The Dinner Party Guide: Hauts-de-France Edit
the inspiration
THIS MONTH WE ARE INSPIRED BY HAUTS-de-FRANCE.
Pronounced "oh de Frahns," Hauts-de-France is a new region in France created in 2016 from the merger of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. Translated to “Heights of France” the region is located in the northernmost area of France characterized by serene beaches, rolling hills, pear and apple orchards, and fields of artichokes and endive.
It also holds significant historical importance with WWI battlefields, war cemeteries, and memorials. Lille, the largest city in the region, has a combination of modern and Gothic architecture and is close to London via the Chunnel and Paris and Brussels by train. The region’s food and drink has Flemish and Welsh influence. Beer is the common beverage and is often added to dishes like the Welsh rarebit and carbonnade.
to set the mood
RECOMMENDED READING
A Bite Sized History of France: A history of France told through the lens of food!
WHAT TO WATCH
The Taste of Things: Just in time for Valentines day, a very French, very sumptuous love story for all of your senses. In theaters and streaming.
THE CONVERSATION
I love to set conversation cards and handwritten menus on the table. Use this month and don't forget to check out our past months as well. Putting a little care into curating the moment, but not overly directing really makes a gathering special.
THE PLAYLIST
Nothing sets the mood like the right music— let us help. Find winter tunes here.
MOODBOARD
You know I love moodboards! They’re a fantastic way to visualize ideas and set the tone for a dinner party - or any project! See my February Pinterest board here.
for the table
THE FLOWERS
White roses are the epitome of romantic flowers. I always have a vase by my bedside. Try this trick to make them even more lovely.
THE SETTING
Vintage Champagne Buckets! A perfect Vday gift, filled with flowers, or champagne ;) . Also just a perfect thing for anyday! Chez Pluie has some really special (and aspirational!) ones, but there are always great finds on ebay & etsy too.
on the menu
recipes for you
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb is a stunning centerpiece for any date night or dinner party. Find the recipe here or just order it!
GET THE RECIPE
Les Chicons Gratin
Endive gratin is a classic dish of the Hauts-de-France region. Endive is wrapped in ham and covered with a bechamel or mornay sauce.
GET THE RECIPE
to drink
SOMMELIER NOTES FOR DECEMBER
This northern region is just a little too cold for red wine, but it is perfect for champagne, cider fruit and Belgian style beer, thus it is the land of bubbles, which is perfect for Hauts-de-France’s rich cuisine. Read Bill’s full wine notes.
COCKTAILS ANYONE?
Introducing the original French shandy: the Picon Bière
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ZERO-PROOF?
Our friends at Marigold put together a selection of nonalcoholic pairings each month.
THE MEMBER GIFT
Each season, our members receive a complimentary hand-selected gift. This season’s gift is perfect for entertaining— Love & Victory Diver Cocktail Picks from Shop Senti. We can’t wait for you to show them off!