deb-nyc-portauthority

[deb-nyc-portauthority]

Meet Up @ Port Authority

Directions for Dîner en Blanc Meet ups

Dear Port Authority Departure Point Members and Guests:

On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, we will gather with 5000 close friends for an evening of elegance in white. <REMINDER:  Wear only white>

Our first main point of logistics – we have a very busy departure point, so please listen carefully. We have four different Table Leaders to lead us to our secret location.  To help mitigate the hustle and bustle, we’ll plan to meet at four different corners.

Birds Eye View:

Each star is the corner for our Table Leaders:

Yellow:  Sophia Red:  Erica Blue:  Penelope Green:  Fabiola

Specific Directions and Pictures:

Sophia’s Group

·     Meet at the south west corner of 41stand 8th

·     This is right by the closed down Heartland Brewery

·     Team will line up under the underpass along 41ststreet

__________________________________________________________

Erica’s Group

·     Meet at the south east corner of 41stand 8th

·     This is right by the fence of the outdoor space at Schnippers

·     Team will line up around the corner – along the fence at Schnippers either along 8thor 41st

__________________________________________________________________

Penelope’s Group

·     North west corner of 40thand 8th

·     Located by the Duane Reade

·     Team will line up facing the subway entrance ON 40thStreet

__________________________________________________________________

Fabiola’s Group

·     North east corner of 40thand 8th

·     Located by Dean & Deluca

·     Line up against the NYT building along 40thStreet

[deb-nyc-portauthority]

DEB Event Day Tips

For several Members and Guests in our group, this is their first time attending Dîner en Blanc. We want to provide you with a sneak peek of what you can expect on Wednesday.

All Members and Guests are responsible for transporting their own elements (tables, chairs, totes, rolling luggage carts, wagons, etc.) from the Departure Location to the Secret Location. A common mistake for first timers is bringing more items than they need. Experienced Members will strongly suggest you pare your elements down to the bare minimum.

Conduct a trial run before heading out to the Departure Location; practice assembling  your camp roll table, set up your tablescape, and see if you can comfortably carry all of your elements. Edit out what you don't need. When you pack your items, place the items you’ll use first on top.

Between 4:30-5:30, you and your Guest must find your Table Leader at the the NY Times Building on 8th Avenue and present your IDs proving you are 21 and over, Transaction Receipt, pre-loaded subway fare cards, and a table & two chairs.

Once all of those elements have been verified, you will receive a sticker with your table assignment. Members who fail to meet their commitments and those who are improperly dressed will be turned away.

Once you have your stickers it is time to chill, take pictures, and meet your tablemates. Locate the Members sitting to your left and right and travel to the secondary holding location together. If you’re a Dîner en Blanc veteran, please offer to help your Table Leader. It really takes a village to pull this off.

Many bystanders may ask you what’s going on. Please represent the brand in a positive manner and steer them toward Dîner en Blanc’s social media accounts. Please use the following hashtags when posting: #debnycssp #debnyc19 #dinerenblanc #dinerenblanc2019 #dinerenblancnyc #dinerenblancnyc2019

Once all Members and Guests have checked in or close to our departure time (between 5-6), whichever comes first, we will travel as one to the Secondary Location. We will not wait for anyone running late. Traffic and transit delays are a common everyday factor in New York City. If you haven’t taken the day off, plan on leaving work by 3 PM (or earlier!), so you're not pressed, stressed, or late.

Our past experience has taught us that it will be difficult to reach us once we mobilize from the Departure Location. Our phones don't work on the subway and when we reach the Secondary Location, the towers will not handle 5,500 people using their cells at the same time.

We will rely on chain communication in the subways to be clear about where we depart - Table Leaders should have text chains going to help organize directions, etc.

If we’re taking the subway, which one are we taking? That’s a good question, but you’ll have to wait until Wednesday to find out. It might be the A/C or it might be the 1 or it could be none of those and instead we’re going for a little walk.

