The leaves are really starting to change and it is oh so exciting. Paris is wonderful any time of year but I strongly recommend coming in the fall – it’s perfection. I wish I could spend every second of every day outside right now. I think another reason why I love this season is my mind starts drifting towards the holidays…which you will see in this week’s Five Friday Finds from France! There’s another Nathalie Lete x Anthropologie collaboration that’s perfect for the holidays, a great list of where to buy French home decor, an address for fabulous mashed potatoes in Paris for my fellow purée lovers and more!
Morning in the Jardin du Luxembourg
Morning is my favorite time of day in most places, but especially in Paris. It’s quiet, still, and utterly gorgeous – much like it was throughout the height of the pandemic. Even if you aren’t a morning person I promise you won’t regret getting out for an early morning stroll on a beautiful day. I tend to stick to the same places on my morning walks so I was happy to visit the Jardin du Luxembourg on an especially beautiful Saturday morning with my friend Meghan. I’m Team Tuileries forever and always but it’s always nice to mix things up.
Nathalie Lete x Anthropologie Holiday Decor
If you started following me on Instagram in 2021 you may not know yet that I’m completely obsessed with holiday decor. I’m trying not to go overboard yet since it’s only October…but I do think it’s a good thing to keep in mind. I already have a list of French Advent Calendars available online, French Christmas ornaments available online, and I think I need to start a list of French-inspired Holiday decor available online. French artist and designer Natalie Lete has a wonderful collaboration with Anthroplogie filled with adorable “12 Days of Christmas” themed pieces including dessert plates (my favorite), a table runner, and dish towels. I also love the Santa’s Sleigh serving platter with “Joyeux Noël.” The whole collection is whimsical and festive!
Where to Buy French Home Decor
Speaking of French home decor, if you’re wondering where the best places are to shop in the US, look no further than this guide. There’s a little bit of everything from antique pieces to French country style and more. The guide includes both websites and physical addresses and will be a wonderful reference to keep in mind for the upcoming holiday season!
Saint-Jacques Season
There are so many wonderful parts fall food specialties in France, but one of my favorites is the return of Saint-Jacques (scallops). The season opens for fishing in October and goes through the end of April. In Normandy they even mark the return of the season with a whole fête de la coquille Saint-Jacques – a scallop festival! Normandy was the first region in France to fish for scallops. I had my first Saint-Jacques of the season last Friday at Le Voltaire and they were absolutely divine!
Bistrot de Paris Mashed Potatoes
Speaking of divine…Bistrot de Paris’ purée (mashed potatoes). I would describe them as golden, buttery goodness. They’re served in little cast iron minis so they stay hot…although it’s hard to stop eating them once you start. For inquiring minds – the Staub cast iron minis are currently sold out online. Hopefully they’ll be restocked soon!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Five Friday Finds from France. I’ll be back tomorrow with Weekend Links!
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