Theresa Mangini

       I am thrilled that AnnaMaria asked me to be a guest on                 her blog and write about my experience with Diner en Blanc. 

Just as Lake Worth’s Dîner en Blanc was started with a handful of friends Francois Pasquier started Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris nearly 30 years ago with a handful friends. It now assembles over 10,000 guest every year. The most prestigious sites have played host to the event over the years: The Pont des Arts, the Eiffel Tower, the Château de Versailles, the Esplanade de Notre-Dame, the Champs-Élysées, Le Louvre Pyramid. 

       I have attended 3 of these official Diner en Blanc events in Philadelphia and New Orleans. They are much more formal and structured with a lot of rules and a much higher price tag. It is also a very complicated procedure just to get invited. I haven’t attend AnnaMaria’s in the past but it looked so beautiful, with amazing sites in public places , much less complicated, and of course much less expensive .      When I attended there was a mandatory pre-meeting to explain the rules, which were: you were only allowed to have white wine and no beer. Tables had to be the exact size, chairs had to be white and you needed a center piece. Candles were also required. No plastic was allowed. Only white table cloths and clothe napkins. White china, silverware and glass stemware. Clothing had to be white head to toe, no ivory or cream colors. A white plastic bag for trash at end.

     We were sent an email a few days before where to meet our table leader. On the day of the event we would meet at designated place with all of our picnic gear and food in tow. From there we would take public transportation to the secret location. It was quite an ordeal doing this at rush hour in large cities. But, it was also very exciting and really amusing to see the expressions on the faces of commuters as we piled on the subway with tables, chairs and picnic baskets all dressed in white.

As we followed into our secret location the table leader gave us a number on a stick and we were to place our tables in numerical order next to each other to form a long banquet table. We were giving white balloons to tie to our chairs, pretty white masks to wear and sparkles to light later.

  As we set up strolling violins played. Soon we were all not strangers any more we were neighbors sharing a meal on a lovely summer evening at a magnificent public location in our fair city. Soon the band started playing. We were told to light our sparklers at 10 pm as the band struck up We are Family. Everyone began dancing with each other as though we were life long friends. Soon after we were asked to stand and wave out white napkins above our heads in honor of the hosts who organized the event.There were prizes for best center piece, best table setting, best ladies outfit, best gents outfit. 

All three events I attended were remarkable and memorable.  I’m sure that Lake Worth’s Diner en Blanc will be as remarkable also, but much less complicated, costly and won’t involve a subway. 

     I am so looking forward to  Diner en Blanc in my favorite town in the world. Creating a magical moment with my wonderful diverse neighbors in their chic white attire outdoors under the biggest super moon of the century with a glass of champagne to toast….Sante !!!

A votre sante

Announcement next year, this event will benefit the Royal Poinciana neighborhood.

ultimate photo album from last year 

Lake Worth Diner en Blanc, started humbly, friends inviting friend, the circle of friends grew exactly as in France.  So we doubled the count from the first year for  the Lake Worth Diner en Blanc, organized by yours truly.  Our first one coincided beautifully with the black and white film shown by the CRA on the Cultural Plaza, a public facility, PERFECT!    Friends arrived tables were set and before you knew it we had a happening.  All those that attended can now invite friends .here is a link for how it is done in other places.    Original Paris             Last year of course was awesome, it was a Super Moon night.We were on the Lake Worth Pier prearranged with Lee of Benny’s on the Beach.  Our entertainment was Harpist Ruby and everyone paid $5 per person (many organizations use this event as a fundraiser and it certainly is worth* it.  What are we doing this year ?  Just as the original in Paris, no one is told the location until the day of. check out this link NY

First one to sign up this year

Spoiler alert it is this Wednesday the 31st.  Plenty of time to get it all together.   Access is much easier than last year and just as lovely by the water.  Now, I’m not into rules but we do  follow the French after all they came up with charming event. 

Our Harpist Ruby

You bring everything.  We do not spoil an area, nothing is left behind.  White table cloth, white napkins,  table ware, white china, drink of your choice, something to make your table festive,  It is your table your sitting at.  (somehow I lost my seat last year) YOU in white of course, how else would we know you belong.  So how is it done.  you determine how many friends will sit with you.  When you come you must arrive together.  The tables are set up as you arrive with your party side by side no gap (think dominos) If another group of your friends arrive later they will just line up with other set of  friends.

one of my favorite photo

Not sure about your invite Robert seen here in this photo agreed to co-host this event this year, get your invite from him.  Be a good guest how to a little help here. For your invitation make sure we have your e mail as everyone will be sent the location sometime between noon – 1 p.m. on Wednesday.    There will be a master list where you will check in.   now some more interesting links to help you navigate this.  From here on in goggle Diner En Blanc and enjoy the show.

A good night was had by all

My guest Annette Rawlings see her show  Cultural Council opening  Cherry Soup for a summer night.

We have doubled our count from the first event.  We  need a head count just in case we have to move the location to accommodate more  pm me  or Robert Waples 11 with your e mail  and the number + names in your party.    whichever works for you.  Just another video for your to enjoy from Hawaii

THANK YOU ALL who offered to assist.  Yes help is wonderful.

*I chose to keep it affordably friendly without the $75 price tag like the one that is in West Palm Beach done by a friend from Miami, then everything is extra on top. I  had ours registered before him and you have to be at least 50 miles apart. Now if you want to up the anti for next year let me know. 

These are some of the things you might enjoy this weekend.  Yes it’s cold, bundle up and participate.  You might just miss something way cool.   We are in the midst of ART this weekend anyway.                                                                                                                                     TODAY there are still some free tickets at the Cultural Council for  PASSES  to Art Palm Beach which takes place at the PB Convention Center.  each ticket is good for 2 persons.

Read the details as each venue offers something special.  Guaranteed you will not be cold at the Benzeiten demo.    A opening scheduled for this evening, always a delight at the Artisan on the Avenue ‘  Representing the finest artists in our area.  All curated to participate by Betty Wilson herself.  SATURDAY   They have coffee and pastries to start the day off right.     Organic produce                                                    Head on over to Art Palm Beach at the Palm Beach Convention Center   opens at noon -7 p.m.   last day for this show is Sunday noon to 6 p.m.                       SUNDAY ALL DAY   sleep in if its cold .

maybe not today or tomorrow   

3p.m.   A fun project paint a rock offered by Common Ground Coffee Bar  the hip Bohemian Coffee house on s J st.   where all the action is now.                                                                                                       Mark your calendar for future events as they are announced they will be noted.

1.18   Thursday   Art After Dark at the Norton Museum  FREE

1.19   Friday     BONFIRE ON THE BEACH

1/23  Tuesday National PIE DAY

1/24   Wednesday evening PRIDE BUSINESS ALLIANCE

1/27  Saturday   Fine Art Show  WELLINGTON ON THE GREEN  by W.A.S.

1/29   Book Cellar   Lake Worth QUIZZ NIGHT @ BOOK CELLAR

2/3     DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE   Casino Ballroom