half an hour before the party began.
This year the event was held in historic Bryant Park, the former home to New York Fashion Week. According to guidelines found on Diner en Blanc’s website, guests were required to bring their own diner party essentials: folding tables, chairs, flatware, and meal. A sea of fascinators converged in the park, and within minutes, white tables covered the grass. Guests garnished tables with fine china, floral arrangements and lavish white table cloths, elevating the event from a simple picnic to a chic New York City soirée.
“Diner en Blanc, what was once an unknown, has now become the event to know,” native New Yorker and Diner en Blanc event planner Kim Shulster stated.
Guests joined in waving their napkins in the air to signify the beginning of the event. Partygoers wined and dined, danced, and wined again. Photographers snapped pictures of eccentrically dressed guests on the dance floor, or in this case, the steps of Bryant Park as diners munched on home made hors d’oeuvres.
“There are no disruptions,” the Diner en Blanc website states. “No car traffic, no pedestrians, except for the amazed and astonished looks from passerby at the scene unfolding before them. And we, as they, wonder whether it’s all not a dream.”
As the evening closed floating lanterns were released, lighting up the night sky, a magical ending to a truly magical night. Guests reluctantly packed their belongings, transforming the lavish location back to a humble park.
According to the organization’s website, Diner en Blanc began in Paris 25 years ago by Francois Pasquier who wanted to throw a diner party for his friends that deviated from convention and decided that a picnic style diner party was the way to go. In order for the group to recognize one another, Pasquier requested that partygoers wear all white.
If you are interested in attending next years New York Diner en Blanc, visit newyork.dinerenblanc.info registration information.
