The Most Charming Fête en Blanc
Detailed plans for your own fête- menu, decor, and prep checklist
Photo: Rachel Leonard Kennedy of RachelLeonardKennedy.com
Set in a lovely garden, surrounded by huge trees and historic homes, this fête was quintessentially Southern in flavor. It offered just the right balance of simplicity and casual elegance.
A long standing tradition of my historic neighborhood is social gatherings. We are a highly eclectic group of people, drawn together by love of this place and held here by community. As new neighbors move in, we are committed to connecting with each other. Rachel (RachelLeonardKennedy.com), my
co-hostess and I decided to add new soirées to the calendar. The fête en blanc was a wonderful addition.
In general, I do not want to be too constrained by a party concept. Rather, the framework as a way to create an enjoyable experience for guests. We were fortunate, as the beauty of the historic home and garden allowed us to keep other aspects of the decor simple. Overall, the combination felt special. Guests were invited to wear white, but not required. Food and beverages were carefully selected and prepared to keep with the easy grace of the evening.
The fête en blanc, or white party, has an interesting history and an official keeper, you might enjoy reading more here. Read below for party planning details including recipes, supplies, tips, and a fantastic playlist. Party starts at 6pm and we plan for 40 guests.
FOOD MENU
cheese tray including chevre, St. Andre, aged cheddar with garnish of berries and herbs
Pesto Chicken Mezze with Balsamic Drizzle served with flat rounds, quartered
Zucchini Butter Dip served with sliced baguette
Spinach Artichoke Dip served with sliced baguette, crackers, and flat rounds
Lemon Possets
charcuterie board
Cheddar Bacon Drop Biscuits
DRINKS MENU
White Sangria
Lavender Garden
white and red wine
fruit infused water - 1 lemon and 1 lime sliced, 8-10 strawberries
sparkling water
PRO TIP: Ice is very important! Suffice to say that size, surface area, and freeze time make a difference in how quickly it melts. Because the party was in Tennessee, on a very warm June night, I knew ice would melt quickly and watery drinks should be avoided! Oversized ice cube trays like this are easy to use. I store batches in freezer bags until its time to use them. It is absolutely worth the effort.
INVITATION DESIGN
In approaching the invitation design, I referenced the established color palette, a vintage illustration served as a backdrop and simple typography conveyed the details. It is very important that the invitation design feels appropriate to the event. Remember, less is more. If too many details crowd the invitation, guests tend not to read. Custom invitation via Canva.
LOOK & FEEL
The historic house, garden, and the towering oaks served as a lovely backdrop for the fête. PRO TIP: A FANTASTIC SETTING WILL ALWAYS MAKE IT EASIER TO CREATE THE PERFECT AMBIANCE.
Florals prominently featured hydrangea which were in season and generously shared from a neighbor’s garden, giving the tables a luxurious grace.
Tables were dressed simply in white. We used standard height tables for food and beverage. Cocktail tables were also incorporated which helped with the flow of the party. This allowed guests to stand, move around easily, and interact comfortably with others.
The music had an intentional vintage vibe with touches of Nina, Billie, and a few french classics.
FANTASTIC FÊTE EN BLANC PLAYLIST IS HERE
This collection can be started fifteen minutes prior to your start time. Our parties tend to run long and there is music for a long wind down.
DECOR & SUPPLIES
Beverage dispenser, my favorite or this
We add 3 of these cocktail tables with these stretchy linens on our outside patio. It is a great way to encourage guests to circulate.
I prefer simple, inexpensive basics for tableware as opposed to disposable. This is something that has been collected for various parties.
Plates here and here.
Flatware here and here
Glassware: stemless wine, highball, water, water
Paper napkins for this one
Serving bowl for pesto chicken
Serving trays to add interest to the table here and here. Think cheese tray or a place to gather small supplies .
PREP CHECKLIST
6 weeks before
send invitation
2 weeks before
finalize guest count
1 week before
order table decor and supplies
finalize grocery list
3 days before
order/shop groceries
make oversized ice cubes
make lemon possets
1 day before
make cheddar biscuits
Day of
MORNING
get fresh baguettes from grocery
gather all serving platters and decide placement of food
make sangria
make fruit-infused water
4PM get ready
5PM
set up bar
assemble pesto chicken mezze
assemble cheese tray
assemble charcuterie
slice baguettes for serving
quarter the flatrounds
5:45PM
set everything out
cue the music
6pm PARTY STARTS
FOOD GROCERY LIST
4oz chevre cheese
7oz container St Andre
4-6oz aged cheddar
1 bag of cherries
blackberries
strawberries
blueberries
Raincoast Crisps fig and olive
water crackers
1 pk basil
1 lb zucchini
olive oil
medium shallot
garlic
13 lemons
ground white pepper
3 baguettes
2 lbs spinach dip
3 pack Stonefire flatbread rounds
1 pint heavy whipping cream
granulated sugar
items for charcuterie board including olives
1 lb bacon
all-purpose flour
baking soda
baking powder
2 sticks unsalted butter
1 block of cheddar or bag of shredded cheddar
buttermilk, whole cultured
1 jar pesto
2 rotisserie chicken
10oz container classic hummus
Balsamic vinegar, get a good aged one
Cocktail picks
DRINKS GROCERY LIST
6 bottles of pinot grigio
2 bottles red wine
1 liter club soda
Granulated sugar
2 lemons
1 orange
1 lime
8-10 strawberries
1 33oz bottle peach nectar
1 pk basil leaves
2 qty 750ml Hendricks gin
1 bottle lavender syrup
4 qty 4-pk Fevertree club soda bottles (6.8oz)
20-ish mint leaves
When asked, what can I bring?
For friends who don’t cook: Citronella candles
For friends who like to cook: bruschetta, whipped ricotta dip, or tomato caprese skewers.
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