Many of us in Louisiana are lucky enough to have friends who love to fish and have extra left over to share with their friends. Timau Claverie is one such friend, so voila!: a fish-themed party! This would also be perfect for an outdoor soirée or pool party.
I found the fish pillows at the Accent Annex on LaBarre Road and added the invitation card. Always call first to get your ideal group together, and then hand-deliver the invitation a few days before the party with all of the particulars: time, date place and exactly what to wear.
Find as many fish-related items that you can, and it’s best and easiest to first go though those things you already own. Hang fish on the walls, use a fish blanket for a tablecloth, use fish-shaped or painted plates and paint light-up wine glasses with palm trees and fish.
We have a new karaoke machine, so we made everyone sing to Jimmy Buffet and threw in some Bob Marley for a Caribbean touch. Pass out maracas and tambourines to those whose voices are best kept for yelling “Encore!” so they can keep time to the music.
The menu, of course, should have fish in every course (be certain that everyone you invite loves fish, or ask them to another party). We put bouillabaisse in small pots for the first course, which I got from John Rowland of Southern Hospitality Catering. For the second course we served fish tacos with fresh salsa, cabbage with cumin, lime, green onions and cilantro with fish-shaped bruschetta. You can take a break from the fish for dessert, but you could get fish molds and make individual crème brûlées.
Send everyone home with a painted wine glass and a blinky ring and you’re set!
