The holiday season will be here before we know it, and hosting will become top of mind for many of us! If you love to gather friends and families at your home for special occasions, you’re in the right place. Here at MCO, we love a good excuse to dress up and set up an aesthetic scene, all for a celebration with good company. Whether you’re looking to host easy dinners, a birthday party, a holiday soiree, a bridal shower, or maybe just a casual get-together, we’ve got you covered with party ideas. Keep reading for tips to host a DIY Paris-themed party that will have you saying “Oui, oui!” to Parisian charm and sophistication.
Food & Drink
What’s on the menu for your Paris-themed party will depend on the time of day of your gathering! There are so many great traditional dishes to choose from when it comes to French cuisine. Check out a few ideas below of sample dishes you could serve, depending on the type of party you’re hosting.
Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch
- Mimosas
- French press coffee
- Sparkling pink lemonade
- Quiche Lorraine
- Croque Monsieur
- Baguette and cheese platter
- A simple green salad
- French pastries
- Crepes
- Cream puffs
- Small cakes
Afternoon Tea, Coffee, and Desserts
- Espresso or Café au Lait (strong brewed coffee with hot milk)
- Flavored Black Teas, Green Teas, or Herbal Infusions
- Croissants
- Pain Au Chocolat
- French cheeses and baguettes
- Fresh fruit salad
- French macarons
Dinner
- Charcuterie board
- French Onion Soup
- Ratatouille (vegetable stew)
- Beef bourguignon (a French stew)
- Crème brûlée
- Coq au vin (chicken with wine, spices, and mushrooms)
- Champagne
- French 75
The Decor
When it comes to party decor, you don’t have to overthink it! Small touches can make a big difference in giving you the vibe you’re going for, no pricey backdrops or props required.
If you really want to lean into a Paris-specific theme, a singular Eiffel Tower statue could be used in your tablescape, centerpieces or on a dessert table – no need to overdo it with attractions like this, your guests will still get the point! You could also scatter a few miniature Eiffel towers around the room on place settings, charcuterie displays, etc.
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Eiffel Tower Centerpiece
Instead of leaning on physical French sites, focus on the vibe that you want to recreate, rather than the telltale landmarks of the City of Lights. For example, if you want to go for a traditional, elegant look, reach for crystal glassware, blue and white dishes, neutral linens, etc.
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Botanical Transferware Dinner Plate
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Fiore Coupe Glasses
If you want to go for a cozier, more laidback feel, incorporate more color – inspired by the scene of a traditional Paris bistro with iron accents, dark reds, greens, and blues, touches of wicker, etc.
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Outdoor Dining Side Chairs (Set of 4)
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Claret Stoneware Salad Plate
Another way to bring Paris to your living room or dining room? Add a few pieces of French artwork. If it pairs well with the rest of your decor, you don’t even have to take it down after the party – it can become a fixture in your home. If you already have a gallery wall started in your space, you could try swapping out the prints for Paris-inspired artwork.
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Vintage Framed Canvas Print Wall Art
The most important thing to remember is that you’re trying to create a feeling – you don’t always have to be literal to achieve the Paris theme!
Setting the Scene
Music
Music can play a big role in setting the scene for a Paris-themed party! It’s a powerful tool to set the vibe of the type of party you’re hosting. If you’re hosting a lively get-together during the day, go for upbeat music by French singers – you can’t go wrong with the classics.
Hosting an intimate dinner party? I like to play instrumental music at smaller or cozier gatherings – a vocalist could make it harder to hear each other over the lyrics. French jazz or soft jazz would be perfect for these types of events that call for a bit of class and elegance.
Lighting
The French love a cozy, warm ambiance when they get together. They often eat late at night and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere of a low-lit cafe for a long meal that stretches well into the late-evening hours. Parisians are known for dining at 7, 8, or 9 pm – sometimes even later, and they don’t rush through a meal. They use the opportunity to connect with friends, families, and colleagues, and often spend 2-3 hours at the table when they’re dining out.
To create the cozy atmosphere of a French cafe, stick to low, warm lighting in your space. Turn off any harsh or blue-tinted overhead lighting and break out the lamps, candles, and warm-tinted wall sconces. This will immediately transform your space into a more relaxing environment and put your guests at ease to enjoy their evening.
If it’s still light outside when you’re hosting, focus on emphasizing natural light! Try to avoid any artificial sources besides the ones I just mentioned. Even if it’s daytime, you can contribute to a cozy atmosphere by lighting a few candles for the aesthetic or turning on a few decorative lamps. However, if you’re serving food, it’s usually best to stay away from scented candles that could interfere with your guests’ appetite or mess with the flavor profiles of what you’re serving.
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2 Small Table Lamps
The Activities
Planning a Paris-themed party that’s more than just a meal? You’ll want to have an activity on hand to fill your itinerary! Don’t worry about over-planning, though – you’ll stress yourself out instead of allowing yourself time to mingle with guests.
Some activities for a Paris-themed party could include:
- Painting a French scene on mini canvases
- Making floral bouquets with common French flowers, like lavender, lilacs, and roses
- An old school photo booth
- A wine and cheese tasting
- A book club discussion (with a book set in France or by a French author)
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Mini Canvas Set
Party Favors
Sending your guests home with a party favor is the “touche finale” on a great get-together. Party favors aren’t a necessity, but they can leave a memorable impression on your friends and family – especially if the favors are thoughtful or homemade. You also don’t have to spend a lot to create meaningful takeaways!
Although trinkets can be nice, some attendees might be minimalists and prefer not to bring anything extra home with them. The solution? Try to stick to gifts that are consumable – like small snacks or drinks. For a Paris-themed party, macarons are a great option as they’re small, out of the ordinary, and can be used as party decor until they’re sent home with your guests!
If you’ve never tried making them before, we have a go-to recipe for you to make tasty salted caramel macarons at home. Have a few goodie bags for guests to fill, or have them pre-bagged or boxed ahead of time. This is a mess-free, aesthetic dessert that your friends and family will be sure to appreciate!
The Dress Code
Tailor your dress code to the vibe you want to set for your Paris-themed party! Hosting a ritzy holiday party inspired by the glittering Eiffel Tower? Cocktail attire is what you’ll list on your party invitation. Planning a casual, daytime event or birthday party? Try a classic Mariner t-shirt, jeans, and ballet flats! And if you need something in between, you can’t go wrong with a Little Black Dress, black shoes, and a red lip.
A Paris-Themed Party to Remember
Whether you’re planning a Parisian birthday party or a more intimate dinner with friends, the French have mastered the art of classy get-togethers that make everyone feel warm and welcome. Make your Paris party one to remember by following these tips, and you’ll be sure to impress your guests!
Now that you’re going to party like a French girl, it’s time to dress like one too! Up Next: How French Women Dress: Your No-Fail Outfit Guide for Every Season
