Thousands of Dîner en Blanc Guests Take Over Freedom Plaza For Picnic Party

The sixth edition of Le Dîner en Blanc – Washington DC took over Freedom Plaza on Saturday, August 24 for a night of friendship, elegance and fun.

5,000 guests, donning their swankiest summer whites, met at departure points throughout the city, which all converged at DC’s Freedom Plaza along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between The White House and Trump International Hotel just before dusk for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in a celebrated city location.

Guests were greeted upon arrival by local brass ensemble DuPont Brass. Toting white picnic baskets filled with gourmet treats, they set up their tables and chairs and created unique table decor designs — including elegant chandeliers, miniature lit Eiffel Towers, and lanterns and sparkling lights.  As soon as all table settings were perfected, the beginning of dinner was signaled by the traditional waving of the napkin.

Guests also enjoyed several experiential, “Instagram-worthy,” elements to Le Dîner en Blanc DC, including installations on the Freedom Plaza platform that included: haiku typewriters, people on stilts, fashion photo booths and more. Music filled the air throughout dinner, while guests dined and enjoyed the company of friends. After dinner, thousands of blazing sparklers signaled the opening of the dance floor, with an energetic performance by DJ NattyHeavy.

At the signal of the end of the evening, guests packed up their belongings — as well as all their rubbish — and left the site as if the night had never happened, but with a head full of unforgettable moments and new friendships.

*All images credit Eric Vitale Photography