Dallas' pedestrian-friendly Continental Avenue Bridge was covered in white as far as the eye could see Thursday night. The bridge, which runs parallel to the Margaret Hunt Hill suspension bridge, served as the secret location for the city's inaugural Diner en Blanc, a French tradition nearly 30 years in the making.
Diner en Blanc is a massive outdoor dinner party where the dress code is white from head to toe and attendees must bring their own tables, chairs and centerpieces. Consider it a fancy picnic with non-disposable dishes and flatware.
To say the idea was poplar among North Texans would be an understatement. Roughly 8,000 people registered to attend, but Diner en Blanc only invited 1,678 (yes, you had to be invited).
The dinner's location was kept a secret until the moment of arrival -- that is, if you were one of the first to arrive. The surprise was spoiled for guests on later shuttles, who found out where they were headed from social media. Nonetheless, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as attendees set up tablescapes and dinner plates to the tune of live jazz music.
It was, without a doubt, a classy affair. Diner en Blanc guests came dressed for the occasion in three-piece suits, ballgowns, top hats, boas, head dresses, heels and even kilts. Each table had it's own personality, too. Centerpieces ranged from modest displays of candles and live flowers, to elaborate setups featured lights, feathers and dessert towers. One table came with a several-foot tall Eiffel Tower, which was wrapped in lights and flowers. (The table with the best display had a chance to win a Celebrity Cruise package, so people went all out.)
It's worth noting this fancy-pants affair came with a price tag.
Between the outfits, eats, tickets and equipment, my party of two spent nearly $350. And we sourced many of the necessary items, like the table, candles and dishes, from family.
In addition to dinner, there was a live DJ and dance floor situated in the middle of the bridge, and the whole party featured the Dallas skyline as a backdrop. To cap off the magic, the evening ended with a fireworks show, then attendees packed up and walked out just the way they came in, baskets and tables in hand. The only differences were the red wine stains on people's outfit, but hey, it was inevitable.
Get a glimpse of the action in the photo gallery below, and read on for the highlights of the event as well as the things that could use improvement.
Quick-hits from Diner en Blanc
The best thing about it: People watching
All 1,600-plus guests came dressed to impress. And why not? If there were any occasion to get gussied up, Diner en Blanc is definitely it.
Needs improvement: All around coordination
This was a first-year event and there are kinks to work out, we get that. But that's why we mention it. Getting on the bus and to the event wasn't difficult or hectic, but once we arrived, our bus was one of the last to de-board. We missed sunset from the bridge and the traditional napkin wave, meaning we lost precious event time as well. Leaving was disorganized and frantic. On the whole, a little organization could go a long way.
Best thing to know for next year: The rules are not as strict as they sound
The rules seem strict, especially when looking for a white outfit because they explicitly say no cream, off-white, etc. Plenty of attendees came in not-stark white colors. Some had plastic utensils, another no-no. Others wore brown or nude shoes. Just know, there were no rule police enforcing the standards. For next year, that means less stress.
