4th of July Celebrations at the Embassy

 One week before the actual 4th of July, the American Ambassador to France and Monaco hosted two parties at her residence: one for those who work with the embassy and one for those who work at the embassy. The former was lavish: 3,000 of the embassy' "close contacts" were treated to Michelin-star chef prepared meals, a Carole King concert, a Disney 3-D light show, among many other attractions. The latter was more family-oriented and smaller as 200 staff members and their families came together to eat BBQ and listen to a live Americana band. Below are photos from the two parties to give you a good idea of how the two parties were wonderfully different from one another.

Party 1: the 4th of July Gala

This party was an event. It required dressing to the 9s, smiling to anyone who walked by, and helping anyone who needed help as you were in the presence of important, embassy contacts, many of which were French government officials or other foreign diplomats. And the event was designed and executed in ways that certainly impressed its guests and tended to their needs.

The Appearance: 

The Outfit: Nicole Miller dress, Ines de la Fressenge jacket, vintage jewelry from the Marais, and Steve Madden shoes.
Hair: by Natalie Barbaresi (courtesy of a Target hair brush and pony tail)
Make-Up: by Natalie Barbaresi (courtesy of Target, CVS Pharmacy, and Nordstrom's)

 The Residence

The Garden

Before the guests arrived

The Food: 30 Michelin-star, American chefs provided the food, drink, and dessert for the party and my oh my was it all delicious!

A tender meat in a sweet, teriyaki sauce and crepe

Cheesecakes, graham cracker and lemon meringue, among other goodies

Lobster hot dog with sweet potato chips

Popcorn-flavored macaroons 

The Garden Again:

Clearly, she is a fan of modern art

Wings of Dixie performing (a band made up of Air Force officers)

The party in full swing 

The Disney 3-D Light Show:

Carole King performance

Not pictured but worth mentioning:

-- Ambassador's remarks
-- Singing of the French and American national anthems
-- Honoring of the Thalys heros (the three, American soldiers who stopped the terrorist on the train from Amsterdam to Paris) --> I went up and shook their hands afterwards

It was truly a wonderful night!

Party 2: Community Party

Same place, but more relaxed and familial vibes

American-inspired picnic

The burger grills were to the right of the statue

Dancing the jive

The ambassador with the boy scouts

An original copy of the Constitution was on display for both parties