Diner en Blanc is a fancy, unique experience designed to bring people of all ages, all races and all background together.
"You have a lot of celebrations here tonight. You have birthdays and proposals. I've seen an entire wedding happen al fresco. Impromptu. So it's just - we give people that platform how to express themselves and they choose how to do it," said Sandy Safi, President of Diner en Blanc International.
The whole concept is one of spontaneity. In fact, people who sign up do not even know where they are going until they are guided by a volunteer. This year it was down to the waterfront by Battery Park.
World-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud brought the picnic baskets.
"With this party it has to be approachable, it has to be casual, it has to be healthy, it has to be fun, and we wanted to take the challenge," said Boulud.
In previous years, organizers have held the event in Union Square and the Meatpacking District, but this time you couldn't beat the view. And though some were there celebrating something in particular, others are using it as an opportunity to have a special moment with someone they love.
Irina Mayans and her husband did not even have a tablecloth last year. Now this year, they had detailed décor.
"I immediately purchased a lot of stuff so I wanted to make sure there was a lot going on and it was attractive and visible from afar," Mayans said.
What is most visible is the fashion -- everyone who attends must dress in all white.
"As a Christian the white symbolizes that God fights our battles so I guess for me it relates to that," said Kevin Stewart.
With so many battles and so much division, it was the kind of night just about anyone could use. White is the color of peace and the color of purity, and it unites people.
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