The Perfect French Garden Party

The words “garden party” evoke images of easy, sunny days filled with friends and simple pleasures. Whether I am invited to one or choose to host my own, they are an absolute delight!

French women seem to be born knowing how to be impeccable hosts, but for the rest of us, the idea can be a bit overwhelming. Over the years I have learned a few things from les Françaises. Here are my best tips to create your perfect, late summer, French gathering au jardin.   

Décor

Ambiance seems more important in summer than other times of the year. Nature is lush and bountiful; a perfect backdrop for a beautiful table scape. The goal is to create a look of rustic elegance, without seeming like you tried to hard! Relax, it is easier than it sounds. Taking cues from the landscape, incorporate different colors, textures and patterns. For a base, I love a rustic wood farm table, but a vintage metal table can work quite nicely as well. Then add colorful, floral fabric napkins. (However, if your only table option is less-than-lovely, choose a beautiful, patterned tablecloth and solid-colored napkins) Yes, cloth napkins are a must! 

Play around with your place settings! Mix-and-match vintage china makes a whimsical look that feels timeless and charming. Or you can create a cohesive look with white plates, then add embellishments with floral napkins and pretty napkin rings.  Among my favorites are silver rings etched with Madame or Monsieur that I found at a flea market years ago. I can easily slip a sprig of rosemary or lavender in with the napkin for that extra little touch. For glassware, I favor my traditional La Rochelle Napoleon “bee” glasses, or for a more casual look, I reuse old Bonne Maman jam jars. Vintage china cups or demi-tasse cups can be a fun way to serve a cold soup or dessert! 

A bouquet of flowers, preferably from your own garden, should appear natural, and not too fussy. You can place them in a glass vase, vintage water jug or anything else that is the right height for your table – be creative! Or simply wrap your stems with a pretty ribbon and place them directly on the table. 

I love little added touches and keep a cabinet full of tins and small specialty plates to use for butter, olives, nuts or other communal dishes. One of my favorite collections is the tins from “La Cure Gourmande”. I buy a new one every time I am in France, as they are lovely for serving cookies or even salads. Now for the final touches – a fabric breadbasket, and soft candlelights.  

Your table is impeccable, but now what to serve? You don’t have to prepare and cook for days – it’s still summer and you want to enjoy it! With a bit of planning, you can keep it simple.

Apéritif

Begin with an apéritif. Every summer I choose a “signature cocktail” to mark the season. Who doesn’t want to be welcomed with a pretty little glass filled with a colorful concoction and garnish? It melts away any social anxiety, and gives you something to do with your hands. The traditional apéro is a Kir (Crème de Cassis and white wine) or Kir Royal (Crème de Cassis and Champagne) but of course the rage now is an Aperol Spritz .You can choose just about anything. I have done everything from simple Champagne (Palmer is my new favorite) to Lillet Rosé Tonic (garnished with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of thyme). Presentation is important, so arrange your cocktails on a festive tray on a dainty side table to welcome guests as they arrive.

Keep your appetizers simple – just a few nibbles to whet the appetite: nuts, olives and some type of bruschetta is plenty.   

Le Repas

Once again, less is more. Choosing a menu that showcases fresh, local ingredients is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Opt for a main dish that you feel confident making; something not too heavy so guests won’t be needing an afternoon siesta. Visit your local farmer’s market to see what is fresh and in season, knowing you may have to adapt your menu. If strawberries are too ripe, choose a peach dessert instead. It is a core French value to use only the finest, fresh, seasonal ingredients, and it is the key to your success!

Seek out an authentic French boulangerie for your baguette, and if you are serving a green salad, be sure to make your own vinaigrette. After dinner, offer espresso or a lovely digestif like Pommeau (a mix of Calvados and apple juice).

Your guests will leave raving about your hosting expertise, and already anticipating your next garden party!