Massive group picnic Dîner en Blanc took over the outdoor plaza at Lincoln Center Tuesday evening, filling the space with rosé-swilling New Yorkers dressed head-to-toe in white. It's the second time organizers have put on the party at Lincoln Center, but the mood wasn't dampened by the repeat location, though attendees noted that security was tighter than recent years, with a larger NYPD presence and even a handful of K-9 units.
Thousands showed up with tables, chairs, food and all the accoutrements for an al fresco feast, carting all of the gear from pre-determined meeting points at other locations in the city. Attendees were alerted to the location just before the start of the event then told to make their way to the Upper West Side to set up their elaborate picnic spreads.
Vases filled with white flowers and white candles—including some in intricate candelabras—were common centerpieces for the many tables. More embellished tables boasted nods to Paris (where the event began) like mini Eiffel Towers, white swans nesting on flower-draped pedestals, and even pergolas wrapped with white tulle.
The dinner portion of the event traditionally concludes with a rousing wave of white napkins (cloth, never paper) in the air, followed by entertainment including live music, dancing, and general merriment. And at least one very happy ending:
A @dinerenblancnyc proposal! (Cara said yes.) #dinerenblanc #dinerenblancnyc #dinerenblanc2017
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