How to Throw an Impossibly Elegant French

Dessert Party
By InStyle Staff Updated Oct 14, 2016 @ 5:30 pm

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Every Francophile spends their days dreaming about macarons, crème

brûlées, and pain au chocolat—and we're no exception. That's why we
tapped Manger blogger Mimi Thorisson, who details her mouthwatering
culinary adventures at her scenic château in Médoc's wine country, to not
only share a few classic confections from her upcoming cookbook French
Country Cooking ($28; available for pre-order on amazon.com)—but show
us how to decorate for a cozy-chic (read: French?) soirée. From the easy-to-
prep, laid-back menu to a table setting that's full of antique appeal, read on
for the full breakdown.

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SEND OUT A CHARMING INVITE

Drop your guests a note with a quaint blue-and-white china pattern (free/digital
invitation; paperlesspost.com/instyle) and hint at the vintage details to come.

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Set the Scene

We're all about the rustic French countryside aesthetic, but know that très chic
does not always translate to "easy DIY." Thankfully, Thorisson shared her pro-tips
on how to throw together a stylish dessert party that would win Marie
Antoinette's approval.

GO OLD-SCHOOL

Vintage tablewear is "soaked with history," says Thorisson, who loves revamping
tradition in fresh ways—say, piling clouds of fluffy whipped cream into a pretty
antique silver gravy boat.

KEEP IT LIGHT

Charming white plates frame Thorisson's food beautifully, but never steal the
spotlight. "The table as a whole should be opulent, but it should never feel stiff,
forced, or designed," she tells InStyle.

CREATE HEIGHT

Give each confection its due—and liven up the tablescape—by using cake stands
in varying sizes and colors. "I love mixing them," says Thorisson. "They bring an
Alice in Wonderland touch" to an enchanted spread.

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Pour a Complementary Glass of Wine

Thorisson's simple rule? Pair any not-too-sugary dessert with a delicious sweet
drink. She matches her famous fig tart (scroll down below) with a fruity Pineau des
Charentes ($30/750 ml; astorwines.com) and a more decadent dish, like cinnamon
crêpes (also below), with a dry Champagne, such as Drappier Carte d'Or Brut
($45/750 ml; astorwines.com). The mellow tarte tatin (below) goes well with a
sweet Loupiac from Bordeaux (Château Dauphiné Rondillon Loupiac 2009,
$28/750ml; sfwtc.com).

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COME EQUIPPED WITH A MAKE-AHEAD DISH

Thorisson prepares these delicious, cinnamon-flecked pancakes up to six hours in
advance. When it's time to serve, she simply fills them with cream and diced
berries. Get the recipe here.

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Whip up a Tasty Treat Tout Suite

This tart recipe packed with figs—a naturally sweet source of potassium, fiber,
and beauty-boosting vitamins— is a guiltless choice. Plus, it only take 30 minutes
start to finish. Get the recipe here.

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INCLUDE A SEASONAL FAVORITE

This caramelized apple tarte tatin, which is essentially an upside-down pie, minus
the base crust, is a sweet aromatic blend of vanilla, fruit, and butter. Need we say
more? Get the recipe here.

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