Party à la Paris

Great dish + simple sides Cheese plate (set out a handful of cheeses in a range of styles and milk choices). Sunset loves Pondhopper semisoft goat cheese ($26 for 16 oz.;  tumalofarms.com), Edam-style Tulare Cannonball ($14 for 14 oz.;  bravofarms.com), and Crater Lake Blue ($25 for 16 oz.;  roguecreamery.com). Add breads, crackers, fruit, and a variety of chocolates

Cool cocktail Sparkling wine. Try a classic brut style―a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, such as Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2004 (Green Valley of Russian River Valley; $33)

Color scheme + decor idea Red and brown + tissue-paper flowers (fan-fold tissue paper and secure with pipe cleaner “stems”)

Fun activity Compare notes during cheese and chocolate tastings

Thoughtful favor Decorative notebooks for guests to record their favorite flavors