This year marks the 5th anniversary of Diner en Blanc in the Okanagan. This year there’s said to be a gelato bar, even more delicious food picnic baskets for purchase and as always fantastic Okanagan wine. I had the pleasure of experiencing Diner en Blanc in 2015 and I will certainly be joining for its 5th year. You can read about my 2015 experience here. Otherwise, here’s a bit about the history of Diner en Blanc and

Hope to see you there!
Need ideas? Check out my Pinterest Board featuring things to wear, make and decorate your Diner en Blanc.

The World’s Most Elegant Picnic Celebrates Five Years in the Okanagan!

Okanagan, May 9, 2017 – A leading summer event in Paris for nearly 30 years, this elegant and secret affair is now well on its way to becoming THE summer tradition in the Okanagan! On Thursday, July 6^th, Le Dîner en Blanc – Okanagan celebrates its 5^th anniversary. The Hosts are already hard at work preparing another magical night for their guests.

Year after year, the breathtaking scene of thousands of white-clad guests descending upon one of the city most prestigious public space becomes more extraordinary for guests and passerby alike.

“Le Dîner en Blanc – Okanagan is one of the most anticipated events of the summer season and quickly sells out with many guests who have not missed a year! We are part of their annual calendar” states host Christina Ferreira. “We are excited that in this our fifth anniversary year, we are taking our guests to a part of the Okanagan Valley that has not yet experienced the magic of Diner en Blanc” hints host Alison Love. “Each year we are challenged to discover a hidden gem of the valley and this year we travelled to many locations seeking the perfect spot for 2017.”

Participation to this unique event happens in three stages: Phase 1 is for members who attended the previous year; Phase 2 is for new members who are referred by Phase I attendees; and Phase 3 is for people who signed up on the waiting list. For a chance to be part of this milestone event, register now on the waiting list at okanagan.dinerenblanc.com/register.

To maintain the uniqueness of Le Dîner en Blanc as well as staying true to tradition, guests must observe certain requirements and follow a few key rules:

Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions.This is a rain or shine event.
Dress code:head-to-toe in elegant and white only attire.Originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.
Table setting:all white!
Wine and Champagne.Beer and hard liquor are prohibited.
- As per BC alcohol regulations, guests cannot bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy some wine, must reserve online through the Dîner en Blanc’s e-store. However, guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages.
To ensure that the location secret is kept undisclosed until last minute, guests meet at assigned departure location and are escorted by a volunteer.
In order to leave the event location as clean as when they arrived, guests are required to leave with all their belongings, leftovers and litter.

Guests must bring

A table, two white chairs, white tablecloth.
A picnic basket comprising fine food and proper stemware and white dinnerware.
- A catered picnic basket option, which can be picked up on site, will be available for those who do not wish to pack their own. Guests wishing to do so must reserve online must reserve online through the Dîner en Blanc’s e-store.

For full details on the event’s rules and regulations, visit okanagan.dinerenblanc.com.

Le Dîner en Blanc – Okanagan gratefully acknowledges Quails’ Gate Winery as an official local partner of this 5^th anniversary edition of Le Dîner en Blanc in the Okanagan Valley.

About Dîner en Blanc
Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. Dîner en Blanc – Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on six continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fuelling this fantastic event have not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 70 cities in more than 25 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info and photos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.

About Le Dîner en Blanc – Okanagan Hosts
Le Diner en Blanc – Okanagan is hosted by two well-known names in both the food and wine industry and events management. Alison Love from Spatula Media + Communications has been working in the restaurant, food and wine industry in the Okanagan Valley for over a decade. Christina Ferreira of Impact Events who has over 15-year experience in event management.

To keep up to date on event announcements:
Hashtags: #dinerenblanc #DEBokanagan5 #DEBokanagan2017
For all official videos of Dîner en Blanc around the world, visit YouTube Le Dîner en Blanc
All photos provided by Alison Love of Spatula Media + Communications. Photos taken by Voth Photography.