Part flash mob and part posh garden party, the exclusive Dîner en Blanc is an idea that only could have originated in France. Guests at the annual invitation-only event are required to dress completely in 'elegant' white (no trainers please) and guests are expected to arrive with all their own tableware and with only 'high quality' items in their hampers (leave the beer and crisps at home!). It's all about decorum and etiquette, as the organisers put it; “Le Dîner en Blanc recalls the elegance and glamour of court society” with live music and a beautifully decorated city venue also part of the fun.

At the Joburg edition of this grand event, guests have the option of bringing their own picnic hampers along or of buying a specially prepared basket online when they book, made top chef Wandile Mabaso. There are also 100 places available at the exclusive Wandile Mabaso Culinary Experience which will include a four course dinner with wine pairing.

The first Dîner en Blanc was held in Paris when 100 old friends met up in central Paris for a DIY al fresco dinner, dressed head-to-toe in white so that they could identify each other. 25 years later Dîner en Blanc has become an annual worldwide phenomenon involving 15,000 diners enjoying posh picnics in locations such as Covent Garden, the grounds of the Eiffel Tower and New York's Central Park.

Tickets for the Johannesburg Dîner en Blanc cost $50 each and you must register first at the official website to join in. The dinner is held at a secret city location that will be revealed on the day. Guests will be shuttled to the secret location by bus from the Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank and Park Gautrain stations.