By Sophia Smith
Throwing themed celebrations is a great way to have some fun, and they are also perfect opportunities to showcase our creativity. From birthdays to bridal showers to small get-togethers, here are five tips for planning a French-themed party that will make your guests go “Ooh la la!”
Find the perfect spot for throwing your French-themed party
When it comes to planning a perfect French-inspired party, you’ll want to find a great spot at a great location. It can be a French restaurant, or a cafe that you can decorate to fit your theme. You can also choose to throw your French-themed party at home. Given the overall situation with COVID-19, keeping everyone safe and healthy should be our top priority. Keep this in mind when deciding about seating arrangements to make sure you adhere to social distancing measures. Also, it’s best that you don’t go overboard when creating your guest list – keep it minimal and simple.
If the weather allows, your small get-together can take place in your backyard. All it takes are some whimsical chairs and tables paired with a nice backdrop and pretty rustic, countryside decor to create a perfect French garden setting and wow your guests from the moment they enter.
Celebrate your love for Paris with trés chic decor
When it comes to decor, there are plenty of different routes you can take depending on the vibe you’re looking to create. Le Tour Eiffel, whether in the form of an ice sculpture or a photo-backdrop, can be a wonderful addition to your party and a perfect touch of elegant flair. To emulate French opulence, go for velvet tufted upholstery, French café chairs, and rustic centerpieces dressed in the gorgeous colors of the French countryside. Complete with elegant table setting, lavender details reminiscent of Provence, and framed posters of famous French artists.
In case of outdoor parties, a gorgeous gazebo can serve as the perfect touch of French flair, while floating paper parasols will make any al fresco party trés chic. Want something more colorful and vibrant? Go for decor pieces in a Moulin Rouge signature black-and-red color palette as a perfect tribute to the iconic Paris cabaret.
Come up with a stylish and scrumptious French-inspired menu
French food is something a French-themed party can’t go without, and what you choose to serve to your guests can make a difference between a good and an amazing French-inspired get-together. You can serve a delightful selection of desserts from Parfait Paris to your guests, as they are committed to providing you with fresh desserts. Serving hors d’oeuvres such as quiches, croissants, fine pâté, and canapés is always a hit, and the same goes for spreads and gourmet cheeses. Be sure to fill the tables with wines, apples, and grapes, and be sure to include various French bread, most importantly, baguettes.
As for the dessert, what’s a French-themed party without some scrumptious macarons, one of the finest French dessert creations? Have them formed in a pyramid for that ‘wow’ factor, arrange them on top of each other and serve on ice cream cones, or have them hidden between the layers of a trifle as a delightful surprise. Other French-themed marvellous desserts to add to your menu include crème brûlée, mousse au chocolat, millefeuille, and eclairs.
Get creative with French music and entertainment
Great food and wine taste even better when paired with great music and entertainment. This is where you can get really creative and elevate your French-themed party. Play some classic French movies for a more relaxed atmosphere, or have your guests dancing to the tunes of French music.
If you plan on hiring a band for your party, have them play Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Brel, and Edith Piaf. Caricature artists and mimes make a great addition to a French-inspired get-together, and the same goes for can-can dancers and cabaret entertainment. Or, you can go ahead and have a fashion show at your party to celebrate Paris, the fashion capital of the world. When it comes to entertainment, your options are pretty much endless.
Amp up the fun with whimsical French-themed attire
If you’re feeling extra creative and want to take your party to another level, ask your friends to dress up according to the party’s theme. Dress up in burlesque-inspired costumes and have fun with hats, feathers, and tutus, or dress up as Marie Antoinette complete with historical accessories like large wigs, fans, and big lacy skirts with bustiers. You can also channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and emulate her look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
For men, this could mean dressing up in a Louis XVI costume or a 1920s look complete with vintage suspenders, coordinating vests, and one of the ‘20s style hats (fedora, Homburg, Derby, or newsboy). Dressing up in whimsical attire that also doubles as a perfect Halloween costume is sure to amp up the fun and add the perfect finishing touch to your French-themed soiree.
Wrapping up
Adding the perfect amount of joie de vivre to your French-inspired party is a matter of careful planning and consideration. Use the tips above as a guide and inspiration for throwing a magnifique party your guests will remember for a long time.
