Le Dîner en Blanc returns to Chicago's Merchandise Mart after 3 year hiatus

Iconic dinner party pop-up Le Dîner En Blanc returned to Chicago on Thursday, August 17, following a three-year hiatus spurred by the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2023 iteration titled “Le Retour” brought guests together for a night of dining, drinking, and dancing along the historic Merchandise Mart Plaza.

Le Dîner En Blanc, which translates literally to “The Dinner in White,” is more than a dinner party; it's a global phenomenon steeped in tradition. Founder Francois Pasquier hosted the first ever Dîner En Blanc in 1988 at Paris's sprawling Bois du Boulogne park. In order to make it easy for attendees to identify one another upon arrival at the park, guests dressed all in white.

Since its founding, the stylish picnic celebration has become a tradition in more than 140 cities worldwide, bringing friends together to enjoy food, wine, and community.

Several customs are central to Le Dîner En Blanc, the first and most important being that guests must wear all white. The soiree always takes place at a secret location, only revealed on the day of the event. 

Guests bring their own tables, chairs, food, and other necessities in the spirit of the initial picnic concept. Attendees often create elaborate decorative displays, including flower arrangements and light fixtures.

For its Chicago revival, event organizers channeled the roots of Le Dîner En Blanc, delivering an intimate celebration for more than 2,000 attendees. Donned in their finest white attire, guests were led to this year’s secret location along the beautiful Chicago River by an event volunteer.

With its rich history and breathtaking views, the Merchandise Mart Plaza was an ideal spot for Len Dîner en Blanc 2023. In previous years, the event has taken place at other notable Chicago locations, including the Art Institute of Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Technology, and Federal Plaza.

“We really look for unusual places,” said event organizers James Wild and Lauren Haras, “We try to find sites you couldn’t just rent out for a wedding or other large event.”

Many guests brought their own three-course dinner spreads to the party, while others purchased catered picnic baskets. Creative charcuterie plates, fresh summer salads, and French pastries were just some of the delicacies enjoyed by party-goers. 

The event also partnered with wineries Glunz Wines and Bodega Garzõn. Alcohol options were limited to wine and champagne, in keeping with event’s the French influence.

Fashion is another central element of Le Dîner En Blanc, and while guests must follow a strict dress code, these guidelines did not stop Chicagoans from getting wildly creative with their outfits. 

Party-goers expressed their unique style with feathered hats, framed sunglasses, custom jewelry, and other accessories.

Midway through the party, guests joined in the ceremonial napkin twirl, a celebratory gesture in which everyone raised and twirled their napkin above their head.

Following dinner, attendees ended the night on the dance floor, accompanied by a live DJ set and Merchandise Mart’s nightly “Art on the Mart '' showcase. 

At its core, the concept of Le Dîner En Blanc is simple: a gathering among friends. The 2023 return of Le Dîner En Blanc seamlessly merged its humble French beginnings with the history and culture of Chicago for a truly unforgettable night.