The odds of lightening striking twice are slim, however a sold-out crowd of 1,200 people witnessed just that last night during Albuquerque’s second year hosting the exclusive Dîner en Blanc.

This secret location, pop-up dinner party traces its roots to Paris where the first Dîner en Blanc took place in 1988.  Since then the invite-only event has become a worldwide phenomenon, spreading to a select 50 or so cities around the world including Albuquerque, New Mexico.  There really is nothing else like it.

Given just how magical the Duke City’s inaugural event was last year (which you can read more about here), it’s hard to believe it could be topped.  However, once attendees dressed in head-to-toe white converged upon the secret location – Plaza Mayor at the National Hispanic Cultural Center – it would be a night to remember from start to finish.  So a bit bleary eyed as I make my way down from cloud nine, here is a glimpse at some of the highlights from the night, which has left me already looking forward to next year’s event.  :)

Dîner en Blanc guests loaded buses from 4 meeting points around the city – no one knows where we’re headed until the last moment possible.

We arrived at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and quickly began to assemble our tables in organized rows, all topped with white linens and fancy centerpieces.

The napkin twirl marks the official start of dinner.  Participants are encouraged to bring a starter, main course and dessert to accompany wine.

We were treated to a beautiful ballet performance during dinner, and afterwards giant sparklers were passed out (another Dîner en Blanc tradition) to illuminate the crowd.

We danced the night away until the trumpets sounded, giving the signal to pack up the remainder of our picnic and board the buses to return home.