French-Themed Dinner
A taste of elegance and tradition — bring a touch of Parisian bistro magic to your kitchen.
If your family enjoys trying new flavors and exploring different cultures, a French-Themed Dinner is the perfect way to bring a touch of sophistication and culinary artistry into your kitchen. French cuisine is known for its technique, rich flavors, and elegance, and you don't have to be a professional chef to recreate some of its most iconic dishes at home. With a few simple ingredients, you can transport your family to the heart of France and enjoy a memorable, delicious meal together.
Take breaks when needed according to the attention span of your children and your own. When this endeavor becomes a chore, the positive aspects of learning are lost. The point is to bond and learn surprising things from, and with, your family.
Gather Your Supplies
The Provisions
Props
- Elegant napkins and a small vase with flowers for a Parisian bistro setting
- Small candleholders for a romantic ambiance
- Popsicle sticks for Eiffel Tower model crafts
- Red, white, and blue construction paper for French flag crafts
- Whisk and mixing bowls for quiche and crêpes
- Rolling pin for crêpe dough
- Rustic-looking plates for a bistro feel
Recipes & Food
- Quiche Lorraine: Savory pie with creamy custard, eggs, cream, crispy bacon, and cheese
- French Baguettes: Freshly baked or store-bought, served alongside the meal
- Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in red wine, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs
- Crêpes: Thin, delicate pancakes filled with Nutella and fresh fruit, or ham and cheese
- Simple green salad or roasted veggies as a side
Language & Music
- Learn French phrases: 'Bon appétit!' (Enjoy your meal), 'Merci' (Thank you)
- Play traditional French music or classic chanson (Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Stromae)
- Share the history of French cuisine: the French Revolution's role in developing haute cuisine
- Discuss French pastry traditions: croissants, éclairs, macarons
- Talk about wine pairings in French dining (use non-alcoholic grape juices to mimic the experience)
Peripherals
- French music playlist (Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Stromae)
- Eiffel Tower model craft using popsicle sticks
- French flag drawing activity with red, white, and blue paper
- Non-alcoholic grape juice 'wine tasting' to learn about wine pairings
Your Week of Wonder
The Five-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Discover French Culture & Plan the Menu
- Gather the family and talk about French cuisine and culture
- Choose your French menu: Quiche Lorraine, baguettes, Coq au Vin, crêpes
- Make a shopping list: eggs, cream, bacon, cheese, chicken, red wine (or grape juice), flour
- Learn French phrases: 'Bon appétit!' and 'Merci'
- Prepare a simple dinner and play traditional French music
Day 2
Set the Parisian Bistro Scene & Learn French History
- Set the table like a cozy Parisian bistro: elegant napkins, candleholders, a small vase with flowers
- Share the history of French cuisine: the French Revolution and the rise of haute cuisine
- Discuss French pastry traditions: croissants, éclairs, macarons
- Talk about wine pairings and how each region produces unique wines
- Prepare dinner and practice saying 'Bon appétit!' before eating
Day 3
Make Quiche Lorraine & French Flag Crafts
- Make Quiche Lorraine: whisk eggs and cream for the custard base, add bacon and cheese
- Let kids help whisk the eggs and add the bacon and cheese
- Bake the quiche and prepare a simple green salad
- Make French flags with red, white, and blue construction paper
- Build Eiffel Tower models using popsicle sticks
Day 4
Cook Coq au Vin & Prepare Crêpe Batter
- Start Coq au Vin: brown chicken, add red wine (or grape juice), onions, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs
- Let kids help with stirring and adding herbs and spices
- Prepare crêpe batter: whisk flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt
- Let the batter rest while the Coq au Vin simmers
- During dinner, discuss how the slow-cooking process lets flavors meld together
Day 5
The Final French-Themed Dinner!
- Set the Parisian bistro table with candles, flowers, and elegant napkins
- Serve the Quiche Lorraine with a green salad
- Slice fresh baguettes and serve alongside the Coq au Vin
- Cook crêpes: let kids help pour batter and flip (with supervision)
- Let everyone customize their crêpe with Nutella, fresh fruit, ham, or cheese
- Say 'Bon appétit!' together before eating and 'Merci' when passing dishes
- Play French music and enjoy the elegant bistro atmosphere