But if it is a train, one person should swipe the fare cards at the turnstile while the second person walks through the gate. Your Table Leader will tell you which subway car you should ride in - we will do our best to be as organized as possible and get you details in the moment.

We’ll regroup at the Secondary Location and wait for the go ahead to enter the Secret Location based upon a carefully orchestrated cadence. To ensure your safety, Security will check your bags just before entering the venue. 

We'll walk over to our assigned area and set up our tables. The first and last table in each row will set up immediately and then each adjacent table will follow suit. We want to create the illusion that there is one long continuous table, so there shouldn't be any gaps between the tables.

One person from each table should start assembling their table, but hold off on placing any items on top of them until they are in their final place. The other person should go to the designated kiosks to pick catered food and drinks. Your Table Leaders will point you in the right direction.

You can start drinking and noshing on appetizers as soon as you are done with your set up, but hold off on starting your dinner until the traditional Dîner en Blanc napkin wave scheduled for 7:00PM. After dinner comes the fraternizing; find your friends from other groups, walk around and check out other Members' setups, and don't forget to hit the dance floor.

Leave when you're ready, but be sure to bring your trash to the dumpster. The area should be as clean as you found it (if not cleaner).

If you have any questions, please message your Table Leader before Wednesday. Like you, they are completing their preparations and making their way to the Departure Location. Once there, they will be extremely busy checking in 250 Members and Guests, verifying compliance, and distributing wristbands. Please review all of the information included in Info Letter 2 as it covers a few areas not mentioned here. 

We'll have a few ‘hurry up and wait’ moments and, at times, it may get hectic, but let me do the stressing. You and your Guest should focus on having fun.

[deb-nyc-portauthority]

[deb-nyc-portauthority]

DEB Decor Tips

We love how thousands of attendees, all tasked with the same design challenge, deliver so many innovative, creative, and stylish table decors.

Your decor, just like your fashion, should reflect your personal style. You could go with something very traditional or go full on Suessian. You’re only limitation is your imagination.

Things to consider 

Ask any returning Member and they’ll confirm that they overdid it their first time at Dîner en Blanc, but they learned from that experience and really scaled it down in subsequent years. Less is more. 

You have to personally carry/tote every design element you’ll utilize from the Departure Location via foot and subway to the Secret Location. And then you’ll have to bring it all home with you.

You don’t want to infringe on another table’s space. Your elements must reside within the parameters of your table and shouldn't block    their views. 

Large umbrellas, tents, and canopies are not allowed. 

Your design elements may be white or natural colored for things like flowers, plants, wood, and metal.

Below are a few great examples we’ve ‘borrowed’ from social media. The multiple tables with the same design may have been coordinated by a circle of friends or one of our sponsor partners/vendors.

Successful design elements include: themes/stories  linens with different textures varying heights flowers and plants knick knacks, chackas, curios battery powered light sources nothing disposable

[deb-nyc-portauthority]

DEB Fashion Tips

In 1988, for an impromptu pop-up picnic in Paris, Françoise Pasquier suggested his 200 friends all wear white, so that they could recognize each other.

31 years later, at a pop-up dinner in New York City, we will embark on the same experience, but this time there’ll be 5,000 attendees strutting their best white outfits. On this evening, we will host one of the largest runways for all white fashion. 

How should I dress?

First and foremost, attendees dress up for the occasion. A special evening merits a special outfit. When you post your pics you should be able to proudly use these hashtags:  #original #creative #stylish #classic #classy #elegant.

What should I consider?

If you’ve already started pre-shopping then you know that various hues are called white; be sure to pick one that is pure white. Before committing to an outfit, view them under different lights, and especially sunlight.

If you are wearing separates, be sure to match the hues. One may make the other appear dingy in comparison. Mix and match the textures to bring more dimension to your outfit. Layer your outfit with firm fitting and loose clothing to accentuate certain areas and create a flattering silhouette.

