The Essence of Provence
Bubbles, Balloons &
an Unforgettable Salad
We’ve spent countless days traipsing through Provence over the years, always finding a wellspring of inspiration and natural beauty to feed our souls and fill our creative cups to the brim. Most delicious is the easy way of life—as enchanting as it is effortless. Read on and be transported to a typical Provençal day, bursting with farmer’s market fare, chic style and all the charm of the local terroir.
Tête-à-Tête
Crumbling stone terraces and outdoor spaces in the cool shade are the perfect way to while away an afternoon and soak up the sunny splendor of summer. Dining al fresco in garden nooks and off-the-beaten-path places feels fabulously special and intimate. We placed living room settees replete with beautiful pillows under a lush and leafy arbor for a long, languid lunch.
A small table set with simple farmer’s market fare and a cold bottle of the local wine conjures an idyllic scene. For a centerpiece, you don’t have to make an intricate bouquet. Just use an abundance of one type of flower—such as these Chinese Lanterns—drop them into a vase, and voilà! The result is gorgeous. A charming hand-embroidered tablecloth (a find from a trip to the ancient town of Óbidos, Portugal) didn’t fit the round table, so we simply flung it over an underlay as a topper, striking that perfect note of French insouciance.
An Unforgettable Salad (Yes, Really.)
For hot summer days, there’s little better than a Salade Niçoise. Originating in Nice, in the nineteenth century, this quintessentially French dish has stood the test of time and makes a fresh and vibrant display for the table. It is a meal unto itself! This is my favorite recipe, courtesy of the wonderful Edward Rodwell of @amusebouchenycny.
Bubbles, S’il Vous Plaît
The palette of bright yellows, greens, and blues is very traditional to the south of France, as is the bubbled glass drinkware. Bubble glass originated in Biot, Provence, in a citrusy color from the region. Bubbles are often unwanted in glassblowing, as they occur when the melted glass overheats. But perfection isn’t interesting! We love how bubbles lend a casual touch that’s eternally effervescent (whether your drink is sparkling or not) so we couldn’t resist creating our own version in traditional green, French blue, petal pink and clear.
Romantic Rattan
How do the French make outdoor entertaining seem so effortless, so chic? They invest in foundational pieces that are equally functional and beautiful, making it a breeze to throw together a gorgeous meal when the mood strikes (hello, painterly sunset)! Rattan serving pieces exude that rustic refinement that goes with everything for the season of outdoor entertaining.
Staples to keep on hand include serving trays to easily tote drinks and food to the table, a utensil caddy and napkin holder to keep essentials tidy, and placemats and napkin rings to set the table with elevated simplicity. Last, a whimsical element or two (because life is art, and we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously) such as hot air balloons reminiscent of a Provençal vintage market to evoke a romantic sense of adventure—epicurean and otherwise—as only the French can do!