The idea comes originally from Paris. Wikipedia calls it an "early instance" of a "smart mob", saying that "the Dîner en blanc phenomenon [...] has taken place annually in Paris, France, since 1988, for one night around the end of June. The invited guests wear only white clothes and gather at a chosen spot, knowledge of which they have only a short time beforehand. They bring along food, drink, chairs and a table and the whole group then gathers to have a meal, after which they disperse. [...] It is not a normal cultural event because it is not advertised and only those who have received an invite attend - information on the chosen location is transferred by text message or more recently Twitter. The number of people attending has grown, in 2011, to over 10,000. Dîner en blanc would be considered a smart mob rather than a flash mob, because the event lasts for several hours."
For the third time this year, my home town Ludwigsburg has held its own version of a Dîner en blanc. It can't be considered a smart mob, because the event was advertised beforehand, and anyone could attend, with or without invitiation. The key elements were there, though: People came (largely) dressed in white, and while tables (decked in white and with beautiful white flowers in white vases) and chairs were set up along the street by the organizers, guests were welcome to bring their own food and drink. For those who didn't bring anything, there was of course a wide range of food and drink on offer. Everything from paella to oysters could be had, and all sorts of (preferably white) wines, champagne, prosecco and cocktails were available. Even beer, although it wasn't really the beery type of occasion.My Mum and I decided to go, and spent a very nice evening there. Admittedly, I wasn't dressed entirely in white. I do not own a white dress or skirt, and the only white shorts I have are not really suitable for a night out on the town.
The drink we are having here is called Belsazar. It contains Vermouth, cherry tonic and fresh mint, and we found it very refreshing with a bitter-sweet taste.
Later, we had a look at what was going on on the adjacent market square. I noticed that the two clocks on the church are not in sync. Somehow, though, I didn't mind; I just briefly wondered which of the clocks would give the bells the command to ring the hours.
Dusk fell, and we walked home at a very leisurely pace. At around 9:30 pm, I was back home. We definitely want to go again next year - maybe I'll find a nice white dress or skirt or pair of trousers until then.
Looks like a fun event, and lovely photos. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteThank you!.
DeleteDas war bestimmt ein schöner Abend. Tolle Idee, so ein stylisches Event!
ReplyDeleteJa, uns gefiel die Idee auch, und es war wirklich schön.
DeleteThat looks like a lovely evening. I've been to several 'eat out in the square' similar evenings in France.
ReplyDeleteThen you have experienced the relaxed, peaceful and friendly atmosphere of such an event, Graham.
DeleteI've never heard of this before, what a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteUntil my Mum told me about it, I'd not heard of this, either. It surely is a very nice way to spend an evening in town!
DeleteLooks festive but a bit odd with all the white - never seen that many people dressed in white all together like that before, I think! Never heard of Diner en blanc either, as far as I can recall.
ReplyDeleteWe liked the summery overall look of (nearly) everyone dressed in white, the white table cloths, flowers, lamps and so on. Some were, as you can see in the pictures, not adhering to the dress code :-) But that was perfectly OK, they were just as welcome there.
DeleteI felt compelled to visit your blog today when I saw your comments on two different blow Zip read today: Blogoratti (a relatively new read for me) and Letters from a Hillfarm (which I have been reading since it began .) I like your little home on the web and the diner in white is very lovely. I have never heard of anyone doing that in the Great Lakes region if the US, where I live. It's a fun idea!
ReplyDeleteHello Aisling! Welcome to my "Library", and thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Blogoratti is the latest addition to my reading list, too, while I've followed Nan's Letters from a Hill Farm for nearly as long as I've been blogging myself. I'll pop over and have a look at your place now.
DeleteA new idea to me, but it sounds like a very fun one. White is a nice cool idea for the summer and of course one can see white late in the evening.
ReplyDeleteThe people dressed in white certainly made for a holiday-like atmosphere, and the soft dusk made it extra special.
DeleteNo, I had not heard of these dinners in white, what a great idea! You and your mom look great in white!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Francesca! I hope that I'll be able to wear all white next year :-)
DeleteI've never heard of Diner-en-Blanc before so thank you for enlightening me! I have to say it all sounds rather wonderful and glamorous and you look beautiful in your outfit. I don't think I could ever attend one as I'm not sure that I have any white clothes, other than a t-shirt...oh well, any excuse to go shopping. :-)
ReplyDeleteExactly, Gillian - it's a good reason to go shopping :-)
DeleteWe really liked the idea, and it was funny how those people who were not dressed in white stuck out from the crowd. Some outfits were very beautiful, many people wore hats as well, something you don't see all that often in Germany these days.
What a nice idea. I have not heard of it here. I have been quite interested in the idea of a supper club, though. Do they have those in Germany?
ReplyDeleteYes, they do, although I wouldn't know of any nearby. I've read about supper clubs in the bigger cities, Berlin of course making the start, but I guess there will be some in Stuttgart as well.
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