Are your garments properly lined? As easy and airy as white may be, most pieces are slightly sheer, if not downright see-through. Pay close attention to the transparency of the fabric and the visibility of the seams and inner pockets.

When choosing the fit of your clothing, consider your level of activity during the evening and don’t forget to factor in July’s weather.

Your first instinct might be to coordinate with white undergarments, but that’s a mistake: White acts like a highlighter, drawing attention to your bra, and black is just as visible. Instead, opt for skin-toned pieces.

How about accessories?

Hats and fascinators make a stunning statement. Do yourself a favor and check out Dora Marra’s beautiful millinery pieces of art on her Instagram and Etsy pages.

Choose jewelry that is white or metallic, gold, silver, or rose gold.

White shoes are preferred, but metallic shoes or nude shoes that match to your flesh tone are also allowed. Wear comfortable shoes at the Departure Location and change into heels at the Secret Location, trust us on this one.

<Do note though:  Leaders will advise against heels if the venue might be wet and muddy!>

Gentlemen, almost every casual shoe brand has white driving shoes available for sale. If you can’t manage to secure white shoes, white kicks are far far better than tan or brown shoes.

Sunglasses in any color are fine. A white sunbrella will keep you shaded and dry. Clear ones are acceptable too. 

I’m not basic, may I go Over The Top?

If you have the desire, funds, and imagination, go for it. Masks, wigs, outrageous headpieces, costumes, and period pieces all bring your outfit to that top level. 

Any other tips?

Wear sunscreen as we’ll be outside for the entire event. 

If you plan to spray tan, do so at least 24 hours before the event.

No pops of color, flip flops, sneakers, shorts, baseball caps, or athleisure.

It is imperative that you follow the rules - no shorts...no tanks/t-shirts.

Leaders will write down that you did not wear proper attire and you will be turned away.

Check the weather - and be prepared...it is the middle of July...so it will be hot, bring some fans, misters, PLENTY OF WATER!  #yass

[deb-nyc-portauthority]

DEB:  Food & Drinks

The event calls for an elegant dinner experience, but what’s elegant to us may be casual to you. So our best tip is to just do you. A wood board with charcuterie may be just as satisfying as a meal curated by a renowned chef. You may pack and bring your own food, purchase a catered meal, or you can do a little of both. The choice is yours.

Cater your meal

You may purchase your meal ahead of time at the E-Store which will free up more time for you to curate your fashionable look and tablescape.

Please note the E-Store is open now and closes on July 12 at NOON!! Caterers will not sell any food or beverages at the event.

You may not alter the menu and once an order is placed, there are no cancellations. You’ll pick up your meals at a specified tent at the Secret Location. You must bring a printed copy of your receipt.

Catered meals are packed in take out containers; the pictured decor and dinnerware are not included. You must bring all the required dinnerware elements: linen, dishware, flatware, glassware, spices, ice, ice bucket.

Curate your own meal

Take a look at the catered meals at the E-Store for inspiration and to get an idea of appropriate serving sizes. Is there a word for food plagiarism?

Less is more (we will say that a lot). You’re only feeding two people so don’t over do it. Eat a heartier lunch so you can get by on a lighter dinner. Also, great to coordinate with your larger groups of friends to bring various elements to feed the entire group!

Whole Foods, West Side Market, or Zabars have excellent ala carte options. You can curate two individualized meals or one meal for two. Also consider ordering takeout from your favorite restaurants.

Choose foods that are palatable at room temperature or chilled. Salmon, sushi, charcuterie, caprese salad, pasta, and fresh bread are ideal choices. Shy away from foods with red sauce for obvious reasons.

Pack your meals in as few containers as possible so you have less to tote around. Can you get each meal in it’s own container?

As the event is in the middle of July, bring refreshing cold soft drinks such as juices and colas and plenty of water. All should be in their original containers. Bring plenty of water – I personally love those giant Smart Water bottles or others.

