Diner en Blanc- Getting the Right Table

I recently attended a volunteer meeting for Diner en Blanc Chicago and table talk (see what I did there??) was rampant. Some people have raised the question as to why the table you bring needs to be a certain size. Well, let’s pose a scenario, shall we? Say everyone added 5 inches to the width of their table. Multiply that by 600. We probably wouldn’t fit at the amazing (super top secret) venue that has been selected.

Here are a few tables that will work, many of which are around $50. If you are a member, you can use this year after year (after year…let’s be honest, when would you NOT go to this event??).

Here are the table requirements according to the Chicago Diner en Blanc site:
The table does not have to be white as it will be covered with a white
tablecloth. But it has to be square, foldable, and easy to carry. The
size must be between 28 and 32 inches (71 and 81 cm).

This is the table that I bought; it was recommended on the Chicago Diner en Blanc Facebook pageColeman Pack-Away 4-in-1 Table

Table Picks for Diner en Blanc | all dressed up with nothing to drink...

This little bad boy weighs just over 12 lbs (but holds up to 300!) and is super compact and easy to carry. Here is what the inside looks like:

Coleman 4-in-1 table for Diner en Blanc | all dressed up with nothing to drink...

The cool thing about this table is that you can customize the height by combining different legs- 14.5 inches, 27.5 inches, or 31.5 inches. Each table top piece measures 31.5 by 15.5 inches and there are two pieces (so total when put together is 31.5″ by 31″). It comes with two brackets to lock the tables together.

Coleman 4-in-1 table side view for Diner en Blanc | all dressed up with nothing to drink...

And for the adorable design on the top:

Coleman 4-in-1 table top for Diner en Blanc | all dressed up with nothing to drink...

Also, I think this is perfect to use as a dessert/buffet display for a party since you can have one table higher than the other! Look good to you? Grab it on Amazon here:

There are a few other options, all will serve your purpose! I pretty much just shop on Amazon because I get free 2 day shipping on eligible items (I use Amazon Mom- if you haven’t used it, check it out!) and I don’t have to haul big stuff like this around a store and schlep it to my car. 

Here is a roll top table that rolls up and is simple to carry! All for the low low price of around $38.

Need another option? This one has telescoping legs so you can adjust the height:

Cabela's Roll Top Table for Diner en Blanc | all dressed up with nothing to drink...

This is available at Cabela’s website here for $70.99 and includes a carrying bag.

When searching for tables, make sure to pay attention to the height. What I call “Ravinia Height” tables won’t work because um….you need to be sitting in a chair, not on the ground. Most of these tables are right around 27″-27.5″ high, but I love the ones with adjustable legs.

If buying a table isn’t in your budget, get creative. Since you will be covering it with a white tablecloth, it doesn’t matter what the heck is underneath as long as it is the right dimensions. Maybe a couple of TV trays with a 32″ square board on top? Make sure to check eBay as well as camping stores for good deals.

What kind of table are you bringing to Dîner en Blanc?

Disclosure: I am a part of the Amazon Associates Program which means that I might earn a super teeny commission if you purchase something through my site. As always, all opinions are honest and my own.

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9 Comments

    • February 26, 2016 / 2:06 am

      Glad you found it helpful, hope you enjoy Diner en Blanc if you attend!

  1. October 25, 2016 / 2:34 am

    Ares Adjustable Folding Table from Bizarkdeal

    Love this folding table! It is as sturdy as a short step ladder. Not that I'd recommend it for that use, of course,,, but just comparing the strengths. It is just the right height and has three heights that are easily adjusted to. No assembly required. The It is very light yet so strong. You could use it for different things. Use it as a preparation table while grilling, as a TV tray even for two small people. I can recommend to others very easily. It is a great little table and so much more! A solid product!

  2. February 5, 2017 / 2:41 am

    When it comes to camping, or even a BBQ in the backyard, foldable tables are really life savers! If you are interested in checking out some different models and finding out which one might suite your needs the best, I suggest that you check out this article: http://hikingmastery.com/top-pick/best-folding-table.html

  3. July 12, 2017 / 6:14 pm

    I have tried the camping tables and found them to be too shaky, unstable under heavier items, too small, and time consuming to set up, break down and stuff back in the bag. They braces also are uncomfortable for parking your knees under the table.

    I have attended 3 previous DEBs and this is the table I am sticking with – I bought it for Boston last year–it's very portable, lightweight, and super sturdy. It's just a smidge over the maximum size–but with so many others who go with the undersized camp tables, it works out fine in rows. I use a Nantucket beach buggy to transport my picnic items and this can fit in the basket when folded.
    https://www.target.com/p/square-folding-table-white-granite-lifetime/-/A-15262799?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Furniture+Shopping_Brand_Competitor&adgroup=SC_Furniture&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9001858&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkZfLBRCzARIsAH3wMKqmPY7ee1rfJKRrtGNuBoCGFCslGJOkvZkD_1S6qxfePqsD8EVchrYaAqNJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds .

  4. August 29, 2017 / 9:10 pm

    Just had an awesome time at Diner en Blanc in DC! I used http://www.dinerenblancbasics.com to shop for my tables, chairs, dinner settings, traveling, and attire. Super easy and affordable to get everything on Amazon.