Some 2024 Dîner en Blanc party goers gathered in Washington Square before the evening festivities began.
Jared Siskin Photography
It’s that time of year again when school has started for some, and for others, it’s a countdown to Dîner en Blanc, one of the most extravagant parties of the year. And, even though we’re still days away from summer officially succumbing to fall, the world’s largest dinner party is holding onto flowers with its 2025 theme: Blooming Elegance. Everyone may wear white to a Dîner en Blanc party, but no one look is the same. Diversity in fashion and decor always spans the gamut, and at everyone’s favorite French party this year, the dial is turned up even more with legendary French Chef Daniel Boulud and iconic French liqueur, Chambord adding extra flair.
The big party–held in approximately 120 cities around the world–takes place in New York on September 19 but has already kicked off in Montreal on September 5; it hits Wilmington, Delaware and Richmond, Virginia on September 13; then Charlotte, North Carolina and Birmingham, Alabama on September 20; Philadelphia on September 20; then so many more cities across the globe throughout the fall.
Chef Daniel Boulud adds his French flair and exquisite style to New York’s 2025 Dîner en Blanc.
Eric Vitale
Chef Boulud is everywhere at the moment. From his numerous restaurants and recent collaborations to a string of parties celebrating his 70th birthday, there’s no slowing him down. During the US Open, Chef Boulud partnered with evian–a major sponsor of the tournament for four decades–and tennis player, Frances Tiafoe to create a special dish inspired by the Tiafoe’s Sierre Leonean heritage. The collaboration brought worlds together on and off the court and celebrated the partnership on August 21 amidst spectacular city views at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
Happy Birthday, Chef Boulud
So, why not keep the party going? Chef Boulud has created two different picnic baskets for diners–including a vegetarian option– attending the New York event on September 19. The event draws thousands from across the city with up to 25% of diners choosing the catered baskets.
“Chef Daniel Boulud joining Dîner en Blanc New York is a dream collaboration,” Sandy Safi, CEO of the international organization said. “He brings elegance, hospitality, and a passion for gastronomy that defines our celebration in New York and worldwide. As one of the world’s greatest ambassadors of French cuisine, his presence is a profound honor that deepens our commitment to shared experiences, elevates our culinary vision, and beautifully connects our roots to a global community.”
One of two picnic baskets curated by Chef Boulud and his team at Épicerie Boulud. This basket includes:
Épicerie Boulud
ÉPICERIE BOULUD BASKET: CAPUCINE–Green Gazpacho, Paté en croûte; Cucumber, Celery, Avocado, Jalapeño; Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Brioche; Crudites: Lavash, Hummus, Baba Ghanoush; Roasted Chicken Salad: Castle Valley Einkorn Berries, Kale, Harissa, Herb Goddess; Whole Grain Bread, Garlic Focaccia; Raspberry Shortcake: Vanilla Cream, Poppy Seeds; Orange Blossom Madeleines; Price:$130-Basket is for 2 people
ÉPICERIE BOULUD VEGETARIAN BASKET :TOURNESOL–Green Gazpacho: Cucumber, Celery, Avocado, Jalapeño; Spinach & Leek Quiche; Mimolette Sablé, Tête de Moine; Crudites: Lavash, Hummus, Baba Ghanoush; Vadouvan Cauliflower: Grain Salad, Kale, Sunflower Seeds, Herb Goddess; Whole Grain Bread, Garlic Focaccia; Raspberry Shortcake: Vanilla Cream, Poppy Seeds; Orange Blossom Madeleines; Price: $115-Basket is for 2 people
When talking to Chef Boulud about joining the affair, he said, “Dîner en Blanc always brings a burst of French summer feasts to cities around the world in a celebration of friendship, fashion, and food.” He continued, “As a French New Yorker, I’m honored to prepare a festive picnic basket for this magical evening. It will certainly be the largest and chicest gathering of fête a la Francaise!”
Everything’s Coming Up French
But does catering for such an event feel radically different from the others he does at his restaurants? Despite being a highly-regarded, seasoned chef, going into a project like this is by no means just another dinner service. “We developed this project with Épicerie Boulud, ” he said. “We are used to this type of catering but the only difference is that it goes into boxes. The same thought and care went into crafting a basket that can sit at room temperature and still be al fresco dishes that work very well in a basket, he added.
Boulud is no stranger to the popular, international dinner party, having first attended in St. Tropez in the late 80s, after the event first began. “I was a chef cooking for the movie stars and the show business guests and it was a fantastic event filled with great food, fashion and camaraderie.”
Along with the “Blooming Elegance” theme of Dîner en Blanc, Chambord is making a bold presence at the event with a special curated sip for diners.
Chambord
Named after flowers, Capucine and Tournesol, Boulud has kept the picnic offerings light and green. Also, they will be packaged in a way that makes it easy for guests to enjoy throughout the night. From discovering the secret location just hours before, to descending on the space, setting up tables, waving napkins to signify the beginning of the meal, to dancing well into the night, having foods you don’t have to worry about but know will satisfy, adds to the fun of this legendary annual event.
And if that is not enough French magic for an upcoming party in New York, iconic French liqueur brand, Chambord, will also make an appearance at the big to-do on September 19. Complete with a floral photo booth and floral garnish bar, diners can also add a dash of Chambord to their wine or champagne from the brand’s signature gold fountain, or create a Chambord Royale or a Spritz, topped with edible flowers to match and ramp up the Blooming Elegance theme.
From the surprise locations, known only hours before, to table settings and fashion, tere’s no other party like it.
Diner en Blanc
If you’ve ever considered going to a Dîner en Blanc event but haven’t, there’s time to register.