It was a Friday night to remember for many at Peller Estates Winery.
Niagara-on-the-Lake hosted its White Effect Dinner on June 9, an annual all-white party that, for Jessica Taylor, Tourism NOTL’s manager of events, marks the start of summer for NOTL.
“It represents the art of wine country,” she told The Lake Report.
The soiree had a strict dress code of nothing but white clothes, inspired by the practice believed to have begun in the late 1980s in France.
“We took the elegance and the social aspect to create something special for NOTL,” Taylor said.
The White Effect Dinner involved more than just a dress code, though.
Attendees reserved a table for eight and were tasked with planning a picnic dinner and table decor fitting into the all-white theme.
In total, 144 tables were created, each decorated with unique table settings and decor.
At the table where NOTL residents Marion McLean and Kevin Moore sat, they went above and beyond with head-to-toe white Western wear.
“Our table theme is Yellowstone — without the blood,” joked Moore.
Arlene Nugent said that her cowboy boots were sourced from her mother-in-law and heavily inspired by her daughter Kasey, a country singer.
“This is such an incredible event and we’re still amateurs, we didn’t even know you needed balloons,” Nugent said.
McLean and the gang said they will be back for next year’s festivities, even more ready.
Aside from outfits, immense planning goes into table settings and food.
Some guests opted to get catering from Peller, including flatbreads and pizzas, while others went for more elaborate picnic set-ups with spreads including charcuterie boards, dips and more.
Selma Pacheco and her table had quite the elaborate homemade spread, sourcing everything but the wine themselves.
“We wanted to do apps, keep it simple,” she said.
The table had bruschetta, charcuterie and desserts plated on glassware brought from home. Even the lettuce used in the salad was grown in her backyard.
“The flowers are my anniversary flowers from Sunday, to be economical,” she said.
As they dined and socialized, guests enjoyed the musical stylings of George St. Kitts Band all throughout the evening.
