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 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 – DVDs and MUSIC
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 French language a bit.
Have fun ordering some real French reading material from Amazon.com in France. They will ship it to you! (Note: You need to be able to read French.)
WHAT TO WEAR
You can get a little corny with the outfits. A beret is always important. The French wear a lot of black and leather compared to Americans. Try a T-shirt or baseball cap to show l’espirit de France.
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
Get King’s Hawaiian bread and put Nutella on it for a pretty close approximation to a French pastry. - 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 blog post
- 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
- Get a French font to create your invitations
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