CheekyChicago

As I write, I sit on my petite terrasse, overlooking La Tour Eiffel sparkling in the night sky. I am here – for the third year in a row – for the month of August. In these four weeks, I will scour and savor my favorite city in the world (isn’t it everyone’s?) for all of the hot new trends in entertaining, menus, florals, fashion, gifts and more. After all, doesn’t everything fabulous begin right here?

I start my day planning which arrondisment to spend my time wandering, somewhat purposefully yet aimlessly, discovering the history, architecture (ooh la la…the architechture!), les boutiques, cafes and more. From my favorite in the 6th to the outskirts in the 18th, I honestly love them all.

Every corner I turn, there are more windows to ogle and trends to take mental note of.

For fashion: fur vests are IN. They are shown long length, short, with sleeves, no sleeves, belted…every possible way.

Tall, slouchy over the knee boots are very in. I am ordering mine online now so they’re waiting at my doorstep when I return home.

Grey – for the third year in a row – is very in. Sweaters, scarves, vests, tall boots…you name it.

Scarves – IN. All wrapped a la Francais around the neck with long draping ends. So far, I have four to bring home.

For entertaining: chic salads are in. Shown above is my all time Paris fave, le salade chevre chaud. Melted goat cheese toasts, with a delish mustard vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes and more. This dinner was enjoyed at Le Bonaparte in St. Germain, an all time favorite and my first stop upon arriving.

Tonight I had a “bleu” ribbon winner: le melon salade. Cantelope paired with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil pesto and a crunchy wedge of Romaine will now be on my event menu for all spring and summer celebrations.

For the rest of the month – don’t drink anything but French rose wine. Served perfectly chilled, it is so refreshing, thirst quenching and delicious.

I can’t skip dessert, of course – even when writing! Now don’t be the blase hostess, serving something trite like a scoop of gelato. Instead, serve “shooters de glace”, a trio of ice creams/gelatos each scooped into a small juice glass, then served together on a plate. How fun and colorful is that?

Enjoy your last few weeks of summer, as I shall do here in Paris. Of course, I will share more trends and ideas next week!

Debi Lilly is the Chief Eventeur for A Perfect Event, 3050 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.