I’ve never been quite sure why “just staying in and watching a movie” gets such a bad rap. A low-key Friday evening with a small group of good friends can rival the most glamorous nights out on the town in my book. Lately I’ve been toying with the idea of planning a few get-togethers around the idea of screening a short film on my projector and then just hanging out afterwards. Sounds fun, right? I started imagining a dinner party designed around Albert Lamorissi’s 1956 featurette, Le Ballon Rouge. The 34-minute short follows a young boy and his budding friendship with a somewhat mischievous red balloon. Set against a slate-grey Paris, the almost completely wordless film is a masterpiece of visual storytelling. With it’s sweetness and sincerity, Le Ballon Rouge may have inspired more than a few Pixar moments. While I’d love to host this party for my friends, I think this concept could also make for a darling children’s party! Lamorissi’s pretty palette could translate to the tabletop with grey glassware and linens, marble and pewter pieces, and a few very bright pops of red:
1. Follow up dinner with classic french ice cream from Pierre’s.
2. Wouldn’t it be cool to have invitations printed on a balloon?
3. Guests could sip from grey and white striped straws.
4. Bring in a touch of zinc with this two-toned vase from French Connection.
5. Guests could make sundaes in these smoke grey glasses.
6. Serve dinner on this gorgeous marble-top table from 1stdibs.
7. A bowl full of bright red cherries would be a playful hint to the movie.
8. A classic and collectable Gilchrist #31 ice cream scoop would be perfect with the Pierre’s.
9. Guests could lounge on the floor to watch the movie with a few ticking stripe pillows.
10. A collection of mis-matched vintage french chairs would be darling around the marble-top table. And of course, you’ll need one perfect red balloon!
