Don’t forget the candles…
This sounds like a no brainer but I’m not talking about everyday candle lighting with your basic tea lights, I mean really putting thought into your candles, having lots and going big.
I catered a party this summer where interior designer Andrika Lawren(www.andrikalawren.com) was a guest and also helped with the set up. She did a great job with simple but wow worthy candle lighting.
Flowers are fine but they were all around the garden anyways. The best was that as the sun went down the candles when from pretty and warm to something really special and created such a beautiful atmosphere.
Andrika used large glass candle holders some of which were about 3 ft tall, these also created a lot of interesting dimension and gave it a very urban feel.
Budget Friendly Ideas
Want to emulate the same idea but don’t want to break the bank? Hit your local Ikea and Dollerama to stock up on vases and candles.
This Ikea Vasen will do the trick. It’s the perfect price at $1.99 and runs about 7 inches tall . 
Their thick white candles candles start at $1.99 and some have a nice light scent. 
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00017133/
Happy Hosting!
- La Petite Chef
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It’s a popular theme. Paris, I see it a lot for birthdays, bachlorettes and bridal showers. Perhaps it’s the “city of love” idea or the fabulous french couture and lest we forget the food, that makes this such an easy go to. How does one bring that feeling of that certain “je ne se quois” to their living room or backyard?
Here are a few ideas:
1.Start with a french inspired menu!
Ofcourse the food has to be the focal point and believe me if the French have anything say in this they would ask that you include 2 things cheese and wine. Do not go to your local Metro or Loblaws for this, you must partake in the whole experience to do this this right. Find a local cheese shop and start there. They will let you sample the cheeses, guide you in how much you should buy and give you the low down on the regions where they are from so that you can let you guests know. That is how the french approach cheese, It’s a ritual, slapping a wheel of brie on a cutting board does not cut it. Look for interesting textures, shapes and colours and don’t forget about the baguettes! Our favourite fromagerie is the cheese boutique in Toronto www.cheeseboutique.com
For the mains, our favourite combinations have been:
Steak Frites with roasted Garlic aioli and Frisee salad
Croque Monsieur + Side Salad
French Onion Soup, Escargot, Coq au Vin
Beef Bourgignon
Check out our online menu for more French inspired foods.
Decor- It’s all about the little details
I loved the little touches Andrika Lawren (www.andrikalawren.com) and the host used for a french inspired bachlorette they were throwing:
Une Bicyclette: Equipped with picnic essentails and a french flag
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