It’s Bastille Day next week (Wednesday July 14), so why not get in the spirit with a gathering to celebrate everything Gallic? Either host a party at home, or head out to a Bastille Day event … here are some ideas:

• If you’re in Sydney, you can eat, drink and dance the night away as you soak up the atmosphere of the Alliance Francaise Bastille Day Party. It’s being held on Saturday 10 July, with can-can dancers, trumpeters and a French DJ to celebrate the occasion.
• In Melbourne, you can swill champagne while being treated to a private viewing of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition as part of the Bastille Day Arty Aperitif event. It’s being held on Tuesday July 13, with a dress code of ‘French chic’ and the suggestion that you wear a touch of ‘bleu, blanc, rouge’ (red, white, blue)!
• Those who live in Brisbane can enjoy some French fun at Brisbane French Festival, which offers Gallic food, music, stalls and street performances. It’s being held on July 17 at South Bank and is a free event, so take the whole family.
• Those who’d rather have their Bastille Day party at home might like these ideas for a French-inspired get-together:
  • Moulin Rouge theme: Before your party, watch the movie again to get inspiration for your decorations and outfit. Feathers, lace, boas and corsets will all fit in well. Absinthe optional!
  • French film night: For a smaller gathering of friends, cook up a pot of classic coq au vin, serve plenty of wine, then watch Audrey Tautou stroll the streets of Paris in the heart-warming film, Amelie. A great casual, mid-week idea.
  • French cooking night: Invite a few mates around to cook up a French feast together – from French onion soup to Beef Bourguignon or savoury crepes. Profiteroles for dessert, perhaps? Bon appetit!
• We’ve got dozens of French-inspired invites to choose from, so organise your Bastille Day party now.