Le Dîner en Blanc Memphis: 10 Tips for a Fabulous Experience

Those of you who know me IRL for sure know that I am obsessed with all things French! It all started in elementary school when I saw a Muzzy commercial (yes, I’m old) and immediately started researching France. When the opportunity came to study the language in middle school, I jumped at it and even studied over the summers to make sure I didn’t lose skills during break.

In high school, I was in French club, participated in French competitions, and fantasized about the day I would be able to visit. Some of my dreams have changed, but Dîner en Blanc Paris is definitely still on my list. This chic, pop-up dinner features attendees dressed in white, a multiple course picnic, lots of wine, and plenty of opportunity to socialize. More on the international event here.

You guys can’t imagine how excited I was to learn that the nearly 30 year tradition was making its way to Memphis! Memphis is known for so many reasons and now we can add being the first city in Tennessee to host Dîner en Blanc. I learned quite a bit from my first DEB with over 1,000 Memphians and I’m sharing it all with you, my friends.

Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

1. KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

A lot of folks were turned off by the tickets being released in phases, the secrecy, and the fact that you have to haul your entire life and your dog (just kidding—leave the dogs at home, s’il vous plaît) to the event. Friends don’t friends bring that kind of negativity to their life! Seriously, having and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the process will save you a lot of frustration.

• Set your alarm to buy your tickets
• Prepare your tablescape and outfit
• Arrive and enjoy the adventure of the night
• Fin.

2. SECURE THE BAG

By the bag, I mean your tickets! If you’re lucky enough to receive a Phase 1 invitation, grab those tickets ASAP. The ticket process will only be a headache if you allow it to be. Regardless of what phase you plan to buy tickets, make sure you set a reminder to visit the official website and confirm your purchase as soon as it hits your cart. You do not want to be one of the many sad faces who found their phase to be sold out before being able to finish the purchase process.

3. THE TABLE + CHAIR RENTAL IS YOUR FRIEND

If you don’t take any other advice from me on DEB, take the advice to rent your table and chairs. The stress of purchasing a set that meets their strict requirements, traveling with it, and setting up before you can enjoy your fabulous dinner is just not worth it.

We chose to rent our table and chairs through the DEB Memphis site and pick them up upon arriving to the secret location. It was awesome having them available at the site and most of our group also rented their tables, so it was great having a set that perfectly matched the other tables in our group.

4. PACK LIGHT

Anyone else remember and love “Bag Lady” by Erykah Badu? Well, channel her energy and remember to pack light. Yes, I know DEB requires that you bring enough items to cause a minor anxiety attack the day prior (just me?) but you really don’t need that many candles, decorations, and dishes. You never know if you will be walking, riding a bus, or a combination of both when heading to the location. Don’t add extra weight or stress!

I definitely suggest measuring out a space with DEB table requirements and going through a test run of your tablescape. You’ll very quickly find items to swap out or eliminate and know if you need to make one last run to the store for a finishing touch.

For our courses, we kept it simple with a few bottles of bubbly, a salad, cashew noodles, thai faux chicken, and macarons from 17 Bershire. Lots of other attendees chose to order food through the DEB vendor or ordered directly from chefs. We found that bringing our own dishes from the Whole Foods deli (love me some Whole Foods) saved us a few bucks, time, and stress.

5. CHOOSE COMFY SHOES

I know, I know, what about your LEWK? If heels are your things, save your full look for after arrival and setup. Wear comfy shoes for travel and set up then slip into your heels. I promise you will not be the only one doing so and your feet will be happy enough for you to dance the night away.

Also, don’t be that person trying to skirt the rules. Part of the fun is seeing the sea of white during the event. Check out the FAQs to make sure you and your table are DEB ready.

6. ‘RAIN OR SHINE’ MEANS RAIN OR SHINE

Memphis is hot, y’all! It was so hot while our group was loading onto the bus, unloading from the bus, walking across a bridge, and rushing to grab table and chair rentals to set up. We were all guilty of wishing for cooler weather, that is, until it rained. Yes, it rained. It rained a couple of times during the evening.

The event is rain or shine and they mean it. Be prepared with an umbrella, a pancho, and the will to give up on your hair, because either rain or humidity will defeat it— c’est la vie!

7. PORTABLE FANS ARE LIFE

If your DEB city is anything like Memphis with relentless heat and the humidity then consider picking up a portable fan! We brought two and had multiple attendees express their regret for not thinking to include them on their packing list.

8. ARRIVE ON TIME

Imagine you’re on the bus laughing with your friends and snapping video for Insta Stories.  You suddenly spot a couple dressed fabulously in all white and wheeling their cart down the street just as your bus is rolling away. THIS HAPPENED.

Don’t be the folks left standing on the corner with your lovely white outfit, multiple courses, and full tablescape. Plan for traffic. Plan to be lost. Plan for parking to be the worst. Plan for it all and arrive as early as possible to check in with your table lead.

9. DON’T FORGET TO SOCIALIZE

While in the midst of the organized chaos, it’s easy to forget to really get out there and socialize. Don’t get so wrapped in setting your table and eating that you forget to do a few laps and chat up other attendees!

I was fortunate to know most of the people at our table, including our amazing table lead, Kontji. I’m a creature of habit and found myself staying with our group and not doing much mingling. I ended up doing a lap for photos and bumped into quite a few other people I know and made some new friends along the way. Get out of your seat and mingle!

10. RELAX

Honestly, making it to the actual event feels like a victory within itself— you’ve made it through the ticket process, wrangling your dinner needs, outfit shopping, and treking to the secret location! Relax and enjoy the event. Take in the music, the people, your gorgeous tablescape, and don’t forget to eat.

I can’t wait for next year’s DEB Memphis! Check out more photos and videos under my Insta Stories ‘Memphis’ highlight

Also, if you speak French, shoot me a message! I need to brush up on my conversational skills. 

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