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I finally got my outdoor room I’ve been dreaming about for several years. Although it doesn’t have a floor yet, I’ve been showing it off to friends and spending hours outdoor entertaining. When World Market challenged me to invoke the spirit of Paris, I was ready to party! Inspired by visions of picnics by the Seine, I decided to invite some friends over for an “Al Fresco French Themed Garden Party.” While no river or stream runs through my backyard, we had so much rain lately that the ground was damp enough to pretend we were by a river.
I began by purchasing some French goodies from World Market. I found a package of Beignet mix from Café Du Monde. I love these things and hoped they would turn be just as good when I prepared them. I added wedges of Brie, Swiss and Gouda cheese, crackers, a package of French bonbons and cream cookies with raspberry, lemon and hazelnut filling. For a throwback to our Georgia roots, I sliced fresh peaches as our fruit. To prepare a typical French picnic I would have needed a bottle of wine. Instead I substituted Lorina Prestige Premium French Soda. I purchased three flavors, Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, and Blood Orange, so everyone could enjoy their favorite. The kids had a great time “popping “ the cork and watching the fizz. I served the soda in champagne glasses for fun.
I added to the French atmosphere by using plates and napkins emblazoned with pictures of the Eiffel Tower and imprinted with “Oh, Paris!” On a humorous note, one of my friends was trying to read the plates from several feet away and upside down. She asked, “That’s cute! How did you manage to find plates that said, ‘Oh, Pam?” I purchased some white serving plates and trays that reminded me of those found on farms in the French country side for finishing touches. Our party was a smashing success, except for the persistant bugs. In the future, I plan to invest in some citronella candles!
Because Bryan was unable to attend my garden party, I assembled the entire family outdoors that evening with leftovers from the party. It was a fun family evening filled with laughter, food, and fun. I hadn’t realized how relaxing it was for everyone to sit outside and chat, disconnected from all modern technology, until we were driven inside by mosquitoes. I plan to have another family evening like this soon, albeit armed with bug spray.
What ideas do you have for summer entertaining?
What a great idea… loved your party.. wish I would be closer and I would have crashed it. All looks amazing and I loved the picture of your daughter, she looks SOOOO in love… perfect for “Paris”……
Sounds like a fun party! I wouldn’t mind one of those cookies. 🙂
This sounds like a lot of fun.
basil, rosemary and lemongrass plants also help deter bugs… naturally and nice smelling 🙂 I have personally never tried the lemongrass b/c I can’t seem to find it in the stores.
What a lovely Parisian spread! 🙂
Looks like you all had fun. Those cookies look YUMMY!
oh la la!! c’est magnifique!! what fun! i’d love to join you for some brie.
First off, I am a big fan of World Market! I would buy everything in the store! It looks like you all had a wonderful evening and I bet you will have many more!
This party is just too cute!
These photos definitely remind me of eating meals in France during my visit in 1998. There is something about meal time in that country that makes this time so enjoyable and wonderful to spend with those you love.
Love your outdoor sunroom room!! The party looks like it was alot of fun.
Woow!this looks so much fun
Im holding a party as soon as weather is little bit cooler here
Oh how super fun! Yay on getting your outdoor room, perfect timing for summer! This is such a fun and wonderful idea to enjoy some relaxing time with friends and family! Cool!
I love cheese and crackers–and that soda looks good! Of course the cookies and sweets are right up my alley! What a great idea for outdoor entertaining!
Everything looked yummy. I’m glad you guys got to have some quality family time too!
This looks like an amazing way to relax and spend time with family and friends. Mosquito’s are such a nightmare though aren’t they! x
this would be great to win! And I love the pictures of the sweets and drinks, can I come to the next party? lol 🙂
I would so love to win a trip to Paris! How awesome would that be!!
That looks like a ton of fun! 🙂
Aww, so fun! Makes me miss Paris. You are so right that outdoor parties are great for “Getting away from it all”. I also love that your friend thought the plates said “Oh, Pam!”
I LOVE the French inspired treats you picked up. (Especially those cookies!) I’m sure your friends are waiting for the next invite! Our summer parties aren’t as charming and most often than not include a grill!
I think this looks lovely and I entered the contest so I guess if I win then I’ll take you!
I love World Market and the French stuff there is adorable.
Oh man! Why wasn’t I invited? lol We have summer cookouts during the weekend mostly. Looks like good food!
Looks like a great way to host a party!
I LOVE World Market for things like this! They sadly closed the one near me- so I need to find another location!!
I LOVE those little favor boxes. World Market is one of my favorite stores because they have such unique and interesting items. What a fun party theme idea! Would have been great for Bastille Day.
What a fun party! I would love to have a party like this! I like how you served the drinks in champagne flutes and the snacks look fantastic.
How cool to have an Outdoor room… I do have a back porch which I absolutely love, but an outdoor room would be grand.
What a fun idea to have a FRENCH outdoor party.
I love French food parties! This looks like fun!