France Party

France / French Party Ideas

by Tim Cimbura

After spending 6 months of my life in France in and among the real people and culture, I put together the following ideas to help you in hosting a French-themed party here in the US.

DECORATIONS
French theme decorations might be the color of the flag of France: Red, White, and Blue. Get a big map of France and posters of various places in France. The Eiffel Tower and the Arch of Triumph are always welcome.

ENTERTAINMENT
In Paris you'll find the performing arts such as magicians, jugglers, etc. Hire Tim Cimbura to entertain you with strolling magic or a complete show at your party and he'll even include some French in the act getting your party-goers involved in the fun. This is a great way to really make your party unique.

Lots of movies on DVD have French language tracks. Pick one and watch it with French language and English subtitles. Some French themed American movies that are funny are: French Kiss, Madeline, and most recently Ratatouille.

MEDIA
Play some traditional French accordion music in the background. Watch the incredible French countryside from the air with Visions of France. Get the tour with Samantha Brown in Passport to France. Learn the language a bit with French for Kids Vol 1 and French for Kids Vol 2.

Have fun ordering some real French reading material from Amazon.com in France. They will ship it to you!

FOOD
Crepes (like thin pancakes) are a fun and versatile French food. You can buy them pre-made and heat them up or make your own. They can be made sweet with bananas, Nutella, strawberries, jelly, etc. or salty with ham, swiss cheese, etc. like a sandwich. The whole meal can be crepes.

Crepe Recipe - 7 crepes ready in 15 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 egg, 2 cups milk

Combine ingredients in mixing bowl. Heat a large skillet or crepe pan over medium-high heat. Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter into the pan. Lift the pan and turn it by rotating your wrist spreading a PAPER THIN amount of batter in the pan. Flip the crepe when it starts to bubble. When crepe is finished cooking, remove and repeat this process with the remaining batter.

Popular French Foods

French Bread: Brioche and baguettes
Croissants, crepes, and eclairs
Truffles and tarts
Quiche and pizzettes
Cheeses and Fondue
Wine (or substitute non-alcoholic Catawba Juice)
Fancy Yogurts that are not fat free

Other French Food Ideas

In the Minneapolis area, here are some food places and restaurants to try for ideas:

Cub Foods carries incredible French bread from The New French Bakery. This bread is as authentic as you can get in the states. Just like in France, you're more likely to find the bread fresh in the morning. Get a bageutte. Cut in half and then thirds and you can freeze it. Take a slice out and pop it in the toaster oven for a moment and you have piping hot French bread fresh any day.
Next to Tucci Benucch there is a crepe stand at the Mall of America (W114)
Try the ham and cheese for your meal and banana Nutella crepe for dessert.
Patrick's French Bakery, Southdale Square, 2928 66th St. W., Richfield , MN 55423-1939
Lovely French bakery and cafe in a suburban strip mall: croissants, bread, pastries, cakes, sandwiches, soups, and quiche. 612-861-7570

GENERAL IDEAS

Check out my France travel ideas
Some good ideas at this French bistro outdoor party site
Hold your celebration on July 14 or Bastille Day (like our Independence Day)
Give everyone a name tag with a French name and use it during the party.
Take a French culture test and give a prize to the winner