For centuries, earthenware vessels were a standard in French kitchens, especially those in the South of France where the weather was much warmer. Charming, yet utilitarian pots, jars, jugs, and bowls, with their bright, beautiful glazes, were once used to preserve everything from duck and geese to jams and oils; collect milk for the making of cream and cheeses as well as for rinsing vegetables and washing dishes; for serving water or wine in the home and the fields.
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Bread has always been important to the French. For centuries, it was their main food source — their staff of life literally. The tale of Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, callously responding to the news that French peasants were starving from a lack of bread with the much quoted line, “Let them eat cake,” is questionable, but her subject’s hunger and anger were very real. It was their suffering and feelings of resentment that led to bread riots, the storming of the Bastille in 1789, and the eventual beheading of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette by guillotine. Today, bread is considered more an accompaniment to a meal instead of the main course, but it’s still a part of every meal. And the most popular bread in France is the baguette. French Baguettes
Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you love it or hate it, there's no escaping this day of candy, cupids, cards, and kisses. Restaurants create special menus, bars concoct special love potions, and florists design special arrangements. Sometimes, however, the best Valentine's Day gift you can give (or receive) is the gift of uninterrupted time together — no matter if you're consciously coupled, uncoupled, or somewhere in the middle and it's complicated.
Brrrr! The weather outside is frightful — one of those cold, rainy days that makes you want some good ol’ comfort food to warm your soul. On days like this, there’s nothing better than a steaming hot crock of soupe à l’oignon (French onion soup) to beat back the cold. With its flavorful broth, caramelized onions, crispy bread, and yummy gruyère cheese browned on top, soupe à l’oignon is the quintessential French comfort soup. Lolo's French Onion Soup
Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Régence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergère or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles. BOUILLOTTE
bouil·lotte [boo-yot] noun [boo-yot] 1. an 18th century gambling card game that was so popular in France that a special table was created for play. Based on Brelan, it is regarded as one of the games that influenced open-card stud variation in poker. Origin: < French bouillotte card game, equivalent to bouill (ir) to boil + -otte noun suffix Since the 14th century, households all across France have been celebrating the Epiphany and the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem with a galette des rois or kings' cake. Available in every boulangerie, pâtisserie, and super marché during the month of January, galettes des rois are created by artisan bakers and pastry chefs using centuries old techniques. They are traditionally served on January 6th, the date set as the Fête des Rois or Three Kings' Day in 1801 when Napoleon and Pope Pius VII signed the French Concordat, re-establishing the Catholic Church in France. La Fête des Rois
What better way to start off the New Year than by popping open a bottle of your favorite Champagne? The tradition of beginning each year with a glass of bubbly has been around for hundreds of years. Champagne has been the drink of choice for kings and queens, princes and princesses, and even a royal mistress or two since the 17th century when it emerged as a beautiful, sparkling white wine. Antique French Champagne Coupes
Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Régence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergère or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles. ENFILADE
en·fi·lade [en-fuh-leyd -lahd] noun [en-fuh-leyd -lahd] 1. Architecture. an interconnected group of rooms arranged usually in a row with each room opening into the next. 2. Military. gunfire directed from a flanking position along the length of an enemy battle line. verb (used with object), en·fi·lad·ed, en·fi·lad·ing. 1. Military. to attack with an enfilade. Origin: 1695–1705; < French, from enfiler to thread on a string, pierce from end to end, enfilade, from Old French, to thread, from en- 'in, on' + fil 'thread' It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — parties to host, chestnuts to roast, and so many gifts to buy! We’ve chosen a few of our favorite things to help you check everyone — naughty or nice — off your list this holiday season. Whether you’re shopping for your best gal pals, secret Santa, or that extra special someone, the gifts below will make even the Grinch grin. 1. Families of the Vine: Seasons Among the Winemakers of Southwest France by Michael S. Sanders 2. French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew by Peter Mayle 3. La Vie en Rose: Living in France by Suzanne Lowry 4. The French Dog by Rachael Hale 5. Pair of early 1800s terracotta cherub plaques, signed 6. 18th and 19th century French breadboards 7. 1920s porte-jambon on marble base 8. Louis XV style oval bouillotte table 9. Framed antique French oil on canvas of game birds 10. Apis Cera candles, soaps, and lip balms from Provence 11. 19th century French Rococo style red tortoise shell and gilt bronze vanity mirror 12. 19th century Louis XIII style hunting enfilade 13. 1950s French faux tortoise champagne bucket 14. Pair of 1950s Italian lounge chairs by Ezio Longhi for Elam 15. 19th century Baroque style Italian polychrome casapanca 16. Child size bobbin leg chair with rush seat
The air is crisp and the leaves are turning beautiful autumn colors. It’s almost Thanksgiving and there’s nothing better than having your family and friends over for food, fun, and fellowship, especially this time of year. A little preparation, however, is a surefire recipe for success if it's your turn to host Thanksgiving dinner! Centerpiece by Barri Thompson Interiors Begin by planning the menu — make as much ahead of time as possible. Iron your linens. Rinse off your serving dishes, crystal, and silver. Consider making the turkey the day before. Don't be afraid to delegate or ask for help. And always be sure to stock the bar! Whether your guests are sipping and celebrating or drowning in their sorrows over Thanksgiving Day football, a good cocktail will always make things better.
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Mimi Montgomery
When this self-described Francophile is not reading or writing about all things French, she's dreaming up charming new ways to showcase Lolo French Antiques et More or traveling to France with Lolo to buy delightful treasures for their store. Mimi, Lolo, and their new French Bulldog, Duke, live in Birmingham, AL. Archives
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