I will be hosting a party for a friend who is a bonafide, die-hard Parisian fan (I know this question is a bit off, but this forum is the best place to get info from world-class travelers). I had been to Paris just once (2 days) so I cannot say I am an expert. I would appreciate it if you can suggest a decor, ambience, food, etc. to spice up a Parisian-theme party. Thanks a lot!

fun for your friend!<BR>a. music - search right here on the forum for great suggestions for French music (ie. Edith Piaf etc)<BR>b. not Parisian, but French - use some Provencal type fabric for table cloth,<BR>or a toile pattern<BR>c. every year, the Sept issue of Victoria Magazine features 'French living', with wonderful ideas..can you get a back copy?<BR>d. food - I'm not much of a foodie, so additional responses will be forthcoming, I'm sure.<BR>e. try a search here for a thread on decorating a bathroom in French or Parisian style - there might be some ideas there you can use elsewhere in the house.

There seem to be lots of things around these days with the fleur du lys on them--water glasses, napkin rings, etc. <BR><BR>For food--brie, camembert, lot of French cheeses out there. Little cheese puffs called gougere are delicious and not hard to make. Little pots of French olives to sit around. Pate de campagne, made with chicken livers.<BR>Main course, coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine), or a good daube. <BR>Salad--Belgian endive tossed with toasted walnuts, blue cheese- dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, pinch of salt, whisked together.<BR> <BR>Recommend Patricia Wells' Bistros of Paris cookbook for simple, homey recipes.<BR><BR>Sounds like a wonderful party; lucky ami(e)!

Install a turkish toilet for your guest!!!

How about all the ladies wearing a scarf (what can be more Parisian?). For deco, lots of flowers/anything with yellow/blue (provencal colors), for food, a baquette with french cheese and wine, balloons with french words. Enjoy!

Can you have any men serve food or drinks in 'bistro' wear... as in white shirt, black bow tie, and a waist tied apron with towel over shoulder or tucked into the waist of the apron?

Oh, Celeste, follow all this advice, and you're going to throw the biggest tack fest ever !

Well, Tacky, you're certainly not invited! I think it sounds like a very FUN party!!

Make sure everyone brings a dog and let them poop all over the floor. Tell everyone not to bathe or shower for five days before the party. Give plenty of notice so the women don't shave their armpits or legs for at least a month. For food serve parts of animals that most Americans would never think of eating.

OK - here's a potential gift as well as ambiance maker: Target sells Eiffel tower lamps for about $30. They are really cute, and I almost bought one for our guest bedroom (but we have more of a Med/tropical theme going on in that room). I'm still thinking about where I might put one...

Invite xx or Tacky-you know the old rumor about how rude the French can be! These two can be your rude guests!LOL!