The White Album

Diddy's annual white party may have more bling, but the pop-up gatherings created by Belgian national Gregoire Vogelsang rate far higher on the spontaneity scale. Like the man once known as Sean Combs, Vogelsang insists that his guests (who are informed of the party's location only 24 hours in advance) arrive clad in white from top to bottom. Thus far this year, the energetic event-planner has thrown white meals in Bryant Park, Battery Park and this weekend, in a plaza just north of the Flatiron building. Guests, some of whom have known the winsome host for less than a few days, bring their own food, with enough to share with others. Local restaurants lend table linens, dishware and silverware and the locations come ready-equipped with tables and chairs.

Where will Vogelsang and his brigade of immaculately dressed friends turn up next? Stay tuned.

For more photos, click here.

The Stars of Tennis Come to Midtown

The play wasn't exactly fierce (the Williams sisters were as relaxed as they've ever been on a tennis court), but the picture-perfect weather and megawatt tennis talent brought out plenty of fans, as Bryant Park was transformed into a tennis stadium. (See post below.)

New York Insider brings you a photo recap, including Serena Williams and Murphy Jensen do-si-doing on the court. For pics, click here.

Tennis, Anyone?

If you've got U.S. Open fever and simply can't wait till the matches begin next week, New York Insider has got your prescription. Stop by Bryant Park anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, when the home of the HBO movie fest will be transformed into two tennis courts, with live play by top pros including the Williams sisters, John McEnroe and James Blake. Starting at 1:00 p.m., USTA members (none of the aforementioned champions, sadly) will be on hand to provide lessons to New Yorkers looking to improve their serves or put some extra spin on their backhand.

The event is being sponsored by DIRECT TV and ESPN; together the networks promise to provide more hours of tennis coverage than you can shake a titanium racket at.

If the idea of chasing a yellow ball on a grass court on an August afternoon in midtown does not appeal, take heart. Your chance to enjoy a different sort of Bryant Park experience—Fashion Week—is right around the corner.

To see the pros compete, be sure to stop by Bryant Park between 11 and 1. The U.S. Open takes place from August 31 to September 13.

On the Surface

Far from the preeening in the tents at Bryant Park, Surface magazine threw a Fashion Week bash on the Lower East Side last night where there was nonetheless still quite a bit of preening in evidence. Held at the Surface-designed bi-level penthouse of the Hotel on Rivington, the party attracted a diverse cast of characters who sipped cocktails, danced and soaked up the jaw-dropping views. All in all, it was a welcome break from the frequently buttoned-up scene in midtown.

For more photos, click here.

Barenaked Ladies Sing Jose Feliciano, Courtesy of Canada

The rink and tree at Rockefeller Center finally have some serious competition. The Bryant Park Christmas tree was lit last night before a crowd that oohed and aahed as they watched professional skaters take to the large slick oval. In between sets, spectators soaked up the sounds of the Barenaked Ladies (singing Feliz Navidad, among other holiday standards) and the croonings of Michael Feinstein. The rink is anchored by a two-story cafe that's being brought to us lucky New Yorkers by our generous neighbor to the north. No, not Connecticut. Canada. And in a nod to that Metric System-loving nation, the cafe is called Celsius. Although this is the fourth annual appearance for what's come to be known as the Pond at Bryrant Park, it has taken that many years to elevate the experience to a level that should have the folks over at Rockefeller Center genuinely concerned. The perimeter of the park is filled with high-quality artisanal gift tents and the skating is free (bring your own skates or pay a small fee to rent a pair). Apart from its democratic admission price, the rink also stands miles apart from the Rock Center one because of its larger size and its more expansive views of the midtown skyline. So strap on those skates and show New York your best triple lutz. Afterward, over hot chocolate on the second-story deck at Celsius, you can admire the tree (straight from Quebec) as you brag about your prowess on blades. And break into your best rendition of O Canada, of course. For slideshow, including more images of the ballon that dropped into Bryant Park, complete with a dangling performer from Hollywood Aerial Arts, click here.

Cheyenne Jackson and Beyoncé Know How to Turn it On

New York gets all "spruced" up this week, as the famed tree at Rockefeller Center is lit for the holiday season and the switch is flicked on the lesser known tree at Bryant Park. The Bryant Park festivities take place tonight, with New York Insider alum and Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson headlining, along with the Barenaked Ladies. The chaos at 30 Rock happens tomorrow evening, with Beyoncé Knowles, the Jonas Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., David Cook, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, Solange Knowles, Jamie Foxx and Rosie O'Donnell all making appearances. Suddenly credible Britney Spears has been rumored as a potential celebrity guest as well. One thing's for sure...the Today Show’s Al Roker will host the event with all the requisite joviality. This year marks the 76th time a tree has been illuminated at Rock Center (the 2006 lighting is pictured at left) and the 57th time the ceremonies have been telecast. View it on NBC tomorrow evening from 8:00 p.m. till 9:00.