How to throw the ultimate French soirée this summer
From elegant meal inspiration to rustic table décor, these are LU’s top tips for hosting dinner parties the French way
Now the sun is finally shining, you’re probably planning a few al fresco get-togethers to make the most of the warmer weather. In France, meals with loved ones are often long, lazy affairs, with plenty of time to soak up the ambience between each course. If that sounds like your kind of evening, here are a few tips from LU to help you plan a relaxed French-inspired dinner party for your nearest and dearest.
Consider your table décor
A proper tablecloth and napkins are key for any French table setting. Try a classic red and white gingham if you want to channel the bistro aesthetic or opt for a more neutral tone, such as a light brown or beige, if you’re going for a more rustic, countryside look. You could also serve some sliced baguettes in coordinating cloth-lined baskets, and butter in a traditional French butter dish that’ll keep it soft and fresh while it’s out of the fridge. Little bouquets of freshly picked flowers in mini glass bottles or jars make a lovely touch, too.
Kick off with aperitifs and amuse-bouches
A staple of French dining, an aperitif is a small alcoholic drink that’s served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Champagne is a classic choice, but if you want to add a fruity twist, you could try mixing it with crème de cassis to create a summery kir royale, garnished with blackberries. Often aperitifs are accompanied by an amuse-bouche for guests to nibble on while they wait. This could be as simple as a pot of olives and some sliced saucisson, or you could push the boat out with a platter of smoked salmon blinis.
The brand new Le Petit Ganache is the ideal little treat to round off a heavy meal
Try cooking some classic French dishes
French cuisine is known for its elegance, so there are countless dishes you could make to impress your guests. To start, try a rich cheese soufflé, or sautéed scallops in white wine and butter. Then follow that with a show-stopping coq au vin (tender chicken braised in red wine) or bouillabaisse, which is a French seafood soup. Ratatouille is also a great option for hotter days, especially if any of your guests are vegetarian. For dessert, nothing beats a perfectly caramelised tarte tatin with a scoop of crème fraîche, or a simple yet delicious crème brûlée.
Flavour your food with a bouquet garni
If you choose to make a slow-cooked stew or casserole, adding a bouquet garni is a great way to enhance the flavour while it’s simmering. Traditionally consisting of parsley, thyme and bay leaves, this aromatic bunch of herbs is a key ingredient in Provençal cooking. Simply gather a few stems, sprigs and leaves into a small bundle, tie them together with unwaxed kitchen string and wrap the finished bouquet in muslin or cheesecloth to prevent it from coming apart in the pan.
Finish with a coffee or digestif
In France, it’s common for people to enjoy a shot of espresso after their dinner, which will be perfect served with a couple of LU biscuits. The brand new Le Petit Ganache is the ideal little treat to round off a heavy meal, and the coffee beautifully complements the creamy choco-hazelnut filling. Many French restaurants also serve digestifs, such as cognac, Cointreau or Grand Marnier, to aid digestion. What better way to toast a long evening of eating, drinking and chatting with your favourite people?
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