Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 e-newsletter about internet hosting life’s large and little moments. It’s the place we share our private ideas and methods, from modern-day etiquette—sneakers off or sneakers on?—to creating further seating out of each floor of an residence. This week, Kelly is internet hosting a French fête.
This text was created in partnership with Maker’s Mark.
I spent a semester on the Sorbonne in Paris simply as I used to be turning 21. To say it was formative is an understatement—Parisiennes have life on lock. Lengthy, luxurious lunches (al fresco, all yr spherical), dinners that final, and final, and final… There’s an absence of urgency, the joie de vivre, that I believe we might all profit from these days. So, take this as your signal to throw your individual French backyard get together this summer time—possibly even with a twist.
1. À La Carte
For me, a lot of the enjoyable is planning the menu. The French love mild bites that facilitate simple connection over lengthy durations. Assume: cheese-heavy charcuterie, pastries, decadent fruits, baguette (ripped and dipped, not sliced), and wealthy butter. You may get somewhat fancy: escabeche for those who’re grilling, a selfmade quiche, duck liver pâté, tomatoes provençale. The purpose is to carry family and friends collectively, at all times.
2. The Spritz de Résistance
There’s nothing I like greater than going somewhat overboard, and there’s no higher method to take action than planning a signature, refreshing summer time cocktail to your soirée. Enter the Southern Spritz: a brilliant, citrus-forward cocktail constructed round Maker’s Mark 46*, a Kentucky-made bourbon completed with French oak staves that lend notes of vanilla and caramel. It’s the proper twist-in-a-glass for a French backyard get together with somewhat Southern aptitude.
Picture by Food52
3. Curate, Don’t Complicate
Mismatched plates, silverware, and glasses (with balanced colours) carry vitality to the center of your tablescape. Small touches like namecards or knife rests are nice, however don’t overdo it. Ajiri Aki says in her e-book Joie: A Parisian’s Information to Celebrating the Good Life to select one fundamental focus, like vibrant plateware, and persist with it.
4. Flower Energy
I can’t overstate this: recent, lush flowers and greenery all over the place. Nobody can have a foul time with a lot magnificence round. Hold desk flowers low and sprawling, so company don’t need to peek round them to see each other. Add candles, maintain lighting low, and curate the playlist.
5. Put the Prep Work In…
… and get the satisfaction out. It’s all about lowering stress so you possibly can totally benefit from the soireé. For those who’re shopping for pastries, seize them the day earlier than (from a French patisserie if potential). Pre-cut cheese for charcuterie, marinate your escabeche in a single day. Set the desk the evening earlier than, too, and ask for assist. The setup is a part of the conviviality.
6. Gradual and Regular
Most significantly: Breathe. Decelerate. Be current. When emulating joie de vivre, that is important. Julia Youngster mentioned, “It doesn’t matter what occurs within the kitchen, by no means apologize.” Nobody will keep in mind a mishap, however they’ll keep in mind the way you made them really feel. Bon braveness!
*Maker’s Mark 46®️ Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Barrel Completed with 10 French Oak Staves, 47% Alc./Vol. ©️2025 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY
How are you internet hosting this summer time? What are your finest backyard get together ideas?
