Dîner en Blanc is back

Dean Ackin, returning co-host of Le D?ner en Blanc promised the event will bring magic and mystery with over 800 “guests” anticipating the reveal of a new and secret location.

Last year’s inaugural picnic attracted some 600 participants to the Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s venue.

Another “unforgettable evening of elegance, beauty and charm”, is being planned at a location to be revealed minutes before the event begins.

Launched in Paris nearly 30 years ago, the original essence of Le D?ner en Blanc remains friendship, elegance and gallantry.

Today, more than 100,000 participants from around the world give this event a platform for participants to exhibit their fashion sense, showcase their fine taste for design/elegance, and share their gastronomic delights.

However, guests must observe certain requirements: Registration to participate takes three stages: Phase One is for members who attended the previous year; Phase Two is for new members who are referred by Phase I attendees and Phase Three is for people who signed up on the waiting list via portofspain.dinerenblanc.

com/register.

Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory regardless of weather conditions.

This is a rain or shine event.

A dress code of elegant and white only is in effect and originality is encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful.

Table setting is also all white.

Diners will meet at assigned departure location to be escorted by volunteers.

Other requirements include a table, two white chairs and a white tablecloth.

Also, participants must bring a picnic basket comprising fine food, proper stemware and white dinnerware or there’s the option of a catered picnic basket to be collected on site, for which advance reservations must be made.

And, to crown it all, champagne and/ or wine are the beverages of choice as beer and hard liquor are prohibited.

When it’s all over and done with, diners are also required to leave with all their belongings, leftovers and litter.