Do go all out with dessert!

What about alcoholic drinks?

New York City ordinances prevent you from bringing alcohol to this type of gathering. If you’d like to have wine or champagne, you’ll have to pre purchase them from the E-Store. Beer and hard liquor are not allowed.

White wines and champagne will be chilled, but consider bringing an ice bucket or cooler sleeves. Your bottles will be uncorked, so bring wine stoppers if you think you’ll have leftovers. What? It could happen.

If you bring more than you can eat or drink, share the wealth with your table mates. It’s a great way to build bonds amongst your table mates and avoid carrying leftovers home.

[deb-nyc-portauthority]

DEB Basics

One fun part of the Dîner en Blanc Experience is curating the basic elements you will need for a successful al fresco dinner. If this is your first Dîner en Blanc you may have to invest a little money, but if you choose wisely, you’ll be able to repurpose these items for other occasions and for future iterations of Dîner en Blanc.

I’ll post links below to Amazon for most of these items so you have an idea of the specs and costs. You can also purchase them locally from brick and mortar stores like IKEA, Home Depot, Target, Kmart, Crate & Barrel, CB2, Pier 1, and Fishs Eddy. You may already own most of these elements; to keep costs down, reach out to your friends and borrow a few.

I’ll mark which elements are required, which are practical, and which are frills.

Handcart • Practical

This handcart weighs only 7 pounds but can safely carry up to 150 pounds (don’t bring 150 pounds of elements, its too much!). It folds up into self and will fit under or beside your table.

If you pare your elements to a bare minimum, you can easily carry them, but our event is set in July and chances are that it’s going to be hot, so save the sweating for the dance floor.

Members have also used suitcases, luggage carts, metal shopping carts, and wagons. Choose wisely as you and your Guest will have to personally transport these items from the Departure Location to the Secret Location.

Note:  Laundry carts are likely able to fit under your table and are easier to fit more in, but are sometimes tricky for just a couple to fit under one table.

Bungee Cords • Practical

These are highly effective at securing your elements to the handcart.

Table • Required

A table falling within 28” and 30” squared is a required element. Roll up tables are your best option as they fit neatly into a yoga mat sized carrying bag, have a shoulder strap, and weigh just over 8 pounds. The only drawback are the crossbars that stabilize the table -- it may be difficult to get your knees underneath them. 

Many Members use card tables that have legs that fold in. These meet the requirement, but they are also heavy to carry and cumbersome to roll on a handcart. With all the walking you may do, you should go as light as you possibly can.

Make sure you order the right size.  A friend showed up with a very mini-portable version to Lincoln Square...we managed, but it was definitely a “WTF” moment!

To rent a table and chairs, please reference this post from the Dîner en Blanc website: https://newyork.dinerenblanc.com/need-help-finding-tables-chairs--2779

Please note that you’ll have to pick up and drop off the rentals at their warehouses.

If you need a table, order/buy one now as you won’t be able to find a lightweight one in the city if you wait until the event week to get one. You don’t want to end up driving to Connecticut or southern New Jersey to pick up a table that you can readily obtain today.

Chairs • Required

You can’t beat IKEA’s Gunde chairs for value and overall practicality. They weigh just under 4 pounds, are easy to secure onto a handcart with bungee cords, or you can even carry them if you utilize shoulder straps. They come in white, so you’re all set. If your chairs aren't white chairs you can always paint them or use slip covers to get them to standard.

Slip Covers • Frills

You can purchase a multipack at a nominal cost at most party stores or on Amazon.

Shoulder Straps • Practical

If you forego using a handcart, shoulder straps may be utilized to carry your chairs as you would a tote or bag.

Tablecloth & Napkins • Required

There are many tablecloth and napkin options out there but a best practice is to pick up fairly inexpensive polyester ones that are easy to machine wash or, given their cost, toss at the end of the night. To cover your table to the ground choose one that is 85” to 90” squared. Your carts, bags, and excess items will be stored out of site underneath your table.

