Dîner en Blanc Returns to New York This September with Chef Daniel Boulud and a Theme of “Blooming Elegance”

On September 19, 2025, over 4,000 guests dressed head-to-toe in white will descend upon a secret New York City location for an evening that blends haute cuisine, artistic expression, and elegant revelry. Dîner en Blanc, the globally celebrated French-inspired dinner party, is making its grand return to the city that helped spark its international rise.

Now hosted in over 120 cities worldwide, Dîner en Blanc transforms public spaces into pop-up tableaux of elegance and community—where guests bring their own tables, linens, and curated meals, all united under a single palette: white.

This year’s New York event promises to elevate the experience with a new international theme, “Blooming Elegance,” drawing inspiration from the natural world and inviting guests to incorporate floral motifs into their attire, tablescapes, and personal details.

For the first time, attendees of Dîner en Blanc New York will have the option to order exclusive picnic baskets curated by Chef Daniel Boulud, one of the city’s most revered culinary figures.

Known for infusing French culinary tradition with seasonal ingredients and modern refinement, Boulud’s involvement brings a new level of gastronomy to the evening. The chef, whose flagship restaurant Daniel helped redefine fine dining in New York, now oversees an international portfolio of acclaimed restaurants from Manhattan to the Middle East.

While Dîner en Blanc began in Paris over three decades ago, the New York iteration has played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s modern identity. Over the years, the celebration has popped up in locations like Battery Park, Lincoln Center, and most recently, Union Square and the Meatpacking District—with notable appearances by public figures including Mayor Eric Adams, who attended last year in a sharply tailored all-white ensemble.

The concept remains elegantly simple but rich in detail: the location is kept secret until the very last minute, revealed only to registered guests at their designated meeting points. Volunteers then guide attendees to the venue where they unfold white tables, crystalware, and carefully composed meals—transforming an urban setting into a cinematic feast.

The night begins with a signature flourish: thousands of white napkins waved in unison. From there, guests dine al fresco, sip wine, dance under the stars, and—just as impressively—leave no trace behind.

As Dîner en Blanc encourages guests to take an active role in the aesthetic, preparation begins weeks in advance. Beyond adhering to the all-white dress code, attendees design their own custom tablescapes, often complete with fresh floral arrangements, candelabras, and haute couture-inspired fashion.

Menus are just as elaborate. Lobster rolls, poached salmon, and artisan cheeses are presented with the kind of detail found in fine-dining restaurants—though here, they're transported in handwoven picnic baskets. Even casual elements are elevated: champagne coupes and white parasols often accompany guests’ setups, contributing to the ethereal ambiance that defines the event.

Behind the magic is Dîner en Blanc International, led by Founder and CEO Sandy Safi, who continues to oversee the event’s expansion across six continents. With nearly two million people on waitlists globally, demand is higher than ever.

This year, Chambord returns as the official national partner of the U.S. Dîner en Blanc series. The beloved raspberry liqueur will once again infuse the evening with its signature flair, offering elegant cocktails inspired by the Loire Valley.

Those interested in attending Dîner en Blanc – New York 2025 can sign up for the Phase 3 Fan List at newyork.dinerenblanc.com. Registration opens to the public closer to the event, and with demand surging, early sign-up is strongly recommended.