Diner en Blanc 2017

Overview

"Your nose like a delicious slope of cream / And your ears like cream flaps / And your teeth like hard shiny pegs of cream." Dîner en Blanc — like Howard Moon's poem — will have you in all white. But sorry Booshers: the third edition of this annual Melbourne event is just for the sophisticated.

Dîner en Blanc began in Paris back in 1988 thanks to François Pasquier and friends. This year, 2500 of Melbourne's most dedicated dinner party guests will once again dress in all white on Saturday, March 4 for the event, which will be held at a suitably stunning location. That detail remains secret until the very last moment, but over the last few years, the Docklands waterfront and riverside in front of the Convention and Exhibition Centre have proved welcoming venues.

Guests have to bring their own wares though — it's BYO table, chairs, glassware, dinnerware and white tablecloth as well as picnic (although you can order a hamper for pick-up on arrival. After the evening of fine dining and live music, the foodies then pack up their crystal, dinnerware, tables and litter. Like ghosts (white 'n' all), they leave behind no sign of their rendezvous — but don't get any ideas, a white sheet thrown over your figure will not do for an outfit.

Ticketing happens in three phases. If you've attended a previous Dîner en Blanc, you can go right ahead and purchase one, otherwise you must be invited by a member from the previous year. Total newbie? Get on the ol' waiting list — just register before January 27.