A white pristine cloth napkin is the most iconic item at a Dîner en Blanc. You’ll know it’s time to eat when the 5,000 attendees start waving their napkins in the air.

Dishware, Glassware, & Silverware • Required

Your dishes should be white or clear glass. If they have accents, they should be minimal. You may bring a dish for every course or just bring two plates and wipe them clean with a wet nap between courses.

Your glasses should be clear glass or white. Accents should be minimal. You may also want to limit yourself to two glasses, one for wine or champagne and one for water or soft drinks.

Your silverware does not have to be white; Silver or any natural metallic color will suffice.

Most of us don’t have to go any further than our kitchen to pull together two complete sets of dinnerware, but you can purchase individual settings at Crate & Barrel, CB2, and most home stores. No disposable paper, plastic or polystyrene foam, please and thank you.

Garbage Bag • Required

Bring a white garbage bag for all of your refuse. A dumpster will be on site for your use. Leave the site as clean as you found it. Also bring wet naps. They’ll come in handy.

Frills

Where you take your set-up from there is up to you. I’ve seen Members use: napkin rings, place mats, charger plates, salt and pepper shakers, battery powered tea lights, ice buckets, and wine stoppers for leftover wine.

Links

Handcart: Magna Cart Personal Aluminum Folding Hand Truck (Black/Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HVVSDU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rl23CbF6FM14A

 Bungee Cords: Bungee Cord 5/16 x 24 Stainless Steel Hook End, Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBTNWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zzv7CbAY7WMKD

Table: Coleman Folding Camping Table https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G0XFEM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QM-3Cb0DK3WH0

Furniture Risers:  Slipstick 2” Lift Furniture Risers, Set of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FN4KGD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BWl4CbZ032N3R

Chairs: Gunde White https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60217799/

Slip Covers: Haorui Spandex Chair Covers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BF9JSMJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6qG4CbEAS0HKJ

Shoulder Straps: Folding Chair Strap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XGKNQRA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wxw4CbRDQDJP8

Tablecloth: VEEYOO Square White Tablecloth 85” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQQUGLH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7kQ4CbZS1M55S

Napkins: Cieltown Polyester Cloth Napkins 1-Dozen, 17” x 17”, White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075YP4JTZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ATl5Cb4YGPV28

Tote: DALIX 23" Premium 24 oz. Cotton Canvas Shopping Tote Bag in White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786SJJMB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zdv7Cb9D5KRWA

Party City also has collections by color and great for some of the basics like table cloth, napkins, etc.

[deb-nyc-portauthority]

DEB - NYC:  Port Authority

Bonjour et bienvenue! In just a few weeks, as we have for the last eight years, we will gather to celebrate our love for food, fashion, and friendship with over 5,000 friends.

This tumblr is specifically curated for the Port Authority departure point under the Group Leader Andrew Kile, and the fab Table Leaders Erica, Fabiola, Penelope, and Sophia!  Have to give a very special SHOUT OUT to Jim Rosario for providing much of the content and the idea for this (fellow group leader love).

We’re super excited and thrilled for this year’s  Dîner en Blanc.

We’ll share quite a few tips and items on this page - please NOTE:  <super important>:  

Your guests emails are in the system, but they do NOT receive the letters and other info from your Table Leaders - please forward this Tumblr and ANY communication along to your Guests!!!

If you haven’t done so yet, please take a few minutes to complete the survey you received from your Table Leader. It will help us identify first timers and those who may benefit from a little more attention from us. As volunteers, we have limited and varying bandwidths, so it will help us allocate our time effectively.

Our Hosts have doubled their attention to the details and allocated even more funds toward the evening’s entertainment, so we’re certain to have a memorable evening indeed!

 Cheers!

Disclaimer: What we share with you is based upon our collective experience, however the rules and regulations listed on Dîner en Blanc's official website take precedence over any advice we offer.