Fine Dining in the Rain: My Dîner en Blanc Experience

Hey friend! I finally did it! I finally attended Le Dîner en Blanc! It was definitely an experience – The Good, The Bad, and the Rain Showers!

When I first heard about this unique event from a friend, I was captivated by the allure of an elegant, all-white dinner party in a secret location. Years later, when I finally got my invitation, I couldn't wait to see what all the hype was about! 

 The Enchanting History 

Before diving into my experience, let's explore the event's history. Le Dîner en Blanc began in Paris over 30 years ago when François Pasquier invited friends to an elegant picnic, requesting they wear all white to easily spot each other. The event has since grown into an international sensation, creating magical moments in iconic locations around the world. 

 Embracing the DIY Spirit 

Le Dîner en Blanc encourages guests to bring their own tables, chairs, and décor. I wanted my table décor to stand out so I teamed up with my Aunt Michelle (Expression’s Unique LLC) who created a gorgeous, transportable centerpiece that would definitely capture attention. 

 Table and Chair Rentals - A Surprising Challenge

While Le Dîner en Blanc offered table and chair rentals to make the event more manageable for guests, the process wasn't as seamless as I had hoped. Pick-ups were only available at a specific location during regular working hours, making it difficult for those with typical 9-to-5 jobs to claim their rental items. 

Despite this inconvenience, I managed to secure our table and chairs (and a friend who was unable to get them during hours provided), allowing us to focus on the creative aspects of our setup. However, the organizers might consider offering more flexible pick-up options in the future to ensure a smoother experience for all attendees.

 Celebrating with My Plus One 

One of the best parts about Le Dîner en Blanc is that you get to bring a guest. My plus one was celebrating a milestone birthday, so I secretly planned a few surprises for him, and the event was a surprise itself. With the rain showers, I knew things couldn’t go as planned but I was hopeful for a good birthday experience anyway.

Weather Plot Twist... Preperations

The day of the event, rain showers continued to patter down, a lingering effect of Hurricane Helene. Knowing that Le Dîner en Blanc was rain or shine, I had to make last-minute adjustments. I picked up clear umbrellas and ponchos to help protect us from the weather, determined to make the best of the situation.

After all the preparation and money spent, skipping the event didn't feel like an option. I was curious to see what the organizers had planned, especially given the unforeseen weather challenges. My plus one and I were ready to brave the elements and embrace the night, eager to see if Le Dîner en Blanc could still deliver its promised magic.

 The Big Day: Rain, Confusion, and Fun Times

I was really worried on the day of the event because I love planning, but the rain messed up all my plans. I had to change my dinner menu at the last minute, but I was still hopeful my plus one would have a fun birthday. We packed everything into the car and went to the meet-up spot. It was raining, but seeing everyone dressed in white, pulling wagons, and carrying tables and chairs was so cool. 

 We were all determined to get to the secret location, even though we were getting wet. When we got there, we found out it was outside and there was no backup plan or tents to keep us dry. We set up our stuff anyway, and tried to have a good time. It was hard to eat and keep our food dry under our umbrellas and ponchos. 

To our surprise, the secret location turned out to be Garfield Park in the heart of OTR Cincinnati. The historic charm of the park, coupled with the unpredictable weather, made for a memorable night.

Even with the rain, we tried to make the best of it. Dancing in the rain and meeting new friends was really fun. We laughed a lot and made memories we won't forget. But I think it would have been better if they had a backup plan or an indoor place for us to go. That way, everyone could have had more fun, no matter the weather. 

In the end, Le Dîner en Blanc could have been amazing, but the rain and no plan B made it hard for people to truly embrace the experience. I hope my story helps other guests and organizers see how important it is to be ready for anything and be able to change plans when things don't go the way we want.