The evening Vancouverites gather to wear white has crept up on us.
The fancy Le Diner en Blanc is tomorrow night. Are you prepared?
This year celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the original听D卯ner en Blanc in Paris as well as the 7th iconic dinner party here in Vancouver.听
More than 4000 people are set to descend on a surprise location to celebrate ephemerality, tradition, and intimacy. In other words, to be posh and eat.
If you鈥檙e the one person who hasn鈥檛 been planning for the 鈥渕agical鈥� event for the past two months鈥� don鈥檛 worry, we鈥檝e got your back.
We spoke with event table leader LeLe Chan about what to do if you, accidentally, left all your preparations for the event to the day before.
Chan has been preparing table tops for the glamorous event for four years now. She鈥檚 an Event Designer with and a calligrapher, artist, and graphic designer under her own brand, .
While Chan maintains the event is 鈥渙ne to prepare for鈥� she said she had some tips and tricks up her sleeve that she could share with us.
Here鈥檚 what she had to say:
1. If you have left D卯ner en Blanc to the last minute... What are the top 3 things to focus on?
It's all about the fashion, the food and your friends at Diner en Blanc.
FASHION - "Because this event is a chance to express your creativity and panache, " Chan said.
FOOD - "It鈥檚 a picnic after all, so don鈥檛 skimp on this. You want your meal to be as elegant as your outfit.
FRIENDS - "It鈥檚 important to remember that despite all of the art installations and entertainment that D卯ner en Blanc provides, it鈥檚 the human connections that make it such a magical experience.
"Go with a bestie or a group of your favourite people and be prepared to make lots of new friends. The essence of Diner is community and connection, mingle and have fun!"
2. If you don't have a white outfit yet, what is the best plan of attack?听
Don't stress - there's still white outfits out there.
"I鈥檓 a big fan of shopping local," Chan said.
"Barefoot Contessa on Main Street has some great options for the ladies, most of which are currently on sale! I also love Front & Company on Main, and Fine Finds in Yaletown."
3. Can I wear something more casual or does it have to be fancy?
Chan said it's better to "be over-dressed than under-dressed."
"As there will be a lot magnificent outfits at this event, my suggestion would be to avoid the casual," she said.
4. What are the best foods to take at late notice?
"My suggestion would be to go to Whole Foods Market or Urban Fare," Chan said.
"They sell delicious hot meals that can easily be packed up and brought on a picnic."
5. What's the fastest way to make your tablescape look incredible? Are there items that can be found quickly?听
"Winners and Home Sense is a great place to start," Chan said.
"Local dollar stores are also a great option for candles and vases."
6. Where do I find white chairs and tables? Can they be rented?听听
"These items are best rented, unless you鈥檝e already got some at home that you can pack and bring, " said Chan听
"A&B Party Rentals is my go-to, and they will have everything you need!"
7. Where can you find white shoes?听
Chan says your best bet for some great white shoes is Aldo.
"Other great places for white shoes are Nordstrom, Browns, and Town Shoes," she said.
For more information on the event head to
