The Plus Ones swung by Dîner en Blanc Melbourne for a quick glass of Moët Ice Impérial (champagne created by Moët to be enjoyed over ice) and interviews with Melbourne Organiser Sara Walsh and co-founder of Dîner en Blanc, Sandy Safi. Keep an eye out for the interview in TPO’s forthcoming magazine.
Originally a French event started by François Pasquier nearly 30 years ago in Paris, Dîner en Blanc is essentially a white-themed picnic in a secret location. The location is disclosed to guests at the last minute.
Previous Melbourne locations that The Plus Ones attended included Docklands and along the Yarra.
An organisational feat, the event insists attendees observe a strict set of rules. It is compulsory to bring a square folding-table, two white chairs; a white picnic basket; a gourmet picnic; a white tablecloth and cloth napkins’ cutlery, dishware, glassware; and a garbage bag, as the event policy is to leave the place as they found it.
Drinks are sold at the event, this year sponsored by Moët (strictly no BYO).
The event makes for a pretty picture. With a giant white DJ booth presiding over entertainment, people lined up for photo ops with giant bottles of Chandon and balloons.
Treasury Gardens was a lovely location and the weather was perfect, which was lucky as the event policy is that is goes ahead rain, hail or shine.
According to co-founder Safi, the event’s success relies on the dedication and creativity of its loyal attendees, many of whom went all out to pack gourmet picnics served on tables decorated with everything from roses to marquee letter lights.
If you enjoy dressing up for the races, picnics, and picturesque locations, I imagine you would find this event a lot of fun. Tickets to attend were about $60 per head in 2017.
Just make sure you sign up well in advance as the waiting list is in the thousands, with three tiers of invitations.
The only way to attend is to be invited by one of the Hosts or someone in the Leaders’ personal network; by knowing someone who knows someone and asking them to sponsor you; or by signing up to the waiting list in round three — and keeping your fingers crossed.
– Emmanuella
Emmanuella is a leading vocal coach and speaker who is passionate about helping people overcome the obstacles that limit their performance, in all fields including music, fashion and theatre.
Visit the Dîner en Blanc Melbourne website and Facebook to keep apprised of next year’s event.