French Summer Supper on the Porch

• Make Rosemary-Lemon Cake Roll (if served) following Do-Ahead tip in recipe.
• Shop for additional menu items without recipes—champagne, French or French-style summer wines or nonalcoholic sparkling beverages, and French roast coffee.

The Day Before

• Prepare the veggies for Salade Niçoise; refrigerate in separate containers.
• 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.)

The Morning Of

• Chill the champagne.
• Shop for additional menu items without recipes—French baguette (if served).
• Make Olive Tapenade; cover and refrigerate.
• Make Lemon-Berry Tart (if served) or Rosemary-Lemon Cake Roll (unless already made ahead).

Last-Minute Prep

• Make Gruyère Bread Ring.
• Serve beverages and offer Olive Tapenade as guests arrive.
• Assemble Salade Niçoise.
• Make coffee, if served, and serve dessert.

• Play French music; check online or at your local library for best selections.
• 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 music CD.
• 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 or sunflowers.
• 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 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 get to choose their favorite parts.
• Search on “coffee press” at the Betty Crocker® Store. You’ll find plenty to tempt you! It’s the trendiest way to brew coffee.
• France is famous for its pottery, fabrics and Santon figurines depicting Provençal people. Use these treasures to add French flair, color and authenticity to your table.