Feast On This!

I'm sure you're all still stuffed from Thanksgiving and don't even want to think about more food, but I just couldn't help myself when it came to posting a blog about Christmas tablescapes! I spent my Thanksgiving at my daughter's, and since she didn't have a table for the giant feast, I'm in holiday table mode! I just love these French country looks. Simple, yet stunning. They make me want Christmas to be here right now! (Don't tell that to my wallet, as its still recovering from the L.A. trip and needs some time to refill so I can get those Christmas presents bought and wrapped!)

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: provedencedecoration.com, shinyinteriors.com, dreamywhites.blogspot.com, squidoo.com, countryliving.com, countryliving.com, countryliving.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

I really got it lucky this year, as I don't have to lift a finger at all for Thanksgiving! My eldest daughter offered to host the feast at her apartment in Los Angeles, and she's quite the little chef, so I'm looking forward to what deliciousness she'll have to offer. Unfortunately, she lives in a studio apartment without a table and chairs, so we'll have to balance turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie on our laps while perched on her couch. But considering she'll be doing all the planning, cooking and cleaning (and it's all taking place in the beautiful Southern California sunshine with plenty of champagne to go around), I don't think I'll be complaining!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May your day be filled with love, laughter and lots of family and friends!
P.S. Don't forget to check out this weeks French Friday Sale at French Charmed!

 

Photo credit: abduzeedo.com

Out Of The Blue

Oysters don't generally scream "holiday time" in my house, but I know they're quite popular on the East coast when it comes to stuffings and side dishes for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. And believe it or not, oysters are a very traditional addition to holiday feasts in France! It's a little outside of the box for my family, but I think I'll give this herbed oyster stuffing recipe a whirl for myself this week and see if all the hype is worth it. I do love slurping cool, briny oysters from their shell, and I'm thinking the addition of crusty French bread, herbs and veggies can only heighten the appeal!

 

Photo credit: myrecipes.com

Language Lesson

Due to it being strictly an American and Canadian holiday celebrating the bountiful harvest of fall, Thanksgiving isn't celebrated in France (I'm crossing my fingers that this isn't shocking news to any of you!). However, just because it's not a typical French holiday doesn't mean we can't bring a little inspiration from the country into our family dinner, right? I tend to incorporate a little something special into my affair, whether it be a French martini in place of wine or a galette in place of a pie. But if you're set on following American traditions when it comes to your feast, how about calling each element by its French name? Here are a few words, just to get you started. Good luck!

turkey:   la dinde

gravy:   la sauce au jus de viande

mashed potatoes:   la purée

stuffing:   la farce

bread:   le pain

corn:   le maïs

sweet potato:   la patate douce

yam:   un igname

cranberry:   la canneberge

pumpkin pie:   la tarte à la citrouille

 

Photo credit:ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com
Language credit: about.com

Angel Wings Have Landed

The famous Jeanne d'Arc Angel Wings have landed at French Charmed! These Angel Wings are made from beautiful white feathers. Gorgeous draped around a dress form, Graceful hanging on your wall! Generous size of 32" wing span x 31" tall. These wearable lovelies are made in Europe, and we have a very limited supply. Wishing you a happy Friday darlings!

Photo courtesy Jeanne d'Arc Living

One Fine Day

I know it's time to start focusing on the holidays (and I am dears! In fact, I just started working on the December newsletter while sipping spiced hot cider, yum! ), but a part of me is still a bit sad to say goodbye to cafe weather. I'm always so torn during transitional months. On the one hand, I'm excited for the season that lies ahead. But on the other, I know it's going to be a very long year until I can again enjoy the one that is passing! I just had brunch with a friend over the weekend, and we tried sitting out on the patio, but the heating lamps just weren't enough to suffice, and we rushed inside before our aperitifs hit the table. Oh well — we tried, and that's what counts! Formal farewell, cafe weather. Until we meet again next year...

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: nestinteriordesigns.files.wordpress, artworksf.com, laradunning.files.wordpress, indiefixx.com, famousdc.com, hipparis.com

Perfect Pie

When I was growing up, I remember being so excited when my mom would bake frozen Swanson pot pies. The creamy vegetable and meat filling was the perfect hearty meal, but the flaky and sweet pie crust almost made it double as a dessert. My taste buds have definitely grown up since then, and I prefer a more sophisticated pot pie (my favorite is one at a little French restaurant inside the Denver airport; it’s made with a variety of fall vegetables and Pernod, yum!). But even though I love the traditional flaky crust usually associated with the hearty pies, I recently stumbled across this impressive recipe made with a homemade potato bowl, and I can’t wait to give it a try!

Treading Pages

Calling all shoe-aholics: Did anyone happen to snag the Jimmy Choo 15th anniversary coffee table book? The limited edition snakeskin publication is already sold out, and it has barely hit shelves! I don’t about you all, but I’d walk a million miles in sky-high heels to get my hands on a copy. In the meantime, count me in on the feathered Marlene heels from the Icon Collection. Yowzer!