Kim Clelland, Rachelle Duffy and Dayna Comeskey are organising this year's Diner En Blanc event. Photo / George Novak
Kim Clelland, Rachelle Duffy and Dayna Comeskey are organising this year's Diner En Blanc event. Photo / George Novak
A FABULOUS formation of white-wearing men and women will grace a secret location next month.
Le Diner en Blanc Tauranga returns on March 10 and this year's occasion will be bigger, better and whiter than last year's inaugural event last year with more than twice as many patrons.
A totalof 400 tickets were sold last year... this year the organising team has upped it to 1000 due to demand.
"There's over 4000 people on the waiting list," says Kimberley Cleland, returning co-host of Le Diner en Blanc Tauranga.
Last year guests dined at Pilot Bay to the amusement of passers-by. Venues are chosen for maximum exposure as well, to be seen.
"There's always lots of passers-by - that's part of it - it is entertaining for the diners and those witnessing it as well," Kim says.
"It's a chance to do something a little different and unexpected and have a bit of fun. We are trying to promote elegance, friendship, good food and celebration and I think everyone feels that way on the night ... it's like being at a wedding, everyone is in great spirits and ready to have a wonderful time."
The event, hosted around the world, has a fun, glamorous element with the addition of mystery. Locations are kept secret and guests do not find out where they are going until they are transported there.
The organisers of the event keep the venue secret.
The night starts with the white wearing patrons getting picked up at specific meeting points and being whisked away to the secret location. The diners only find out where they will dine when they get there.
They arrange their own tables, chairs and decorations. Food has either been pre-purchased or they bring their own.
The location is strictly under wraps, Kim is not giving any clues away but says "it'll be fabulous". Part of the magic of the event is to showcase the region to the world. Events are broadcast globally, which helps to promote our beautiful Western Bay of Plenty, Kim says.
Dayna Comeskey, left.
FACTBOX
Hosts this year are Kim Cleland, Rochelle Duffy and Dayna Comeskey.
To be a part of Le Diner en Blanc Tauranga you must register at tauranga@dinerenblanc.com to be sent a link to purchase tickets. Tickets on sale now.
Some facts Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris was launched in Paris nearly 30 years ago by François Pasquier with just a handful of friends.
Now the Paris event assembles more than 10,000 guests every year and similar events are held across six continents.
Tauranga is the second city in New Zealand to hold the event after Auckland.
It has a pop-up nature about it, and it is important to leave the venue as it was found.
Guests come dressed in white to enjoy an elegant night of good food, wine and entertainment.
All guests must dress elegantly in head-to-toe white. This means no ivory, no off-white, and no beige ... originality is always encouraged, as long as it stays stylish and tasteful.
Do wear: • White, including accessories like belts. Gold and silver jewellery is fine. • Hats, flower crowns or headware/accessories. • Comfortable but elegant shoes (you may need to do a little walking). • Something creative and original - be theatrical!
Don't wear: • Casual wear like T-shirts or sneakers. • Ivory, beige, cream or other off-tones of white. • Black or brown accessories like shoes or belts.
