Yesterday we hosted our first birthday party in Paris. We had a standard Canadian party with games, cake, ice cream, and party goods from the Dollorama (imported from Canada). Despite my fears, our apartment handled the fourteen kids fairly well and there were no major incidents to report.
French birthday parties are similar to ours, but there are a few differences to note:
The Cake - P’s Barbie cake (an Anglo girl favorite) was quite a departure from what kids generally have at parties here. The French don’t DO themed birthday cakes. From what we have experienced, a typical French birthday cake is very grown up, rich, chocolate and multi-layered (one of the layers is usually gooey). My tutor was disgusted when I described the Barbie concept to her, and said “why don’t you just get one from the patisserie”. I can’t wait to show her the photos of our “tasteful” pink princess.
Candy – French parties usually come with lots and lots of candy and the loot bag is usually a big bag of JUST candy.
Champagne - Parents usually are invited in for a glass of champagne when they pick up their kids. P ordered pink champagne, of course. We like this custom :).
All in all, the party was a big success. P was very happy today, and reflected on her milestone “I know I am six, but I still feel five.”
French birthday parties are similar to ours, but there are a few differences to note:
The Cake - P’s Barbie cake (an Anglo girl favorite) was quite a departure from what kids generally have at parties here. The French don’t DO themed birthday cakes. From what we have experienced, a typical French birthday cake is very grown up, rich, chocolate and multi-layered (one of the layers is usually gooey). My tutor was disgusted when I described the Barbie concept to her, and said “why don’t you just get one from the patisserie”. I can’t wait to show her the photos of our “tasteful” pink princess.
Candy – French parties usually come with lots and lots of candy and the loot bag is usually a big bag of JUST candy.
Champagne - Parents usually are invited in for a glass of champagne when they pick up their kids. P ordered pink champagne, of course. We like this custom :).
All in all, the party was a big success. P was very happy today, and reflected on her milestone “I know I am six, but I still feel five.”
Generations of Abba lovers thanks to Mama Mia
