bonjour!
When listening one day to the lovely Frehel sing Si tu n’étais pas là I felt transported to another world and began wishing that I was in a cozy french cafe soaking up the scenery and beautiful most fascinating people as they were meandering about. Since in these economic times many of us are kept from travelling by our limited budgets, we have the grand opportunity of creative DIY. I was inspired to bring France to my own home by hosting a french theme party, it turned out to be such fun that I think I will be having more grand adventures in the near future.
Guests were invited to dress in french fashion for a dinner, movie and brunch the next morning. Below are some ideas of what I did and perhaps you will be inspired to host your own french party!
Menu
Dinner
Cheese & Baguettes – with sides of pear, apricots, and roasted almonds
Tomato & Olive Salad
Mixed Herb Salad with Vinagraitte
Roasted Bacon Chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce (Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking)
Wine Pairing: White Burgandy and Red Bordeaux
Dessert
Lemon Zest Madeleines
Dark Chocolate Madeleines
French Press Coffee (Umbria)
Breakfast
Apple Gallettes with homemade whipping cream
Fresh Strawberries (from Pike Place Market)
Mimosas with Blood Orange
A Paris Soundtrack
Mon Vieux Paris - Maurice Chevalier
Les Amants de Paris – Edith Piaf
La Java Bleue – Frehel
A Paris – Yves Montand
The Charming Mademoiselle from Paris – Lou Busch
Douce France – Charles Trenet
La Meme Histoire – Feist
Vois Sur Ton Chemin – Les Choristes
La Festin – Camille
A la Claire Fontaine – Les Petit Minous
Petit Garcon – Agnes Chaumie
Favor Ideas: A bouquet of lavender tied off with a quote, a soundtrack of french music, french tissues and a copy of The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz.
Movies with a French Theme: The Phantom of the Opera, Chocolat, Ever After, Marie Antoinette, Coco Avant Chanel, Amelie, Les Miserables, Sabrina, Ratatouille, Julie and Julia, The Tourist.
Local Seattle stores which carry lovely french items:
Watson Kennedy Fine Home – Table Napkins, Note cards, Dishes, etc.
1022 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
206.652.8350
Le Panier – Baguettes, Custards and so much more!
1902 Pike Place
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 441-3669
Pike Place Market – fresh tulips and lavender.
**All Photos Taken By Katrina Hope Kelly**
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