The Smarty-Pants Picnic

Last month I whipped together another Festive Food Friday for our office's forced-socialization requirements. Luckily I've been able to raise the bar a little closer to the borderline of "actual fun" which I consider a huge triumph.

Smarty-Pants Picnic was a hybrid of summer fun & academia in honor of a co-worker's doctorate. Books & gingham abounded. Picnic favorite dishes with a side of trivia. And let's be honest... it was mostly an excuse for mustaches and monocles.

Please feel free to use any of my ideas for a party of your own.

Un parti français? Oui, s'il vous plaît.

"I swear if she makes me wear a beret, I'm leaving" ~Lee

"Um, I don't really think I need to share a candle-lit dinner with my coworkers" ~Jill

These were the murmurings that could be heard around my office on Friday as I completely took over our monthly "Festive Food Friday". And they were shortly followed by phrases more along the lines of "Wow, you should do this for a living." and "Do you plan weddings?"

It's a classic pattern...

1. Lauren sees something neglected that could be done better
2. She takes total control
3. She goes way overboard to the point of people thinking she's ridiculous
4. Everyone has a lovely time.

And that's exactly what happened as we were transported to a quaint little bistro in France, if only for the afternoon.

And if you ever feel like having your own Festive (French) Food Friday, here's a little playlist I made to set the mood. Seriously feel free to steal any of my ideas & bon appetit!