If, like me, you have been watching the Paris Olympics with enthusiasm, why not host an Olympics themed party? I was recently interviewed by the Today Show to share my Olympics themed party hosting tips, so it goes without saying that I would share with you as well here!
I was interviewed for an article called, " Baguettes and bubbles: What to eat and drink while watching the Paris Olympics. Entertaining experts share their tips for hosting the ultimate French-inspired affair." by Emily Gerard.
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What an honor to be cited as an Entertaining expert alongside 3 Michelin starred Chef Patrick O'Connell and MacTavish Best!
Here are some of the tips I shared to writer Emily Gerard of The Today Show.
Baguette is a must
Pick up Baguettes from your local bakery or make your own with my super simple Baguette Recipe. You can make fresh baked baguettes in 2 hours with this recipe that is written for baking beginners.
Serve Cheese and Charcuterie...but just not at the same time.
In France Charcuterie is served as an appetizer and cheese is served before dessert. I go into this in detail in my posts on French Charcuterie Boards and French Cheese Boards. The exception to the rule however is an Apéro styled party (one of my favorite ways to entertain) but then the cheese and charcuterie are kept separate.
Subtle French inspired Decorations
No need for a balloon wall or streamers or any of the over-the-top party decor that we sometimes embrace in the US. A simple red, white and blue ribbon tied around the napkins or laid on the table is a great way to bring in the theme. If, like me, you love flowers, I recommend low bud vases like these ones my florist friend Ashley Greer of Atelier Ashley Flowers prepared.
French Table decor
Use a variety of little trinkets and objects in your table decor as recommended in my article on The art of Setting the Table à la Française. Anything that your guests can pick up and wonder at are perfect conversation starters - especially if not everyone knows each other!
Using those irresistible Baguette Stamps as a place setting or a fun Eiffel tower snow globe from French Wink are a great way to add fun and whimsy to your Olympics themed table setting. You can even set out little bowls of Eiffel Tower Shaped candies!
If you want to add Official Olympics Memorabilia to your table you can also find an entire collection of goodies that can be delivered anywhere in the US here.
Embrace the spirit of the games with a fun brunch or lunch party
The Opening ceremonies set the stage for a visually spectacular games, and what better way to share it than with friends and family. If you have school age children that are learning French this is a great opportunity to share some French culture with them. I still remember the French themed dinners my mom would host for my grade 6 friends in French Immersion. We would cook together and then set a beautiful table and enjoy Julia Child recipes. The best memories!
Food to serve at an Olympics Themed Brunch or Lunch
Many of the exciting competitions are held in the morning which makes a French themed Brunch or Lunch a fun way to host people for the Olympics.
Because the games are the star of the show, you want to serve an easy menu with a French touch that guests will love. If the recipe can be prepared in advance you are setting yourself up for success for a stress free party.
Here is some inspiration for your French menu.
Fig and Prosciutto Tartine
This fig and prosciutto tartine recipe is perfect for a special light lunch or an elevated appetizer. The saltiness of the prosciutto, the decadence of the fresh figs and the creaminess of the goat cheese over grilled sourdough baguette is a memorable combination. Add a drizzle of honey and few fresh basil leaves and each
Authentic Olive Tapenade
Authentic Provençal Olive Tapenade is a delicious spread of olives, garlic, capers and anchovies, that is served in the South of France.
How to make Crème Brûlée like a French Chef
There is Crème Brûlée, and then there is Le Chef's Crème Brûlée. A rich, decadent and silky smooth cream, flecked with fragrant vanilla bean and a crisp, crackly top that shatters into sugar shards when you break into it. This crème brûlée is absolute perfection - and, with a few insider tips, is easier than you think to make a home. Are you ready to learn how to make Crème Brûlée like a French Chef?
Mousse au Chocolat (French Chocolate Mousse made simple)
French mousse au chocolat (Chocolate Mousse) will become your family's favorite dessert. A Rich dark chocolate flavor with a light, airy texture and a depth of flavor from the spices. This recipe takes less than a half hour to make (plus a few hours to chill) and can be made a day in advance. No one can resist an "mmmmm" when eating this Mousse!
Easy French Crêpes Recipe
My Grandmother's Crêpes are as easy to make as 1-2-3. 1 Cup of flour, 2 cups of milk, 3 large eggs. Et Voilà!
French Salade Niçoise Recipe
Here is an authentic, tasty French Salade Niçoise recipe that you will love! One of my all-time favorite salads that is full of protein (eggs, tuna and possibly sardines) and with lots of good veggies butter lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, artichokes fava beans, radishes and basil. It is simple to make yet impressive to serve and is perfect for picnics or long lunches in the sun.. Serve with a fresh baked baguette and a glass of Rosé for the perfect French Riviera lunch.
Kir Royale Cocktail
The Kir Royale Cocktail is chic and refreshing. My favorite cocktail, made with crème de cassis and champagne, as seen on Emily in Paris.
La Salade Parisienne - the best French Potato Salad
La Salade Parisienne is a fancy Potato salad with a French twist. A sophisticated side dish for your Summer BBQs.
Lemon Thyme French Roast Chicken (Poulet Rôti)
This Lemon and Thyme French Roast Chicken Recipe (Poulet Rôti au thym et citron) with Roasted Garlic is one of our family's favorite dishes. The meat is juicy and tender with the delicate perfume from the lemons, garlic and thyme. The skin is crispy and flavorful. Simply exquisite as well as super easy to make!
Chantilly Cream
Looking for a no-fail recipe for fluffy, silky, Chantilly Cream? The perfect topping for fresh fruit, pie, crèpes, French Toast or hot cocoa...all of the delicious things in life!
This Chantilly cream recipe is super easy dessert to make in just a few minutes.
Cherry Compote Recipe
This Fresh cherry compote recipe is an easy and delicious way to use ripe cherries at the height of cherry season. Cherry compote is the perfect topping for French toast, crepes, yogurt and granola or simply a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Quick Easy French Baguettes (Baking Baguettes for Beginners)
Quick, easy French baguette recipe. Deliciously simple yet crusty and crackly, homemade French Baguettes. Follow this recipe for easy French Baguettes even first time bakers can make and with only a couple hours.
French Tartines Recipe
A Tartine is an open face sandwich, very popular in France. Go to any bistro at breakfast or lunch and you will see Tartines offered on the menu. Tartines are not as popular in the United States yet (we love our sandwiches between two slices of bread!), but I love this lighter and sometimes more
Easy French Toast Recipe
This, no-fail, easy french toast recipe is perfect for a decadent weekend brunch but is easy enough to put together in under 20 minutes with very little skill.
I love this recipe because it is high in protein and does not use sugar. As well, the measurements do not need to be precise for the end result to be tasty. Kids tend to spill on the counter when mixing and that is ok here. It is nearly impossible to mess up this recipe!
Will you be hosting an Olympics Themed Party this summer? Tell me about it! I also wrote a blog post about Emily in Paris inspired Recipes here that you may enjoy.
Au plaisir,
Le Chef's Wife
ABOUT LE CHEF'S WIFE
Bonjour! I am Anina Belle. I translate the fancy cooking of my Michelin-star trained French Chef Husband, Le Chef, into easy to make dishes that busy people with no culinary training (like me!) can make at home. We have two young kids (6 and 3) and I work full time in addition to this blog. I strongly believe that even busy people deserve to eat well at home.
Look inside our Kitchen with this recent Washington Post Article. We were recently featured on the TODAY SHOW for our recipes of French Onion Soup Gratinée and Moelleux au Chocolat. You can watch our full segment here:
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