Since I just returned from a romantic trip to France, I've been dreaming up ways to infuse the experience of a picnic along the Seine (so quintessentially Parisian!) into my next summer soirée. This inspiration board evokes the colors of the French flag in bold red and white with plenty of stripes in the mix. A wedge of creamy brie, juicy berries & tiny splits of champagne simply beg to be packed into a basket and toted to the water's edge for a lazy afternoon. So how does it translate into a soirée à la français?
Since it's not always feasible to serve dinner on a blanket in the grass, picnic tables placed end-on-end are a perfect solution to seating a larger group while maintaining a rustic-chic vibe. Simple white linens & dishes provide a clean palette, and cheery bunches of poppies, ranunculus and anemones in mason jars provide a strong dose of color. Throw in a bit of j'en sais quois by using (very affordable!) French dish towels as a casual alternative to napkins. Bottles of wine and crusty baguettes add character to the table and simplify service for the hostess.
Nothing is more French than fromage, so for this party we designed a decadent display that doubled as a hors d'oeuvres station and artful decor. When choosing cheeses for a spread like this, seek out a variety in taste and appearance. Provide labels for each so that guests can fully savor every bite, then go to town with pairings that provide color, shape and pure yumminess. Brie with macerated strawberries, blue cheese with honey, and goat cheese with golden raisins are all to-die-for combinations. Find the full menu with recipes here, and keep in mind: the key is to keep it simple...and as effortlessly elegant as the French!
*images via (row one) snippet & ink, martha stewart, 100 layer cake (row 2) style me pretty, wedding style guide, martha stewart (row 3) style me pretty, project wedding (row 4) sunday suppers, martha stewart, cynthia warren. all other event photos by camille styles events.
