5 French-themed Party Ideas for Summer.
From fine French fare to a Parisian playlist, here are her top five tips and French-themed party ideas to help you host a parfait (perfect) party closer to home this December.
The next best thing to celebrating the end of the year beneath the Eiffel Tower is hosting a French-inspired Summer soirée Down Under. According to Parisian-born Patricia Higgins, Director of Digital Marketing and Communication at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, it’s actually easier than you might imagine.
From fine French fare to a Parisian playlist, here are her top five tips and French-themed party ideas to help you host a parfait (perfect) party closer to home this December.
From faux pas to fabulous!
Inspired by an exclusive event recently hosted at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth - where guests were welcomed by a woman wearing a Champagne skirt filled with glasses of Pommery, an ice sculpture surrounded by the freshest seafood display, interactive food stations, an igloo bar on the terrace and a spectacular dessert buffet) - Patricia shares a few key points on perfecting the art of authentic ambience, French-style.
"The key to a chic celebration inspired by the City of Love is to avoid clichés like an Eiffel Tower overload,” she says. "Instead, hosts should opt for classic French decor elements that create an immersive experience, transporting guests to the charming streets of Paris, the lavender fields of Provence, or the many pretty towns and villages in between.
Think linens with classic patterns like toile, stripes, or fleur-de-lis; porcelain or fine China dishes which add an extra layer of elegance; candles, chandeliers, vintage chairs and ornate mirrors. "It's about creating an atmosphere that whispers sophistication without shouting tourist,” says Patricia.
For a Parisian-garden vibe, Patricia suggests seeking out a lush outdoor setting with a beautiful backdrop, elegant decor and twinkling lights to create a chic and décontracté (casual) atmosphere.
Take inspiration from the Jardin des Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens, where refined meets relaxed and find a local park that offers a picturesque Paris-esque venue on a budget. "The goal is to capture the essence of a Parisian garden, where every corner tells a story of timeless beauty.”
One of Patricia’s personal favourites is Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay. "With a spectacular view of Sydney, it sets the stage for an intimate French gathering. Alternatively, the Garden Court Restaurant in Sofitel Sydney Wentworth provides a French five-star experience, perfect for a soirée soaked in French Art de Vivre,” she adds.
Read the full article: 5 French-themed Party Ideas for Summer. | AGFG