July 14, 1789, marks the day the people of Paris rose up in protest to the detested King Louis XVI and marched on the Bastille, a state prison that symbolized the corrupt political system. Each year, the French celebrate the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Republic with fireworks, champagne and jubilant music. A typical French menu may consist of French onion soup, pot-au-feu, poires au vin rouge and café au lait or perhaps bouillabaisse and a French apple tart. Although these menus sound wonderful, we’re suggesting one that is easy summer fare and still has a French flair. Viva la France!

Salade Niçoise

Bastille Day Gathering Menu Champagne or nonalcoholic champagne* Golden Onion Soup Gruyère Bread Ring Salade Niçoise Herbed French Bread Florentines Orange Madeleines Festive Fruit Platter Café au Lait* * Recipe is not included

Make It Special!
 
French Fun

• Play French music; check out your local library for best selection.  Include the “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem.
• Pin the names of famous French people on the backs of guests as they arrive; guests have to figure out who they are by asking questions.
• If your guests are trivia buffs, make your own version of French trivia.  Award the winner with a French CD.
• Fireworks are a typical Bastille Day event and can be fun; check to make sure they’re legal in your neighborhood. 
• Plan an adventure trip to France as a group activity.  You can often get a custom tour for a group of 16.  Ask guests to bring travel books, brochures and ideas.

French Decorations

• Fill French metal flower containers with fresh lavender.  If fresh lavender is not in season in your area, purchase dried flowers.  Arrange large containers on the ground, or tie dried sprigs to hang from the ceiling. 
• Blue, white and red are the colors of the French flag.  White sheets make inexpensive table coverings.  Trim with blue and red ribbon accents to complete the French color scheme.  Purchase a fleur-de-lis rubber stamp and gold fabric stamp pad and stamp on linens for an elegant French touch.  French print fabrics are wonderfully authentic and provide European ambiance.  Red, blue and mustard colors abound.
• Place a Monet print on an easel in the party area.  Or display travel posters from a travel agency.
• Place a bag or bottle of herbes de Provence (a mixture of herbs commonly used in French cooking) by each place setting for a take-home treat.  Tie cards with guests’ names to the herbs if desired.

French Food Presentation

• Use herbes de Provence for the basil and oregano in the Herbed French Bread for a true French flavor.  Present the warm bread wrapped in a white linen cloth in a basket.
• Use crisp white serving dishes; borrow from a friend if needed.
• Serve Salade Niçoise on a large platter instead of on individual plates to make a dramatic presentation.  It will also save you time, and guests gets to choose their favorite parts.
• France is famous for its pottery and Santon figurines depicting Provençal people.  Use these treasures to add French flair and authenticity to your entertaining.

Preparation Guide 

Up to 3 Weeks Before

• Make Florentines (do not frost) and Orange Madeleines; wrap and freeze.

The Day Before

• Prepare the veggies for Salade Niçoise; refrigerate in separate containers.
• Make Florentines (and frost them) and Orange Madeleines if not already made.  (Defrost if already made and frozen; frost the Florentines.)
• Make Parmesan Croutons for Golden Onion Soup; store in an airtight container.
• Prepare Golden Onion Soup up to the point of adding broth and water; cool and refrigerate covered.
• Prepare Basil Vinaigrette for the Salade Niçoise; store covered in the refrigerator.
• Cook the eggs and the beans for Salade Niçoise; store covered in the refrigerator.  (Click here for egg cooking times.)
• Cut the fruits for Festive Fruit Platter; refrigerate in separate containers.  Mix sour cream and brown sugar; cover and refrigerate.

The Morning Of

• Prepare Herbed French Bread up to the point of heating.
• Chill the champagne.

About 2 Hours Before Guests Arrive

• Arrange salad ingredients on serving platter.
• Make Gruyère Bread Ring.

About 30 Minutes Before Guests Arrive

•  Heat prepared portion of soup with broth and water on top of stove.

When Guests Arrive

• Serve champagne.

Just Before Serving the Meal

• Warm the Herbed French Bread to serve with the salad while guests are enjoying the soup and Gruyère Bread Ring.