Dîner en Blanc diners descend on Dilworth Park

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- In droves they rolled in, 5,500 guests all dressed "en Blanc."

The 7th Diner en Blanc in Philadelphia was held just outside City Hall in Dilworth Park and Thomas Paine Plaza.

"We love that this location is the center of the city, it's the crossroads and it brings everyone together," said organizer Natanya DiBona.

Folks came ready to party and to picnic.

"I just have a picnic basket and some food. And a cooler bag. And then the chair and the table is easy to carry," said Juanita Robinson of Norristown, Pa. "It's a lot on SEPTA!"

Some brought classic French cuisine and some with less-traditional fare.

"Chinese. It was easy. Still hot. We just ordered it on our way here," said Kelly Curley of Bensalem.

We found a specialty laser cut centerpiece made just for the occasion.

"So you've got laser cut pieces of wood, you've got laser cut acrylic, inside are LED lights so at nighttime you get a cool silhouette," said Sharif Pendleton of Northern Liberties.

A "White Christmas" tablescape was one woman's tribute to her mother who loved the holiday.

"Two years ago, she actually died the night before Diner en Blanc but I still came," said Kelly Stevenson of Fishtown. "It was beautiful on the Art Museum steps, so I knew mom was looking over us."

Organizers tout Philadelphia's as the largest Diner en Blanc in the United States.

The party wrapped up at 11 p.m., but then there was the afterparty at Hotel Sofitel.

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