Diner en Blanc is set for its annual return on August 21, 2014 in Vancouver. What is Diner en Blanc you might ask? The platform of it is based heavily on a secret dinner where everyone is required to wear white. Every summer since 2012 in Vancouver, the event has caught the attention of people by the masses. The concept behind getting an invitation is to know someone who knows someone that's a member of the Diner en Blanc organization. The location is kept secret by the people who have been invited but is usually held outdoors. Those who are interested can apply online and if selected, will receive the reveal to where the dinner location will be held. Last year, there were over 12,000 people on the waitlist for Diner en Blanc.
The annual event originated from the city of Paris in 1988 and where it was named “the chicest picnic of the year”. Guests were required to wear head to toe white and brought everything from tables, chairs, plates, linens, champagne and food to decorations. Diner en Blanc has now stretched to 16 countries worldwide with 13 cities in Canada now hosting the event. The cost is $35+ a $5 member fee.
To get on the list, head over to the Diner en Blanc website.
[You Might Also Like] Style by Yew: Nicole Richie's best dressed moments
To get you started for the event, here are some tips on what to wear and table etiquette.
As always, you want to make sure you're dressed appropriately and put your best foot forward. This year, try to play with textures and take a traditional suit to the next level. For menswear inspiration, Indochino has dedicated a Diner en Blanc page on their website to help you with just what to wear that night (apparently they're selling like hot cakes so act fast!). For women's wear, I hope to see a great suit instead of a predictable white summer dress.
A Formal Table Setting :
For the illustrated place setting here, the order of the menu is:
· Appetizer: Shellfish
· First Course: Soup or fruit
· Fish Course
· Entree
· Salad
In General:
· Knife blades are always placed with the cutting edge toward the plate.
· No more than three of any implement is ever placed on the table, except when an oyster fork is used in addition to three other forks. If more than three courses are served before dessert, then the utensil for the fourth course is brought in with the food; likewise the salad fork and knife may be brought in when the salad course is served.
· Dessert spoons and forks are brought in on the dessert plate just before dessert is served.
The complete post on table setting is available on Emily Post's website.
[You Might Also Like] Style by Yew: Best of Parisian street style from Paris Fashion Week.
While you're dining, remember to keep these 10 rules in mind via Emily Post:
1. Chew with your mouth closed.
2. Avoid slurping, smacking, blowing your nose, or other gross noises. (If necessary, excuse yourself to take care of whatever it is you need to take care of.)
3. Don’t use your utensils like a shovel or as if you’ve just stabbed the food you’re about to eat.
4. Don’t pick your teeth at the table.
5. Remember to use your napkin at all times.
6. Wait until you’re done chewing to sip or swallow a drink. (The exception is if you’re choking.)
7. Cut only one piece of food at a time.
8. Avoid slouching and don’t place your elbows on the table while eating (though it is okay to prop your elbows on the table while conversing between courses.)
9. Instead of reaching across the table for something, ask for it to be passed to you.
10. Always say ‘excuse me’ whenever you leave the table.
Happy Diner en Blanc!
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also a Lucky Magazine community contributor. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts @AmyYew.
Instagram: @Amy_Yew
Pinterest: AmyYew
