Today I’m going to show you just how much I love Christmas. Earlier this year I traveled to Paris for the second time. I’ve loved the city for years and it’s influence can be found throughout my decor and my style. I decided to combine my two loves into one beautiful scene in my home for the holiday season. Since I’m not actually hosting a party, I created my dream with a few of my French and holiday favorites. This is truly a representation of my perfect Christmas.
I can’t mention my love for France without mentioning my mother. She passed her love of French & French Creole culture down to me. This will probably be her favorite post too, and fittingly so since today is her birthday. Please enjoy my photos and I hope it inspires you to have a wonderful holiday.
Although not an expensive bottle, the Sofia riesling is my favorite wine. I adore a glass with any meal and enjoy picking up a bottle each time I visit the Coppola Winery. A fitting beverage created by the director director of Marie Antoinette. If this party were real, you’d fine chilled bottles and champagne coupes all over.
La vie en rose. I don’t think you can have a French party without them. I dream of one day having a rose garden where I can cut fresh bouquets. Until then the market will have to do. I also believe a bouquet of flowers is one of the best hostess gifts. This set of eight was only $5, yet any hostess would love such a delicate sweet smelling treat.
Our tree this year is decorated in brand new glass ornaments from Balsam Hill. The delicate and sparkly set inspired my decision to setup a French inspired Christmas. It is our first glass set of ornaments and their dainty details are stunning. I attended a Balsam Hill holiday party and won the set! My husband and I were completely shocked and grateful. I ended up transforming my old gold Target ornaments into beautiful garland. Cheers to repurposing!
I found beautiful mini ornaments at Michaels in pastel colors (as well as the larger pink set). I had no idea what I’d do with them, but these little guys inspired the entire theme. I love the macaron colors, which, well, inspired me to bake French macarons!
When I have the time, I try to make a macaron tree for Christmas. I remember seeing the beautiful edible sculptures in patisseries and always dream of buying a tower from Laduree or Bottega Louie. Until then, I will put my pastry skills to work and make my own. This particular batch is infused with lavender. Simply take a white chocolate ganache recipe and add the flower to the boiling cream. You can strain as you pour over the chocolate and voila the flavor is added. Is smells almost as good as it tastes!
I have searched for the perfect set of napkins rings for years (I’m very picky) and found these at Elizabeth W in Carmel. I thought they were the perfect touch of French and classic style.
So I have a bit of an obsession with packaging. This particular style with the traditional garland trim is my favorite. I save boxes with this pattern and even decorated a small cake with the design. I’ll have to share next time! When repurposed, these make beautiful gift boxes. The small green set is actually from the Laduree cookbook. It’s filled with all the dreamy French pastries!
I couldn’t forget to add a little decor feature the lapin. I love the dishes found at Anthropogie years ago and discovered a matching container from When Modern Was. I’m on a hunt now to find other pieces from the collection. Oh boy if I spot cups and saucers!
One day I hope to spend the holiday in Paris. The decor is beyond words. Until then, I’ll create my own little version at home.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the styling, I’ll be happy to help find similar products or share more on how I created the space :)
