DIY | Outdoors | Tutorials

Diner En Blanc DIY Portable Table

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Source: DinerEnBlanc.Washington http://washington.dinerenblanc.info/

Diner En Blanc TableThis past weekend I was invited to Diner En Blanc. What is Diner En Blanc? Well, Diner En Blanc (“Dinner in White”), is best described as a whimsical pop up picnic where guests all wear white. Everyone brings their own food and dining accessories, such as a table, chairs, plates, cutlery, everything.  And of course, there’s wine and great music.  Diner in Blanc, was created 27 years ago in Paris, it’s now hosted each year in various cities throughout the world.

This year’s Diner En Blanc Washington, DC was held on the grounds of the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square.  It was a spectacular event with over 2500 people. There are some specific guidelines one has to adhere to in order to participate.  The location is always a secret up until moments before it begins.  So in DC, you can’t really drive to the event. We all travel as a group via public transportation.  As a result, everything should be light and easy to carry, including the table.  Well this year I waited until the very las minute to rent my table. Well let me be honest, I waited till days before and there were no more tables available. (Yikes!).  But I didn’t panic….sorta.  I realized I had no choice. I had to make my own table. The table guidelines suggests a square table between 28″ to 32″ wide and 27″ high.  So I went to my workshop (i.e. my garage) and worked it out using scrap wood. Given that I had everything except the hardware, this project only cost me about $10 and 3 hours to complete.

Materials

Dimensions

Leg support dimensions

First I cut all the pieces to size for the legs and tabletop. Then assembled the table top support.  Using 1 1/2″ wood construction screws I created a square support using the 1×3 pieces. The great thing about these Spax screws is it doesn’t require pre-drilling.  However, depending on the type of wood I do pre-drill to prevent the board from splitting.

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Once the table top support is complete attach to the 30″x 30″ board. The support should be 2 inches from each side. I attached the support by screwing it down straight into the plywood using 2 1/2″ screws. Spax construction screws automatically countersink into the board.

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Once the support square is attached its time to attach the 14inch 1×2 piece to the table top.  This is to provide strength to the area where you’ll be drilling a hole to create the rope handle.   Once attached drill two holes through it and the plywood table wide enough to fit the rope through.  The rope handle will allow you to carry the table top separately and with ease.

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I used a very thin board to create the table top ( to ensure the table wouldn’t be too heavy),  so I attached the support piece of scrap wood in the corners to attach the leg support plates.  Once the leg plates were in place it was time to create the table legs.

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Thee table lags are possibly the simplest part of the construction.   Take each 2×3 piece cut down to 25 1/4″ and simply drill a starter hole in to the end of the board and screw in the 5/16″-18 x 2″ Hanger Bolts.  To screw the bolt in I used an adjustable pliers.  However, be careful during this process so not to strip the screw threads. Next screw a hole evenly through each leg 9 inches from the bottom.  This is where the 2×2 Leg support will be attached. Drill a hole on both ends of the 2×2 for the 1/4″ x 3″ Hanger Bolts.

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Now its time to assemble the table.  Screw in the legs then insert the 2×2 leg supports and fasten using the 1/4 wing nuts.

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traveling to site
Diner En Blanc Washington DC. We gathered at the metro stations to travel together to the secret location.

Crisis averted. It was time to party.  The table traveled well.  Although it was made of wood, it wasn’t heavy.  I was able to assemble it within 3 to 5 minutes. Here are some pictures from the festivities.

Diner en Blanc set table 11937031_736341536488348_5808420600036088224_o

picnic table table settings  sparkles sparkles 2

hats   head piece

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Source: DinerEnBlanc.Washington

So should you find yourself in a similar predicament, don’t fret. Just make it a DIY project.  If I can do it, I know you can definitely do it!

I have faith in you. 😉

Till Next Time ~T.

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