First off, having friends over for dinner never means "potluck" (although with people you are closer to, you can offer to bring something) and never occurs without multiple courses. I have to admit I'm getting pretty good at throwing one now but in the beginning let's just say I was making lots of lists and multiple trips to the store to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything. They also rarely start before 7:30 or 8pm; which means you're usually not sitting down to eat until 9pm. With a few of the families here we've negotiated an earlier start time because of the kids but it's definitely not the norm.
Here's a typical list:
- Appetizers & Aperitifs - radishes, carrots, bread sticks with olive tapenade, sparkling water or juice for the kids, Ricard (anise flavored hard alcohol), Champagne, or a Wine for the adults
- Main Course & Wine
- We've done Fondue a few times, which I love because it's easy and eliminates the need for the Bread and Cheese course -- and I have to say Marc has mastered the Fondue Savoyard (which is the local version of fondue)
- I've also done a Moroccan Chicken and Curry Chicken
- Even did Mussels and French Fries once
- Notice no hamburgers, sausages, pizza -- some of my go-tos at home
- Salad
- Bread and Cheese -- with usually at least 3 different cheeses to choose from; thankfully the fancy cheeses here are a lot less expensive than cheese back home.
- Dessert -- I am admittedly not much of a baker so this course is not my favorite; I've bought dessert from the patisserie, we've done ice cream, fruit salad, and I tried my hand at a crumble.
- Digestif -- usually a tisane (or herbal tea) does the trick here but some times more alcohol is pulled out.
Now of course the indulgence is happily reciprocated when you are invited over to someone else's house for dinner BUT it is definitely customary to come bearing some type of gift (bottle of wine, flowers, chocolates, or even a fun kitchen item or gift for the kids -- our last guests brought a book for the girls). Now this is not to say that I don't do this in California too but admittedly not often when it's just my buddies and it's generally nothing fancier than alcohol.
I know I've mentioned this before but since our topic is "Parties" it seems like I should mention again that birthdays are another time when a lunch or dinner party is thrown for the whole family. Lola's was the last birthday we celebrated. For her "lunch" party she requested fondue and a Milles Feuilles (same cake as the one Mamie had for her birthday was the request).
Mamie surprised Lola with a "professional" make-up studio. (For those of you that know me, then you know I was slowly dying inside). Teah and Mila were getting fancy with the new goods. Two peas in a pod those two; the 6 year old and 13 year old versions of each other.
Pretty pleased with her Mille Feuilles!
Keep in mind that this was one of three parties this little one got to enjoy. The morning of her birthday of course pains chocolates and croissants were waiting for her. And the night of her actual birthday Tonton, Tata, Margeux, and Mila showed up with presents and delicious little pastries.
She's 8!
Showing off the elaborate birthday card/castle her sister made her!
I have to tell a little story here. A few weeks before Lola's birthday we were discussing what she wanted for her birthday. She was actually having a hard time coming up with things. Teah however said that she already knew what she wanted to get Lola. Later when I asked her what it was this is what she told me. "I think we should get her a sewing machine with fabric and stuffing so she can make the little pillows that she misses making back home." Are you kidding me? This kid? As it happens from time to time the girls get nostalgic for back home and really start to miss everyone. One particular evening Lola had been feeling sad because she was missing being able to go to her lovely art room in Open Classroom whenever she wanted during the school day. She especially missed the pillows she used to sew in the art room. Well, her sister remembered and wanted to get her that for her birthday!
As you can tell, she was super happy!
A close-up of the yummy treats Tonton and Tata brought over that night.
The next day Papa took Lola skiing for some Papa/Daughter time.
And that night we celebrated what Lola loves most (painting) by collaborating on a family painting! Pretty cool, right?! We can thank Papa for copying the drawing off a birthday card we gave her.
Can you guess who did which corner?
But it doesn't end there. Oh no! Then Miss Lola got to have a friend party the following weekend where she had invited some friends from school for more painting, forest fun, pizza, treats, dancing, and a movie. Marc and I braved 9 little girls (in addition to Lola and Teah) and did our best to keep everyone happy. I have to say by the end of the evening my French was considerably better. With 9 little girls rapidly speaking French to me whenever they needed anything, totally not caring that I didn't speak French very well, it was sink or swim time.
Side note here about how French kids eat. I don't care what they say in those French books, French kids are just as picky as American kids. Half of the kids didn't like pizza so I also had to make a big pot of pasta (butter and cheese only, sound familiar?), only a couple of the girls in addition to my kids were willing to eat any salad and then only a few liked the treat we made. The rest made faces when they tried it, put their portion down, and asked if there were any bon-bons (candy). Ugh!! I just can't bring myself to let them all binge on candy, however that is exactly what happens at every other birthday party the girls have gone too. Forget healthy snacks or meals. It's all cake, candy, juice, and syrup drinks. I'm not kidding!
As I continue to learn here, it really is all about the food. And finding reasons to gather around food. French parties are a great showcase of that.
